Dear APS Families,
As we continue into Fall, assessments are happening division-wide to evaluate and meet individual student needs – academically, socially and emotionally.
In my weekly messages moving forward, I will be highlighting more examples of how teams are collaborating to advance our three priorities for this school year: Accelerated Learning and Support, Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and Health and Safety.
Here is more information on the assessments taking place now, as well as other updates
.Assessing Student Instructional Needs: Throughout the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, schools are engaged in various assessments. The various assessments allow us to collect data on students’ readiness for learning and educational progress, and are vital to shaping teachers’ instructional plans for whole classes and individualizing instructional strategies for students who might need more support. Assessments are also needed to meet local, State, and Federal requirements. The various assessments allow us to collect data on students’ readiness for learning and educational progress. More details on the work underway and the specific assessments being conducted by grade level can be found here: 2021-22 Assessment.
Updated Health and Safety: We have updated the guidance for staff and families on our website to help better explain COVID response protocols. Please take a moment to view the Parent Quick Guide as well as newly revised health and safety procedures. More information will be shared soon on instructional plans for various scenarios. You can continue to find information on Covid-related exclusions on our staff and student COVID dashboard, which is continually evolving to help document the transmission rates by school.
Hispanic Heritage Month: We have started celebrating outstanding Latinx high school student leaders on our website and social media in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. I hope you will join us in congratulating them and will tune in for the official recognition at the Oct. 14 School Board meeting. Arlington County is hosting several Hispanic Heritage Month events for employees. Details on those events are online.
Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent
Arlington Public Schools
