Arlington Public Schools

02/26/2021

As part of it’s celebration of Black History Month, Amazon presented a $15,000 donation to support Wakefield High School. This is the latest in Amazon’s ongoing work to support education and racial equality initiatives in communities across the country where its employees live and work.

The donation to Wakefield High School of $15,000 will include the book Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You by Jason Reynolds – which focuses on anti-racism, cultural awareness and proficiency. The funds will also allow Wakefield staff to invite guest speakers to speak on the same topic.

02/26/2021

Black History Month 2021 - Arlington Public Schools

As Black History Month comes to a close, we celebrate and recognize our very own APS students and staff who attended an HBCU. Throughout the month, many schools have also hosted events, so the links to view the event recordings are available on the Black History Month webpage.

Throughout the month of February, APS will celebrate Black History Month. The focus of this year is Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the paramount role these institutions play in educating the African American community. Interest in HBCUs has piqued recently since people beca...

02/25/2021

As we prepare for students to return next week, you will see new signs around schools. Temporary parking restrictions are being installed by the Department of Environmental Services in designated areas near schools to create safe park and walk zones for students, teachers and parents. Motorists should be on the lookout for the below temporary parking restriction signage. Additional safety tips are here: https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/police-to-conduct-transportation-safety-campaign-as-students-return-to-school/

02/25/2021

Información de transporte para estudiantes que regresan a la instrucción híbrida/en persona

El transporte está haciendo cambios en el servicio de autobuses debido a la pandemia. A medida que los Servicios de Transporte finalizan los horarios, vea este video para ver algunos de los cambios que las familias pueden esperar a medida que los estudiantes regresan. Los horarios se publicarán en ParentVUE el 28 de febrero. Estamos comprometidos con un servicio seguro y confiable para todos, y pedimos su paciencia durante la transición.

02/24/2021

Montessori Information Night by AETVaps

Watch the virtual Montessori Information Night presentation this evening starting at 7 p.m. Families interested in the primary & elementary Montessori Programs for the 2021-22 school year will receive information about the programs & the application process.

Watch AETVaps's Montessori Information Night on Livestream.com.

02/24/2021

Transportation Information for Hybrid/In-Person Returns

Transportation is making changes to bus service due to the pandemic. As Transportation Services finalizes schedules, watch this video to see some of the changes families can expect as students return. Schedules will be posted in ParentVUE on February 26. We are committed to safe, reliable service for all, and ask for your patience during the transition. Additional details are on our website.

02/24/2021

The Arlington County Police Department

Arlington Public Schools will begin a phased return to hybrid, in-person learning on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, starting with all PreK to 2nd grade students. To keep students safe during their commute back to class, the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) will conduct a high-visibility traffic enforcement campaign in and around school zones and bus stops.

Since this is the first time in nearly a year that motorists will see an increased number of students walking, bicycling, and riding the bus to class, ACPD is encouraging the public to refamiliarize themselves with the location of school zones, applicable traffic laws (including those pertaining to school buses), and tips to keep students safe. The expansion of “walk zones” around schools will also require some students to walk and bike further than they have in years past and may result in more students being driven to class. The public can expect to see increased vehicular traffic in and around schools.

Variable message boards will be placed along roadways in Arlington County to raise awareness of the return of in-person classes and to remind motorists to slow down, avoid distractions and watch for students. Temporary parking restrictions are being installed by the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services in designated areas near schools to create safe park and walk zones for students, teachers and parents.

For additional safety tips and examples of temporary parking restriction signage motorists should be on the lookout for, please visit our newsroom.

https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/police-to-conduct-transportation-safety-campaign-as-students-return-to-school/

02/24/2021

Taraji P. Henson studied electrical engineering at North Carolina A&T University briefly before transferring to Howard University where she graduated with a degree in theater.

“Humans have a light side and a dark side, and it’s up to us to choose which way we’re going to live our lives. Even if you start out on the dark side, it doesn’t mean you have to continue your journey that way. You always have time to turn it around.” ~Taraji P. Henson

#HBCUExperience #APSBlackHistory #APSisAwesome

02/23/2021

#APSTeacherTuesday is Dr. Aleta Myers. Dr. Myers is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist in the Department of Teaching and Learning and a proud alumna of Cheyney University (B.A.) and Howard University (Ph.D.) At an early age, Dr. Myers was exposed to great black leaders and activists who worked diligently to ensure equal rights for all. She chose to attend an HBCU because it was a natural progression in continuing the legacy that inspired her as young black girl. She said, “I was confident that an HBCU would be critical to enhancing my development as an African American woman. I LOVE MY HBCU(s)!”
#APSBlackHistory #HBCUExperience #APSisAwesome

02/22/2021

Lift Every Voice and Sing

A group of secondary choir students recorded a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing in honor of Black History Month.

02/18/2021

Thu Feb. 18, 2021, 5 p.m.: Distance Learning for All APS Students Tomorrow; APS School Buildings, Offices and Meal Sites Open

Due to inclement weather, tomorrow, Fri, Feb. 19, 2021, Level 1, in-person learning support, Level 2 Career & Technical Education students and staff supporting these programs will temporarily revert to distance learning. All other staff scheduled to report to work should report as scheduled or telework if possible, or take unscheduled leave as approved by their supervisor. All students will participate in their regular synchronous distance learning. APS school buildings and offices will open on time. The Family Technology Call Center will remain open. Meal pickup sites are open. All athletic activities, team practices, in-person technology support and other activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County programs and operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.

02/18/2021

Influential HBCU Graduates - Arlington Public Schools

HBCUs have nurtured many students to become who they are today, and while these influential HBCU graduates are celebrated and recognized for their excellence, there are many others in the shadows who are waiting for their time to shine when the moment is just right.

Throughout history, HBCUs have prepared African American students for excellence and success once they leave the protective barriers of their campus and enter into the unknown and unprotected world. These institutions serve as a proving ground where students explore the rich history of African Ameri...

02/18/2021

WEATHER UPDATE for Thurs, Feb. 18, 5 a.m.: Snow Day Today; No Distance Learning or In-Person Learning for Students; APS School Buildings & Offices Closed

In-person and distance learning are canceled for all students today, Thursday, Feb. 18, due to inclement weather. APS school buildings and offices will be closed. Essential personnel should report to work at their regularly scheduled time unless otherwise notified by their supervisor. Emergency administrative leave is authorized for all other personnel. The Family Technology Call Center will be closed. All in-person learning support programs, athletic activities, team practices, in-person technology support and other activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled. The School Board meeting will be held as planned, virtually, beginning at 7 p.m.

02/17/2021

Official Website of Arlington County Virginia Government

Wed, Feb. 17, 2021, 5 p.m.: Distance Learning for All APS Students Tomorrow; APS School Buildings & Offices Closed

Due to inclement weather, tomorrow, Thu, Feb. 18, 2021, Level 1 students receiving in-person learning support and Level 2 Career & Technical Education students will temporarily revert to distance learning. All students will participate in their regular synchronous distance learning. APS school buildings and offices will be closed. The Family Technology Call Center will remain open. All telework-eligible employees should telework or take unscheduled leave, with supervisor’s approval. Essential personnel should report to work at their regularly scheduled time unless otherwise notified by their supervisor. All in-person learning support programs, athletic activities, team practices, in-person technology support and other activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County programs and operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.

Arlington County Virginia official government homepage and website.

02/17/2021

Pre-K Information Night by AETVaps

Watch the virtual Pre-K Information Night presentation this evening starting at 7 p.m. Families interested in pre-K for the 2021-22 school year will receive information about APS pre-K programs and the application process.

Watch AETVaps's Pre-K Information Night on Livestream.com.

02/17/2021

Anika Noni Rose not only voiced Disney’s first black Princess, she also received her bachelor of arts in theater from Florida A&M University.

Quote: “I rock because sometimes I’m scared and that’s alright. I rock because I’m not afraid to cry. I rock because I’m loved and I’m able to love. I rock…I rock.”

#APSBlackHistory #HBCUExperience #APSisAwesome

02/16/2021

In this week’s edition of #APSTeacherTuesday, we celebrate Melissa Hinkson. Melissa is a teacher at Hoffman-Boston Elementary School and a proud alumna of Howard University. While at Howard, Melissa was in awe of the people around her; intelligent, talented, articulate, ambitious and driven. She said “I was proud to look around and see people who looked like me, who believed in me and who encouraged me to be the absolute best I could be. My full circle moment was when I became a faculty member in the School of Education. Teaching is not what I do, it’s who I am.”

#APSBlackHistory #HBCUExperience #Born2Teach #APSisAwesome

02/12/2021

History of the Divine Nine Fraternities & Sororities - Arlington Public Schools

As we celebrate the historical significance of HBCUs during Black History Month, it is equally important to celebrate the social support system of The Divine Nine BGLOs that have supported countless students of color throughout history in innumerable ways and have positively affected societal change. #BlackHistoryMonth

An important aspect of the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is the nine historically Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The NPHC was founded in 1930 at Howard University to support African American college students....

02/11/2021

Every February, along with Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day and Black History Month, APS celebrates Crossing Guard Appreciation Week and Love the Bus Week. With schools not reopening until March, this month's celebrations are a little different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t let our Crossing Guards, Bus Drivers and Transportation Services staff know now how much we’re looking forward to seeing them again in just a couple of weeks! Check out our online resources, tips and ideas for showing/sharing your love, courtesy of APS Safe Routes to School and Arlington Transportation Partners. (To give you more time, we’re extending this year’s Crossing Guard and Bus Love celebrations from one week to the entire month of February—and into March, for good measure!)
https://www.apsva.us/safe-routes-to-school-overview/programs-services/crossing-guard-appreciation-day/

02/10/2021

Elementary School Information Sessions - Arlington Public Schools

As a follow-up to Kindergarten Information Night this past January, all APS elementary schools will host a virtual school-based information session. The details and links to view the sessions are on the Elementary School Information Sessions webpage.

Kindergarten Information Night was held on January 25, 2021 at 7 p.m., where families learned about the registration process and learned more about their neighborhood and option schools for the 2021-22 school year. If you missed the event, watch the Kindergarten Information Night video or view the P...

02/10/2021

Love of Reading Initiative at Long Branch Elementary

Recently, the Kiwanis Club of Arlington donated money to Long Branch Elementary School to purchase books for all students. To deliver the books, Long Branch staff boarded a bus and drove through the neighborhood to see their students and hand out new books.

02/10/2021

Spike Lee is all about the HBCU life. While also taking classes at Clark Atlanta University, Spike graduated from Morehouse with a BA in mass communications.

Quote: “I think people who have faults are a lot more interesting than people who are perfect.”

#HBCUExperience #APSBlackHistory #HBCUProud

02/09/2021

The Superintendent just announced dates for students to return to hybrid/in-person learning starting March 2. Details are online at https://www.apsva.us/post/superintendents-feb-9-return-to-school-update-and-timeline/

02/09/2021

#APSTeacherTuesday is Charles Randolph. Charles is a Senior Instructional Technology Coordinator at the Arlington Career Center and an alumnus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Charles works directly with students, teachers, and administration to infuse 21st century Instructional Technology/STEAM/CTE skills in classrooms and in schools. Charles also coordinates and supports school and county-wide instructional education deployments and professional development. Charles describes his HBCU experience as one of the best experiences of his life. He said, “My years at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore motivated me to do better for myself and help others around me to improve themselves.”

#APSBlackHistory #HBCUExperience #APSisAwesome

02/08/2021

Perspective | In ‘achingly beautiful’ letters to Biden, students who are learning English, working full time and taking care of siblings share their hopes

This is a great story about the letters a group of Wakefield High School students wrote to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The letters are the result of an assignment from a Northern Virginia high school teacher.

02/08/2021

HBCUs in the DC Region - Arlington Public Schools

This week for #BlackHistoryMonth APS is highlighting all of the HBCUs in the DC region to illustrate how these institutions of higher learning have educated and prepared many African Americans, and others, in the DC region for success.

When a majority of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were founded, it was following the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in 1863. Even though a few HBCUs were founded before 1863, a majority of them were founded between 1865-1900. During this time education for African...

02/03/2021

"It's shown and proved that hard work pays off. Make goals, achieve them and replace them with new goals." ~ Lance Gross, Howard University Graduate
#APSBlackHistory #HBCUexperience #HBCUProud

02/03/2021

Arlington teacher helps create Virginia's new high school African American History course

Watch Wakefield High School Teacher Antoinette Dempsey-Waters discuss her visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture that led to her developing an African American Studies Course for APS that has now become an elective course in 16 Virginia school divisions. #BlackHistoryMonth

Antoinette Dempsey-Waters is sharing a part of history that isn't frequently told. "The problem is, and we have to admit it, a lot of teachers don't know the content," she said. "They don't know our story. " Dempsey-Waters is referring to the history of African Americans. From their early beginnings...

02/03/2021

Today, the Arlington Career Center welcomed back their first cohort of students. They are expecting around 200 throughout the building weekly.