Superintendent's February 18, 2026 Update

Dear APS Families, As we move further into the second half of the school year, here are a few important updates to keep in mind.   Check on Your Student’s Progress: Second quarter report cards are now available in ParentVUE, and mid‑year assessment results will be posted by the end of the week. Here are instructions for accessing report cards and assessments. These tools can help you review your student’s progress and set goals for the next quarter. If you need help accessing this information, please contact your school.   School Board Meeting—February 19: At tomorrow’s School Board meeting, School Board members will review an audit on safety and emergency preparedness, and vote on proposed changes to Secondary Non-Traditional Programs. The four recommendations include: Alternative Learning Program (at Syphax): Expand the 45-Day Program to serve middle and high school students who need short-term, intensive academic and behavioral support. Flexible Learning Program (at Arlington Community High School): Offer a new blended learning model that combines online coursework with small‑group instruction to help students graduate. Multilingual Pathway Program (at Grace Hopper Center): Strengthen support for high school English Learners while expanding access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and credential programs. Relocation of the Langston Program (to Grace Hopper Center): Relocate the Langston Secondary Program to the Grace Hopper Center to expand access to CTE pathways while maintaining small class sizes and individualized supports.   As we begin this spring season, we honor our Muslim families observing Ramadan and our Christian families entering Lent, both of which emphasize peace, charity, and reflection. We are offering meal accommodations for students observing Ramadan. Learn more   Our focus remains on ensuring that every student has access to strong academic pathways, meaningful relationships and the support necessary to succeed.   Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools.   Sincerely, Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent

Wednesday, Feb 18 2026

⚡️ Friday Five: Countdown to Kindergarten

⏰ Today's newsletter is 722 words, a 3-minute read. Provide Feedback.   🎬 We invite you to share a quick 30-second video (hold phone horizontally) on what women’s history means to you for the Women’s History Month tribute video. Submit your video by Thu, Feb. 19.   1. 🎒 Countdown to Kindergarten – Let’s Get Ready! Do you have a rising kindergartner or know someone who does? Join our Countdown to Kindergarten Family Information Webinar to learn what to expect and how to prepare on Tue, March 3, at 6:30 p.m.   During the webinar, you’ll hear about: How to complete kindergarten registration Resources and supports available for families Ways to prepare your child for the first day A look at a typical day in kindergarten Please register and submit any questions now. Spanish interpretation will be provided. To request another language, please email engage@apsva.us. A recording of the session will be available, along with other important information and resources for families. We look forward to welcoming our newest learners to APS!   2. 🎶 APS Announces All-District Band and Chorus Results Congratulations to all APS students selected to participate in the Virginia Choral Directors’ Association District 12 Choral Ensembles and the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association (VBODA) District 12 Honors Bands. The students performed at Herndon and Oakton high schools Feb. 5-7 and were directed by nationally renowned clinicians and conductors. In addition, several students were selected for an All-District Band or Choir. Visit our website to see the full list of students.   3. 📚 ATS Hosts Snow Days Reading Celebration When the snowstorm rolled in, Arlington Traditional School (ATS) rolled out a community-wide nightly online event—the ATS Snow Days Read Aloud! Each night, more than 150 students logged on to listen to books read by their classmates, including a student favorite, Ben Yokoyama and The Cookie of Doom. Ms. Schoenbrun, the assistant principal, reached out to the book’s creators and author Matthew Swanson and illustrator Robbie Behr, who joined them live. The authors answered students’ questions, shared behind‑the‑scenes insights and Ms. Behr even led participants in a drawing lesson. Learn more and see a gallery of photos.   4. APS Secures Grant to Build Stronger School-Family Connections APS is excited to announce a $25,000 National Education Association (NEA) Professional Excellence Grant to expand the Parent-Teacher Home Visit Program, building on more than 15 years of success at Wakefield High School. The program helps teachers and families connect, build trust and better support students. “Every visit reminds me that we are all writing a story, and that story is different for everyone,” shared one teacher. “When families share their joys and struggles, we better understand what it takes to get their student to school, every day.” The grant reflects collaborative work led by Wakefield teachers Rebecca Kigin and Debbie Strauss and Assistant Principal Maggie Hsu, with support from the Arlington Education Association (AEA) President June Prakash, and Cate Coburn (Academics) and Elisabeth Lúa (Family and Community Engagement—FACE).   5. Volunteer of the Month: Cassie Ravo Drives the Success of Randolph’s Food Pantry APS recognizes Cassie Ravo as the APS Volunteer of the Month for her extraordinary and sustained contributions, particularly her leadership and dedication to Randolph Elementary School’s food pantry. Since 2020, Cassie has ensured Randolph families have access to food and other essential supplies. She has been the driving force behind the pantry’s success, organizing food drives, securing donations, coordinating distributions, and ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of our community. Cassie supports families with compassion, dignity, and respect, creating a safe and welcoming support system for those who need it most. View her profile. Thank you to Cassie and all the volunteers who give their time to APS.   Other News & Notes REMINDER: There is no school on Mon, Feb. 16, for Presidents' Day. APS to Offer Meal Accommodations for Students Observing Ramadan from Feb. 18-March 19 APS Accepting Nominations for Honored Citizens Draft Children and Youth Wellbeing Vision Statement – Arlington County is developing a countywide plan to address the well-being of children and youth. Please share your feedback on the draft vision statement that will help guide the plan by March 6.   👍 Provide Feedback • ✏️ Submit a Correction • 💬 Submit a Story Idea • 📺 Subscribe to AETV

Friday, Feb 13 2026

Superintendent's February 11, 2026 Update

Dear APS Families, Last week, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Student Support shared a School Board update on Bullying and Harassment Prevention. View the full presentation online Students deserve a school environment that is welcoming and free from bullying or harassment, including behavior targeting a student’s race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Everyone—students, staff and families—play a vital role in this effort by sharing any concerning behaviors that you see or hear about.   Please continue to report concerning behaviors and encourage your students to do the same. How to Report Concerns Submit a report online via the Bullying Report Form. Call the 24-hour Confidential Tip Line at 703-228-2997, email report@apsva.us, or contact your student’s school counselor or administrator. Reports of sexual or gender-based harassment may also be sent to the APS Title IX Coordinator sedrick.ross@apsva.us. What to Expect After a Report We take every report seriously. School administration will confirm receipt within 24 hours. Within two days, families will receive the investigation results or an update on progress and timeline. After the investigation, all parties receive a summary of findings and next steps. (Title IX cases may follow a different timeline.) If you do not receive a response within the expected timeframe, please reach out to your school principal. Additional Resources Bullying awareness and prevention resources are available on our website. Watch this video featuring how Kenmore Middle School empowers students to stand up against bullying. Similar efforts are in place across our schools. Thank you for your partnership in this effort. As a reminder, Mon, Feb. 16 is a holiday for Presidents Day. Sincerely, Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent

Wednesday, Feb 11 2026

Superintendent's February 4, 2026 Update

Dear APS Families, Thank you for your patience and partnership as we worked through last week’s snow and ice. We know snow days can be challenging for families, and we appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we prioritize safety. I also want to extend a sincere thank you to our Facilities and Operations teams who worked long hours to clear snow and ice from schools and buses so students could safely return to school this week.   Report Cards Available Soon: For middle and high school students, 2nd quarter report cards will be available in ParentVUE on Feb. 12, which is a change from the original Feb. 10 timeline. Elementary report cards will be available on Feb. 17. These reports provide an important snapshot of student progress. Support: If you are not sure how to access your student’s report card, please contact your school for assistance. Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 12-13 for elementary and middle schools provide an opportunity to review progress reports with your student’s teacher.   Your Voice Matters: The Your Voice Matters survey will now launch this Fri, Feb. 6, instead of today. The opt-out window has been extended to tomorrow, Thu, Feb. 5, by the end of the school day. This annual survey is one of the most important ways families, students and staff help shape the future of APS. Feedback informs decision-making across the school division. The survey is simplified this year and should take less time to complete. I encourage every family to participate. Learn more.   School Board Meeting: Looking ahead, the School Board will meet tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 5, and will receive a monitoring report focused on bullying and harassment. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to student well-being and safe school environments.   Finally, February is Black History Month. At the School Board Meeting, a video will feature students and staff sharing what this month means to them.   I wish you a safe and successful week. Sincerely, Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent

Wednesday, Feb 04 2026

Wed, Feb. 4, 2026: APS Schools Open Two Hours Late; ...

APS will open two hours late on Wed, Feb. 4, 2026 , due to the remaining ice and hazardous conditions on sidewalks and roads . The delay allows walkers and bus riders to travel more safely in daylight and provides more time for travel to school. We plan to resume normal operations on Thursday and Friday. The Extended Day morning program will begin two hours after its regular start time, and morning field trips are canceled.  All 12-Month, Essential Employees, Transportation and Food Services staff  should report to schools and offices at their usual start times. All other employees should arrive two hours later than their regular start time. Safety Concerns:  If you have safety concerns and decide to keep your student home, please notify the school’s attendance office. Absences can also be reported in ParentVUE . Thank you for your cooperation in today’s return to school. We continue to closely monitor the weather conditions and prioritize safety.

Tuesday, Feb 03 2026