⚡️Friday Five: More Than 26,000 Voices Shared Their ...

⏰ Today's newsletter is 820 words, a 5-minute read. Provide Feedback.   🎦CALL FOR VIDEOS—APS Honors National Immigrant Heritage Month: Join the celebration by sharing why this month matters, or by sharing your own immigration journey. National Immigrant Heritage Month is observed every June to celebrate the contributions, resilience, and diverse cultures of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Submit your video to this Dropbox by Wednesday, June 10.   1. More Than 26,000 Voices Shared Their Experiences in APS APS and the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families recently released the results of the 2026 Your Voice Matters Survey. More than 26,000 students, families and staff members participated, providing valuable feedback about school climate, student well-being, safety, engagement and the overall APS experience. This year's results highlight strong connections between students and trusted adults, positive family relationships with schools, a highly engaged workforce and continued feelings of safety across APS. Explore the key findings and learn what we heard from our community by school and demographic group. Read a Summary View the Dashboard   2. APS Celebrates June All Stars APS is proud to recognize staff members who make a lasting difference for students, families and colleagues every day. This month, we celebrate: ⭐️ Giovanna Reyes-Alexander, Glebe Elementary ⭐️ Michelle Grant, Ashlawn Elementary School ⭐️ Wendy Maitland, Wakefield High School ⭐️ Danna Samuels, Abingdon Elementary School  ⭐️ Michelle Van Lare, Arlington Career Center   We thank them for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success. From supporting graduation pathways and strengthening literacy to inspiring robotics innovation and creating welcoming school communities, these individuals reflect the very best of APS. Read more about their impact and nominate an APS All Star today!   3. Changes to Elementary Device Collection for Summer Break This year, elementary students will leave their devices at school for the summer, and collection will begin the week of June 8. If a student needs their device longer for schoolwork or testing (like SOL retakes or end-of-year projects), schools will make those arrangements directly. Students in summer programs (BOOST) will have their devices checked out to them for the summer and will bring them back on the first day of school. Students attending Extended School Year (ESY) or Pathways will receive and return devices at their summer program site, unless they are also in a Summer Program. Students who use assistive technology or communication devices, including supports for visual impairments, will continue to take their devices home as needed. Middle and high school students (grades 6–11) will take their devices home for the summer as usual. Seniors will return their devices before graduation.   4. APS Student Video Highlights the Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) The Arlington Tech Capstone Experience gives students the opportunity to apply their technical skills and career training in real-world professional settings. This year, AETV mentored four aspiring filmmakers—Bela Barish, Chase Feingold, Finn Patchen, and Lauren Sproles—who spent part of each school day producing videos for APS. For their year-long capstone project, the team documented the Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN) Student Conference in Washington, D.C., where students from across the country collaborated to improve educational outcomes for students of color. Their work will culminate in a short documentary showcasing the conference experience and the impact of student voice and leadership. Watch the video produced by students about MSAN and its mission. Finn and Bela will be attending VCU’s Cinema Program, Chase will be attending Syracuse University as a Television, Radio, & Film major, and Lauren will be attending the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU to study Film & Television.   5. APS Students Win Creativity Award at Odyssey of the Mind Congratulations to the all-girl team who won the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Ames, Iowa! This is the most prestigious honor in the Odyssey of the Mind program, recognizing outstanding risk-taking, out-of-the-box thinking, and exceptional creativity during competition. It was awarded to only five teams out of more than 800 teams competing in the global competition.    This Odyssey of the Mind team formed at Glebe Elementary in kindergarten/1st grade. Team members are now in 7th and 8th grade attending Dorothy Hamm Middle School (Whitney Madison, Alaina Jones, Maggie Braun), Swanson Middle School (Ava Michalski), Williamsburg Middle School (Maddie Kelly), St Agnes Catholic School (Lark Picket) and Flint Hill School (Libby Collins). Five other APS Odyssey of the Mind teams also traveled to the global competition, representing Escuela Key, Glebe, Ashlawn, and two multi-school teams sponsored by Arlington Rotary Club. Congratulations to all these outstanding and creative kids!   Other News & Notes APS Celebrates Our 2025-26 Retirees: This year, we are honored to celebrate and extend our deepest gratitude to 101 distinguished retirees whose collective years of service have helped shape APS into the vibrant learning community it is today. Learn More Graduation and Promotion ceremonies begin today! Check out the full schedule of ceremonies and watch the livestreams on the Graduation webpage   👍 Provide Feedback • ✏️ Submit a Correction • 💬 Submit a Story Idea • 📺 Subscribe to AETV

Friday, Jun 05 2026

Superintendent's June 3, 2026 Update

Dear APS Families, As we approach the end of the school year, I want to share a few important updates and celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Class of 2026: Graduation season is here, and we are proud of the Class of 2026. This year, more than 1,700 APS graduates will cross the stage, having earned more than $29 million in scholarships. Nearly 90% plan to attend colleges and universities, while others will pursue career training, military service, employment, and service programs. We thank our staff and families for supporting them along the way. If you cannot attend in person, all ceremonies will be livestreamed and available on the APS Vimeo Showcase. School Board Advisory Councils: As a reminder, applications are now open for APS School Board Advisory Councils for the 2026–27 school year. This is a meaningful way to share feedback and help support our schools. Please consider applying before summer begins. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the fall. Apply online. Change to Elementary Student Device Collection: Please note the following updated guidance for the collection of student devices as we head into Summer Break. This year, elementary students will leave their devices at school for the summer, and collection will begin the week of June 8. If a student needs their device longer for schoolwork or testing (like SOL retakes or end-of-year projects), schools will make those arrangements directly. Students in summer programs (BOOST) will have their devices checked out to them for the summer and will bring them back on the first day of school. Students attending Extended School Year (ESY) or Pathways will receive and return devices at their summer program site, unless they are also in a Summer Program. Students who use assistive technology or communication devices, including supports for visual impairments, will continue to take their devices home as needed. Middle and high school students (grades 6–11) will take their devices home for the summer as usual. Seniors will return their devices before graduation. If you have questions, please contact your school principal. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we finish the school year strong. Sincerely, Sincerely, Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent

Wednesday, Jun 03 2026

⚡️Friday Five: Get Involved - Join a School Board Ad...

⏰ Today's newsletter is 710 words, a 4-minute read. Provide Feedback.   1. Share Your Voice, Make an Impact: Join a School Board Advisory Council Applications are now open for APS School Board Advisory Councils. Families, staff, students and community members are encouraged to apply and help support important conversations and recommendations impacting APS students and schools. Learn more and apply on the APS Advisory Councils Engage page.   2. 🎶Williamsburg MS Choir Hits a Home Run at Nats Park The Williamsburg Middle School choir recently knocked it out of the park with a special performance at the Washington Nationals game against the New York Mets. On May 19, participating seventh- and eighth-grade choir students proudly performed the national anthem at Nationals Park, showcasing their talent on a major league stage. The performance adds to an impressive lineup of appearances for Williamsburg students, who have also performed for DC United and the Washington Wizards, continuing a tradition of representing APS at major professional sporting events across the region. Way to step up to the plate and represent APS with pride!   3. 🏅APS Students Earn International Science Fair Honors Washington-Liberty High School students Margaret Saperstein and Orgil Soronzonbold, along with H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program student Janak Vasisht, were recognized as finalists at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Competing against more than 1,700 students from over 80 countries, regions and territories, APS students earned multiple top awards for their innovative research projects. Janak earned first place in the Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design category and received an $8,000 award for his research on wind turbine performance optimization. Margaret received first place from the YM American Academy and second place in Chemistry and the Law, earning a combined $4,000 in awards for her biodegradable hydrogel research project. Learn more about the 2026 Regeneron ISEF and explore the virtual showcase.   4. 🎥Every Student Counts: Exploring AI This edition of Every Student Counts features students and staff at Dorothy Hamm Middle School and Yorktown High School as they share their perspectives on Artificial Intelligence (AI). APS continues to take a phased approach to AI, focusing on responsible use, student protection, and instructional value. Over the past two years, APS has prioritized building educator understanding of AI through pilot programs, professional learning, and the use of approved tools. Looking ahead, APS is expanding its focus on AI literacy and digital citizenship for all students. APS looks forward to engaging with staff, students and families through upcoming opportunities for dialogue, including a AI roundtable in September 2026. Watch the video Learn More about AI in APS   5. Meet our May 2026 APS All Stars APS is proud to recognize staff members who make a lasting difference for students, families and colleagues every day. This month, we celebrate: ⭐️ Veronica Bartlett, Arlington Community High School ⭐️ Kathleen Cody, Claremont Immersion School ⭐️ Linda Butcher, Langston Continuation Program ⭐️ Lauren Koehler-Lee, Barcroft Elementary School ⭐️ Michael Fava, Escuela Key Elementary School We thank them for their dedication, leadership and commitment to student success. From supporting graduation pathways and strengthening literacy to inspiring robotics innovation and creating welcoming school communities, these individuals reflect the very best of APS. Read more about their impact and nominate an APS All Star today!   Other News & Notes Reminder: It's a 5-day weekend! APS is closed for Memorial Day Mon, May 25 and Tue, May 26, and for Eid al-Adha on Wed, May 27. Teen Ambassadors Needed! Ready to make a real change in Arlington? This is your chance to represent student voices, work with local leaders, and help shape the Children & Youth Well-Being Plan. Build leadership skills, earn paid experience, and make an impact in your community. Apply now and be the voice of your generation: Apply Here   June Schedule of Board Meetings, Work Sessions, and Advisory Council and Committee Meetings Help keep APS students safe on their way to and from school by joining the Arlington County Police Department as a School Crossing Guard. Flexible part-time schedules are available. Apply now to become a Crossing Guard   👍 Provide Feedback • ✏️ Submit a Correction • 💬 Submit a Story Idea • 📺 Subscribe to AETV

Friday, May 22 2026

Superintendent's May 20, 2026 Update

Dear APS Families, As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Across APS, students are engaged in performances, projects, celebrations, and important learning experiences that reflect the incredible growth they have made this year. School Board Advisory Councils – Share Your Voice: The School Board has launched new advisory councils to give students, families, staff, and community members more opportunities to share their ideas and feedback on important issues affecting our schools. These redesigned councils are intended to strengthen collaboration, bring together diverse perspectives, and help support APS priorities. I encourage families to consider applying and becoming part of the important work shaping the future of our schools. Advisory councils will focus on six key areas: Academics and student learning Student well-being and support services Operations and school resources Special Education English Learner support Personnel and workforce support By serving on a council, members will have opportunities to: Share feedback and perspectives directly with APS and the School Board Ensure family and community voices are part of conversations shaping APS Contribute to council work connected to specific APS priorities and focus areas Build connections and collaborate with families, staff, School Board members, students and community partners  Support efforts that strengthen student experiences, belonging, and success To Apply: Learn more and apply for advisory councils at Engage with APS . Additional information and resources will continue to be added. Spring Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Survey Results Available Friday: In addition to academic progress, we also monitor how our students in grades 3-12 are doing socially and emotionally. This spring’s SEL survey results show encouraging progress across the division. Compared to last year: APS increased by 1–2 percentage points in three areas and remained steady in Self-Management Middle school students showed overall growth, including a 4% increase in Self-Efficacy High school students showed gains of 3–5% across all areas, with the strongest growth in Self-Efficacy and Social Awareness Elementary results declined slightly but remain positive overall, with more than 60% of students reporting positive outcomes in every area Divisionwide results will be posted on the APS SEL website on Friday, May 22. Holiday Break: Schools and offices will be closed Monday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day, and Wednesday, May 27, in observance of Eid al-Adha. Thank you for being such an important part of the APS community and for the many ways you support our students and schools each day. I hope your family enjoys the upcoming break. Sincerely, Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Superintendent's May 6, 2026 Update

Dear APS Families, Thank you for joining us this week to celebrate our exceptional teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week! Families and students still have time to send a personalized e-card directly to your student’s teacher. The cards, artwork, emails and other gestures from students and families are appreciated. Today is also National School Nurse Day, a time to acknowledge the contributions of our school nurses for the important role they play in supporting student health, safety and well-being every day. This is a busy and exciting time of year across APS as students prepare to cross the finish line of the 2025-26 school year. Below please find the schedule for upcoming graduations and other reminders. Graduation and Promotion Schedule: We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 and all students who are making the transition to middle school or high school. You can view the High School Graduation and Middle School Promotion schedule online, and all high school graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed for families and community members who are unable to attend in person. Safe Celebrations During Graduation and Prom Season: Please help us remind students to celebrate this graduation and prom season safely. It is a time of year when we need to be extra vigilant and help encourage safe, alcohol and drug-free celebrations. Learn more. Extended Day Registration for the 2026-27 School Year: The first phase of Extended Day registration for the 2026-27 school year for the next school year opened May 4, for students (and siblings) currently enrolled in the program as of May 1, 2026. Learn more. Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the school year. Together, we can help all students finish the year strong. Sincerely, Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent

Wednesday, May 06 2026