⚡️ Friday Five: Statement on Executive Order to Begi...

⏰ Today's newsletter is 722 words, a 3-minute read. Provide Feedback. Looking Ahead: April is Arab American Heritage Month, and APS is proud to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. We invite members of our Arab American community to share what this month means to you and how you plan to celebrate. If you’re interested, please submit a short video by Friday, April 4. Thank you for helping us honor and uplift the voices and experiences of Arab Americans across our schools.   1. Statement on Executive Order to Begin Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education APS remains committed to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. We recognize the vital role that federal education programs, including Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and federal financial aid, play in supporting students, families and educators in our community.    APS receives a small amount of funding from the federal government. While these events play out, we will continue to advocate for policies and resources that promote equitable access to education for all students and will consider all our options to achieve this goal.  We remain focused on providing excellent instruction, fostering a culture of belonging and ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.   We will continue to monitor this closely and will provide updates as we learn more about how this will impact our students, families, and community. We are #OneTeamOneAPS.    2. 📺 VIDEO: Ensuring Safe Schools for All Students APS is dedicated to ensuring all students, regardless of immigration status, feel comfortable and safe attending school. A new video (en Español), recorded by Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán, outlines APS's commitment to creating a welcoming and secure environment for every student. The video highlights protocols to ensure schools remain a safe place for all students and families, including those from immigrant backgrounds. Families are encouraged to watch the video to learn more about these important protections. View more information and resources.   3. LAST DAY: Take the Your Voice Matters Survey The 2025 Your Voice Matters (YVM) survey closes today—don't miss your chance to share your feedback! Families: Take the Survey Staff: Check your email for a link from Panorama Education. Learn more on Engage and make your voice heard before the deadline. For those who have already taken the survey, thank you. We will provide a detailed report and dashboard in June.   4. Carlin Springs Launches Monthly Gardening Clubs with Master Gardeners Carlin Springs is excited to partner with the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV) to bring engaging monthly gardening clubs to four preschool classrooms. Each month, MGNV volunteers will guide young learners through hands-on gardening activities, fostering an appreciation for nature and environmental sustainability. Students will develop essential motor skills, expand their science vocabulary and experience the joys of growing plants firsthand. These interactive sessions encourage curiosity and a lifelong connection to the natural world through playful, hands-on learning. The partnership provides an opportunity for students to engage in sensory-rich experiences while exploring the wonders of gardening. We look forward to watching this collaboration flourish and inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious learners.   5. W-L Crew Makes History with New Home at Columbia Island Marina After 75 years at the Potomac Boat Club in Georgetown, the Washington-Liberty (W-L) Crew team has officially moved to Columbia Island Marina (CIM), marking the first time a team has ever rowed out of Arlington County. The transition required months of preparation, with rowers from W-L, Yorktown and Wakefield working together to clear space, level the ground, and lay gravel for boat storage. To accommodate the team's needs, an extension was added to the existing kayak dock, and new boat racks were installed to store racing shells, oars and safety gear. Last month, W-L Crew launched their first boats from CIM, celebrating a historic moment for Arlington’s rowing community. The team looks forward to a growing partnership with CIM, which will provide opportunities for summer camps and off-season training programs. With a dedicated space for development, W-L Crew is excited to train at the highest level and expand access to rowing for more Arlington students.   Other News & Notes 2025 Honored Citizen Nominations Now Being Accepted Join Langston High School Continuation Program from 6-8 p.m. on Thu, April 3, for games, prizes, food and info about their flexible diploma pathway!   👍 Provide Feedback • ✏️ Submit a Correction • 💬 Submit a Story Idea • 📺 Subscribe to AETV

Friday, Mar 21 2025

Superintendent's March 19, 2025 Update

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Families, This week, I am sharing a video (en Español) outlining our protocols to ensure our schools remain a safe place for all students and families, including those from immigrant backgrounds. I encourage you to watch the video and learn more about how APS is committed to ensuring all students, regardless of immigration status, feel comfortable and safe attending school. Here are additional updates: Celebrating Our 2025 Employees of the Year:  Last week, we had the great privilege of honoring outstanding APS staff who exemplify excellence, dedication, and service to our students. Congratulations to Teacher of the Year Katherine Garcia-Larner (Arlington Community High School), Principal of the Year Ellen Smith (Dorothy Hamm Middle School), Assistant Principal of the Year Octavia Knigge (Kenmore Middle School), Leader of the Year Dr. Tyrone Byrd (Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), and Support Employee of the Year Roxanna (Roxy) Hernandez-Torres (Cardinal Elementary School). Please join me in congratulating these outstanding staff representing all schools! We will celebrate them at the annual Celebration of Excellence on May 28 at Washington-Liberty High School. Read more about the honorees. Your Voice Matters Survey Extended:  The deadline to complete the Your Voice Matters survey has been extended through this Fri, March 21. This is an important opportunity for you to share your thoughts on how we can continue to improve our schools. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the following link: Your Voice Matters Survey. Your input makes a difference. Thank you for your continued partnership in making APS a place where every student thrives. Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent ​ ​

Wednesday, Mar 19 2025

Superintendent and School Board Present Joint FY 202...

Budget prioritizes staff compensation, safety, and student-centered investments, while addressing significant funding challenges APS Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán and the School Board presented the jointly developed proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026 on March 13. The proposed $845.4 million budget represents a 2.31% increase over FY 2025, with a continued focus on compensation, staffing adjustments, safety, and operational efficiency . Despite these investments, APS began this budget cycle with a $41.4 million deficit and identified $22.36 million in reductions to help close the gap, primarily through cuts to Central Office positions and operational efficiencies. “Our staff remain a top priority because they are the foundation of our success,” said Dr. Durán. “This budget reflects our commitment to supporting all students and delivering on the promises of our 2024-30 Strategic Plan while ensuring we operate efficiently and responsibly.” Investing in Staff, Students and Schools The top priority in the proposed budget remains staff compensation, with $24.96M million allocated for an average 4.26% pay increase . This includes a step increase for eligible employees and a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)  to keep APS competitive with neighboring school divisions. The proposal also funds  six additional weeks of parental leave for staff , adding to the two weeks provided in last year’s budget. In addition to compensation, APS is making targeted staffing adjustments to align with student needs, including: $630,000 to adjust bus driver contracts, reducing overtime costs and aligning with regional practices,   and to recruit and transition international teachers for dual language immersion $5.5 million to adjust school staffing based on enrollment and student demographics (additional 23.3 full-time employees) $2.29 million to begin implementing phase one of the Planning Factor Study for English learners and students with disabilities $1.34 million to enhance student safety, adding six new School Safety Coordinators (SSCs) and increasing athletic training staff, including reclassifying positions Reducing Costs While Preserving Student-Facing Resources To manage the budget gap, APS is cutting Central Office expenditures by  $12.66 million , eliminating  27.5 positions , including four positions transferred to grant funding. In the FY 2025 budget, we reduced 21 positions, adding up to a two-year reduction of 48.5 Central Office positions totaling 31.06 million. Other key reductions include: $5.54 million in efficiencies through optimizing student-teacher ratios $3 million in savings by making Extended Day a self-supporting program “This budget is the result of months of careful planning and collaboration to ensure that we are being good stewards of public funds and implementing sustainable budgeting practices,” said School Board Chair Mary Kadera. “We worked to preserve student-facing resources, invest in compensation, and avoid class size increases. While this budget cannot fund every need, it reflects our commitment to keeping APS as strong as possible for years to come.” Unfunded Needs  Significant needs remain unfunded totaling $50.6 million , including an additional 2% COLA increase ($12.24 million)  for staff, further class size reductions ($8.7 million) and  $27 million needed for additional instructional staffing  enhancements to support student success. Advocating for Additional Funding APS continues to rely heavily on local and state funding. The proposed County transfer increases by 1.2% , and  state revenue rises by 7.96% under the General Assembly’s budget amendments. However, APS urges continued advocacy for increased state and local funding to address ongoing financial challenges. “This budget reflects difficult choices, but our commitment to our students, staff and families remains firm,” said Dr. Durán. “We want to thank the County for their ongoing support and partnership, and we will continue to work with the County and state to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow APS to best serve all students.” Next Steps The School Board will hold multiple work sessions and a public hearing before adopting the final budget on May 1 . APS encourages staff, families, and the community to review the budget materials and share feedback through engage@apsva.us or at the  April 3 public hearing . View the full budget presentation . For more information on the budget process, visit  our website .

Friday, Mar 14 2025

Superintendent's March 12, 2025 Update

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear APS Families, As part of our continued focus on student academic growth, I want to share an update on the mid-year testing that our elementary and middle schools recently completed.   Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) in Reading and Math In Grades 6-8, 74% of students in Reading and 73% of students in Math are performing in the average- to high-achievement levels on the mid-year test. In Grades 1-5, 71% of students in both Math and Grades 3-5 Reading are performing in the average- to high-achievement levels on the mid-year test. Students performing in the average- to high-achievement levels are on track to show proficiency in grade-level literacy and math skills on the end-of-year SOL assessment.   Additionally, 50% of students in Reading and 47% of students in Math met their growth projections for this point in the school year.   Staff review the data from these assessments to target individual support and ensure continual growth throughout the remainder of the school year. In the spring, we will use end-of-year data to summarize the growth students have made from Fall to Spring.   Individual mid-year assessment results for your student have been posted in ParentVUE. All mid-year MAP Growth Assessment data is now available on our website for your review under the Student Academic Growth & Success menu on the Strategic Plan Dashboard.   Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Tomorrow, I will present the joint School Board and Superintendent Proposed FY 2026 Budget to the School Board at 7 p.m. This year, we remain focused on staff compensation, supporting student success and well-being, and ensuring we are operating efficiently to accomplish the goals of our 2024-30 Strategic Plan. Please stay engaged. There are a variety of ways to provide input, including through engage@apsva.us and during the Public Hearing on April 3. Learn more and view the budget calendar.  Thank you for your partnership and engagement! Dr. Francisco Durán Superintendent ​ ​

Wednesday, Mar 12 2025

⚡️ Friday Five: Stay Connected: Update Your Contact ...

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ⏰ Today's newsletter is 544 words, a 2.5-minute read. Provide Feedback. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1. 📞 Stay Connected: Update Your Contact Information! ​ Stay connected and receive important updates from APS by reviewing and updating your contact information regularly. In an emergency, it’s essential to have someone who can pick up your student if you cannot. Please make sure your emergency contact details are up to date. Log into ParentVUE to update your contact and emergency details. View more information and step-by-step guides. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. Important Updates to School and Police Relations Policy ​ The Arlington School Board approved amendments to Policy K-14.1.10.31 regarding interactions between schools and law enforcement agencies. Key updates include: Clear procedures for handling requests from law enforcement agencies without a formal agreement (memorandum of understanding or MOU) with APS. A requirement that non-ACPD law enforcement agents must present a valid, signed judicial warrant or subpoena to gain access to students, staff, volunteers or parents/guardians. Mandated verification of warrants or subpoenas must be reviewed by APS Division Counsel before allowing law enforcement interactions. Law enforcement agents must wait in the main office while staff retrieve the requested individual. These updates provide clear guidelines to help keep everyone safe. For more information, visit the School Board Policy page. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3. Wakefield Student Wins Historic Wrestling State Championship ​ Wakefield senior Cameron Millsapps won the VHSL Girls State Championship, becoming the school’s first-ever girls' state champion. Cameron, a second-year wrestler, dominated the Girls State Tournament, winning all three of her matches by pinning all of her opponents. She ended the season with a perfect 28-0 record. This is the third season of the Wakefield girls’ wrestling program. Congratulations, Cameron! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4. Registration Now Open: APS Mental Health Fair & Screenagers Event ​ Middle and high school students and families are encouraged to join APS for a Mental Health Fair & Screenagers Event on March 20 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Dorothy Hamm Middle School.  Mental Health Resources: Meet local providers and discover community resources to help manage stress, support emotional well-being, and build resilience. Screenagers Documentary: View the film Screenagers, highlighting how technology impacts young people’s mental health, followed by an engaging discussion. Wellness Workshops: Attend interactive sessions offering practical strategies to handle academic pressures, navigate social challenges and encourage digital wellness. Narcan Training: Participate in lifesaving training to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses. Registration closes on March 14, 2025. Secure your spot today: Register in English Registrar en español We hope to see you there! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5. Gunston Teacher Honored with Prestigious Dual Language Award ​ Congratulations to Gunston Middle School teacher Maria Delgado, recipient of the inaugural VADLEN Teacher of the Year Award! Maria is the first educator in Virginia to receive this esteemed recognition. She is celebrated for her excellence in dual language and immersion teaching, as well as her dedication to students’ bilingual academic growth. As an active FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Action Team Coordinator, Ms. Delgado plays a critical role in fostering strong partnerships with families and ensuring active engagement in student learning. Join us in congratulating Maria for her outstanding commitment, leadership and passion for inclusive and equitable education! ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Other News & Notes ​ ​ ​ ​ Northern Virginia Regional Science and Engineering Fair Winners Named Enter Now: APS High School Playwriting Contest in Collaboration with Signature Theatre  2025 Honored Citizen Nominations Now Being Accepted ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ 👍 Provide Feedback • ✏️ Submit a Correction • 💬 Submit a Story Idea 📺 Subscribe to AETV ​ ​

Friday, Mar 07 2025