School Board Update
November 25, 2019
Arlington School Board
Email: school.board@apsva.us
Website: www.apsva.us
Location: 2110 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA, USA
Phone: 703-228-6015
Twitter: @APSVaSchoolBd
Summary of the November 19, 2019 School Board Meeting
In addition, at the November 19 meeting, the Board appointed the New Eunice Kennedy Shriver Principal, Shana Curtis. Read more about Ms. Curtis at https://www.apsva.us/post/school-board-appoints-new-eunice-kennedy-shriver-principal/
Career Center Students Win 2019 VSBA Video Contest
A team from the Arlington Career Center has won the eighth annual student video challenge sponsored by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA).
The contest challenged high school students across Virginia to create a 30-second video around the theme of “Virginia is for Learners.” The top three winners, selected out of 31 submissions, were announced today at the opening general session of the VSBA Annual Convention in Williamsburg and the videos were shown to the convention attendees.
Career Center students who worked on the video include juniors Khulan Erdenedalai, Emilio Tognelli and Peter Collins. They are enrolled in the Television & Multimedia Production II class taught by Tom O’Day.
The videos were reviewed by a panel of judges from within the video production field. The judges stated that the first-place video showed a high level of production, with a thoughtful storyline that captured the nostalgia that surrounds reflecting on one’s own education, as well as showcasing the theme, “Virginia is for Learners.”
The contest gives students an opportunity to create thought-provoking videos individually, in a small group, or as a class project. Videos were judged on how well they addressed the topic, the quality of the production, as well as the depth of thought and creativity of the video. The contest was open to Virginia public high school students and one entry per school division was accepted. This is the eighth straight year that the Career Center has either won first or second place in this state-level contest.
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
APS Named VSBA Green Schools Challenge Winner
Arlington Public Schools was one of three school divisions to be named a Green Schools Challenge winner at the 2019 Virginia School Boards Association’s (VSBA) annual conference. The VSBA Green Schools Challenge is a friendly competition designed to encourage implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce the carbon emissions generated by both the local school division and the broader community. This is the tenth year the awards were given out.
APS was joined by King and Queen County Public Schools (Students Population Under 5,000) and Isle of Wight County Public Schools (Student Population 5,001 – 10,000). APS also earned Platinum Certification.
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
Provide Input on New Position of Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
APS is seeking community input to inform the interview panel’s questions as they evaluate candidates for the new Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer position.
A brief questionnaire is available through Dec. 2, 2019. The position will report to the Superintendent and is expected to begin in January 2020.
For more information, visit www.apsva.us/engage/diversity-equity-inclusion-officer-feedback/.
Elementary School Planning for 2021-22
In 2021, APS is projected to welcome more than 30,000 students, and will open a new elementary school and add high school seats.
On Wed, Oct. 30, APS shared proposals for moving some elementary schools as a first step in a countywide elementary school planning and boundary process for the 2021-22 school year. Community engagement regarding the proposed school moves begins now and continues through January 2020.
There are several ways to get up to speed on this process, the challenges that APS faces, and these proposals to move schools:
- Visit the Engage page for detailed information, a timeline and FAQs
- Read a two-page Infographic in English or Spanish
- View a 5-minute video for an overview
- View a 30-minute Online Information Session that presents information and answers community questions (Spanish pending)
Join APS at a Community Meeting or a Webinar:
- Dec. 9, 7-8:30 p.m.: Swanson Middle School (5800 N. Washington Blvd.)—includes interpretation for Spanish, Amharic, Arabic and Mongolian, and will be broadcast live online
- Dec. 10, 6:30-8 p.m.: Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.)—includes interpretation for Spanish, Amharic, Arabic and Mongolian
- Dec. 13, 12-1 p.m.: Webinar (details forthcoming)
- Dec. 16, 7-8:30 p.m.: Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Rd.)—in Spanish with English interpretation
Proposals may be revised as APS gathers ideas and suggestions from community members before School Board action on Feb. 6, 2020. Any changes made would take effect in Sept. 2021. To learn more, visit www.apsva.us/engage/planning-for-2020-elementary-school-boundary-process/.
Send questions via engage@apsva.us or Twitter at #APSPlans2021.
Search for New APS Superintendent Engage Page
The Search for New APS Superintendent page provides a timeline, links to important updates and resources, and ways to engage.
Open Office Hours with Monique O'Grady
Monday, Dec 2, 2019, 06:00 PM
2110 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA, USA
Joint School Board/County Board Work Session
Click here to watch livestream of Work Session. Agenda and background information for Work Sessions are posted on BoardDocs as they are available. Agendas are subject to change without notice and the public is encouraged to check the website in advance to confirm details or changes.
Visit the School Board Meetings web page for a listing of all upcoming meeting dates.
For additional information, contact the School Board Office at 703-228-6015 or school.board@apsva.us.
Tuesday, Dec 3, 2019, 06:30 PM
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington, VA, USA
School Board Meeting
Agendas and background information for School Board meetings are posted on BoardDocs as they are available. Agendas are subject to change without notice and the public is encouraged to check the website in advance to confirm details or changes. School Board meetings can be viewed live online or on Comcast Channel 70 or Verizon Channel 41.
Visit the School Board Meetings web page for a listing of all upcoming meeting dates.
For additional information, contact the School Board Office at 703-228-6015 or school.board@apsva.us.