School Board Update
June 8, 2020
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 June 4, 2020 School Board Meeting
In addition, the Board and the Superintendent recognized 93 employees who are retiring from APS. These dedicated retirees have served as teachers, instructional assistants, food service workers, bus drivers or departmental administrators, and have all been important in the education of our students. A few retirees described their proudest moments at APS in the video below.
Share Feedback on Distance Learning and Return-to-School Planning
APS is planning for the return to school in the fall, please share your feedback on your distance learning experiences during the school closures, and your input on possible scenarios and contingencies for the return to school. Your feedback will help APS improve on the distance learning experience and inform planning for the fall.
An anonymous survey is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic online through June 15 at https://survey.k12insight.com/survey.aspx?k=SsSRTVsQRYUsPsPsP&lang=0&data=.
A PDF of surveys in English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic and Mongolian are available online on the APS Engage website, and printed copies will be available in all languages at the nine APS meal distribution sites.
Virtual Town Hall Meetings with New Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán
On June 1, the Arlington Public Schools welcomed Dr. Francisco Durán as the new Superintendent. Dr. Durán will host a series of online town hall meetings during which the public is invited to ask questions.
How do I participate?
- The Town Halls will be hosted through Microsoft Teams (see links below). You can participate on a computer, tablet or mobile device. There is no special software or app needed, but we do recommend using a Chrome browser.
- You may also watch the meeting, with closed captions, on the APS website or on Comcast Channel 70/Verizon Channel 41.
- The Town Halls will also be on Facebook Live on the Arlington Public Schools Facebook page.
How do I ask questions of Dr. Durán?
- You can submit questions in advance by filling out the online feedback form, or emailing engage@apsva.us
- You can text questions in advance to 703-957-0089
- STUDENTS ONLY: Students can submit questions before the student session using this form.
When are the Town Halls happening?
Community Town Halls:
* Fri, June 12 from 4-5 p.m.
- Participate on Teams
- Participate on Facebook
- Watch here or on TV for captions
* Sat, June 13 from 10-11 a.m. (SPANISH)
- Participate on Teams
- Participate on Facebook
- Watch here or on TV for captions
* Tue, June 23 from 7-8 p.m.
- Participate on Teams
- Participate on Facebook
- Watch here or on TV for captions
Staff Sessions:
* T-Scale Staff: Tuesday, June 9, 3-4 p.m.
- Participate on Teams LIVE
- Watch on Microsoft Stream (with captions)
* All Staff: Thursday, June 11, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Participate on Teams LIVE
- Watch on Microsoft Stream (with captions)
Students Only Town Hall
- Tue, June 9, 4:30-5:30
- Participate on Teams (you will need your APS login)
- Watch on Microsoft Stream with captions (you will need your APS login)
AETV had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Durán for an interview. Here are Six Questions with the new Superintendent.
Celebrating the Class of 2020!
Please see the invitation below or visit the APS website for the graduation schedule. Links to view the ceremonies online will be provided on the date listed for each high school.
Check out a few of our outstanding 2020 graduates! APS is highlighting graduating seniors through the days leading up to commencement. Schools and families are encouraged to share memories, images and messages honoring seniors using the following hashtags: #APS2020grads #Classof2020
School Board Continues to Accept Applications for the ACTL, BAC, and FAC Committees for the 2020-21 School Year
The Arlington School Board values input from parents and members of the community as part of the APS decision-making process. That’s why the school system has established a network of volunteer advisory committees, each one focusing on a specific subject or topic area from instruction to construction.
The Board is currently seeking individuals to serve as members of School Board advisory councils, including the Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (Formerly Advisory Council on Instruction), the Budget Advisory Council and the Advisory Council on School Facilities and Capital Programs. Information about all advisory groups and applications for the groups can be found on the APS website.
The Board will appoint new members in June to two-year terms to fill any vacancies on these Councils. For more information, contact the School Board office at 703-228-6015.
Open Office Hours
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person Open Office Hours has been suspended.
Board members will hold virtual Open Office Hours. Each Board member may choose to manage their Open Office Hours differently. Any changes will be communicated through the normal APS channels as plans are finalized. The Board values the community’s input and appreciates everyone’s patience as the Board transitions to this new virtual format.
The Open Office Hours schedule is posted at https://www.apsva.us/contact-the-school-board/open-office-hours/
Share your Comments with the Board
We encourage you to share your thoughts and comments with the School Board by email at School.Board@apsva.us. We ask that you minimize messages to individual board members, as they will be focused on communications about maintaining safe operations during the pandemic. The Board Office staff is teleworking and will be monitoring the School Board email account during normal business hours. Board members will receive regular reports of emails received and will have ready access to view all messages received.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.
Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
APS has the following information available for families:
- The APS COVID-19 webpage has the latest updates and new FAQs about instruction, technology, meals for students, family resources and more.
Update on Student-Issued Devices: https://www.apsva.us/post/update-on-student-issued-devices/
P-EBT Update and Activation Information: https://www.apsva.us/post/p-ebt-update-and-activation-information/
APS Announces Virtual Summer Learning Offerings: https://www.apsva.us/post/aps-announces-virtual-summer-learning-offerings/
- Need assistance? See who to contact at https://www.apsva.us/post/who-to-contact-for-help/
Watch “At Home with APS” at https://www.apsva.us/continuity-of-learning/at-home-with-aps-videos/
Questions related to APS and the change in operations due to COVID-19 can be sent to engage@apsva.us