Community Information Night: Leading Safe, Inclusive Learning Environments for All

Dear APS Community,

Happy new year to all. We are glad to have our students back and look forward to supporting them as they pursue new goals in 2024. As we begin the new year, we believe it is important to reaffirm our values and commitment to providing safe, inclusive learning environments for all students.

APS welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities, and of every national origin, race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual identity, ability level, and religion. We continuously review the practices we have in place to further strengthen student safety and well-being and prevent incidents of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

As part of these efforts, APS will host a Community Information Night on Mon, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. at Wakefield High School to inform our families and overall community about our efforts to provide safe, inclusive learning environments and how we address acts of bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind. All are invited to attend the Community Information Night: Leading Safe, Inclusive Learning Environments to learn more about:

• Understanding student experiences and the perspectives of diverse student groups
• Current efforts to create and reinforce positive school climates and prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination
• Reporting procedures, engagement with families, and school follow-up
• Action steps for improvement

This is the first in a series of steps we will take in the coming months to inform and continue to engage with our families on these topics and additional ways we can ensure all students feel safe and supported. As a follow-up to this general information session, attendees will have the opportunity to request time with an APS leader to discuss specific situations or circumstances regarding individual students at a later date.

All of us share the responsibility to create safe learning environments, and we look forward to continuing to engage and collaborate with our families and community on these important topics. It is our hope that all students pursue their goals this year with confidence, knowing that they will be safe and supported at school.

Sincerely,

Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools

Cristina Diaz-Torres
Chair, Arlington School Board