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⏰ Today’s newsletter is 540 words, a 2.5-minute read.
1. 🏆 Washington-Liberty Student Receives “Voices for Virginia’s Children” Award
Aaron Lopez, a junior at Washington-Liberty, was recently celebrated alongside his organization, Voters of Tomorrow Virginia (VOT-VA), with the Virginia chapter being recognized as the Outstanding 2023 Youth-Led Organization from Voices for Virginia’s Children.
- The accolade, part of the Amplify Awards, celebrates the impactful advocacy spearheaded by VOT-VA under Lopez’s co-leadership.
- This recognition not only exemplifies the vibrant youth-led political engagement in our community but also underscores the pivotal role young individuals like Lopez play in advocating for meaningful change.
- Aaron is the state co-president of the Virginia chapter of Voters of Tomorrow.
Congratulations, Aaron!
2. 🌥️ Arlington Tech Teacher Accepted Into NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative
Dr. Ryan Miller, who teaches Physics in the Arlington Tech program at the Arlington Career Center, has been accepted to the NASA Research Associate Educator Fellowship program.
- This opportunity is part of NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative.
- It will allow Dr. Miller to lead a research team in a project hosted at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies or the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
- Dr. Miller hopes to involve high school students in a summer internship program connected to his project and looks forward to incorporating this work into his teaching.
Congratulations, Dr. Miller!
3. 🎓 Attendance Matters: How Attending Parent-Teacher Conferences Benefits Your Student
Parent-teacher conferences are an ideal time to talk about the importance and benefits of regular attendance.
- Showing up for school daily offers students opportunities to connect with friends and caring adults, engage in hands-on learning and stay on track academically.
- Use this one-on-one time to check in on your students’ attendance, what they are learning and to ensure you are aware of school programs or activities that promote attendance
View this step-by-step guide on making the most of parent-teacher conferences from Attendance Works.
4. 📺 VIDEO: Every Student Counts – Substance Abuse Education and Prevention
In this week’s Every Student Counts episode, watch how APS provides ongoing education regarding the dangers of opioids and substance abuse. Throughout the video, you’ll see highlights from student-produced PSAs on the dangers of opioids. Here are some of the ways APS supports students through education and prevention:
- Access to substance abuse counselors for individual assistance at middle and high schools.
- Arlington Career Center students trained over the summer through a state initiative to provide peer education and support.
- APS staff trained to provide naloxone in case of a suspected opioid overdose.
Visit our website to see more information.
5. 🗓️ Key Dates In October and November
Here’s what is happening throughout APS in October and November.
- Thu, Oct. 19 – Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (Elementary Early Release)
- Fri, Oct. 20 – Elementary and Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences (No School for Elementary and Middle Schools)
- Mon, Nov. 6 – End of First Quarter
- Tue, Nov. 7 – No School for Students (Grade Preparation)
- Fri, Nov. 10 – Holiday: Veterans Day
- Thu, Nov. 16 – Report Cards (Grades 6-12)
- Fri, Nov. 17 – Report Cards (Grades 1-5)
Other News & Notes
- Join APS for Unity Day on Wed, Oct. 18. Wear orange to celebrate kindness, acceptance and inclusion to prevent bullying.
- Due Oct. 31: Back to School Online Packet
