Friday Five: Bringing Awareness to Augmentative and Alternative Communications | Sept. 29, 2023

⏰ Today’s newsletter is 871 words, a 3.5-minute read.

1. Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month at APS

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the rich cultural contributions and achievements of the Latino community within APS. Chosen by their principals for their remarkable character, leadership, and positive impacts both in school and broader communities, these students embody the vibrant and enduring legacy of Hispanic heritage.

Jamy Mérida Cortez (H-B Woodlawn): A talented musician and aspiring filmmaker from Bolivia, lauded for her academic achievements and community involvement.
Dafnee Marquez Padilla (Arlington Career Center): An inspiring figure from El Salvador, known for her active engagement in the school community and commitment to inclusivity.
Maite Gutiérrez Rodríguez (Yorktown High School): A dedicated student from Venezuela, appreciated for her leadership, athletic involvement, and community service.
Alexa Larue (Eunice Kennedy Shriver Program): Celebrated for her vibrant personality, love for learning and the positive atmosphere she creates.
Amy Murcia Teodosio (Langston High School): Known for her strong character, artistic talent and dedication despite challenges.
Deivi Martínez González (Washington-Liberty High School): A tech-savvy student recognized for his optimistic attitude, perseverance and encouragement to peers.
Natalie Portillo Torres (Wakefield High School): Award-winning student acknowledged for her civic engagement, academic excellence and leadership within the Latinas Leading Tomorrow chapter.
Idalia Villatoro Molina (Arlington Community High School): From El Salvador, recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, community service and aspiration to become a kindergarten teacher.

These students reflect the diverse talents and enduring dedication present within the APS Latino community, setting an inspiring example for others to follow. To read more about each of these students, visit our Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.

2. October is Augmentative and Alternative Communications Awareness Month

APS recognizes that October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication Awareness Month, or AAC Awareness Month.

AAC Month encompasses all the ways people communicate without speaking or using their voice to either supplement or substitute speech. APS has a fantastic lineup of activities planned throughout the county to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for our diverse communicators.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

AAC Fall Meet and Greet to take place Thu, Oct. 12. A family event open to all ages, grades, and AAC Proficiency levels. AAC users can bring their communication devices or light-tech boards and connect with other families while playing adapted games.

School librarians throughout the county will showcase books featuring the perspectives of diverse communicators. Elementary librarians throughout the county will read A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond and model language on a light-tech AAC board during a shared reading lesson.

APS staff launched an updated AAC webpage to include information and resources.

AAC school-specific activities to raise awareness.

We prioritize coming together as a community to include AAC users to make APS a supportive environment for all. We strive to go above and beyond during the month of October to celebrate our diverse communicators, but our work to support and include students who use AAC continues all year long.

3. Complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application

Applying for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program can make a big difference for families in need.

The application process is quick and simple. All information is kept confidential.
Students who received free or reduced-price meals last year will continue to receive benefits until Fri, Oct.13, without a new meal application.
After this date, parents or guardians must complete a new application for meal benefits to continue for this school year.
Applications can be completed online. Paper applications are available to print.
If you need assistance completing an application, call 703-228-8000 and choose option 5.

APS provides breakfast and lunch every day to all students to ensure they receive the nutrition they need to stay focused. Students will not be denied a reimbursable meal because of a negative balance.

4. Washington-Liberty Teacher Earns Spot in National Teachers Program

Elizabeth Burgos, a teacher at Washington-Liberty High School, has been accepted into the distinguished 2023 Peace Teachers Program at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).

Burgos is among 22 educators chosen nationwide, uniquely standing as the sole representative from Virginia this year.
The Peace Teachers Program at USIP equips educators with the tools to instill principles of peace and conflict resolution in students.
This acceptance honors not only Ms. Burgos but also reflects positively on Washington-Liberty and the broader community, emphasizing a shared commitment to nurturing globally aware citizens amid today’s complex global landscape.

Congratulations to Ms. Burgos!

5. Celebrate Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day on Oct. 4

Each October, APS participates in an international event called Walk and Bike to School Day.

As part of a month-long celebration, the event encourages students to walk and bike to school while teaching them about the health and environmental benefits of walking and biking.
Walk and Bike to School Day also raises community awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety education, safe routes to schools, well-maintained walkways, and traffic calming in our neighborhoods and around our schools.
Walk and Bike to School Day 2023 takes place on the morning of Wed, Oct. 4.