Superintendent’s Nov. 29, 2023 Update

Dear APS Families,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. This update includes reminders about notable dates in December, the importance of attendance, and information about the proposed calendars for the next two school years. 

December Dates and Attendance Reminder: As a reminder all schools have an Early Release on Wed, Dec. 6, and Winter Break begins Thu, Dec. 21 and continues through Mon, Jan. 1, 2024. While December is a short month, I want to stress the importance of attendance. Essential teaching and learning will occur every day throughout the month, including during the three-day week before the break.

• Please make every effort to ensure that your students are present and on time at school unless they have a contagious illness.
• Every day of attending school makes a difference and provides a great opportunity for students to engage with their teachers and peers.
• We appreciate your support! View strategies to support regular attendance for elementary students and middle and high school students.

Current School Year Calendar Change: At this Thursday’s School Board meeting, we are proposing a change to the current school year calendar to make March 5, 2024, a student holiday and teacher workday, since schools serve as polling locations on the Presidential Primary Day. The School Board will vote on this change on Dec. 14. Proposed 2024-25 & 2025-26 Calendars: Also at the School Board meeting this week, Human Resources will present the proposed 2024-25 and 2025-26 School Year Calendars. This year, the calendar is based on the criteria set forth in School Board Policy I-4.30. The policy lists required holidays and stipulates criteria that must be included, such as at least 180 instructional days, a start date at least one week prior to Labor Day and a one-week Spring Break.

• If you have feedback on the proposed calendars, please share it via email at engage@apsva.us prior to the Board vote on Dec. 14.
• For additional information or questions, please visit the Development of the 2024-25 & 2025-26 School Year Calendars

Have a wonderful week and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent