I am excited to announce and welcome Mr. Lamanzer Williams as the new Dean of Skyline High School. Mr. Williams joins us with nearly two decades of administrative experience and a strong reputation for building meaningful connections with students, families, and staff. When you see him around campus, please give him a warm Skyline welcome!

Here’s a little more about him…

Born in Greensboro, Alabama, and raised in Michigan, Mr. Williams is the third youngest of seven siblings, all of whom attended Willow Run Community Schools. He went on to the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship and completed his bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University.

Mr. Williams played four years in the NFL and spent an additional year playing in NFL Europe (Berlin, Germany). He holds two master’s degrees—one in Sports Administration from Concordia University Chicago and another in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where he also earned his principal certification. With nearly twenty years of experience in educational leadership, Mr. Williams has served as an assistant principal at Okemos High School and Grand Blanc High School, and most recently as an Intervention Specialist at Ann Arbor’s Slauson Middle School.

Passionate about mentoring students, fostering family engagement, and empowering staff, Mr. Williams brings a deep commitment to the Skyline community. He is married and has two sons, a bonus daughter, and a grandson. Outside of work, he enjoys grilling, watching football, laughing with friends, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with his family. In his own words, “Positive relationships are part of my core values and are very important to me.”

We are thrilled to have Mr. Williams join our team, and I know he will make a positive impact on our school community.

Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you have a great week!

Monday

Tuesday

• Trimester 1 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7 pm
  

Wednesday

• PSAT/NMSQT testing for 11th graders, Late Start for grades 9, 10 and 12
• Testing/ Late Start Schedule

Thursday

Friday

• No School- Early Fall Break

Upcoming Important Dates:

• Oct. 15- School Resumes

All Parent/Teacher Conferences will occur in The Commons here at Skyline High School on Tuesday, October 8th, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. You must schedule a conference with each teacher you wish to speak with. We utilize the website PTCFast.com to enable parents to sign-up for 5-minute conference slots with their child’s teachers. You will receive an individual email from each teacher you have signed-up to meet with. If you signed-up to meet with 4 teachers, you will receive 4 separate confirmation emails. Please sign up for no more than one time slot with each teacher. Also, please allow at least 5 minutes between each conference; do not sign up for back-to-back conference slots.

If your child is doing well in a particular class, and you have no concerns, you do not need to sign up for a conference with that teacher. We encourage you to sign up for a conference slot with a teacher if your student is struggling and/or you have concerns about the class.

Again, the Parent/Teacher Conferences will be on:

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Here in The Commons of Skyline High School

If you haven’t yet used PTCFast.com, you will be pleasantly surprised at how simple you will find the process. There are no codes to enter and there is only one website to visit. The conferences are listed alphabetically by the teacher’s last name, and you will only need an email address to make your selections. The conferences are now open, but they will fill up soon, so don’t wait!

Instructions for Making Parent / Teacher Conference Appointments:

1. Go to this website:

https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Skyline_High_School_3

…or you can be taken directly to the webpage by clicking HERE!

2. Check the box for each Teacher you would like to meet with, then click the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page.

3. You may create conferences for more than one student, if you have more than one student at Skyline, but for most of you, you will then check the first selection, which is: These are all for one student.

4. Enter your student’s first name

5. Enter your student’s last name

6. Enter YOUR (parent’s) name

7. Enter and confirm YOUR email address

8. Click the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page to begin the signup process.

Please note that the times listed for the following teachers are on an alternate date due to them being unable to attend on October 8th:

Megan Stark

Please reach out to Jefferson Bilsborrow at bilsborrow@aaps.k12.mi.us with any questions or issues about scheduling your conference times.

We want to give a shout out to Nicki Barrett, Skyline Science Teacher. She has recently discovered all sorts of A.I. language translation help that allows her to instantly translate documents like tests (along with graphics, charts, captions, etc.). She was super excited to be able to connect with her non-English speaking students, and we hope she shares this with the rest of the staff!

Last Sunday, September 29th, seniors in the Communication, Media, and Public Policy magnet hosted a screening at Michigan Theater. They participated in the Legacies Project, an effort to record our local history in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and surrounding cities. Working in small teams, they conducted interviews with nine community elders ("narrators") and created short biographical films to bring each person's story to life. The screening was an exciting opportunity for students to honor their narrators and see their work on the big screen!

Thank you so much to all of the families who donated to the afterschool snack pantry. Not every donation had a name with it so we weren't able to thank everyone personally. Please know that your donations are greatly appreciated by the students who remain after school and visit the Athletic Office for a snack. We had a parent make an extremely generous donation to the snack pantry and, with Laurie Adams's thrifty shopping skills, we may be able to stock the pantry through the winter season and beyond. Skyline families are so very kind and generous! We cannot thank you enough.

Congratulations to Skyline High School which was named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP program are delivering results and broadening access for students.

Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing their school’s college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Skyline had 66% of seniors who took at least one AP Exam during high school, 50% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 24% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams!

College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admissions officers that students have sought the most challenging curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.

Link to video of Senior Parent Meeting below:

College Application:

October is "Michigan College Application Month." A lot of Michigan college applications are free or have a reduced application fee this month. Please see the linked information for details. Also, remember October 10 is the final day to request information if students are applying to colleges with a November 1 deadline. Please review the important information linked in this senior slideshow.

College application season has officially started at Skyline!

Here are some important dates to remember:

• Thursday, October 10, 2024 Final day to request materials needed from the school (ie: transcripts, recommendations) for college applications if applying for early action with a November 1st deadline.

• Friday November 1, 2024 - Early action applications are due.

• Monday December 2, 2024 - Final day to request materials needed from the school for college applications if applying for regular action with a January 1st deadline.

• On or before December 1st - 2025-2026 FAFSA application opens

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Parent teacher conferences are fast approaching! We need your help to make sure our staff is fed and ready to continue a long day at school on October 8th. We have ordered a hot meal but are asking for donations of place settings, drinks, appetizers/snacks and desserts in this sign up genius: Sign Up Genius Link

Skyline is looking for two adult volunteers to assist with our partnership with Food Gatherers, an organization dedicated to helping families in need by providing food. Volunteers will receive training from Food Gatherers to help organize, receive food, and facilitate bi-monthly parent pick-up of food boxes.

Your time and support will make a meaningful difference in our community. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Ms. Patterson at Pattersont@aaps.k12.mi.us.

Thank you for helping us make a positive impact!

In Ann Arbor Public Schools, we utilize a cloud-based web filter called Securly to keep students safe on their district-issued device. To help parents monitor their child's online activity at home, AAPS offers the free Securly Home app. This application allows web-based filtering and parental controls on district-issued devices at home. Parents may set rules to allow or disallow certain websites, pause the Internet connection to the device as desired, and receive weekly usage reports. To OPT-IN to the Securly Parent Portal service, please encourage families to use the pathway as outlined below:

• STEP #1: Read about the AAPS Securly - 24-25 Parent Portal Opt-In opportunity available to all families.

• STEP #2: Sign-up on the Securly Parent Portal Program Form.

• STEP #3: Look for an email from Securly when your account is ready to go (it can take up to 48 hours to receive).

• STEP #4: Download the Securly Home App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

• STEP #5: Navigate the App to explore different views into your child's online safety and check out the AAPS Securly Parent Portal FAQs.

If families have any questions, they can always reach out to the Student & Family Help Desk at 734-997-1222.

Also, all students are invited to explore the career and college resources in their Xello accounts! Here is a handout for students on how to log into Xello. Not only does Xello have information about different types of career paths, but it also has some local college and career resources. Xello even has a new scholarship search feature that students should make sure they check out!

Check out these Quick Hits in The Cube this week:

Celebrating the Black College Experience with HBCU Made. Check out posted scholarship opportunities: Women in Technology Scholarship or swing for the fences with The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship! Find this and much more in The Cube! Click the link in the picture to access what's new!

Action Needed:

Juniors please locate your school issued device! All Juniors must take the PSAT/NMSQT on their school issued Chromebook. If for some reason you do not have a device please stop by the library.

Critical Bluebook Update Released

A critical update to the Bluebook™ testing app was released on September 26, 2024. To avoid overwhelming our network and causing delays on test day, students must open Bluebook now and ensure the update takes place. You do not need to sign in for the update to take place.

Also, remember to check for new releases every Friday on Bluebook Updates (https://bluebook. collegeboard.org/technology/updates).

Students must always use the latest version of Bluebook while testing. Failure to do so will cause testing irregularities that may void the student(s) test score.

Action Needed:

Report any battery life issues or other performance issues with your Chromebook to ITD as soon as possible so it can be resolved prior to testing. Please call 734-997-1222 or email family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us.

To access Bluebook practice tests: (https://satsuite. collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practicetests), students must launch Bluebook, sign in with their College Board account, and click Full-Length Practice.

Monthly, we will hold informal opportunities for parents/guardians to come in and meet with the administrative team in a main office conference room. There is no set agenda and we discuss the topics you bring while we sip some coffee and have a few treats. All are welcome!

Upcoming Dates:

Wed. Nov. 6- 1:30 pm

Fri. Dec. 6- 8:30 am

Mon. Jan. 13- 1:30 pm

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Greetings Eagles!

We are excited to announce the formation of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), aimed at empowering student-athletes by giving them a voice in the athletic department, fostering leadership skills, and enhancing the student-athlete experience. This committee will work closely with school administration and the athletic department to advocate for student-athlete welfare, promote school spirit, and represent the interests of athletes across all sports.

We encourage all student-athletes who are passionate about making a positive impact on the Skyline athletic community to apply. Applications will be available in all offices beginning Monday. The application is also shared in each grade level schoology account. It is also linked here!

Fall Athletic Study Table

Fall athletes can attend the athletic study table after school from 3-4 pm in the Poolside Lounge. Athletes must be listed on the fall roster provided to the Teaching Assistant or Community Assistant.

Athletic Attendance Policy (not new)

Athletes must be present 3 of the 5 hours to practice or compete in a game. Coaches are receiving a daily list of ineligible athletes due to attendance.

All students must have their id present to enter any athletic competition at Skyline, Huron, or Pioneer. Students can download their digital ID by using the QR code located in the corner.

Weekly Schedule beginning October 6th:

Sunday:

Monday: Varsity Tennis @ Troy HS, Field Hockey @ Dexter

Tuesday: Golf Regionals @ Polo Fields,

Wednesday: Swimming home vs. Saline, Tennis Regionals, Volleyball @ Bedford

Thursday: Varsity Football home vs. Pioneer

Friday: CC River Rat Open

Saturday:

I want to remind everyone of our Skyline Athletics Core Values:

• INTEGRITY - We do what is ethical under all circumstances.

• EXCELLENCE - We strive to be our best on and off the field.

• RESPECT - We honor and value ourselves and others.

• TEAM - Together as one we pursue common goals.

• COMMITMENT - We give total effort and sacrifice to achieve our purpose.

Thank you and Go Eagles!

Delsie Sissoko

Athletic Director/Assistant Principal

DONUT DASH 5K AND FUN RUN

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Join the fun with other runners in a 5K around Skyline's campus and surrounding neighborhoods, or a One Mile Fun Run on the Skyline Track (12 years and under only, please) to benefit Skyline Athletics.

Check in starts at 8:30 am

Fun Run starts at 9:00 am

5K starts at 9:30 am

• Washtenaw Dairy donuts for all participants

• Race t-shirt for all 5K participants registered before 9/30/24 (remaining registrants on a first-come basis)

• Medals for all Fun Run participants

• 2 Donut Trophies to the Top Finishers

To register for the 5K or the Fun Run, click HERE.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools is well-prepared to provide student and family assistance when a decision is made that students should not be on school property. AAPS has a trained family assistance/reunification team that responds to schools during emergency situations such as power outages, electrical hazards, gas leaks, and an emergency incident or active threat.

You can read more about the AAPS Family Reunification Team process as well as watch a video that explains how the district will respond to serve your students and you during emergency situations. AAPS Family Reunification Video

AAPS and Chartwells K12 are committed to partnering with local farmers and suppliers. So much of our produce is sourced from local farms right here in the state of Michigan. Through the farm to school program, students can gain access to healthy, local foods, as well as learning opportunities, including school gardens, cooking demonstrations, nutrition and wellness education and farm field trips.

Look for these items this week: Prochaska - Large Watermelon, Prochaska - Green Onions, Goetz - Green and Red Peppers, Goetz - Summer Squash/Zucchini, Prochaska - Tomato Slicers, Lesser - Macintosh, Jonamac, Primegold, Gala, Cortland, Jonathon, Empire, Empress Apples.

Academic Support

826michigan Wee-bots Writing Program for Students ages 5-8

826michigan is still taking registrations for their Saturday Drop-In Writing for Wee-bots program (ages 5-8)

• Learn more and register here

Clothing Resources

Are you in need of free or low cost clothing and household items?

Visit the Clothing and Household items page at a2schools.org for a listing of free and low cost options.

ESL Support

Sept 9th-December 20th: FREE ESL Community Tutoring Sessions by Washtenaw Literacy

The ESL Community Tutoring fall in-person schedule is here. Starting September 9th through December 20th sign up to practice English and language skills with Washtenaw Literacy. All levels of English are welcome. FREE and open to the public. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time for each group.

• See flyer for schedule and location.

• Virtual sessions are also available. See attached Virtual ESL flyer.

Home Improvement Resources

Washtenaw County Home Improvement Program

The Office of Community and Economic Development’s Home Improvement Programs offer a variety of free home rehabilitation, weatherization, and energy optimization services to keep your home safe and comfortable and your energy bill low. Contact us today to see if you qualify for assistance!

• Visit washtenaw.org/homeimprovement, to fill out the request form or call 734-544-3008 for more information.

Health and Well-being Support

WISD’s Mental Health FREE Workshops for Parents and Caregivers

The series consists of monthly webinars on a variety of mental health topics related to youth, including: keeping youth safe online, taking care of your own mental health, vaping and marijuana use, supporting neurodivergent youth, and many more that we're working on! Workshops will be held on zoom typically the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Learn more and register here.

Starting Sept 18th: Mom Power: Parenting Support Group for Spanish-Speaking Moms

Mom Power is a parenting empowerment program for moms. This current session is for Spanish-speaking mothers. Mom Power meets once a week for 10 weeks from Sept 18th-Nov 20th. Moms will have the opportunity to meet other moms and learn important parenting and self-care skills. Childcare available.

• Registration: https://forms.gle/Duxdmqqkx2BYKem46

• Flyer En Espanol

Starting Oct 2nd: FREE Cooking Matters At Home Class

MSU Extension offers virtual classes on how to plan and prepare meals for children. Learn more and register here.

Back-to-School Transportation Information

Bus Transportation Information for Parents and Guardians linked here. You may also visit the AAPS website to find the above transportation information translated into 5 different languages.

*MyStop Bus Arrival App login information was sent to families Thurs. 8/22.

Space-Available School Bus Seating

In an effort to increase access and opportunity for all students, students may ride District school buses from a regularly established and scheduled bus stop on a "Space-Available Basis." This service is available to those students that live in the Ann Arbor Public Schools' attendance area, but do not live in the school's defined “ride zone.” Families interested in Space-Available Transportation must apply annually through the District and abide by all regulations, rules and guidelines set forth under this policy.

Even if your child received space-available seating last year, you must REAPPLY to receive space-available seating for the 2024-2025 school year.

AAPS webpage about Space-Available Seating

Click HERE to Apply for Space-Available Seating

To Report an Absence or Tardy, email sky_attendance@aaps.k12.mi.us

Emailed is preferred, but If you cannot email, please call 734.994.2135

When reporting an absence, please include the following information:

• Student's full name (spell out the last name)
• Student's ID number
• Reason for absence
• Exact time and day of absence(s)
• Your name and your relationship to student

When reporting a student’s early release, please include:

• Student's full name (spell out the last name)
• Student's ID number
• Reason for early release
• Exact time and day of release
• Your name and your relationship to student
• Report morning early releases by 8 am
• Report afternoon early releases by 12 pm

There is no need to call the main line.

1. A student may only leave early after being called out with parent/guardian permission. Students will not be called out of classes for the first or last five minutes of class or during passing. Students will also not be called out of class after 2:30 pm. If you need a child to leave between 2:30-2:51, please call prior to 2:30 so that we may give them a pass to leave at the appropriate time. Our main office is extremely busy at the end of the day and we will not be able to accommodate call-outs after 2:30. Please plan ahead.

2. Students will not be called out of class during State Testing Days or during scheduled final exams. Please plan ahead.

Here is the link to purchase yearbooks, senior recognition ads, business ads, and to submit senior photos:

https://www.yearbooknerds.com/skyline-high-school

Please see the webpage linked here for details about what is included in the free breakfast and lunch program as well as how to add money to your child’s lunch account. Additionally, info about menus and special diet needs is included.

Translated Copies of the AAPS Calendar

Skyline Academic Calendar 2024.2025.

In conjunction with Securly’s email and web search monitoring, we are pleased to introduce the Securly Tip Line. Note that OK2Say is also still available via the Michigan State Police.

The Securly Tip Line is specific to AAPS and will follow the same notification process used for email and web searches. The Securly Tip Line app can be downloaded from the AppStore or Google Play.

Students, staff and parents can initiate an anonymous tip outside of the app via:

• 1-833-300STOP
• tipline@securly.com
• securly.com/tip
• QR Code

Tips can be made for any reason:

• Bullying
• Harm to self or others
• Mental health concerns

We ask that you share this info with other family members or friends who may be picking up or dropping off students. These traffic patterns are in place 24 hours a day, so the same traffic patterns apply for afterschool activties as well.

Please remember we have hundreds of student drivers on campus who are still learning the rules of the road. Please be patient with them, drive slow and pay attention while on campus.

THE SPEED LIMIT WHILE ON CAMPUS IS 10 MPH. Please drive slowly for the safety of all!

Students arriving at school should be dropped off at the student entrance using the parent drop off loop only. (At all times during the school day, students will no longer enter through the main office after 8:15 am). Students will be required to present their student ID (physical or digital) upon entry to the building. Students who have already been called out and approved for early dismissal should be picked up at the parent pick up loop at any time during the school day. The only time a student will be picked up at the main office is if a parent/guardian is coming in to pick up a student and this early release has not previously been called into the attendance line or front desk.

There is no student drop off permitted anyplace other than the drop off loop at the student entrance. Please do not drop students off in the main office, staff or student parking lots. This creates safety hazards that should be avoided by following the posted traffic route and signs on campus.

Shout out to Mr. O, Payton and Valencia for helping us make this short video to help you understand the new traffic flow on campus- check it out! New video with clarification Video linked here

Care Solace is AAPS’s free Mental Health Care Coordination Service. Care Solace is available 24/7/365 to connect students, staff, and their families to mental health, substance abuse, and ABA service providers. Using Care Solace is easy!

• Call 888-515-0595 any time. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365. A dedicated Care Companion will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments and follow up with you to make sure it's a good fit.

• Search anonymously by visiting caresolace.com/aaps

• Contact your student’s counselor, social worker or principal and they will submit a referral on your behalf.

Learn more about Care Solace here. Information is also available in Arabic, Mandarin and Spanish.

Free mental health workshop monthly on Zoom. Scan the QR Code below to register.

All AAPS students and family members are welcome to the Alana’s Foundation Flu Vaccination Clinic at Pioneer High School on Monday, October 7, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Vaccine is available for those two and up. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged - use above link. ** Get a $5.00 Target gift card for each dose, while supplies last! **

Skyline students are invited to attend the F.E.M.M.E.S. Advance College Readiness Series Workshop at the University of Michigan this fall.

The F.E.M.M.E.S. Advance College Readiness Workshop is aimed at building participants’ confidence in the college application process as well as their understanding of educational and career opportunities in STEM. This program is designed to support women+ in high school, but like all F.E.M.M.E.S activities, is open to students of all genders.

The Advance College Readiness Student Workshop will take place in-person on Saturday, October 19th from 10am to 4pm. Lunch will be provided.

Students can register at: www.tinyurl.com/femmes-advance24. If you would like to learn more about F.E.M.M.E.S. as an organization, please visit our website femmes.studentorgs.umich.edu.

End The Cycle is an organization at the University of Michigan dedicated to ending the cycle of educational inequity in Michigan. End The Cycle recently reached out to Skyline High School, and is eager to help Skyline students in need.

Services Offered by End The Cycle:

• K-12 Afterschool, GED, ACT/SAT Weekly Online Tutoring: (starting in October)

1. Parents can sign up their students here: www.endthecycleatum.org/students. After completing sign-up, an email will be sent this Sunday, September 29 allowing parents/students to sign up for tutoring slots.

2. Once you sign up and are verified, you will be sent a tutoring link where you can sign up for individual tutoring slots for the week. You can sign up for as many or as little slots as you like! Each signup will be released on Sunday afternoons.

3. As a reminder, this weekly tutoring is free, and does not require a commitment from students. Parents must simply check their email each week for the sign up link

• Mentorship

1. This is based on individual need, and interested students can email: endthecycleatum@gmail.com

• Computer Science Mentorship

End The Cycle is looking forward to working with Skyline students this year. Especially during these times, it is important that students are receiving support and guidance as much as possible to help foster their success.

Club/Team Info

Skyline Handbook

AAPS Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

Skyline High School Website

Purchase a Parking Pass Using GoFan

Chartwells Meal Info