Winter Family Newsletter

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Dear APS Families,

Happy New Year! I hope you and your students have had a fantastic school year so far and are ready for a successful winter with APS. As we step into 2025, I want to extend my wishes for a year filled with health, happiness, and success to all our students and families.

As the temperatures drop, we would like to remind families to send students to school with warm, labeled coats, hats, and gloves. Outdoor activities remain a valuable part of the school day, and we do our best to keep students outside for fresh air and play whenever possible.

If we can help you with these or other resources, please don’t hesitate to fill out a Family Support Request Form. We’re here to provide the support students need. The APS Welcome Center is currently accepting donations of winter items such as coats, hats, and gloves to support families in our community. If you would like to donate please reach out to welcomecenter@arlington.k12.ma.us.

Please note a few important events taking place towards the end of this month.

• Arlington School Committee District Budget Forum: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7PM - 8PM
  
• Kindergarten Registration Preparation Forum: Monday Jan. 27, 1PM - 2PM
  
  

Please read below for more detailed information.

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth C. Homan

Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools

Important district announcements

Navigation on the APS District Website has been updated!

These changes were made to make it easier for families to find the information and resources they need. While the overall look and design of the site remain the same, we’ve reorganized the navigation menus to make them more user-friendly.

If you can't find something or have suggestions, please tell us in our District Website Feedback Form. Your feedback is instrumental in shaping a user-friendly experience for our community. This update is just the beginning — we are still making improvements to ensure the website remains a helpful resource for all families.

We're excited to share two recent grant highlights that are driving innovation and supporting our students:

🌟 Promoting Safe and Healthy Learning Environments

This grant supports the mental health and well-being of newcomer students and students in families with insecure housing, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and ready to thrive.

🌟 Innovative AEF Grants

Inclusive Play at Stratton Elementary

This grant supports the transformation of recess into a vibrant, inclusive space with social-emotional learning games and activities. A dedicated Playworks coordinator will work closely with staff and students to foster connection and teamwork through play.

Kindergarten Fine Motor Skills Tools
This grant provides specialized tools for kindergarten classrooms to help students develop essential fine motor skills. By supporting academic growth and self-care abilities, this initiative empowers our youngest learners to thrive.

Join the APS Special Education department for an informative evening to learn MassAbility and the support they offer to students both during and after high school. Learn how MassAbility can assist in creating a smooth transition into adulthood.

What You’ll Learn:

• MassAbility Services: Explore programs like personalized support plans, career development, skill-building workshops, family support services, and community connections to help students thrive.
• Eligibility: Understand who qualifies for MassAbility's services and how to apply.
• Next Steps: Learn how to access these valuable tools and resources.
  
  

This event offers an opportunity to connect with MassAbility representatives, get your questions answered, and network with other parents and share experiences and strategies.

When: Jan 15, 6:00 PM

Location: School Committee Meeting Room, APS Central Office
14 Mill Brook Dr, Arlington, MA 02476

Zoom Link: Click Here

For more information or to RSVP, contact:

Annalise Abdelnour
📧 aabdelnour@arlington.k12.ma.us

Arlington Public Schools is committed to fostering healthy habits through our Nutrition and Wellness Policy.

Key Points:

• Food-Free Celebrations: Classroom celebrations and rewards focus on non-food options.
• Healthy Choices: Families are encouraged to send nutritious snacks for their students (no food sharing).
• Curriculum Activities: Food used in lessons requires approval and allergy considerations.
• Nutrition Standards: APS follows Smart Snacks guidelines for food provided during the school day.
• Fundraising: Only non-food items can be sold during school hours.

Please download the attached PDF to learn more!

Attention APS families! The John J. Bilafer CSF Dollars for Scholars application is now open and will close on March 1, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to receive scholarships to support their educational journey.

How to Apply:

1. Create an Account: Log in to the application portal and set up your profile.
2. Complete All Sections: Include details like school data, work experience, awards, and more.
3. Submit by March 1st: Applications must be fully completed by this date to be considered—no exceptions.

Important Note: Students applying for a named scholarship must be able to attend the awards ceremony at Town Hall.

Last year, 104 scholarships were awarded to Arlington students. These awards, made possible through the generosity of our community, provided vital support to help students achieve their educational goals

For more information, helpful tips, and to get started, visit the Dollars for Scholars application portal.

Arlington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Division has launched a Language Line to help community members who speak different languages access Town information and services. This resource is now available to the public, providing greater access for all residents.

How It Works:

1. Call 617-865-2273.
2. Select your preferred language.
3. Speak with an interpreter, who will assist in connecting you to the appropriate department.

This initiative reflects Arlington’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community. The Language Line ensures equitable access to resources and services, breaking down barriers for families across our town.

📢 For more information, visit the Language Access Page.

Events happening this month

Join the Arlington School Committee and District leadership for a Budget Forum as they discuss key financial plans for the upcoming year. You may attend in person or view the live stream online. Your voice matters—come learn about the budget priorities and share your input.

Questions can be submitted in advance at this link: https://forms.gle/k7F1qadVkNLksCs78.

When: Tuesday, January 21, 7:00PM - 8:00 PM
💻 Join Virtually: Zoom Registration link
📍 In-Person Location: Arlington High School, 869 Massachusetts Ave

Discourse Lab - 4th Floor

Arlington, MA 02476

Join the Arlington Public Schools Enrollment and Engagement Team as we go over everything you need to know to prepare for Kindergarten registration and answer questions you may have about the district.

When: Monday, Jan 27, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Virtual Session Please RSVP here.

This forum will be recorded for those who cannot attend.

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/igb-ruwk-pvv

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 478-419-3300‬ PIN: ‪464 647 299‬#

Are you interested in hosting a visiting student or chaperone from Nagaokakyo, Japan? Join us for the Host Interest Forum, where we will provide an overview of the hosting experience and answer your questions about this meaningful exchange program.

📅 When: Thursday, January 30. More information to come!

Key Dates to Remember:

• Visit Dates: April 29, 2025 – May 8, 2025 (10 days)
• Host Application Launch: January 30, 2025 (immediately following the forum)
• Application Deadline: February 6, 2025
• Host Family Confirmations: February 14, 2025
  
  

We are also seeking backup host families to step in for emergencies or last-minute changes. If you are open to this role or if your hosting plans have changed, please let us know and reach out to sistercity@arlington.k12.ma.us

Thank you for your enthusiasm and support in fostering this unique cultural exchange!

This exciting event on Saturday, January 25, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM will feature cultural performances, interactive activities, traditional food, and opportunities for social and cultural learning. High school students can also sign up for volunteer opportunities (2–6 hours available).

Highlights from the previous month

Last month we welcomed Roger, our new Community Comfort Dog, to the APS family! Roger is here to bring smiles, comfort, and support to students, staff, and families across the district. He's already started his training and will be working alongside School Resource officer bryan White.

Every Friday you can catch Officer Roger's Weekly Rundown on the Arlington Police Department's Facebook Page!

Ottoson Middle School students and staff brought creativity and teamwork to the forefront during their annual Winter Door Decorating Contest. 2024's contest had an exciting new twist—decorations were judged based on how well they demonstrated the school’s core values: Engage, Excel, and Empower.

Awards were given for each individual core value, as well as one overall winner who showcased all three values in their design. The hallways were filled with vibrant and meaningful decorations, reflecting the spirit of the Ottoson community. Below are just a few!

Out of 14 highschool teams, two Arlington High School teams earned recognition at Project Green Schools' Innovating for the Future Competition, showcasing innovative solutions to environmental challenges:

• 3rd Place ($1,000): Elena Zaganjori and Yujia Wang for improving Arlington's Full Circle Compost Service, organizing volunteer schedules for efficient compost collection.
• Honorable Mention: Aqeel Merchant, Talia Askenazi, and Amethyst Stencik for a carbon sequestration project using mycelium and plant preservation.
  
  

Congratulations to these talented students for their efforts in creating a more sustainable future!

• Jan 14 : Arlington SEPAC Meeting 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
• Jan 15: OMS/Gibbs Conferences, Early Release at 11:45 AM
• Jan 16: OMS/Gibbs Conferences, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Jan 20: NO SCHOOL- Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Jan 21: Arlington School Committee and District Leadership Budget Forum 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. @AHS and virtual via zoom.
• Jan 27: Kindergarten Registration Information Forum, virtual via Google Meet 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

The District invites you to complete the APS Family Support Request Form. It is designed to give families an avenue to request support and helps the District and schools understand the needs and concerns of families in order to provide the most effective support and resources. Once you complete this form we will share your responses with school social workers and with the family engagement department to support your child(ren)/ family.

Who do I contact with questions and concerns?

Refer to our APS Communication Process Flier! This is your go-to resource designed to help you navigate any questions or concerns you may have regarding district matters. Clear communication is key to fostering a strong educational community, and this flier provides a straightforward guide for addressing specific needs. Whether your inquiries relate to curriculum, student services, or other district-related topics, this resource will direct you to the right person or department.