Back to School Family Newsletter

Dear Arlington Public Schools Families,

As we begin new school year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome back to all our students, families, and staff. The start of the school year always brings a sense of excitement, possibility, and a renewed commitment to the success and well-being of every child in our district.

This year, we are making a few changes to how we communicate with our community. The Superintendent's newsletter will now be released quarterly instead of monthly, allowing us to provide more comprehensive updates and insights into the great work happening across our schools. I encourage you to stay connected and engaged as we share important information, celebrate achievements, and explore new opportunities for our students. Your student's school will be your main source of communication in staying up to date about your child's experience in school, important events, and other updates. This guidebook contains many opportunities for getting involved with your child's school.

The APS Welcome and Resource Center will also be sending out a subscription-based monthly family newsletter beginning in October which will include additional information about school and community based events and forums happening through our new APS Family University, as well as resources and supports available to your family. To subscribe to this monthly newsletter please add your email address to this list.

I am incredibly proud of the work APS has done to improve access to excellent learning, educational services, and other supports over the past few years, and we also know there is more work to be done in the year ahead. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in 2024-25 - a year that is sure to be full of of growth, learning, and joy for our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Arlington Public Schools.

Warm Regards and Welcome Back,

Dr. Elizabeth C. Homan

Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools

As we gear up for another exciting school year, we kindly request your participation in our annual Back to School Update process. This essential update ensures that we have the most accurate and up-to-date information about your child, allowing us to provide the best possible educational experience. A simple guide to completing the Back to School Update is linked here.

The Family - School Partnership Guidebook contains information on many of the opportunities for you to get involved with your child's school. This guidebook can be used as a tool to familiarize yourself with the the family-school partnership model and opportunities available to get involved with your student’s school. It begins by explaining the benefits of a strong family-school partnership, followed by ideas on how to engage with your child’s school in a way that is meaningful and manageable for you. It ends with listing specific opportunities at each school, helpful resources and links. Use this guidebook in any way you need for supporting your student’s educational experience. Reach out with any questions or concerns directly to your child’s school or the or the APS Welcome and Resource Center.

The APS Before School Breakfast Club is an expanded morning care and breakfast program available for all students K-12. To learn more about the program view the information sheet here. If you would like your child(ren) to participate in the program, please complete this form for each child. Please check in with your child's school on programming start dates.

School meals will continue to be free for all students this year! To make it easier for families to plan, lunch menus are posted in PDF format each month. Be sure to check our Food Services Page at the beginning of each month for the latest menu updates.

If you have any questions about the lunch program, our Food Service Department is here to help. You can reach us at 781-316-3641 or by emailing schoollunch@arlington.k12.ma.us.

As we enter the fall season, it's important to stay healthy and protect our school community. Here are a few key guidelines to keep in mind:

• Review APS Guidelines for Student Attendance During Illness if you're feeling sick.
• Consider Testing for COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.
• If Positive, it is strongly recommended to stay home for 72 hours or wear a mask if attending school/work.
• Return Only After 24 hours without a fever and symptom improvement.
• Prevention: If you do attend school it is strongly recommended you wear a mask, keep distance, and wash hands frequently.
  
  

Please view the full updated guidance for the 2024-2025 school year via links below

• ASP Respiratory Illness Guidelines 2024-2025
• PDF Version

The beginning of the school year is a time for routines and activities to become established. It's also a good time to check your child's head for lice. Please take a moment to review this information containing evidence-based practice and resources

Vaccine Clinics will be open to all students, family and staff. More information & appointment links will be added follow: view save the date document here.

• Sep 6 - Stratton, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Sep 9 - Peirce, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Sep 12 - AHS, 7:00-5:00 pm

• Sep 18 - OMS, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Sep 23 - Bishop, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Sep 25 - Gibbs, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Sep 26 - Thompson, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Sep 30 - Thompson Staff, 7:00-9:00 am

• Sep 30 - Brackett, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Oct 7 - Hardy, 3:00-6:00 pm

• Oct 9 - AHS, 7:00-5:00 pm

• Oct 21 - Dallin, 3:00-6:00 pm

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Back-to-School Nights – a fantastic opportunity for you to get a firsthand glimpse into your child's educational journey this year.

Back-to-School Nights are informative sessions designed to bridge the gap between home and school. This is your chance to meet your child's teachers, gain insights into classroom routines, curriculum plans, and discover how you can actively support your child's learning experience.

Here are a few reasons you should attend:

1. Meet the Educators: Connect with your child's teachers and learn about their teaching philosophies, goals, and the classroom environment. Establishing this personal connection sets the foundation for a strong partnership throughout the school year.
2. Curriculum Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the subjects and topics your child will be exploring. Teachers will outline the curriculum, share teaching methodologies, and provide insights into how you can reinforce learning at home.
3. Classroom Dynamics: Get a feel for the classroom atmosphere and routines. Understand daily schedules, homework expectations, and communication channels, ensuring a smooth and supportive learning experience for your child.
4. Ask Questions: This is the perfect space to ask questions, seek clarifications, and address any concerns you might have. Open communication between parents and educators is crucial for your child's academic success.
5. Community Building: Back-to-School Nights provide an opportunity to connect with other families in your child's class. Building a supportive network of fellow parents can enrich your family's school experience.

Back To School Night Event Dates

AHS | Sept 19 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM

OMS | Sept 17 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Gibbs | Sept 18 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Bishop | Sept 12 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Brackett | Sept 26 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Dallin | Oct 1 | 5:00PM - 8:00PM

Hardy | Oct 9 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Peirce | Sept 25 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Stratton | Sept 25 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Thompson | Sept 12 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Menotomy | Oct 10 | 6:30PM - 7:30PM

The APS Welcome and Resource Center will be sending out a subscription based monthly family newsletter which will include information about school and community based events and forums happening through our new APS Family University, as well as resources and supports available to your family. To subscribe to this monthly newsletter please add your email address to this list.

APS Family University is an initiative designed by the Office of Family Engagement in collaboration with various departments in order to empower and engage families within the Arlington Public Schools community. Our mission is to provide parents and guardians with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to foster their children's academic success and overall well-being. At the APS Family University, we offer a wide range of workshops, seminars, and resources covering various topics, including academic support, mental health, digital literacy, college preparation, and effective communication strategies. Our programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community, ensuring that every family has the tools to navigate the educational journey confidently.

Please bookmark the APS Family University and Welcome Center Schedule! We will continue to add event dates as the year progresses.

• Sep 4 - First Day of School for K-12
• Sep 5 - First Day of School (Half of Kindergarten)
• Sep 9 - First Day of School : Menotomy Preschool
• Sep 12 - Regular School Committee Meeting
• Sep 26 - Regular School Committee Meeting
• Oct 3 - NO SCHOOL Rosh Hashanah
• Oct 10 - Regular School Committee Meeting
• Oct 14 - NO SCHOOL Indigenous People's Day
• Oct 24 - Regular School Committee Meeting
• Nov 5 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ONLY - Professional Development Day
• Nov 11 - NO SCHOOL Veterans Day

Keep up with district news, events, and celebrations by following our social accounts!

Follow us on:

• Facebook: ArlingtonMASchools
• Instagram: @arlingtonmaps
• LinkedIn: Arlington Public Schools
• X (Formerly Twitter) @ArlingtonMAPS

You can subscribe to updates from your individual school or follow the whole district to make sure you never miss a beat. Whether it’s a last-minute schedule change or an upcoming event, the Edlio School News app keeps you connected wherever you are.

How to Get Started:

1. Download the Edlio School News app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Search for your school or Arlington Public Schools.
3. Subscribe to receive updates from your school, the district, or both!

"Guiding Good Choices" Parenting Workshop Fall Series:
Tuesday nights (10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5 ) from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom

Guiding Good Choices (GGC) offers techniques and tools to help parents improve communication with their children; develop healthy family values and clear behavioral expectations; control and express anger constructively; strengthen family bonds and trust; and prevent children from engaging in substance use and other risky behaviors. Join our FREE workshops for parents and caregivers of children ages 9-14.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Arlington Community Education Fall Term Begins Soon

Did you know that Arlington Community Education (ACE) offers dozens of after-school enrichment classes at all schools as well as hundreds of programs for adults and families? Browse the Fall 2024 Catalog or register here. Most classes begin the week of September 23. Offerings include:

ACE Kids: After-school enrichment classes for grades K-12 in arts & crafts, dance, music & theater, fantasy & games, fitness, life skills, and STEM. Most classes meet once per week for 6-8 weeks for 60-90 minutes. Kindergarten classes start the week of October 15.

Family Classes: Offerings include cooking, arts & crafts, games, walking tours, and more.

Adult Classes: 300+ daytime and evening classes, lectures, and one-night workshops, ranging from fine arts and fitness to cooking and music.

ESOL & More: ACE offers daytime and evening classes and conversation groups for English language learners, free of charge for Arlington residents, for ages 18+. Citizenship exam prep classes also available at no charge.

Financial Assistance: ACE provides partial tuition assistance for qualifying Arlington residents. Apply here or email ACE for details: CommunityEd@Arlington.k12.ma.us

What are the impacts on students who have both ADHD and learning disorders? What can we as parents, caregivers, and school staff do to support kids who may have co-existing symptoms?

Join Cartwheel and Dr. Anne Arnett for a webinar which will discuss how to tell the differences between ADHD and learning disorders, the co-existence of ADHD and learning disorders, and the importance of treating both when they do co-exist.

• When: September 10th, at 7pm Est.
• Where: Zoom - Registration Link here

Registration for Franciscan Children's fall programs is open!

View flyers below for specific program details. Please email or contact Director of Adaptive Sports Paul Ward for registration.

📱(617) 254-3800 Ext. 5475

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.