September APS Family Newsletter
From the Office of The Superintendent
September 8th, 2023
A Message From the Superintendent
Dear Arlington Public Schools Community,
Welcome to the end of our first week of school. Despite the heat that led to unexpected half days in some of our schools, the spirit of growth, joy, and belonging remained unwavering. Students, staff, and families adapted to the challenging conditions with remarkable enthusiasm. This week was a testament to our collective commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where every child thrives, and it is with much pride that I look forward to the continued growth and success that the coming weeks will surely bring.
As we navigate the challenges that may arise this year, let us keep our focus on nurturing growth and providing safe spaces for growth and connection. Together, we will make this academic year a memorable and impactful one for all our students.
Thank you for your continued support, and here's to a fantastic year! See updates for families below.
Warm regards,
Dr. Elizabeth C. Homan
Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools
We're happy to introduce a tool to enhance communication and support for our school community! The APS Communication Process Flier is your go-to resource for direction on all your questions and concerns regarding district matters. We believe that clear communication is vital for building a strong and thriving educational community. By providing you with this valuable tool, we aim to make it easier for families to access the assistance and information they need. On this flier, you'll find the process for addressing specific needs and inquiries. Whether you have questions about curriculum, student services, or any other district-related matter, this flier will help guide you to right person or department.
Back to School Form Update
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.
Flu Clinic dates have been finalized and will be taking place district wide. Please see all clinic flyers linked here.
REMINDER: APS Before School Breakfast Club (Before School Childcare)
Thank you to everyone who has signed up! If you missed it, we are launching the APS Before School Breakfast Club, 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.
Massachusetts has taken a significant step forward by joining a select group of states that have adopted the universal free school meals program. This decision was made possible by the inclusion of funding within the recently signed $55.98 billion state budget for the 2024 fiscal year. Governor Maura Healey, who signed the budget into law, emphasized the importance of enhancing various sectors to make Massachusetts more accessible, competitive, and equitable. We are overjoyed to share that all APS students will be served free meals in all of our schools this school year! While school meals are free for all students this year, filling out a Free and Reduced meal application may entitle your child to other benefits such as waived or reduced fees for College applications, SATS, or other community programs.The application can be found here.
REMINDER: Back to School Nights
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 12
OMS Sept 14
Gibbs Sept 27
Dallin Sept 28
Brackett Sept 28
Bishop Sept 28
Thompson Sept 28
Hardy Sept 28
Peirce Sept 28
Stratton Sept 28
Thompson Sept 28
Menotomy Oct 5
Arlington SEPAC invites parents and guardians to a breakfast meet and greet with special education administrators, including Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Alison Elmer. Learn more about SEPAC at a brief business meeting, followed by refreshments and informal social time. All are welcome.
SEPAC Meet and Greet
Tuesday Sept. 19th
9AM-10M
Arlington High School Discourse Lab
Arlington SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is a volunteer-led group that acts as a resource for parents and advises the district regarding meeting the needs of disabled students. We provide support and networking opportunities for parents and guardians of children with disabilities, offer workshops and guest speakers to help families become better informed about special education issues, and we meet regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development and evaluation of special education programs in town. To learn more about the SEPAC view their informational brochure here.
Community Resources
Guiding Good Choices: Parenting Workshop Fall Series
"Guiding Good Choices" Parenting Workshop Fall Series:
Tuesday nights (9/19 , 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24 ) 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
Free Community College in Massachusetts for Adults 25+
Exciting news for adults aged 25 and older! Governor Maura T. Healey presents MassReconnect, a groundbreaking program offering free community college education, providing a fantastic opportunity to further your education and career goals without financial worries. With tailored support for each community college, this initiative is designed to help you gain new skills, explore potential careers, and enhance your future prospects. Take the leap at your own pace and explore flexible start dates. Don't miss this chance to invest in yourself and create a brighter future for you and your family through MassReconnect. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3qZmDuU
Arlington Community Education
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 2023 Catalog or register here. Most classes begin the week of September 26. Offerings include:
ACE Kids: After-school enrichment classes for grades K-12 in arts & crafts, dance, music & theater, fantasy & games, fitness, languages, life skills, and STEM. Most classes meet once per week for 8-10 weeks for 60-90 minutes.
Family Classes: Cooking, arts & crafts, games, walking tours
Adult Classes: 300+ daytime and evening classes and lectures with a mix of in-person, online and outdoor options
Free English Classes for Arlington Adults: ACE offers daytime and evening classes for English language learners. Free of charge, ages 18+.
Financial Assistance: ACE provides partial tuition assistance for qualifying Arlington residents. Apply here, or email ACE for details at: CommunityEd@Arlington.k12.ma.us
Arlington Community Education is a self-supporting program of the Arlington Public Schools.
Leaders in Youth Mental Health Series
The McLean School Consultation Service is excited to announce our second annual “Leaders in Youth Mental Health Series.”
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we will be hosting 7 free parent webinars presented by McLean clinical experts. The topics will focus on childhood suicidality/self-harm, childhood irritability, pediatric anxiety disorders and OCD, navigating the mental health system for youth in crisis, supporting non-binary and transgender youth, and partnering with schools for youth services and supports.
Where can I access the parent webinars?
All information (topics, dates, zoom links) for the 7 parent webinars can be found on this website.
Note: You will use this website to access ALL live and recorded webinars throughout the year. Please bookmark it!
When does the parent series kick-off?
September is National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month. Next week, Wednesday, September 13th 12-1pm, Dan Dickstein, M.D., FAAP, McLean Hospital Chief and Director of Research of the Nancy and Richard Simches Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry will present “Addressing the National Emergency of Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children and Teens.”
FAQs:
1. Who can attend?
All parents of school aged children K-12 and all school staff in your school district are invited to attend. We kindly ask that you do not distribute the website link outside of your school district.
2. If I can’t make the live webinar, where can I watch the recorded webinar?
All live and recorded webinars will be hosted on the same website link. The recorded webinars will found on the “On Demand” logo. Please allow up to one week from date of presentation for the recorded version to be uploaded.
3. Do I need to pre-register?
No pre-registration is required for the webinars.
4. Are there Q & A time for each presenter?
Yes! Each presenter will provide content for roughly 45 minutes with 10-15 minutes for available questions from the chat.
5. How do I spread the word?
Please help us spread the word and send the website to your parents, school staff, PTGs, & SEPACs. We appreciate all the time and effort you take to help get this information into your community.
Thank you,
School Consultation Service Team
_____________________
Maggie Gorraiz, Ph.D.
she/her/hers
Program Director, School Consultation Service
Instructor, Harvard Medical School
Mass General Brigham - McLean
799 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
T 617-674-5331
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/treatment/scs