2009-10 News & Events

Registration for AAPS Adult Education GED Summer Program has been Extended!

6/3/2010

AAPS Adult Education’s Summer GED Preparation has started, but it is not too late to register for this ten-week, free program.  If you are 18 or older and want your GED, come to either the morning (Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.) or evening (Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) class.  Both are at Stone School in Room 314.  You do not need to call in advance: just arrive on time, attend class and plan to stay and enroll afterwards.  Classes started the week of June 1st and the deadline for new students to register is Thursday, June 10.  Registration for the summer ends that morning. Registration for the fall semester will begin at the end of August.  Call 734-997-1250 with questions.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

5/18/2010

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR COUNTY OF WASHTENAW, MICHIGAN

ON THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010/11

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor, County of Washtenaw, Michigan, will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, the 26th day of May, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., at the Ann Arbor Public Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, to consider the approval and adoption of the operating budget of the Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor for the Fiscal Year 2010/11.

Copies of the proposed budget are on file with the Secretary of the Board of Education at the offices of the Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor, 2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan for inspection during regular business hours. At the public hearing, all citizens, taxpayers, and property owners in the Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard in regard to the approval of the proposed budget.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be the subject of this hearing.

This notice is given by order of the Board of Education of the Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor, County of Washtenaw, Michigan.

Secretary, Board of Education

Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor

County of Washtenaw, Michigan

Ann Arbor Pioneer High School Receives 6th GRAMMY Award

5/11/10

The GRAMMY Foundation® has announced the selection of The Ann Arbor Public Schools as a GRAMMY® Signature School. This is the 6th time Pioneer High School has received the honor to be named a GRAMMY® Signature School, one of 12 across the nation.

A GRAMMY® Signature School awarded by the GRAMMY® Foundation. This award recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic year. GRAMMY® Signature Schools is presented by the Gibson Foundation with support from the Ford Motor Company Fund.

Pioneer High Schools music program was named again in the “Gold Status” of this award. Pioneer will receive $5000 to benefit the music program.

Pioneer High School music department will receive the GRAMMY® Signature School Gold Award Concert on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 4p.m. in the Schreiber Auditorium at Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan. Performances by the PioneerSymphony Band and Orchestra, The Jazz Band, The A Cappella Choir and Soulfege, a student led A Cappella Choir. The GRAMMY® will be presented at this concert by GRAMMY® representative Howard Hertz, Bloomfield Hills attorney who specializes in entertainment law and is a member of the Detroit Recording Academy.

Recordings of school concerts, sample concert programs and repertoire are reviewed by an independent screening committee to determine the schools that merit GRAMMY® Signature School status.

The rundown of GRAMMY® awards for Ann Arbor Public Schools is impressive. Pioneer High Schools has received the GRAMMY® Signature School award in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 and in 2006 Pioneer was named the GRAMMY® Signature School Gold Award – the top music school in the nation.

Huron High School, another Ann Arbor Public School comprehensive high school, has received a GRAMMY® Signature School award in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools is very proud of the district-wide music and arts programs, which foster exceptional youth talent under dedicated staff leadership to produce these nationally renowned music programs.

All Ann Arbor Public School students study art and music in Kindergarten through 6th grade. The middle and high schools offer a wide range of elective classes from band, orchestra, Jazz Band, composition, with contemporary and classical music. The curriculum includes in class instruction on techniques, principals, methods and concepts as well as the performance area where students demonstrate their skills in individual, small group or large group performances. Ann Arbor Public School High School performing groups have traveled all over the world performing to a wide variety of audiences. Pioneer High School Symphony and Jazz Bands traveled to China during the 2010 spring break.

For more information about the Pioneer Music Program, please visit:
Symphony and Jazz Bands: http://www.aapioneerbands.org/
Orchestra: http://www.phsorchestra.com/
Choir: http://pioneer2.aaps.k12.mi.us/choir/

A 2010-11 Look at the Ann Arbor Public Schools Achievement Gap

4/14/10

College & Career Ready Review
'Connecting the Data and Refining Our Focus': A 2010-11 Look At the Ann Arbor Public Schools Achievement Gap

Read anything about education these days and you will find the phrase "college and career-ready".  It's the new public policy language of lawmakers and education reformers on both sides of the political aisle. Loosely, it means ensuring that students are prepared for college-level courses upon graduation, or for a job that can support a family. 

This national shift in focus, along with the Ann Arbor Public Schools long history as an excellent public schools system, requires us to continue to refine pathways to educational excellence for ALL students.

Join members of the community, school board members, the superintendent and staff members as we review and interpret the latest standardized test scores.  We will address the achievement gap that exists among our diverse student population, the need for regular review and ideas around immediate and long-term solutions.

AAPS Sponsors Free E-Waste Recycle Event

4/12/10

Ann Arbor Public Schools, along with the University of Michigan, is sponsoring free e-waste recycling events designed to help area residents, small businesses and non-profits recycle electronics in an earth-friendly way.

In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, this now yearly event originally started 4 years ago with Apple Computers, offers the community an environmentally safe way to dispose of e-waste.

The recycling days will be at Pioneer High School and the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. Times and dates are:

• General public: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 24, Pioneer High School. Enter from Main Street (at the corner of W. Stadium Blvd), Ann Arbor, MI.
• Local businesses and non-profit organizations: 9 a.m. -2 p.m., Thursday and Friday, April 22 and 23, Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner Road. Pre-registration at http://michigan.poweron.com/p/register is requested to ensure adequate staffing, but is not required.

E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the country and frequently contains hazardous materials like lead and mercury, which can adversely affect the environment. The free disposal event for everything from laptops to desktops to televisions and telephones keeps these electronics out of landfills and recaptures raw materials that can be reused to manufacture new items.

In 2009 21 semi-trailers were filled and kept 262 tons of hazardous e-waste out of local landfills.

All equipment is destroyed and recycled in an environmentally sound manner by a fully permitted recycling facility.

25th Annual College & Career Fair

4/1/10

You may have already had some discussions with your son or daughter about post-high school education and career opportunities. If you haven't, it's not too early to begin. To assist you in this task, the Ann Arbor Public Schools have scheduled their 25th Annual College & Career Fair at Pioneer High School on Wednesday, April 14, 2009 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. It is our goal to offer students the chance to explore both educational and career opportunities to plan for their future. Representatives from colleges all over the nation and businesses from the Ann Arbor area will be present to meet with you, answer your questions and provide you with pertinent literature. The colleges will have tables in the cafeteria, which is located near the clock-tower entrance to Pioneer High School, and the businesses will line the A-wing hallway outside of the cafeteria. This night will provide your family with up-to-date information and enable you to make a person-to-person contact with college and business representatives. We look forward to seeing you there.

College & Career Fair Committee

Forbes Cites AAPS as a Reason in Selecting Ann Arbor as Country's Top College Town

3/12/10

For the second year in a row, Forbes Magazine has selected Ann Arbor, MI, as the country's top college town.  Among the numerous reasons cited, including museums, restaurants and affordable housing compared to other college towns, the article also references Ann Arbor's "top-notch public school system."  To read the entire article, visit:
http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/05/college-sports-towns-lifestyle-sports-college-towns.html

Tuition Preschool Open Houses Announced

2/22/10

If your child will be 4 years old by December 1, 2010, we'd love to have you visit the Ann Arbor Public Schools' tuition pre-school Open House.  We offer this exceptional program at two locations.  Children benefit from a rich developmental curriculum, certified early childhood teachers, and support services that are uncommon in a traditional pre-school setting.  The program operates according to the school district calendar, with flexible scheduling options.  To learn more about this exemplary program, please visit one of our open houses:

Allen Pre-School Open House:  Thursday, March 4 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
2560 Towner Blvd. Ann Arbor,  MI 48104

Thurston Pre-School Open House:  Thursday, March 11 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
2300 Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

These open houses are an informal opportunity to meet the staff, explore the space and hear about the philosophy and program.  While the presentation is geared for adults, children are encouraged to attend with their parents.

Young Fives Application Deadline: March 19, 2010

2/22/10

Parents who want information about the Young Fives Kindergarten Program, located at Abbot Elementary, should contact the Abbot office at 994-1901.  To be eligible for the program, students must turn 5 years old between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 of 2010. Interested parents must have completed enrollment packets turned in to the Abbot office by March 19.  A lottery will occur after this date.  Following the lottery, parents will be notified if their child will be placed in the program.  After being notified, parents of students being placed have 24 hours to confirm that their child will attend.  Those children not placed by the lottery process will be on a waiting list and contacted as openings occur.  The Young Fives brochure can be found at http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/aaps.forparents/files/0910young5s.pdf

1/28/10

Showcases Academic, Artistic and Leadership Talent

February 8, 2010
5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
 
Ann Arbor Skyline High School
2552 North Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

PARENTS, TEACHERS, community!  Help us celebrate, encourage and inspire our children and students!

We invite you to display your students’ EXEMPLARY work & Accomplishments!

Art work • Technology • Academic work (Drawings, Paintings, Hand-made Creations, Research Papers, Compositions, Science, Math and Technology Projects, Designs, Models or Endeavors, Recognition, etc.) • School Involvement • Leadership • Community Service • Sports (photographs, clippings, articles, awards, recognition, etc.)

Displays (tabletop or floor) should be Creative, Attractively Arranged, and Free Standing; and include Student and/or Class Name, Grade Level, Teacher, School, and School District.  Transporting displays is the responsibility of the parent, school coordinator, or designee.

To reserve a space, or for assistance contact Sylvia Nesmith at nesy@comcast.net, (734) 358-6354 (C), or (734) 747-8543(Day), by Wednesday evening, February 03, 2010.  After reserving a space, please deliver works to the event location between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the day of the event.

Community Education & Recreation Office Moving to Pioneer High School; Closed Jan. 28-Feb. 1

1/27/10

Community Education & Recreation (Rec&Ed) will be moving to Pioneer High effective February 2, 2010.  The department will be located in the "E" Wing of the building, which is accessible off of S. Seventh St.  Visitors will use the new separate entrance near the tennis courts, which will be well marked with a large rooftop sign.  There will be a drop box available 24/7 by the entrance, for those dropping off registrations.  In preparation for the move, Rec&Ed will be closed beginning Thursday, January 28 and will re-open in the new facilities at Pioneer on Tuesday, February 2.

Ann Arbor Open School Open House

1/19/10

Ann Arbor Open will be hosting an open house for families interested in enrolling in grades K-8 for the 2010-2011 school year, this Sunday, January 24, from 2-4pm.  Open House is an informal opportunity to see the school and speak with current parents and staff about the program.  No registration is required, and you may come at any time during the two hour window. 

More info about Ann Arbor Open is available on the school website or by calling the office at 734-994-1910.

Adult Ed GED Registration Continues as Classes Start in February.....

Registration for AAPS Adult Education’s GED Preparation program continues every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 406 at Stone School.  The registration process includes assessment and takes two hours. Classes are free but you must be at least 18 years old to enroll. Classes start the first week in February and registration will continue through Feb. 10th.

For more information please call 734-997-1250.

Budget information sessions scheduled

Ann Arbor school officials will host information sessions in January, where proposed budget cuts will be discussed and suggestions from the public will be encouraged.

Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be at the following dates and locations:

• Thursday, Jan. 7 at Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Road.
• Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple Road.
• Thursday, Jan. 14 at Scarlett Middle School, 3300 Lorraine.
• Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd.

H1N1 Clinic at Pioneer High School for Priority Groups on November 14, 2009

11/9/09

Washtenaw County Public Health Department will provide H1N1 vaccinations at another mass clinic scheduled for Saturday, Nov 14 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. Pioneer High School is located at 601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor 48103. Saturday’s clinic is open to the wider set of priority groups defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The priorities now include all individuals from 6 months through 24 years of age and individuals 25 to 64 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

The priority groups for Saturday’s vaccination clinic, according to CDC guidelines are:

• Pregnant women
• Household and caregiver contacts of infants younger than 6 months
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel who provide direct patient care
• Children and young adults 6 months through 24 years of age
• Individuals 25 to 64 years old who have medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of influenza-related complications

Examples of underling medical conditions include: chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, cancer, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, cardiovascular disease and other conditions. Individuals within these priority groups should live, work or attend school in Washtenaw County. Specific documentation of underlying medical conditions is not necessary. Health care and emergency services personnel should bring their employment identification. Both H1N1 flu shots and the FluMist will be available on Saturday.

For more information, please visit the Washtenaw County Public Health Department Flu Updates web site.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteers are needed to assist with this clinic; two shifts will run from 7am-12pm and 11am-3pm.  Please contact Laurelle Brennan (brennan@aaps.k12.mi.us) if you are interested in helping!

H1N1 Clinics at AAPS High Schools Canceled; County-wide Clinic for High Priority Groups Announced

10/30/09

The H1N1 vaccination clinics have been canceled by the Washtenaw County Department of Public Health. The November 5th and 10th clinics scheduled for Huron and Pioneer will not be held.

A mass vaccination clinic for high priority groups is scheduled for Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Convocation Center on Thursday, Nov 5th from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

The Center is located at 799 North Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti MI 48197.

According to CDC guidelines, high priority groups eligible for H1N1 vaccine while supplies remain limited include:

• Pregnant women
• Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age
• Children from 6 months though 4 years of age
• Children and adolescents aged 5 through 18 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient care

Individuals within these priority groups should live, work or attend school in Washtenaw County. Specific documentation of underlying medical conditions is not necessary; health care and emergency services personnel should bring their employment identification.

You can find more information on our H1N1 Flu Information page.

Thank you.

MTVs MADE will be visiting Ann Arbor to interview AAPS high school students!

Wednesday, September 30th
Community High - Lunch Time in the Boneyard

Wednesday, September 30th
Huron High - Auditorium - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 1st
Pioneer High - E107 - 2:30 p.m.

AAPS high school students can interview at either Pioneer or Huron

This is MTV's MADE ninth season and they are looking for more kids with exciting GOALS!

You must fill out a questionnaire and have it signed by a parent or guardian. Questionnaires are available on the high school websites at your school office, or download now (54kb Word | 72kb PDF).

And who knows...Maybe you'll be the star of your very own SHOW!!!

I WANNA...

Ann Arbor Public Schools Adult Education is still registering students for GED Preparation

It is not too late to become a student in the Ann Arbor Public Schools GED Preparation Program.  If you are 18 or older, call the Adult Education Office today about starting classes. The number is 734-997-1250.

Registration for the English As A Second Language program begins January 4^th.  The ESL website is:    http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/ins.esl_stone/home

AAPS Again Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education in America

8/10/2009

For the fourth year in a row, the Ann Arbor Public Schools has been named as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in America by the NAMM Foundation.  From the NAMM web site: "The designated programs exemplify community commitment to include music education as part of a quality education for all children."

You can read the full press release on the NAMM web site.

Free Spanish Classes for 4th & 5th Grade Students

8/10/2009

	FREE Spanish Classes for 4th & 5th graders
	Free Spanish Language Classes for students entering the 4th and 5th grades through Fall 2009 Monday-Friday, August 24-28 1:00-2:00 PM Dicken Elementary School - Media Center Pre-registration is required ID#1407.800 Online at www.aareced.com Your 4th or 5th grade child has an exciting opportunity to learn Spanish! During the week of August 24th, we are offering FREE Spanish classes in the afternoons. Taught by students from the University of Michigan who are preparing to teach Spanish to 3rd graders this coming year in Ann Arbor Public Schools. These classes will be fun, interactive and designed for children for whome Spanish is a new subject, as well as those who already have experience with the language. The Spanish sessions will be 60 minutes in length. Dicken Elementary school is located at 2135 Runnymede, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. If you are interested in having your child participate, please enroll by August 14th.

Free Physicals for AAPS Middle School Students

8/4/2009

Free sports physicals will be hosted in September and October for AAPS middle school students planning to participate in sports:

• Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Slauson Middle School from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
• Thursday, September 10, 2009 at Scarlett Middle School from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
• Monday, October 26, 2009 at Clague Middle School from 6:30pm - 9:00pm

The student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Students that have current physicals (after May 1, 2009) do not need to attend the above physicals to participate in sports; a copy of their current physical can be faxed to their school.