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Happy Friday! It's nice to see the sun again, isn't it? We've had an extraordinarily high volume of calls and emails coming to the office this week--thanks to everyone for your patience. We also welcomed 8 new members this week--we are inching close to the 1700-member mark!
My weekly reminder about contacting HR with issues--I know sometimes the advice on Facebook it to call/email a specific person (and cc everyone). What happens is then EVERYONE does just that, and one person becomes overwhelmed. Please use the hr.support@apsva.us email to generate a 'ticket'. You will then be assigned a contact person.
No newsletter next week. Have a great weekend!
Congratulations to member Geraldine Maskelony on receiving a Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award!
Professional Development
Did you know that AEA members have access to FREE professional development via the VEA website? Please take a look at the course offerings.
Upcoming Events
Union Power Happy Hours are returning!
Take Action
Dual Enrollment Teachers--Please Read:
Dear AEA Sisters and Brothers who teach DE classes,
We DE teachers face expectations and pressures that are not currently included in our contract agreement.
We are:
1. Expected to complete required professional development and online training for both APS and NVCC.
2. Expected to comply with academic and grading policies for both NVCC and APS, even when these policies are in contradiction (being told that we "might have to keep two gradebooks").
We also have other special needs and concerns as DE teachers that are not currently being addressed.
Since it is the place where we as workers come together for collective action, I believe our union is the best place for AEA DE teachers to begin talking about this and developing a collective set of demands for how our concerns should be addressed.
If you are an AEA DE teacher who shares my concern and would like to be part of the conversation, I would like to set up a mailing list for this purpose to begin the process.
In solidarity,
Jeff Elkner
Please email Jeff if interested: jeff.elkner@gmail.com
Support Staff Check-in
Save the date: Tuesday, October 15 from 6:30-7:30
Please join me for a check-in Zoom! We had a few in person and a few virtual check-ins last year, and now that we are back into the swing of things, the goal is to get these on the schedule once per month.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 857 6049 6965
Passcode: 107491
Support Staff Check-in
We are excited to share that Virginia Education Association (VEA) will host its annual Summit on Educators of Color on February 21-22, 2025. The location will be Richmond, Virginia. This year’s theme is Intent vs. Impact: C.A.R.E. – Communication, Advocacy, Respect/Dignity, and Excellence.
The annual VEA Summit on Educators of Color aims to foster a collaborative and supportive environment that empowers educators, administrators, students, parents, and community members to work together in pursuit of racial and social justice in our schools. By focusing on impactful communication, advocacy, and the creation of culturally affirming schools, the summit aims to cultivate care within educational communities. We prioritize educator wellness and mental health, recognizing the importance of supporting those who shape our students' futures. With a lens focused on racial and social justice, we seek to inspire excellence by examining policies and practices that can enhance our schools while highlighting areas that require improvement to ensure equity for all. We strive for an educational landscape rooted in respect, understanding, and collective action.
Call for Proposals:
We invite you to showcase your knowledge and experience as a presenter/facilitator at the Virginia Education Association's Annual Summit on Educators of Color, a transformative event focused on advancing racial and social justice through the lens of C.A.R.E. – Communication, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
This summit is dedicated to elevating the voices, experiences, and leadership of educators of color as they work with co-conspirators to create more inclusive and equitable schools. Your proposal can help shape this powerful dialogue, offering insights and strategies that empower educators of color to advocate for justice, foster culturally affirming environments, and inspire excellence in education for all.
Communication: Facilitate open, honest, and impactful dialogue that bridges gaps and fosters understanding among educators, students, and communities.
Advocacy: Champion equity and justice by empowering educators of color and their allies to advocate for policies and practices that create inclusive, culturally affirming schools. We encourage white educators to participate as advocates and partners in this work, using their voices and influence to support racial and social justice for all students and communities.
Respect: Cultivate a culture of mutual respect and dignity where all stakeholders—administrators, educators, students, and parents—work together toward justice and collaboration.
Excellence: Strive for excellence by critically examining and improving school policies, ensuring all students and educators thrive within a racial and social justice framework.
Proposals should explore innovative approaches to fostering educator wellness, cultivating care in schools, and addressing policies and practices that can improve the educational experiences of students and educators alike. We welcome workshops, panels, and presentations that engage participants in meaningful dialogue and offer practical strategies for transforming school communities through collaboration and collective action.
We value your expertise and look forward to your contributions in shaping the future of education and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the pursuit of justice and excellence.
The Call for Proposals is specifically for the program on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Please use this link, 2025EOCProposals, to learn more about the categories we are requesting and to submit a proposal.
The deadline to submit your entry is Friday, October 25, 2024.
Upcoming APS Community Engagement Opportunities:
School Board Accepting Applications for Advisory Councils for the 2024-25 School Year
The School Board Advisory Councils and Committees provide input and feedback on APS instructional and support programs, facilities, and operations. We value input from parents and community members as part of the APS decision-making process. Click here to learn more.
APS is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). Visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage for information about our student honorees and a list of activities in the region.
Mon, Oct. 7 | Beyond APS: Career and College Fair 2024. Join over 140 representatives from colleges, universities, and trade schools. Exhibitors will be available to answer questions on admissions, academics, campus life, student population, and more. Local community and scholarship organizations will also be present.
6 - 8:00 pm Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd St. S 22204
Thu, Oct. 17 | School Board Meeting: Recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month Latino Student Leaders; Student Services Update on Chronic Absenteeism; Information on School Board FY 2026 Budget Direction and School Board Legislative Package
7:00 pm Watch School Board meeting online, on Comcast Ch. 70, Verizon Ch. 41 or at Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204
Fri, Oct. 18 | Monthly Youth Mental Health Training, for staff, families and the community. Participants learn how to recognize and respond to mental health needs or help a young person who is experiencing distress. Learn more and register.
Additional events online at: Community Engagement Opportunities
Interested in becoming a rep or serving on a committee? The following committees could use members: Membership Committee, NoVa Council, APS Health and Wellness (3 Support Staff needed).
The following schools need building reps: Campbell, Discovery, Glebe, HB Woodlawn, Integration Station, Long Branch, Montessori, Oakridge, Randolph, Science Focus, Taylor. If your site isn't listed, please check with your rep to see if there are open positions.
Arlington Community Events:
Hispanic Heritage Month events at the Smithsonian Institution and Latin Dance Lessons at Arlington Libraries thru Oct.10.
Fri, Oct. 4 | Festival Latinoamericano, hosted by Arlington Parks & Recreation (rescheduled from Sept. 27) | 5 - 9:00 pm | Info & Registration
Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S Dinwiddie St, 22204
Sat. Oct. 26 | Freedom Fund Banquet: Passing the Baton: a celebration of youth, culture & community, hosted by the NAACP | 7 – 9:00 pm | Tickets required
George Mason University - Mason Square, 3351 Fairfax Dr. 22201
Arlington's VA250 events can be found on the Arlington Historical Society home page.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments link for more information on locations and scheduling.
Note: APS Community Engagement Opportunities can be found online with translations into: Español Монгол አማርኛ العربية (Other languages)
Provide Comment on Draft Policy
Review and comment on draft APS policies that are available for public comment on the APS Engage website.
Comments for the following draft APS policies can be provided by October 16:
Public Comment at School Board Meetings
Public Comment on Agenda and Non-Agenda items will be limited to 1 hour. At each meeting, the Board will hear from a maximum of 30 speakers, and each speaker will have up to 2 minutes to comment. There will be 20 slots reserved for speakers to sign up online in advance. Speakers will have the option to speak in person or use the call-in service.
There will be 10 slots reserved for speakers to sign up in person between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. (No speaker forms will be accepted before or after these times). Sign-ups on someone else's behalf are not permitted.
Additional information will be posted at https://www.apsva.us/school-board-meetings/sign-up-to-speak/
Speaker Sign-Up for Public Comment: October 17 School Board Meeting
The speaker request form for the October 17 School Board meeting will be available on the website from October 11 through October 16, closing at 4 p.m. This form must be completed by anyone wishing to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Be sure to submit your request before the deadline to secure your spot.
Register to VOTE
News from AEA-PAC
Have you registered to vote yet?
Please be sure to check your status or register here:
The AEA-PAC (Political Action Committee) has endorsed Kathleen Clark and Zuraya Tapia-Hadley for School Board, and JD Spain for County Board. We hope to see you at one of the events supporting our candidates!
PAC Donations--Did you know that PAC is funded 100% by donations and not member dues? Did you know that anyone can contribute to PAC to ensure that we help elect educator friendly politicians?
Donate by writing a check to AEA-PAC (you can send this to the AEA office via inter office mail), or Scan the QR code below:
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