1. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
All of our schools will be celebrating in a variety of ways over the four weeks – hosting school read-ins; cultural exploration through food, dance, literature and the arts; special family night celebrations, and our high schools recognize some of our young Hispanic school leaders. I hope everyone will take a look at the group featured on the APS website.
On October 3, the School Board will recognize these students for their successes in school and life and their leadership in school.
And then our culminating event for this month of celebration is Harvesting Dreams for Our Children on Friday, Oct. 12 from 6-9 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Rd.).

2. FY 2020 Budget
Budget development process is just beginning and will continue through the fall
Enrollment continues to grow
Official count takes place on September 30
Currently forecasting a budget gap of approximately $43M
Based on FY 2019 Adopted budget
Includes opening of 5 new schools/programs
Budget estimates will continue to be refined through the fall
Resources available:
Engage with APS!
Budget website: apsva.us/budget-finance
Citizen’s Guide to Understanding the Budget

3. Topics of Note SOL Scores Recess Implementation
Directory Info for PTAs
HVAC Issues
Oct. 10 Walk & Bike to School Day
Below are the high-level bullet points about the PTA Directory change. If you need more details, please let me know, but I think this covers the main aspects of it and how we informed families of the change.
The Code of Virginia changed earlier this year that affected the way schools share directory information with PTAs. Directory information, which includes a family’s address, phone number, and addresses, cannot be released without written consent.
Previously families had to opt-out if they did not want their information included in the PTA directory, but now they must now opt-in. If a family does not opt-in, their information is not able to be listed in the directory.
Families have to opt-in either by using the Release of Student Information Form that was in the First Day Packet or online through ParentVUE.
In an effort to have the information for as many families as possible included in the directory, PTAs are encouraged to work with the principal to ensure families opt-in by sending School Talk messages or reminding families during school events.
As a part of the Back-to-School tips shared with families before the start of school, we shared with families to select “yes” if they wanted their information to be included in the PTA directory.  
The school registrar will be able to provide the list of families that opt-in to the PTA representative for the directory.

4. Parent Information Session
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Parent Information Session
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September 27
7-8:30PM
Syphax Ed Center
Check
for full details!
Register Online OR
Call the Parent Resource Center (PRC)
Join us and be part of our community’s suicide prevention efforts. Together we will learn about the SOS Signs of Suicide program that will be implemented in our middle and high schools this year, and watch Training Trusted Adults – a companion video designed to engage staff, parents and community members in the program’s objectives and prevention efforts.
Participants will learn about protective factors that keep kids safe, and will have an opportunity to interact with panelists to learn more about school, community and county resources.

5. September is also School Attendance Awareness Month
The Virginia Department of Education is also emphasizing this month as Attendance Awareness Month.
We want to emphasize that every day counts and research show that the less students are absent, the more they succeed.
We know that there are times that illness or family emergencies arise, but we hope families will partner with us to encourage students to try to be in school every day.

6. Upcoming APS Events & Dates
Mon, Oct. 8 – Columbus Day: No School for Students
Tue, Oct. 9 – College & Career Fair W-L)
Wed, Oct. 10 – Walk & Bike to School Day & Early Release ALL Students
Fri, Oct. 12 – Harvesting Dreams for our Children Kenmore)
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Mon, Oct. 22 – Middle School Information Night W-L)
Thu/Fri, Oct. 25 & 26 – Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences
Fri, Oct. 26 – Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences
Mon, Oct. 29 – High School Information Night (7 W-L)

7. 2018-19 School Board Action Plan
For More Information