By Tara Cavanaugh
An anonymous survey was conducted in January 2012 to learn what teachers, media specialists and principals think of the current technology available in the district.
AAPS educators talk technology
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All district computers out of warranty
As of the end of February, all AAPS computers are out of warranty. This means the district is facing rising repair costs and shrinking inventory, said John VanRiper, director of information technology.
Redefining fundraising: PTO Thrift Shop profits create cash for AAPS
The PTO Thrift Shop began as a small sale 18 years ago. The nonprofit now donates hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to the public schools. See slideshow below for more photos.
By Tara Cavanaugh
On the south side of town, tucked away on South Industrial Highway, rests a little thrift shop that is nearly a million-dollar enterprise.
Blink and you’ll miss it. The shop looks like the several other small secondhand stores on “Resale Row,” with a small storefront, a warehouse and two dozen parking spaces.
The PTO Thrift Shop exists solely to benefit the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Since its small start 18 years ago, it’s found homes in several buildings, survived a fire and IRS threats, and most recently has been overwhelmed by a surge in profits.
The little nonprofit shop is a real enterprise now. And it’s giving away its money as fast as it can.
Don’t miss the Technology Bond kick-off Wednesday
AAPS kicks off its 2012 Technology Bond campaign 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29 at the Huron High School cafeteria.
State School Board member visits Slauson Middle School for NAAPID
Daniel Varner, a State School Board member, shakes hands with a Slauson parent after discussing the achievement gap on National African American Parent Involvement Day Feb. 13.
By Tara Cavanaugh
Daniel Varner, a member of the State School Board and executive director of Excellent Schools Detroit, visited Slauson Middle School for National African American Parent Involvement Day Feb. 13.
Pioneer students earn medals at Special Olympics (with photo slideshow)
A lack of snow didn't stop the Pioneer special education students from competing–and winning–at the Special Olympics Winter Games. Photo by Meaghan Glanville.
Eight Pioneer special education students took home medals after attending the Michigan Special Olympics Winter Games in Traverse City last week.
Skyline Quiz Bowl finishes strong at MSU tournament
On Saturday, Jan. 21, the Skyline Quiz Bowl Team traveled to East Lansing to compete in the annual Rube Goldberg Tournament at Michigan State University.
District hopes to expand wireless access
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
Wireless internet may appear to magically produce websites and media through thin air, but like any magic trick, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. AAPS wants to improve its wireless access in schools, but it faces plenty of behind-the-scenes work first.
Students think big at Forysthe Science Fair (with photo slideshow)
A life-size blue whale at the Forsythe Science Fair was just one of many natural wonders to discover.
–By Tara Cavanaugh
Forsythe Middle School science teacher Dan Ezekiel isn’t sure if the school’s annual science fair really is the biggest one in the state, but he calls it that anyway: “No one’s corrected us yet!” With more than 400 student participants and 300 projects on display Feb. 11-12, there was opportunity for all students to explore science in their own way.
Spanish-speaking students learn English with help of in-class translators
- Spanish Language Internship Program tutor Victora Reackhoff translates for seventh grader Brian in his science class at Slauson Middle School. SLIP tutors are University of Michigan students who provide in-class translation for AAPS students who are learning English.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
The Spanish Language Internship Program at the University of Michigan provides student translators in many local organizations, such as health clinics, Head Start, and now the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
In a new partnership between AAPS Partners for Excellence and SLIP, U-M students provide in-class translation for some elementary and middle school students who are learning English.
Kindergarten round-ups happening now
This year’s kindergarten round-ups are more kid-centered, teaching parents and future students about the kindergarten experience.
Making math fun: Volunteer tutors help students build confidence, strategizing skills at Abbot Elementary
Volunteer Kurt Krogsrud from Comerica plays a math strategizing game with two Abbot Elementary students Feb 2.
By Tara Cavanaugh
Sometimes, a little extra attention can go a long way.
In a 6-week pilot program, volunteers from Comerica Bank and Google have been playing math games with fourth and fifth grade students at Abbot Elementary for one hour every Thursday during lunch. The program, which was coordinated by AAPS Partners for Excellence, provides extra help for students who participate in Title 1 programming.
Win this car at a Huron High School raffle
U.S. Navy Band to perform at Pioneer High School in March
Be sure to get your free tickets to the U.S. Navy Band performance at Pioneer High School March 10. Photo provided by the U.S. Navy Band.
Pioneer High School is honored to host a performance of the U.S. Navy Bands on March 10.
Huron High School student raises money for earthquake victims in Japan
Andy Hsiao, on the far right, designed and sold t-shirts to bring awareness for the victims of last year's earthquake in Japan.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
Huron High School student Andy Hsaio has family in Japan, so when last year’s 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck, he was spurred to action.
Pioneer special education students participate in Special Olympics Winter Games
Pioneer Special Education students, joined by their general education peers, stretch after practicing for the Special Olympics. The students are competing in the snowshoe events at the Winter Games in Traverse City Feb. 7-10.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
Next week, nine Pioneer High School students are going on the trip of a lifetime: they’re competing in the Olympics.
Learn how to write successful grants
If you’re an AAPS staff member, be sure not to miss the new grants website and blog. Created by Grants Coordinator Chris Barry, the site offers resources for crafting and getting the grants you need.
Old computers lead to workarounds, wait time during reading intervention
The old eMac computers don't have the hardware to support the software updates for READ 180, a reading intervention program used in grades 3-12.
Editor’s Note: On May 8 voters in the Ann Arbor Public Schools will be asked to consider a bond issue to replace aging district technology and provide technology to support 21st century learning. The program addresses equipment and infrastructure components for the next 10 years by financing the equipment through three separate series of bonds.
Welcome to the new AAPS News!
You may have noticed some changes at the AAPS district news site. There’s a new design, a front page that changes daily, a “Latest News” page full of recent stories, and a page dedicated to information about the tech bond.
We’re giving away a $50 gift card to Nicola’s Books!
We’re happy to offer a $50 gift card from Nicola’s Books, one of our sponsors. Just be one of the first 100 people to “like” AAPS on Facebook or to follow AAPS on Twitter.
The winner will be announced next week.
Extra library books find new home at AAPS
Annette Ferguson, AAPS business partnerships coordinator, helps load more than 300 books from the Ann Arbor District Library to a loading dock at Balas Jan. 25. The extra AADL books are being distributed to AAPS teachers for their classroom libraries.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
A few times a year, libraries clean out their inventories and get rid of excess books. But those books aren’t just tossed into the trash. Instead, materials at the Ann Arbor District Library are finding a new home in the Ann Arbor Public Schools through a book sharing partnership.
Dodgeball tournament raises money for rowing teams
The dodgeball tournament is a creative fundraiser for Skyline's rowing team. For more photos, see slideshow below.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
If the second annual dodgeball tournament could be summed in one word, it would have to be this: Duck!
Dance Body performance showcases student creativity
Dancers Alandra Meade and Sofie Sylvester practice their duet. Dance Body students rehearsed at Forysthe Middle School auditorium this week in preparation for tonight's performance.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
Tonight’s Dance Body performance will feature pop music, smooth moves and the work ethic of a thriving dance company.
Skyline DECA students win big at conference
Skyline's DECA Chapter attended a competition on Jan. 12 at Eastern Michigan University. Photo provided by DECA Advisor Diane Fine.
The Skyline High School DECA chapter took home a slew of awards after attending the DECA District Career and Development Conference/Competition on Jan. 12 at Eastern Michigan University.
Skyline hosts first annual A Cappella-palooza (with audio slideshow)
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
More than 200 high school students sang at an “A Cappella-palooza,” held at Skyline High School on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The students were part of 14 a cappella groups from the three high schools.
Two Skyline students win outstanding achievement award
The Breakfast Optimist Club of Ann Arbor gave two Skyline High School juniors, Olivia Thorp and Sarath Anand, the Harold Eastman Outstanding Youth Award last month.
Thurston fifth graders donate homemade pillowcases to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
Mrs. Sheryl Pokela's fifth grade class at Thurston Elementary donated 50 homemade pillowcases to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital last month before the holiday break.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
Sometimes, making a difference is as easy as making a pillowcase.
That’s what Mrs. Sheryl Pokela’s class of fifth graders at Thurston Elementary learned last month. For a class project, the students sewed kid-friendly pillowcases that they donated to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital just before the start of the holiday break.
Forget losing weight—instead, get healthy
Pete Thomas before and after his weight loss. Thomas was a contestant on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" and he won a $100,000 prize for losing the most weight at home after being voted off the show.
By Tara Cavanaugh, AAPS News Service
Pete Thomas knows a few things about losing weight.
Thomas won $100,000 after being a contestant in the 2005 season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” a reality show dedicated to weight loss. He not only lost 185 pounds, but he has kept them off for seven years.
At a Jan. 12 Community Education and Recreation health fair at Forsythe Middle School, Thomas promoted his fitness classes and shared some of his tried-and-true tips for a healthy lifestyle.