Elementary News

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[ February 6, 2026 ] Young chefs enjoy new Rec & Ed cooking class just in time for the Super Bowl Features
[ February 2, 2026 ] During National School Counseling Week, AAPS honors School Counselors as the unsung orchestrators of student success Features
[ February 2, 2026 ] Freda Shatara, Abbot Elementary first grade teacher "Exceptional" profiles
[ January 29, 2026 ] Pioneer sophomore Natasza Dudek—the fastest female high school runner in the country—adds yet another honor to an incredible record Features
[ January 28, 2026 ] Three AAPS students shine at 2026 Young Composers of Michigan Premier Concert Elementary News

Freda Shatara, Abbot Elementary first grade teacher

February 2, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Freda Shatara grew up in a home in Livonia where learning was always encouraged and celebrated. Reading played a central role in her childhood—her mother read to her daily, and before long, she was eagerly […]

Three AAPS students shine at 2026 Young Composers of Michigan Premier Concert

January 28, 2026 AAPS News Editor

The recognition of Amyra, Kai, and Lucas at the state level shows what students can accomplish given the tools, time, and trust to create, says music teacher John Churchville Three AAPS students recently had their […]

Sarah George, Eberwhite Elementary art teacher

January 26, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Eberwhite Elementary art teacher Sarah George grew up in Brighton and now lives in Howell. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Visual Arts Education and a minor in Spanish Education, she […]

Abbot Elementary holds annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Assembly

January 17, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Video by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News We’re so proud of our Abbot second graders for their performances at this morning’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly, singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Man in […]

Melissa Stone, Exceptional Secretary to the Principal, Dicken Elementary

January 5, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Melissa Stone was born on an Air Force base on Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal, but does not remember her life there, as she grew up in Marietta, Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Information […]

We asked Bach and Angell elementary students: What are your hopes, dreams or goals for 2026?

January 5, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Video by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News We asked students at Angell and Bach what they’re hoping for in 2026, and their answers ranged from global issues to personal challenges such as improving math skills. Whatever […]

Kalli Nowitzke, A2 STEAM Resource Room Teacher

December 17, 2025 AAPS News Editor

Kalli Nowitzke was born in Ann Arbor and grew up and attended school in Dexter, where she still lives. She earned her teaching degree in Special Education (Intellectual Disabilities) from Eastern Michigan University and a […]

Executive Director Elementary Education Melita Alston, Superintendent Jazz Parks, Angell Principal Meg Fenech and Mayor Chris Taylor at the Blue Ribbon Celebration.

Video: Angell Elementary celebrates Blue Ribbon designation

December 15, 2025 AAPS News Editor

This fall, Angell Elementary was one of 13 public schools that the Michigan Department of Education named Blue Ribbon Schools. On Friday, December 12th Angell students, staff and families celebrated the recognition.

Building dreams from cardboard: Grant brings safe cutting tools to AAPS elementary schools

December 9, 2025 AAPS News Editor

The ChompSaws have opened a world where cardboard becomes a medium for creative problem-solving. When Katie Kipp Dohm saw an opportunity to enhance hands-on learning across Ann Arbor’s elementary schools, she knew exactly what her […]

Mitchell Elementary community holds ‘Topping Out’ ceremony as construction of new building continues

December 3, 2025 AAPS News Editor

The tradition honors the hard work of the construction team, signifies progress, and is believed to bring good luck to the building’s future occupants. The AAPS Capital Program celebrated a milestone on Tuesday as the […]