Elementary News

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[ June 12, 2026 ] AAPS thanks 2026 retirees at red carpet reception Latest news
[ June 10, 2026 ] Students cheer on ceremonial beam raising at new Thruston Elementary News
[ June 9, 2026 ] Video: Lawton Elementary claps out retirees and fifth graders on last day of school Elementary News
[ June 9, 2026 ] Jessica Rodriguez, Wines Elementary third grade teacher "Exceptional" profiles
[ June 8, 2026 ] Huron Class of 2026 bids farewell in a ceremony marked by music, memories and milestones Latest news

Thurston Principal Cory McElmeel, district leadership, Board of Education trustees and construction workers at the ceremonial beam raising.

Students cheer on ceremonial beam raising at new Thruston

June 10, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Last week, before the end of the school year, Thurston Elementary students and staff had the opportunity to leave their mark on their new school by signing a beam and then watching it being put […]

Video: Lawton Elementary claps out retirees and fifth graders on last day of school

June 9, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Today marks the final day of the 2025–26 school year, and at Lawton Elementary, the community came together for a special clap-out honoring two groups embarking on exciting new chapters. Retirees and fifth graders were […]

Jessica Rodriguez, Wines Elementary third grade teacher

June 9, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Jessica Rodriguez is a lifelong Ann Arbor resident and a “townie” from the Old West Side. Rodriguez attended Bach Elementary, then Mack (now Ann Arbor Open), Slauson Middle School, and Pioneer High School, where she […]

Lemisse Abdelbaqui, Carpenter Elementary 2nd grade teacher

May 27, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Lemisse Abdelbaqui grew up in Canton with her parents and three brothers. She attended Eastern Michigan University, where she studied Elementary Education and graduated in 2023. This is her second year teaching at Carpenter. Principal […]

Julianne Cooper, Bryant Elementary first grade teacher

May 20, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Bryant second grade teacher Julianne Cooper was born and raised in the small downriver community of River Rouge. She has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 17 years, and they live in Pinckney with […]

Hookki Chance, Lakewood Elementary first grade teacher

April 30, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Hookki Chance was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and moved to Michigan at just 18 months old. She grew up in Jackson alongside her parents and four sisters. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics […]

Still shot from a video honoring educators, with eh words "Because of you we all shine" written in chalk on a sidewalk

Video: Bryant/Pattengill PTO volunteers host a ‘Chalk the Walk’ to honor educators

April 27, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Some amazing Bryant/Pattengill PTO volunteers hosted a “Chalk the Walk” event yesterday, filling the sidewalks with messages of appreciation for our educators. The goal was for staff to arrive this morning to a colorful surprise. […]

Christy Landefeld, Logan Elementary Office Professional

April 22, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Editor’s Note: Administrative Professionals Day 2026 is today, April 22, and recognizes the vital contributions of administrative assistants, secretaries, receptionists, and other support staff. We honor this vital work throughout the district today and every day. […]

After the storm, a swift cleanup restores Bach playground—even as “Todd the Turtle” and huge maple tree are lost

April 20, 2026 AAPS News Editor

On the Bach Elementary playground, where a beloved turtle-shaped play structure once stood, there is now an empty space and a growing tribute. In the wake of Tuesday night’s storm, confirmed by the National Weather […]

In honor of National Reading Month, Allen Elementary holds its annual vocabulary parade

March 26, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Allen Elementary’s annual Vocabulary Parade in celebration of March’s National Reading Month was a huge success! Students and staff showed off their creativity by dressing up as all kinds of words. Even a class turtle […]