Elementary News

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[ May 22, 2026 ] Pathways to Success seniors celebrated with heartfelt sendoff Features
[ May 22, 2026 ] Pioneer High School community sends off seniors with festive clap-out Features
[ May 22, 2026 ] Skyline High School staff & students honor the Class of 2026 with annual clap-out High School News
[ May 22, 2026 ] Huron celebrates graduating seniors with clapout and picnic High School News
[ May 22, 2026 ] Community High School hosts a reflective and colorful celebration on the seniors’ last day of classes Features

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 […]

Community comes together to give Westerman preschoolers a first school-wide field trip

March 24, 2026 AAPS News Editor

For many of the children at Westerman Preschool and Family Center, this week marks something that hasn’t happened before: a field trip for everyone. Students are visiting We Rock the Spectrum, an Ann Arbor indoor […]

Christine Woodson, Mitchell Elementary second grade teacher

March 23, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Christine Woodson has spent more than three decades teaching in the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor area, bringing experience, consistency, and care to her second-grade classroom. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University and Marygrove College, she […]

Jean Kim, Dicken Elementary noon hour coordinator

March 16, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Jean Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to Lawrence, Kansas, when she was six months old while her father pursued his master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Kansas. Growing up in […]

Donna Kolokithas, Allen Elementary Resource Room Teacher

March 3, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Donna Kolokithas grew up in Allen Park, where she developed a strong connection to education and community. She attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a focus in […]