“Exceptional” profiles

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[ May 7, 2026 ] AAPS 2025 Graduation Annual Report presented to Board of Education Academics
[ May 6, 2026 ] Huron and Skyline seniors advance to RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals High School News
[ May 6, 2026 ] Sharon Jakob, School Nurse at Forsythe Middle School "Exceptional" profiles
[ May 4, 2026 ] Video: AAPS students tell why their teachers mean so much to them Latest news
[ May 4, 2026 ] AAPS students shine on the national stage Academics

Ellen McGee, Thurston fifth grade teacher

February 19, 2025 AAPS News Editor

Ellen O’Malley McGee is a proud product of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She attended Burns Park Elementary, Slauson Middle School and Pioneer. After graduating, McGee went to Washtenaw Community College and earned a degree […]

Kristal VerLee, Lawton Elementary fourth grade teacher

February 7, 2025 AAPS News Editor

Kristal VerLee was born in Flint, where she was educated through through fifth grade. Her family then moved to Grand Blanc, where she completed her middle and high school education. After high school, VerLee attended […]

Jewel Walters, Thurston kindergarten teacher

January 27, 2025 AAPS News Editor

Thurston Elementary kindergarten teacher Jewel Walters was born in Toledo, Ohio. She and her sisters, Peaches and Angel, were raised by her father, who worked at the Ford Stamping Plant, and her mother, who was employed […]

Two minutes at: Tappan Middle School

January 15, 2025 AAPS News Editor

This video is one in a series of videos offering a quick glimpse into one of AAPS’ 32 schools. At AAPS, our vision is “Every child, every day.” Everyone fully sees, values, and celebrates each child […]

Jay Howe, Tappan Middle School art teacher

January 13, 2025 AAPS News Editor

James “Jay” Howe grew up in Ann Arbor, where he attended Ann Arbor Public Schools—Allen, Burns Park, Tappan, and Huron. After graduating from Huron High School in 1995, he went on to study at the […]

Craig Beery, AAPS music teacher

January 7, 2025 AAPS News Editor

Craig Beery teaches music at Tappan Middle School, and Angell, Pattengill, and Lakewood elementary schools. Beery grew up in the small Michigan town of Chesaning in Saginaw County, where he was a student in the […]

Two minutes at: Angell Elementary

December 14, 2024 AAPS News Editor

Take a peek at Angell Elementary in our latest two-minute video capturing some of the energy that makes this downtown neighborhood school so special. A huge shoutout to the staff, students, and families who form […]

Caroline Semrau, A2 STEAM first grade teacher

December 5, 2024 AAPS News Editor

A2 STEAM first grade teacher Caroline Semrau was born in Manila, Philippines, the youngest of six children. When she was two years old, her family immigrated to the United States and eventually settled outside of […]

Bridget Zeuty, Logan Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher

November 26, 2024 AAPS News Editor

Bridget Zeuty was born and raised in Lansing with her parents and two younger sisters. She wanted to be a teacher from the time she was little and spent hours playing and teaching her sisters […]

Heather Bertelson, A2 STEAM 4th grade teacher

November 20, 2024 AAPS News Editor

Heather Bertelson grew up in Battle Creek. She attended Springfield Elementary and Middle School, Battle Creek Central High School, and eventually earned her teaching degree from the University of Michigan and her Master’s in Reading from Western Michigan University. Bertelson […]