SISS – AAPS District News

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[ October 2, 2026 ] A minute in the room: Abbot School Librarian Christina Nielsen welcomes an enthusiastic group of third graders A minute in the room
[ October 1, 2026 ] Dicken community celebrates topping off of new school Elementary News
[ September 30, 2026 ] Marietta “Nurse Rita” Brooks-Hayward, Carpenter Elementary School Nurse "Exceptional" profiles
[ September 29, 2026 ] A minute in the room: Quran Jackson teaches the new 4th/5th class at Carpenter Elementary A minute in the room
[ September 28, 2026 ] AAPS singers from three high schools accepted to the MSVMA Musical Theatre Intensive High School News

Skyline High School hosts hands-on carnival for students with special needs

September 18, 2026 AAPS News Editor

T.Wall Foundation sponsors second annual community-building event The Skyline High School gym was filled with laughter, encouragement, and lots of applause Thursday as the school hosted its second annual T. Wall Carnival, welcoming students with special […]

Staff and student share a laugh during AAPS' ESY program on July 8, 2026

Extended School Year (ESY) Program helps students in special education retain skills over the summer

July 9, 2026 AAPS News Editor

This summer, Abbot Elementary is the setting for AAPS’ Office of Special Education’s Extended School Year (ESY) program, serving 73 students from preschool through 12th grade. ESYis reserved for students with Individualized Education Programs who […]

Skyline High School’s first Buddy Event brings students together for morning of fun

October 3, 2025 AAPS News Editor

Special education students joined Skyline peers for the inaugural T.Wall Buddy event, fostering connections through games and activities Photos and video by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News EditorWhat an amazing day! At the Oct. 2 inaugural […]

AAPS Office of Special Education team, and filmmaker Lara Stolman wearing Inclusion Matters shirts.

Office of Special Education hosts screening of inspirational film about swim team made up of students with autism

April 18, 2023 AAPS News Editor

Some Ann Arbor Public Schools families and staff members shared laughs and a few tears last week watching the movie Swim Team at Pioneer High School. The AAPS Office of Special Education hosted the screening […]

Days before he competes in Tokyo, Paralympian John Kusku inspires students in the SISS summer program

July 23, 2021 AAPS News Editor

By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor Silver medalist John Kusku, a blind Paralympian and member of the USA Men’s Goalball Team, is on his way to Tokyo soon. But first, he wanted to stop in at […]

At Wines Elementary, inclusion is `just who we are’

March 29, 2018 AAPS News Editor

Story and photos by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor Inclusion is so built into the culture at Wines Elementary, it’s hard to spot it when you see it. People sometimes think of inclusion as something […]

Visually impaired students fully engage in activities; enhance classroom culture

November 29, 2016 AAPS News Editor

Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a story on how one AAPS elementary school welcomes and helps two visually impaired students succeed in their kindergarten and second grade classrooms. Story, photos and video by […]

‘The sky’s the limit.’ Visually impaired students thriving; tech savvy

November 28, 2016 AAPS News Editor

Story, photos and video by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Inclusion, diversity, hard work, and compassion are among the values celebrated at Bryant Elementary. In fact, the school was named for custodian Clifford E. Bryant, who […]

Students must be surrounded by adults who believe they can succeed, specialist tells educators

August 19, 2016 AAPS News Editor

By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Educational trainer Charlie Appelstein didn’t compare notes with AAPS Superintendent Jeanice Swift before he spoke to staff Thursday at a day-long conference Thursday. But the two are clearly on the […]