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November 7, 2025

    Happy Friday, and happy November!  November is Native American Heritage month.

    Congratulations to Governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger! No matter where you fall politically, this is a historic time for Virginia as we've elected our first female Governor!  

    If you are interested in politics, and would like to become more involved, we have a Political Action Committee (AEA-PAC) that supports education-friendly candidates*.  If you'd like to attend our annual Lobby Day in Richmond on February 16, look for more information on your AEA bulletin boards, speak to your building representative, or watch this space for more details to come. *All monetary donations to candidates come via member donations, not dues.

    There are a lot of opportunities and events coming up this month. Please see the calendar below, along with fliers and action items.  

    There have been some questions about lactation support--Article 7K is below:


    We have also had a lot of calls about employee-to-employee conflict. Complaints against another employee should be directed to APS Employee Relations. APS will conduct an investigation.  If there is disciplinary action against a member as a result of a complaint, AEA will assist.  HR - Employee Relations - Home

    Thanks in advance to all of our Veterans.

    APS to Offer Free Hot Evening Meals for Families

    APS will launch a temporary meal program to support students and families affected by the federal government shutdown.

    • Starting Thu, Nov. 6, 2025, APS families are invited to enjoy a free hot meal together at either Yorktown, Washington-Liberty or Wakefield High Schools from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    • Please enter the following doors at each school for this program:

      • Yorktown: Door 1 (near cafeteria, right off the bus loop)

      • Washington-Liberty: Door 1

      • Wakefield: Door A2

    • Meals will be served and enjoyed in each school cafeteria. We ask families to eat on site so we can serve as many households as possible.

    • APS will serve 250 meals per day at each location on a first-come, first-served basis. APS students and their families are welcome. We will not turn away families who need support.

    • Please note, there will be no meal served on Veterans Day, Tue, Nov. 11.

    • We ask that you complete this brief optional form. Your input will help us plan responsibly and meet the needs of our community. The form does not collect identifying information and is not required to attend.

    We are grateful to our Food Services team, custodial staff, security teams, school-based and central office level staff and volunteers who are making this possible. Thank you for being part of our caring APS community.










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    Here are some ways you can take action.

    Upcoming APS Community Engagement Opportunities:

    Sat. Nov. 8    Youth Mental Health First Aid, [Spanish language session], designed for adults who regularly interact with adolescents (age 12-18), hosted by APS for staff, families and community members.9 am – 3 pm      Register prior. Wakefield High, 1325 S Dinwiddie St. 22206


    Thu, Nov. 13   School Board Meeting: Native American Heritage Month recognition; Strategic Plan Priority - Student Academic Growth and Success (Focus on Chronic Absenteeism); Action on the Proposed Revisions to the 2025-26 School Year Calendar and School Board Direction on the Superintendent’s Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); Information on the Revisions to School Policy E-5.1.2 School Start Times, J-5.3.32 Administrative Placements, and J-13 Physical Interventions; Middle and High School Programs of Studies; and Final Fiscal Close-Out Status Report and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Quarterly Report7:00 pm               Watch School Board meeting online, on Comcast Ch. 70, Verizon Ch. 41 or at Syphax Education Center, 2nd FL, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204

    Tue, Nov. 18   School Board Work Sessions on the Advisory Committee Working Group; Non-Traditional Secondary Program; Grace Hopper Center Programming; and High School Schedules. Agendas, background information, and minutes are posted, when available, on BoardDocs.


    9 am-2:45 pm  Watch Work Sessions Live  or at Syphax Education Center, School Board Room, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204

    School Board Accepting Applications for Advisory CouncilsThe School Board Advisory Councils and Committees provide valuable input on the APS decision-making process. Click here to learn more.

    Arlington Community Opportunities and Events:

    Nominate a Teacher of the Year by Nov. 14 - Deadline extended!Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. Complete the 2025-2026 entry form and brochure to nominate a teacher and mail to VFW Post 3150 by Nov. 14.

    Scholarship opportunity for Spanish students 12-18 years of age

    The 1st Carlos V Education Spanish Contest encourages language learners to submit their creative works, including short stories, short essays, posters, and podcasts. Winners attend a summer session in Spain, as well as a week of professional development for their teachers. Click here for details. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2026

    Sat. Nov. 1     Resource and Legal Fair, hosted by the Arlington Sister City Association San Miguel Committee

    10 am - 2 pm  Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin Springs Rd. 22204 (for questions contact plawash703@gmail.com)

    Thu, Nov. 6       Arlington Reads season finale hosts NYT bestselling authors Nicola and David Yoon as they discuss all things romance for people of color!

    6:30-8 pm     Online or in-person. Dorothy Hamm Middle School, 4100 Vacation Ln, 22207

    Thu, Nov. 20    Hiawatha in History, Legend and Poetry, a talk on a famous literary Native American hero! Hosted by Arlington Public Library

    6:30-7:30 pm  Registration recommended. Columbia Pike Library, 816 South Walter Reed Drive, 22204

    School Board Updates

    Public Comment at School Board Meetings

    Public comment for next school board meeting:

    The speaker request form for the November 13, 2025 School Board meeting will be available on the website at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 7, and will remain open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12. This form must be completed by anyone wishing to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.

    Public Comment at School Board Meetings

    Public Comment on Agenda and Non-Agenda items will be limited to an hour. At each meeting, the Board will hear from a maximum of 30 speakers, and each speaker will have up to 2 minutes to comment. Speakers may sign up online in advance, or in person at the School Board meeting if spots are still available. Speakers will have the option to speak in person or use the call-in service.

    If there are spots available, speakers may sign up in person with the Deputy Clerk or designee between 6:15 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. on the day of the meeting. These speakers will be added on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled.

    Additional information will be posted at https://www.apsva.us/school-board-meetings/sign-up-to-speak/

    Be sure to submit your request before the deadline to secure your spot.


    November Schedule of Board Meetings, Work Sessions, and Advisory Council and Committee Meetings

    https://www.apsva.us/post/november-schedule-of-board-meetings-work-sessions-and-advisory-council-and-committee-meetings-now-available/


    Preparing for the FY 2027–36 CIP

    The School Board is beginning work on the FY 2027–36 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The first step is for the Board to provide direction to the Superintendent on developing the proposed plan.

    Key Upcoming Dates:

    • November 13 – Action Item: School Board Direction on the Superintendent’s Proposed CIP


    Share Your Comments on Draft School Board Policies

    Review and comment on draft APS policies that are available for public comment on the APS Engage website. Comments can be provided by November 9 on the following draft policies:

    Comments can be provided by November 29 on the following draft policies:


    School Board Now Accepting Applications for School Board Advisory Councils for the 2025-26 School Year

    The School Board Advisory Councils and Committees provide the School Board and administrators input and feedback on the instructional and support programs, facilities, and operations of the Arlington Public Schools. The School Board values input from parents and members of the community as part of the APS decision-making process on operations, teaching and learning, and student support. The School Board is now accepting applications to serve as a School Board Advisory Council member. Click on the link to read more: https://www.apsva.us/citizen-advisory-groups/ or click here for an application.


    Please note that appointments will be for a one-year term only, in preparation for the new advisory committee structure that will take effect in 2026–27.


    NEWS FROM VEA

    To view this email as a web page, go here.

    VEA’s Vibe Check on November 19th!


    Come join the VEA Vibe Check, at our virtual meeting, from 7-8pm on November 19th as we discuss First Amendment Rights Are Your Rights! The VEA Vibe Check is sponsored by the Minority and Women's Concerns Committee and VEA's Department of Human and Civil Rights, which offers an opportunity for member educators to gather in a safe space to have a well-deserved break, allowing members to prioritize joy, wellness, gratitude, and solace in a supportive community.

    Click Here to Register for this Virtual MeetingSAVE THE DATE: Members of Color Alliance (MOCA) Holiday Party



    MOCA will be hosting a Holiday Party on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Save the date and stay tuned for more details!Award for Teaching Excellence is Now Open!



    The VEA Award for Teaching Excellence is the highest honor VEA gives for creativity and excellence in teaching, and advocacy for the profession. Just one winner will be chosen to win $750 and recognition at the VEA Delegate Assembly in April 2026. That person will also be Virginia’s nominee for the NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence. Deadline for submissions is January 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.Click Here for the Nomination FormApply For Three Fitz Turner Commission Awards



    We are fully in award season as applications are now open for the three awards given by the Fitz Turner Commission for Human Relations & Civil Rights (FTC). Each award includes a plaque, $500, and will be recognized at the 2026 VEA Delegate Assembly. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 16, 2026 by 4:30pm.



    The FTC commission is responsible for making recommendations to the VEA President and VEA Board of Directors to identify and address disparities in schools and communities, and develop programs, build awareness, engage the community, and take action to address injustices and to ensure equity for all students and educators.



    Click here to learn more about the Fitz Turner Commission.


    Submit your electronic nomination here.Do You Know Someone Who Plans To Pursue A Career In Education?



    The Beblon G. Parks Scholarship Fund, given in honor of Beblon G. Parks, a retired VEA UniServ Director, awards either two $1,000 scholarships to two high school seniors or one $2,000 scholarship to a single high school senior, who plans to pursue a career in the field of Education.


    The deadline to submit an application is Friday, January 16, 2026.Submit your electronic application hereAre you an NBCT and want to give back to others?



    As an NBCT-certified educator, you understand the rigor and rewards of the certification process. Your experience and guidance would be extremely helpful to other educators on their National Board journey. VEA is currently seeking members who are certified and are willing to share their experiences and expertise with those who are pursuing National Board Certification or working to maintain their existing certification. If you are interested, please share your information by clicking the button below.



    To learn more about National Board Certification, visit our website or go to www.nbpts.org.Share your Information HereSVEA SAVE THE DATE!



    SVEA-Aspiring Educators Convention will be held on April 11- 12, 2026, in Richmond, VA. Stay tuned for more information!




    SVEA’s Jessica Bailey Featured in NEA Today!



    Our very own, SVEA-AE member Jessica Bailey, was highlighted in an NEA Today article, “Why We Choose to Teach.” Jessica reflects on her experiences in school and reimagining schools where all students feel safe, valued and empowered.Read the Full Article Here

    NEA Resources And Updates

    • November 17-21 is NEA’s celebration of American Education Week, which includes Education Support Professionals Day on November 19thth! Use NEA’s Hot Resources and ESP Day toolkit to plan an Educator Day event and view 2025 AEW message guide, templates, social media graphics, and more!

    • Immigration Training Series: Topic: Using the Power of the Union to Stand for Immigrant Student Rights. Wednesday, November 19. 6:00–7:00pm Register Here


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