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Happy Friday, and happy 100th birthday to Barcroft Elementary School! ( Arlington’s oldest elementary school celebrates its 100th birthday this Friday | ARLnow.com). Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! I hope you will join me in celebrating a big milestone for our union--we are over 1700 members strong! What did you celebrate this week?
This week marks the last full week of summer--autumn begins next week, which likely means the return of HVAC issues. What should you do when the heat (or AC) isn't working? The first step is to contact your administrator and make sure they are aware. If they are, please ask them what the plan is for fixing the problem. They should be able to provide a detailed maintenance plan.
Please refer to Article 17 in the Licensed Agreement and Article 16 in the Support Staff Agreement. You may ask to be relocated in the building, if possible. We are happy to help problem solve, but please understand that this office cannot rearrange maintenance schedules, nor can we make needed parts arrive sooner.
*October 13 for Instructional Assistants: IAs are expected to work that day and will have professional learning options to choose from. We are awaiting clarification about whether or not one has to be in the building.
Our Office Manager Vi is still out and will likely be out next week as well. We thank all of you who have called or emailed the office for your patience. Please be sure someone is at the office prior to your visit.
Make a Plan to Vote!
Education is on the Ballot this November! |
Your vote has the power to shape the future of our schools and students. Are you ready to make your voice heard? Are you ready to Vote? Check out our Voter Guide to check your voter registration at TheVirginiaVoterGuide.com. Make sure you're registered and prepared to vote. Check out our comprehensive Voter Guide to get all the information you need, including how to check your registration status and what's on the ballot. General Election - Early Voting Friday, September 19, 2025 through 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025 General Election - Voter Registration Deadline October 24, 2025*Voters may register same-day and vote using a provisional ballot In-Person after October 24, 2025, through Election Day. General Election - Vote by Mail Ballot Request Deadline Friday, October 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m. General Election Day - November 4, 2025 |
State and National Caucus News
The NEA-LGBTQ+ Caucus is proud to launch Rainbow Pages! The Rainbow Pages! Book Boxes are a project of the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices and experiences are visible in classrooms, libraries, and communities. Each box is carefully curated with inclusive, affirming books that reflect diverse identities across sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and culture. These boxes do more than share stories—they create safe spaces, build empathy, and spark conversations. By placing them in schools and community spaces, we ensure that every student, educator, and family can access stories that affirm who they are and broaden understanding of others. 🌈 Together, we are making sure no one is erased, and every story is told. Hurry... 🗓️ Order by September 20 to receive your box in time for LGBTQ+ History Month! Let’s make our classrooms more welcoming—one page at a time. |
Upcoming eventsAPSSeptember Schedule of Board Meetings, Work Sessions, and Advisory Council and Committee Meetings |
Share Your Comments on Draft School Board PoliciesReview and comment on draft APS policies that are available for public comment on the APS Engage website. Comments can be provided by September 26 on the following draft policies:
Comments can be provided by October 15 on the following draft policies:
Engage with APS – Device Working Group: APS is launching a Device Working Group to review and provide feedback on the technology tools and devices that support student learning. We want to hear from our community about their experiences and recommendations for the future. This is part of our Engage with APS process to ensure that community voices shape important decisions. To learn more and share your input on this group and future initiatives, please visit Engage with APS. |
NoVA Labor
Saturday Sept 20th - Labor-to-labor canvass - 9 amCome to NoVA Labor to knock doors for our labor-endorsed candidates. To walk on other days, write post cards, or make phone calls, contact Amy Ayotte 516-316-0634 or Andrea Rodriguez 713-428-1013.4536 B John Marr Drive, Annandale, VASave the Dates:Sunday Sept 28th - Fairfax Dems Working Families Town Hall - 5 pm to 6:30 pmMason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VAThe event page with full details and RSVP link is here: FairfaxDemocrats.org/WorkingFamilies.Monday Sept. 29th - Alexandria Dems Labor Caucus - 7 pmMeeting for union members and friends of labor in Alexandria.In person at the Alexandria Democratic Committee office at 2101A Mt Vernon Avenue, AlexandriaTuesday Sept. 30 - NoVA Labor Book Club - 7:30 pmWe will discuss "Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869," by Stephen E. Ambrosehttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/81476761172?pwd=hc3VgoO4naTE1URAZ0K6ZJTlE4E2ni.1Friday Oct 3 through Sunday Oct 5 - Inside Organizer School - Starts noon Friday Oct 3rdFree weekend training on how to organize a union, taught by the organizing directors who launched Starbucks and Amazon campaigns. Meals are provided. Questions: call 703-627-5510Virginia Theological Seminary, 3737 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, VATo register: https://www.insideorganizerschool.com/registernovaSaturday Oct. 12th - NoVA Labor Car/Motorcycle Show and Canvass Launch - 9 amIBEW Local 26, 7016 Infantry Ridge Rd, Manassas, VADon't miss our annual NoVA Labor Car/Motorcycle Show, in conjunction with our political canvassing.
Volunteer Opportunity*:
We have no affiliation with the Spy Museum...passing on information only
Greetings,
The International Spy Museum is excited to announce recruitment for our next cohort of Webster Docents—volunteers who bring the stories of espionage to life for our visitors. We are reaching out to ask for your help in spreading the word to potential candidates who may be a great fit for this unique opportunity.
About the Webster Docent CorpsVolunteer docents guide guests through a highlights tour of the Museum’s permanent exhibits, providing orientation to the galleries and sharing insight into the world’s largest collection of espionage artifacts on display.
Key Details
Training Program: December 3, 2025 – March 4, 2026 (mix of in-person and remote sessions, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM)
Volunteer Commitment: Beginning in March/April 2026, two 4-hour shifts per month (Thursday–Sunday mid-day; some additional days/times may be added)
Requirements: Must be 18+, commit to one year, and complete Museum background check
Deadline to Apply: October 17, 2025 (early applications encouraged)
We are seeking personable, enthusiastic, and reliable individuals with a passion for engaging audiences, sharing knowledge, and representing the Museum in a professional and welcoming way.
If you know of members or colleagues who would be interested, please share our application link: Webster Docent Corps