October 3, 2025

Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a peaceful day off yesterday. This week I was able to visit Barrett Elementary School--it's always fun to visit schools and see members.  

Our Collective Bargaining teams are hard at work--Our Support team has been meeting to discuss ideas for their next contract. The next opportunity for Support Staff to learn about the current contract and provide suggestions/feedback will be on October 22 at Central Library (6:30-7:30).  Please see below.

Our licensed team is working on the automatic salary reopener. If you would like more information, please visit:

Labor Relations.

October at a Glance*

*not a complete listing of events

Take ACTION!

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE

Your Voice. Our Schools. Vote Now!

Hi June,

The future of Virginia's public schools, your profession, and our students depends on what happens in this election. Casting your ballot is the single most important action you can take right now to support the future of education in Virginia.

Here is your quick, 4-step checklist to ensure your vote is counted:

✅ The VEA Member Voting Checklist

Check Your Registration Status (It takes 30 seconds!)

The first step is making sure your information is up-to-date. Have you moved recently? Did you change your name? Verify your registration status to avoid any surprises on Election Day.

➡️ Verify Your Status Here: https://www.thevirginiavoterguide.com/#regcheck

Meet Our Endorsed Candidates

The VEA Fund for Children and Public Education works hard to interview and vet candidates who are committed to public education. These are the people who have promised to be our champions in Richmond. We need your vote for them!

➡️ See All VEA-Endorsed Candidates: https://veafund.org/news/vea-fund-recommends-candidates-house-races-2-2/

Remember to Vote! (Early Voting Underway)

Whether you plan to vote by mail or in person, make your plan now. Early and absentee voting is already underway, making it easy, safe, and secure to cast your ballot.

➡️ Find Your Polling Place & Important Dates: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/PublicContactLookup

Return Your Ballot by the Deadline!

If you voted absentee, do not forget to mail your ballot back immediately or drop it off at an official drop-off location. Late ballots cannot be counted. Your vote only counts when it is returned.

➡️ Learn About Ballot Drop-Off Locations: https://www.thevirginiavoterguide.com/voting-info

Thank you for being a committed member of the VEA and for making your voice heard this election season. Together, we can elect leaders who will prioritize our students and educators.

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

Click here to check your voter registration status

APS Community Engagement Opportunities - October 2025

Upcoming APS Community Engagement Opportunities:

Wed, Oct. 8       Virtual Parent Town Hall: Empowered AI Learning

7 – 8:00 pm        Zoom link for attendees

Thu, Oct. 9        School Board Meeting: Strategic Plan Priority - Student, Family and Community Partnerships (Volunteers and Community Partnerships); Action on Dominion Energy’s Right of Way Agreement Request at the Grace Hopper Center and School Board FY 2027 Budget Direction; Information on School Board Legislative Package; Revisions to School Board Policy J-8.3.8.30 Food and Nutrition Services-Unpaid Meal Charges and new School Board Policy D-2.37 Financial Management-Other Post-Employment Benefits Fund; and School Board Direction on the Superintendent’s Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

7:00 pm               Watch School Board meeting online, on Comcast Ch. 70, Verizon Ch. 41 or at Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204

Thu, Oct. 23      School Board Meeting: Strategic Plan Priority - Student Academic Growth and Success (Science/Math); Action on School Board Legislative Package and School Board Direction on the Superintendent’s Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

7:00 pm               Watch School Board meeting online, on Comcast Ch. 70, Verizon Ch. 41 or at Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204

Fri, Oct. 24          Youth Mental Health First Aid, designed for adults who regularly interact with adolescents (age 12-18), hosted by the APS Office of Student Services for staff, families and community members.

9 am – 3 pm      Register prior. Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204

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

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

Arlington Community Events:

Contest for Arlington Students in Grades 8-12 - closes Oct. 3

The Arlington Historical Society is hosting a contest for the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Students may submit an essay, poem, video or design about an important event that happened in Arlington. Cash prizes will be awarded. Submissions are due Oct. 3.

Sat, Oct. 4       78th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet - Glow Unapologetically: Embracing Black Brilliance, hosted by the NAACP Arlington Branch

7:00 pm           Purchase tickets here. George Mason University - Mason Square, 3351 Fairfax Dr. 22201

Tue, Oct. 7       Cocktails and Causes: Education, hosted by Volunteer Arlington

5:30 - 7 pm    Register here. Westin Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 1800 Richmond Hwy, 22202

Sat, Oct. 18      2nd Annual Arlington Community Health Fair, providing preventative healthcare screenings to the low income/uninsured population of Arlington, both children and adults, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Arlington & the VHC Health Professional Development Council

11am - 3 pm    Carlin Springs Elementary, 5995 5th Rd. S. 22204

Sat., Oct 18      Pike Fest 2025! Enjoy local food & drink, music, family‑friendly fun, and more

12 - 5 pm         Penrose Square, 2597 Columbia Pike, 22204

APS Extended Day in Hiring!

Extended Day provides students a safe, enriching, and fun environment before and after school. Learn more and apply here to be an aide, trainees or program supervisor.

More at: Community Engagement Opportunities with automatic translation into: Español  Монгол  አማርኛ    العربية  (Other languages)

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