What's Up, APS?

Join the creators of the K-2 Instructional Packet, Christina Chapuis, elementary math specialist, Kelley Hyner, interim supervisor of the Arlington Tiered Systems of Support and Dr. Donna McConnell, elementary English language arts specialist as they discuss how the packet was developed, what families can do if their child is working above or below the grade level in the packet as well as where to find additional resources. We also talk about the "At Home with APS" video series to supplement K-2 instructional content. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ep.-32-K-2-Instructional-Packet_Final_4_23.pdf Spanish: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ep.-32-K-2-Instructional-Packet_SP_Final.pdf

Episode 31 takes an in depth look at the Arlington Public Schools distance learning plan. Join Interim Superintendent Cintia Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Bridget Loft, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Arron Gregory, Dr. Charles Drew 1st grade teacher Sydney Mann and Wakefield math teacher Laurell Wiersma as they discuss the how the plan was created; how it fits with the Strategic Plan; and how teachers are implementing it with their students. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ep.-31-Distance-Learningv2.pdf Transcript Spanish:https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ep.-31-Distance-Learning-SP.pdf

In the first episode of 2020, we talk with three of our new principals; Jessica DaSilva of Long Branch Elementary, Francis Legagneur of Alice West Fleet Elementary and David Horak of Abingdon Elementary about their first 6 months as the leader of their schools. Learn about their background; what they miss the most; advice they would give to new principals; which one doesn't like the cold and who played football. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Ep.-30-New-Principals.mp3.pdf

Welcome to Season 3 of the What's Up, APS? Podcast. In our first episode back, we talk with new interim Superintendent Cintia Johnson about her background, growing up in a military family; career in education, how Title IX, the Civil Rights Movement and the women's movement shaped her life and her vision for the new school year. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ep.-29-Interim-Superintendent-Cintia-Johnson.mp3.pdf

The APS Department of Teaching and Learning is leading a process in Spring 2019 to develop the PreK-12 Instructional Programs Pathway (IPP) framework that articulates multiple pathways for student success. Learn about the process from staff who are involved and how to get involved and provide input as a community member, parent or staff. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IPP_Transcript.pdf

Episode 27 wraps up our series on our new principals with a conversation with Marleny Perdomo of Key Immersion School and Carlos Ramirez of Randolph Elementary School. Learn about their backgrounds, Key's immersion program and their visions for both schools. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/New-Principals-Series_Marleny-Perdomo-and-Carlos-Ramirez.mp3.pdf

It's the Ellen and Michelle Show! Episode 26 features a conversation with new principals Ellen Smith of the New Middle School at the Historic Stratford Building and Michelle McCarthy of Jamestown Elementary School. Learn about their backgrounds, experiences, what i'ts like to build a school from the ground up and more. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ep.-26-New-Principals-The-Ellen-and-Michelle-Show-Transcript.pdf

This week's episode of What's Up, APS? begins our three-part series featuring our new principals. This week, we feature new Hoffman-Boston Principal Heidi Smith and Drew Model Principal Kimberley Graves. Our conversation touches on their educational philosophies, backgrounds, opportunities at their respective schools and more. Transcript:https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/New-Principals-Heidi-Smith-and-Kim-Graves.pdf

In the latest episode of What's Up, APS?, we talk with Director of Administrative Services Dr. Jeanette Allen and Supervisor of Counseling Services Pam McClellan discuss bullying prevention in Arlington Public Schools; what signs families should look for if they think their child is being bullying; education and support as well as the training staff is provided.

En este episodio de What's Up, APS? hablamos con Gladis Bourdouane sobre el proceso de cambios de los limites escolares de las escuelas primarias de APS. https://www.apsva.us/elementary-school-boundary-change/

In this episode, we talk with Gladis Bourdouane about the Fall Elementary Boundary process. Learn why APS needs to undertake this process; who will be affected as well as the timeline and opportunities for community engagement. More information is available at https://www.apsva.us/elementary-school-boundary-change/ Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Fall-Elementary-Boundary-Initiative-Transcript-Final.pdf

In this episode, we talk with Zachary Pope, Arlington Public Schools new Emergency Manager. Learn about his background, what this new position does and what he hopes to accomplish while at APS. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/New-APS-Emergency-Manager-Transcript.pdf

Welcome back to school! The What's Up, APS? podcast is back for season 2. In episode 21, we take a look at what happens over the summer to prepare for the start of a new school year. Join us as we talk with Jim Meikle (Facilities and Operations); Sarah Putnam (Dept. of Teaching and Learning); Breonna McClain (Ashlawn Elementary School); and Corina Coronel (Welcome Center). Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Back-to-School.wav.pdf

Hosted by MaryFaith. In this episode, MaryFaith and a panel of Wakefield athletes continue their discussion of women in sports. Show notes 1: Wage gap 2: Advertising 3: Promoting each other, sharing spaces 4: Washington Spirit tickets 5: Investors 6: Baby Boomers, Millenials, Gen Z 7: Sports dominated by women 8: Shorter season for WNBA 9: Representation in sports 10: March Madness 11: Wage gap 12: Sexism Additional links • WNBA - http://www.wnba.com/ o Starting salary in the WNBA vs. NBA - http://www.blackenterprise.com/wnba-salaries-nba-salaries-2018-update/ o For WNBA players, the real money is overseas - https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/barbara-barker/wnba-players-are-underpaid-shouldn-t-have-to-play-overseas-1.12639553 o WNBA League Pass - https://leaguepass.wnba.com/ • 'Watch Me Work' commercials - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=watch+me+work+wnba • Washington Spirit - 2016 Finals - http://washingtonspirit.com/youth/washington-spirit-super-y-teams-compete-at-finals-this-weekend/ • Washington Spirit tickets - 8/25 Audi Field - https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1500549B9C2E2C71?dma_id=409 The podcast episodes represent the personal views and experiences of the students. Publication of these episodes does not constitute an endorsement by Michelle Cottrell-Williams, Wakefield High School, or Arlington Public Schools.

Hosted by MaryFaith. In this episode, MaryFaith and a panel of Wakefield athletes discuss their experiences as women in sports. Show notes Question 1: What does it mean to play like a girl? Question 2: How do you feel like you're treated here at Wakefield for your sport that you play? Question 3: Do you think the women's games here are equally advertised as the male's games? Question 4: How do you think women's sports are treated around the world as compared to men's sports? Question 5: Why do you think women get paid less than men? Question 6: Do you think the female athletes knew they were going to be paid less when they decided to go pro in their sport? Additional links --Abby Wombach plays with staples in her head: http://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/9410885/espnw-most-memorable-moments-abby-wambach-career --Wakefield Athletics: https://warriorswhsathletics.com/ --NWSL criticized as match relegated to aggressively small field: https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/07/09/nwsl-criticized-match-small-field-pitch-megan-rapinoe-alex-morgan --Washington Spirit: http://washingtonspirit.com/ --National Women's Hockey League: https://www.nwhl.zone/ --Women's Football Alliance (D.C. Divas): http://dcdivas.com/womens-football-alliance/ --National Pro Fastpitch: https://profastpitch.com/ --History of Title IX: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/advocate/title-ix-issues/history-title-ix/history-title-ix/ The podcast episodes represent the personal views and experiences of the students. Publication of these episodes does not constitute an endorsement by Michelle Cottrell-Williams, Wakefield High School, or Arlington Public Schools.

In this episode, Jose and Gabby discuss their different experiences growing up in difficult family environments. Show notes Additional resources: --Dissociation/derealiztion link https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/dissociative-disorders/depersonalization-derealization-disorder --Narcissistic parenting link https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/communication-success/201602/10-signs-narcissistic-parent%3famp The podcast episodes represent the personal views and experiences of the students. Publication of these episodes does not constitute an endorsement by Michelle Cottrell-Williams, Wakefield High School, or Arlington Public Schools.

Hosted by Ethan. In this episode, Ethan talks about the costs of higher education with George Mason University's Melissa Bevacqua and Vanessa DeShane. Show notes Reference links: • George Mason University (www.gmu.org) o Melissa Bevacqua, Director of Undergraduate Admissions o Vanessa DeShane, Financial Literacy Counselor • Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)https://fafsa.ed.gov/ Additional resources: • Revisionist History, by Malcolm Gladwell: Season 1, Episodes 4 (Carlos Doesn't Remember), 5 (Food Fight), and 6 (My Little Hundred Million). Gladwell explores the hidden costs of education and its impact on lower income students and students of color. Additional Links: http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/04-carlos-doesnt-remember http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/05-food-fight http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/06-my-little-hundred-million

Episode 20 breaks down the 2019-28 APS Capital Improvement Plan. Join Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Management Services Leslie Peterson and principal planner Robert Ruiz to learn how the CIP was created, how it is funded and how it fits in with Arlington County's plan. Leslie and Robert also discuss what projects are included in the proposed plan, what bonding capacity is and how the community can provide input on the draft CIP. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2019-28-CIPFinal.pdf

MissEducated is a collaborative project at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. The show is produced by Michelle Cottrell-Williams, a Sociology teacher at Wakefield and the 2018 Virginia Teacher of the Year. Each episode features different student hosts exploring issues they find most interesting or compelling. Ep. 1: In this episode, Avery and Oliver talk about major influences in rap and hip-hop, current projects, and the perception of artists online and in school. Show notes: 1:23 - Rapping beginnings/influences. 4:16 - What is inspiring about Hip-Hop? 6:16 - Beginnings as an actor. 13:16 - Concept Collective. 15:30 - Current/Upcoming Projects. 17:17 - Influences as a Producer. 18:11 - Clip of a Recent Song. 19:15 - More Influences as a Producer. 23:32 - Artistry at Wakefield. 26:28 - Top 5 Living Rappers. 28:32 - Top 5 Artists (Dead or Alive). 30:00 - Shoutouts and Promotions. 31:58 - Closing.

Episode 19 of What's Up APS? features a conversation with Kathleen McSweeney of the Career Center Working Group and Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization Board President John Snyder. The conversation focuses on the future of the Career Center and Columbia Pike, how the Career Center fits into the long range plans of Columbia Pike and APS and some of the ideas to expand and renovate the existing site. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Career-Center-Working-Group.mp3.pdf

In Episode 18, we have a conversation with the 2018 Arlington Public Schools Teacher Tim Cotman and Principal of the Year Kimberley Graves, about the award, their philosophies, challenges and success in the classroom, cultural competence and more. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Teacher-and-Pricipal-of-the-Year.pdf

In Ep. 17, we talk with Strategic Plan Committee Co-Chair Ted Black about the development of the 2018-24 Strategic Plan. This week, the committee released the draft plan in its entirety. Ted discusses the committee's work in drafting the plan and how the community can provide input. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Strategic-Plan-Draft-Transcript.pdf

Educators Erin Sonn and Alexandra Midland are on this week's pod to talk about Mindfulness - an new practice for educators. Educators spend their days (and often nights) creating powerful learning environments to best meet and nurture the needs of the Whole Child. However, they often neglect their own needs - the needs of the Whole Teacher. Learn what Mindfulness is and how it can better help observe and reflect on what’s happening in the classroom and why. For additional details and more information about upcoming Mindfulness for Educators workshops, you can email Erin at erin.sonn@apsva.us or Alexandra at alexandra.midland@apsva.us.

Stress, anxiety and mental illness is an important topic especially for parents of teenagers. While stress is a normal part of life, it can become a serious mental health concern when it turns into anxiety or worse. Join licensed clinical social worker Natalie Edwards and co-facilitator Michelle Best of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) as we navigate this topic. Learn about signs and symptoms as well as resources and ways to help your child cope with stress and anxiety. Resources: APS Website: https://www.apsva.us/mental-health-services/in-crisis-need-help-now/ Arlington Public Schools Parent Resource Center: https://www.apsva.us/special-education/parent-resource-center/ NAMI Northern Virginia: http://www.nami-northernvirginia.org/ Children’s Regional Crisis Response (CR2): https://family.arlingtonva.us/childrens-regional-crisis-response/ Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Teen-Stress-Anxiety-and-Mental-Illness.mp3.pdf

To prepare for the opening of the new Alice W. Fleet Elementary School and Drew Elementary as a full neighborhood school in 2019, and a new elementary school at the Reed site in 2021, Arlington Public Schools is putting in place plans to develop new elementary school boundaries between now and next November. In this episode, Lisa Stengle and Wendy Pilch talk about the current Elementary School Planning Initiative to redraw elementary boundaries. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Elementary-Boundaries.mp3.pdf

In this episode, we talk with Library Services Supervisor Theresa Flynn and Yorktown PTA President Kathy Mimberg about the 2018 Community Read. The 2018 Community Read is a community conversation with Newbery Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Matt de la Peña. His book Mexican WhiteBoy is a story of friendship, baseball, acceptance, and the struggle to find your identity in a world of definitions. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018-Community-Read_Final.mp3.pdf

In our latest episode, we wrap up our new principals series by talking with Swanson Middle School's Renee Harber and Williamsburg Middle School's Bryan Boykin. Both principals are no strangers to APS having served at both the elementary, middle and high school levels as well as the Central Office. Among the topics discussed, Bryan and Renee talk about their advice for parents of students who are moving from elementary to middle or middle to high school and their holiday plans.

In part two of our series on new principals, we sit down with Yorktown High School Principal Bridget Loft and Barcroft Elementary School Principal Judy Apostolico-Buck. Although not new to APS or being a Principal, the pair took on new roles this year at different schools.

After a brief hiatus, The What's Up, APS? Podcast is back with a three part series featuring our new Principals. In Ep. 1, we talk with Ashlawn Elementary School Principal Breonna McClain and Carlin Springs Principal Eileen Delaney. Breonna has been with APS for several years and Eileen is new to APS.

In this episode, Strategic Plan steering committee co-chair Meredith Purple talks about the committee and the creation of the new 2018-24 Strategic Plan. Development of a new strategic plan is gearing up to define the APS mission, vision and core values, and articulate goals and aspirations for students, staff,and APS as a whole. Learn more at https://www.apsva.us/engage/strategic-plan/.

With a new middle school opening in September of 2019, APS is resetting middle school boundaries to create a new boundary for the new middle school at Stratford; relieve crowding at some schools; and balance enrollment among all six middle schools. Learn more about the process in this episode with Coordinator of Community Engagement Kathy Mimberg. More information is available at www.apsva.us/boundaries or you can email at engage@apsva.us.

In this Episode, 2018 Virginia Teacher of the Year, Michelle Cottrell-Williams talks about her career, teaching philosophy and gives advice to new teachers.

Episode 6: In this episode, we talk to substance abuse counselors Jenny Sexton and Maria Ceballos about the role of substance abuse counselors ; what to look for if you suspect your child is using an illegal substance; intervention and education. We also talk about the Community Town Hall Event on Substance abuse in Arlington on Thu, Oct. 12. For more information, visit https://www.apsva.us/post/community-town-hall-event-substance-abuse-arlington/ Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Substance-Abuse.mp3.pdf

Students attending Arlington’s three high schools, Wakefield, Yorktown and Washington-Lee, will be the first to explore Cuisine Solutions’ healthy lunch options in their new Café + Teria concept as school begins this September. Café +Teria represents a new partnership for Cuisine Solutions with Arlington County’s Food Nutrition Services, and each of the three schools will have a serving line with the same distinctive, modern look. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/New-High-School-Food-Options.mp3.pdf

Learn how APS keeps kids engaged over the summer with a number of engaging summer school courses and activities for elementary, middle and high school students. Cathy Hix and Wendy Pilch discuss the Traveling Trolley, summer reading programs and a number of engaging hands-on courses students can take over the summer. They also talk about what parents can do to keep students learning over the summer. Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Summer-Learning.mp3.pdf

It’s not often that a person gets to spend time at the Galápagos Islands. Oakridge second grade teacher Jennifer Burgin did just that. Burgin was named a National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions 2017 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. The role of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellow is to enhance an educator’s geographic knowledge with hands-on field experience and bring that back to share with their classroom and professional communities. To read more about her journey, visit her blog at https://sites.google.com/view/mrsjburgin/home Transcript - https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Ep.3-Jennifer-Burginv2.mp3.pdf

Diana Jordan and Jennifer Burgin talk about Arlington Public Schools Global Village Summit Summer School program. Global Village Summit provides engaging learning experiences that help students better understand and appreciate the world around them. Recognizing that Arlington is a unique global village, the program focuses on our own diverse community. Each day, students explore the geography, history, culture and critical issues of people from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. http://global-village.apsva.us/ Transcript: https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Global-Village.mp3.pdf

We talk to Washington-Lee High School science teacher Kate Miller on her trek to the South Pole to work on the Ice Cube Project. She talks about neutrinos, what she hopes to bring back to the classroom, the lack of humidity, and her experiences. Transcript - https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Episode-1_Kate-Miller.wav.pdf