A2 Schools Podcast

Resolution to Authorize Layoff of Staff - March 20, 2024 - Board of Education

Selection of Superintendent - March 20, 2024 - Board of Education

General FY 2023-24 Budget Amendment - March 13, 2024 - Board of Education

Superintendent Update - March 13, 2024 - Board of EducationIntroduction, Sports UpdateSchool Social Work WeekWomen's History MonthReading MonthYouth Art MonthWorld Down Syndrome DayAAPS and Rotary Fight HungerNAAPID@Night Event

Bonus Episode - Selection of Candidates for Superintendent - March 6, 2024 - Board of Education

Bonus Episode - Fall 2023 Benchmark Assessment Results - February 28, 2024 - Board of Education

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - January 28, 2024

Bonus Episode - School Board Recognition Month Observance - Board of Education - January 31, 2024

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - January 31, 2024

Bonus Episode - Election of Officers - Board of Education - January 17, 2024

Bonus Episode - Capital Programs 2023 Annual Report - Board of Education - December 20, 2023

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - December 20, 2023

Bonus Episode - Student Enrollment Fall 2023 Annual Report - Board of Education - December 13, 2023

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - December 13, 2023

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - December 6, 2023IntroductionPioneer High Vocalists Perform at MSVMAHuron High Spanish Teacher Daniel Verdugo Wins AwardAfter Care at Dicken Elementary in January 2024Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop AnniversaryRec&Ed Winter Break CampsRec&Ed Youth and Adult ClassesAAPS Winter Giving Program

Bonus Episode - Culture & Climate Annual Report 2023 - Board of Education - November 15, 2023

Bonus Episode - Strategic Equity Plan Update Fall 2023 - Board of Education - November 15, 2023

Bonus Episode - 2022-23 Annual Financial Audit Report - Board of Education - November 15, 2023

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - November 15, 2023

Bonus Episode - Annual Report: Student Achievement - 2023 SAT Report - October 25, 2023 - Board of Education

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - October 25, 2023

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - October 18, 2023IntroductionPrincipal's MonthExceptional Teacher Ashley VasiloffPlanetarium UpdateEMU Paraeducator Teacher Certification ProgramDistrict SpotlightsAAPS Food and Nutrition ServicesHuman Resources UpdatePartnership, Volunteer and Community ResourcesCommunity Rec & EdInformation TechnologyCapital Program and Physical PropertiesCommunication in the AAPSA Moment of Fall Joy

Bonus Episode - Capital Program (Bond & Sinking Fund) Update - Board of Education - September 27, 2023

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - September 27, 2023

Bonus Episode - Review FY 2022-23 Audit Timeline - Board of Education - September 13, 2023

Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - September 13, 2023

Bonus Episode - Back-to-School Update - August 23, 2023 - Board of Education

Bonus Episode - Listen & Learn 2023 Report - August 23, 2023 - Board of Education

Bonus Episode - Introduction of Incoming Fall 2023 Principals and School Leaders - August 23, 2023

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Rec & Ed End-of-Year Update - June 21, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Spring 2023 NWEA Assessment Annual Report - June 21, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Environmental Sustainability Update - June 21, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Board of Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) - 20 Years of Service - June 21, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - June 21, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Proposed 2023-24 General Fund Budget - June 14, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Proposed 2022-23 General Fund Budget Amendment - June 14, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - My Future Fund - June 14, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - June 14, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - 2022 Graduation Annual Report - May 24 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - May 24, 2023 - Board of Education- Introduction/Upcoming Graduation Ceremonies- Congratulations AAPS WIHI Graduates!- Wrapping up Asian American Heritage Month in the AAPS: AAPS Asian American Author Events- Youth Theatre Event at the Ann Arbor YMCA- Burns Park Literacy Coach Kyunghee Chen- Theater Accolades for Pioneer Students- Picnic Pops 2023- STEAM/Project Lead the Way Expo- Congratulations to Clague Science Olympiad Team- Lawto...

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - AAPS Partners and Community Scholarships 2022-23 - May 24, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Preview of FY24 School Aid Budget Proposals - May 17, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - May 17, 2023 - Board of Education

In this week's podcast, Andrew Cluley talks with Superintendent Jeanice Swift.We talk about what's going on across the Ann Arbor Public Schools in the last few weeks of the 2023-24 school year. This includes a few more stops on the Listen and Learn Tour and the last week to participate in the ThoughtExchange, upcoming music events including Picnic Pops, the AAPS STEAM and CTE Expo, graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2023, and the end of the school year. In AAPS good news we celebrate a pa...

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - May 8, 2023 - Board of EducationIntroduction, National Jewish Heritage MonthNational Teacher Appreciation WeekNational School Nurse DayNational Child Care Provider Appreciation DayLocal History Mini-conferenceAAPS Homebuilding Program BanquetListen & Learn Tour 2023A2Schools Podcast & Communication from the AAPS

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Fred Klein, Ann Arbor Education Association President.We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with a discussion about why teachers like Fred Klein chose the profession, the importance of teachers making a connection with students, and what has to happen to ensure more young people choose to be students.In AAPS good news we celebrate the Ann Arbor students competing in the Academic Games national tournament and AAPS being named...

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Academic Learning and Recovery Support - May 3, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - May 3, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Student Wellbeing: Social-Emotional and Mental Health Supports - May 3, 2023 - Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Middle School Instructional Support - May 3, 2023 - Board of Education

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Victoria Davis, Director of Dining Services.With National School Lunch Heroes Day on Friday, May 5th, we highlight the work that takes place in dining services. This includes efforts to make all students feel welcome with food they recognize and learn about food they may not have tried before, using local fresh food when possible, providing safe food for students with allergies, and including student choice on the menu. We al...

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - April 26. 2023

In this week’s podcast, Andrew Cluley talks with Executive Director Student and School Health and Community Division, Jenna Bacolor and Executive Director Teaching and Learning Kevin Karr. We discuss camps and other activities available from Rec & Ed this summer and Summer Learning Opportunities. Families can find out more about the Rec & Ed Camps and register at aarecedonline.com and registration for summer youth leagues is available here. Additional information on Summer Learni...

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Annual Environmental Sustainability Update - Board of Education - April 19, 2023

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Environmental Education Update - Board of Education - April 19, 2023

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - Board of Education - April 19, 2023

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Pioneer Solar Club - Board of Education - April 19, 2023

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Freeman Youth Council - Board of Education - April 19, 2023

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Emile Lauzzana, Executive Director Environmental Sustainability.With Earth Day coming up this weekend, we discuss the latest on the Ann Arbor Public Schools environmental efforts. This includes a discussion of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory the district has recently completed and what it will mean for the district going forward. We also talk about some of the work student environmental groups have done this school year.In AAPS good n...

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodePreview of Summer 2023: Academic and Enrichment ProgrammingApril 12, 2023

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeArab American Heritage Month, Superintendent UpdateApril 12, 2023

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Bernerd Rice, Assistant Superintendent Capital Programs and Physical Properties and Jason Bing, Director of Capitol Programs.We discuss the latest on the Ann Arbor Public Schools capital programs, including some of the big projects planned for buildings this summer. We also discuss routine maintenance efforts, and emergency work, such as getting buildings open quickly after the recent power outages. You can learn more about the cap...

In this week's podcast, Andrew Cluley talks with Kristen Smith, the Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator and Scarlett Middle School librarian Deb Schreck.We discuss March is Reading Month activities across the Ann Arbor Public Schools, some tips for parents of kids not yet reading, efforts to develop reading skills in elementary school, and then ways AAPS promotes a love of reading in students as they grow older. In AAPS good news we celebrate the success and recognition students and coaches...

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodeAAPS Update - March 15, 2023

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodeThe Karen Thomas Fund - March 15, 2023

In this week's podcast, Andrew Cluley talks with art teachers Peggy Leonard from Lakewood and Windy Alseri from Bach as well as Sandra Andrade from Main Street Ann Arbor.We discuss Youth Art Month, where the Main Street area of downtown Ann Arbor turns into an art gallery with work from AAPS students on display in various stores and restaurants. We highlight some of the events planned for the Art Walk scheduled from 1 to 3 PM on Saturday, March 18th. We also discuss the importance of all stud...

A2Schools Podcast | Bonus Episode | In Recognition of Officer Doug's Many Years of Service at Safety Town - March 8, 2023

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodePreview of the Governor's Executive Budget Proposal - March 8, 2023

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodeSuperintendent Update - March 8, 2023

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodeAAPS Equity Strategic Plan UpdateMarch 8, 2023

In this week's podcast, Andrew Cluley talks with Superintendent Jeanice Swift.We talk about the community conversation AAPS is about to kickoff as part of the development of our new strategic equity plan. In addition to large events and online participation, we will be meeting with small groups in an effort to ensure we hear from everyone in the community. In AAPS good news we celebrate the homebuilding program sending seven students to the state finals in the Skills USA Carpentry competition.

In this week's podcast, Andrew Cluley talks with Tom Pachera Director of Career Technical Education and Project Lead the Way for AAPS and Huron CTE teachers Allison Andres and Melissa Gordon.February was CTE month so we talk about the CTE offerings available in AAPS, how the field of CTE has changed over the years and what students get from taking CTE classes. In AAPS good news we celebrate Huron's Science Bowl Team winning the Michigan Regional and qualifying for the National Science Bo...

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Skyline teachers Kathy Mackercher and Tonya Whitehorn, and Eberwhite teacher Stephanie Burnstein.We discuss a pair of Black History Month events they are leading in the AAPS. At Skyline African-American humanities students will share their annual Black History Presentation, "Be the Dream" on March 2nd. At Eberwhite, a Periodic Table of Black History serves as a way to amplify the voices of African Americans from the past and ...

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeMichigan Update: Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference & 2023-24 Budget TimelineBoard of EducationFebruary 8, 2023

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeState of the Schools 2022-23 Annual ReportBoard of Education - February 8, 2023

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeSuperintendent Update to the Board of EducationFebruary 8, 2023

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Nancy Shore.We discuss the scholarships that AAPS has available for seniors graduating in the class of 2023 and some of the other scholarship opportunities for students in other grades. For graduating seniors most of the scholarship applications are due by March 17th. We also discuss the Community Resources page on the a2schools.org website which offers links to a wi...

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with A2 STEAM 7th and 8th grade science teacher Jennie Allan. Her 7th grade students recently made meals to donate to a homeless shelter in the area when they were doing a lesson on chemical reactions. Allan shares this project is an example of Project Based Learning that is a hallmark of A2 STEAM.In AAPS good news we share that Skyline volleyball player Harper Murray was named the 2022-23 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year.

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk retired Community High School teacher Cindy Haidu-Banks and current Community students Navi Fields and Nick Idzikowski about the year long celebration of the school's 100th anniversary and the effort to recognize the black community that was the heart of Jones School.We talk about some of the public events that took place this fall at Community, the research into the community's history, and efforts to ensure this legacy is remembered, ...

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Assistant Superintendent Teaching and Learning Dawn Linden and Executive Director Elementary Education Matt Hilton about important information for families interested in pre-school, young fives, and kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year.Enrollment will soon open for families interested in joining the Ann Arbor Public Schools for our youngest learners. For additional information in enrolling in pre-school click here and look...

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus EpisodeSchool Board Recognition Month Observance from the January 11, 2023 Board of Education Meeting

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk about what students, staff, and families can expect in 2023 as we celebrate the new year and the return from Winter Break.Topics include, new school board trustees, upcoming work on the district's strategic equity plan, next steps for the environmental framework, and construction work coming this summer and beyond.In AAPS good news we share that Executive Director Student and School Safety Liz Margolis was recognized for her work by the...

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeCapital Program Annual ReportDecember 21, 2022Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeAAPS Annual Staffing ReportDecember 21, 2022Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeNWEA Fall 2022 Achievement Report and Review Recovery PlanDecember 21, 2022Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast Bonus EpisodeAAPS Equity Plan Update and Next StepsDecember 21, 2022Board of Education

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodeSuperintendent UpdateDecember 21, 2022

A2Schools Podcast | Bonus Episode - Environmental Sustainability Framework: Review Community Feedback, Updates & Clarifications | December 14, 2022

A2Schools Podcast | Bonus Episode | Special Commentary to Honor Trustees Johnson, Kelly and Lazarus | December 14, 2022

A2Schools Podcast | Bonus Episode | Superintendent Update | December 14, 2022

In this week's podcast we share highlights from this week's reception honoring and celebrating Trustees Johnson, Kelly, and Lazarus. We share the highlights of what has been accomplished in the AAPS while they have served on the Board of Education.Then we have remarks from Superintendent Swift, Dawn Linden, Emile Lauzzana, former Trustee Glenn Nelson, and State Representative Donna Lasinski. Finally Trustees Kelly, Johnson, and Lazarus share their thoughts on serving on the AAPS Board of...

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodeSexual Health Education Advisory Committee (SHEAC) Biannual ReportDecember 7, 2022The Ann Arbor Public Schools' Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee (AAPS SHEAC) is comprised of representatives from the following community groups: parents of children in the district, clergy, medical professionals, students, district health teachers, and a district administrative liaison (Contact Information). The committee meets regularly, reviews submitted materials and ma...

A2Schools PodcastBonus EpisodeFall 2022 Student Enrollment Annual ReportDecember 7, 2022

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, provides an update to the Board of Education on the evening of December 7, 2022IntroductionEquity Work Continues in the AAPSEnvironmental Sustainability in the AAPSAAPS Winter GivingKaren Thomas Fund Literacy GrantsBefore/After CareFall Sports Wrap-UpWinter ProgramsTechnology Transportation - My Stop Bus Tracker App System Implementation UpdateTransportation Staffing UpdateSchool SafetyCommunication from the AAPSHonor and Celebrate Trust...

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Pioneer health and wellness and personal fitness teacher Wylen Kirkland, and Eberwhite second grade teacher Emma Packard.Both Kirkland and Packard are Ann Arbor Public Schools graduates and have returned this year to teach in the district. We discuss their experiences as students in the AAPS, why they opted to become teachers and return to AAPS, and how the year is going so far.In AAPS good news we share that the Actors Studio at P...

AAPS Environmental Sustainability FrameworkPresented to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of EducationNovember 30, 2022 View the plan here: https://www.a2schools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=18978 Mission: The Ann Arbor Public Schools is committed to care for the environment, to model and achieve an environmentally sustainable existence. We demonstrate this commitment, both through our critical mission of educating generations of students as strong stewards of the environment, and also ...

Dr. Jeanice Ker Swift provided an AAPS update to the Board of Education on November 30, 2022. Topics Include:Introduction2022 AAPS Education Fund awardsCommunication from the AAPSInclement Weather Update 2022-2023AAPS Safety UpdateProtocols when concerns arise in a school or on social media channelsProcess when concerns arise with a studentGuidance and Reminders for Students

In this week's podcast, Dr. Swift and Andrew Cluley talk with Executive Director of Environmental Sustainability Emile Lauzzana.We discuss the Environmental Sustainability Framework that was presented to the Board of Education this week and the work of the AAPS Environmental Sustainability Taskforce. You can learn all about the framework and give feedback on the plan here.In AAPS good news we celebrate Pioneer High School’s Girls Swim and Dive team for capturing their third straight Division ...