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 Education

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, 2023

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, 2023

IntroductionPrincipal'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

- Lawton 3rd grade student selected as a finalist for Google Doodle

- Tappan Bike Club

- Pioneer teachers raised money to help send PHS senior to Special Olympics Games

- Community High Teacher Awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship

- Environmental Sustainability Advisory Group Convenes

- Listen & Learn Ann Arbor: A Community Conversation

- Communication from the AAPS

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 pair of Skyline students receiving recognition from C-SPAN for their video on how the state of Michigan has addressed gerrymandering.

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode - Superintendent Update - May 8, 2023 - Board of Education

Introduction, 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 a Project Lead the Way Distinguished District.

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 also discuss the impacts of the decision to end the national program that was providing all students with free meals.

In AAPS good news we celebrate the Clague Science Olympiad team qualifying for the national tournament, and a Pioneer student will represent Team USA in the Special Olympics World Games in Germany.

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 Learning Opportunities is available here.

 In AAPS good news we celebrate the Huron High School Science Bowl team competing in the 2023 National Science Bowl in Washington D.C.

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 theGreenhouse 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 news we celebrate National Volunteer Week, thank you for all of the wonderful volunteers that make a difference for students across the AAPS.

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
Preview of Summer 2023: Academic and Enrichment Programming
April 12, 2023

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
Arab American Heritage Month, Superintendent Update
April 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 capital projects funded through the voter approved Bonds and Sinking Fund here.

In AAPS good news we celebrate the Skyline Ethics Bowl team winning a national championship.

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 received at the Michigan League of Academic Games state tournament. We also remind listeners that they can vote for Burns Park custodian Abdul Akeely in the Cintas National Custodian of the Year competition every day through April 14th.

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
AAPS Update - March 15, 2023

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
The 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 students getting the opportunity to participate in art classes.

In AAPS good news we celebrate Pioneer's boys Swim and Dive team winning their third straight Division 1 State Championship, and the Pioneer Synchronized Swimming team also winning a state championship last weekend.

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

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
Preview of the Governor's Executive Budget Proposal - March 8, 2023

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
Superintendent Update - March 8, 2023

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
AAPS Equity Strategic Plan Update
March 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 Bowl sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

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 present.

We also discuss the importance of teaching black history in February and all year long. 

In AAPS good news we celebrate FutureStars 2023 and the Pioneer A Cappella Choir performing in a concert celebrating the music of Stacey Gibbs.

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
Michigan Update: Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference & 2023-24 Budget Timeline
Board of Education
February 8, 2023

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
State of the Schools 2022-23 Annual Report
Board of Education - February 8, 2023

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
Superintendent Update to the Board of Education
February 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 wide variety of free and low cost resources available in the community.

In AAPS good news we celebrate Bryant's special education team winning statewide recognition.

The big question we discuss this week is the consequences for making school threats after Huron and schools across Michigan were victims of fake calls of school safety concerns.

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, including placing a marker on the school grounds.

You can find out more about the 100th Anniversary of Jones School and donate to the marker campaign here. The Communicator has also coverage of the year long celebration.

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 for updates coming soon. For families with children eligible for young fives and kindergarten the next step is attending an open house at your neighborhood school, or any of the other AAPS schools you might be considering to meet the principal, teachers, and learn more about the school. The list of all the school open houses planned in February is available here.

In AAPS good news we share that the Pioneer A Cappella Choir, the Pioneer Symphony Orchestra and the Clague 8th Grade Orchestra are performing at 

A2Schools Podcast - Bonus Episode
School 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 Ann Arbor Fire Department over Winter Break.

We also discuss the temporary mask requirement for students, staff, and visitors in AAPS schools through January 20th.

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
Capital Program Annual Report
December 21, 2022
Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
AAPS Annual Staffing Report
December 21, 2022
Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
NWEA Fall 2022 Achievement Report and Review Recovery Plan
December 21, 2022
Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast Bonus Episode
AAPS Equity Plan Update and Next Steps
December 21, 2022
Board of Education

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
Superintendent Update
December 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 Education.

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee (SHEAC) Biannual Report
December 7, 2022

The 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 makes recommendations to the AAPS Board of Education regarding the sexual health curriculum. The SHEAC functions in accordance with Michigan legal guidelines, and works to follow best practices in sexual health education while maintaining compliance with state laws and local community priorities.

A2Schools Podcast
Bonus Episode
Fall 2022 Student Enrollment Annual Report
December 7, 2022

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, provides an update to the Board of Education on the evening of December 7, 2022

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 Pathways this weekend is presenting a play written by a pair of AAPS grads and current Pathways students.

AAPS Environmental Sustainability Framework
Presented to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education
November 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 in living an environmental commitment with every decision across every area of the organization. 

Vision: In all decisions, we embody and live the deeply held value of caring for the earth and our environment.  Individual, team and district decisions are consistent with care for the earth. 

Introduction: The Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) serves a central role in the education of generations of students in our community. As the Ann Arbor community faces the opportunities and challenges of the climate crisis, AAPS fully embraces its responsibility in the community and joins our many partners in working towards shared environmental sustainability goals. 

In considering our commitment for sustainability minded change, and recognizing the unparalleled potential within our critical mission of educating generations of students who are climate literate and action oriented, we also recognize the key importance of modeling authentic climate and educational practice by demonstrating sound environmental sustainability solutions through innovative and informed organizational behavior. 

Our most important contribution to addressing the climate crisis will be in leveraging our central role in education. We will empower our next generation to act as good stewards of the environment, to become active in climate mitigation and adaptation in their professional and personal lives, and impart in them the confidence, wisdom, hope and inspiration to be resilient in facing the many challenges of the climate crisis. 

Keeping students at the center, the work of AAPS will have a collective impact on broader systems in our neighborhoods, city, region, and world. It is the next generation- in our schools today- that will face the increasing impacts of climate change. By empowering them with a climate informed education, AAPS will help create the foundation for their success, and ultimately the success of our community, in rising to meet an uncertain climate change future.

Dr. Jeanice Ker Swift provided an AAPS update to the Board of Education on November 30, 2022. Topics Include:
Introduction
2022 AAPS Education Fund awards
Communication from the AAPS
Inclement Weather Update 2022-2023
AAPS Safety Update
Protocols when concerns arise in a school or on social media channels
Process when concerns arise with a student
Guidance 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 One State Championship.