News from the Superintendent: November 30, 2009

November 29, 2009

Good afternoon and welcome back. I hope you had an enjoyable and restful Thanksgiving break.

I would like to take a moment to thank volunteers who went out of their way to make sure families and individuals in need had a happy Thanksgiving. For just a couple of examples, parents at Highland High School partnered with the Buffalo Soldiers and the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission in an ongoing project to distribute food to other parents and to the homeless. Seventh-graders at Roosevelt Middle School wrote persuasive letters asking for donations, raised funds, shopped and distributed Thanksgiving baskets to 25 needy families in the East Mountains last week. A number of schools also partnered with the YMCA to provide 38 baskets to families in need.

So many students, staff and parents in the APS community are so generous with their time and resources throughout the holiday season. It is a real testament to the quality of people learning and working in our schools every day. You continue to inspire all of us.

With just three weeks left in the semester, all kinds of events culminating months of hard work and celebrating the holidays will be taking place throughout the district. I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedule to enjoy one of these concerts, plays or school open houses. APS students put an enormous amount of energy into academics and activities and they appreciate your support.

For middle school teachers and parents of middle school students, you may be interested in a special presentation next Monday night on “Bullying, Cyberbullying and Youth Depression.” At 7 p.m., Dec. 7, in the Highland High School Performing Arts Center, child advocate and public speaker John Halligan will offer strategies for parents based on a tragic experience in his own family. His 13-year-old son committed suicide after being bullied at school and online. The presentation is sponsored by the Jefferson Middle School PTA. There is no admission charge.

Have a great week.

Winston Brooks
Superintendent