🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from APS! 🦃 We are sharing a look inside @atsaps.bsky.social, where students and staff filled their gratitude jars with the big and small moments that matter most. Wishing you a safe and restful holiday surrounded by the people and places you are thankful for. #OneTeamOneAPS

Applauding Cesar Espejo at @claremont.apsva.us for his kind, collaborative and responsive leadership. He supports Hispanic heritage programs, family engagement and student success with care and intention. #APSAllStars

Recognizing Duane Lomis at Syphax for his servant leadership and problem-solving approach. His behind-the-scenes AV support ensures events run smoothly and helps our community shine. #APSAllStars

Honoring Dr. Marianne Ellis at @barrettaps.bsky.social for more than 30 years of outstanding service as a school psychologist. Her leadership, compassion and SEL work strengthen support for students across APS. #APSAllStars

Celebrating Nicole Gustafson at @nottingham.apsva.us for her creative, dedicated and thoughtful work as a librarian. She designs engaging lessons across subjects and centers student voice in the morning news show. #APSAllStars

Thanks to our local legislators and guests for spending time with us at @wakefield.apsva.us today. We had a thoughtful conversation followed by time in classrooms and a powerful student panel. We are grateful for your partnership and shared commitment to our students. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSisAwesome

Proud to welcome over 200 students to the Latino Youth Leadership Conference at GMU. The theme, 'Leader Today, Change Makers Tomorrow,' came to life through powerful student emcees, inspiring panelists and closing remarks from Board Member Zuraya Tapia-Hadley. Our future is bright. #APSisAwesome

APS is launching an evening hot meal program to support students and families during the federal government shutdown. Starting Thu, Nov. 6, free hot dinners will be served Mon-Fri from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Wakefield, Washington-Liberty and Yorktown. Learn More: www.apsva.us/community-meals

Music is for everyone and Fleet’s @fleet.apsva.us Erin Pavolko proves it! She makes music come alive for DHH students through creativity and care. 🎶⭐ #APSisAllStars #APSisAwesome

Jonathan Turrisi turns data into action and vision into progress. Thank you for leading with purpose and integrity! 📊⭐ #APSisAllStars #APSisAwesome

Jefferson’s @jefferson.apsva.us Ms. T leads with passion, builds community and amplifies every voice through music. You inspire us all, Ms. T! 🎵⭐ #APSAllStars #APSisAwesome

Safety, teamwork and trust define @wakefield.apsva.us TJ Johnson. His servant leadership keeps our schools safe and strong. 🛡️⭐ #APSAllStars #APSisAwesome

Kindness and care shine bright at Glebe thanks to @glebe.apsva.us’s Ms. Rutzen. She spreads joy, connection and positivity every day! ☀️⭐ #APSisAllStars #APSisAwesome

My final fall school visit was to Integration Station where the students were in full fall and Halloween spirit! Reading books, learning letters and getting outside to play 🎃. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

Thank you to Langston for a great visit. We discussed the school’s amazing students and their focus on strengthening co-teaching support. I also visited classes learning about civics, social studies, and more. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

I had a terrific visit to @drew.apsva.us this morning, where I read to students. This was a great way to start the weekend. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

I visited @yhs.apsva.us this morning. I stopped by classrooms where curiosity and collaboration were on full display. I am proud of the energy and creativity at Yorktown. In addition, it is "Teacher Dress Like a Student Day." #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

I ended my Friday visits at Glebe @glebe.apsva.us where students and staff showed off their favorite sports teams, displayed their artistic talents, and explained what they love about Glebe: amazing teachers and great friends! I also saw the beautiful new courtyard. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

H-B Woodlawn @hbwprogramaps.bsky.social is truly a special place. I visited today during lunch and talked to students about the power and importance of kindness and acceptance. I also had the chance to hear the talented chorus singing a welcoming song. 🎵 #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

It was a joy to end the week at the Shriver Program to see @kenmore.apsva.us Kenmore MS and multiple high schools coming out to play sports together as one team. This community is truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you to the dedicated Shriver staff! 🙌#APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Watch as APS students, staff and the community share how they celebrate their Latino heritage. #APSHHM #OneTeamOneAPS #HispanicHeritageMonth

Honoring Ms. Inga Schoenbrun at ATS, a September 2025 APS All Star! She goes above and beyond to support students and families, creating a welcoming environment for all. Her dedication to student success is truly inspiring. #APSAllStars

Recognizing Doug Martin at the Trades Center, a September 2025 APS All Star! Doug is responsive, practical and kind—always solving problems and keeping our schools running smoothly. His dedication makes a lasting impact. #APSAllStars

Celebrating Luis Mejia at the Trades Center, one of our September 2025 #APSAllStars! Luis goes the extra mile to ensure students are cared for, remembered and supported on the bus each day. His kindness makes him an exemplary driver.

Applauding Ms. Amanda Zolan at @longbranchva.bsky.social, one of our September 2025 #APSAllStars! Known as a miracle-worker and child whisperer, she anticipates needs, brings joy to every day and is a role model for students and staff alike.

Celebrating Ms. Laura Partridge at @swanson.apsva.us, one of our #APSAllStars! As a math coach and educator for 27 years, she is the go-to for institutional knowledge, guiding teachers, mentoring families and coaching Swanson’s 250+ member track team with dedication and enthusiasm. #APSAllStars

My second visit today took me to @drew.apsva.us, where I sat with students engaged in a puzzle activity in Ms. Mallory's kindergarten class. It was great to explore a variety of classrooms where students are settling into the new school year. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

I had a great morning visiting @randolph.apsva.us. I saw students in action across the school and even visited Ms. Slater's fourth-grade class, where students were learning history. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

APS All Stars are the heart of our schools! They are the people who uplift students, support staff and bring our APS values to life each day. Do you know someone like that? Nominate them now at apsva.us/all-stars and let’s shine a spotlight on the people making a difference. #OneTeamOneAPS

My final visit of the week was to @innovation.apsva.us where I observed poetry and math lessons, spoke to teachers and staff, and connected with students. One student shared what it means to have a “double thumbs up” kind of week!

I loved visiting Arlington Science Focus today @asfs.apsva.us! I had the chance to watch students participating in science experiments, pop in on lunch, and connect with staff. Thank you for the warm welcome. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

At Taylor @taylor.apsva.us, I saw the brand new playground under construction and met with Ms. Heidig, an amazing educator who has taught at Taylor for over 40 years! We also visited several classes to hear about progress students are already making. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

I was proud to join Amazon today for the groundbreaking of Arlington Community High School at HQ2 right here in Arlington. I'm excited to open the doors in 2026 and expand opportunities for our students. @achs-aps.bsky.social #OneTeamOneAPS #ArlingtonVA

Today at Dorothy Hamm Middle School, I talked to Collaborative Learning Teams and visited several classrooms. I also had the chance to meet 6th graders and learn about their goals aspirations. What an amazing community! #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

Today we pause to remember September 11, 2001, a day that profoundly impacted our community here in Arlington and across the nation. We honor the lives lost, the families forever changed and the courage of those who responded. We will never forget. #NeverForget

I enjoyed visiting the outstanding students, teachers and staff at Long Branch @longbranch.apsva.us today. It was inspiring to see so much Lion Pride, especially among the fifth grade students who shared what it means to be leaders in the school. Thanks to all! #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

At Tuckahoe @tuckahoe.apsva.us, I observed lessons, tried the front-office “toss”challenge, and learned how students and staff are giving back to our community. Students help grow a garden and donate fresh produce to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). 👏 #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

I visited Escuela Key and met with Jeremy Sullivan’s 4th grade class yesterday. His students engaged with me in a Q&A and shared all they are learning. We also talked about the superpowers they are gaining in the immersion program. @escuelakey.apsva.us #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

It was great to see the excellent instruction and family engagement happening at Barrett yesterday. I met with coaches, saw the unveiling of their vision and values banner, visited a parent group, and connected with students and staff. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

Barcroft Eagles @barcroft.apsva.us are soaring high in the second week of school! Today, I saw the newly refreshed library, met teachers designing new clubs for 4th and 5th grade, and talked to students about their egg drop experiments. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

Wonderful day to be at Wakefield! It’s the first day of the cell phone pouches and is running smoothly. I also had the chance to read the morning announcements with journalism students, Olive, Immy, and Cara. Good morning, @wakefield.apsva.us! #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

I enjoyed meeting new (and veteran) teachers and staff at Montessori today. I also had time to visit with the leadership team. It felt more like the middle of the year versus the second week, as the students and staff were settled in their new routines. Thank you, MPSA!

The Arlington Career Center (future Grace Hopper Center) is an incredible glimpse into the future workforce! Today, I met students pursuing Associate’s Degrees and future pilots and aviation experts. I also talked to Arlington Tech staff about how to make sure all students have these opportunities.

Gunston Middle Schoolers are learning and active. Today, I was interviewed by Mr. Costner’s class who shared thoughtful questions and showed great poise. I also loved witnessing student geography class and student collaboration. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS @gunston.apsva.us

Today at Oakridge, I visited with Kindergarteners and Fifth graders. What a joy to see the positive energy and see the work students are doing in science, art and more. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS @oakridge.apsva.us

I enjoyed seeing the Hoffman-Boston All Stars shining brightly today. I had the opportunity to meet staff, join the awesome fifth-grade Collaborative Learning Team meeting, visit a PreK class, and listen to a read-aloud. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School @hoffmanboston.bsky.social.

Jamestown students are ready to learn. I loved the energy in the art classroom, greeting various grade levels, and seeing the joy in music class. Have a great year, Jamestown! #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School @jamestown.apsva.us

Discovery Elementary is off to a great start! I reminded students about new opportunities to become great readers this year and talked to them about their goals for the year. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School @discovery.apsva.us

I had a wonderful time visiting @williamsburg.apsva.us this morning. I observed Spanish classes, saw eighth graders getting to know one another and met both new and veteran teachers and staff. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

I had a wonderful visit to Cardinal Elementary! I joined a 2nd-grade class as the teacher shared excitement about the start of school, stopped by Ms. Natsios’ class and saw students enjoying lunch together in the cafeteria. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS @cardinal.apsva.us