Priorities

Empathy

As an APS parent for 13 years, I understand firsthand the importance of a child feeling seen and truly understood. My eldest graduated from the APS’ Life Skills program, where he was supported, valued, and set up for success. But that support was not always universal, there were moments when he was underestimated and not everyone believed in his potential. Today, he is thriving in a four-year university, proving what’s possible when students receive the encouragement and resources they deserve.

His journey is a reminder that when students are supported and engaged with empathy, they can thrive. Unfortunately, not every child has that experience. The disruptions of the pandemic made this even more apparent, leaving many students without the stability and encouragement they needed. Many are still recovering emotionally, and their social and emotional well-being must remain a priority alongside academic achievement.

Moving forward, we must continue to support the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Engagement

As a community facilitator, I know when people have an opportunity to be involved from the very beginning, they are more likely to own the outcome. APS engages APS families through the Your Voice Matters surveys and through long-term engagement processes around the Strategic Plan and school board open office hours, but sometimes that engagement comes too late in the process. We should consider engagement a valuable tool to develop a path forward, instead of an information campaign to share an intended direction.

Excellence

APS Excellence Means Erasing the Opportunity Gap – What is often called the “achievement gap” can sometimes be contributed to the opportunity gap. When we bridge these missed opportunities, we empower all students to succeed.

We can erase those opportunity gaps by: