Family Update- August 25, 2025

The wait is almost over, the first day of school is just around the corner! Our halls are ready, our staff is prepared, and most importantly, we are excited to welcome each of you back for a new year of learning, growth, and memories.

The start of a school year is always filled with possibility. It’s a time to set goals, build friendships, discover new interests, and take on challenges that will help you grow both inside and outside the classroom. Remember, every day is a chance to learn something new, to show kindness, and to contribute to the positive spirit of our school community.

To our students, believe in yourself, work hard, and know that you have a team of caring adults here to support you every step of the way. To our families—thank you for partnering with us and trusting us with your children. Together, we will make this year one of growth, joy, and success.

We can’t wait to see our Eagle pride soar high this year. Let’s make it the best year yet!

Important Information

You should have received 2 emails from us today. One with information about the My Bus Stop Arrival App if applicable to your student and one with the parent powerschool log in information. If you did not receive these or you have questions, please reach out to Jefferson Bilsborrow- bilsborrow@aaps.k12.mi.us.

Reminders for Monday morning:

• School starts at 8:00am, that means in your seat in class at 8:00am, not arriving to the building at 8:00am ;-)
• If you did not attend registration, you should report to the aux gym first thing when you arrive.
• All students will go to their Skytime (Advisory) class first. In Skytime they will get a fresh printout of their schedule with any changes that have been made. That is the schedule that they should follow.
• Students will also end their day in Skytime on Monday.
• There will be a grab and go lunch available for all students as they exit for the day Monday.
• Students are not able to use personal technology at school this year, they are required to bring their macbooks and chargers each and every day to school.
• Please review the cell phone policy linked here and ensure your student is prepared for Monday.
• Please review and follow the traffic flow map below. Please pack your patience and plan for some extra time to get through the first few days as everyone settles into their routines.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

With excitement and gratitude,

Your Skyline Administration Team,

Casey Elmore, Andre Criswell, Terri Patterson, Delsie Sissoko and Lamanzer Williams

Monday:

• Special Schedule- 1/2 day- release at 11:00
• First Day of School

• Skytime Schedule
• 12 Grade Class Meeting

• Skytime Schedule
• 9th Grade Class Meeting

• Skytime Schedule
• 10th and 11th Grade Class Meeting
• Tri 1 schedule change deadline 3:00pm

• No School
• Home V. Football vs. Annapolis 7:00pm

Upcoming Important Dates:

Mon. Sept. 1- No School

Tues. Sept. 2- PTSO Meeting 5:00

Open House 6:00

Wed. Sept. 3- Skytime Schedule

All students will again receive a free breakfast or lunch meal for this school year.

All individual food items ( not taken as part of the full meal offered) , such as milk only, are not free to students. Students must pay for these individual items via the Meal Magic payment system.

Even though the State of Michigan continues to provide free breakfast and lunch meals for all students, it is important that every AAPS family fills out the Education Benefit Form (EBF), regardless of financial status. Filling out the EBF form helps AAPS maintain our current funding levels. We appreciate your assistance in filling out the EBF form.

Without this information from every family, AAPS could lose important state funding for educational programs that our students are entitled to. These supplemental grants and programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students including, but not limited to:

What do I need to do?

Please complete the EBF form. You may fill out a paper form or complete the form online.

Important Notes:

How do I submit my form? Choose one of the following methods:

1. Online: visit https://annarbor.familyportal.cloud, then click “Apply for Benefits”

• Here is a resource to assist you with filling out the form.

2. In person: Return completed form to your student’s school.

3. By Mail:

Ann Arbor Public Schools – Food Service

2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Students and families interested in purchasing Skyline Gear here is your chance! All gear will ship within three days and it is shipped directly to your home. The shop will close in a few weeks.

Use the link here:

The cost of yearbooks is $80 until Sept. 5 at which time the price will increase. Grab yours now!

Parking passes will be available for $50 Students can purchase the pass through GoFan, or with cash/check/credit card in person at Finance Office.

Thanks to our high school student/staff pilot groups, the Instructional Technology Team, School Librarians, ITD and our Bond funds, the Board of Education approved the purchase of Macbook Air laptops for all high school students to replace their chromebooks, this was a Bond Program Funds purchase. This is a pivotal moment of placing a higher-quality device in the hands of students to better support the teaching & learning process as well as encourage creativity and critical thinking. Linked here is a one-page flyer that highlights the AAPS Screen Ready Action Research on this intentional device change for high school students.

One additional and very critical note, it is the District's expectation that students are ONLY bringing and using their district-issued MacBook Air laptop during school hours. Now that students all have equitable access to a robust device with faster performance, higher-quality onboard tools, business-class software and larger screen size/resolution, no student should be bringing their own laptop or tablet to school.

School Bus Transportation Information:

Bus routes for the upcoming school year will be posted mid-August and can be found here. For more details, please visit our transportation information page.

AAPS Mobile Bus Arrival App:

We are pleased to introduce My Stop, a new mobile app designed to provide you with real-time bus information. With My Stop, you can access your child's assigned bus, the bus stop location, and get updates on the estimated time of arrival at the bus stop. This app helps parents and students plan for late or on-time arrivals, preventing missed pick-ups. To get started, follow the step-by-step directions on how to set up and use My Stop, available for free on the Apple or Android Store on your smartphone. For more information, please visit AAPS Transportation Information.

Due to safety concerns and the likely potential of unavailable seats on a bus route, students may not travel home with a friend on an AAPS bus except for an emergency situation that is approved by the school principal.

Please share this info with other family members or friends who may be picking-up or dropping-off students like you:

THE SPEED LIMIT WHILE ON CAMPUS IS 10 MPH. Please drive slowly for the safety of all!

Students arriving to school should be dropped off at the Student Entrance using the parent drop-off loop ONLY. Students will be required to present their student ID (physical or digital) upon entry to the building. Students who have already been called out and approved for early dismissal should be picked up at the parent pick-up loop at any time during the school day. The only time a student will be picked up at the main office is if a parent/guardian is coming in to pick up a student and this early release has not previously been called into the attendance line or front desk.

Morning Arrival/Drop Off:

PLEASE PACK YOUR PATIENCE and be kind! If you are turning into the parent drop-off loop, you should be in the left lane along the stadium. You should not be crossing over traffic to turn into the parent drop-off loop. The drop-off loop is ONE LANE ONLY! Students are exiting vehicles and we do not want cars driving past them as they are exiting their vehicles. There are barricades in the inner lane for a reason, please do not ignore them. We are doing our best to move people forward and to keep the line moving as quickly as possible. Please drive around other children how you would want others to drive around your child.

The parent drop-off loop is a constantly moving line. We ask that you ALWAYS pull forward in the loop as far as possible and do not stop right in front of the school as this slows down the line and causes unnecessary delays. There is no parking and sitting in the loop. If you need to sit and wait for your child, we ask that you move to a parking spot near the baseball fields or tennis courts to wait for them there, not in the loop.

When you arrive in the loop at drop-off in the morning, your child should be prepared to quickly grab their belongings and hop out of the vehicle as soon as you are able to come to a complete stop in the loop. This could occur at any spot in the loop, not only directly in front of the school. The line should constantly be moving forward for a continuous flow through.

END OF THE DAY PICK UP:

PLEASE PACK YOUR PATIENCE and be kind! If you are turning into the parent pick-up loop, you should be in the left lane along the stadium. You should not be crossing over traffic to turn into the parent pick-up loop.

We understand that students come out at somewhat staggered times at dismissal. For this reason, we ask that you communicate with your child about their after-school plan. If they are coming directly out to the car at dismissal, please move forward as far as possible and continue moving forward as traffic moves. If they are not coming out right at the end of the day, please do not pull into the parent pick-up loop until your child is coming out and park in a parking spot near the baseball fields or tennis courts until they are ready to exit the school.

So that we can allow those who have already picked up their students to exit, only at the end of the day, we will allow the inner lane after the end curve closest to the school to be used to pass cars that are still waiting on their child. Please drive slowly, use your turn signals, watch for merging traffic, and pay close attention to students as you exit the pick up loop. There will only be one lane of traffic exiting the pick-up loop. When exiting, you should remain in the left lane.

For this plan to work safely and efficiently, it's essential that everyone adheres to the designated drop-off areas and traffic flow. Dropping off students in non-designated areas not only disrupts the traffic flow but also creates potential safety hazards for students walking in areas where pedestrian traffic is not expected. Do not drop students off in the student parking lot, this is not a student drop off location and creates dangerous traffic patterns that the space is not intended for. Our students consistently complain about parents dropping off in the student parking lot.

Skyline has designed its traffic flow plan to optimize the use and safety of our roadways and parking areas. The road surrounding the stadium, baseball fields, tennis courts, and school will operate as a one-way route. Please refer to the diagram above for detailed traffic directions. Areas marked with blue arrows indicate one-way traffic, while sections with both blue and orange arrows are the only locations on campus where two-way traffic is permitted.

The east side drop-off loop will continue to be used exclusively for parent drop-offs, and the west side loop will remain reserved for buses only. Please note that parking is prohibited in both loops at all times.

Last August, Mr. O, Payton, and Valencia made this short video to help you understand the traffic flow on campus. It states "2024 - 2025" at the beginning, but the video remains valid: Video linked here

Schedules are distributed as part of the registration process. Complete schedules including teacher names and classroom numbers will be available in PowerSchool the weekend before the first day of school. If after receiving your schedule at registration, you need to request a schedule change, please review the "Approved Schedule Change Request" reasons listed below. Only requests from this list will be considered. Schedules cannot be changed for teacher preference, class period changes, lunch changes or a change of interest.

Important Reminders

• Check your PowerSchool and email regularly for updates.

• Do not email your counselor to request a change; use the official google form

• Follow-up emails are not necessary unless your counselor reaches out.
  
  

Approved Schedule Change Reasons:
• Completed summer school
• Tested out of a course
• Hole in your schedule- Missing a class period
• Double-scheduled period
• Enrolled in A2Virtual (must complete registration through A2Virtual)
• Reduced schedule (12th only with a signed agreement)
• Missing a graduation requirement
• Level change
• Dual enrollment (at a college or university after you have exhausted our curriculum)
• Split enrollment (another AAPS school for a course we do not offer)
• Community Resource class (through Community High School)
• Work Experience

Thank you for your understanding and support during this busy time!

Please know that if you have submitted this form, there is no need to follow up with a phone call or email. Duplicate requests slow down the process and will not result in your request being taken care of any sooner.

The schedule change deadline for trimester 1 is Thursday, August 28 @ 3:00pm

Hello Families and Students,

Please familiarize yourself with our academic eligibility and attendance policy!

• Skyline Academic Eligibility
• High School Spectator Expectations
• Skyline Game Schedule, Arbiter

All students will need their school id to get into home athletic events for free!

ATHLETE ATTENDANCE

Athletes are required to be in school a minimum of 3 class periods in order to participate in practice or competition each day. All coaches will be receiving an ineligible list of players daily. It is our expectation that coaches check this daily and exclude those players from practice or competition.

Any student new to Skyline and is in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade must complete the New Student Form and be approved by the athletic director before participating in any sport!

Sincerely,

Delsie Sissoko

Athletic Director

Assistant Principal

You are still able to order Skyline shirts and hoodies! Hurry, while supplies last!

AAPS is excited to announce a new centralized hub for student information and communication called MyPowerHub. This new hub will serve as a one-stop portal designed to better serve our students and families. This streamlined system will bring together everything from grades and attendance to schedules, assignments, and communication tools, all in one easy-to-access location. By simplifying access and enhancing the user experience, we’re making it easier than ever for families to stay informed and engaged in their student’s education. This is a major step forward in our commitment to providing seamless, efficient, and supportive tools for student success.

MyPowerHub Intro Video

Parent PowerSchool Account

Staying on top of your student’s grades is a key component to their success. By creating a single-sign-on account, you will have access to student grades and any missing or incomplete assignments. For detailed instructions on setting up your account please follow this link. If you are having difficulty with PowerSchool please email our PowerSchool Support team at: pssupport@aaps.k12.mi.us

What is Schoology

Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; provide a safe forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized and it keeps the class connected.

A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:

• The classes your child is enrolled in.
• Your child’s upcoming assignments.
• School and class announcements.

For detailed instructions on setting up your Schoology account, please follow this link. Follow this link for a detailed Schoology Overview. Need tech help? 734-997-1222

Ann Arbor Community Resources

If you've ever wondered where you can send a parent or student to get help, you're not alone.

AAPS has several tools to help you guide families to resources (food, basic needs, emergency services) in their time of need.

Where to find help:

• Accessing community resources in 3 easy steps (video)
• Where to find help: Community resources overview for staff
• AAPS Community Resources Webpage, a2schools.org/communityresources

AAPS Family Technology Assistance - Students & Families - Technology Virtual Help Desk

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Call: 734-997-1222

Open a ticket: family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us

Schedule an In-Person Appointment: call the Student & Family Help Desk

Friend us! We are Skyline Eagle on FB

Follow us on Instagram @skylinehigha2

Food and Groceries

Find FREE Food for your Family

• Need free groceries or meals? Check out the Food Page at a2schools.org/communityresources or visit the Find Food page at foodgatherers.org/foodresources/

Mental Health, Health and Wellbeing Resources

Care Solace Helps Families or Staff Connect to a Mental Health Provider

Care Solace is a free service that connects students, staff, and their families to care. You can use Care Solace to find available mental health and substance use providers matched to your needs.

• Connect with Care Solace 24/7 for free by calling (888) 515-0595 or by visiting caresolace.com/aaps.

• Multiple Languages supported.

• Care Solace flyers are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin

Get a Sports Physical Through RAHS!

Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS) is offering sports physicals at their Scarlett Middle School Location. Learn more here: RAHS-Scarlett Sports Physicals.

Mom Power Group for Mothers of Young Children

• The EMU Community Behavioral Health Clinic will be offering an in-person Mom Power group on Tuesday evenings this fall.

• This attachment-based, trauma-informed group is intended for mothers of children ages 0-6.

• The 10-week group starts September 16th and childcare is provided.

• The cost is $80 for the group but fee waivers are available.

• Please see Flier for more information.

Academic Support

Free Tutoring, Reading, Writing, Math, ESL Classes: Washtenaw Literacy (age 16+)

• Washtenaw Literacy is here to support anyone 16+ who wants to build new skills and confidence.

• All programs are free and designed to meet learners where they are.

• If you or someone in your family would like to join, visit washtenawliteracy.org.

• View classes here: Washtenaw Literacy Class Offerings

Upcoming Events

Saturday, August 16: FREE Childbirth Education Class for people with Medicaid
Having a baby this summer? This upcoming Childbirth Education class is FREE for people with Medicaid!

Saturday, August 16 from 10am to 1pm at the Learning Resource Center (4135 Washtenaw Ave in Ann Arbor). You'll learn about:

• The stages of labor and what to expect

• Feeding and caring for your newborn

• Postpartum care

• Family planning choices

This class is for people with Medicaid insurance. Birth partners are welcome to join. Light refreshments will be served. Class hosted by the Washtenaw County Health Department’s Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP).

Space is limited! Please call 734-544-2984 or email stolll@washtenaw.org to RSVP.