Family Update- September 15, 2025

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There are so many exciting things happening at Skyline, and we’re proud to highlight them in this week’s update! You’ll notice that we’ve reorganized the newsletter a bit—new information will be shared at the top, and any items that continue beyond their first week will now appear under the “In Case You Missed It” banner. This way, you can quickly see what’s new while still having easy access to important ongoing information.

We’re also excited to share that after-school tutoring will begin on Monday, September 15 in the library. Tutoring will run on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00–5:00pm. Students planning to attend must be in the library by 3:00pm. Entry after 3:00 will only be allowed with a pass from the adult they were with (for example, if they were getting extra help, attending a club/organization, or coming from practice). We’ll be adding a credit recovery component soon as well. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity if they would benefit from additional support.

We want to remind families that the only designated location for student pick-up is the parent drop-off/pick-up loop at the student entrance (southeast side of the school). The drive around the track field, as well as the student, staff, and visitor parking lots, are not acceptable drop off or pick-up locations. Recently, AATA has contacted us to share that their buses are having difficulty getting through due to cars lining up along the track field drive. This is creating issues with them staying on time and has a domino effect with other routes and buses as well.

To keep traffic flowing and ensure safety, staff will be outside monitoring these areas over the next few weeks, and drivers waiting in non-approved locations will be asked to move. Please help us by using the approved parent loop so we can prevent the need for repeated redirection. As you know, our staff is fully engaged at dismissal, and your cooperation allows us to focus our attention where it is most needed. Thank you for your support in keeping our dismissal process safe and efficient for all!

We also love to hear and share good news from our Skyline community! Further down in this newsletter, you’ll find a link where you can submit stories and celebrations. Please share the amazing things happening with our students so we can highlight and celebrate them together.

We are already gearing up for Homecoming, and this year’s game will be an especially exciting one as we take on Pioneer! We are expecting a crowd that will exceed our stadium’s capacity, and once we reach that limit, we will not be able to allow additional spectators to enter, even if tickets were purchased ahead of time. To ensure you don’t miss out, we encourage you to arrive early and consider joining us for the Homecoming Parade before the game to kick off the celebrations. Let’s come together to show our Skyline spirit and make it a memorable Homecoming for our students and community!

Your Skyline Administration Team,

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

Monday:

• After School Tutoring in library 3-5pm

• After School Tutoring in library 3-5pm

• Constitution Day
• Skytime Schedule
• EL Parent Meeting 5:00pm

• After School tutoring in library 3-5pm

Upcoming Important Dates:

• Mon. Sept. 29- No School
• Tues. Sept. 30- Senior Parent Night
• Wed. Oct. 1- Student Count Day
• Fri. Oct. 3- Pep Rally Bell Schedule

• Homecoming Parade
• Homecoming Football Game vs. Pioneer 7:00pm
• Sat. Oct. 4- Homecoming Dance
• Tues. Oct. 7- Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• FAFSA/ Financial Aid Presentation by WCC 4:00pm
• Wed. Oct. 8- 11th Grade PSAT/MNSQT- Late start for 9,10,12
• Fri. Oct. 10- No School Fall Break
• Mon. Oct. 13- No School Fall Break

September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Throughout the month, we honor the diverse traditions, languages, and stories that shape our community and our country. Skyline is proud to recognize and celebrate the strength and influence of Hispanic heritage, and we encourage our students and families to take time this month to learn more, engage in celebrations, and appreciate the many ways Hispanic culture enriches our daily lives.

We know there are so many amazing things happening in the lives of our Skyline students and families, and we want to celebrate them! Please take a moment to share your good news using the Google form linked here. It could be an accomplishment in school, a success in athletics or the arts, a community service project, or just something you’re proud of. Big or small, we’d love to hear it! Pictures are always welcome too. Help us highlight and spread the great things happening in our Skyline community—don’t be shy, send in your stories so we can celebrate together! 🎉

Students must have a school ID on them at all times and in order to enter the building if coming in after the start of the day. If it's easier to have it on their phone or they lost their physical ID, they can download a digital ID as an acceptable option. The directions to download a digital ID are linked below.

Here is the campus traffic flow map if needed as a reminder. Thank you for following these routes only.

Last week we provided 12th grade students the results of their performance on the Spring 2025 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). We will provide current 9th graders their results when we receive them from the middle schools over the next few weeks. This assessment is given in the spring to students in grade3-8 & 11 to measure student progress with Michigan's content standards. The M-STEP represents a snapshot of your child's performance on a given day in the Spring of 2025 and the results are used in conjunction with many other data points to support continuous school and district improvement. The M-STEP assessment results are not used in student grades or report cards.

The Michigan Department of Education has provided the following resource to assist families in understanding the information you will see on the MSTEP parent report:

• Guides to Parent Reports

Please contact us if you have questions about the M-STEP, Michigan’s learning standards, or your child’s progress overall.

We believe in supporting our students' growth each day in every way we can. Our dedicated teachers and leaders are proud to partner with you on this educational journey and we are all committed to your child's success and well-being.

AP Exam registration season is here! Please see below for updated information.

Assessment Formats
As a reminder, last year was our first year offering a combination of fully digital, hybrid, and traditional paper-based assessments. The good news is that there are no format changes this year. All exams will continue to be administered at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center.

Test Ordering – Important Change
The one major change this year is how students will order their exams:

• Pioneer students will order exams directly through their AP Classroom.

• A2 Virtual+, Community, Huron, and Skyline students will also enroll in your AP Classroom but will need to order their exams using an Exam Only Code.

• Students who are self-studying will also use the Exam Only Codes.

You can find the Exam Only Codes here:
Exam Only Codes Spreadsheet

AP Testing Website
We will continue to use the district AP website to share information with students and families. Please review the site and feel free to share it with your classes. The site includes the exam schedule, registration instructions, and other resources. Details on test administration will be added in the coming weeks.

District AP Website

Mon. Nov. 17- 1:30pm

Fri. Dec. 12- 8:30am

Wed. Jan. 14- 1:30pm

Wed. Feb. 11- 8:30am

Tues. March 17- 1:30pm

Fri. April 17- 8:30am

Mon. May 18- 1:30pm

Wed. Nov. 19 11:00-1:00

Mon. Dec. 1- 10:30-12:30

Fri. Jan. 9 10:30-12:30

Tues. Feb. 3 10:30-12:30

Mon. March 2 10:30-12:30

Tues. April 7 10:30-12:30

Wed. May 13 11:00-1:00

Did you know? Career Technical Education, or CTE, helps students learn by doing, and combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences and real-world skills. From PreK-12, students can explore their purpose, passion, and potential. Then they can connect to future-focused careers in high-wage, high-skill, in-demand pathways in our region like:

• Aviation and aerospace
• Automotive technology
• Computer science
• Construction trades
• Cybersecurity
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental science
• Health sciences
• Robotics and engineering

If the CTE millage is approved in November, a countywide PreK-12 CTE model would expand access to both new and existing CTE programs and offer more opportunities to help prepare students for college, careers and beyond! Learn more at www.washtenawisd.org/ctemillage.

College application season has officially started at Skyline!

Here are some important dates to remember:

• On or before October 1st - 2026-2027 FAFSA application opens

• Thursday, October 9, 2025 - Final day to request materials needed from the school (ie: transcripts, recommendations) for college applications if applying for early action with a November 1st deadline.

• Saturday November 1, 2025 - Early action applications are due.

• Monday December 1, 2025 - Final day to request materials needed from the school for college applications if applying for regular action with a January 1st deadline.

Let’s Get It!

We’re keeping the momentum rolling:

College Rep Visits keep rolling next week — lock in those connections.
Don’t miss the HBCU College Expo — explore schools, culture, and opportunity!
Jump in on volunteer opportunities & community outreach — make an impact while stacking experience.
Book your one-on-one meeting with Mr. Woodford for guidance on college, careers, and next steps.

The CUBE is your hub — show up, level up, and own your future!

- Woodford, out...

Our first grade check will be next week. Please talk to your athletes and ensure they are ready for the grade check. As a reminder, all I's are equivalent to E's. Also, online students must have their work up to date and have a passing grade.

Athletics is looking for individuals interested in running our clock on game days, also ticket takers. If you are interested please email Mrs. Sissoko: sissokod@aaps.k12.mi.us. These are paid positions!

As we prepare for Homecoming on Friday, October 3, 2025, please know we will have enhanced safety and security measures. We play Pioneer and anticipate a big turnout. We will be counting spectators to ensure we do not reach our spectator capacity. Please plan to get on campus early as there is a possibility we will reach a maximum capacity, if this happens we will turn away guests. You will notice increased fencing and an attempt to separate Pioneer and Skyline guests.

AAPS authorization form for private transportation is linked below. Please follow these important instructions in order for you to drive your student home following a competition when school transportation is provided:

1. The coach ultimately determines if players are allowed to travel separately from the team.
2. Players can only ride with their parent/guardian
3. The form needs to be completed ahead of time and communicated in advance with the coach
4. Do not email private transportation forms directly to the AD
5. Private Vehicle Authorization

Please familiarize yourself with our athletic and event policies:

• Skyline Academic Eligibility
• High School Spectator Expectations

• MHSAA Guidelines for spectators and teams

• Middle School Student Expectations

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

Please follow Arbiter for the most up to date game schedules:

• Skyline Game Schedule, Arbiter

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

Are you interested in joining the Skyline Theatre Program? Now is the time! Auditions and tech training for the fall play is happening this coming Monday from 3-6pm in the Experimental Theatre (C204). Be a part of this amazing community and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Parents and guardians of students who are cast or working tech for the fall play are encouraged to attend the mandatory parent meeting on Wednesday, September 17th from 6-7pm at Skyline in the Experimental Theatre (C204). We can't wait to see you there!

Anyone interested in hearing more about how to get involved in the Skyline Theatre Program can contact Kristine Stephens at stephensk@aaps.k12.mi.us

Our Special Diets Program can accommodate a variety of dietary needs. This includes, but is not limited to, food allergies (e.g., gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, etc.) and other medical conditions that may require special dietary needs (e.g., diabetes, sensory sensitivities, celiac disease, etc.).

We prepare and provide meals for a variety of special diets in an allergen-friendly kitchen. Following their preparation, the meals are distributed to each student’s school weekly for the kitchen staff to reheat and serve. The kitchen staff will have a list of which students are enrolled in the program at their school and will have the meals prepared, however they may need assistance in identifying each student. Parents are encouraged to have their child introduce themself to kitchen staff.

Enrollment:

To enroll in the special diets program, we need a completed USDA Special Dietary Statement (SDS) which is linked below and available on our website. This statement must include signatures from both a parent/guardian and a medical professional. This required documentation must be submitted to the district dietitian at aaps_dietary_requests@aaps.k12.mi.us so that an individualized meal plan can be developed prior to serving any meals to the student.

While we strive to meet the highest standards of food safety and dietary accommodation, there are limitations to what we can provide. The program cannot accommodate religious requests or dietary preferences- more specific information regarding this can be found on the USDA Special Diet Statement.

Additionally, we are not able to provide absolute guarantees of zero cross-contact with allergens, as we are not able to offer a 100% allergen-free kitchen environment.

Everything below this has been in previous newsletters and is not new information.

🎓 Skyline Class of 2026 Senior Parent Meeting - Join Us on Zoom!

Senior year is here, and we’re excited to partner with families as we navigate this important time together! Please join us for a virtual Senior Parent Meeting to review key dates, graduation requirements, senior events, and more.

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
🕖 Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
💻 Location: Zoom [ Click Here: Parent Meeting Zoom (password = eagles) ]

Please note: This meeting is specifically for parents/guardians. Students will have a separate senior meeting during the school day but feel free to have your senior sit in next to you if you’d like.

We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your student(s) through a successful senior year!

🦅

Seniors requesting a reduced schedule must submit their forms by the following deadlines:

• Trimester 1: September 5th at 3:00 PM
  
  

• Trimester 2: December 4th at 3:00 PM
  
  

• Trimester 3: March 12th at 3:00 PM
  
  

Forms submitted after these dates will not be approved.
This information is also posted in Schoology, included in daily announcements, and communicated by counseling staff.

Closed Campus

During the course of the school day, students are not permitted to leave the building/campus without permission. Students may not report to their vehicles during the school day without administrators permission. If a student is caught outside of the building without permission, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action. Further violations will result in loss of parking privileges at Skyline High School.

Skyline Student Parking Privileges & Guidelines - PARKING Expectations

• The Skyline Parking Policy is enforced by Administrators and the Ann Arbor Police Department.

• Parking on school property is by PERMIT ONLY during school hours.

• All hang tag permits must be hung from the rearview mirror, and must be visible through the windshield.

• Replacement permits will be issued by the Innovation office for a $3.00 replacement fee.

• Parking permits may not be transferred, copied or sold to others

• Park ONLY in spaces legal for student parking in the student parking lot

• Parking in staff or reserved spaces, handicapped, fire or driving lanes, bus and parent loops or on the grass will result in towing at the owner's expense.

• Cars without current school year permits are subject to towing at the owner's expense.

• All parking spaces are on a first come basis.

• After paying for your parking permit online, go to the Innovation office to pick up your hang tag. If you are paying with cash or check, (check made to Skyline High School), go to the Innovation office with your payment to receive your permit hang tag.

Vehicles on Campus
Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school reserves the right to search any vehicle, if reasonable suspicion exists to do so. Students have full responsibility for the security of their vehicles and will make certain they are locked and that keys are not given to others. Students will be held responsible for any prohibited objects or substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and weapons, that are found in their cars and will be subject to disciplinary action. Searches of vehicles, as well as general searches of school property, may be conducted at any time if there is reasonable suspicion to do so, with or without the presence of the student. If the vehicle subject to search is locked, the student shall be asked to unlock the vehicle. If the student refuses, we will contact the student’s parent(s). If parent(s) also refuse to permit the vehicle to be searched, we may contact local law enforcement officials and turn the matter over to them.

Parking Violations

Students are also responsible for parking vehicles legally and safe driving. If parked illegally, the vehicle is subject to being towed at the expense of the owner. The principals shall have the discretion to set eligibility for parking on campus.

If you fail to park in your permitted area:

• Warning

• Parking permits revoked for second offense

• 1st offense: Warning

• 2nd offense: your car will be towed at your expense.

No Food Deliveries During The School Day

To keep learning on track and our campus secure, students may not receive food deliveries (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, etc.) at any time during the school day. Delivery drivers will be turned away. The office and staff will not accept, hold, or deliver food for students.

Why this rule matters

• Safety: Unknown adults coming to campus create security risks.

• Learning time: Deliveries disrupt classes and office operations.

• Equity & order: One clear rule keeps expectations fair and consistent for everyone.

Closed campus reminder: Students may not leave school to get food during the day. If a student leaves class for food, they will be sent back to class and school discipline consequences may apply per the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Students may bring lunch from home or use the cafeteria. Thank you for supporting a safe, focused learning environment.

AAPS is pleased to offer this anonymous tip line for students, staff and families to address bullying, mental health concerns or the important “See Something, Say Something”.

The Securly Tip Line can be downloaded from the AppStore or Google Play and a bookmark will be placed on all student laptops.

Students, staff and parents can initiate an anonymous tip outside of the app via:

• 1-833-300STOP

• tipline@securly.com

• securly.com/tip

• QR code
  

  
  

The AAPS Securly Tip Line is another step that we know will assist our students, families and staff to ensure appropriate support and safety in our schools.

Not all heroes wear a cape and tights. A real hero speaks up for what's right. Be a real hero. If you see or hear something that threatens student or school safety, submit a confidential tip to OK2SAY.

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:

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

Early Dismissal & Absence Form Instructions

• Single-day, partial, or early dismissal: Please complete this FORM.

• Multiple-day absences: Email sky_attendance@aaps.k12.mi.us

• Student name

• Student number

• Dates of absence

• Reason for absence

Deadlines for early dismissal requests:

• Before 11:00 AM dismissal → Form must be submitted by 8:00 AM

• After 11:00 AM dismissal → Form must be submitted by 10:00 AM

*Please call the Main Office for any last-minute dismissal arrangements. 734-994-6515 ext. 4

Local business owners: want to reach students, parents, and teachers across the Skyline High School and Ann Arbor community? Sponsor The Skyline Post, Skyline's award-winning student newspaper with growing print, web, and social media reach. In our first three full years as a program, we have earned 40 state journalism awards and we average 60K stories read per year, with over 100K page views total.

We offer full-year sponsorships with print and digital benefits, as well as à la carte ad options. Choose from color or black-and-white ads, and get featured in print, online, and on social media. Your support helps us fund high-quality student journalism!

Submit your ad, choose your package, and upload your design via this form. A journalist will follow up with you to confirm your purchase!

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