Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 

Welcome to Weekly Update!

• Jan. 20 - Akron Alternative Academy winter graduation 
• Jan. 22 - Lunar New Year
• Jan. 23 - Board of Education meeting 
• Jan. 28 - STEM EXPO

• More upcoming dates 

Children’s Hospital helps connect APS families to healthcare 

ERs are filling up and wait times are long. It’s also becoming more difficult to schedule pediatrician visits for your child. There are several ways Akron’s Children’s connects our APS families to care.

During the school day: School-Based Health Centers

Students who get sick during the day, have a minor injury or need vaccines can schedule a visit with a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) without having to leave school. Each APS cluster has a CNP available to serve its schools. Parent/guardian permission is needed. (Complete this sign up form and return to school.) Learn more about the program.

After school/on the weekends – minor illnesses: Quick Care Online

Sometimes your child’s healthcare provider isn’t available. Children’s Quick Care Online connects families to pediatric care for minor illnesses through a phone, tablet or video-enabled computer. Quick Care Online is available to anyone under age 18 in Ohio. Hours are 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Learn more.

Akron Children's Hospital shares important information for parents 

There has been a significant increase in adolescent sextortion cases according to The Federal Bureau of Investigation. It's important for parents to discuss with students the dangers and concerns regarding sexting and sextortion. We encourage parents to read this article from Akron Children's Hospital to help inform your conversation with your student. 

Akron Early College and STEM High School students volunteer for Day of Doing

Students at Akron Early College and STEM High School volunteered in the Day of Doing at Akron Children's Museum to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students helped in the GPD Makerspace, created art projects, helped in the Curtain Call Theater and more. Thanks for your leaderships and generosity, students! 

More APS in the news

• Two students chosen to select textbooks.

• North High School students helped raise $175.33 for Salvation Army to help children in need. Thank you for your kindness to others! Learn more about Be Kind 330. 

• Check out this week's Monday's Meaningful Message.

Weekly APS fun fact 🔍

Our student to teacher ratio is 24:1. Classes in Akron 100 years ago had a ratio of 57 students to one teacher. Learn more about the district through our Facts and Stats information.

Dr. Erich Merkle, Pupil Adjustment Program, Office of Special Education, Akron Public Schools

Social science researchers continue to find a recurring theme with Scandinavian countries across the ocean. They rank among the happiest in the world. There are lessons we can learn from the Finnish population including: 

1. Avoiding comparing ourselves to our neighbors
2. Seeing the inspiration of nature
3. Maintaining a community of trust and safety

Practicing these lessons can help increase our happiness (and help with the winter blues too!). Read more about a psychologist's discoveries about Finland and how these findings remind us that happiness and safety are uniquely linked in the communities they exist. These tips can also help us focus on spending quality time with others to foster civility and community. 

Community resources

• Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Akron Civic Theater (182 S. Main St.) Jan. 28 from 2:30-10 p.m. Enjoy food and beverages, a fireworks display and performances from NIHF STEM Middle School students. Ride the METRO to the event for free by showing this flyer. View the schedule of events and learn more.
• Tuesday Musical's 2023 Annual Scholarship Competition - March 18. There are 19 performances and five scholarships available (two for music education and three for the final-round concert winner). Apply online now through Feb. 1. 
• Pop-up pantry food distributions - Need food assistance or know someone who does? This list from Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank can help you find a food distribution or pop-up pantry near you. 
• Information for parents from Akron Children's Hospital about adolescent sexting and sextortion.

Fun things to do!

• Join the Summit Choral Society. Registration deadline is Jan. 31. Register today!
• Create a Doodle for Google - students in grades K-12 can create a doodle to be featured on Google.com and win scholarships and tech support for their school. Students must complete an entry form and submit their doodle by March 7. Learn more!
• Angel A.R.T Auction - Feb. 2 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. Enjoy food, live entertainment and chances to bid on original artwork. Tickets start at $75. Purchase tickets.
• Tuesday Musical's "Our Song, Our Story" - Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron. Ticket prices vary.

General Resources

• APS District Website
• APS Family Resources
• Akron Summit County Library
• Get 2 School/Stay in the Game
• Ohio Department of Education (ODE)
• Summit County Public Health
• United Way 2-1-1 Resource Referral
• APS plus after hours 
• Street card 

Forms and downloads

• Bullying/Harassment Complaint Form

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