For a pdf version of the ARPS Update, please click here.

Para obtener una versión de la actualización de ARPS en español, haga clic aquí

Para uma versão do ARPS Update em português, clique aqui.

During May, we are pleased to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month,  As noted by reporter and author Minhae Shim Roth, AAPI Heritage Month is held in May in commemoration of the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1943 and in recognition of Golden Spike Day on May 10,1869, which marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad—a feat made possible only by the significant contributions of Chinese workers.  Today, in a time of great strides (such as Kamila Harris’ election as the first Asian American Vice-President of the United States), the AAPI community is also facing a deplorable rise in anti-AAPI violence in many areas of our nation.  As a community, ARPS stands in unwavering solidarity with the AAPI community, and we honor and recognize the innumerable contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout our history and in every aspect of our society.

The month of May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health and wellness.  For those who want more information or need contact information for mental health hotlines, you can visit the Mental Health IS Health website (the numbers from their SOS page are also included below). As we strive for greater understanding of mental health in our community, I want to recognize and thank all of the mental health providers in our ARPS schools who serve our students and families so diligently and well.

Finally, we would like to reiterate that we are strongly encouraging all staff and students to wear high-quality masks to help mitigate the spread of COVID in our schools.  As you may be aware from the ARPS Case Count Dashboard, COVID cases in the schools are on the rise.