As the 2024-25 school year starts today, Arlington Public Schools is launching several new initiatives to tackle student safety and enrichment.
Approved changes for this year include a new attendance policy for high school athletic events, a new after-school program pilot, and an extra five-day weekend in November.
This is in addition to other recently announced changes including the installation of speed cameras in some school zones and a new student cellphone policy.
New rules for high school athletic events
More stringent policies for attendance at high school sporting events are going into effect this year.
“Based on growing attendance at our games as student enrollment has increased, APS is taking precautions to ensure that all spectators have a safe, enjoyable experience at all high school athletic events,” the school system said in a press release last week. “Only students of the participating schools will be allowed entry without a parent/guardian and must show student ID.”
Under the new policy, students in middle and elementary school can only attend high school sports games if a parent or guardian accompanies them. The adult will need to remain in attendance as a point of contact for the entire event.
“We also encourage parents to talk to their children about practicing good sportsmanship and respectful behavior as a fan and spectator at our sporting events,” APS said. “We ask that students attending athletic events bring their student IDs with them to show high school staff upon entering an athletic venue.”
Some events will have the following admission fees: $7 for adults, $5 for students with IDs and free admission for seniors and children under five.
More funding for afterschool programs
To address concerns related to teen mental health and substance use, Arlington County’s FY 2025 budget sets aside $1.5 million in one-time funding to develop more after-school programming at some APS schools.
“These funds should build on existing partnerships to expand programs and may use a Notice of Funding available process over an implementation period of 2-3 years,” the Arlington County Board’s FY 2025 budget guidance report says. “In evaluating which partners and programs to support, we expect the programs should serve students at two or more of the following schools: Wakefield, Kenmore, Jefferson, and Gunston.”
Programs supported through this funding are expected to be free for participants, and the County Board called for an “expeditious deployment of pilots.” APS was unable to provide additional information on this initiative by publication time.
Additional long weekends
APS is also adjusting the school calendar to provide teachers with two additional professional learning days — Monday, Nov. 4, and Thursday, Jan. 30 — resulting in a five-day weekend for students from Nov. 1-5 before Thanksgiving break, and a four-day weekend in January.
The additional professional learning days are required to comply with the Virginia Literacy Act, which mandates that educators undertake specific training to enhance their teaching skills, particularly in literacy.
New rules on cellphone use in schools
Today also marks the official first day of new cell phone restrictions for elementary, middle and high school students.
Earlier this month, the School Board approved a temporary policy requiring high school students to turn off their cellphones during class and elementary and middle school students to keep them off throughout the entire school day.
Superintendent Francisco Durán is expected to propose a permanent policy on cellphone restrictions in November, with a School Board vote anticipated in December, per new Virginia Department of Education guidelines.
Starting in mid-September, APS will introduce a new cellphone storage pilot program at Wakefield High School, H-B Woodlawn Middle School, Swanson Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
Enhanced safety measures in school zones
Finally, new traffic safety measures are now in effect around many Arlington schools.
Ten speed cameras have been installed around school zones to monitor and enforce speed limits. Drivers will receive warnings throughout September, with $100 fines for violations starting on Sept. 25.
It’s almost time to head back to school! Arlington County has installed 10 new School Zone Speed Safety Cameras to deter speeding and improve safety in school zones. Details: https://t.co/WO4ayZ51UA pic.twitter.com/wkPnVBiMQr
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) August 14, 2024
Speed bumps are also being installed at Fleet, Claremont, and Drew Elementary Schools, as well as Jefferson Middle and Wakefield High Schools and electronic traffic message boards have been placed along major roads to raise awareness about school zone safety and the importance of slowing down.
