Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · 13d

My final fall school visit was to Integration Station where the students were in full fall and Halloween spirit! Reading books, learning letters and getting outside to play 🎃. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

Teacher doing fall themed lesson with music

1 3

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · 13d

Thank you to Langston for a great visit. We discussed the school’s amazing students and their focus on strengthening co-teaching support. I also visited classes learning about civics, social studies, and more. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

Dr Duran with students at Langston in civics.

1

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · 16d

I had a terrific visit to @drew.apsva.us this morning, where I read to students. This was a great way to start the weekend. #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

students in the reading circle with Dr. Durán

1

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · 16d

I visited @yhs.apsva.us this morning. I stopped by classrooms where curiosity and collaboration were on full display. I am proud of the energy and creativity at Yorktown. In addition, it is "Teacher Dress Like a Student Day." #OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

Dr. Durán at Yorktown talking to students.

Dr. Durán at Yorktown observing students as they learn.

2

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

I ended my Friday visits at Glebe @glebe.apsva.us where students and staff showed off their favorite sports teams, displayed their artistic talents, and explained what they love about Glebe: amazing teachers and great friends! I also saw the beautiful new courtyard.
#APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

3

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

H-B Woodlawn @hbwprogramaps.bsky.social is truly a special place. I visited today during lunch and talked to students about the power and importance of kindness and acceptance. I also had the chance to hear the talented chorus singing a welcoming song. 🎵 #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

1

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

It was a joy to end the week at the Shriver Program to see @kenmore.apsva.us Kenmore MS and multiple high schools coming out to play sports together as one team. This community is truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you to the dedicated Shriver staff! 🙌#APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

1 2 3

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Watch as APS students, staff and the community share how they celebrate their Latino heritage. #APSHHM #OneTeamOneAPS #HispanicHeritageMonth

1 2

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

Honoring Ms. Inga Schoenbrun at ATS, a September 2025 APS All Star! She goes above and beyond to support students and families, creating a welcoming environment for all. Her dedication to student success is truly inspiring. #APSAllStars

2 4

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

Recognizing Doug Martin at the Trades Center, a September 2025 APS All Star! Doug is responsive, practical and kind—always solving problems and keeping our schools running smoothly. His dedication makes a lasting impact. #APSAllStars

5

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

Celebrating Luis Mejia at the Trades Center, one of our September 2025 #APSAllStars! Luis goes the extra mile to ensure students are cared for, remembered and supported on the bus each day. His kindness makes him an exemplary driver.

2

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

Applauding Ms. Amanda Zolan at @longbranchva.bsky.social, one of our September 2025 #APSAllStars! Known as a miracle-worker and child whisperer, she anticipates needs, brings joy to every day and is a role model for students and staff alike.

4

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 19

Celebrating Ms. Laura Partridge at @swanson.apsva.us, one of our #APSAllStars! As a math coach and educator for 27 years, she is the go-to for institutional knowledge, guiding teachers, mentoring families and coaching Swanson’s 250+ member track team with dedication and enthusiasm. #APSAllStars

1 3

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 18

My second visit today took me to @drew.apsva.us, where I sat with students engaged in a puzzle activity in Ms. Mallory's kindergarten class. It was great to explore a variety of classrooms where students are settling into the new school year.

#OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

2 5

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 18

I had a great morning visiting @randolph.apsva.us. I saw students in action across the school and even visited Ms. Slater's fourth-grade class, where students were learning history.

#OneTeamOneAPS #APSBack2School

Ms. Slaters fourth-grade class learning.

1 3

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 15

APS All Stars are the heart of our schools! They are the people who uplift students, support staff and bring our APS values to life each day. Do you know someone like that?

Nominate them now at apsva.us/all-stars and let’s shine a spotlight on the people making a difference. #OneTeamOneAPS

3

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 13

My final visit of the week was to @innovation.apsva.us where I observed poetry and math lessons, spoke to teachers and staff, and connected with students. One student shared what it means to have a “double thumbs up” kind of week!

Mr Knott’s class in a coin counting lesson

6

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 12

I loved visiting Arlington Science Focus today @asfs.apsva.us! I had the chance to watch students participating in science experiments, pop in on lunch, and connect with staff. Thank you for the warm welcome. #APSBack2School
#OneTeamOneAPS

5

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 12

At Taylor @taylor.apsva.us, I saw the brand new playground under construction and met with Ms. Heidig, an amazing educator who has taught at Taylor for over 40 years! We also visited several classes to hear about progress students are already making. #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

2

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 12

I was proud to join Amazon today for the groundbreaking of Arlington Community High School at HQ2 right here in Arlington. I'm excited to open the doors in 2026 and expand opportunities for our students. @achs-aps.bsky.social

#OneTeamOneAPS #ArlingtonVA

students standing in front of new entrance at HQ2.

2

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 12

Today at Dorothy Hamm Middle School, I talked to Collaborative Learning Teams and visited several classrooms. I also had the chance to meet 6th graders and learn about their goals aspirations. What an amazing community! #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

Superintendent and principal with students

4

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 11

Today we pause to remember September 11, 2001, a day that profoundly impacted our community here in Arlington and across the nation.

We honor the lives lost, the families forever changed and the courage of those who responded. We will never forget.

#NeverForget

5

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 9

I enjoyed visiting the outstanding students, teachers and staff at Long Branch @longbranch.apsva.us today. It was inspiring to see so much Lion Pride, especially among the fifth grade students who shared what it means to be leaders in the school. Thanks to all! #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

2

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 6

At Tuckahoe @tuckahoe.apsva.us, I observed lessons, tried the front-office “toss”challenge, and learned how students and staff are giving back to our community. Students help grow a garden and donate fresh produce to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). 👏 #APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

5

Dr. Francisco Durán @suptduran.apsva.us · Sep 6

I visited Escuela Key and met with Jeremy Sullivan’s 4th grade class yesterday. His students engaged with me in a Q&A and shared all they are learning. We also talked about the superpowers they are gaining in the immersion program. @escuelakey.apsva.us
#APSBack2School #OneTeamOneAPS

1