What is Arlington Connect?
Arlington Connect is a process to bring the community and school district together to develop goals and priorities to improve our schools and plan for the future. By listening to everyone’s ideas and best thinking, we can provide the best educational programs for our students. 

Who can participate?
Everyone in the Arlington community is encouraged to attend our community engagement sessions, open houses and building tours, and participate in our online surveys. 

Do I need to attend every community engagement session?
While it is helpful to attend every session, it is not required. We encourage everyone to participate in the process as their schedule allows, even if it’s only one session, building tour or open house. 

Why should I get involved?
Participants in Arlington Connect are developing recommendations for the Board of Education that include goals and priorities to improve our schools and plan for the future. These recommendations will reflect the thoughts and opinions of our entire community and we need to hear what you think!

Who is leading Arlington Connect?
Arlington Connect is a community-led effort. There are four community co-chairs (link to bios) who lead a 20-member facilitating team of parents, staff, community leaders and district leadership. This facilitating team is responsible for developing the monthly community engagement sessions and other ways to gather community feedback. The facilitating team also leads the preparation of the final recommendation of goals and priorities for the Board of Education.

What can I expect at an Arlington Connect community engagement session?
Each community engagement session is an interactive workshop that includes a 30 - 45 minute informational presentation on a specific topic followed by a small-group work activity. Participants are seated in groups of four-to-eight people and work together to come to a general agreement on a series of tasks related to the informational presentation. When the tasks are completed, each group shares their ideas and suggestions with everyone in attendance. 

The feedback gathered during these work activities serves as the foundation for the recommendations to the Board of Education.

How long are the community engagement sessions?
Each community engagement session runs from 7 to 9 p.m. We want to be respectful of your time and will end every session by 9 p.m. if not before. 

When are the engagement sessions?
The engagement sessions are scheduled for these dates:

Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022
Monday, Nov. 14, 2022
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022
Monday, Jan. 23, 2023
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023
Monday, March 20, 2023
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2023
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

Where are the community engagement sessions held?
All of our Arlington Connect sessions will take place at Arlington High School in Cafeteria C&D. We recommend parking on the west side of the building near the athletic fields. 

What topics will be covered in the Arlington Connect process?
The final topics that will be covered will be determined after our first community work session on Oct. 13. 

When are the building tours and open houses?
The building tours and open houses are tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2023. Stay tuned to our website (link to website) for details.

I missed a session. Is there a way to see what was covered?
Yes! All of the Arlington Connect community engagement sessions are thoroughly documented. For information about each session, click here (link to engagement session materials).

Can children come to the community engagement sessions?
Childcare will be available for children 3+ years of age. Please RSVP using the QR provided or email keycommunicator@acsdny.org 

If I can’t attend in person, is there a way to attend virtually?
Yes, please complete our registration form here to receive a Zoom link to join virtually.

If I can't attend a community engagement session, is there a way to provide my input and suggestions?
Yes, throughout the process we will be offering surveys, open house events and more to give everyone in the community the opportunity to provide feedback. Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for more information.

I have a question. How can I find out more?
To learn more email keycommunicator@acsdny.org or call (845) 486-4460 ext. 20171