What is APISA/A?

The APISA/A (Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian/American) Parent Advisory Group formed in May 2021 to support APISA/A families within Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS). We provide an environment for openly sharing our hopes, needs, concerns, and challenges as community members in Ann Arbor, particularly related to equity and inclusion for APISA/A students and families. We serve as a resource to help APISA/A students and families, particularly those new to the area, learn how to access and navigate AAPS services.   

How Can You Get Involved?

We are interested in increasing visibility, equity and inclusion for our APISA/A students, while building community and connections between APISA/A families across schools (whether you are new to the district or are long-time residents of Ann Arbor).

Since we are a new group, we are focused on getting the word out about our organization. We’d love to have every school and as many Asian communities represented in APISA/A. Help us spread the word! The more voices we include, the louder we can be heard! 

Some of the issues we are interested currently

• Offering support to families new to the district and helping families navigate school systems

• Advocating for PK-12 curriculum inclusive of APISA/A literature, art, and history

• Advocating for increased APISA/A representation among teachers and administrators

  • • Of 18000 students in AAPS, 14% are Asian (19% are multiethnic)

    • Of 2100 staff, 9% Asian (Only 4% of teachers and 3% of support staff)

    • Asians are not represented at all among Principals or Building Leaders 

How Can You Report Concerns?

Have you or your students had issues with school policies, practices or interactions with students or staff?

There are a few ways to take action and get support:

• Talk with your child’s teacher, school counselor or principal to share your concerns and learn about available resources.

  • If you need support to talk with your school, reach out or

  • Come to an upcoming APISA/A meeting to share your concerns with other AAPS parents–we can support each other!

• Learn more about AAPS’ approach to bias incidents.

  • To report acts of hate, individuals can contact the Department of the Attorney General Hate Crimes Unit by phone at 313-456-0200 or by email at HateCrimes@michigan.gov.