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Day 1 – Learning from Home Experience
Greetings to all! As we embark on our new journey learning and working remotely, I want to let you know that you are not alone at this difficult time. We will provide you with updates, information and tips every day so that you have the resources to help ensure the continuity of learning among our young people.
In addition, staff will continue to work throughout the normal school hours and carry out some of their work to the extent possible during our school closures. This includes Student Support Team staff who will connect with you and respond to your emails daily. Our school nutrition services team will also work collaboratively to ensure that students continue to receive meals each day.
I will answer your questions on a daily video Q&A, available to watch at 3 p.m. You can submit questions via the feedback form on the ACPS website and they will be answered in the daily video. Watch the Q&A, available at 3 p.m.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s school counselor or school social worker with any questions via email or voicemail.
Finally, we know that this is a challenging time for our students, staff and families. This is a time that we must remember the power of collaboration and teamwork. Our staff will continue to work to provide our students and families with the support needed during this school closure period. ACPS will continue to share information through the ACPS website, social media, and email. Check out our new ACPS-at-Home site where you can find all the updates and information you will need while schools are closed.
I look forward to sharing information with you today on the Daily Q&A.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
UPDATES FROM THE ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) continues to advise that the general public in Alexandria is at low risk from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic because both cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria are directly related to other known cases. The City of Alexandria has taken measures to further reduce risk, and encourages organizations and individuals to take action, as well. The AHD is reminding the community of the importance of social distancing by maintaining six feet of personal space whenever possible, and frequently washing hands and using hand sanitizer. For other questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional updates can be found at www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.
FOOD ACCESS
ACPS Food Access
ACPS is continuing to provide food over at no cost for any child under 18 and any family who needs it during the school closures. It is essential to stay healthy at this critical time.
There are two ways to access food while schools are closed:
- Individual Meals to Go: Any child between the ages of 2 and 18 – whether or not they are eligible for Free or Reduced Price Meals – can pick up a meal to go in a bag. Stop by the Chinquapin Drive side of T.C. Williams High School (door 14) between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to pick up a meal-to-go (8 a.m. – 10 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m for lunch). You do not need to fill out any forms to pick up a meal-to-go.
- Family Meal Packs: You can order a family meal pack online and pick it up at the drive through pick-up point outside Chinquapin Recreation Center (Chinquapin Drive side of T.C. Williams High School, door 14) between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m the following day. If transportation is an issue, please remember to check the box to request free meal delivery. Fill out the form to request a family meal pack.
Food Resources in the City of Alexandria
For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit www.hungerfreealexandria.com or call 703-662-1067.
WANT TO HELP?
Food donations are NOT being accepted by ALIVE! at this time in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. They are requesting financial contributions to buy food, and volunteers to sort food and to distribute food (screened through Volunteer Alexandria).
Please consider donating through ACT For Alexandria and the Covid-19 Response Fund if you are able.
Volunteer Alexandria is working on a plan for onsite volunteer registration at the ACPS food access point. We will let you know more details about this as soon as we have them. Community members who would like to volunteer should reach out to www.volunteeralexandria.org or 703-836-2176 to register for any additional potential volunteer opportunities.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Continuity of School Support and Academic Advisement
School Student Support Team staff, including school counselors, school nurses, school psychologists, and school social workers will be available during school hours throughout the closure. Monday – Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m staff will be connecting with students and their families. The Department of Student Services, Alternative Programs and Equity staff members are also available during this time and can be contacted by voicemail and at student_services@acps.k12.va.us.
Emergency Supports
If there is a crisis or emergency during the time of the closure, students and families can access the supports below:
- Crisis Text and Crisis Link:
- Text: CONNECT to 85511
- Call: 703-527-4077
- Alexandria Safe Place
- Alexandria City 24-Hour Emergency Mental Health Services
- Alexandria City Health Department and AHD Contacts
- Inova Alexandria Hospital (ER)
We know that this is a challenging time. ACPS will continue to share information through the ACPS website, social media, and email. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s school counselor or school social worker with any questions.
LEARNING ON ACPS-TV
Monday through Friday while our schools remain closed, ACPS TV will be screening 90 minutes of educational programming from The Smithsonian’s “Science How” and “Stem in 30” series in a loop all 24 hours. Use this series with your children to ensure continuity of education while schools are closed. See this week’s schedule.
ONLINE LEARNING PACKETS
Our goal is to ensure continuity of learning while schools are closed. Download your learning packets.
HEALTH REMINDERS
Don’t Feel Well?
Contact your primary health care physician. Don’t have insurance? Contact Neighborhood Health at 703-535-5568.
STAY CONNECTED TO US!
We want to hear from you! Send us a photo, video or story about your experiences while school is closed or request a mailslot interview with our videographer. We will come and talk to you through your mailslot — from a safe distance. Email us at news@acps.k12.va.us.
Have questions, concerns or feedback? Contact us.
Stay Healthy!
Wash your hands regularly. Regular soap is okay.