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Day 6: Governor Announces All Schools Closed For the Remainder of the School Year
Today, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced that all K-12 schools will need to close until the end of the school year in response to the continued spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.
The Governor made the announcement at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23. The Governor’s announcement in full will be posted online.
The announcement to close all schools across Virginia means that Alexandria City Public Schools will need to ensure continuity of learning from home throughout the remainder of the school year.
Fortunately, our team has been preparing for this eventuality. Our staff is confident we can provide a continuity of learning for all students in ACPS. However, we need a few days to solidify those plans to make sure that our expectations are aligned with the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance and every student within our school division gets what they need.
Tomorrow, we are expecting more guidance from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) around graduation requirements, high school credits, Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, and how to move forward with continuity of learning that meet Special Education requirements. Once this information is released from the VDOE, we will begin to share our refined plan for the extended school closures with our families and staff.
We will continue working collaboratively with the VDOE on these guidelines. If there are any specific questions, please direct them to the feedback form on the ACPS-at-Home website. We will address them in the next few days via the Superintendent’s video Q&A at 3 p.m each day and in our FAQs.
As we start week two, we need to remind each other of the urgency that we all share to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. It’s going to require a change in behavior from all of us to ensure that we slow down the spread across the country.
This weekend, all Alexandria recreation centers, playgrounds (including school playgrounds), and fenced play areas were closed to help promote the social distancing needed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has recommended these changes because public play areas have continued to attract groups of more than 10 people despite earlier warnings against this practice. Social distancing — including avoiding gatherings and maintaining at least six feet of personal space whenever possible — is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the virus.
Read the City’s news release and view a complete list of City recreation facility and service adjustments. All unfenced parks, trails and fields remain open to the public. We encourage you to use these trails — but to use them wisely, avoiding unnecessary contact with others and please make sure that you are frequently washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.
We know that our students need to remain engaged in physical activity to stay healthy both mentally and physically. One of our ACPS partners, RunningBrooke is offering a free poster and exercise cube for any student in ACPS who requests it. Families can send a request to info@runningbrooke.org.
There are also exercise breaks between the Smithsonian programming on ACPS-TV. We are in the process of exploring how to get other educational programming on TV in the near future. So stay tuned, and don’t forget to check out the new Smithsonian programs on ACPS-TV this week in the meantime. Watch ACPS-TV on local cable channel 71 or online at www.acps.k12.va.us/acpstv.
Today we are expanding our meal distribution plan. Families with children in ACPS can now pick up two days worth of breakfast and lunch meals free on Mondays and Wednesdays, and one day worth on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, William Ramsay Elementary School, and T.C. Williams High School. Visit ACPS-at-Home for all the details.
Other organizations and businesses are also stepping up to assist our families in need. Dominion Energy has suspended all service disconnections and are reconnecting residential customers whose services were recently shut off in the light of the coronavirus crisis.
As we head into week two, it’s time to appreciate just how community-minded we are in Alexandria. We may be facing an unprecedented situation, but we are also seeing an unprecedented response by our community. And for that we are truly grateful.
Please stay safe, healthy and connected.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In Dr. Hutchings’ daily Q&A video last Friday, we answered your questions about access to educational content and Chromebooks, testing and accreditation, equity, and how to schedule learning at home. Keep your questions coming by completing our feedback form. You can find the answers in the FAQ on the ACPS-at-Home website or by watching the superintendent’s daily Q&A video, posted on the website at 3 p.m. and also on ACPS-TV.
DOMINION ENERGY SUSPENDS SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS
Dominion Energy announces it will not shut off your power for non-payment
Dominion Energy has suspended all service disconnections and are reconnecting residential customers whose services were shut off in the light of the coronavirus crisis.
A spokesperson said, “We know the communities we serve rely on us to provide an essential service. We remain committed to providing reliable energy service 24/7.”
Find further information on the Dominion Energy website or to discuss your personal situation, please contact the following:
- Scott Reamy (Alexandria/Arlington Co./Falls Church) at Scott.P.Reamy@DominionEnergy.com or 703-554-4236
- Scott A. Price, Regional Policy Director at Scott.A.Price@DominionEnergy.com or 703-624-1933
FREE FITNESS CUBE AND POSTER FROM RUNNINGBROOKE
If there’s one thing you’ve probably learned by now, it’s that our children need to keep moving to stay healthy in mind and body.
Our partners at RunningBrooke are giving away free fitness cubes and exercise posters, which will come in useful for those crucial brain breaks.
“Being stuck inside is hard,” said founder of RunningBrooke, Brooke Sydnor Curran.
“As you know, ACPS nonprofit partner RunningBrooke is all about getting our students active across our classrooms and schools. Now that the classrooms are our living rooms, RunningBrooke wants to help keep kids active at home. Everyone will feel better, do better, and learn better.”
Follow the cues on the clock poster or roll the fitness cube a couple of times in the morning and afternoon. Any time is good, but especially when kids are cranky or need to focus on schoolwork and learning.
Email info@runningbrooke.org to receive a free fitness cube, clock poster, and quick tips guide to keep your child active.
Find out more about the RunningBrooke Move2Learn program that we use in our schools.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS GO VIRTUAL
During the ACPS school closure, the School Board will hold online Special Called Board Meetings each Friday at 12:00 p.m. In accordance with Va. Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3), virtual meetings are limited to:
- addressing the public health emergency declared by Governor Northam on March 12, 2020 (Va. Code § 44-146.17); and
- emergency items requiring immediate Board action (Va. Code § 2.2-3701).
Notice of any virtual School Board meetings will be posted on the ACPS Calendar and agendas will be posted on the School Board Meetings web page. Although it will not be possible to broadcast virtual meetings live, the minutes and online video recordings for these Special Called Board Meetings will be posted after each meeting on this page.
Watch the video of last Friday’s board meeting (MP4).
NEW FOOD DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
Starting Monday, March 23, ACPS is providing two days worth of breakfast and lunch meals free for any ACPS student between the ages of 2 and 18 years-old on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the following locations:
William Ramsay Elementary School
5700 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311
Francis C. Hammond Middle School
4646 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
3600 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School
1501 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
T.C. Williams High School
3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302
NO SIGN UP OR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE MEALS.
Meals consist of cold breakfast and lunch, including fresh fruits and vegetables and sandwiches for multiple days per the student’s need.
NOTE: No food distribution will occur on Tuesdays or Thursdays. The limited days for distribution is to support the practice of social distancing and to limit social gatherings.
Other Food Resources in the City of Alexandria
For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit www.hungerfreealexandria.com or call 703-662-1067.
Questions? Or Need Translation?
Send us your question in Spanish, Arabic or Amharic:
- Text ACPSMEALS to 797979 (English and Spanish)
- Call or text 703-927-6866 (Amharic)
- Call or text 703-927-7095 (Arabic)
OR
Call the FACE Center’s Bilingual Parent Information Lines:
- For Spanish, call 571-775-9719, Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- For Amharic, call 703-927-6866, Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
- For Arabic, call 703-927-7095, Tuesday-Thursday (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
STAY CONNECTED TO US!
We want to hear from you! Send us a photo, video or story about your experiences while school is closed. Email us at news@acps.k12.va.us.
Tristan Minor, a third grader at Douglas MacArthur, is very happy reading!
Emma decided to make sure the grounds of Douglas MacArthur Elementary School were clear of all litter as part of her at-home learning.
Charlie Niersbach, kindergartener at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, burning energy at the community park by Chick Recreation Center.
WANT TO HELP?
Please consider donating through ACT For Alexandria and the Covid-19 Response Fund if you are able.
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.
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.
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.
Have questions, concerns or feedback? Contact us.
Stay Healthy!
Wash your hands regularly. Regular soap is okay.