COVID Closure Daily Update for Thursday, March 26

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Day 9 – Learning from Home Experience 

As we begin to transition from our 30-day plan to our 90-day plan we are also looking at ways in which we can enhance our use of technology as a school division. It wasn’t so many years ago when technology in the hands of our youngest students seemed a terrifying thought. Now, this situation has made us consider it as a necessity. 

ACPS students are already blessed with access to Chromebooks from grades 3 through 12. But our circumstances have meant that we may need to look at ways in which our youngest students in pre-K through grade 2 can also use technology to help them get access to the teachers and activities they may need in the next few months.

To help support our students, staff and their families, we have added a technology hub  called Chromebook Help and Online Learning Support to our ACPS-at-Home website. Students and families can use the Frequently Asked Questions in this area as a first stop for answers about Chromebooks and access to online learning. We will add to this FAQ as we receive questions from you and are able to answer them on this page.

There are resources for assistance with Clever, Google Drive, internet access and Securly, the tool we provide parents to assist with monitoring their students Chromebook use. We also partner with Common Sense Media and have included some of their resources that help guide parents to keep the media balance at home. 

If students in grades 3-12 are having issues with their Chromebook, students or parents/guardians should fill out the form on the website. ACPS Helpdesk staff will contact you to address the concern. If there are issues they can not resolve remotely, a new Chromebook will be issued to a student. It will be prepared and shipped to your home address stored in PowerSchool. 

We want you to know that we are here to help. We are already working on ways that we can increase access to technology across our division and we will be here to help you as, together, we take our next steps.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

In yesterday’s video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered questions about how the Governor’s decision impacts the Class of 2020 and our high schoolers, including:

• Will there be a prom?
• Will there be a National Declaration Day?
• Will there be a graduation ceremony?
• Who will be eligible to graduate?

Watch the daily Q&A video, available at 3 p.m. or see answers to these questions in the updated FAQ.

We welcome you to send us your questions.

TIPS FROM OUR COUNSELORS TO SUPPORT THE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL TRANSITION TO HOME FOR SECONDARY AGED STUDENTS

As any parent of a teenager knows, friends and their social life are often one of the highest priorities in their child’s world. The closure of schools can suddenly turn their worlds on their sides and leave students with a lot of questions about how it will impact their future. For our seniors, it is particularly hard to accept the loss of such important rites of passage such as their graduation ceremony and prom.

Some students may become withdrawn, and others may become upset and even angry about having limited mobility and the loss of their routine. Others will have anxiety about what this could mean for graduation and college decisions. Here are five tips for parents or guardians that can help them to support their teen during this time:

• Normalize your child’s feelings and encourage (but don’t force) conversations.  Everyone, including parents and guardians, are encountering challenges in the current situation. Teens may not want to talk about their own feelings, and it still helps for them to hear that others are also sad, frustrated, or anxious by what is happening.
• Engage in activities. Your child may not want to talk about their feelings, but they can express them in ways that are authentic to them. They may want to shoot some hoops, make some sketches, go on a walk or a run, record some tunes, or make dinner. Doing these things with your child can both let them know you are there for them and encourage them to share their thoughts with you while doing something productive.
• Work together to make a schedule and establish routine. As adolescents grow up, they want more ownership and decision making. Work with your child to determine a schedule that works for both them and you. It should include time for academics, breaks, movement, and sleep.
• Stay connected to school and friends. Call or use tools like FaceTime or Skype with friends and family and connect with teachers through email and Canvas. Use meal time or family game nights to connect as a family and provide reassurance.
• Reach out for ideas or help from your school’s student support team members.  ACPS school counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers are teleworking and available to answer questions during normal school hours. The T.C. Williams College & Career Counselor is also available for questions about college or career decisions. They can be reached by email and are happy to assist.

While this is an uncertain time, consistency, opportunities to express their feelings, and reassurance can go a long well in helping our young adults.

ALIVE! DISTRIBUTING FREE FOOD ON SATURDAY

On Saturday, the Alexandria nonprofit, ALIVE! will be distributing free food to City residents in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The faith-based organization, which works to alleviate the suffering caused by poverty, is offering up to four bags of food, enough to feed a family of four, five meals each.

Distribution sites will be set up in the parking lots of John Adams Elementary School (5651 Rayburn Ave) and the Chick Armstrong Recreation Center parking lot (23 W. Reed Ave).

The food will be available for collection from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m, or whenever supplies run out.

ALIVE! is encouraging all to arrive by car and “drive through”. Those arriving by foot are asked to be respectful of social distancing guidelines by maintaining six feet of personal space. 

“This is emergency subsistence food, and meals are made up of a protein, a starch and vegetables. It’s enough for five meals per person for a family of four a week, so about 20 meals of basic food to keep people from feeling malnourished,” ALIVE! Executive Director Jennifer Ayers told ALXnow.

The organization continues to seek financial donations, rather than food donations at this time. Volunteers are also in demand and those interested can sign up via Volunteer Alexandria.

DECISION ON SPRING SPORTS SEASON DEFERRED UNTIL MAY

The Virginia High School League yesterday announced it would delay any decision to provide options on spring sports season until the end of May.

This leaves open the possibility for an extension of our spring season, depending on the course of the coronavirus crisis.

“While we recognize the importance sports has on our students and communities, the COVID-19 threat is real and people need to follow all the regulations and recommendations from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and the Governor,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun who held an emergency meeting on Wednesday morning.

“The Crisis Management team overwhelmingly felt a decision on an extension to the spring sports season should be put on hold until May. Any options for the spring sports season will require that COVID-19 is no longer a threat and poses no health risks to our student-athletes or the public.” Read more (PDF).

SCHOOL BOARD VIRTUAL MEETING ON FRIDAY

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).

Although it will not be possible to broadcast virtual meetings live, the minutes and online video recordings will be posted online after each meeting.

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.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

ACPS is providing two days worth of breakfast and lunch meals free for any ACPS student 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 22304

GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:

ACPS has three “grab and go” meal locations for any ACPS student or child over the age of 2 to pick up breakfast and lunch.

The sites are:

• Mason Apartments at South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
  10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Brent Place Apartments at 375 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
  11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court, Alexandria, VA 22314
  10:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

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.)

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 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.

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Have questions, concerns or feedback? Contact us.

Stay Healthy!
Wash your hands regularly. Regular soap is okay.