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Day 15 – Learning from Home Experience
As we head into an unconventional Spring Break, I’m excited to share our plans to ensure continuity of learning after spring break through the end of the fourth quarter.
The Continuity of Learning Plan is our robust educational blueprint for going forward in these unprecedented times. We are confident you will find it a comprehensive guide for the continuity of our students’ learning from PreK-12 in which we are all collaborators. As we navigate our “new normal” together we are as committed as ever to educational equity.
ACPS is dedicated to responding to each student’s challenges, interests, and abilities as well as providing the tools needed to continue educational advancement. This is not a plan that simply allows us to tread water. Far from it. We are moving forward at a pace with challenging academic work and the comprehensive supports needed for success.
You can find an outline for each grade level in the Continuity of Learning Plan.
This was also the topic of my video Q&A today.
While our homes have become temporary classrooms, we thank you all for adapting to the needs of our students. These are not easy times but we are hand in hand together.
Please take the time to sit awhile this coming week and read through this document. When we return from Spring Break, we hope you will feel as enthusiastic as we do for the remainder of the academic year.
Happy Spring Break! Stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed!
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In the last video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered questions about the calendar and grading for third and fourth quarters.
- Will new content be taught?
- When does Fourth Quarter begin?
- How will we grade preK-5 students’ work?
- How will middle and high school students’ work get graded?
- What standards will be taught in the Fourth Quarter?
- Will there be final exams?
NEW: Read the answers to these questions in our daily video transcripts, available in English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic.
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.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Changes to Food Distribution Next Week
There are a number of changes to food distribution during Spring Break.
Please know that our normal ACPS distribution centers and sites will not be open on April 6, 8 and 10 during spring break. The ACPS meal hotline will not be operating during spring break. ACPS will resume all normal food distribution on April 13.
- On Friday, April 3, families will be able to pick up additional food at all ten ACPS food distribution sites to help them through spring break week.
- On Saturday, April 4, the ALIVE! Food program will provide families with emergency subsistence food, enough for about one week for a family of four, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at John Adams Elementary School and Leonard ‘Chick’ Armstrong Recreation Center next to Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology.
- The City will be operating grab-and-go meal distribution from T.C. Williams High School (Chinquapin side) on Wednesday, April 8 and Friday, April 10 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (note the change in the start time).
ACPS will resume normal distribution at all ten sites on Monday, April 13.
SAFETY REMINDER:
Please remember to observe social distancing practices while at the food distribution site by maintaining six feet of personal space between you and other families or individuals.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms of a respiratory illness like fever, runny nose, sore throat, coughing or difficulty breathing on the day of food distribution or in the previous 24 hours should not visit a food distribution site but call a healthcare provider instead. If you do not have a primary care physician and are not enrolled in a clinic, you may CALL an urgent care center or emergency room.
Coping with COVID-19 Fear and Uncertainty
Check out the City of Alexandria webpage Coping with COVID-19 Fear and Uncertainty which includes the COVID-19 Wellness Resource Guide.
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.
Have questions, concerns or feedback? Contact us.
Stay Healthy!
Wash your hands regularly. Regular soap is okay.