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Day 20 – Learning from Home Experience
Welcome to the end of week one of the second phase of our Continuity of Learning plan. We will continue working to resolve any minor hurdles that occur and we ask for a little grace while we work through the kinks of our Continuity of Learning Plan 2.0. As you can imagine, there’s always some new information or obstacle throughout this journey. We are so fortunate to have such hardworking and dedicated staff who give 100% each day on behalf of our young people.
Throughout this crisis, we have witnessed the enormous generosity of our community. Every single one of us has stepped up in extraordinary ways as we deal with multiple daily challenges and adjustments. Alexandria truly is a remarkable place to call home and I am grateful every day to be a citizen of our great City.
This week, we have seen that generosity on display tenfold through our annual Spring2ACTion day of giving. Many of our wonderful school PTAs, booster clubs and organizations are raising funds of which a portion will go towards helping support ACPS families who are in particular need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations are still being accepted. If you are willing and financially able, please consider giving to one of the many organizations via the Spring2ACTion website.
My thoughts this week also turn to The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, an organization very close to my heart that helped me secure my own dream of going to college. Unfortunately their major fundraiser, the Spring Gala, has been canceled this year, like so many of our favorite events. This, in a year when a record number of our high school seniors have applied for financial help. Given the circumstances, an emergency online appeal has been launched and I ask you to consider making a donation if you are willing and financially able to make some of our seniors college dreams come true.
In the meantime, we look forward to doing even better next week with the implementation of our Continuity of Learning Plan 2.0 and ask that you stay healthy, stay safe and stay informed.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Launches Emergency Appeal for Funding
Our Class of 2020 face a challenging end to their high school experience this year and those hoping to head to college may continue to face uncertainty. If you are willing or financially able, one way to help is by making a contribution to The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.
Unfortunately the major annual fundraising event, the Spring Gala, which typically raises $450,000, was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis. This, in a year in which the Fund received a record number of applications is heartbreaking.
To make up for the shortfall, an emergency appeal is underway. Your donation can make a life-changing difference to a student and their family for generations to come.
Next week, decisions on the allocation of scholarships will take place.
“The very families who live near or below the poverty level will be the hardest hit by the economic impacts of COVID-19. The Class of 2020 has worked SO hard. Please help make college possible for bright, talented kids in Alexandria with financial need.” – Priscilla Goodwin, board chair and Beth Lovain, executive director.
There’s Still Time to Spring2ACTion
Although the major day of giving was on Wednesday, Spring2ACTion is still gratefully accepting donations.
Many of our wonderful school PTAs, booster clubs and organizations are raising funds, of which a portion will go towards helping support ACPS families who are in particular need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some organizations, such as the Alexandria PTA Council, are collecting donations to help fund the ACPS initiative to supply 700 individual WiFi hotspots to our families without internet access. These are going to households with students in grades 3-12 that ACPS has identified as not having internet access. Because many of our households have more than one student, these hotspots will provide access for more than 1,200 students.
If you are willing and financially able, please consider donating to one of the many organizations via the Spring2ACTion website.
Find your school PTA or organization to support.
VA TV Classroom is Here to Help
This week, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) launched VA TV Classroom for students in kindergarten through grade 10. Tune in Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. and see teacher-led instructional content.
In Alexandria, we can access this through the WETA PBS Kids channel via antenna 26.3, Comcast 266, Cox 801, Verizon FiOS 472 or RCN 38. You can also watch online through the WHRO Public Media website. Access the detailed daily schedule.
- K-3 instruction airs from 1-2 p.m. with Standards of Learning-aligned content provided by WHRO Public Media. “Learn to Grow with WHRO” segments will be 15 minutes in length and led by teachers.
- Grades 7-10 instruction airs from 2-3 p.m. with SOL-aligned content provided by WHRO Public Media focusing on Earth Science and Algebra I.
- During the week of April 27, VA TV Classroom will add a special hour from 3-4 p.m. called “AP Prep Week,” with content provided by Virtual Virginia — in collaboration with WHRO — focusing on a different AP subject each day. The hour will include two 30-minute segments.
More information can be found on the WETA website.
Food Distribution Changes
As of Monday, April 20, food distribution will start an hour later at all food distribution sites. Food will now be distributed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the five school sites. The times of pop-up mobile distribution will still remain the same. For a full list of all sites and times see the ACPS-at-Home website.
City Manager’s Proposed Operating Budget Changes
On Tuesday, April 14, City Manager Mark Jinks proposed changes to his Operating Budget for FY 2020-21. Jinks is proposing reducing the recommended City operating appropriations to ACPS by $7.4 million. Also, the City Manager is proposing to adjust funding for The High School Project from FY21 to FY23. Section 5 provides the details of these changes. However the final decision on how the cuts will be made is down to the school board.
Read the City Manager’s proposed budget changes in full (PDF).
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In the last video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered questions about Our Enhanced Continuity of Learning 2.0 plan and learning by television.
- How is ACPS providing an equitable education during the closure?
- How are you using television to teach?
- What resources are available to parents?
- Why can’t we use Chromebooks to teach K-2 students online?
- How are you teaching students in grades 9-12?
- What about students with IEPs who need Specialized Instruction?
Watch the twice-weekly Q&A video.
Read the answers to Frequently Asked Questions in our FAQ web page or in our video transcripts, available in English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic.
We welcome you to send us your questions.
CONNECT WITH 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.
SHARE YOUR LEARNING!
Learning Together: At-Home Tips from One ACPS Family to Another
Have a learning tip that works well for your child, or a particularly interesting project or story you think others would enjoy? We invite you to share it with the entire ACPS learning community!
Upload your video or audio story or post it to the ACPS Facebook page.
See this great example from one parent and her son.
By the Numbers
9,804 meals were served from our school sites and pop-up locations during Spring Break.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
ACPS is providing breakfast and lunch meals 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 multiple “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 - Community Lodgings at 607 Notabene Drive, Alexandria, VA 22305
10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Old Towne West Apartments (parking lot) at 500 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
11:20 to 11:50 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.)
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.
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.