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Day 25 – Learning from Home Experience
Today, I wanted to dedicate my letter to our incredible ACPS staff and community partners who continue to put others before themselves on a daily basis during this time of crisis.
These are people willing to step up for the good of our school division and go that extra mile.
The list is long, but thank you to:
- our teachers and educators who are striving to do the best for our children’s education;
- our school nurses who have been helping out at the Alexandria Health Department;
- our counselors, social workers and school psychologists who always have the well-being of our students in mind;
- the members of our technology team who have proved they are worth their weight in gold with their dynamism and foresight; and
- our custodians and other essential staff who have shown willingness to pitch in and offer help wherever help is needed.
Next Friday on National School Lunch Heroes Day, I look forward to celebrating in a special way all those who work to keep our students fed.
During the last week, we:
- distributed 4,945 upgraded learning packets
- mailed out 700 additional mobile hotspots to provide WiFi for our families with no internet access
- distributed 37,056 meals
At times like these you learn who your friends are and, as it turns out, ACPS has many. Our community partners including the City of Alexandria and multiple local nonprofits have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us.
Let me say, for all these efforts, I salute you. Your dedication and selflessness has not gone unnoticed.
I end the school week by asking all to join me in offering a heartfelt thank you to those who continue to serve our schools in the most trying of times.
Stay healthy, stay safe and stay informed — and remember Monday is a teacher work day so enjoy the extended weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Our School Nurses Have a Special Message to Share
Ask any student, our caring school nurses are some of the most loved members of our ACPS staff. To remind students just how much they are missed, our team created this cheerful photo message. Please share with your children:
Celebrate with our Librarians
April is School Library Month and if there’s one thing you can do to help keep our librarians smiling, it’s to make sure you factor time in your day to read.
Three of our T.C. Williams High School and Minnie Howard Campus librarians have a few suggestions for our older students who are looking for a good bit of escapism. Where available, they have also included the download links from the Alexandria Library digital catalog.
- LaGina Gross, Minnie Howard Campus
Long Way Down. I prefer the audiobook because author Jason Reynolds is narrating the story and is told in such a powerful way. It is a favorite checkout at Minnie Howard for sure! If audiobooks are not your thing then the e-book is great to read. The story is told in a short form narrative by a teenager taking revenge for the murder of his brother. “Visitors” step in his elevator on the way to the ground floor and conversations take place. What decision will the protagonist make? Long Way Down is a Newbery Honor Book. A Coretta Scott King Honor Book. A Printz Honor Book.
- Laurel Taylor, King St. Campus
I love Dumplin, and if, like me, you are looking for something heartwarming and encouraging to read, Dumplin is a great choice. I love the friendships and romance in the book, but I also love the way the character figures out so much about herself throughout the story. During this strange time, I keep looking for things that will brighten my day, and Dumplin would definitely fall in that category.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Once again, I’m all about reading something light these days. I really like the classic rom-com structure of this book, but I also like that it trades in some of the overused characters for more modern characters. If you’re looking for something fun and engaging, I’d totally recommend this one.
- Beth Ebenstein Mulch, King St. Campus
With The Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Emoni’s journey is one to behold. As she juggles and navigates school, family, and motherhood her passion for cooking shines through. In her hands, ingredients transform into something magical. You’ll find yourself lost in Emoni’s story and wanting to try your hand at some of her recipes.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
This is the first book in an epic fantasy series that the Titan Book Club really enjoyed this year. This story is a page turner with surprises around every corner. With three books already published (and a fourth coming soon), it’s a great series to get into.
But before you settle down to read, check out this fun video to see if you can spot your favorite ACPS school librarian.
Tune in to our Board Meeting Today
During the closure of school buildings, our School Board is meeting virtually each Friday at noon. Watch the School Board Meeting.
Our Youngest Students Got a Surprise in the Mail this Week
Building blocks, number puzzles, colorful shapes and crayons were just some of the additional learning tools we sent out to our kindergarten students this week. As we cannot get into your homes, here is one from the living room of our Communications team staff: Zachary Allen from Mount Vernon Community School enjoying the new material.
Zachary’s updated packet was one of 4,945 individualized packets sent out to our students in grades preK-2. The materials in the kits were selected in collaboration with ACPS teachers, and the vendor used our prioritized standards documents in the creation of the kits for our youngest learners. These kits include resources such as crayons, pencils, pencil sharpeners, scissors, writing journals and learning activities. Families can access the various print resources on our ACPS-at-Home web page. We sincerely hope that our children and their families will enjoy these activities and resources.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In the last video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered questions about health and safety during school closure:
- When ACPS closed all school buildings on March 13, what safety measures were put in place for staff, students and families?
- What safety measures did ACPS initially put in place for food distribution?
- What additional steps are being taken as of April 27?
- Why did ACPS establish temperature screening operations?
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.
Food Distribution Update
Today we will be adding a snack to our daily meal packets. The meal packet will now include breakfast, lunch and a snack each day.
In addition, starting today and on each Friday going forward, we will be providing meals for two days. These meals will be distributed on Friday and will cover both Friday and Saturday.
This means ACPS will now be providing meals for six days of the week. In order to limit social distancing, two days worth of meals will be distributed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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ACPS has multiple distribution meal site locations throughout Alexandria for all ACPS students and children over the age of two.
GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:
Grab and Go breakfast, lunch and snack meals are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 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
And available at our “Pop-Up” sites located at:
- Mason Apartments at South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Brent Place Apartments at 375 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
11:20 to 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court, Alexandria, VA 22314
10:45 to 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 - Corner of Florence Drive and Four Mile Road, Alexandria, VA 22305
10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
NO SIGN UP OR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE MEALS.
Meals consist of breakfast, lunch and snack and include, for example, fresh fruits and vegetables and sandwiches for multiple days.
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. Meals for two days will be provided on the pick-up days, (Monday/Wednesday/Friday).
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.
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.
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.