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New Era for Our Schools; Last edition of year for ACPS Express

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This Week’s Headlines:

Dear ACPS Families and Community,

This week has been one that we can all celebrate together. On Tuesday, we gathered out front of Matthew Maury Elementary School to officially reveal the marquee with the new name, Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School. On Wednesday, we took pride in removing the name T.C. Williams from Alexandria’s only high school and replacing it with Alexandria City High School. Our community, especially our students, spoke and called for equitable school spaces representing our diverse student body throughout the process. Changing the marquees was indeed a remarkable culmination of efforts initiated through The Identity Project. The results of these efforts are a huge milestone, yet only the beginning of systemic change, as we pursue our Equity for All 2025 Strategic Plan. 

The last week of school is a time for celebration and promotion ceremonies. Our schools held ceremonies for kindergarten students advancing to first grade, fifth grade students moving on to middle school and eighth graders becoming high school students. Congratulations to our students and to the families, teachers, administrators and staff members who mentor and support our students every day! 

Today is our last ACPS Express of the 2020-21 school year. As we head into summer, we wish all of our students, staff and families a summer full of self-care, inquiry, exploration and discovery. Everyone has worked incredibly hard this year, and you all deserve time for relaxation and renewal. I look forward to seeing our students and staff engaging in Summer Learning in July and welcoming back all of our ACPS community as we return to five days a week of in-person learning in August. 

Have a wonderful summer! 

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent

A New Era: Two School Marquees Showcase New Names 

This week, ACPS officially changed the marquees at the two newly named schools: Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School (formerly Matthew Maury) and Alexandria City High School (formerly T.C. Williams). It is the first step in solidifying the new names for each school. The remainder of the changes to signage and other areas will take place over the next few months.

Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School

On June 22, the Matthew Maury Elementary School community welcomed their new school name, as revealed on the updated school marquee. General Leo A. Brooks, Sr. (Mrs. Brooks’ husband) and General Leo A. Brooks, Jr. (Mrs. Brooks’ eldest son) joined us for this historical event. Principal Suzanne Hess also announced the winner of the community poll for a new school mascot and colors. The new mascot is the “Bees,” and the school colors are green and blue. Watch the event on Facebook. 

The Naomi L. Brooks logo contest has launched today as well. Submit a logo design concept by July 16 on the Logo Design Submission Form.

Alexandria City High School 

On June 23, the T.C. Williams High School marquee officially changed to Alexandria City High School. Even though the school name has changed, the beloved Titans mascot and school colors of red, white and blue will remain. Two tenth grade students, Marie Hubbard and Kim-Anh Aslanian, created the new logo design concepts, revealed during the event. Watch the historic unveiling on Facebook. 

New Alexandria City High School Logo 

The new Alexandria City High School logo concept was submitted by tenth grader Marie Hubbard through a student logo contest. After vetting more than 80 student entries, the logo committee presented the final design concepts for selection through a community-wide poll. Two logos emerged as fan favorites:

  • The formal Alexandria City High School logo, representing the identity using both the name and a Titan helmet, was submitted by tenth grade student Marie Hubbard.
  • The AC logomark concept was submitted by tenth grade student Kim-Anh Aslanian.

ACPS will use both concepts in branding the school through the website, athletic gear, signage and much more. 

“It is incredible to see our students play such important roles throughout The Identity Project. We are very proud of Marie and Kim, and impressed with their artistic talent and understanding of the branding of our school,” said Alexandria City High School Principal Peter Balas.

Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School Logo Concepts Being Accepted Through July 16!

All ACPS currently enrolled students are invited to participate in a logo design contest to represent the newly renamed Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School and their new mascot, the Bees. The deadline to submit an entry is July 16, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. 

Logo entries must be uploaded through the Logo Design Submission Form. 

Share Your Feedback on the ACPS Student Code of Conduct

We are seeking your feedback on the ACPS Student Code of Conduct. You can review the current 2020-21 Student Code of Conduct.

The Student Code of Conduct is a guide for students, families and staff that provides a uniform set of expectations for student behavior, attendance and academics. It also:

  • serves as a resource to promote positive school behavior;
  • describes the multi-tiered systems of support used to provide interventions to students in need of behavioral support;
  • outlines procedures for concerns such as reporting bullying; and
  • explains conduct that could result in specific disciplinary actions.

Please take a moment to share your feedback through the Student Code of Conduct Online Survey in English, Spanish, Amharic or Arabic.

The survey should take about five minutes to complete and will close on July 16, 2021. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Marcia Jackson at marcia.jackson@acps.k12.va.us.

Celebrating Milestone Moments for ACPS Students

The last week of school is always about celebrations and advancement. This week, ACPS held numerous promotion ceremonies across the division. Congratulations to all of our students advancing from kindergarten to first grade, fifth grade to middle school and eighth grade to high school. These are big milestones in a student’s educational journey.

School Community Raises $12,000 To Honor Beloved Principal Through a Scholarship

The Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy community honored their principal in a big way. Through an incredible outpouring of love and generosity, Lyles-Crouch families raised $12,000 through an Honor-A-Teacher party for beloved LCTA Principal Dr. Patricia Zissios. The money was donated to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA) and named the “Dr. Patricia Zissios Scholarship.” 

This scholarship will assist a 2022 Titan with college expenses next year. Learn more about the scholarship on the Alexandria Scholarship Fund website.

ACPS Teacher Wins $25,000 in Scholarship Fund Raffle

Congratulations to T.C. Williams Teacher Jennifer Dargue, who was presented with a $25,000 check by Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota as a result of a raffle held this Spring to benefit the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA). As the raffle Grand Prize winner, Dargue had the choice of a 2021 Toyota RAV-4 or $25,000. 

SFA is celebrating 35 years of investing in more than 5,000 Alexandria graduates by providing need-based financial support to realize college dreams. For more information about SFA or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit the SFA website. 

Principal Receives Community Builders Award

T.C. Williams High School Principal Peter Balas was honored with the Henry Knox Field-John Blair Lodge #349 Community Builders Award on June 22. The Community Builders Award is given to those who show great involvement and contribute above and beyond to our local community. TJ Fisher, the current worshipful master of Henry Knox Field-John Blair Lodge #349, commended Balas for his hard work, tireless efforts and communications in leading Alexandria’s only high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Summer Hours for ACPS Helpline and Student Tech Helpdesk

ACPS Helpline

Beginning Monday, June 21, 2021, the summer hours of operation for the multilingual ACPS Helpline will be Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The ACPS Helpline can help you get answers to your questions about:

  • social, emotional or academic support
  • technology
  • child care options
  • food access

Have questions? Email face@acps.k12.va.us or visit the ACPS Helpline webpage.

Student Tech Helpdesk

The Student Tech Helpdesk will be closed from Thursday, June 24 through Friday, July 2.

Titan Track & Field State Champions 

Three Titan athletes won state championship titles at the Virginia High School League State (VHSL) Championships last week. These athletes will be competing in the The Outdoor High School National Championship in Eugene, Oregon next week at The University of Oregon. Congratulations and good luck in Oregon!

Joshua Peterson — VHSL Class 6 State Champion in the long jump (24-10), and he broke the Titan school record.

Wisdom Williams — VHSL Class 6 State Champion this year in the discus by throwing (137-4) and in the shot put by throwing (47-00.50). Williams now holds the school and state record in the shot put! Wisdom is now a four-time VHSL State Champion!

David Coles — VHSL Class 6 State Champion in the Triple Jump (48-2.50).

ACPS Alumni Heading to the Tokyo Olympics

Middleweight boxer and ACPS alum Troy Isley has punched his ticket to the U.S. Olympic Team in Tokyo next month. Additionally, three more Titans have solid chances of securing spots on the U.S. team: track and field athletes Tynita Butts-Townsend and brothers Noah and Josephus Lyles. These slots will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks. 

Good luck to our Titans at the Olympic Trials!

‘Step Up to School’ Orientation Day

Get ready to step up! We have updated our Kindergarten Prep program to be a half-day orientation to school for kindergartners and first graders on the morning of August 20, 2021. Also, students new to ACPS in grades 2-5 will have an orientation that same afternoon.

Details for “Step Up to School” Orientation Day on Friday, August 20, 2021:

  • 8:00 a.m. to noon: Kindergarten and grade 1
  • 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: New students in grades 2-5
  • Simulates school day for kindergarten and first grade (bus transportation, grab and go meal, shortened schedule)
  • Provides orientation for new students (school tour, schedule, expectations)
  • Utilizes the availability of staff to assist/interact with students with school-based work

In addition, a more robust assessment of each kindergarten student will be conducted by their kindergarten teacher from August 24 to September 3, once students have returned to school. ACPS will provide in-class staff support for kindergarten teachers to complete these student assessments.

We Will ‘See You Again’ in August! 

James K. Polk Elementary School Music Teacher Jonathan Forbes has a message for our students as we close out the 2020-21 school year and look forward to the new one! 

We wish you all a happy summer break and will see you in August!

VIDEO: ‘See You Again’ by Polk Elementary Teacher Jonathan Forbes

'See You Again'

COVID Vaccination Clinic at Francis C. Hammond Middle School on Saturday, June 26 

Alexandria Health Department has more Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinics planned through the end of June. There is one more clinic scheduled at Francis C. Hammond Middle School on June 26, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All clinics are free and open to ages 12 and up. Those under 18 must bring a parent, guardian or other designated adult. All upcoming vaccination clinics can be found on the Alexandria Health Department website. 

If you have an appointment scheduled with a provider listed and need to contact them about rescheduling or canceling, please contact them directly. For general questions, please contact the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703-746-4988, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Join ACPS Leaders in the annual American University School of Education Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice 

The annual American University School of Education Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice conference is June 28-30, 2021. The virtual conference theme for 2021 is Leveling the Playing Field: Intersecting Race and Disabilities. This program provides professional development opportunities for community members, particularly educators, who want to learn promising practices that lead to equitable educational outcomes for underserved students, families, and communities.

ACPS leaders and educators will serve as expert moderators and panelists for sessions, including Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Board Chair Meagan Alderton, and ACPS teachers Sylvia Rahim, Adriana Moncree, Robin Jamison-Moorer, Linda Burden, Ra’Alim Shabazz and Leslie A. Jones. For more information on sessions and registration, please visit the American University website.

Celebrating Our ACPS Retirees

ACPS recently celebrated the tremendous dedication and contributions of the 49 employees who retired this year. Together, these staff have contributed 982 years enriching the lives of thousands of students. 

Thank you for your commitment to ensuring the academic success and well being of our students, the engagement of our families and the support of our staff and our schools.

  • Denise Kochersperger • Special Education • Minnie Howard Campus • 4 years
  • Fred Montgomery • Encore Music Teacher • Patrick Henry • 5 years
  • Andrea Sparks-Brown • Science Teacher • Minnie Howard • 5 years
  • Nancy Ziegelbauer • Mathematics Teacher • T.C. Williams • 5 years
  • Diane Koffman • Teacher Specialist • T.C. Williams • 6 years
  • Cynthia Barron • Academic Interventionist • Douglas MacArthur • 7 years
  • Frances (Donna) Brearley • Coordinator – TAG Programs • Central Office • 9 years
  • Sandra Intrator • EL Teacher • John Adams • 9 years
  • ThuHang Nguyen • Director, Benefits & Compensation • Central Office • 9 years
  • Jane Temoshok • Kindergarten Teacher • Ferdinand T. Day • 9 years
  • Mark Wise • Third Grade Teacher • Lyles-Crouch • 10 years
  • MaryEllen McCormick • Marketing Teacher • T.C. Williams • 12 years
  • Dennis Randolph • Physical Education Teacher • T.C. Williams • 12 years
  • Mark Eaton • English Teacher • T.C. Williams • 14 years
  • Alexandra Drone • Reading Specialist • John Adams • 16 years
  • Richard Stevens • Social Studies Teacher • George Washington • 16 years
  • Isabel Alfaro • Custodian • Francis C. Hammond • 17 years
  • Felicia Basoah • School Nutrition Assistant I • Francis C. Hammond • 17 years
  • Abdul Mangal • School Bus Driver • Transportation • 17 years
  • Hazel Petty • Business Teacher • Francis C. Hammond • 17 years
  • Jean Dean • First Grade Teacher • George Mason • 18 years
  • Lisa Clausen • School Nurse • Mount Vernon • 19 years
  • Eddi McKay • EL Teacher • T.C. Williams • 19 years
  • Delila Prater • Instructional Assistant II • Charles Barrett • 19 years
  • Sandra Slaven • Third Grade Teacher • George Mason • 19 years
  • Michael Stephens • School Bus Driver • Transportation • 19 years
  • Susan Horita • Instructional Coach • John Adams • 20 years
  • Holly Oros • Physical Education Teacher • George Washington • 20 years
  • Patricia Shumaker • EL Teacher • William Ramsay • 20 years
  • Lolita Breckenridge • Social Studies Teacher • Francis C. Hammond • 21 years
  • Laura Dickey • Art Teacher • George Washington • 21 years
  • Toshio Horita • ITS Technician II • Central Office • 21 years
  • Larry Johnson • Custodian • Francis C. Hammond • 22 years
  • Janice Cheeseman • Occupational Therapist • Central Office • 24 years
  • Beverly Vick • First Grade Teacher • Douglas MacArthur • 25 years
  • Leona White • Second Grade Teacher • Samuel W. Tucker • 25 years
  • Maureen Insani • Kindergarten Teacher • William Ramsay • 26 years
  • Stephanie Dumouil-Hodge • Kindergarten Teacher • Samuel W. Tucker • 28 years
  • Brenda Sweeney • Reading Specialist/Interventionist • William Ramsay • 29 years
  • Ronald (Ed) Adshead • Coordinator – Service Desk • Central Office • 30 years
  • Tammy Ignacio • Lead Administrator • T.C. Williams • 30 years
  • JoAnn Scambos • Special Education Teacher • Lyles-Crouch • 32 years
  • Nadine Brown • Instructional Assistant I • James K. Polk • 33 years
  • Elouise Matthews • Reading Specialist/Interventionist • William Ramsay • 33 years
  • Pree Ann Johnson • Principal • James K. Polk • 36 years
  • Alma Wood • School Bus Driver • Transportation • 36 years
  • Vanessa Willis • School Bus Monitor • Transportation • 37 years
  • Lorean Richardson • School Bus Driver • Transportation • 39 years
  • Mary Ross • School Bus Driver • Transportation • 45 years

FOOD ACCESS

ACPS has multiple distribution meal site locations throughout Alexandria for all ACPS students and children over the age of two. See a map and list of food distribution locations and times.

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