COVID Closure Staff Update for Monday, June 1

- News and Announcements

Day 50 — Learning from Home Experience

Today, as we enter the final month of the academic year, I’m going to take some time to celebrate some of our students’ successes. Despite the challenges we all are currently facing, our students past and present are achieving amazing things. I know you will be as proud as I am after reading this feel-good edition of our newsletter.

One of the driving forces behind my leadership here in ACPS is the desire to work collaboratively to create an equitable educational platform accessible to all of our young people. We want to make sure that we remove all barriers to a high-quality education in Alexandria for every student. With this in mind, I am delighted to see the success of this year’s cohort from the Early Identification Program (EIP) which ACPS has now been running in conjunction with George Mason University for more than ten years. This program provides additional academic support and opportunities along with counseling services to students who will be the first generation of their family to attend college in the United States. These students work extremely hard and must show a continuous commitment to their studies to both qualify to join and stay in the EIP. But as each year’s cohort reaches graduation, it is clear the program works. The entire Class of 2020 are heading off to higher education with impressive scholarships. It pains me to think that without opportunities like the EIP and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), college may never happen for deserving students like these.

Speaking of impressive students, how wonderful it was to listen to ACPS alum Bethlehem Hadgu this week as she played a virtual session with the string ensemble of the Juilliard School of Music, conducted by world famous violinist, Itzhak Perlman. Bethlehem attended William Ramsay Elementary School and Francis C. Hammond Middle School before graduating from T.C. Williams High School in 2018. Her musical talent was clear for all her ACPS teachers to see, but what an incredible moment it was when she was awarded a full-ride scholarship to one of the world’s most prestigious music schools.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed! 

Sincerely,

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

Premium Pay for Non-Exempt Employees Working On-site During June 2020

Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. has approved premium pay for non-exempt employees working on-site in June 2020 to recognize our employees’ commitment to ACPS during this unprecedented time. The Premium Pay FAQ provides guidelines to assist you in responding to your employee questions regarding this premium pay.

Celebrating our Exceptional EIP Class of 2020 

For more than a decade, ACPS has partnered with George Mason University (GMU) on a mission to support first generation college students on a path to higher education.

The GMU Early Identification Program (EIP) was developed to bolster the numbers of students continuing with their studies from historically underrepresented groups. 

From eighth grade onwards, each cohort receives additional academic and mentoring support, without which college may feel unattainable.

The Class of 2020, described as “rock star” seniors, deserve a special mention as we head toward the end of the school year. All ten seniors — six female, four male — are on track for college, having been awarded a wealth of scholarships between them. Each received some kind of academic, athletic or need-based scholarship.

Four were offered full tuition scholarships and one an Honors College award. One received a full academic scholarship to The University of Virginia, and another was awarded a soccer scholarship to Richard Bland College of William & Mary. Seven of the ten also received a Scholarship Fund of Alexandria award.

ACPS EIP and AVID coordinator Jodie Peters said their success was the culmination of hard work, focus, commitment, and belief in self.

“I have seen this cohort through since their acceptance as eighth graders. They are an amazing group of very bright, hardworking, and driven young adults who will continue to inspire other first generation college-goers seeking the same possibilities.”  

Peters goes on to say, “I am so proud of them —  they sing in the show choir, create through culinary, lead and advocate through various clubs, volunteer at sites across Alexandria, and they participate in varsity sports. They are EIP rock stars.”

Vanessa Alvarez, Trinity Battle, JeanPaul Corrales, twins Mahmoud and Mohamed Elarag, Joaquin Evans, Aiman Hamid, Karina Martinez, Amy Oliva Ordornez and Mikaela Pozo all deserve congratulations for their commitment to their studies and college acceptances. Of the ten, seven grew up in a household in which English is a second language, nine of ten are bilingual. All are minority, nonwhite, and eight were born outside of the U.S. They have given up every summer, countless Saturdays, and many evenings to attend mandatory activities to complete the program. Nine of the ten have GPAs of 3.3 or higher, with five of them angling for a final 4.0+ by the time the year ends. 

Their commitment to the demands of the program and their focus on their goal has been “awe-inspiring,” said Peters.

Each year, she and school-based counselors begin to identify potential students in seventh grade. To apply, students must submit essays and provide teacher recommendations along with grades and SOL scores when available. Parents and guardians are also required to commit, signing an agreement to support their child and to attend regular meetings and informational sessions.

As has happened each year, in early June a team of GMU and ACPS staff will review the 30+ rising eighth grade applications and select the cohort for the Class of 2025. 

Accepted students take part in a “tryout” year in eighth grade. If they maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher they can continue on for the formal four-year programming.  

“The fact that we start engaging with students in seventh grade means everyone involved has had five years to get used to the idea of college,” Peters explained.

“At the end of the day, all parents want what is best for their children. But for a first generation student, the thought of pulling away from their loved ones, makes all family members anxious. 

“One of my jobs is to help the student take a positive risk that is good for all of them. In all cases, EIP has helped our parents realize the benefit of postsecondary accomplishments.”

EIP members receive support from GMU students as part of an Academic Mentoring Program (AMP) for approximately 18 weeks during the year. 

They have monthly Saturday academic and career events and are required to spend three weeks each summer on GMU’s campus attending pre-SOL course support from local certified teachers in courses slated for their fall schedule.  

Currently, ACPS has 60 students in grades 8-12 in EIP.  Due in large part to a grant through the City of Alexandria, ACPS has been able to expand their cohort acceptance and double in size over the past two years.

“EIP is a game changer for families, and students realize it once they see the perks of being on a college campus,” said Peters.

“It’s a huge social emotional learning experience and truly builds character in first generation students who have been dreaming about college and finally begin to see the reality and possibility for themselves.”

Learn more about the EIP program.

Read about the EIP Class of 20202 students and their stories.

Watch Ramsay Alum Perform With Violin Virtuoso Itzhak Perlman

ACPS alum Bethlehem Hadgu, who now studies at the world famous Juilliard School of Music in New York, joined her fellow students in this beautiful virtual performance of Elgar’s Nimrod.

Watched more than 25,000 times on YouTube, violist Bethlehem who attended William Ramsay Elementary School, Francis C. Hammond Middle School and T.C. Williams High School was directed by violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman as part of CBS’s Sunday Morning Matinee series.

He coordinated the performance earlier this month with his students all over the world who are now stuck at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-eight students from 35 countries took part.

Perlman, who teaches at the school, has been honored with 16 Grammy Awards, four Emmys, a Kennedy Center Honor, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In November 2015, President Obama presented Perlman with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Introducing the performance, he said, “We hope you enjoy this gift from the Juilliard Orchestra. Presently, we are scattered all over the globe but our commitment to making music and sharing music is as strong as ever.”

For Bethlehem, the chance to study at one of the world’s leading music schools was the culmination of years of hard work, talent and dedication.

She played in school orchestras throughout her schooling and at a young age, her gift was evident to all.

In 2018, she was accepted to Juilliard’s four year bachelor’s degree program, named a Kovner Fellow and awarded a merit-based scholarship.

Veronica Jackson, Hammond orchestra director, said she always had the wow factor.

”She really worked hard, she brought her instrument in on the bus and practiced every day. She always showed the dedication to do her very best and I made sure to give her every opportunity to shine.”

Two years ago we featured Bethlehem in an episode of our VOICES podcast in which she discussed her incredible journey through ACPS to Julliard.

Listen to all ACPS VOICES podcast episodes.

Watch Friday’s Board Meeting 

During the closure of school buildings, our School Board is meeting virtually each Friday at noon. 

If you missed it live, you can still watch it.

Watch the School Board meeting and see the agenda.

Information on how to give feedback to the School Board can be found on the School Board Meetings webpage.

Friday’s Board meeting included:

There was also a work session on the Revised 2020-21 budget.

On Friday, Board Briefs were posted on: 

Temperature Screening at ACPS Buildings

Anyone requiring access to an ACPS facility or school will be required to undergo a temperature check to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Testing stations will be established at seven locations, at or close to ACPS meal distribution sites and locations where major summer construction will take place. Screening will take no more than three minutes to complete and will involve the use of a clinical forehead thermometer.

All those with a temperature of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower (per Alexandria Health Department guidelines) will be given a dated wristband and be cleared to work as long as they are in possession of appropriate personal protection equipment consisting of masks and gloves.

Should an individual record an elevated temperature, that person will be informed that they are unable to report to work at an ACPS site and will be advised to call his or her supervisor.

Find out more about this measure in this Board Brief.

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.

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:

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.

Have questions, concerns or feedback? Contact us or contact your direct supervisor.

HR Questions? Contact hr@acps.k12.va.us.

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