ACPS’ newest Language Line resource offers families easier access to interpretation services when they call their student’s school. Language Line Direct Response allows families who speak Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Farsi and Pashto to contact ACPS with a qualified interpreter already on the phone line.
•New Multi-Use Court Opens at Francis C. Hammond Middle School •Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day •Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Unveils Mural on Veterans Day
In the “Supe’s Spotlight” video message, ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. shares information, thoughts and reflections with the ACPS community. This monthly feature highlights what is happening in our school division, while also addressing issues of importance to ACPS students, staff and families.
Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines are now available for five to 11-year-olds. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, previously approved for everyone over 12 years old, now has a version specifically made for children ages five to 11.
Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) is our division’s way of engaging families in the educational experience of students and creating meaningful opportunities and resources for families to work with schools to ensure every child can succeed.
In June 2021, students in grades 6-12, staff members and families had the opportunity to share their views in the school division’s first equity climate survey. Nearly 5,000 ACPS stakeholders participated in the survey, which gathered vital feedback to help identify critical areas for improvement related to the ACPS 2025: Equity For All Strategic Plan.
All ACPS schools and offices will be closed Nov. 22-26 as Thanksgiving Break has been extended this year. The Office of School Nutrition Services wants you to know that the new deadline for pre-ordering meals for Thanksgiving break is now Nov. 11.
Technology Helps to Reduce Local Spread, Deadline Extended: 2022-2024 School Year Calendar Survey, BITS – Empowering Students Through Biking, Live Performances Return to ACHS, November Calendar Reminders
Families can register their students to get on-site COVID-19 testing in all ACPS schools as part of the work ACPS is doing to help keep students, staff and the community safe and reduce the spread of the virus. The testing program has expanded since earlier this month to cover all ACPS schools, carried out by the health organization Curative, which has been contracted by the division.
ACPS has notified families and staff that the Thanksgiving Break will be extended this year by two days. All ACPS schools and offices will be closed Nov. 22-26.
The Washington Post Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year Awards is an opportunity to put the spotlight on our talented and dedicated staff at ACPS. All members of the ACPS community, including families, students, residents and ACPS staff, are invited to submit their nominations by Nov. 22, 2021.
The Department of Facilities and Operations, Office of Safety and Security Services, has completed targeted Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments at all school facilities.
Amid much excitement, the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Theater Department is hosting its first live performance since Fall 2019. The Fall show, “Facing Our Truth: 10 Minute Plays On Trayvon, Race, and Privilege,” is open to the public and premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5.
ACPS is seeking input from families, staff, and community members about the development of the 2022-24 school year calendars. A survey is available through Nov. 5, 2021.
•School Board Meetings •ACHS Students Recognized in C-SPAN Documentary Competition •Families Asked to Voluntarily Share Student COVID-19 Vaccine Documentation •Red Ribbon Week 2022 Poster Contest Now Open
Getting students safely to school on board an ACPS bus each day is more than just a job for the devoted transportation staff within the school division. Recognizing the dedication of our school transportation team, we celebrate National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 18-22, and Virginia School Bus Transportation Employees Appreciation Day on Oct. 20, with a Certificate of Recognition issued by Governor Ralph Northam.
School Resource Officers (SROs) will soon be back in Alexandria City Public high and middle schools after the City Council voted to temporarily reinstate them at its Oct. 12 meeting. An appeal for the return of the SROs during the City Council session came from ACPS Board Chair Meagan Alderton, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Executive Principal Peter Balas and Director of Safety & Security Services John Contreras, among others.
It is now your chance to create a winning design for the 2022 Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest and be part of the campaign to promote a drug-free and healthy lifestyle. Winning designs are judged on artistic presentation and the strength of your message. All posters must be turned in and postmarked by Nov. 15, 2021. Three winners will receive a $100 gift card and have their poster featured in Red Ribbon Week 2022.
The Talented and Gifted (TAG) referral deadline for the 2021-22 school year at ACPS is Nov. 12, 2021. All K-12 students at ACPS who show evidence of superior performance and exceptional academic potential can be eligible for the TAG program. ACPS believes that students among all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups should be provided with an education that enables them to achieve excellence, developing their abilities to the fullest.
Over the course of the 2021-22 school year, the ACPS Office of Communications will be working to redesign and rethink the division’s and schools’ websites. To better understand how families and staff access information, we are asking you to fill out a brief survey that will guide some of our work.
Disability Awareness Month: Sign up for Special Education Parent Resource Center Newsletter
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
The “Supe’s Spotlight” video message with ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. once again shares information, thoughts and reflections from the superintendent with the ACPS community.