News and Announcements

Don’t miss two of our kindergartners trying to pronounce the word “strategic” and explaining why you should take the ACPS 2020 Survey. Bloopers included!

There are a few changes on the horizon that you’ll want to be aware of during open enrollment.

On Thursday night, the Board discussed The High School Project, changes to walk zones for high school students, restorative practices and also honored our ACPS 2019 Teacher, Principal and Support Staffer of the Year.

ACPS will be conducting equity audits at all schools this spring to assess how well we are serving all our students and work out how we may be able to better serve them in the future.

As we prepare for the 2019-20 school year, we’d like to hear your feedback about the Student Code of Conduct through an online survey available now through April 14.

It’s time to consider health insurance options for 2019-20. Beginning May 1 and through May 31 you can attend an information session, enroll in a health plan, change your health insurance elections, sign up for a tax-free Flexible Spending Account, and more.

On Thursday night, the Board discussed the TAG program, Students with Disabilities evaluation and progress towards its ACPS 2020 Strategic Plan goals. The Board also celebrated our recent Scholastic Bowl win and students who successfully participated in National History Day.

ACPS has announced it is conducting a study to assess the feasibility of using the old Patrick Henry school facility as temporary swing space to accelerate the modernization of Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. If deemed feasible, the $60 million saved in this project could be reinvested in other school projects sooner and help mitigate rising costs.

ACPS is in the midst of selecting new secondary mathematics textbooks and materials that can be adopted once the final budget is passed and funds are available in July. We would like your input.

Teachers are invited to take advantage of a five-day professional learning adventure on the Chesapeake Bay or one of its tributaries this summer.

Thursday night’s School Board meeting included recognition of 18 National Board Certified Teachers, an update on community partnerships, and an overview of the planning process leading to a new strategic plan for 2025.

ACPS is conducting a division-wide evaluation of family engagement to better understand the needs, resources and services needed to engage all families throughout ACPS, and the barriers that might limit engagement for some. We would particularly like to hear from staff who are highly engaged with our families, including licensed, paraprofessional and front office and Central Office staff.

On Thursday evening the School Board voted to approve the Superintendent’s proposed budget, focused on ensuring the delivery of a new “ACPS Standard of Excellence,” ensuring timely school maintenance and repairs, and an equitable distribution of resources across the city.

Last week, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. shared his vision for how to make ACPS the best it has ever been. This week, he reviews the importance of implementing that plan to bring it to life.

Last week, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. shared his vision to make ACPS the best it has ever been. Learn about his goals and how he plans to reach them.

At their last meeting, the School Board celebrated healthy, active students at George Mason, Polk and Mount Vernon, reviewed structures for supporting and retaining our staff, and checked in on the High School Project.

Be on the lookout for important tax information being hand-delivered to employees this week.

On a damp grey morning at 8:15 a.m. on February 10, 1959 — exactly 60 years ago this week — two African-American school children walked across a line of 58 police officers to become the first black students at an all-white elementary school in Alexandria. On the other side of town, three other African-American children walked into the all-white William Ramsay School. Their actions were the start of a long, slow process to desegregate Alexandria City Public Schools — a process that took another 14 years to complete.

Eligible licensed staff and administrators who are considering retirement this year will have an opportunity to elect an enhanced option in which they may receive payment for unused sick leave.

It’s that time of year when seasonal illnesses are on the rise in our schools. Be on the lookout for flu and cold symptoms and learn how to stay healthy, and teach our students how to stay healthy, too!

The Board has empowered the superintendent to move forward with planning for a Connected High School Network that includes the modernization of the T.C. Williams Minnie Howard Campus, while also exploring the feasibility of a second comprehensive high school.

ACPS is administering the leadership survey for administrators. The anonymous survey provides staff an opportunity to voice their perceptions of ACPS leadership. Let your voice be heard.

This Thursday, the School Board will be asked to vote on a connected high school network as the expansion strategy to address Alexandria’s high school capacity needs. But what does that mean? We have created a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help explain what it means (and doesn’t mean).

The new Patrick Henry School officially opens its doors to students today, concluding 18 months of construction to build an expanded and modernized facility.

It’s time to indicate your intention regarding re-employment for the 2019-20 school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. has proposed a balanced Operating Budget focused on ensuring equitable distribution of resources among students and improving standards of excellence, both in the classroom and for school facilities.

This past week we welcomed our new School Board with five new members. At their first regular meeting on Thursday, the Superintendent announced his proposed Operating Budget, while the School Board inched a little closer to a vote on the strategy for the future high school with an update on the recommendation for a connected high school network.

The start of a new year is a great time to check in on your retirement accounts, especially if you’re thinking about retiring. That task just got easier with online access now available for both ACPS retirement accounts. And, if you are thinking about retirement, sign up for a February workshop.

The 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Program Budget was approved to go forward to City Council on March 11. See what it means for our schools.

Is ACPS ready for a connected high school network? This was the question put to the School Board prior to winter break along with potential cost impacts of Alexandria’s high school capacity challenges and an assessment of potential limitations around space. Get the full scoop.