The last School Board meeting before the holidays included approval of the 2019-2020 academic calendar, an update on the Program of Studies, the difference in costs associated with a single high school and a connected high school for The High School Project, and approval of the Capital Improvement Program Budget for the next ten years.
News and Announcements
Happy New Year From My Titan Family to Yours
As you launch into the new year, here are a few words from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. about the year ahead.
ACPS Launches Support Staff of the Year Award
Brand new program support staff recognition program honors exemplary support staff alongside exceptional teachers and principals. Know of any outstanding colleague who deserves to be recognized? Here is your opportunity to let ACPS know!
The Future of the High School Should Be More Than a Fleeting Holiday Wish
ACPS has an opportunity to profoundly impact the long-term future of the high school. If we think big and act boldly, we can put Alexandria on the map for the skills for which our future graduates are known, and create a talent pipeline into the workplace and higher education for generations to come. Read this message about The High School Project from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Paycheck Changes in December, January 2 Work Day Reminder
Get details about changes to the payroll schedule this month due to winter break, plus a reminder to check the appropriate work calendar for your position to determine what January 2 means for you.
Board Matters: Don’t Miss Next Year’s Calendar and Program of Studies
Thursday’s School Board meeting was full of updates on important projects that will have a huge impact on students in the long term. These included an update on The High School Project, the action plan connected to the Students with Disabilities Evaluation, the Academic Calendar, and the Program of Studies outlining course offerings for next school year.
Step Increase and Market Rate Adjustment Considered for FY2020
Teachers, administrators and support staff may receive a step increase along with a market rate adjustment next school year, if approved by the School Board. The increases are being considered as part of the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget presented at a School Board Work Session last month.
Sponsor an ACPS Student Through the Holiday Giving Program
Each year this program ensures that students who would otherwise not receive gifts have a wonderful holiday season. Sign up to sponsor a student and help spread holiday cheer.
Important Licensing Updates
Learn about important licensing updates from the Virginia Department of Education, a fee increases effective January 1, 2019, and deadlines for renewals.
Changes to Monitoring of Student Online Activity on School-Issued Devices
Here’s what you need to know about the new Securly Parent Portal that allows parents to monitor and take some control over their child’s online activity outside of school.
Alexandria City Public Schools Proud Partner in Historic Amazon Deal
ACPS is proud to be part of a historic partnership with Virginia Tech, as part of the deal to bring Amazon’s new headquarters to Northern Virginia. The announcement includes news of a partnership with Virginia Tech to develop an Innovation Campus in the Alexandria section of Potomac Yard to fill demand for high-tech talent, and coincides with the recent launch by ACPS of The High School Project: Inspiring a Future for Alexandria.
Listening Tour Takeaways
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. recently conducted a Listening & Learning tour as part of his 100-Day Entry Plan. If you missed the opportunity to participate, read this summary and share your thoughts online.
Do You Know How to Stay Informed During Winter Weather Emergencies?
As the cold weather settles in and we brace for winter weather, we would like to remind you how to stay informed about school closings or delayed openings.
Superintendent Announces Capital Plan Aligned with Programming Vision
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. has unveiled a ten-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget focused on the fast resolution of urgent elementary and high school capacity issues, while also ensuring alignment with the joint goals of the City and School Board.
Board Matters: A Run Down of the Numbers
Thursday’s School Board meeting was heavy on facilities information with the presentation of the Superintendent’s Proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget, a presentation of the long-awaited educational vision for The High School Project, an update on our enrollment numbers, plus a Board Brief on where to find facilities web pages.
What You Need to Know to Vote on Election Day
Tomorrow is Election Day — a day off for students but a work day for teachers, administrators and Central Office staff. Here’s a list of school board candidates, a precinct map and sample ballots along with three ways to engage on Election Day.
Share Your Comments on Students with Disabilities Draft Action Plan
Staff members are encouraged to review the Students with Disabilities Draft Action Plan and participate in a staff forum on November 13 or 14.
Halfway Through: Read How the Superintendent’s 100-Day Plan is Unfolding
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. is halfway through his first 100 days as superintendent at ACPS. Get an update on how he’s been spending his time and what he’s achieved so far.
Do You Want to Have a Say Regarding Next Year’s Calendar?
Want to have a say in what days students have off school next year? Review the proposed 2019-20 Academic Calendar and submit your comments by November 11.
How You Can Help Students Grow Up Safe, Healthy and Drug-Free
October 23-31 throughout ACPS, students and staff will engage in activities that promote a drug-free and healthy lifestyle following this year’s Red Ribbon Week theme: Life Is Your Journey. Travel Drug Free. Learn how you can help students embrace the theme!
Donate Each Month to Help Send Our Students to College
Join Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. in donating a self-selected amount to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA) through a bi-weekly payroll deduction. Invest a little bit in our students today and have a big impact on the life of a student tomorrow.
Hear from All School Board Candidates at PTAC’s Public Forum
On Tuesday, November 6, Alexandria voters will elect School Board members to represent each of the three districts in the City of Alexandria. Voters can attend a public forum on October 24 sponsored by PTAC for an opportunity to ask questions and hear from the candidates for all nine School Board seats.
Students with Disabilities Evaluation Report Now Available
ACPS commissioned an evaluation of the services it provides to students with disabilities. You can view the report and executive summary on the ACPS website and provide comments to ACPS in November.
What’s Your Vision of Our Future High School? Have Your Say
Join us this Tuesday or Wednesday at a town hall meeting to discussing the future of high school in Alexandria. Morning and evening sessions available. Can’t make a meeting? Take the online survey.
Farm Share is Coming to ACPS
Central Office employees can sign up to participate in a farm share program to have fresh fruit, vegetables and more delivered to Braddock Place bi-weekly.
Measuring What Matters: Our Stories of Success
At ACPS, we pride ourselves on preparing our students for the world, whether it’s college, a career or joining the military. Take a look and see how we’re measuring success.
ACPS Leads Discussion Around Keeping Students Healthy on Capitol Hill
Last Tuesday, senior staff from ACPS took part in a congressional panel discussion around the need to support health and wellness as well as training around mental health needs in public schools.
Professional Development Highlights: New Mentorship Program for New Teachers
Using an “it takes a village” approach, our new mentorship program provides extra support and guidance during that critical first year of teaching in ACPS as one way to grow and retain exemplary new teachers.
ACPS Sees More Schools Fully Accredited
Fourteen schools within ACPS are anticipated to be fully accredited for the 2018-19 school year — two more than last year with William Ramsay Elementary School and Francis C. Hammond Middle School both attaining full accreditation status this year.
Has Your Job Changed? The Job Classification Review Process Opens on October 1
In order to ensure alignment of current job responsibilities, titles and compensation, ACPS will begin its annual classification review process on October 1 and will not accept reviews after the end of business on October 12, 2018.