Day 8 – Learning from Home Experience
As you are already aware, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced that all schools will remain closed throughout the academic year in response to the continued spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19. All of our students, staff and families are impacted by our school closures for the remainder of the year.
Today, I would like to focus on our seniors who will not be afforded an opportunity to spend another year in ACPS. Furthermore, our seniors will unfortunately not be able to experience a traditional senior year at T.C. Williams High School. Our high school principal, Peter Balas, recently announced that due to our school closures for the remainder of the academic year that we have cancelled our National Decision Day celebration, Senior Prom and High School Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020.
As you can imagine, this is simply heartbreaking for our seniors and their families. It is important that we all be responsible and provide our contribution to slow down the spread of this deadly virus, including practicing social distancing and social gathering guidelines during this pandemic. Although we know we won’t be able to recreate the senior experience in the traditional manner, we will work with our seniors and staff to create innovative experiences to ensure that our seniors still celebrate this time in their lives.
In the coming days and weeks, we will also be working with the team of administrators and school counselors at T.C. Williams High School to review each of our seniors’ transcripts and apply the flexibility outlined by the Virginia Department of Education to ensure that there is a clear plan towards graduation for every student in the class of 2020. Please be assured that all seniors who were on target for graduating in 2020 will still graduate, and we will continue to help each of our seniors realize their goals after high school.
In addition to our graduating seniors, our continuity of learning plan will also make sure that all students have a way to successfully finish their courses for the year and transition to the next grade. This is an unprecedented time for us; however, we will continue to work towards meeting the social, emotional and academic needs of our students in ACPS.
It takes an entire community to ensure that our young people are successful. ACPS will advocate, educate and graduate our students through vision, integrity and passion.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In yesterday’s video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered some of your initial questions on the Governor’s decision to close schools, including:
- Why was the decision to close made so early?
- Will students have to repeat grades or attend summer school?
- Will new learning content now be offered online?
- Will assignments be graded?
- What about graduation & testing?
- Will there be new expectations for staff?
Watch the daily staff Q&A video, available at 2 p.m. or see answers to these questions in the updated FAQ.
We welcome you to send us your questions.
TIME TO ADJUST YOUR AUTOMATED EMAIL REPLY
Think About the Message Your Automated Email Response Sends
Although school facilities may be closed for the rest of the school year, we know how hard you are all still working. If you use an automated email message, this message should reflect that.
Instead of your response referencing the ”closure of all schools,” please change your message to “closure of all school buildings.”
In addition, include wording that reassures that you are continuing to work to serve the needs of ACPS staff and families.
ACPS ADDS 3 POP-UP MEAL DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS
ACPS has added three “grab and go” meal locations for any ACPS student or child over the age of 2 to pick up breakfast and lunch.
The new sites are:
- Mason Apartments at South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Brent Place Apartments at 375 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
11:20 – 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court, Alexandria, VA 22314
10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
See more details on the ACPS-at-Home website.
MISSING ITEMS FROM ACPS SCHOOL BUILDINGS?
Have emergency items still to pick up? Please contact your school principal or supervisor to arrange for the collection of emergency items. Please note these are essential items needed for ongoing teaching or working purposes only. Staff may not access any ACPS school building without going through their principal. All buildings will be closed at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
UPDATES FROM THE ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The City of Alexandria has taken measures to further reduce risk, and encourages organizations and individuals to take action, as well. The AHD is reminding the community of the importance of social distancing by maintaining six feet of personal space whenever possible, and frequently washing hands and using hand sanitizer. For other questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional updates can be found at www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.
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:
- Crisis Text and Crisis Link:
- Text: CONNECT to 85511
- Call: 703-527-4077
- Alexandria Safe Place
- Alexandria City 24-Hour Emergency Mental Health Services
- Alexandria City Health Department and AHD Contacts
- Inova Alexandria Hospital (ER)
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.
LEARNING ON ACPS-TV
Monday through Friday while our schools remain closed, ACPS-TV will be screening 90 minutes of educational programming from The Smithsonian’s “Science How” and “Stem in 30” series in a loop all 24 hours. Use this series with your students to ensure continuity of education while schools are closed. See this week’s schedule.
ONLINE LEARNING PACKETS
Our goal is to ensure continuity of learning while schools are closed. Download student learning packets.
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 okay.