COVID Closure Staff Update for Friday, April 17

- News and Announcements

Day 20  – Learning from Home Experience 

First, thank you for a great first week back after spring break! There have been some wrinkles, but we are on track to deliver a great Continuity of Learning Plan 2.0 that keeps our students actively engaged at this time.

Today, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the additional safety precautions that will be operational for our food distribution sites and essential staff at all our schools sites beginning Monday, April 27. The health and safety of all those who work in and visit our facilities is of paramount importance. Right from the moment we closed our school buildings, we always implemented safety measures on all our schools sites in line with the CDC and Alexandria Health Department. 

As we all know, that guidance — particularly in the early days — changed rapidly and we quickly learned the importance of working with flexibility and speed in this situation. News released by the City of Alexandria on Tuesday was cautiously optimistic; the efforts we have all made to physically distance ourselves are working. Modeling by University of Virginia suggests we have slowed the spread of the virus in the Commonwealth. As of Monday, April 27, ACPS will be adding an extra layer of protection for staff and visitors. Anyone requiring access to an ACPS facility or school will be required to undergo a temperature check. We hope everyone understands the importance of this, even though it may cause a little inconvenience.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed! 

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

Temperature Screenings for All Entering ACPS Facilities

Starting on Monday April 27, 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 100.4 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 new measure in today’s Board Brief.

City Manager’s Proposed Operating Budget Changes

On Tuesday, April 14, City Manager Mark Jinks proposed changes to his proposed Operating Budget for FY 2020-21. Jinks is proposing reducing the recommended City operating transfer to ACPS by $7.4 million. This amount is equivalent to the cost to ACPS to provide merit step increases, a 2% bonus for those at the top of their salary scale, targeted market rate adjustments, and a 1.5% decrease in the employee contribution to the ACPS supplemental retirement plan. Section 5 provides the details of these changes.

However, the School Board will make the final decision on how the cuts will be made.

Read the City Manager’s proposed budget changes in full (PDF). 

We will be sharing more information regarding ACPS Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects next week.

VA TV Classroom is Here to Help

This week, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) launched VA TV Classroom for students in kindergarten through grade 10. Tune in Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. and see teacher-led instructional content. 

In Alexandria, we can access this through the WETA PBS Kids channel via antenna 26.3, Comcast 266, Cox 801, Verizon FiOS 472 or RCN 38. You can also watch online through the WHRO Public Media website. Access the detailed daily schedule.

  • K-3 instruction airs from 1-2 p.m. with Standards of Learning-aligned content provided by WHRO Public Media. “Learn to Grow with WHRO” segments will be 15 minutes in length and led by teachers.
  • Grades 7-10 instruction airs from 2-3 p.m. with SOL-aligned content provided by WHRO Public Media focusing on Earth Science and Algebra I.
  • During the week of April 27, VA TV Classroom will add a special hour from 3-4 p.m. called “AP Prep Week,” with content provided by Virtual Virginia — in collaboration with WHRO — focusing on a different AP subject each day. The hour will include two 30-minute segments.

More information can be found on the WETA website.

ACPS Learning through the TV

Thank you to all of our teachers who have made teaching through our television channels possible. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by our parents and students. 

Our students need you!

Please, if you have not yet created a lesson for TV we encourage you to do so. It’s fun and easy to do. If you’ve missed our TV training session on Zoom, please check it out. For more information, please refer to the ACPS’ Learning Through the TV Handbook.

A special shout out to the following ACPS-TV stars who have produced programming for our students:

  • Mike Routhouska
  • Corrine Nelson
  • Kelly J. Davis
  • Hattie Gore
  • Meredith Fortner
  • Holly Tate
  • Mike Humphreys
  • Sarah Calhoun
  • Cheryl Chanaiwa
  • Emma Robash
  • Kelsey Martin
  • Brandy Bowles
  • Matthew Beck
  • Karrie P. Kay
  • Susan Bustard
  • Michelle Bullard
  • Justin Wood

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

In the last video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered questions about Our Enhanced Continuity of Learning 2.0 plan and learning by television.

  • Have expectations for teachers changed?
  • How did you decide what standards to make a priority?
  • How do we create television programs for our youngest students?
  • Is there training for WeVideo?
  • Do I earn any credits for doing television lessons?
  • What about creative, encore and hands-on learning?
  • How are we engaging EL students?
  • How are we handling Special Education Instruction?
  • What about Counseling and Speech, Occupational and Physical therapy?

Watch the twice-weekly Q&A video or see answers to these questions in the staff FAQ. 

We welcome you to send us your questions.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION CHANGES

As of Monday, April 20, food distribution will start an hour later at all food distribution sites. Food will now be distributed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the five school sites. The times of pop-up mobile distribution will still remain the same. 

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ACPS is providing breakfast and lunch meals for any ACPS student on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the following locations:

  • William Ramsay Elementary School
    5700 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311
  • Francis C. Hammond Middle School
    4646 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
  • Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
    3600 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
  • Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School
    1501 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
  • T.C. Williams High School
    3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:

ACPS has multiple “grab and go” meal locations for any ACPS student or child over the age of 2 to pick up breakfast and lunch.

The sites are:

  • Mason Apartments at South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
    10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Brent Place Apartments at 375 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
    11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court, Alexandria, VA 22314
    10:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Community Lodgings at 607 Notabene Drive, Alexandria, VA 22305
    10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Old Towne West Apartments (parking lot) at 500 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
    11:20 to 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Corner of Florence Drive and Four Mile Road, Alexandria, VA 22305 (Starting Wednesday, April 22)
    10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

NO SIGN UP OR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE MEALS.

Meals consist of cold breakfast and lunch, including fresh fruits and vegetables and sandwiches for multiple days per the student’s need.

NOTE: No food distribution will occur on Tuesdays or Thursdays. The limited days for distribution is to support the practice of social distancing and to limit social gatherings.

Other Food Resources in the City of Alexandria
For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit www.hungerfreealexandria.com or call ‪703-662-1067. 

Questions? Or Need Translation?
Send us your question in Spanish, Arabic or Amharic:

  • Text ACPSMEALS to 797979 (English and Spanish)
  • Call or text 703-927-6866 (Amharic)
  • Call or text 703-927-7095 (Arabic)

OR

Call the FACE Center’s Bilingual Parent Information Lines:

  • For Spanish, call 571-775-9719, Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
  • For Amharic, call 703-927-6866, Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
  • For Arabic, call 703-927-7095, Tuesday-Thursday (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

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 okay.