COVID Closure Staff Update for Friday, April 3

- News and Announcements

Day 15 – Learning from Home Experience 

Today we are sharing with you the Continuity of Learning Plan. When we return from Spring Break, this will be the master document that will provide guidance for the teaching of all grades, and includes suggestions for English Learners, Students with Disabilities, and Talented and Gifted populations.

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this and when we return for our professional development day on Monday April 13,  it will be a focus of discussion.

You can find an outline for each grade level in the Continuity of Learning Plan.

This was also the topic of my video Q&A today.

Please do not work over spring break! It needs to be a break for us all. But remember to sign up for a professional development session on Monday April 13. This is an opportunity to set yourself and your students up for success for the fourth quarter.

Happy Spring Break! Stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed! 

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

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

In the last video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered some of your questions on: Our Proposed Calendar and Proposed Grading Revisions

  • Will new content be taught?
  • When does Fourth Quarter begin?
  • How will we grade PK-5 student’s work?
  • How will middle and high school students work get graded?
  • What standards will be taught in the Fourth Quarter?
  • Will there be final exams?

Watch the daily Q&A video, available at 2 p.m. or see answers to these questions in the updated staff FAQ.

We welcome you to send us your questions.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Changes to Food Distribution Next Week

There are a number of changes to food distribution during Spring Break.

Please know that our normal ACPS distribution centers and sites will not be open on April 6, 8 and 10 during spring break. The ACPS meal hotline will not be operating during spring break. ACPS will resume all normal food distribution on April 13.

  • On Friday, April 3, families will be able to pick up additional food at all ten ACPS food distribution sites to help them through spring break week.
  • On Saturday, April 4, the ALIVE! Food program will provide families with emergency subsistence food, enough for about one week for a family of four, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at John Adams Elementary School and Leonard ‘Chick’ Armstrong Recreation Center next to Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology. 
  • The City will be operating grab-and-go meal distribution from T.C. Williams High School (Chinquapin side) on Wednesday, April 8 and Friday, April 10 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (note the change in the start time).

ACPS will resume normal distribution at all ten sites on Monday, April 13.

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:

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.

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.