Day 35 — Learning from home experience
As we round out the school week and look toward the next, I am constantly reminded of the dedication of you, our ACPS staff, just how important you are and how much I value your efforts.
Today, as we publish the nominees for ACPS Support Staff of the Year, I’d like to give a shout out to those who work behind the scenes to ensure our school division remains an effective and innovative place to work and learn.
Also, we could not let this week end without sharing some of the wonderful photographs of our students paying tribute to our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed — and don’t forget to take the staff survey:
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Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Support Staff of the Year Nominees
We all know it takes a village to keep ACPS running smoothly and some of the most critical members of our staff can be those working behind the scenes in supporting roles.
So it’s important we recognize those efforts and say thank you to all those who contribute to making our school division a happy and successful place to work and learn.
From the employee who selects the food our students eat, to the person who switches off the last light at night, every person contributes. Don’t miss the behind-the scenes video of our food distribution produced by Byron Moraga of Volunteer Alexandria. Each week our team from School Nutrition Services distribute in excess of 30,000 meals.
Below is our list of finalists. Good luck to all our nominees. We will announce the winner later this month.
- William Sharpe, T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus — Building Engineer
- Andrae Jones, Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology — K-2 Citywide Autism Paraprofessional
- Kadysia Gibson, Patrick Henry K-8 School — School Registrar
- Laura Purdy, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy — School Nutrition Manager
- Kellye Thompson, Charles Barrett Elementary School — School Registrar
- Sandra Torres, George Mason Elementary School — School Secretary/Treasurer
- Casonja Lee, T.C. Williams High School — Administrative Assistant
- Linda Rodriguez, Office of School, Business and Community Partnerships — Administrative Assistant
Appreciating Our Teachers
We couldn’t let Teacher Appreciation Week go by without sharing these photos of our students expressing their gratitude:
Don’t Forget to Fill Out Our Survey
You have until tomorrow to fill out our feedback survey. Your opinion is important and will help shape our future plans.
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In the last video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered questions about the census and why it matters to schools.
- How often is the census taken and why is it important?
- Why is the census count important for schools?
- What parts of the Alexandria community have been underrepresented in the past?
- What resources would be impacted that the child and family may need?
- How does the demographic information gleaned from the census help the schools plan?
Read the answers to these questions in our daily video transcripts, available in English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic.
Watch the Q&A video or see answers to these questions in the updated FAQ.
Temperature Screening at ACPS Buildings
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 measure in this Board Brief.
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.
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 OK.