Day 12 – Learning from Home Experience
We’ve made it to Day 12 of our Learning from Home Experience! First, let me remind you that tomorrow, April 1, is Census Day. However busy you are, please make sure you complete your Census online. Given yesterday afternoon’s stay-at-home order from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, this will be the best way to do it this year. The census count is particularly important for the schools. It determines the amount of federal funding distributed to states for programs that impact schools, students and families. So make sure you play your part to help us fund our schools over the next ten years!
We hope you noticed the shout out by U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, to T.C. Williams High School history teacher, Gabriel Elias. During a televised briefing at The White House on Friday, DeVos spoke about how educators are stepping up their game and applauded “the history teacher from Virginia who connected each day with his students via online video.” Elias was highlighted by the Washington Post a couple of weeks ago.
Also this past weekend, you may have spotted the halls of T.C. Williams featured on the iHeart Living Room Concert For America. During the hour long fundraiser hosted by Elton John, our amazing Alexandria Sheriff’s Department volunteers were pictured helping with our food distribution efforts.
In the meantime, we know things are not easy, so make sure you stay on top of all the resources that are available for our community. The Virginia Department of Social Services is extending services and providing emergency allotments for households currently receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The City has also provided a list of helpful resources for those financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Please help us keep our students and their families informed, too.
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed! And don’t forget to complete your census form online tomorrow.
Sincerely,
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:
- How can I help my own children deal with this new situation?
- How can I make sure we get rest?
- I’m new to online learning and it is stressing me out. How can I get help figuring this out?
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.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
ACPS is providing two days worth of breakfast and lunch meals free for any ACPS student on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8 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 three “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
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.comor 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.)
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.