COVID Closure Staff Update for Wednesday, April 15

- News and Announcements

Day 18 – Learning from Home Experience

Today is Spring2ACTion 2020, Alexandria’s annual day of city-wide giving hosted by ACT for Alexandria. It is a day for remembering to support each other and recognizing the value each and every one of you brings to the lives of our young people every day.

Many of our wonderful school PTAs, booster clubs and organizations are raising funds, of which a portion will go towards helping support ACPS families who are in particular need during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are willing and financially able, please consider donating to one of the many organizations via the Spring2ACTtion website.

ACPS is securing 700 individual WiFi hotspots to supply to our families without internet access, thanks to donations received on this day. Donations will help fund this important initiative. These are going to households with students in grades 3-12 that ACPS has identified as not having internet access. Because many of our households have more than one student, they will provide access for more than 1,200 students.

Today is a day when we must all be grateful. We are all experiencing our own family, work, and/or household situations during this unprecedented time in our history. ACPS will continue to advocate and support our students, staff and families. Your hard word and dedication are genuinely appreciated. Thank you for everything you do on behalf of our young people.

Sincerely,

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

Kindergarten Registration Changes

Kindergarten registration for the 2020-21 school year, which was planned to begin this week, has now been delayed by a month until May 15. Given the closure of school buildings, the process will look different this year.

As always, kindergarten registration is divided into two parts and both still need to be completed for a child to begin school in September.

Step 1: Starting May 15 forms can be completed online. For families without internet, a phone number will be provided in the near future to request paper forms.

Step 2: The in-person verification of required documents is planned to begin on June 15 when appointments will become available. This date is subject to change, depending on the lifting of the Governor’s stay-at-home order.

Lottery applications are not subject to change at this point and will follow the usual process.

Pre-K Registration for 2020-21

Pre-K will begin to enroll students this week. Some parents and caregivers have already filled out forms. Those who haven’t can call 703-619-8026 or email vpiearlychildhood@acps.k12.va.us and a member of staff will assist them in the application.

Parents and caregivers of a student who is eligible for the Virginia PreSchool Initiative (VPI) can call or email for assistance using the above contact information.

For Students New to the Alexandria Area

Students joining ACPS this school year from a different school division can formally register starting June 15 but online forms are available to fill out starting May 15.

Have questions about kindergarten or new student registration? Check out the ACPS Enrollment page and the Kindergarten Registration/New Student Registration FAQ on the ACPS-at-Home website.

And don’t forget to say thank you to our school registrars who do such an important job of ensuring all student contact data is up-to-date in PowerSchool so that we can inform our families about food distribution locations, instructional resources and updates during the school closures.

Let’s Spring2ACTion on Alexandria’s Day of Giving

Today is Spring2ACTion 2020, Alexandria’s annual day of city-wide giving hosted by ACT for Alexandria.

Many of our wonderful school PTAs, booster clubs and organizations are raising funds, of which a portion will go towards helping support ACPS families who are in particular need during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are willing and financially able, please consider donating to one of the many organizations via the Spring2ACTtion website.

ACPS is securing 700 individual WiFi hotspots to supply to our families without internet access, thanks to donations received on this day. Donations will help fund this important initiative. These are going to households with students in grades 3-12 that ACPS has identified as not having internet access. Because many of our households have more than one student, they will provide access for more than 1,200 students.

One way you can help is by spreading the word in your communications with parents and caregivers today and on your social media accounts. Find your school PTA or school organization to support today.

Central Office Parking

Anyone stopping by ACPS Central Office to collect mail should press the intercom button at the top of the garage entrance in order to request the garage door be opened. Please note that only those with specific permission will be allowed entry to ACPS Central Office.

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 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

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.