COVID Closure Staff Update for Wednesday, June 3

- News and Announcements

Day 52 — Learning From Home Experience

America is living through sobering times right now. This past week has given us all cause to stop, reflect and rethink how we live our lives and question our priorities and values. What has been tolerated for too long can no longer be tolerated. This is particularly true for our children who count on us to feel safe and secure where they live, play and learn. I hope that you will join us to take action as we embark on our new strategic plan which will serve as our road map to providing equity for all. 

As we rapidly approach the end of the academic year, I would like to highlight one of our students. This week, T.C. Williams senior Mathieu Zahlan was highlighted by Senator Tim Kaine as an inspiration to all graduates during this unusual time. Mathieu submitted a speech to the senator’s “Everybody’s the Graduation Speaker” video contest and has now been featured on his website and Facebook page. His address, although written before the current desperate crisis on America’s streets, still resonates with its message of hope and strength and of brighter days ahead.

I hope you get a chance to watch his speech.

Although each year we highlight the annual Wear Orange initiative as part of our commitment to providing a safe learning and working environment free from the threat of violence, this year’s event could not come at a more poignant time. It’s a good time to remind ourselves that we need to speak with our children about gun safety and follow simple common sense guidelines. Firearms remain the leading cause of death for American children and teens.

Lastly, I wanted to let you know that going forward you will be receiving the ACPS Insider newsletter on Mondays and Wednesdays only. We want to continue to keep you informed as well as adjust as we prepare for our summer. 

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay informed. 

Sincerely,

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

T.C. Senior Mathieu Zahlan Highlighted by Senator Tim Kaine

When T.C. Williams High School senior Mathieu Zahlan sat down to compose a graduation speech as part of a video contest held by Senator Tim Kaine, inspiration was all around him.

He drew on the challenges of living the end of his senior year framed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the disappointments that followed. But more than anything, his message was about resilience, character, hope and thanks.

Last week Sen. Kaine selected Mathieu’s entry to highlight on his website and Facebook page as part of the “Everybody’s the Graduation Speaker” contest.

Delivering the speech, Mathieu said, “There’s a French saying that says ‘après la pluie le beau temps’ which translates into ‘after the rain, the good weather’. That’s right! We believe in our hearts that we will be the shining light during this horrible pandemic because we are anything but ordinary!”

“We are the quaran-teenagers of 2020, we leave our childhood behind us now, and we step into a new chapter in our lives. We are on a mission to expand our knowledge, create and innovate for a better future.”

In April, Sen. Kaine launched the video contest calling for seniors to write and record a speech that they would give to their school if they were this year’s graduation speaker.

At the time he said, “One of the many groups of Virginians I’ve been thinking about during this challenging time is the graduates of the Class of 2020, many of whom won’t have the graduation experience they’ve been planning for a long time. I feel a sense of loss about that, so I want to do something fun for them and give all high school seniors the chance to be a graduation speaker. I look forward to hearing the wisdom Virginia’s future leaders have to offer and sharing their inspiration with others. Let’s show Virginia what the Class of 2020 is all about.”

For Mathieu, the experience was a rewarding one.

He said, “I wanted to tell the Class of 2020 that a graduation is not a just ceremony or a party, but that it is a new beginning to bigger opportunities, and with the unfortunate current situations we should step up and be heroes.”

“I have not written a speech before, I had to do some research on how to write a speech. I really hope to move everyone that listens to it and to inspire our generation to continue their education and to work hard and make a difference.”

Watch the video:

Meet Our Three New School Leaders

Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. has selected three new school leaders who will join ACPS on July 1.

Dr. John McCain has been selected as Transformational Head of School for Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School. McCain joins us from North Carolina where he previously served as an elementary and middle school principal, assistant principal and a support specialist for teachers, providing coaching to teachers to help them improve their academic outcomes. Learn more about Dr. McCain.

Loren Brody, an experienced principal with D.C. Public Schools, has been named as the next leader of Charles Barrett Elementary School. Brody joins ACPS from the Takoma Education Campus PK3-8 in Washington, D.C. where he has served as principal since 2015. He brings with him a deep understanding of the Kennedy Center Arts Integration Program, a highly-coveted arts program used by staff and students at Charles Barrett to foster a deeper understanding of complex concepts. Learn more about Mr. Brody.

We are also delighted to announce our very own Penny Hairston, former Douglas MacArthur administrative intern and current assistant principal at James K. Polk Elementary School, has been chosen to be the new principal of Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. Hairston rejoins MacArthur after serving five years as assistant principal at James K. Polk. She previously served four years as an administrative intern at MacArthur from 2011 to 2015 and has more than two decades of teaching and administrative experience. Learn more about Ms. Hairston.

Wear Orange This Weekend 

This year, and every year, as part of our commitment to providing a safe learning and working environment, we are encouraging all in our ACPS family to Wear Orange this weekend.

Although events across the country will be held virtually this year, you can still show support and honor those who have lost their lives to violence.

Wearing something orange from June 5-7 is a simple and eye-catching way to show you recognize the negative impact of violence on society.

It is also a good time to familiarize or reacquaint yourself with the Be SMART program for safe gun storage.

This is based on five simple steps: Secure, Model, Ask, Recognize and Tell.

We ask you to do your best to normalize conversations about guns and take responsible actions at home that will prevent child gun deaths and injuries.

Please also join us in keeping our children safe by ensuring they never have unsupervised access to firearms and all firearms in your possession are kept under lock and key.

Don’t Miss Today’s ASO Sympatico Performance

This afternoon, ACPS students who are part of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASA) Sympatico group will join a live online performance.

Please join ASA music director Jim Ross, Sympatico program director and John Adams Elementary School music teacher Kyle Tilman, and Pete Tashjian of the Collective Conservatory as they present five short new pieces.

The program begins on Facebook Live at 4:30 p.m.

Your Questions Answered – Facing Racism. Demanding Change.

Yesterday, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. replaced his daily video Q&A with a heartfelt message about the racial crisis we are facing in our country. As a school division, we play a vital role in eliminating racial inequities. Please take a few minutes to listen to this message. We will be collecting your thoughts and responses on the ACPS Facebook page and on Twitter. You can also email them to news@acps.k12.va.us. 

If you missed last night’s Virtual Town Hall “Facing Racism. Demanding Change,” you can watch the recording on the Act for Alexandria Facebook Page. Hear from multiple civic leaders, including Dr. Hutchings, as well as Alexandria Living Legend and Activist Joyce Rawlings; Alexandria Councilman John Taylor Chapman; Alexandria youth leader Kamryn Powell; City of Alexandria Police Officer Bennie Evans; and Senator Mark Warner. The panel was moderated by the City’s Race and Social Equity Officer, Jaqueline Tucker.

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 100.0 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:

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.