New Multi-use Court Opens at Francis C. Hammond Middle School 

A new multi-use/futsal court opened at Francis C. Hammond Middle School that will be used in physical education and after school programs. The court’s multi-use approach will increase teaching and activity space. The court will also be available to the community after school hours. The court was funded through the capital improvement planning (CIP) budget, which is approved by the City of Alexandria.

ACPS is committed to expanding the accessibility of safe places to play in our community while promoting overall student wellness. Team sports such as soccer cultivate confidence and collaboration skills, helping students thrive on and off the court. On Nov. 8, ACPS leadership and teachers took part in a ribbon-cutting event, which featured a student activity demonstration led by ACPS physical education staff and the Alexandria Soccer Association.

“This court will be an asset for our physical education classes at Francis C. Hammond Middle School and for after school programs. Since this is a multi-use court, it expands our teaching and activity space so teachers can be creative with their lessons and students can be active year-round. Everyone is excited to use the new court to play soccer and futsal, learn how to ride bikes and more,” said Principal Pierrette Peters Finney. 

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

On Nov. 17, ACPS is celebrating the brave action of one historical figure during the first national Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Students across the country will walk to honor the young student who played a part in the advancement of civil rights. 

In November 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, escorted by federal marshals. Inspired by her courage, a group of AAA School Safety Patrollers led the charge in 2018 for a day to commemorate the movement that she started. 

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day provides a learning opportunity about the civil rights movement as students also experience the benefits of walking to school. ACPS students can join in as Bridges’ story continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to address racism one step at a time.

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Unveils Mural on Veterans Day

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School unveiled a tapestry depicting its namesake, five-star U.S. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur in honor of Veterans Day. Students, staff and community members joined Artist Cheryl Foster, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. and Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Principal Penny Hairston at the event to celebrate the new artwork, the school’s history and honor those who have served our nation. 

The 8 x 15-foot tapestry was handcrafted, with student artwork incorporated, by Cheryl Foster, a multimedia artist who specializes in large-scale public art. Students from multiple grade levels contributed to the tapestry with work they did in their art classes. 

“It was a proud moment to unveil this tapestry in our school to honor our veterans. General MacArthur made a difference in the lives of a generation of Americans, as does our school named after him, as it strives to inspire a new generation of leaders. Special thanks to Artist Cheryl Foster, whose specialty is large-scale public artworks like this creation, in collaboration with our students,” said Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Principal Penny Hairston.