Photo story: At the ACHS Music Department’s Fall Concert on October 26, the Advanced Choir, Wind Ensemble, Virtuosi Orchestra and Jazz Band “A” performed. Each of these groups is the most advanced level of its ensemble type.
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Empty Menstrual Product Dispensers Reveal Student Struggle for Product Access
In compliance with a 2022 Virginia policy, ACHS administration installed free menstrual product dispensers in women’s bathrooms at King Street Campus before the start of the school year. However, the dispensers were never filled, and they remain empty.
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8 Students Recognized for National Merit Scholarship Accomplishments
Seven Commended Students and one Semifinalist were recognized with a ceremony on October 1 for their exceptional scores in the PSAT 10/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), which they took last fall in their junior year along with students across the country.
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‘It’s the Two of Them Together’: Chloe Wilmot, Milan Rex Honored for Smashing School Volleyball Records
Seniors Chloe Wilmot and Milan Rex were honored for breaking ACHS records for most assists and kills, respectively, in September and October. The ACHS volleyball team recognized both players with a speech, a bouquet of flowers and a ceremonial signed volleyball.
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Homecoming: Back for the Better
It's been three years, but the Alexandria City Homecoming Dance is back! Taking place on Saturday, November 5 at the St.James in Springfield, the Homecoming Dance will be from 7-10 p.m. The St. James is an athletic center that has many large, indoor sports facilities, including a 110,000 square foot indoor field where the dance will take place. Although, given its location, the dance will be different from the Homecomings of the past, the St. James provides a much-needed increase in space and ventilation.
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Meeting the New Superintendent: Dr. Kay-Wyatt
After a tumultuous school year, Alexandria City Public School’s Superintendent Gregory Hutchings announced on June 10 that he would not renew his contract after nearly four years. His official resignation came into effect on August 31. Starting September 1, Melanie Kay-Wyatt serves as the interim superintendent through the 22-23 school year or until the school board can appoint an eligible candidate into the permanent position.
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In the Face of the Transphobia Epidemic
On September 16, the Virginia Department of Education released new model policies for school boards addressing the treatment of transgender students. The models mandated misgendering, outing, and sex-based bathrooms, alongside optional parental restrictions on student counseling services. Immediately, the policies sparked widespread reactions throughout social media. Twitter thrummed with thousands of opinions, calls to action, and profile picture changes as the country, state, and community weighed in on Governor Youngkin’s latest swing at student rights in the name of “empowering parents.”
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Free Lunch Program Disbanded
As the COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat subsided, ACHS's free lunch program has ended. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) disbanded the coronavirus relief program in which people ages 2-18 were able to receive free lunch nationally.
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Fostering Leadership in International Academy
The International Academy (IA) at Alexandria City High School is a program for students who migrate from their home country to the United States to receive an education. While adapting to a great change in the U.S., IA students are also learning English. IA Leadership was started 5 years ago by teachers Christal Jackson, Jacqueline Rice and Gabriel Elias. They attended a training called CivicTREK by ACPS which allows teachers to connect their curriculum to real-life problems.
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PRIDE Period Priorities
To start the 22-23 school year at Alexandria City High School, a PRIDE period has been introduced to students and faculty. PRIDE stands for preparation, respect, integrity, determination, and excellence. PRIDE period takes place during third or fourth period from 9:59 am to 10:34 am. During these thirty-six minutes, teachers present a slideshow to all students that review a new topic every day.
