{"id":16590,"date":"2020-06-03T04:00:33","date_gmt":"2020-06-03T08:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=16590"},"modified":"2020-06-03T18:42:27","modified_gmt":"2020-06-03T22:42:27","slug":"covid-closure-daily-update-for-wednesday-june-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=16590","title":{"rendered":"COVID Closure Daily Update for Wednesday, June 3"},"content":{"rendered":"
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en espa\u00f1ol (PDF)<\/a> | \u12a0\u121b\u122d\u129b (PDF)<\/a> | \u0628\u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n

Day 52 \u2014 Learning From Home Experience<\/b><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>strategic plan<\/span><\/a> which will serve as our road map to providing equity for all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s \u201cEverybody\u2019s the Graduation Speaker\u201d video contest and has now been featured on his website and Facebook page. His address, although written before the current desperate crisis on America\u2019s streets, still resonates with its message of hope and strength and of brighter days ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

I hope you get a chance to <\/span>watch his speech<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although each year we highlight the annual <\/span>Wear Orange<\/span><\/a> initiative as part of our commitment to providing a safe learning and working environment free from the threat of violence, this year\u2019s event could not come at a more poignant time. It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, I wanted to let you know that going forward you will be receiving the ACPS Express newsletter on Mondays and Wednesdays only. We want to continue to keep you informed as well as adjust as we prepare for our summer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay informed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Superintendent of Schools<\/span><\/p>\n

T.C. Senior Mathieu Zahlan Highlighted by Senator Tim Kaine<\/b><\/h2>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last week Sen. Kaine selected Mathieu\u2019s entry to highlight on his <\/span>website<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> Facebook<\/span><\/a> page as part of the \u201cEverybody\u2019s the Graduation Speaker\u201d contest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Delivering the speech, Mathieu said, \u201cThere\u2019s a French saying that says \u2018apr\u00e8s la pluie le beau temps\u2019 which translates into \u2018after the rain, the good weather\u2019. That\u2019s right! We believe in our hearts that we will be the shining light during this horrible pandemic because we are anything but ordinary!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s graduation speaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the time he said, \u201cOne of the many groups of Virginians I\u2019ve been thinking about during this challenging time is the graduates of the Class of 2020, many of whom won\u2019t have the graduation experience they\u2019ve 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\u2019s future leaders have to offer and sharing their inspiration with others. Let\u2019s show Virginia what the Class of 2020 is all about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For Mathieu, the experience was a rewarding one.<\/span><\/p>\n

He said, \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the video:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Meet Our Three New School Leaders<\/b><\/h2>\n

Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. has selected three new school leaders who will join ACPS on July 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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. <\/span>Learn more about Dr. McCain<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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. <\/span>Learn more about Mr. Brody<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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. <\/span>Learn more about Ms. Hairston<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wear Orange This Weekend\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>Wear Orange<\/span><\/a> this weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also a good time to familiarize or reacquaint yourself with the <\/span>Be SMART<\/span><\/a> program for safe gun storage.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is based on five simple steps: Secure, Model, Ask, Recognize and Tell.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Miss Today\u2019s ASO Sympatico Performance<\/b><\/h2>\n

This afternoon, ACPS students who are part of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASA) Sympatico group will join a live online performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The program begins on Facebook Live at 4:30 p.m.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Your Questions Answered – Facing Racism. Demanding Change.<\/b><\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>ACPS Facebook page<\/span><\/a> and on <\/span>Twitter<\/span><\/a>. You can also email them to <\/span>news@acps.k12.va.us<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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If you missed last night\u2019s Virtual Town Hall \u201cFacing Racism. Demanding Change,\u201d you can <\/span>watch the recording on the Act for Alexandria Facebook Page<\/span><\/a>. Hear from multiple civic leaders, including <\/span>Dr. Hutchings<\/b>, as well as Alexandria Living Legend and Activist <\/span>Joyce Rawlings<\/b>; Alexandria Councilman <\/span>John Taylor Chapman<\/b>; Alexandria youth leader <\/span>Kamryn Powell<\/b>; City of Alexandria Police <\/span>Officer Bennie Evans<\/b>; and <\/span>Senator Mark Warner<\/b>. The panel was moderated by the City\u2019s Race and Social Equity Officer, <\/span>Jaqueline Tucker<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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CONNECT WITH US<\/h2>\n

We want to hear from you! Send us a photo, video or story about your experiences while school is closed. Email us at news@acps.k12.va.us<\/a>.<\/p>\n

SHARE YOUR LEARNING!<\/h2>\n

Learning Together: At-Home Tips from One ACPS Family to Another<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have a learning tip that works well for your child, or a particularly interesting project or story you think others would enjoy? We invite you to share it with the entire ACPS learning community!<\/p>\n

Upload your video or audio story<\/a> or post it to the ACPS Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See this great example from one parent and her son<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Food Distribution<\/h2>\n

ACPS has multiple distribution meal site locations throughout Alexandria for all ACPS students and children over the age of two.<\/p>\n

GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Grab and Go breakfast, lunch and snack meals are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the following locations:<\/p>\n