{"id":17073,"date":"2020-11-24T10:22:05","date_gmt":"2020-11-24T15:22:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17073"},"modified":"2020-11-24T15:20:45","modified_gmt":"2020-11-24T20:20:45","slug":"school-name-changes-approved-delay-in-transition-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17073","title":{"rendered":"School Name Changes Approved &#038; Delay in Transition Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"fb-root\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1437\/ACPS-Express-20201124-spanish.pdf\">en espa\u00f1ol (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1437\/ACPS-Express-20201124-amharic.pdf\">\u12a0\u121b\u122d\u129b (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1437\/ACPS-Express-20201124-arabic.pdf\">\u0628\u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>This Week\u2019s Headlines:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#schoolnames\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School Board Votes to Change the Names of T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#meetings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Meetings on the Reopening of Schools: Dec. 1-2<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#food\">FOOD ACCESS &#8211; Updates for Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dear ACPS Families and Community,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, before we head off to enjoy a very different Thanksgiving holiday this year, I have two important developments to share with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you are aware, on Nov. 5 ACPS, initiated our phased return of Citywide Program students to in-person instruction. We originally planned to expand our population of some students receiving specialized instruction and English Learner services to in-person learning throughout the months of November and December.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the upward trend data of positive COVID cases and increasing risk of transmission throughout the community based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/schools-childcare\/indicators.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indicators for Dynamic School Decision-Making K-12 School Metrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in consultation with the Alexandria Health Department (AHD), I recommended that ACPS delay our transition of students into in-person learning until January 2021. Yesterday evening, the Alexandria City School Board amended their Oct. 21 motion approving a phased-in approach to in-person learning to include consideration of fluctuating community health metrics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>As a result of these new factors, ACPS will not, at this time, return any Students with Disabilities to in-person learning as originally planned, including those scheduled for Nov. 30. Students who have already returned to in-person learning will return to virtual learning for the time being.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, this will impact the original timeline proposed for the reopening of our schools and the return of all students to in-person learning. Planning for the reopening of our schools <\/span><b>will continue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and we will provide information regarding the adjusted timeline for all students as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are closely monitoring the upward trend of the positive COVID cases and transmission rates in the community and region. Daily <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/performance\/info\/dashboard.aspx?id=114883\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metrics for the City of Alexandria<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/coronavirus\/key-measures\/pandemic-metrics\/school-metrics\/.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virginia Department of Health\u2019s data on CDC K-12 School Metrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be viewed online.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS works in partnership with the AHD regarding any decisions made that impact the health and safety of our students and staff. While the AHD does not make final decisions, they provide subject matter expertise and are involved in all ACPS reopening planning meetings. They are consultants and partners throughout this pandemic planning process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The AHD uses <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/schools-childcare\/indicators.html#thresholds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three key metrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to guide and advise on ACPS decisions regarding closing or opening schools. These metrics serve as indicators and thresholds for school-based risk analysis. Two of these metrics are community-based metrics including community spread and positivity rates, while the third is the implementation of mitigation measures in schools. See the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/schools-childcare\/indicators.html#thresholds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC indicators and thresholds for risk of introduction and transmission of COVID-19 in schools<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These metrics can all be found in one place on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3536\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the two community metrics, ACPS implements five key health and safety mitigation measures including: consistent and correct use of masks; social distancing; hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette; cleaning and disinfection; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/php\/open-america\/contact-tracing-resources.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact tracing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in collaboration with the AHD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I sincerely apologize for the disappointment this delay may cause to you and your children. Our clear preference and priority is enabling students in all grade levels to return to in-person instruction if they choose as soon as community health metrics return to safe levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While circumstances remain challenging, please know our team is dedicated to working with our teachers and families to ensure that all students experience academic growth and receive necessary social, emotional, and academic learning supports as we navigate these challenging times. Instructional staff and specialists continue to work with students to support their virtual instruction. Students continue to receive their IEP services in the virtual setting. While we understand that this is not the ideal situation, we made adjustments to the Virtual PLUS+ model and will continue to do so to improve access to instruction, particularly for our youngest learners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I thank you for your understanding while we continue to navigate these difficult times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our goal is to ensure that all our students continue to have access to the educational resources and services they need at this difficult time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a reminder, I will be hosting a series of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/reentry-meetings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Meetings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for families, students and staff on Dec. 1 and 2, where I will be available to address concerns and answer any questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please see my weekly video update, where I address this topic:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3513\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17074\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2148\" height=\"1204\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM.jpg 2148w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM-260x146.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM-800x448.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM-178x100.jpg 178w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM-768x430.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM-1536x861.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-11-23-at-4.55.13-PM-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2148px) 100vw, 2148px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, today I wanted to make sure you had heard the news that our School Board last night voted unanimously to change the names of T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School. See below for the full details and next steps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wishing you all a peaceful, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Superintendent<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"schoolnames\"><\/a>School Board Votes to Change the Names of T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17075\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAURY-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAURY-1.png 512w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAURY-1-260x140.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/MAURY-1-186x100.png 186w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last night, the Alexandria City School Board voted 9-0 in favor of changing the names of both T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School, consigning to history two individuals whose legacies have no place in ACPS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thomas Chambliss (T.C.) Williams was a former ACPS superintendent who fought the desegregation of our schools, long after the Brown vs Board ruling which outlawed segregation in U.S. schools. Matthew Maury was an oceanographer who served in the Confederate Army, attempted to negotiate a slave trade with Brazil, and encouraged confederates to migrate to Mexico following the war.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following a robust community engagement and consultation process, ACPS now has a mandate to move into phase two of The Identity Project as we consider new names for both schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last week, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. made the recommendation to the School Board that they vote to approve the changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking after the vote on Monday evening, School Board Chair Cindy Anderson said, \u201cThis is a historic moment. Thanks to the methodical and strategic process we undertook with The Identity Project, our community is more aware than ever before of why combating inequities is so fundamental to ensuring change. Today\u2019s vote is a symbolic step in the right direction, but we still have much work to do to see Equity for All as outlined in our ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now the work begins to consider new names for the two schools. The second phase of The Identity Project, designed to ensure community engagement in the process to decide the new names, will be outlined to the School Board in early December. The superintendent will present name recommendations to the School Board for both schools in April 2021, following the community engagement process. The new names will come into effect at the start of the new school year on July 1, 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost estimates to implement the name change at T.C. Williams total about $325,000, while cost estimates for Matthew Maury are just over $5,000.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 3,000 people responded to a survey asking their views on the name changes, with 75% in favor of changing the name of T.C. Williams High School and 72% in favor of changing the name of Matthew Maury Elementary School.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt was important that students of color felt involved and engaged in this process from the start. We are so often a marginalized voice and through this process we were able to have open and frank discussions, not just about a name change, but about the modern-day segregation that still exists in our school division,\u201d said School Board Student Representative Ashley Sanchez-Viafara.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School Board Student Representative Lorraine Johnson added, \u201cWe hope that this will be the start of further discussions around how we can change our systems from within.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The name of our only public high school has been the subject of debate for many decades, but this summer\u2019s civil unrest brought the matter to the forefront once more and in June triggered a petition of more than 100 signatures needed for the School Board to consider the request. Shortly after this, a petition was filed requesting that the name of Matthew Maury Elementary School also be changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Williams, who was superintendent from the 1930s until 1963, was a man who argued that Black and white students \u201clearned differently\u201d and should be kept segregated. One hundred years earlier, Maury held equally reprehensible views about race.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast forward to present day, and ACPS could not be further removed from this, proudly embracing students from more than 145 countries speaking 132 different languages. Our division\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/2025\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2025 Strategic Plan: Equity for All<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, puts racial equity at the heart of every decision that is made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following the School Board\u2019s decision to consider the name change, ACPS launched <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/identityproject\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Identity Project<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure that all in our community understood our history and had a platform to express their opinions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A series of community conversations, student chats, history lessons and a survey helped spark an understanding of what was at stake. Part one of the Identity Project culminated in Monday\u2019s vote. The second phase of The Identity Project \u2014 to decide the new names \u2014 will be outlined to the School Board in early December. It will focus on ensuring that students, the community and the voices of the \u201871 Titans, whose story is immortalized in the Disney movie \u201cRemember the Titans,\u201d are heard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more information on The Identity Project, visit the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/identityproject\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"meetings\"><\/a>Community Meetings on the Reopening of Schools: Dec. 1-2<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17076\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Community.Meetings.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"950\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Community.Meetings.png 950w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Community.Meetings-260x82.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Community.Meetings-800x253.png 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Community.Meetings-768x243.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS is hosting a series of virtual <\/span><b>Community Meetings on School Reopening<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on <\/span><b>Tuesday, Dec. 1<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Wednesday, Dec. 2<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join us to learn about the most current information on COVID-19 in the City of Alexandria, ACPS building and staff capacity, and our next steps for planning a return to school buildings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Meetings for Families:<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. \u2014 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/zoom.us\/j\/96292395961\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join on Zoom<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wednesday, Dec. 2 at noon \u2014 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/zoom.us\/j\/94389397247\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join on Zoom<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Meetings for Students:<br \/>\n<\/b><b>Middle and High School Students: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.<br \/>\n<\/span><b>Elementary Students:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 a.m.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/reentry-meetings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See the ACPS website for student meeting details<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panelists include ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. and Director of the Alexandria Health Department Dr. Stephen Haering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After these meetings, we are planning to share the link to the <\/span><b>Family Choice Form <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for each child, indicating their intent to return to the classroom in a hybrid model or continue with 100% virtual learning through our Virtual PLUS+ learning model.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spanish, Amharic and Arabic interpretation will be provided.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"food\"><\/a>FOOD ACCESS &#8211; Updates for Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note the following updates to our food distribution during Thanksgiving break and Winter break.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Thanksgiving Break:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/schoolclosurefood\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meal distribution sites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will be CLOSED on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 27, and will reopen the following Monday, Nov. 30.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Winter Break and 5-day Meal Kits:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All ACPS meal distribution sites will be open during normal days\/hours through Friday, Dec. 18, and will be closed during Winter Break, Dec. 21 through Jan. 1. Families can request a 5-day meal kit by completing the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/acpsweb.wufoo.com\/forms\/winter-break-school-meals-s1crte7y18a6fub\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter Break Meal Kit Request Form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> no later than Monday, Dec. 7. Meal kits will be handed out on Thursday, Dec. 17, between 7:30 a.m. and noon at the school site that the family chooses on the sign-up form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"mcnButtonBlock\" style=\"min-width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%; height: 64px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody class=\"mcnButtonBlockOuter\">\n<tr style=\"height: 64px;\">\n<td class=\"mcnButtonBlockInner\" style=\"text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0px 18px; border: none !important; height: 64px;\" align=\"center\" valign=\"top\">\n<table class=\"mcnButtonContentContainer\" style=\"border-collapse: separate !important; border-radius: 8px; background-color: #2baadf; mso-table-lspace: 0pt; mso-table-rspace: 0pt; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; width: auto !important; margin: 5px !important;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"mcnButtonContent\" style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; padding: 18px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; border: none !important;\" align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a class=\"mcnButton \" style=\"font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; text-align: center; text-decoration: none !important; color: #ffffff !important; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: block;\" href=\"https:\/\/acpsweb.wufoo.com\/forms\/winter-break-school-meals-s1crte7y18a6fub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sign Up for a 5-Day Meal Kit for Winter Break<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The deadline to sign up is Monday, Dec. 7<\/p>\n<p>&#8212;<\/p>\n<p>ACPS has multiple distribution meal site locations throughout Alexandria for all ACPS students and children over the age of two. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/schoolclosurefood\">See a map of food distribution locations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Grab and Go breakfast and lunch meals are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7:30 a.m.\u00a0and 12 p.m. at the following locations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>William Ramsay Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n5700 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311<\/li>\n<li><strong>Francis C. Hammond Middle School<\/strong><br \/>\n4646 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology<\/strong><br \/>\n3600 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School<\/strong><br \/>\n1501 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mount Vernon Community School<\/strong><br \/>\n2601 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/li>\n<li><strong>Patrick Henry K-8 School<\/strong><br \/>\n4643 Taney Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/li>\n<li><strong>T.C. Williams High School<\/strong><br \/>\n3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at our \u201cPop-Up\u201d sites located at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mason Apartments at 75 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brent Place Apartments at 375 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/strong><br \/>\n11:20 to 11:50 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court, Alexandria, VA 22314<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Community Lodgings at 607 Notabene Drive, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Old Towne West Apartments (parking lot) at 500 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314<\/strong><br \/>\n11:20 to 11:50 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Corner of Florence Drive and Four Mile Road, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Fields at 4309 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bennington Crossing Apartments at 441 North Armistead Street, Alexandria, VA 22312<\/strong><br \/>\n11:30 a.m. to noon<\/li>\n<li><strong>2727 Duke Street (behind Bank of America), Alexandria, VA 22314<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>NO SIGN UP OR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE MEALS.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTE: No food distribution will occur on Tuesdays or Thursdays.<\/strong> The limited days for distribution is to support the practice of social distancing and to limit social gatherings. Meals for two days will be provided on Mondays and Wednesdays, and meals for three days will be provided on Fridays.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other Food Resources in the City of Alexandria:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/k12.us3.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=c264d43033e4f4ca3b673bfc6&amp;id=b08b02092b&amp;e=5f2372f074\">www.hungerfreealexandria.com<\/a> or call \u202a703-662-1067.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Questions? Or Need Translation?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Send us your question in Spanish, Arabic or Amharic:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Text ACPSMEALS to 797979 (English and Spanish)<\/li>\n<li>Call or text 703-927-6866 (Amharic)<\/li>\n<li>Call or text 703-927-7095 (Arabic)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>OR<\/p>\n<p>Call the FACE Center\u2019s Bilingual Parent Information Lines, available Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For Spanish\/English, call 571-775-9719<\/li>\n<li>For Amharic\/English, call 703-927-6866<\/li>\n<li>For Arabic\/English, call 703-927-7095<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>SAFETY REMINDER:<\/strong> Please remember to observe social distancing practices while at the food distribution site by maintaining six feet of personal space between you and other families or individuals.<\/p>\n<p>Anyone exhibiting symptoms of a respiratory illness like fever, runny nose, sore throat, coughing or difficulty breathing on the day of food distribution or in the previous 24 hours should not visit a food distribution site but call a health care provider instead. If you do not have a primary care physician and are not enrolled in a clinic, you may CALL an urgent care center or emergency room.<\/p>\n<h2>UPDATES FROM THE ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT<\/h2>\n<p>For all updates, see <a href=\"http:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/Coronavirus\">www.alexandriava.gov\/Coronavirus<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-16933\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/EjQ_8-UXkAEoVSF-464x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"464\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/EjQ_8-UXkAEoVSF-464x600.jpg 464w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/EjQ_8-UXkAEoVSF-260x336.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/EjQ_8-UXkAEoVSF-77x100.jpg 77w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/EjQ_8-UXkAEoVSF-768x994.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/EjQ_8-UXkAEoVSF.jpg 816w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Continuity of School Support and Academic Advisement<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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 \u2014 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 <a href=\"mailto:student_services@acps.k12.va.us\" data-cke-saved-href=\"mailto:student_services@acps.k12.va.us\">student_services@acps.k12.va.us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Emergency Supports<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If there is a crisis or emergency during the time of the closure, students and families can access the supports below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Crisis Text and Crisis Link:\n<ul>\n<li>Text: CONNECT to 85511<\/li>\n<li>Call: 703-527-4077<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/recreation\/info\/default.aspx?id=51726\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/recreation\/info\/default.aspx?id=51726\">Alexandria Safe Place<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/dchs\/adultservices\/default.aspx?id=50418\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/dchs\/adultservices\/default.aspx?id=50418\">Alexandria City 24-Hour Emergency Mental Health Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/Health\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/Health\">Alexandria City Health Department<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/health\/info\/default.aspx?id=11474\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/health\/info\/default.aspx?id=11474\">AHD Contacts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inova.org\/locations\/inova-alexandria-hospital\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.inova.org\/locations\/inova-alexandria-hospital\">Inova Alexandria Hospital (ER)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We know that this is a challenging time. ACPS will continue to share information through the ACPS website, social media, and email. Please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to your student\u2019s school counselor or school social worker with any questions.<\/p>\n<h2>HEALTH REMINDERS<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t Feel Well?<\/strong><br \/>\nContact your primary health care physician. Don\u2019t have insurance? Contact Neighborhood Health at 703-535-5568.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Have questions, concerns or feedback? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/345\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/345\">Contact us<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ACPS Express 11\/24\/2020: School Board Votes to Change the Names of T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School \u2022 Community Meetings on the Reopening of Schools: Dec. 1-2 \u2022 Food Access Updates for Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":17077,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,90],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17073","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-acps","category-coronavirus"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-01 00:14:57","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17073","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17073"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17073\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17081,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17073\/revisions\/17081"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}