{"id":17171,"date":"2021-01-29T09:22:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T14:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17171"},"modified":"2021-01-29T16:55:50","modified_gmt":"2021-01-29T21:55:50","slug":"progress-towards-reopening-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17171","title":{"rendered":"Progress Towards Reopening Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"fb-root\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210129-spanish.pdf\">en espa\u00f1ol (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210129-amharic.pdf\">\u12a0\u121b\u122d\u129b (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210129-arabic.pdf\">\u0628\u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>This Week\u2019s Headlines:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#decision\">Latest Reopening Decision: Schools to remain 100% virtual for weeks of Feb. 1 and Feb. 8<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#updates\">Updates to Reopening Decision: New schedule and revised matrix<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#vdoe\">Latest Opening Guidance from Virginia Department of Education<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#vaccine\">Staff Vaccination Program Continues<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#weather\">Weather Alerts Reminder: Update Your Contact Information Today<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#titlei\">Title I Parent and Family Event Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ghsa\">Governor&#8217;s Health Sciences Academy at T.C. Williams to Benefit from State of the Art Mobile Facility\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#block\">Walk The Block Next Week<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#racialequity\">ACPS Promoting Racial Equity at the Heart of ALL We Do<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#food\">FOOD ACCESS<\/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;\">As we head into February, it is clear we are still only on the verge of turning the corner and are not quite there yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are working on the development of a new student reentry schedule which we had hoped to be able to share with you today. However, we are still in the process of finalizing this and it will now be available to you next Friday.\u00a0 We have refined our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3536\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decision matrix<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to include the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2021\/01\/Interim-Guidance-to-K-12-School-Reopening.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health (PDF)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that will now be used every other week to determine our transition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope that the vaccination of ACPS staff will allow our school impact levels to move from strained to normal percentages so we can begin to experience some sense of normalcy in our school buildings. While the vaccine will definitely not resolve all of our reopening issues, it will afford our staff the ability to take initiative to make our school buildings as healthy and safe as possible. We are eternally grateful to all our staff for their dedication to our students and families at this time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With gratitude for our staff at the forefront, I would like to remind you that this week is Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week. I have seen many messages of support come in and I am joining you today in thanking them for their tireless commitment to our staff, students and our equity work. Keep your messages coming!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please stay safe, healthy and engaged.\u00a0<\/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=\"decision\" name=\"decision\"><\/a>Latest Reopening Decision: Schools to remain 100% virtual for weeks of Feb. 1 and Feb. 8<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Due to our current community transmission and school impact levels, the superintendent has made the decision to delay the reentry of students who were set to return to schools the weeks of Feb. 1 and Feb. 8.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>We had been hoping to share our revised reentry timeline to staff and families today. However, we are still finalizing important details and we will share it with you in our next newsletter on Feb. 5.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you may be aware, the number of positive cases and transmission rates in Alexandria have continued to remain at high levels. Our most recent data that drove our decision on Jan. 25 included:\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Percentage of RT-PCR tests that are positive during the last 14 days: <\/b><span style=\"color: #b30000;\"><b>10.1% &#8211; Highest Risk<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Total number of new cases per 100,000 persons within the last 14 days: <\/b><span style=\"color: #b30000;\"><b>599.9 &#8211; Highest Risk<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ACPS staffing and capacity level: <\/b><span style=\"color: #d65306;\"><b>strained (50-75%)<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><a id=\"updates\" name=\"updates\"><\/a>Updates to Reopening Decision: New schedule and revised matrix<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting now, our reopening decision will be made every two weeks. <\/span><b>You will receive the next update on Monday, Feb. 8.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We have also refined our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3536\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decision matrix<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to include the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/2021\/01\/Interim-Guidance-to-K-12-School-Reopening.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health (PDF)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and will begin using this matrix every other week to determine our students&#8217; transition. We will be providing an update to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3552\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">student reentry timeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> next Friday, Feb. 5.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>VIDEO: Dr. Hutchings explains the revisions to the reopening decision matrix<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=K-4ePYROuuo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17176\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/drh-video.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"879\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/drh-video.png 1600w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/drh-video-260x143.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/drh-video-800x440.png 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/drh-video-182x100.png 182w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/drh-video-768x422.png 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/drh-video-1536x844.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"vdoe\" name=\"vdoe\"><\/a>Latest Opening Guidance from Virginia Department of Education<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Virginia Department of Education regularly updates information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its guidance for public schools within the Commonwealth. Check out the latest in the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/linkprotect.cudasvc.com\/url?a=https%3a%2f%2flnks.gd%2fl%2feyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAxMjAuMzM2NTQ1NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb2UudmlyZ2luaWEuZ292L3N1cHBvcnQvaGVhbHRoX21lZGljYWwvb2ZmaWNlL2NvdmlkLTE5LWZhcS1yZW9wZW5pbmcuc2h0bWwifQ.JGvF11Q5zGVi8wL1BcQHjNP-5Q0HQVfzCgqD59C2dY0%2fs%2f1016887498%2fbr%2f93376236932-l&amp;c=E,1,okGH8q8qbsqel796PdtneMveKutj9kKcL5h7IwpiO5rQU03NQuvwa1IwnJgB2t7X9scwwt2Vw8dBZbLKF9JkH9zDVYJiasxQ-cQmdNkcklCW4dg,&amp;typo=1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the following <\/span><b>new questions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>What is new in the January guidance?\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Are schools required to open in person under the new guidance?\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Are staff vaccinations a prerequisite for schools opening in person?<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Are all school staff eligible for vaccines in Phase 1B?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><a id=\"vaccine\" name=\"vaccine\"><\/a>Staff Vaccination Program Continues<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS employees have been continuing to receive their first dose of the Moderna vaccine thanks to the division\u2019s collaboration with the Alexandria Health Department and the City. Each week at T.C. Williams High School and other locations, more and more of our staff are taking the crucial step in protecting themselves from COVID-19. Many have taken to social media to express their gratitude and excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lyles-Crouch Kindergarten Teacher Wanda Allen: <\/span><b>\u201cReceived my 1st Covid vaccination today <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LylesCrouch\"><b>@LylesCrouch<\/b><\/a><b> It was painless. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DrZissios\"><b>@DrZissios<\/b><\/a><b> Thank you Governor Northam and <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ACPSk12\"><b>@ACPSk12<\/b><\/a><b>!\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17177\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/wanda.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/wanda.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/wanda-260x260.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/wanda-600x600.jpg 600w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/wanda-100x100.jpg 100w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/wanda-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T.C. Williams Science Teacher Laura Simons: <\/span><b>\u201cYou can\u2019t tell because of the masks, but this is two very happy newly vaccinated Titan science teachers!<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CovidVaccine?src=hashtag_click\"><b> #CovidVaccine<\/b><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TCWTitans\"><b>@TCWTitans<\/b><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tcwscience\"><b>@tcwscience<\/b><\/a><b>\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17178\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/simons.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/simons.jpg 512w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/simons-260x195.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/simons-133x100.jpg 133w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charles Barrett Band and Orchestra Teacher Erin Flynn: <strong>\u201cSo happy to have gotten my first vaccine dose today! Thank you to <\/strong><\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ACPSk12\">@ACPSk12<\/a> for the efficient and safe event today. So impressive!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-17179 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/flynn-e1611929462635.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1010\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/flynn-e1611929462635.png 1010w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/flynn-e1611929462635-260x127.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/flynn-e1611929462635-800x392.png 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/flynn-e1611929462635-204x100.png 204w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/flynn-e1611929462635-768x376.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1010px) 100vw, 1010px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T.C. Williams Culinary Arts Teacher <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craig Scheuerman<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <strong>\u201cGreat Day. Very Thankful !!! Hoping it\u2019s one step closer to getting back to school ! <\/strong><\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TCWTitans\">@TCWTitans<\/a> @<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ACPSk12\">ACPSk12<\/a>\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/scheuerman.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/scheuerman.jpeg 1600w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/scheuerman-260x260.jpeg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/scheuerman-600x600.jpeg 600w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/scheuerman-100x100.jpeg 100w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/scheuerman-768x768.jpeg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/scheuerman-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"weather\" name=\"weather\"><\/a>Weather Alerts Reminder: Update Your Contact Information Today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1194\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/bootsinsnow.jpg\" alt=\"boots in snow\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/bootsinsnow.jpg 640w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/bootsinsnow-133x100.jpg 133w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/bootsinsnow-260x195.jpg 260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In anticipation of winter weather, please make sure your school has your correct contact information, including cell phone number and email address. Please <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/2990\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact your school registrar<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to update this information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Families with correct contact information in PowerSchool will automatically receive weather alerts via ACPS email and text messages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also find the announcements in multiple other places:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/emergency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (information is always posted here first)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/acpsk12\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ACPSk12\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/m.acps.k12.va.us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS mobile app<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/acpstv\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS-TV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> local cable channel 71<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS emergency hotline: 703-866-5300<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">local radio and TV stations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/eNews\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">City of Alexandria eNews<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Subscribe to the \u2018ACPS Emergency Announcements\u2019 category to receive ACPS weather alerts via email and\/or text message<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><a id=\"titlei\" name=\"titlei\"><\/a>Title I Parent and Family Event Survey<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Title I Office and Title I schools are planning future family engagement events to help support student performance in school. Feedback from parents and caregivers is a critical part of ensuring students meet their potential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are asking families attending Title I schools to fill out an anonymous, eight-question survey by Sunday, Jan. 31. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/FswQ6zFd9wUdeHFZ7\"><b>Take the survey in English<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/Gz1mfngdt47LzqVV9\"><b>Take the survey in Spanish<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/wCL1kzTAxuDRwn5i7\"><b>Take the survey in Amharic<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/fDcxunYAs6XSeKjE9\"><b>Take the survey in Arabic<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you for providing your input. We will use the information to plan Title I-funded programs and events for families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"ghsa\" name=\"ghsa\"><\/a>Governor&#8217;s Health Sciences Academy at T.C. Williams to Benefit from State of the Art Mobile Facility\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17181\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/ghsa.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/ghsa.jpg 512w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/ghsa-260x140.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/ghsa-186x100.jpg 186w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next fall, students of the Governor\u2019s Health Sciences Academy (GHSA) at our high school will have the use of a spectacular mobile facility designed to develop real-life medical career skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Titans enrolled in the Academy will benefit from an Immersive Learning Center \u2014 a 40-foot-long classroom\/laboratory on wheels that will provide state-of-the-art technology, simulation, and immersive virtual reality and augmented learning experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-17182 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"998\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus.jpg 1600w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus-260x162.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus-800x499.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus-160x100.jpg 160w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus-768x479.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/health_academy_bus-1536x958.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Immersive Learning Center comes thanks to a $700,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, which partnered with T.C. Williams High School to establish the GHSA. The money will fund the new Community Medi-Corp Program of which this facility is the centerpiece.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out more about the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3601\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GHSA Immersive Learning Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"block\" name=\"block\"><\/a>Walk The Block Next Week<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alexandria residents who want to start their day on the right foot are invited to join a socially distanced walk around the block in their neighborhood on the morning of Monday, Feb. 1 or any time next week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of the Walk The Block event is to recognize the first day of the second semester, get in the habit of getting moving in the morning, and boost physical and mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-walking neighbors are encouraged to cheer for students they see walking by!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share your Walk The Block photos with hashtag #ALXWalkTheBlock on Facebook or Twitter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"racialequity\" name=\"racialequity\"><\/a>ACPS Promoting Racial Equity at the Heart of ALL We Do<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS recognizes Feb. 1-6, 2021 as the national Black Lives Matter at Schools Week of Action.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guided by our Strategic Plan <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/2025\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equity for All 2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the School Board\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3120\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resolution Condemning Systemic Racism and Affirming a Commitment to Educational Equity for All Students, Families and Staff<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ACPS continues to strive toward a future where disparities based on race and other inequities are eliminated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We believe that equity can be achieved by promoting relationships and nurturing the capability of our students, families and staff. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"food\" name=\"food\"><\/a>FOOD ACCESS<\/h2>\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.<b><\/b><\/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<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 1\/29\/2021: Schools to remain 100% virtual for weeks of Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 \u2022 New schedule and revised matrix for reopening decisions \u2022 Governor&#8217;s Health Sciences Academy at T.C. Gets State of the Art Mobile Facility \u2026and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":17172,"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-17171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-acps","category-coronavirus"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-21 19:07:22","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\/17171","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=17171"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17171\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17185,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17171\/revisions\/17185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}