{"id":17200,"date":"2021-02-12T13:25:10","date_gmt":"2021-02-12T18:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17200"},"modified":"2021-02-12T16:21:26","modified_gmt":"2021-02-12T21:21:26","slug":"your-questions-answered-about-reopening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17200","title":{"rendered":"Your Questions Answered About Reopening"},"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-20210212-spanish.pdf\">en espa\u00f1ol (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210212-amharic.pdf\">\u12a0\u121b\u122d\u129b (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210212-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=\"#presidentsday\">No school on Monday, Feb. 15; Food distribution on Tuesday instead<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#reopening\">Reminder: Hybrid Students to Return to Classrooms in March<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Have Questions About Reopening? Check Out Our FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#safe\">Take a Sneak Peek Inside Our Schools and Learn How We Plan to Keep Everyone Safe<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#athletic\">Now Accepting Nominations for the ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame for 2021<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#bhm\">Black History Month: An ACPS Love Story<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#macarthur\">Introducing Douglas MacArthur on Taney Avenue!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#identity\">The Identity Project: Help Choose the Final Names for Maury and T.C. Williams<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#art\">Congratulations to Two Talented T.C. Art Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#stem\">Have an Eighth Grader with a Curious Mind? Check Out the STEM Academy at Minnie Howard!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#noche\">Save the Date: Noche de Ciencias\/Night of Science on Feb. 23 and 25<\/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 our community health metrics continue to swing further in our favor for a healthy and safe reopening of our school buildings, I am excited to share that our final planning is going as efficiently and smoothly as possible during these unprecedented times. All of us here at ACPS are eager to soon be able to see those students that indicated they would return in person, back in our classrooms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This week, we heard from all our staff on their ability to return. We will be sharing this information with you all in next week\u2019s ACPS Express. We are grateful to all those who are able to return and bring our schools back to operating with in-person instruction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If families who chose the hybrid option in the Family Choice survey back in December 2020 wish to switch to virtual, please contact your school to assist you. Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to accommodate requests to change from virtual to hybrid. It is critical that we prioritize our current families who selected the hybrid instructional option so we are able to effectively and safely manage our reopening plan for school buildings. The logistics involved in this transition process are complex and the foundation of our success is dependent on the current hybrid student data. Once we have transitioned all of our students who have currently selected the hybrid option, we will explore the potential opportunities to transition additional students. We will keep you posted on these updates as the weeks progress. We have created an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3491\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">updated FAQ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about all things related to the reopening which I hope you will find helpful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hear more about our reopening plans in my weekly video update:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Gd9Jtyf2vvI\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17214\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2184\" height=\"1224\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM.jpg 2184w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM-260x146.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM-800x448.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM-178x100.jpg 178w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM-768x430.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM-1536x861.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-12-at-9.20.32-AM-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2184px) 100vw, 2184px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A reminder that the second polls for the shortlist of new names for T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School are now open. Please help us by selecting your favorites before polls close on Feb. 19.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, a friendly reminder that Monday, Feb. 15 is Presidents Day and ACPS will be closed. Please enjoy the long weekend while staying 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=\"presidentsday\" name=\"presidentsday\"><\/a>No school on Monday, Feb. 15; Food distribution on Tuesday instead<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>There will be no school on Monday, Feb. 15<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in observance of Presidents Day. No asynchronous work is required for students. All ACPS schools and offices will be closed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Food distribution will be closed on Monday<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and will reopen the following day on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The remainder of the week will operate as normal with distribution points open on Wednesday and Friday.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"reopening\" name=\"reopening\"><\/a>Reminder: Hybrid Students to Return to Classrooms in March<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please check out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3552\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">revised transition timeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for families that chose hybrid learning. Our hybrid schedule allows for students to return to the classroom<\/span><b> two<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> days a week.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tuesday, March 2:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reentry of hybrid students in grades K-5 receiving special education services in citywide self-contained full-day class programs, students in K-5 receiving special education reading and math services in a self-contained setting, Early Childhood Special Education students, and students in grades K-5 receiving English Learner services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tuesday, March 9:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reentry of hybrid students in grades 6-12 receiving special education citywide and self-contained reading and math services, and Newcomer English Learner students in grades 6-12.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tuesday, March 16:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reentry of <\/span><b>ALL<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> remaining hybrid students in grades preK-12.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our staff is diligently working toward these dates, remaining cautiously optimistic that our community health metrics will continue to improve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Alexandria\u2019s latest community health metrics as of Feb. 11, 2021:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/coronavirus\/key-measures\/pandemic-metrics\/school-metrics\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17203\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/CDC-School-Metrics-20210211.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"799\" height=\"664\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/CDC-School-Metrics-20210211.png 799w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/CDC-School-Metrics-20210211-260x216.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/CDC-School-Metrics-20210211-722x600.png 722w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/CDC-School-Metrics-20210211-120x100.png 120w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/CDC-School-Metrics-20210211-768x638.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"faq\" name=\"faq\"><\/a>Have Questions About Reopening? Check Out Our FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3491\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17204\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Phased-Reentry.FAQ_.Banner.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"950\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Phased-Reentry.FAQ_.Banner.png 950w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Phased-Reentry.FAQ_.Banner-260x82.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Phased-Reentry.FAQ_.Banner-800x253.png 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Phased-Reentry.FAQ_.Banner-768x243.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/a>Be sure to take a look at our updated <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3491\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which we hope will answer your questions about the reopening of our school buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Get answers to questions such as:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will my child stay with their current teacher(s)?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What will my student\u2019s schedule look like? What days will they go to school?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does my child need to bring to school?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will there be bus service available?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have questions that we have not answered here, please reach out to us by emailing <\/span><a href=\"mailto:news@acps.k12.va.us\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">news@acps.k12.va.us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, calling our multilingual <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/virtualplushelpline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual PLUS+ Helpline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or contacting your school principal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"safe\" name=\"safe\"><\/a>Take a Sneak Peek Inside Our Schools and Learn How We Plan to Keep Everyone Safe<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our Facilities and Operations team has been working hard to get all our school buildings ready for a safe return to classrooms for our students and staff!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch as Charles Barrett Elementary School Custodian Lavonne Ford takes us on a tour to see how schools are set up so we can all stay safe:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/509030128\/a005237936\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17205\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.19.45-AM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1630\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.19.45-AM.jpg 1630w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.19.45-AM-260x123.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.19.45-AM-800x377.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.19.45-AM-212x100.jpg 212w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.19.45-AM-768x362.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.19.45-AM-1536x724.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1630px) 100vw, 1630px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"athletic\" name=\"athletic\"><\/a>Now Accepting Nominations for the ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame for 2021<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since 2014, ACPS has inducted more than 50 athletes, coaches, teams and non-athlete contributors into the ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame (AHOF). The AHOF Advisory Committee is currently accepting community nominations for induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame in the Fall of 2021. Former athletes, sports teams, coaches and non-athlete contributors may be nominated from any current or former ACPS high school including Alexandria High School, George Mason High School, Parker-Gray High School, Francis C. Hammond High School, George Washington High School, or T.C. Williams High School. Nominations will be accepted through March 31, 2021 for consideration for this fall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be eligible, athletes and teams must be five years past their graduation year, and coaches must have served a minimum of five years as coach. Nominees are selected based on their athletic accomplishments in high school, college and beyond, as well as their impact or contribution to the community at large.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/acpsweb.wufoo.com\/forms\/znm5d3k1en3oqq\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame nomination form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> online or download and print the nomination form from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/1133\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athletic Hall of Fame Advisory Committee webpage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For more information, contact the School Board Office at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:boardclerk@acps.k12.va.us\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boardclerk@acps.k12.va.us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"bhm\" name=\"bhm\"><\/a>Black History Month: An ACPS Love Story<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">February is Black History Month, and as Valentine\u2019s Day approaches, we wanted to reshare this touching love story about two students, John and Beatrice, who met and fell in love at Alexandria\u2019s all-Black Parker-Gray High School in 1953.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recorded this conversation in February 2020. John Taylor passed away two months later, in April 2020. We thank him and his wife Bea for sharing their story with us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listen as John and Bea reminisce about a life lived in Alexandria:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/2792\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-17206 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.37.02-AM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1144\" height=\"766\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.37.02-AM.jpg 1144w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.37.02-AM-260x174.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.37.02-AM-800x536.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.37.02-AM-149x100.jpg 149w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-10.37.02-AM-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1144px) 100vw, 1144px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"macarthur\" name=\"macarthur\"><\/a>Introducing Douglas MacArthur on Taney Avenue!<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Douglas MacArthur Elementary School hybrid students reenter the classrooms in March, they will be learning in their temporary swing space facility, Douglas MacArthur on Taney Avenue. The former Patrick Henry Elementary School building has been refurbished to host MacArthur students and staff for two years, while the new Douglas MacArthur school building is constructed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get a sneak peek into Douglas MacArthur on Taney Avenue!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/500639579\/2f08f08d75\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17207\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-11.09.37-AM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1624\" height=\"908\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-11.09.37-AM.jpg 1624w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-11.09.37-AM-260x145.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-11.09.37-AM-800x447.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-11.09.37-AM-179x100.jpg 179w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-11.09.37-AM-768x429.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-11-at-11.09.37-AM-1536x859.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1624px) 100vw, 1624px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"identity\" name=\"identity\"><\/a>The Identity Project: Help Choose the Final Names for Maury and T.C. Williams<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17145\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1185\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_.jpg 1185w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_-260x66.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_-800x203.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_-768x194.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1185px) 100vw, 1185px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through a robust community engagement process and vetted by the school board clerk and superintendent, the semifinalist names for each school have been announced. With thousands of entries from students, families, staff, and community members, we have revealed the top names from the polls that met the School Board policies (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Shared\/documents\/school-board-policies\/ff.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Policy FF [PDF]<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Shared\/documents\/school-board-policies\/ff-r.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulation FF-R [PDF]<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and were deemed suitable for naming a school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now is the time for all community members to give their voice to the name they want to see as the final selection in this process. The second set of community polls close at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 19.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/tcpoll\"><b>Take the T.C. Williams Renaming Poll #2<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/maurypoll\"><b>Take the Maury Elementary Renaming Poll #2<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"art\" name=\"art\"><\/a>Congratulations to Two Talented T.C. Art Students\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two T.C. Williams High School senior art students have been recognized for their excellence and will now go forward to compete in a national contest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caroline Mitchell and Ella Snider were both awarded the highest honor in the regional round of the Fairfax County Art Region of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artandwriting.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scholastic Art and Writing Awards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students in public, private, parochial, and home schools in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Alexandria entered the competition which seeks to showcase creative young talent. Categories including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital art, design, architecture, fashion, film and animation, mixed media and art portfolios.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caroline and Ella were both awarded Gold Keys, which is the highest award available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17208\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mitchell_C_P_14054082_14053107.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1269\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mitchell_C_P_14054082_14053107.jpeg 1269w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mitchell_C_P_14054082_14053107-260x328.jpeg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mitchell_C_P_14054082_14053107-476x600.jpeg 476w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mitchell_C_P_14054082_14053107-79x100.jpeg 79w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mitchell_C_P_14054082_14053107-768x968.jpeg 768w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mitchell_C_P_14054082_14053107-1218x1536.jpeg 1218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1269px) 100vw, 1269px\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caroline Mitchell<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, their work will be judged at a national level with winners being named during a ceremony at New York\u2019s Carnegie Hall in the late spring.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17209 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/snider.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"511\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/snider.jpg 511w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/snider-260x261.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/snider-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 511px) 100vw, 511px\" \/><i>Ella Snider<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The students\u2019 teachers are Beth Coast and Tabitha Eller.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"stem\" name=\"stem\"><\/a>Have an Eighth Grader with a Curious Mind? Check Out the STEM Academy at Minnie Howard!<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17210\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/STEM-academy.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"302\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/STEM-academy.png 512w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/STEM-academy-260x153.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/STEM-academy-170x100.png 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does your eighth grader like to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take things apart just to see how they work?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investigate and resolve complex problems, especially in the company of others?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get their hands dirty solving real world problems rather than simply attending a lecture or reading about an idea?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If this sounds like your child, then the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/471\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus may be a good fit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Interested in learning more?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/1799\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">look at the courses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/1801\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">student requirements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/1797\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">frequently asked questions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Applications are being accepted now:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The STEM Academy is accepting applications for the ninth grade cohort through Friday, March 26. Interviews will be scheduled in April and decisions will be made in May.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ready to apply?<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdx6ZuJvM68HH6lV6LWoCr4qnV7btDaL00S-aBBGX4Z34qX6A\/viewform\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online application<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For additional information, contact the Minnie Howard Campus STEM Department Chair, Benjamin Matthews at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:benjamin.matthews@acps.k12.va.us\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benjamin.matthews@acps.k12.va.us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"noche\" name=\"noche\"><\/a>Save the Date: Noche de Ciencias\/Night of Science on Feb. 23 and 25<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17211\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/noche2021theme-web-final.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"965\" height=\"596\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/noche2021theme-web-final.png 965w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/noche2021theme-web-final-260x161.png 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/noche2021theme-web-final-800x494.png 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/noche2021theme-web-final-162x100.png 162w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/noche2021theme-web-final-768x474.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 965px) 100vw, 965px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join us virtually as experts bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields to life through engaging exhibits, design studio challenges and follow-along at-home experiments. Imagine a future in STEM for yourself. All ACPS families and students are invited to participate in Noche de Ciencias (Night of Science) on Feb. 23 and Feb. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions and social distancing requirements, this annual interactive STEM event will be presented virtually.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Noche de Ciencias is a national program of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shpe.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(SHPE) and was initiated in 2008 as a way to introduce students and families to science and engineering through hands-on activities and exposure to college and career information in STEM. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in collaboration with SHPE, is hosting these virtual events for ACPS students and families over two nights. There will be hands-on STEM activities designed to help develop problem-solving, inventive thinking and introduce intellectual property concepts \u2014 such as invention, patents, and trademarks \u2014 to K-12 students.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The USPTO has invited other STEM-focused federal agencies to exhibit and share information about careers in their respective fields. The sessions will be live video virtual presentations introducing K-12 students to possible STEM career paths in their agencies and provide hands-on activities that engage the students and promote STEM.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more information visit the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2021noche\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/508186689\/24adbb92f4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17195\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-04-at-3.56.38-PM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1082\" height=\"604\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-04-at-3.56.38-PM.jpg 1082w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-04-at-3.56.38-PM-260x145.jpg 260w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-04-at-3.56.38-PM-800x447.jpg 800w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-04-at-3.56.38-PM-179x100.jpg 179w, http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-04-at-3.56.38-PM-768x429.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1082px) 100vw, 1082px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"food\" name=\"food\"><\/a>FOOD ACCESS<\/h2>\n<p><b>Food distribution will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15 for Presidents Day<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0and will reopen the following day on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The remainder of the week will operate as normal with distribution points open on Wednesday and Friday.<\/span><\/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.<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 2\/11\/2021: Your Questions Answered About Reopening \u2022 Take a Sneak Peek Inside Our Schools and Learn How We Plan to Keep Everyone Safe \u2022 Nominations Open for the ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame \u2026and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":17212,"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-17200","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-acps","category-coronavirus"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-21 19:02:13","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\/17200","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=17200"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17217,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17200\/revisions\/17217"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}