Day 21 – Learning from Home Experience
I can’t think of a more positive way to start our week than by celebrating our ACPS Teacher of the Year finalists. We have immense talent throughout our division working each day for the betterment of our students, both in our schools and in Central Office. Our teachers are so committed to teaching and learning from home. The selfless acts of kindness, dedication and determination demonstrated by our teachers is impeccable. Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs that literally impacts each generation to come. Congratulations to all of our Teacher of the Year recipients!
During our pandemic, it has been a time for leaping out of our comfort zones! Our committed teachers and staff have been the epitome of vision, integrity and passion through the creation of innovative video lessons on TV, Zoom sessions, online learning, and learning activity packets. As you can imagine, this is a significant transition for all of us and our staff makes it look so graceful and seamless. As we continue our teaching and learning from home, please take a moment to thank our teachers and staff by sending an email or note of encouragement for their hard work and dedication.
Beginning today, we will be offering a second chance to view lessons created for our pre-K and kindergarten students. The content shown the previous week on the City’s AlexTV Channel 70 will be repeated on ACPS-TV Channel 71 in the afternoons between 2 and 4 p.m. each day. Check out the new TV schedule on the ACPS-at-Home website. We will still present new material in the mornings; however, this will afford students and families an opportunity to revisit material or catch up from the previous week.
Stay healthy, stay safe and stay informed.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Celebrate our Teacher of the Year Finalists
Here is our third set of Teacher of the Year finalists selected by staff and parents from across our schools. Read what teaching means to them. Only one will then go forward to the Washington Post’s annual Teacher of the Year competition. We will reveal the winner next month.
Ashley Coleman
T.C. Williams High School International Academy, EL/Math teacher
“Teaching to me means accepting that all of my students are on their own individual paths towards Algebra mastery. Along the way, it is my job to teach them not just content but also how to thrive and be productive participants in this community. If they walk away as better people, then I feel I’ve done my part.”
Erin Turner
John Adams Elementary School, K-2 Autism Support Teacher
“To me, teaching is building a bond with each student so, when they walk into my classroom they feel safe and know they are loved. It means having high expectations for all students regardless of their age or ability level. It is being the advocate for students who may not be able to advocate for themselves. It is teaching students to be inclusive and kind to each other. It is collaborating with colleagues and families so the students reach their fullest potential. To me teaching is cultivating the skills students need to be successful far beyond the classroom.
Chandra Smouse
Patrick Henry K-8 School, Math Coach
“For me, teaching means to make a difference by finding ways to assist, encourage, and inspire all teachers and students to succeed. It means to build confidence by making learning attainable and to push their growth by making sure they all are being challenged. Teaching is creating smiles and excitement by making school engaging and meaningful. It is having a student tell me that the math challenge this week was too easy and the next one should be harder or asking when the next challenge is available. It is helping form a life-long learner.”
Farr Prickett Quinn
Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, Algebra and Geometry teacher
“I love lists. So here is the list of what teaching means to me (it’s always growing).
Teaching is…
- Providing opportunity for students to explore and inquire
- Making mistakes and trying again — both me and the students
- Exploring math concepts through investigation and discovery
- Finding everyone’s strength, especially when they don’t think they have one
- Giving students the power, the voice, and the tools they need to be agents of change
- Affirming identities and bringing culture to the math classroom
- Making math come alive through Desmos
- Learning the history of mathematics along with the concepts
- All about relationships”
Qiana Griles-Gibbons
T.C. Williams High School Satellite Campus, Science teacher
“Teaching is my passion and through it I am able to make a significant difference in the trajectory of students’ lives. At Satellite, I am privileged to support and motivate students in a way that honors their uniqueness as learners and encourages their personal best. I love to inspire students learning about the wonders of the natural world, provoke ideas and unlock their potential. I deeply value relationships with students and their families. It’s heart-warming to witness students overcome obstacles, experience success and build confidence. Ultimately, teaching is about celebrating and embracing all students – their individuality, voice, diversity, and gifts.”
ACPS Learning through the TV
The need for new lessons from you, our teachers, remains urgent as we continue in our efforts to educate our students remotely. Our little ones don’t have Chromebooks and are particularly reliant on ACPS-TV to continue learning. Please, we encourage all teachers, from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade to consider creating a lesson for our youngest students.
You don’t need any fancy tools. Here’s a great example of how to work with what you have on hand from Hattie Gore of Charles Barrett Elementary School:
If you’ve missed our Zoom TV training session please check it out. For more information, please refer to the ACPS’ Learning Through the TV Handbook. Still got questions? Email susan.thomas@acps.k12.va.us.
Thank you to all of our teachers who have made teaching through our television channels possible. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by our parents and students.
Our students need you!
Second Chance to Catch our Teachers on TV
Running each afternoon this week on Channel 71 between 2 and 4 p.m. we will be giving our youngest students in pre-K through kindergarten a second chance to view our very own educational television programming created by our teachers. This is in addition to our regular morning schedule aimed at pre-K through grade 2.
We hope to also soon be able to give students the option of watching our staff-created lessons anytime on Canvas and YouTube, as long as we have copyright permissions and once content is captioned.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION CHANGES
Starting today, food distribution will start an hour later at all food distribution sites. Food will now be distributed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the five school sites. The times of pop-up mobile distribution will still remain the same.
Also, starting on Wednesday, April 22, we are adding a sixth mobile pop-up food distribution site at the corner of Florence Drive and Four Mile Road in the Arlandria/Chirilagua community. Food will be distributed from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
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ACPS is providing breakfast and lunch meals for any ACPS student on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the following locations:
- William Ramsay Elementary School
5700 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311 - Francis C. Hammond Middle School
4646 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304 - Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
3600 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305 - Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School
1501 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 - T.C. Williams High School
3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:
ACPS has multiple “grab and go” meal locations for any ACPS student or child over the age of 2 to pick up breakfast and lunch.
The sites are:
- Mason Apartments at South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Brent Place Apartments at 375 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court, Alexandria, VA 22314
10:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Community Lodgings at 607 Notabene Drive, Alexandria, VA 22305
10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Old Towne West Apartments (parking lot) at 500 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
11:20 to 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - Corner of Florence Drive and Four Mile Road, Alexandria, VA 22305 (Starting Wednesday, April 22)
10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
NO SIGN UP OR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE MEALS.
Meals consist of cold breakfast and lunch, including fresh fruits and vegetables and sandwiches for multiple days per the student’s need.
NOTE: No food distribution will occur on Tuesdays or Thursdays. The limited days for distribution is to support the practice of social distancing and to limit social gatherings.
Other Food Resources in the City of Alexandria
For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit www.hungerfreealexandria.com or call 703-662-1067.
Questions? Or Need Translation?
Send us your question in Spanish, Arabic or Amharic:
- Text ACPSMEALS to 797979 (English and Spanish)
- Call or text 703-927-6866 (Amharic)
- Call or text 703-927-7095 (Arabic)
OR
Call the FACE Center’s Bilingual Parent Information Lines:
- For Spanish, call 571-775-9719, Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- For Amharic, call 703-927-6866, Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
- For Arabic, call 703-927-7095, Tuesday-Thursday (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
WANT TO HELP?
Please consider donating through ACT For Alexandria and the COVID-19 Response Fund if you are able.
Community members who would like to volunteer should reach out to www.volunteeralexandria.org or 703-836-2176 to register for any additional potential volunteer opportunities.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Continuity of School Support and Academic Advisement
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 – 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 student_services@acps.k12.va.us.
Emergency Supports
If there is a crisis or emergency during the time of the closure, students and families can access the supports below:
- Crisis Text and Crisis Link:
- Text: CONNECT to 85511
- Call: 703-527-4077
- Alexandria Safe Place
- Alexandria City 24-Hour Emergency Mental Health Services
- Alexandria City Health Department and AHD Contacts
- Inova Alexandria Hospital (ER)
We know that this is a challenging time. ACPS will continue to share information through the ACPS website, social media, and email. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s school counselor or school social worker with any questions.
HEALTH REMINDERS
Don’t Feel Well?
Contact your primary health care physician.
Have questions, concerns or feedback? Contact us or contact your direct supervisor.
HR Questions? Contact hr@acps.k12.va.us.
Stay Healthy!
Wash your hands regularly. Regular soap is okay.