Day 55 — Learning from Home Experience
Today we are asking that you please take a moment to complete our second pulse survey.
We had a tremendous response to the first survey that we administered in May and the data we gleaned from families, staff and students is already being used as a guide for refining and planning our way forward through the end of the academic year, into the summer months and beyond. Your responses provided us with valuable insight and we learned so much about what was working, what wasn’t working, and what we can do to assist further. Please take two to three minutes to answer our latest questions.
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We also want to keep you informed about our Continuity of Learning Plan 4.0, which focuses on reopening and re-imagining our schools. On Wednesday, June 10, we will share more details regarding our preparation and planning for reopening our schools in the fall. A group of experts within the city of Alexandria and ACPS have committed to becoming Thought Partners for ACPS as we embark on our journey to reopen and re-imagine our schools in the Fall.
Our first meeting was held last Tuesday and we will be launching our reopening and re-imagining our schools webpage on ACPS-at-Home this week. Our goal is to keep you fully informed as we move toward the fall. We will be posting a recording of our meetings, minutes and research used for decision making to keep our community abreast of our efforts.
We have also listened to your request regarding access to items left at school. Now that the Governor has begun Phase I of the reopening plans in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we have established procedures for collecting belongings in a safe and organized manner. More details are posted below.
Finally, we strongly encourage you to review our draft strategic plan, Equity For All 2025. We believe it is bold, courageous and aims to tackle our equity issues head-on. This plan could not be more timely or critical as our nation grapples with the action needed for anti-racism. The deadline for staff feedback is tomorrow.
Also, tomorrow, June 9, there will be two virtual Zoom public hearings on the draft strategic plan held at 12:30 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Join us on Zoom at those times.
A reminder that going forward, we will be producing two editions of Insider a week, on Monday and Wednesday only.
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed!
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Help Shape Our Path Forward by Completing This Survey
It’s been almost three months since we closed our school buildings in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 and adhere to our Governor’s stay-at-home order. On Wednesday, we will begin the process of explaining how we are planning for the reopening of our schools. Your engagement is needed more than ever.
Last month we conducted our first pulse survey to help us assess how we continue to serve and meet your needs through the COVID-19 situation. We had over 11,000 responses and we would like to give a huge thank-you to everyone who was able to provide their feedback. Your responses have been invaluable.
Today, we want to hear from you again. This survey provides the opportunity to give feedback about planning for the reopening of schools as well as about your school year before the COVID-19 crisis began. Please take time to complete our second survey which will take no more than five minutes.
The results will be used to help us assess whether we are meeting your expectations as well as how we can continue to support you and our students. The anonymous information you provide to us will directly impact the way we provide each of you and our students with the necessary support during these unprecedented times.
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This survey link is only for ACPS staff. ACPS parents/guardians/families and students will receive different links to their versions of the survey.
You have until next Monday, June 15 to complete this.
Collecting Your Belongings from School Buildings
Principals have been working closely with ACPS Facilities & Operations and Technology Services departments to ensure the safety of staff as we prepare to close out the 2019-20 school year. Individual school principals will provide specific information about closeout procedures at each school and all ACPS facilities will follow the universal guidelines listed below to ensure the safety of our staff.
Refer to the ACPS-at-Home website for the full details.
School Board Approves Revised Budget
On Friday, June 5, the Alexandria City School Board approved the Revised Operating Budget for 2020-21 and the Capital Improvement Program budget for 2021-30.
As a result of an anticipated reduced revenue forecast due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACPS was required to reduce its original Operating Budget by $11.7 million. Reductions were made through the elimination of staff salary step increases, which typically afford them an increase in salary. All departments and schools also reduced their operating budgets by 5% and a hiring freeze for non-instructional vacancies has been put in place for the 2020-21 academic year.
This approach will mitigate the need for reductions in staffing levels across the division. To mitigate, and in some cases eliminate these salary reductions, ACPS has approved a one-time $150 payment for all staff, except those employee groups receiving the Market Rate Adjustment due to our employee compensation study in fall 2019.
ACPS’ key priorities for students for the 2020-21 school year remain the same despite the budget reductions. The focus will continue to be on K-2 literacy and increased outreach to underserved communities to improve the graduation rate and reduce chronic absenteeism.
A total of $103.7 million originally allocated for the High School Project has been deferred. Efforts are being made, however, to keep the project on time. The construction of the new Douglas MacArthur Elementary School building will remain on schedule.
Please refer to the Revised Budget webpage for the full details.
Temperature Screening at ACPS Buildings
Anyone requiring access to an ACPS facility or school will be required to undergo a temperature check to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Testing stations will be established at seven locations, at or close to ACPS meal distribution sites and locations where major summer construction will take place. Screening will take no more than three minutes to complete and will involve the use of a clinical forehead thermometer.
All those with a temperature of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower (per Alexandria Health Department guidelines) will be given a dated wristband and be cleared to work as long as they are in possession of appropriate personal protection equipment consisting of masks and gloves.
Should an individual record an elevated temperature, that person will be informed that they are unable to report to work at an ACPS site and will be advised to call his or her supervisor.
Find out more about this measure in this Board Brief.
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 OK.