COVID Closure Staff Update for Wednesday, June 17

- News and Announcements

Day 62 — Learning from Home Experience

We are days away from the end of the 2019-20 academic year. However, please be assured that this summer we will be keeping you regularly updated via ACPS Express with our plans for reopening and re-imagining our schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. So please continue to look out for our newsletter in your inbox and remain engaged.

I want to round out the academic year by giving thanks to all of you for your patience, flexibility and stoicism in the face of intense difficulty. Every one of you is definitely a HERO in my eyes. We could have never envisioned an academic year like the one we have experienced. From the global impact of COVID-19 to the current race relations crisis in America, it has been a turbulent and intensely troubling time. 

And while there is no doubt that we have grown from our challenges, we all continue to have days when we feel helpless, angry, and confused, when life seems out of control and the future uncertain. When we return to our classrooms, it is likely they will not be as our students remember them. There may be unfamiliar routines and changes in schedules that are necessary to keep everyone safe. 

However, outside our school buildings, on the streets of our cities and towns, a return to normalcy would be a tragedy — a missed opportunity to change society for the better by ridding our great nation of the racial inequalities that have blighted America for too long. I truly believe we have in our hands a rare moment, a once in a generation point in time that, if acted upon, could transform the future for those students among us who may otherwise face a life of prejudice, racism, hatred and even violence. The diversity in ACPS is a blessing which we can draw upon and learn from. Now is the time to seize the day and make a difference. 

Stay safe, stay healthy — and we promise to keep you informed throughout the summer! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

Congratulations to Our New Graduates from the Alexandria City School Board 

Our very special Class of 2020 has received a message of congratulations from our proud School Board. Watch it here.

We hope you enjoyed our virtual ceremony on Saturday. Families and friends tuned in from as far away as El Salvador and Honduras.

School Board Resolution on Racial Justice

Friday’s Board meeting included a proposal for a School Board Resolution on Racial Justice (PDF). That proposal has now been translated and is available to read online in English, Spanish (PDF), Amharic (PDF), and Arabic (PDF).

Your Questions Answered About the Reopening of Schools 

Last Thursday and on Tuesday this week, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered questions about the planning process that is currently taking place around the reopening of schools for the new school year. 

Watch both Q&A videos or see answers to these questions in the updated FAQ.

Changes Proposed to Tucker’s Calendar for 2020-21

ACPS is proposing Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School’s academic calendar is moved to align with all other ACPS schools for the 2020-21 school year to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school community. 

This calendar change prioritizes the health and safety of the Samuel W. Tucker community and allows the school to align with the ACPS Continuity of Learning Plan 4.0 for the reopening of schools.

Feedback from the Samuel W. Tucker staff and community reflected a 70% support rate for the one-year alignment with the traditional calendar.

Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School is the only school in ACPS that is on a modified calendar where staff return to work the last week of July and students start the school year on the first Thursday of August. The first day of school for staff at all other ACPS schools is the last week of August with students returning the day after Labor Day.

Review the Frequently Asked Questions on the Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School website. 

Teaching Racial Justice in Our Schools 

In light of the reactions to the most recent publicized murders of Black Americans to include Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, ACPS believes it is imperative to talk about and provide guidance for addressing students’ questions about current events, race and racism. Our students have questions that we can artfully address, and this is our opportunity to model lifelong learning as we continue to develop our own abilities to have and hold conversations with students, colleagues and community members to improve educational outcomes for every student group. 

Please familiarize yourself with the following ACPS-produced resource, Teaching Racial Justice, which will guide and inform you.

ACPS School Health Requirements for Enrollment for the 2020-21 Academic Year

Before the start of each academic year, families need to make sure all necessary medical documentation has been submitted to their school registrar.

All NEW students to ACPS, whether registering in pre-K, kindergarten or joining from another school division, are required to provide evidence of a physical examination within 12 months from the first day of school (currently September 8, 2020) and a current record of immunizations.

All RETURNING students should be up-to-date with age appropriate immunizations. Records must be submitted. See a list of required immunizations.

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is now open for immunizations by appointment only. Please call 703-746-4888. Families should bring immunization records and identification to the appointment. AHD is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for infection control, and will be requesting persons 10 years of age and older to wear masks.

We are aware that these requirements may be challenging to fulfill this year due to COVID-19.

However, for the safety and well-being of our students, these requirements from the Commonwealth of Virginia (PDF) remain unchanged for the upcoming academic year.

Listed below are additional locations providing physical examinations and immunizations if you do not have a health care provider or if your health care provider is unavailable. 

If you have a student with asthma it is necessary that they bring their emergency medication (Albuterol/Proair/Proventil/Xopenex in the form of a Metered Dose Inhaler) on the first day of school.

Your school nurse is also an excellent resource and can advise you if you need further assistance. Find your school nurse’s contact details on your school’s website.

More resources to help you connect with affordable health care options can be found on the Health Care and Health Insurance Options webpage on the ACPS website.

ACPS is establishing a portal that will allow you to upload your documents directly to your school registrar. You will be notified once this is established.

Have more questions? Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for all the details.

Public Review of Recommended New Social Studies Textbooks

ACPS will adopt new social studies textbooks for grades K-2 and 6-12 (including Advanced Placement courses) to be used starting in the 2020-21 school year. 

Textbook evaluation committees have reviewed materials and put forth recommendations for the School Board to review. As part of the process, ACPS will also offer a public review of the recommended textbooks from June 15-30, 2020. Although ACPS buildings are still closed because of COVID-19, the following review options are available to the public:

  • Online (strongly encouraged)
  • In Person, by appointment only: Contact Candace Pannell at candace.pannell@acps.k12.va.us and include your first and second choice for a time slot.

See the instructions for online access or in-person review of the textbooks.

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:

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.