More Stories from the Week

More Stories from the Week
- ACPS

ACHS Students Recognized in C-SPAN National Student Video Competition

Two student teams from Alexandria City High School (ACHS) were presented with awards this week for their entries in C-SPAN’s StudentCam video competition. C-SPAN and Comcast representatives visited the high school this week to recognize the achievement and present awards in the student video competition.

Students were tasked with creating a short (5-6 minute) video documentary related to this year’s competition theme, “How does the federal government impact your life?” ACHS students Mia Mervis and Lucy Savarie received honors for their video One Stamp At A Time, which focuses on food stamps.

As last year’s award ceremony could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACHS students Alison Avelar, Elena Gutierrez and Helen Russell were also presented with an honorable mention for the video they entered in the competition last year, Dear Mr. President: History or Progress? The video focuses on how the Alexandria community addressed the need to replace names on schools and monuments that reflect a racist past.

StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect their communities and nation. The competition is open to all students in grades 6-12. C-SPAN awards 150 student prizes and 53 teacher prizes totaling $100,000.

ACPS and PTAC to Host Forum for Families of English Learners on May 10, 2022

Join Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) during a Zoom webinar for parents of English Learners on Tues., May 10, 7-8 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to learn the following:

  • How is a student identified as an English Learner (EL)?
  • How is EL instruction provided during the school day?
  • What are the benefits of English language development?
  • What is the Dual Language Program?
  • What equity initiatives and opportunities support the success of EL students at ACPS?

The forum will be moderated by Alexandria Council of PTAs (PTAC) Co-Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mariam Fikre and will include the following speakers from ACPS:

  • Dr. Bethany Nickerson, executive director of English learner services.
  • Michelle Suchenski, EL instructional specialist.
  • Kennetra Wood, executive director of equity and alternative programs.
  • Jodie Peters, AVID/College readiness coordinator.

Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic and Dari. Families who have questions that you would like addressed during the meeting should send them in advance by email to face@acps.k12.va.us or by voicemail at 571-601-4166.

Public Review of Science Textbook Adoption

ACPS will adopt new science textbooks for secondary students (grades 6-12)–including Advanced Placement and Elective Courses–starting in the 2022-23 school year. Textbook evaluation committees are reviewing the materials and will provide recommendations for the School Board to review. As part of the process, ACPS will offer a public review of the recommended textbooks from now until May 20, 2022.

The opportunity to review the textbooks is in person and by appointment only. Anyone who wants to schedule a review appointment should contact Candace Pannell at candace.pannell@acps.k12.va.us and include their first and second choice for a time slot. Interested ACPS community members will receive a confirmation email about their requested review time.

Textbooks will be available for review at the ACPS Textbook Warehouse, located at 604 S Pickett St. Instructions for accessing the materials can be found at Public Review of Recommended New Secondary Science Textbooks.

School Board Summary

At its School Board meeting on May 5, 2022, the School Board recognized the instructional leaders selected as the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year, as well as national awards received by ACPS school leaders. The School Board also addressed the following topics:

  • Middle School Project Mathematics Pathways.
  • Superintendent’s Adjusted Budget.
  • Talented and Gifted Local Plan.
  • Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds Update (ESSER).
  • Policy JHCD: Administration of Medications to Students.

The meeting was immediately followed by a School Board Work Session. For School Board meeting agendas and documents, visit Electronic School Board. You can also visit the School Board meeting webpage for information on how to view meetings live and participate.

COVID-19 Transmission Rate: May 5, 2022

As of Thursday, May 5, 2022, the total COVID-19 cases is 31,922. View the City of Alexandria’s COVID-19 Dashboard to learn more.