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Substance Abuse Resources for Families
As we observe National Mental Health Awareness Month, we consider the issue of substance abuse and the resources available to help families who may be concerned about their students.
Student drug use interferes with their school performance, school attendance, home responsibilities and overall thriving and well-being. In addressing substance abuse concerns, families are encouraged to talk with their child about drug use in a calm and loving way. Help is available. If you are concerned that your child may be using drugs, contact a qualified health professional such as your child’s pediatrician, mental health clinician, school counselor, school nurse, school psychologist or school social worker. These professionals can work with families to discuss the concerns and provide suggestions, next steps and referrals for additional assistance. The Alexandria City Department of Community and Human Services also has information, resources, and services that are available through the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) and their substance use services website.
Families may also contact ACPS Substance Abuse Services for consultation, advice, screenings and assessments to determine levels of care. Additionally, ACPS offers various family resources to help support students who express thoughts or behaviors related to illegal drug use or possession. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Service offered by the Department of Student Services & Equity uses a Multi-tiered System of Support approach and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports to deliver services to students involved with substance use or abuse-related problems.
For more information on how to refer your child to this program, please contact any of the counselors listed below. Referrals must be made through school administrators; however, parents can call for a consultation and initiate the referral process.
Ruthy Mercado, LCSW, MAC, CSAC
571-447-3943
ruthy.mercado@acps.k12.va.us
Fredy L. Martinez, MS.Ed. CSAC, QMHC, PMC-CMHC, PMC-AC
703-619-8278 Ext. 1237 or 571-289-2928
fredy.martinez@acps.k12.va.us
Doreen Boateng, M.ED, LGPC, NCC
703-619-8278 Ext. 1237
doreen.boateng@acps.k12.va.us
Family Deadline Reminders for May 20, 2022: Virtual Learning & Science Textbook Review
Family Request for 2022-23 School Year Virtual Learning
All ACPS families received a form via email about virtual learning for the upcoming school year. Families need to complete the form only if they want to request that their child(ren) participate in virtual learning during the 2022-23 school year. The deadline to complete the form and make this request is May 20, 2022.
This timeline will give schools the opportunity to review family requests as well as allow time for fall term virtual registration. Students who participated in virtual learning during the 2021-22 school year and struggled academically may not be offered the opportunity for virtual learning in the upcoming school year. Families requesting virtual learning for the 2022-23 school year are opting in with the intention of full-year participation; however, there may be reasons related to student achievement that arise in which ACPS may require a change in learning environment to best support student success.
ACPS students in grades K-5 who participate in virtual learning during the 2022-23 school year will take courses through Virtual Virginia, a state program that offers online instruction to students throughout the state. Students in grades 6-12 will take courses through Edgenuity, which provides online courses and instructional services. Virtual courses are reading intensive and it is recommended that students participating in virtual courses are reading on grade level to best ensure success.
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 Agenda
At its meeting on May 19, 2022, the School Board agenda will include a public hearing on the FY 2023 Combined Funds and FY 2023-2032 Capital Improvement Program Budgets. 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 12, 2022
As of Thursday, May 12, 2022, the total COVID-19 cases is 32,528. View the City of Alexandria’s COVID-19 Dashboard to learn more.