One of the most critical qualities we need to be successful at any difficult time \u2014 particularly now \u2014 is flexibility and yesterday afternoon we heard from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) that they too are going to be flexible with us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n State Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced that the Virginia Department of Education will seek \u201cmaximum flexibility\u201d for schools and students to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, including potential relief from federal and state requirements related to testing, adjusted federal and state accountability systems, and flexibility in graduation requirements for current seniors.<\/span><\/p>\n We are grateful that the VDOE is recognizing the serious nature of this shutdown and the need to ensure that it does not have a negative impact on schools and students \u2014 especially seniors completing their graduation requirements \u2014 who may be adversely impacted by conditions beyond their control. This situation is unprecedented. It is going to need each one of us to do our part. I am grateful to our staff, students and families who have shown such resilience at this critical time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We want to ensure that all staff understand our <\/span>division expectations and guidelines for staff during the school closures<\/span><\/a> to ensure consistency throughout our schools. Please make sure you are familiar with these expectations and guidelines. Also, we understand that you are adjusting to this unprecedented situation and need adequate time to process and adjust to this new way of learning and communicating. If you have specific questions, please feel free to speak with your immediate supervisor for guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Today, we are sharing our division wide <\/span>Instructional Expectations for ACPS staff during school closures<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n By Friday, March 20, 2020 you will have a complete understanding of all division expectations and guidelines for staff. Here\u2019s the schedule for release of this information to staff:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss today\u2019s Q&A video for staff, <\/span>available to watch at 2 p.m.<\/span><\/a> If you missed yesterday\u2019s staff Q&A, you can watch it on the <\/span>ACPS-at-Home website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. Here are a couple of resources about how to teach remotely for teachers who haven\u2019t done it before:<\/span><\/p>\n See How Our Teachers Are Teaching from Home<\/b><\/p>\n T.C. Williams High School International Academy\u2019s Gabriel Elias is in his element using technology to teach. Each morning, he plans to use Facebook Live to connect with Academy students. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Jen Ushe, who teaches engineering at T.C. Williams High School, is hosting a series of science webinars<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n On Tuesday, the <\/span>Washington Post listened in to their online sessions<\/span><\/a> to see how they were staying connected to students.<\/span><\/p>\n ACPS has made news around the globe this week. Catch up on the news with our <\/span>ACPS in the News<\/span><\/a> page on the <\/span>ACPS-at-Home website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) continues to advise that the general public in Alexandria is at low risk from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic because both cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria are directly related to other known cases. The City of Alexandria has taken measures to further reduce risk, and encourages organizations and individuals to take action, as well. The AHD is reminding the community of the importance of social distancing by maintaining six feet of personal space whenever possible, and frequently washing hands and using hand sanitizer. For other questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Additional updates can be found at www.alexandriava.gov\/Coronavirus<\/a>.<\/p>\n ACPS Food Access<\/strong> There are two ways to access food while schools are closed:<\/p>\n Food Resources in the City of Alexandria\u00a0<\/strong> Food donations are NOT being accepted by ALIVE!<\/a> at this time in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. They are requesting financial contributions to buy food, and volunteers to sort food and to distribute food (screened through\u00a0Volunteer Alexandria<\/a>).<\/p>\n Please consider donating through ACT For Alexandria and the Covid-19 Response Fund<\/a> if you are able.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Volunteer Alexandria is working on a plan for onsite volunteer registration at the ACPS food access point. We will let you know more details about this as soon as we have them. Community members who would like to volunteer should reach out to www.volunteeralexandria.org<\/a> or 703-836-2176 to register for any additional potential volunteer opportunities.<\/p>\n Continuity of School Support and Academic Advisement<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Emergency Supports<\/strong><\/p>\n If there is a crisis or emergency during the time of the closure, students and families can access the supports below:<\/p>\n We know that this is a challenging time. ACPS will continue to share information through the ACPS website, social media, and email. Please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to your student\u2019s school counselor or school social worker with any questions.<\/p>\n Monday through Friday while our schools remain closed, ACPS-TV will be screening 90 minutes of educational programming from The Smithsonian\u2019s \u201cScience How\u201d and \u201cStem in 30\u201d series in a loop all 24 hours. Use this series with your students to ensure continuity of education while schools are closed. See this week\u2019s schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our goal is to ensure continuity of learning while schools are closed. Download student learning packets<\/a>.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Feel Well?<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have questions, concerns or feedback?<\/strong> Contact us<\/a> or contact your direct supervisor.<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/span>Superintendent of Schools<\/span><\/p>\nREMOTE TEACHING RESOURCES<\/h2>\n
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ACPS IN THE NEWS<\/h2>\n
![\"Gabriel](\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2020-03-18-at-9.30.48-AM.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nUPDATES FROM THE ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT<\/h2>\n
FOOD ACCESS<\/h2>\n
\nACPS is continuing to provide food over at <\/strong>no cost for any child <\/strong>and<\/em> any family who needs it<\/strong> during the school closures. It is essential to stay healthy at this critical time.<\/p>\n\n
\nFor food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit\u00a0www.hungerfreealexandria.com<\/a> or call \u202a703-662-1067.<\/p>\nWANT TO HELP?<\/h2>\n
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT<\/h2>\n
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LEARNING ON ACPS-TV<\/h2>\n
ONLINE LEARNING PACKETS<\/h2>\n
HEALTH REMINDERS<\/h2>\n
\nContact your primary health care physician.<\/p>\n
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