The goal of these adjustments to the grading policy and academic calendar is to ensure maximum flexibility and benefit for our students as they have all been impacted by the school closures.<\/span> ACPS is following the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) guidance in recommending adjustments to its grading policy and academic calendar for the third and fourth quarters in order to accommodate the closure of school buildings from March 13 through June 19 without penalizing any student.<\/span><\/p>\n Below, you can find a detailed overview of the changes being presented to the School Board at its <\/span>online Board Meeting<\/span><\/a> this Friday, April 3, plus a link to the ACPS-at-Home website with a chart that explains the proposed changes in full. Although the academic calendar changes are scheduled for a Board vote this Friday, the proposed changes to the <\/span>grading policy (PDF)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>regulation (PDF)<\/span><\/a> will not be voted on until Friday, April 17. You can watch the School Board meeting live via Zoom through the link on the <\/span>ACPS School Board web page<\/span><\/a>. I\u2019ll also be addressing the proposed changes to the grading policy in my video Q&A today. You can <\/span>watch it online<\/span><\/a> after 2 p.m. on the ACPS-at-Home website.<\/span><\/p>\n We want to be sure that you, our staff, understand what the proposed changes mean for you, whether you work in an elementary or secondary school.<\/span><\/p>\n We want to assure you that we are doing our best to ensure our students\u2019 grades are not penalized by this difficult situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.<\/span> Academic Calendar for PreK-Grade 5:<\/b><\/p>\n Grading for PreK-Grade 5:<\/b><\/p>\n Academic Calendar for Grades 6-12:<\/b><\/p>\n Grading for Grades 6-12:<\/b><\/p>\n Third Quarter Report Card Grades<\/span><\/p>\n Fourth Quarter Report Card Grades\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is important to note that all students in good standing would be promoted to the next grade for the 2020-21 school year.<\/b> Under these proposed changes, the fourth quarter alone would not negatively impact students and their promotion to the next grade. In general, students\u2019 progression from year to year is guided by <\/span>Policy IKE: Academic Promotion and Retention (PDF)<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As previously shared, the proposed changes above necessitate an adjustment to the <\/span>current grading policy (PDF)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>regulation (PDF)<\/span><\/a> and require School Board approval. These changes will be presented to the School Board this coming Friday, April 3. You can watch the 12:00 p.m. online Board Meeting live via the <\/span>ACPS School Board Meeting page<\/span><\/a>. The meeting video will also be uploaded the following day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can find the full details set out in a chart on the <\/span>ACPS-at-Home website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The ACPS Department of Student Services, Alternative Programs and Equity is offering its first remote Restorative Practices Wellness and Support Circle for staff. This circle will provide an opportunity to breathe, connect with colleagues, and share your thoughts in a safe space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This is an optional offering open to all ACPS staff that will be held on <\/span>Friday, April 3 at 12:00 p.m.<\/b> The call will be held on Zoom and can be accessed with the information below:<\/span><\/p>\n Join Zoom Meeting:<\/b> Meeting ID:<\/b> 563 992 907<\/span><\/p>\n If you have any additional questions, please contact Sheri James at <\/span>sheri.james@acps.k12.va.us<\/span><\/a> or Gregory Baldwin at <\/span>gbaldwin@acps.k12.va.us<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n In the last video Q&A, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. answered some of your questions on the Governor’s stay-at-home order and what it means for schools, our volunteers and our community. He also answered questions regarding staff leave:<\/span><\/p>\n Watch the daily Q&A video, available at 2 p.m.<\/span><\/a> or see answers to these questions in the <\/span>updated staff FAQ<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n We welcome you to <\/span>send us your questions<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n There are a number of changes to food distribution during Spring Break.<\/span><\/p>\n Please know that our normal ACPS distribution centers and sites will not be open on April 6, 8 and 10 during spring break. The ACPS meal hotline will not be operating during spring break. ACPS will resume all normal food distribution on April 13.<\/b><\/p>\n ACPS will resume normal distribution at <\/b>all ten sites<\/b><\/a> on Monday, April 13. <\/b><\/p>\n 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 Please consider donating through ACT For Alexandria and the COVID-19 Response Fund<\/a> if you are able.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 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> Have questions, concerns or feedback?<\/strong> Contact us<\/a> or contact your direct supervisor.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Superintendent of Schools<\/span><\/p>\nProposed Grading and Academic Calendar Changes<\/h2>\n
Proposed Changes: Elementary<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Proposed Changes: Grades 6-12<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Keeping Staff Healthy in Mind and Body<\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>https:\/\/us04web.zoom.us\/j\/563992907<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nIMPORTANT REMINDER: Changes to Food Distribution Next Week<\/h2>\n
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UPDATES FROM THE ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT<\/h2>\n
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<\/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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