I\u2019m delighted to be able to share with you two free learning opportunities available to ACPS students. First, we have partnered with our educational colleagues at Northern Virginia Community College who are offering an opportunity for our junior and senior year students to get a head start on college credits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The program, <\/span>JumpStart<\/span><\/a>, affords our 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to take two classes and earn up to six credits to jumpstart their college careers. Please do not miss this opportunity. Applications close on May 15. I will be providing more details on my video Q&A session tomorrow. As you know, this is definitely something well worth your students’ consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n Secondly, I wanted to make sure families of students in grade six and above were aware of an excellent tutoring resource which ACPS has made available to our students for free. The website <\/span>Tutor.com<\/span><\/a> offers highly qualified one-on-one tutors to help with any schoolwork or learning activities 24 hours a day and 7 days a week which makes this convenient for any student\u2019s schedule. Please be sure to encourage your students to utilize this amazing opportunity. We have so many resources to ensure that students can continue to have academic support even at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Again, thank you for your hard work and dedication! Please continue to stay healthy, stay safe and stay informed.<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.<\/span> Starting today, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All those with a temperature of 100.4 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Find out more about this new measure in this<\/span> Board Brief<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n We wish all our finalists the best of luck as they compete for our annual Teacher of the Year crown. The winner will be announced next month.<\/span><\/p>\n Read what teaching means to them:<\/span><\/p>\n Katherine White \u201cTeaching gives me the opportunity to instill a love of learning in each individual that walks into my classroom. I am inspired daily by my students’ infectious enthusiasm for learning, life, and friends. Above all I’m challenged by the distinct needs of these learners, but constantly rewarded by the gigantic toothless smiles that accompany my first graders’ well-earned accomplishments.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Latasha Sturgis \u201cI knew at an early age that I wanted to be a teacher. It was confirmed later that my calling was to be a special educator. The day I witnessed one of my non-verbal students use his first words brought me to tears. I knew then, I needed him, just as much as he needed me. My role as a teacher means connecting my students to rich experiences with the support of their families that will impact how they view the world. Teaching is working with families, collaborating with other educators and creating experiences for diverse learners that last a lifetime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Donna Anthony \u201cTeaching has been a passion of mine for many years. I am always curious to implement new trends or theories that will enhance the knowledge of my learners. I learn so much from my students and it moves me to make sure they have a great learning experience that will inspire them to become lifelong learners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Jessica Angelo \u201cBeing a teacher means instilling a love of learning and reading into each of my students so that they become lifelong learners, readers, and leaders. It means providing a safe place for my students to learn and thrive. It means showing them it\u2019s okay to make mistakes and how when we persist through those mistakes it helps to make us stronger and smarter. Being a teacher means showing each of my students their potential for learning and success and most importantly that learning can be fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Judy Fulghum \u201cTo me, teaching means witnessing significant events in the lives of young children. I\u2019ve watched determined children learn to read after years of struggling, imaginative children find their voices through writing, and lonely children make friends for the first time.\u00a0 I\u2019ve watched quiet children gain the confidence to speak to a group, curious children propel others to learn something new, and captivated children listen to every word of a great story. These collective moments of joy are what teaching means to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n We are excited to share that Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering current 11th and 12th grade students the chance to take online college classes for <\/span>free<\/b> through a program called <\/span>JumpStart<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n This will allow ACPS juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credits through online courses running from June 1 to July 15. The closing date for applications is May 15.<\/span><\/p>\n Find out more on the JumpStart<\/a> web page.<\/p>\n If your student needs some extra help with their schoolwork, ACPS has arranged for free access to <\/span>Tutor.com<\/span><\/a> for those in grades 6-12. The website makes available highly qualified online tutors including teachers, academics and even industry professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n Directions for how to add Online Tutoring to your Canvas Page:<\/b><\/p>\n Teachers can easily add it to their Canvas page for students to access quickly. To add it to your Canvas page, go to Settings > Navigation > Scroll Down to Tutor.com >\u00a0 Click on 3 dots to Enable. It will then be added to your Course Navigation on your Homepage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More information is available on the Online Tutoring in ACPS<\/a> web page<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Thank you to all of our teachers who have made teaching through our television channels possible. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by our parents and students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Our students need you!<\/b><\/p>\n Please, if you have not yet created a lesson for TV we encourage you to do so. It\u2019s fun and easy to do. If you\u2019ve missed our<\/span> TV training session on Zoom<\/span><\/a>, please check it out. For more information, please refer to the<\/span> ACPS\u2019 Learning Through the TV Handbook<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n ACPS has multiple distribution meal site locations throughout Alexandria for all ACPS students and children over the age of two.<\/span><\/p>\n GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:<\/b><\/p>\n Grab and Go breakfast, lunch and snack meals are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the following locations:<\/span><\/p>\n And available at our \u201cPop-Up\u201d sites located at:<\/span><\/p>\n NO SIGN UP OR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE MEALS.<\/b><\/p>\n Meals consist of breakfast, lunch and snack and include, for example, fresh fruits and vegetables and sandwiches for multiple days.<\/span><\/p>\n NOTE: No food distribution will occur on Tuesdays or Thursdays.<\/b> The limited days for distribution is to support the practice of social distancing and to limit social gatherings. Meals for two days will be provided on the pick-up days, (Monday\/Wednesday\/Friday).<\/span><\/p>\n Other Food Resources in the City of Alexandria<\/b><\/p>\n For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit<\/span> www.hungerfreealexandria.com<\/span><\/a> or call \u202a703-662-1067.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Questions? Or Need Translation?<\/b><\/p>\n Send us your question in Spanish, Arabic or Amharic:<\/span><\/p>\n OR<\/span><\/p>\n Call the FACE Center\u2019s Bilingual Parent Information Lines:<\/span><\/p>\n SAFETY REMINDER:<\/b><\/p>\n Please remember to observe social distancing practices while at the food distribution site by maintaining six feet of personal space between you and other families or individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n Anyone exhibiting symptoms of a respiratory illness like fever, runny nose, sore throat, coughing or difficulty breathing on the day of food distribution or in the previous 24 hours should not visit a food distribution site but call a healthcare provider instead. If you do not have a primary care physician and are not enrolled in a clinic, you may CALL an urgent care center or emergency room.<\/span><\/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 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>\nTemperature Screening Begins Today<\/b><\/h2>\n
ACPS Teacher of the Year – Our Final Five Nominees<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n<\/b>Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, first grade teacher<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Katherine](\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Katherine-White-Lyles-Crouch-Traditional-Academy.jpg\")
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\nEarly Childhood Center, special education teacher<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Latasha](\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/wp-content\/uploads\/Latasha-Sturgis-Early-Childhood-Center.jpg\")
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\nSamuel W. Tucker Elementary School, kindergarten teacher<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Donna](\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/wp-content\/uploads\/Donna-Anthony-Samuel-Tucker-Elementary-School.jpg\")
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\nDouglas MacArthur Elementary School, first grade teacher<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Jessica](\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/wp-content\/uploads\/Jessica-Angelo-Douglas-MacArthur-Elementary-School.jpg\")
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\nGeorge Mason Elementary School, English learners (EL) teacher<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Judy](\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/wp-content\/uploads\/Judy-Fulghum-George-Mason-Elementary-School.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFree NOVA Opportunity for 11th and 12th Graders<\/b><\/h2>\n
Free 24\/7 Tutoring Service Available to ACPS Students<\/b><\/h2>\n
ACPS Learning Through the TV<\/b><\/h2>\n
Food Distribution<\/b><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>5700 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>4646 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>3600 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>1501 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\n<\/span>10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>11:20 to 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>11:20 to 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays<\/span><\/li>\n
\n<\/span>10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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WANT TO HELP?<\/h2>\n
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT<\/h2>\n
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HEALTH REMINDERS<\/h2>\n
\nContact your primary health care physician.<\/p>\n
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