{"id":16844,"date":"2020-09-02T01:21:04","date_gmt":"2020-09-02T05:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=16844"},"modified":"2020-09-09T13:01:59","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T17:01:59","slug":"get-ready-for-the-first-day-of-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=16844","title":{"rendered":"Get Ready for the First Day of School"},"content":{"rendered":"
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en espa\u00f1ol (PDF)<\/a> | \u12a0\u121b\u122d\u129b (PDF)<\/a> | \u0628\u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n

This will be our last edition of Express before the start of the 2020-21 academic year \u2014 a time in education like no other in history.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the many challenges, ACPS is prepared, confident and excited to launch Virtual PLUS+ next Tuesday. As we step into unchartered territory, it is important to remember that we all play a part in the success of this program. Your feedback and engagement is as important as ever and will continue to be so as the weeks progress. We must try to remain flexible, patient and hopeful knowing that this is not forever and we will look forward to the day when we can get back into our classrooms again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I know many of us are feeling apprehensive as we face juggling roles of parent\/guardian, teacher and employee. Assistance is at hand whenever you need it and today we will remind you of the multiple resources available to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

As with last week\u2019s newsletter, there is a lot to take in today. We will try our best not to overload you by sharing only the most important information. Two areas which we have received many questions about is how we are handling attendance and grading. We will be addressing attendance this week and grading next week.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also today, we are going to recap some of the critical components like technology access and nutrition services. If you have the time on Sunday or Monday, I recommend a quick dry run to make sure you are familiar with schedules and comfortable with the technology, and that those laptops or tablets are fully charged!<\/span><\/p>\n

Please be sure to check out our <\/span>Back-to-School guide<\/span><\/a> which contains a host of useful information, and ensure you know about the latest changes allowing <\/span>all<\/i><\/b> children between the ages of two and 18 access to free meals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last week, I was delighted that ACPS and the City of Alexandria were able to announce the provision of free school-day and after-school support for our most vulnerable families whose children attend Title I schools. The closure of school buildings affects everyone. The impact of the pandemic has the potential to be challenging if a parent or guardian is unable to work because there is no one to take care of their children. I am glad we are able to provide some support to families, underlining our commitment to providing an equitable education accessible to all the young people of Alexandria.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed, and please enjoy a relaxing Labor Day weekend with your families. We look forward to a great first day of school.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
\n<\/span>Superintendent of Schools<\/span><\/p>\n

Get Tech-Ready: Chromebook\/Tablet Distribution<\/b><\/h2>\n

This week, we began handing out Chromebooks and tablets to those elementary school families and newly-enrolled students in grades four to 12. Next week we will hand out devices to our pre-K students. We are aware that lines at our school distribution sites have been long at times and we appreciate everyone\u2019s patience as we roll out a program that will ensure every single ACPS student has access to the technology they need to engage with Virtual PLUS+.<\/span><\/p>\n

See the <\/span>Chromebook and Tablet Distribution Schedule<\/span><\/a>. Any family that is unable to pick up their device should<\/span> call their school\u2019s front office<\/span><\/a> to get assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nHave more questions or device issues? Our Tech Services Helpdesk is here for you. Request help through the<\/span> Chromebook\/Tablet Help Request form<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get Tech-Ready: Tech Training Videos and the Family Helpdesk<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before Tuesday morning, check out the <\/span>Technology Family Helpdesk<\/span><\/a> for all your Virtual PLUS+ technology needs and to request help.<\/span><\/p>\n

See the tech training videos we have produced to make sure you and your child are familiar with how to access class and other vital technology information that is key to your child\u2019s success this semester.<\/span><\/p>\n

ACPS Tech Tutorials Playlist<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n