{"id":17140,"date":"2021-01-13T04:00:23","date_gmt":"2021-01-13T09:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17140"},"modified":"2021-01-14T10:47:31","modified_gmt":"2021-01-14T15:47:31","slug":"vaccinations-begin-for-acps-teachers-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=17140","title":{"rendered":"Vaccinations Begin for ACPS Teachers &#038; Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"fb-root\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210113-spanish.pdf\">en espa\u00f1ol (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210113-amharic.pdf\">\u12a0\u121b\u122d\u129b (PDF)<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/cms\/lib\/VA01918616\/Centricity\/Domain\/1527\/ACPS-Express-20210113-arabic.pdf\">\u0628\u0627\u0644\u0639\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>This Week\u2019s Headlines:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#vaccinations\">Vaccinations Begin for ACPS Staff This Week<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#reopening\">Weekly Reopening Decision Update: Schools to remain 100% virtual for week of Jan. 19<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#identityproject\">The Identity Project: Poll to Select New Names for T.C. and Maury Opens Today<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#programofstudies\">2021-22 Course Catalog Now Available Online for Middle and High School Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#mlkholiday\">School Closed on Monday, Jan. 18 for MLK Day; Asynchronous Learning for Wednesday, Jan. 20 Inauguration Day<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#posse\">ACPS Celebrates Two Posse Scholars<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#college\">Free College Admissions Event<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#titleisurvey\">Title I Parent and Family Event Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#TIFAC\">Seeking Representatives for the Title I Family Advisory Committee<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#food\">FOOD ACCESS \u2014 Food Distribution Sites Closed on Monday, Open on Tuesday<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dear ACPS Families and Community,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This week has brought both hope and disappointment. While I am sure that many of you were as disappointed as I was that the community health metrics were not in a position to allow us to transition the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3552\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first cohort of students<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> back to school buildings on Jan. 19, there was promising news that this week we have been able to start to offer the COVID vaccination to all ACPS staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of our employees have already been receiving the first of two doses this week. This is a huge step forward and it allows us to alleviate one major hurdle in the transition to reopening our school buildings. Within six weeks, we hope all employees will be vaccinated. I want to say thank you to the Alexandria Health Department for being true collaborative partners and ensuring ACPS staff were at the front of the line as soon as the vaccine became available. I also want to thank Virginia Governor Ralph Northam who visited one of the Alexandria City vaccination PODS to support our vaccination program. We appreciate that this is a collaborative effort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, I wanted to ask that you help us in the renaming process of T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School by indicating your favorite name in the community poll we are launching today. The shortlist of names has come from our students who have put forward more than 52 different suggestions via 119 separate submissions over the last few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, I am delighted to be able to congratulate two very worthy recipients of the Posse Scholarship, a prestigious and highly competitive national award. Well done to our Titans, Maria Stakem and Leonora Rodriguez. In these challenging times, you have both displayed the kind of resilience and determination that will keep you in good stead through college and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reminder: schools will be closed next Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Inauguration Day on Wednesday, Jan. 20 will be an asynchronous day for all students.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoy the long weekend!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Superintendent of Schools<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"vaccinations\" name=\"vaccinations\"><\/a>Vaccinations Begin for ACPS Staff This Week<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-17141 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-2-800x481.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"635\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-2-800x481.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-2-260x156.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-2-166x100.jpg 166w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-2-768x462.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-2-1536x924.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our staff COVID-19 vaccination program began on Tuesday with a clinic held at T.C. Williams High School. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam visited to help kick off our vaccination program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers, bus drivers, nutrition workers and central office staff were among those who have been receiving the first dose of the Moderna vaccine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Hutchings received his shot yesterday along with T.C. Williams High School teacher, Danielle Thorne. Douglas MacArthur Elementary School nurse Leanne Desmond administered their shots.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-17148 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-6-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"635\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-6-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-6-260x174.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-6-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-6-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-6-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-6.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI have one word to express how I am feeling at this moment \u2014 grateful,&#8221; Dr. Hutchings said. &#8220;It was imperative for me to be among the first to take this opportunity and get the vaccine as soon as it became available, to encourage staff to join me in this next step to seeing our school doors open to welcome back ALL students and staff. Thanks to our partners in the Alexandria Health Department for their strong advocacy to include educators in the 1b phase. Their efforts made this a reality.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-17142 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-1-800x492.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"635\" height=\"391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-1-800x492.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-1-260x160.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-1-163x100.jpg 163w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-1-768x472.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-1-1536x944.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/1.12.21.Vaccine-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the next few weeks, many more of our employees will take the first step in protecting themselves from this virus that forced the closure of our school buildings. Once the second dose has been administered 28 days later, a major hurdle to reopening our schools will have been overcome with the protection of our staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS is the first school division in the region to benefit from a vaccination program thanks to the Alexandria Health Department\u2018s proactive approach to immunizing school employees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our teachers have taken to social media to express their excitement at taking this step to getting life back on track.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T.C. Physics Teacher Laura Simons tweeted, \u201cOur school just sent an email for staff to sign up for vaccinations. I\u2019m getting mine in a week. I\u2019m crying in relief. Colleagues I haven\u2019t seen or talked to in six months are texting me in celebration. I needed that bit of joy and hope after this week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And T.C. Culinary Arts Teacher Craig Scheuerman wrote, \u201cVery excited to see the email from the CDC. Teachers are part of the next group to be vaccinated and I\u2019m scheduled for next Thursday. I miss my students! I look forward to getting back in school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/media\/set\/?vanity=acpsk12&amp;set=a.1951941951612257\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See more photos from the vaccination kickoff<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/acpsk12\/videos\/856583688408509\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch the full vaccination kickoff event<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>VIDEO: Watch remarks from the vaccination kickoff:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/499786134\/6ab3cdf70a\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17143\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-8.28.59-PM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1182\" height=\"660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-8.28.59-PM.jpg 1182w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-8.28.59-PM-260x145.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-8.28.59-PM-800x447.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-8.28.59-PM-179x100.jpg 179w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-8.28.59-PM-768x429.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1182px) 100vw, 1182px\" \/><\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"reopening\" name=\"reopening\"><\/a>Weekly Reopening Decision Update: Schools to remain 100% virtual for week of Jan. 19<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each Monday morning we will be reassessing the situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic and communicating our decision around transitioning to school building reopening for the following week.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The decision is based on real-time information, which is then analyzed using our school building <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3536\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reopening decision matrix<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The decision matrix is based on community health metrics as well as staffing and capacity levels that impact our ability to operate efficiently and implement health and safety mitigation measures. The decision will always be made one week ahead so you, our families and staff, have time to plan ahead for any changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3336\"><b>View the matrix and decision from Monday, Jan. 11, 2021<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>VIDEO: Watch the superintendent\u2019s message regarding this decision:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZMePIp3oGgI\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17144\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-3.19.55-PM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-3.19.55-PM.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-3.19.55-PM-260x145.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-3.19.55-PM-800x447.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-3.19.55-PM-179x100.jpg 179w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screen-Shot-2021-01-12-at-3.19.55-PM-768x429.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"identityproject\" name=\"identityproject\"><\/a>The Identity Project: Poll to Select New Names for T.C. and Maury Opens Today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17145\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1185\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_.jpg 1185w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_-260x66.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_-800x203.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/Identity.Project.poll_-768x194.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1185px) 100vw, 1185px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today we open up the first community poll on a selection of potential new names for T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between now and Jan. 27, we are asking everyone to help us narrow down names that have been suggested by our students over the last month. Don\u2019t like any of the options you see? Add your choice of a name to the list. Anyone in the community can make suggestions at this time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/tcpoll\">Take the T.C. Williams High School Poll<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/maurypoll\">Take the Matthew Maury Elementary School Poll<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following this process, a second community-wide poll will open in February, with top-performing entries. After both polls have concluded, the community will have one more opportunity to voice their opinion at an Alexandria City School Board Public Hearing in March 2021. The Board will then vote and make a final naming decision that will be announced in April 2021. The new names will become the official names of the schools on July 1, 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In November last year, the Board voted to change the names of both schools following a lengthy community engagement process. Learn more about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/identityproject\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Identity Project<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"programofstudies\" name=\"programofstudies\"><\/a>2021-22 Course Catalog Now Available Online for Middle and High School Students<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS is excited to unveil the list of academic courses for the 2021-22 school year. The Program of Studies course catalog is now published, and academic advisement and course selection will begin in all ACPS schools.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students and their parents can access the list of courses through a fully online and searchable Program of Studies website. The fully online Program of Studies can be viewed on computers, tablets and smartphones, allowing students and families to access information wherever and whenever it is needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/catalog\"><b>See the 2021-22 Program of Studies Course Catalog<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS offers a wide range of courses that provide students the chance to earn college credits and a guaranteed place at college through the Governor\u2019s Health Sciences Academy, workforce certification programs to equip students immediately for the workplace, STEM and science courses that allow students to develop their passions, as well as a myriad of college level Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement course options. In addition, ACPS offers students the opportunity to enroll in the T.C. Williams Satellite Campus to take classes online on their own time, in a supported setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Academic Advising and Curriculum Events<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School counselors will begin providing information and individual academic advisement in early February through early April. School counselors work with students, families and school staff to support course selections that challenge students, allow exploration of areas of interest and passion, support post-secondary goals, and provide a healthy life balance. See the dates of curriculum nights and information about academic advising on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/site\/default.aspx?PageID=2724\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS Academic Advising web page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or reach out to your individual school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once students have met with their school counselor, selected their courses, and the courses have been entered into PowerSchool, families will be able to view the courses through their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/parentaccess\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PowerSchool Parent Access<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> account and can contact their child\u2019s school counselor with questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACPS is enthusiastic about the opportunities available in the coming school year for students to grow, learn and maximize their academic success potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"mlkholiday\" name=\"mlkholiday\"><\/a>School Closed on Monday, Jan. 18 for MLK Day; Asynchronous Learning for Wednesday, Jan. 20 Inauguration Day<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be <\/span><b>no school on Monday, Jan. 18.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There will be no asynchronous work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inauguration Day on <\/span><b>Wednesday, Jan. 20 will be an asynchronous day<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for all students.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"posse\" name=\"posse\"><\/a>ACPS Celebrates Two Posse Scholars<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17146\" src=\"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/PhotoCollage_20210112_162123292.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1800\" height=\"882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/PhotoCollage_20210112_162123292.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/PhotoCollage_20210112_162123292-260x127.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/PhotoCollage_20210112_162123292-800x392.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/PhotoCollage_20210112_162123292-204x100.jpg 204w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/PhotoCollage_20210112_162123292-768x376.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/PhotoCollage_20210112_162123292-1536x753.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Titan senior Maria Stakem (pictured above, right) opened her laptop one day last year to begin the lengthy application process for the prestigious Posse scholarship, she quickly got disheartened and walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI just didn\u2019t think I stood a chance when I read about the type of person they were looking for. I just didn\u2019t think I would stand out,\u201d she said. \u201cI gave up and forgot about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two weeks later a phone call from Oceanography Teacher Trisha Christopher put her back on track. With Christopher\u2019s encouragement, Maria began a process that ended last month with a life changing Zoom to say, \u201cCongratulations, you made it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, the 17-year-old, along with fellow Titan Leonora Rodriguez, can look forward to a $250,000 scholarship to attend college later this year. The pair celebrated with a virtual ceremony last week.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/3592\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more about our Posse scholars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"college\" name=\"college\"><\/a>Free College Admissions Event<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to learn how COVID-19 is changing the college admissions landscape and how it will affect freshmen, sophomores and juniors?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Alexandria Library and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/standoutforcollege.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand Out for College<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will be hosting a virtual event on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 7 to 8 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts will discuss how greater consideration admissions officers will give to extracurricular activities including community service, now that they will have fewer academic data points to rely on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/alexlibraryva.org\/event\/4731720\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find out more and register online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"titleisurvey\" name=\"titleisurvey\"><\/a>Title I Parent and Family Event Survey<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Title I Office and Title I schools are planning future family engagement events to help support student performance in school. Feedback from parents and caregivers is a critical part of ensuring students meet their potential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are asking families attending Title I schools to fill out an anonymous, 8-question survey by Friday, Jan. 29. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/FswQ6zFd9wUdeHFZ7\"><b>Take the survey in English<\/b><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/Gz1mfngdt47LzqVV9\"><b>Take the survey in Spanish<\/b><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/wCL1kzTAxuDRwn5i7\"><b>Take the survey in Amharic<\/b><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/fDcxunYAs6XSeKjE9\"><b>Take the survey in Arabic<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you for providing your input. We will use the information to plan Title I-funded programs and events for families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><a id=\"TIFAC\" name=\"TIFAC\"><\/a>Seeking Representatives for the Title I Family Advisory Committee<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Office of Title I Programs is seeking two to three new representatives from each Title I school to become members of the Title I Family Advisory Committee (TIFAC). The TIFAC is an opportunity for parents and other caregivers of students attending Title I schools to become involved in decision-making at the division level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While many opportunities exist for parents and other caregivers to get involved in Title I programming at their students\u2019 schools, the TIFAC will have the opportunity to review division-level policies and plans, the division&#8217;s application for funds, and provide input on how funding is used for family engagement programing on a division-wide basis. The TIFAC will meet twice this school year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We encourage participation representing each school\u2019s unique diversity and interpretation will be provided as needed. Please <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/AWuF7jE1Rap2Spxs6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apply online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by noon on Jan. 15.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"food\" name=\"food\"><\/a>FOOD ACCESS \u2014 <b>Food Distribution Sites Closed on Monday, Open on Tuesday<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/schoolclosurefood\">Food distribution sites<\/a> will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and instead will be open on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Distribution sites will be open as usual on Jan. 20 and Jan. 22.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&#8212;<\/p>\n<p>ACPS has multiple distribution meal site locations throughout Alexandria for all ACPS students and children over the age of two. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/schoolclosurefood\">See a map of food distribution locations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>GRAB-AND-GO MEAL LOCATIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Grab and Go breakfast and lunch meals are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7:30 a.m.\u00a0and 12 p.m. at the following locations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>William Ramsay Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n5700 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311<\/li>\n<li><strong>Francis C. Hammond Middle School<\/strong><br \/>\n4646 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology<\/strong><br \/>\n3600 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School<\/strong><br \/>\n1501 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mount Vernon Community School<\/strong><br \/>\n2601 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/li>\n<li><strong>Patrick Henry K-8 School<\/strong><br \/>\n4643 Taney Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/li>\n<li><strong>T.C. Williams High School<\/strong><br \/>\n3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at our \u201cPop-Up\u201d sites located at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mason Apartments at 75 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brent Place Apartments at 375 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/strong><br \/>\n11:20 to 11:50 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court, Alexandria, VA 22314<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Community Lodgings at 607 Notabene Drive, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Old Towne West Apartments (parking lot) at 500 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314<\/strong><br \/>\n11:20 to 11:50 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Corner of Florence Drive and Four Mile Road, Alexandria, VA 22305<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Fields at 4309 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bennington Crossing Apartments at 441 North Armistead Street, Alexandria, VA 22312<\/strong><br \/>\n11:30 a.m. to noon<\/li>\n<li><strong>2727 Duke Street (behind Bank of America), Alexandria, VA 22314<\/strong><br \/>\n10:45 to 11:15 a.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>NO SIGN UP OR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE MEALS.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTE: No food distribution will occur on Tuesdays or Thursdays.<\/strong> 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 Mondays and Wednesdays, and meals for three days will be provided on Fridays.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other Food Resources in the City of Alexandria:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/k12.us3.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=c264d43033e4f4ca3b673bfc6&amp;id=b08b02092b&amp;e=5f2372f074\">www.hungerfreealexandria.com<\/a> or call \u202a703-662-1067.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Questions? Or Need Translation?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Send us your question in Spanish, Arabic or Amharic:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Text ACPSMEALS to 797979 (English and Spanish)<\/li>\n<li>Call or text 703-927-6866 (Amharic)<\/li>\n<li>Call or text 703-927-7095 (Arabic)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>OR<\/p>\n<p>Call the FACE Center\u2019s Bilingual Parent Information Lines, available Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For Spanish\/English, call 571-775-9719<\/li>\n<li>For Amharic\/English, call 703-927-6866<\/li>\n<li>For Arabic\/English, call 703-927-7095<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>SAFETY REMINDER:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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 health care 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.<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2>UPDATES FROM THE ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT<\/h2>\n<p>For all updates, see <a href=\"http:\/\/www.alexandriava.gov\/Coronavirus\">www.alexandriava.gov\/Coronavirus<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>HEALTH REMINDERS<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t Feel Well?<\/strong><br \/>\nContact your primary health care physician. Don\u2019t have insurance? Contact Neighborhood Health at 703-535-5568.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Have questions, concerns or feedback? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/345\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.acps.k12.va.us\/Page\/345\">Contact us<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ACPS Express 1\/13\/2021: Vaccinations Begin for ACPS Teachers and Staff \u2022 Poll to Select New Names for T.C. and Maury Opens Today \u2022 2021-22 Course Catalog Now Available Online \u2026and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":17149,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,90],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-acps","category-coronavirus"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-11 04:38:24","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17140","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17140"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17140\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17154,"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17140\/revisions\/17154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17140"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17140"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}