What a busy week in Alexandria.
Our top story this week was on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Old Town shop fibre space on March 3. It was Harris’ first official visit outside of the White House since she was inaugurated, and she spoke about the American Rescue Plan with shop owner Danielle Romanetti.
Alexandria City Public Schools reopened for hybrid instruction this week, the first time since all school facilities were shut down on March 13. The school system reportedly welcomed back 1,200 special needs students in kindergarten through fifth grade. ACPS will open on March 9 for special education students, and then fully reopen its doors to hybrid learning for students on March 16.
On the coronavirus front, the number of deaths due to the virus has climbed to 123, and cases are at 10,404 since the first case was reported on March 11, 2020. Mayor Justin Wilson says the city is doing well keeping the numbers down, although with a vaccine waiting list exceeding 45,000 and 3,000 vaccine doses being given out weekly, distribution will continue to be slow.
More than 550 people responded to this week’s poll on the proposed new names for T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School. About 60% of respondents said they were happy with Alexandria High School, but not with Naomi Brooks Elementary School; 25% said they liked both names; 8% didn’t like either name; and 6% didn’t like the high school name and were happy with the elementary school name.
In case you missed them, here are some other important stories:
- City Could Help Turn Hotels Emptied by Coronavirus Into Affordable Housing
- Councilwoman Amy Jackson Argues With School Board Over MacArthur Elementary Construction Schedule
- City Council and School Board Budget Talk Gets Territorial Over School Resource Officers
Here are our most-read posts this week:
- Just In: Vice President Visits Old Town Shop Fibre Space
- Alexandria Wants Feedback on Building Spray Park in Del Ray
- El Chapo’s Wife to be Isolated in Alexandria Jail for One Month Per COVID-19 Distancing Rules
- Consultant Proposes Replacing Community Shelter with Mixed-Use Development
- Alexandria Advocacy Facebook Group Parodied in New Blog
- Superintendent Proposes New Names for T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary
- Patrick Moran, Son of Former Congressman Jim Moran, is Running for City Council
- ACPS Reopens its Doors and Evaluating Grading System for Traumatized Students
- Man Arrested for High-Speed Vehicle Race on I-495
- Meronne Teklu Enters City Council Race
- Neighborhood Spotlight: Old Town is the New Town
Have a safe weekend!
Photo via Peter Velz/Twitter
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Get ready to Shake, Rattle and Roll with this one-of-a-kind, high-octane rockabilly concert experience! Rockabilly Rumble is the all-new, musical experience celebrating the southern rock music that exploded on the scene in the 1950s. Organized by Alexandria City High School Alum and pro-musician Sam C. Jones, this band of world-class performers will have you dancing in your Blue Suede Shoes all night long with songs made famous by Bo Ridley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and more. Relive their most popular hits, along with some forgotten gems. “Rockabilly Rumble” is a dance-worthy, foot stomping evening you’ll never forget!
This show is 21+ only.
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHYSICAL ID. A PICTURE OF YOUR ID IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Christmas Through The Ages
Christmas Through The Ages – Join the Washington Men’s Camerata, and Guest Director Scott Tucker for a program of Christmas and holiday music spanning the centuries through today, featuring the music of Bach, Lauridsen, Abbie Betinis, and many others.