Late last week, a third grader at Jefferson-Houston School was exhibiting COVID symptoms. By Sunday her mother received positive test results, and that evening she sent word to the school that her daughter was infected with the virus.
The next day was a bit of a scramble at the school, as the parents of all of the students in her daughter’s class were called to pick up their children and told that the kids needed to quarantine for two weeks.
“I’m glad we’re back five-days-a-week of in-person school, but I don’t think there was any plan for when kids started to get sick,” the mother said. “I didn’t certainly didn’t expect all of the kids, the entire class plus the teacher to be sent home, but we knew that certain kids would need to, who were exposed and close contacts would need to join the class virtually.”
There are reportedly a number of full classes at Jefferson-Houston under quarantine, although Alexandria City Public Schools would not comment on the number.
Today (Thursday) at 4 p.m., ACPS is hosting a virtual town hall with the Alexandria Health Department to discuss health-related measures in schools.
The school system’s COVID-19 Dashboard shows 46 positive cases reported since school started, and ACPS says that the number of students in quarantine will be added to the dashboard in the coming weeks.
“My daughter’s got her little pod in her classroom for four kids that she sits next to, but anytime they go to a different elective, anytime they go to lunch, they’re all in different seating arrangements,” the mother of the infected student said. “Seating arrangements aren’t uniform for these kids, so I’m really worried that these kids aren’t going to be in school at all this year, if all it takes is one case to shut down the entire class for two weeks at a time.”
On Monday, parents in a class under quarantine at Jefferson-Houston received a note from a teacher explaining how the next two weeks would go. The teacher wrote that students will learn virtually from 8 to 11 a.m.
“Today was very interesting and I’m sure a little stressful,” the teacher wrote. “Here is what I know thus far. The students and I are to quarantine until September 23, 2021… I will do my best to help this quarantine run smoothly. Thank you all in advance for your support, patience, and understanding as we navigate our new normal.”
ACPS says that uniform seating is in place for students, and that there is a plan for numerous quarantine scenarios.
“Students are grouped in pods to the highest extent possible at the elementary school level, keeping the same groups of students together at all times,” ACPS told ALXnow in an email. “Students are also assigned seats in classes so that even if they are in multiple classes each day, such as at our secondary schools, they are always in the same space within a classroom.”
The school system also says that it is actively hiring substitute teachers, and that all unvaccinated staffers are required to submit weekly COVID tests.
Join us this Thurs 9/16 at 4pm or Mon 9/20 at noon for a Virtual Town Hall with the Alexandria Health Department. We'll discuss health & safety mitigation measures in schools, COVID-19 contact tracing, learning in quarantine, and more.
Join on Zoom: https://t.co/Fg4Dn1jZhe pic.twitter.com/9DGKyrPnQR
— Alexandria City Public Schools (@ACPSk12) September 14, 2021
Recent Stories
It was another busy week in Alexandria. The fallout of Wilson’s announcement that he would not run for reelection continues, with two City Council members — Vice Mayor Amy Jackson…
A small but dedicated team of volunteers spent last Saturday clearing trash from Holmes Run near the Charles Beatley Library. The City of Alexandria celebrated twelve volunteers who helped in…
With the advent of virtual learning in public schools during the Covid pandemic, it seemed like snow days would become a thing of the past. In late 2021, Alexandria said…
A 4 BD/4.5 BA brick townhome with four finished levels, multiple fireplaces and a brick patio is included in Just Listed.
About Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT): Latinas Leading Tomorrow is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young Latina women through education, mentorship, and leadership development. We are committed to fostering a community of future leaders who will make a significant impact to the community.
Job Description: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Part-time Executive Director to lead our organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can oversee day-to-day operations, drive fundraising efforts, and cultivate relationships with stakeholders. This is a 1099 position; Remote position with ability to attend DMV events; 8-10 hours a week; $35-40/per hour.
Key Responsibilities:
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.
