Notes: Last day for Alexandria City Public Schools’ survey about metal detectors in schools

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

🌤 Today’s weather: Clear throughout the day. High of 48 and low of 30.
🌤 Tomorrow: Clear throughout the day. High of 53 and low of 31. Sunrise at 6:30 am and sunset at 6:09 pm.

🚨 You need to know

Today is the last day to give Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) your thoughts on the potential use of metal detectors and other weapons screening equipment in schools.

A survey was launched late last month and closes after today (Wednesday). The survey asks whether you support the use of weapons screening equipment at all ACPS schools, just the middle and high schools, or none. The survey also offers some options to explain why they feel the new devices are or aren’t necessary.

After the School Board said in 2021 that metal detectors weren’t being considered at ACPS facilities, that changed after several incidents involving students with weapons at ACPS. Last month, the School Board voted to approve a pilot program installing weapon screening devices at Alexandria City High School (ACHS) and the city’s middle schools. The issue of weapons in schools resurfaced this week when a teacher confiscated a handgun from a student at ACHS’ Minnie Howard Campus.

While the School Board voted unanimously in favor of the security systems they said were necessary, ACHS senior and student representative Emily Milton said the new detection systems would not sit well with students.

“I feel like it’s a bad look for our school if we put them in there,” Milton said. “I feel more uncomfortable, honestly, having those in my school.”

📈 Tuesday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Mar 7, 2023.

1. Driver crashes into police cruiser and charged with DUI in Old Town (1918 views)
2. Large residential overhaul in Old Town clears bureaucratic hurdle | ALXnow (1869 views)
3. Notes: 14-year-old charged with possession of a firearm in Alexandria City High School incident (793 views)
4. Procession through Alexandria this Saturday will honor Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian Hricik (150 views)

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• DC Native Finds Niche In Getting NoVA Multifamily Units Move-In Ready
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• Samuel Madden Housing Redevelopment Moves Forward
  Alexandria Living (Tuesday @ 8:04 am)

🐦 Tweets of note

Watch for detours Tuesday and Wednesday as RiverRenew crews close a portion of Duke Street to accommodate Hooffs Run Interceptor construction. This closure will only impact the eastbound travel lane.

Learn more about work at this site: https://t.co/zyHJhX5Q7O pic.twitter.com/EyUDTZA8ED

— Alexandria Renew Enterprises (AlexRenew) (@AlexandriaRenew) March 6, 2023

Citywide street sweeping begins March 13. Be sure to check street signs in your area for "No Parking" restrictions. For more information, visit https://t.co/BCgt2QtRRv pic.twitter.com/1QnCmToX5f

— Alexandria Transportation & Environmental Services (@AlexandriaVATES) March 6, 2023

Tonight's Animal Benefit @LylesCrouch in support of @AlexAnimals and @kingstreetcats raised $8k! Our students learn to give back to their community as part of @ckschools as they build character in @ACPSk12. Thanks @lctapta for organizing this event. pic.twitter.com/OhMqODkZmH

— Patricia Zissios (@DrZissios) March 3, 2023

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

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