News

Alexandria Superintendent clarifies ACPS’ immigration stance

By Vernon Miles
ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt delivers her fiscal year 2026 Combined Funds Budget to the Alexandria School Board, Jan. 23, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt made a small clarifying addendum to a message released last month about how the school division handles immigration concerns.

Last month, Kay-Wyatt sent a letter to community members saying all children have a right to attend ACPS schools regardless of the immigration status of the students or their families.  Kay-Wyatt also noted, though, that ACPS “is obligated to comply with all lawful orders and warrants from any law enforcement entity, including ICE.”

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Alexandria Planning Commission adds to criticism of School Board’s controversial PreK-8 conversion decision

By Vernon Miles
Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School at 1501 Cameron Street (via Jefferson-Houston/Facebook)

Alexandria’s Planning Commission threw its voice behind criticisms that Alexandria City Public Schools dropped the ball on the recent K-8 and PreK-8 school conversions controversy.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously last week in support of a letter concerning the George Mason Elementary School Modernization project and the Pre-K-8 School Capacity Planning Project, both of which faced scrutiny for lapses in public engagement.

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One day left to submit feedback on plans to fix Alexandria’s worst park

By Vernon Miles
John Ewald Park (image via RPCA)

For years, City reports have confirmed that John Ewald Park on Duke Street is in rough shape, but the ball started rolling last year on plans to revitalize the lackluster space.

A new survey posted by the City of Alexandria asks for public feedback on plans to transform the park. Proposed new additions include a second basketball court, picnic pavilion, parkour equipment and more.

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Alexandria issues reminder ahead of winter storm: you have 24-72 hours to clear snow from your sidewalk

By Vernon Miles
Plowing snow in Alexandria's West End, Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from the National Weather Service for a snow storm forecast to start this afternoon, but the City of Alexandria is warning residents not to wait too long before clearing snow off their sidewalks.

In an alert, the City of Alexandria reminded locals that they have between 24-72 hours to clear off the pavement adjacent to their property, depending on the severity of the snowfall.

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Notes: Alexandria City Public Schools renews Tutor.com partnership to offer students free tutoring

By ALXnow.com
Students learning at home during the COVID-19 shutdown (Photo via ACPS/Facebook)

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

❄️ Today’s weather: Snow is expected to begin mainly after 1pm with a high near 35 and calm winds shifting to southeast at 6 mph in the afternoon. There is a 90% chance of precipitation, with 1 to 3 inches of new snow possible. Expect more snow on Tuesday night with a low around 31, light and variable winds becoming northeast at 6 mph after midnight, and a 100% chance of precipitation. An additional 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation is possible.

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Alexandria City Public Schools will have half-day on Tuesday ahead of winter storm

By Vernon Miles
Cora Kelly Elementary School, 3600 Commonwealth Avenue, on Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced that the schools will have a half-day so students and staff can return home before an anticipated winter storm.

In a message sent out at 5:25 p.m. today (Monday), Kay-Wyatt wrote that schools will dismiss around noon before the storm hits. It’s estimated Alexandria could see as much as 4-6 inches of snow.

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Cast your vote for the upcoming ‘Heart of Del Ray’ award!

By Vernon Miles
Winners of the 2024 Heart of Del Ray awards (image via Visit Del Ray/Facebook)

Five Del Ray businesses are shortlisted finalists for the neighborhood’s coveted Heart of Del Ray award to be given this Friday, Valentine’s Day.

The Del Ray Business Association gives the annual award. Anyone can cast a vote for their business of choice here.

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Alexandria ranks higher than average in Virginia for STIs and rates are still swelling

By Vernon Miles
Couple on a date at a restaurant (Photo by René Ranisch on Unsplash)

Add a new ranking to Alexandria’s accolades: it ranks significantly higher than average in Virginia and Northern Virginia specifically for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The increase reflects a national trend of STI cases climbing in recent years, but the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) said the City ranks above the state and regional average in gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis cases.

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Mixed-use building in Old Town sells for $38 million

By Vernon Miles
421 King Street (image via Google Maps)

A large mixed-use building in Old Town was sold last week for $38.85 million, Washington Business Journal first reported.

The sale is of Tavern Square, a building consisting of 421 King, 123 N Pitt, and 110 and 132 N Royal Streets, which occupies a full city block in Old Town Alexandria. The 171,738-square-foot property contains a mix of retail and office uses. The release notes the building was renovated back in 2019 to add a fitness center, a new conference center and more.

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Winter Storm Watch issued ahead of Tuesday snow

By Vernon Miles
A City of Alexandria marker in Arlandria, Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

While it’s mostly clear blue skies today, the forecast calls for a couple inches of snow tomorrow afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Alexandria and other nearby localities. Snow is expected to start tomorrow afternoon and continue through Wednesday.

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