ACPS | ALXnow - Part 11

Concerns over student privacy raised at Alexandria Schools-Police MOU hearing, School Board review tonight

Published May 29, 2025 at 9:45AM | Updated May 29, 2025 at 11:24AM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Alexandria City School Board held a public hearing on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and the Alexandria Police Department (APD) on Tuesday (May 27). The hearing focused on proposed revisions to the agreement that governs the relationship between schools and law enforcement, including the role of School Resource Officers (SROs).

Four speakers addressed the board during the sixteen-minute hearing, expressing concerns about specific provisions in the proposed MOU. The primary issues raised include student privacy, access to educational records, and procedures for questioning students.

News

PHOTOS: Alexandria City High School’s largest-ever class graduates at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena

By James Cullum

Published May 28, 2025 at 2:30PM | Updated May 29, 2025 at 1:38AM

Alexandria City High School's graduation at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena, May 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

It wasn’t just raining outside today. Tears of happiness streamed from students, parents, educators, and city leaders as 984 Alexandria City High School seniors graduated at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena. That’s the largest graduating class in ACHS history.

Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt told the students that now is the time for them to harness their potential, creativity, brilliance, and resilience.

News

City seeks public input on proposed King Street changes near Alexandria City High School

By ALXnow.com

Published May 26, 2025 at 2:16PM | Updated May 27, 2025 at 10:09AM

City to Host Open House on Access and Safety Improvements on King Street near the Alexandria City High School (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria wants to hear from you about proposed safety improvements near Alexandria City High School on King Street. They’re hosting an open house on June 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria at 3330 King St.

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is leading this effort to enhance safety and improve traffic flow in front of the school. Residents will have a chance to learn about current conditions and proposed changes and share their thoughts with the project team.

News

More than 130 parents sign letter protesting ACPS redistricting plans

By James Cullum

Published May 23, 2025 at 2:30PM

Triangle elementary school map (via ACPS)

More than 130 families from the MacArthur Elementary School community delivered a letter to the School Board this week opposing redistricting changes heading to the School Board for a final decision next month.

Keep Students Together, a new group dedicated to the issue, said that the proposals to “split the elementary school community” are speculative and rushed, and will disrupt kids who started their elementary school experiences during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: ACPS must act and do right by Patrick Henry

By Ruth H. Leiva

Published May 22, 2025 at 1:15PM

Redistricting Update: What We’ve Heard, What’s Changing, and What Comes Next

ALXnow has received the following Letter to the Editor from Ruth H. Leiva, a Landmark area resident and parent at Patrick Henry K-8 School. She writes to express deep concerns, shared by other families, teachers, and staff, regarding the ongoing Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) redistricting process and its potential impact on their West End community.

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed within this letter to the editor are those of the author and are not necessarily the views of ALXnow or its advertisers. Have an opinion that you’d like to share? Read more about speaking your mind through ALXnow Letter to the Editor here.

News

ACPS announces new partnership with NOVA for Health Sciences Academy

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 19, 2025 at 3:00PM

Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is teaming up with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to launch a Governor’s Health Sciences Academy (GHSA) in the 2025-26 school year.

This partnership will give students access to dual enrollment programs, industry certifications, and paths to associate degrees in high-demand healthcare fields.

News

ACPS superintendent, parent advocate, and two school PTAs recognized for outstanding advocacy and engagement

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 16, 2025 at 9:30AM

ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt speaks at the recognition of James K. Polk Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Sharon Phox as Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year, March 12, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is celebrating recent recognition from the Virginia Parent Teacher Association (Virginia PTA). Several community members and organizations received Impact Awards for their exceptional advocacy and engagement work.

The Virginia PTA has honored ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, parent and Alexandria Parent Teacher Association Council (PTAC) Vice President of Advocacy Maureen McNulty, and two school PTAs for their contributions to student success and family involvement.

News

ACPS staff won’t get 1% market rate adjustment due to budget shortfall

By James Cullum

Published May 15, 2025 at 4:06PM

George Mason Elementary School Principal Christopher Finan with students on the first day of school, August 21, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Facing a $3.25 million budget shortfall, Alexandria City Public Schools is planning on saving a good chunk of it by not giving staff a 1% market rate adjustment.

According to a budget memo, the school board will review the following at a work session tonight (May 15). In the memo, ACPS staff laid out the following budget adjustments before the Board approves the final FY 2026 Combined Funds (Operating, Grants & Special Projects, and School Nutrition Services) Budget:

News

George Mason Elementary School modernization plans heading to City Council

By James Cullum

Published May 14, 2025 at 2:30PM

George Mason Elementary School modernization rendering (via City of Alexandria)

After coasting through the Planning Commission, plans to modernize George Mason Elementary School are heading to City Council for this Saturday (May 17).

Alexandria City Public Schools is hoping to cut the ribbon on the new two-story building in the summer of 2027. The project will keep the original 1939 building, although ACPS plans to demolish a majority of the existing school and replace it with a two-story structure for a capacity of 670 students and 80 teachers and staff.

News

ACPS Nutrition Director named 2025 Mid-Atlantic Region Director of the Year by School Nutrition Association

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 13, 2025 at 10:00AM

Dr. Eric Coleman, director of school nutrition for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) (contributed photo)

Dr. Eric Coleman, director of school nutrition for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), has been named the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Region Director of the Year by the School Nutrition Association (SNA).

The SNA, a national non-profit, recognized Coleman for his work in managing school meal programs that feed students.

News

Residents voice concerns over school redistricting plans at first public hearing

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 12, 2025 at 8:00PM | Updated May 12, 2025 at 8:38PM

Public Hearing on Redistricting on May 12, 2025 (via ACPS Zoom)

Alexandria City Public Schools held its first public hearing on proposed redistricting changes on Monday (May 12).

The school board is considering three different plans to address capacity issues across the district.