ACPS | ALXnow - Part 59

ACPS Still Working Through Nuts and Bolts of Child Care and Virtual Schooling

Published August 12, 2020 at 4:45PM

ACPS headquarters and clock (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Most of Alexandria’s students will not be going back to in-person schooling, but many parents likely will be going back to work, which leaves some local parents figuring out how to provide care for their children during the day.

As part of the Virtual PLUS+ program approved by the School Board, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has committed to providing child care for families in need. Following on the way programs were handled this summer, that could entail prioritizing spots to families most in need.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 10, 2020 at 9:00AM

Levine Says Murder Suspect Should Have Stayed Behind Bars — “Simply put, I think the judge made a tragically wrong decision here.” [Blue Virginia]

Lynching Victim Honored in Old Town — “121 years to the day after a mob lynched young Benjamin Thomas, the successor of the Mayor who made a half-hearted plea for due process and the successor of the “City Sergeant” (@AlexVASheriff) who failed to project Benjamin, stood at the corner and laid wreaths in his memory.” [Twitter]

News

ACPS to Cut Down 150-Year-Old Tree This Month to Make Way for Concession Stand

By James Cullum

Published August 4, 2020 at 2:00PM

A 150-year-old tree was cut down on the grounds of T.C. Williams High School so that a new concession stand can go in its place. (Image via Boyd Walker)

Activist Paul Alan Friedman has talked with the contractor, who told him that the tree will be taken down in August.

“The concession stand project is budgeted at $5 million, as I understand it,” Friedman said. “If you can afford to spend five million on a project like this, you can afford to save the tree. We don’t blame the contractor, but this is about putting pressure on the school board to change their approach. It’s the fault of the people making the policy.”

News

ALXnow’s Top Stories This Week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published July 31, 2020 at 4:30PM

It was another busy week in Alexandria.

Our readers overwhelmingly responded to Sunday’s protest at the Alexandria home of acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, and the story has more than 380 comments. This week also saw its first homicide, which occurred in the West End, in addition to a number of crime events in the Braddock area.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 31, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated July 31, 2020 at 11:42AM

ACPS Releasing Decision on School Year Today — “n many ways, Friday’s announcement will be just the beginning. Once the Virginia Department of Education approves our proposal that we are required to submit by Aug. 14, our hard work continues as we begin to prepare for implementation of our reopening plan. The week of Aug. 14, we will be sharing schedules, curriculum and expectations for both staff and students. I understand that you need information to plan for your lives and I understand that school is central to that process. ” [ACPS]

COVID-19 Cases Increase by 20 — “Positive tests up 20 to 2,779 in the City; 7-day Positivity Rate down to 5.3%; 0 new hospitalizations; New testing event held; Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]

News

ACPS Engages With Students on Logistical Challenges and Fall Expectations

By Vernon Miles

Published July 29, 2020 at 3:00PM

Alexandria City Public Schools promised a group of students inquiring about the upcoming school year that the new format will be smoother and more accessible than the spring and summer classes, whether that’s online-only or a hybrid model.

In a virtual Q&A session, school administrators spoke to elementary, middle and high schoolers about what they can expect in the upcoming school year.

News

Save the Tree Petition at T.C. Williams High School Garners Nearly 1,000 Signatures

By James Cullum

Published July 29, 2020 at 10:15AM

A 150-year-old tree was cut down on the grounds of T.C. Williams High School so that a new concession stand can go in its place. (Image via Boyd Walker)

“Some Alexandria citizens have already stepped up to say they will protect the tree, some even going so far as to say they will chain themselves to it,” notes the Change.org petition. “Let us show them our support and tell the city and school board NO to killing this tree.”

The tree was reportedly supposed to be cut down last week, but is still standing. ACPS did not respond to ALXnow’s calls for comment on the situation, and if it is possible to scuttle plans to cut it down.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 28, 2020 at 9:00AM

Exercising near the closed Potomac River Generating Station in Alexandria near the Potomac River (staff photo by James Cullum)

Mayor Says Heroes Act Ignores Local Government — “The Heroes Act, adopted by the House of Representatives included $89.6M in funding for Alexandria, which nearly replaced the revenue we are projected to lose this year. The bill released in the Senate tonight doesn’t even mention local government. They cannot be serious.” [Twitter]

ACPS Hosting Reopening Chats Today — “School Board Representatives, Lorraine Johnson and Ashley Sanchez-Viafara (both seniors), to lead Student-focused Reopening Community Chats.” [ACPS]

News

Memorial Walkway Planned to Commemorate 100 Year Anniversary of Parker-Gray High School

By James Cullum

Published July 24, 2020 at 10:25AM | Updated July 24, 2020 at 11:00AM

Alexandria’s Parker-Gray High School might be gone, but a new effort is underway to make sure it isn’t forgotten. To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of city’s former Blacks-only high school, a memorial walkway has been planned to grace the Alexandria African-American Hall of Fame at the former school site — now at Charles Houston Recreation Center.

Supporters can buy bricks that will be placed in the walkway outside Charles Houston to memorialize the students, parents and teachers who attended the school until it closed in 1979. The bricks range in price from $100 to $225 and support the Capital Youth Empowerment Program.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 23, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated July 23, 2020 at 10:31AM

View of the U.S. Capitol from Rivergate City Park along the Potomac River in Alexandria. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Longtime Beverly Hills Resident Marilyn Whitehurst Dies — “Sweet, beautiful, kind, funny, and thoughtful with your contagious laugh, charming and unforgettable Southern accent, and always a twinkle in your eye, you will be dearly missed by all, Marilyn. Loved all the times you and the other Saints mom came to the Vineyard. Rest In Peace my dear friend.” [Facebook]

COVID-19 Cases Increase by 36 — “Positive tests up 36 to 2,618 in the City… Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]

News

ACPS Still Undecided on Schools Reopening in the Fall

By Vernon Miles

Published July 22, 2020 at 10:30AM | Updated July 22, 2020 at 10:54AM

ACPS headquarters and clock (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

With Fairfax and Arlington’s school systems both announcing that they will be going fully digital in the fall, many parents are turning their attention to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) to see if they’ll follow suite.

Superintendent Gregory Hutchings’ answer: ACPS still doesn’t know.