ACPS | ALXnow - Part 62

Morning Notes

Published June 1, 2020 at 9:00AM

Enjoying the weather and outside seating on lower King Street in Old Town. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Sheriff Makes Statement on Death of George Floyd — “This event is a tragic reminder that we, as a law enforcement officers, must do more to hold each other to the high standard of conduct that is expected and demanded by those we serve. We cannot stand by and remain silent when unacceptable conduct by our peers occurs, no matter how minor or major it is. We must be better for ourselves and our community as lives depend on it.” [City of Alexandria]

Beyer Says Trump Unfit for Office — “The President is inciting violence against the journalists who are showing everyone what is happening at significant personal risk, and against Americans broadly. Trump is unfit for office, and his divisive words make this situation more dangerous.” [Twitter]

News

Superintendent: ACPS Struggling to Reach Students Through Online Learning

By Vernon Miles

Published May 29, 2020 at 3:35PM

Many teachers in Alexandria public schools are finding that students have not been as engaged in the learning from home process as many would have hoped, according to Superintendent Gregory Hutchings.

In an ACPS survey of families, students and staff, over half of the teachers said that they were having difficulty getting their students to participate in online learning. The results come as the school system recently unveiled its summer learning program.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 29, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated May 29, 2020 at 9:21AM

Sen. Kaine and Wife Anne Holton Test Positive for Coronavirus Antibodies — “After testing positive for the flu earlier in the year, the state’s junior senator said in a statement he experienced new symptoms in late March. He initially thought the symptoms were flu remnants and a reaction to a high pollen count. But when his wife developed fever and chills, then congestion and a cough, they went to health providers in early April.” [Patch]

Police Chase Ends With Suspect Falling 25 Feet Off Beltway — “A man behind the wheel of what Virginia State Police thought was a stolen Ford Expedition rammed two police vehicles on the Capital Beltway, lost control, slammed into a Jersey Wall and then ran across the interstate, jumped over another wall and fell 25 feet Wednesday night.” [WTOP]

News

ACPS Announces Mandatory Summer Learning to Combat COVID-19 Academic Loss

By Vernon Miles

Published May 26, 2020 at 3:30PM

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

For Alexandria City Public Schools students this year, summer school is not exactly optional.

ACPS announced last week that students will be expected to participate in a summer learning program to compensate for time lost in classrooms in the latter half of the 2019-2020 academic year. Parents who do not want their children to participate will be required to submit a form explaining why they want to opt-out of the summer program.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 22, 2020 at 9:00AM

Uncertainty Lingers for Furloughed Alexandrians — “When Joy Phansond was furloughed from her job as sales coordinator at the Holiday Inn in Old Town, the temporary layoff was initially supposed to last until April 5. Then it was extended to May 5. Then it was extended again until June 5.” [Gazette]

Cinema Del Ray Canceled Due to Coronavirus — “Due to COVID-19, we must ensure the safety of our fellow community members by canceling Cinema Del Ray 2020. We greatly appreciate the support Cinema Del Ray has been shown in the past. We will be back next year, better than ever!” [Facebook]

News

Parents Donate Thousands to Restore GW Middle School Exterior

By Vernon Miles

Published May 21, 2020 at 4:30PM

George Washington Middle School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The George Washington Middle School Parent Teacher Association is donating $9,000 to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) to help restore the exterior grounds of the school.

A memo regarding the donation said last December a community member approached ACPS about starting a fundraiser to help restore some of the outdoor learning space at the school. The GW PTA donated a total of $9,000 on May 13. Any donations above $2,500 must be approved the School Board, which is scheduled to review the donation at tomorrow’s meeting.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 21, 2020 at 9:00AM

City Urges Residents to Use Caution Outside — “The City and the Alexandria Health Department urge everyone to follow Governor Northam’s order to #stayhome except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care, and maintain physical distancing when possible.” [Twitter]

Beyer Lashes Out Against Senate Republicans — “Senate Republicans are refusing to consider more help for the American people during pandemic. Instead they are now prioritizing investigations of the President’s political rivals. They previously said they didn’t have time to hear from witnesses during the impeachment trial.” [Twitter]

News

Here’s What Volunteer Alexandria Needs Right Now

By James Cullum

Published May 20, 2020 at 4:30PM

ALIVE! gave out 13,000 pounds of food Saturday, and much of it was transported to a distribution point by DASH buses. The nonprofit is asking for donations in this year's Spring2ACTion event on April 28. (Photo via DASH/Facebook)

Mask makers, translators and grocery bag packers are just a few of the opportunities that Volunteer Alexandria has identified around the city.

“Every week, we need more than 100 volunteers to help our community to help people in need,” Volunteer Alexandria Executive Director Marion Brunken told ALXnow.

News

ACPS Celebrates Annual Awards from Home, Outlines Further Graduation Plans

By Vernon Miles

Published May 20, 2020 at 3:15PM

With schools being closed for the duration of the school year and Alexandria still in lockdown until the end of May, Alexandria City Public Schools highlighted the annual faculty awards in an online post celebrating the support staff, teacher, and principal of the year.

ACPS announced the winners on Monday, May 18.

News

Special Masonic Temple Lighting Planned to Celebrate T.C. Graduates

By Vernon Miles

Published May 19, 2020 at 5:15PM

While T.C. Williams High School students aren’t gathering in-person to celebrate graduation, local celebrations are being held including a special lighting of the George Washington Masonic Temple.

“On Saturday, June 13, 2020, we encourage all residents of the most wonderful City of Alexandria to light up their homes in red, white and blue to support the graduating Class of 2020 from T.C. Williams High School,” Principal Peter Balas said in a newsletter. “I am excited to announce that the George Washington Masonic Temple will be illuminated in red, white and blue on June 13 in recognition of our graduates. Let’s light up the whole city!”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 19, 2020 at 9:00AM

City Helps World Central Kitchen Give Out 1,250 Meals — “On May 14, City staff and volunteers distributed 1,250 hot meals to 350 families in the third food distribution organized in Alexandria by World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit food distribution organization founded by chef José Andrés. Local nonprofit ALIVE! also distributed 800 pounds of food at the event. This food distribution will take place again at Casa Chirilagua on May 21 and Ramsay Elementary School on May 28.” [City of Alexandria]

10,000 Maniacs Show at The Birchmere Rescheduled to November — “his show has been RESCHEDULED AGAIN, now for Friday November 20, 2020! All 3/20/20 & 5/31/20 tickets will be honored on the new date. Refunds available through Ticketmaster if you cannot attend the new date. If you purchased at The Birchmere Box Office, please hold on to your tickets until we reopen. Tickets for 11/20/20 on sale now!” [Birchmere]