Alexandria City Public Schools

Teenager allegedly breaks into two Alexandria schools and posts about it on Instagram

Published August 29, 2024 at 10:30AM

A photo allegedly taken by a juvenile suspect inside Cora Kelly Elementary School at 2 a.m. on Aug. 3 and posted on Instagram (via Instagram)

A male juvenile in his early teens faces numerous charges after allegedly breaking into two Alexandria elementary schools and stealing equipment. The teenage suspect also posted pictures from inside one of the schools at 2 a.m. on Instagram, as well as a picture of a laptop computer belonging to the principal of Cora Kelly Elementary School.

The first incident occurred at Charles Barrett Elementary School (1115 Martha Custis Drive) on the afternoon of Friday, July 12. Security footage revealed a juvenile suspect enter the school main office at around 3:55 p.m. and pick up a portable speaker and take a photo of it, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

News

Charles Barrett Elementary School evacuated due to reports of smoke

By James Cullum and Vernon Miles

Published August 27, 2024 at 11:50AM | Updated August 27, 2024 at 12:16PM

Alexandria Fire Department at Charles Barrett Elementary School (staff photo by James Cullum)

Charles Barrett Elementary School in Arlandria evacuated earlier today due to smoke in the building, according to scanner traffic.

Around 11:26 a.m., the school was evacuated due to reports of smoke in the building. Around noon, the school was cleared for students to return to classes.

News

Alexandria City High School briefly evacuated due to fire alarm

By Vernon Miles and James Cullum

Published August 22, 2024 at 2:40PM

ACHS (staff photo by James Cullum)

In what’s become an annual tradition at this point, the first week of school at Alexandria City High School was disrupted with a fire alarm.

Students were evacuated from the school a little after 2 p.m. today (Thursday). Students returned to the school less than 30 minutes later as the Alexandria Fire Department confirmed there was no danger.

News

Cora Kelly School kicks off school year with new principal

By Vernon Miles

Published August 22, 2024 at 2:00PM

Cora Kelly Principal Molly McCabe (photo via ACPS)

Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology has a new principal to usher in the new school year.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) announced earlier this month that Molly McCabe will be stepping into the shoes of Jasibi Crews, ACPS’ Principal of the Year last year who left at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

News

ACPS needs 40 volunteers to craft their five-year strategic plan

By James Cullum

Published August 22, 2024 at 10:55AM

Graduates at Alexandria City High School's graduation at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena, June 3, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools is looking for 40 diverse residents to help craft the direction for the school system over the next five years.

During that time, the School Board and ACPS staff will be directed to focus their attention and resources on the five-year strategic plan that this group will mold into shape.

News

How do Virginia’s new phones-in-schools guidelines line up with Alexandria’s policy?

By Vernon Miles

Published August 16, 2024 at 1:45PM

People on smartphones (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Ahead of the start of the school year, the Virginia Department of Education has released a draft of new guidelines for restricting student cell phone use, though for the most part this aligns with the pre-existing cellphone policy in Alexandria schools.

Alexandria City Public Schools approved regulations governing cell phone use in schools last year, effective for the 2023-2024 school year.

News

School zone speed camera enforcement starts next week in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published August 12, 2024 at 2:50PM

Speed cameras (via ACPS)

The City of Alexandria’s speed cameras in school zones will start issuing tickets again starting with the beginning of the school year next week.

Enforcement is scheduled to kick off on Monday, Aug. 19.

News

Alexandria City High School still has ‘a dozen vacancies’ ahead of school year’s start

By Vernon Miles

Published August 9, 2024 at 12:45PM | Updated August 12, 2024 at 11:02AM

At the ribbon cutting for Alexandria City High School's Minnie Howard Campus, May 29, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The school year starts on Monday, Aug. 19, and Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is still hoping to fill vacancies at Alexandria City High School (ACHS) before students return.

Executive Director of Human Resources Kamika Valmond said there are “a dozen” vacancies at the school.

News

ACPS says all families of students at Alexandria City High School and other schools eligible for free breakfast and lunch this year

By Vernon Miles

Published August 2, 2024 at 3:00PM

The Alexandria City High School marquee (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) confirmed to ALXnow that families of any student at several schools will be provided breakfast and lunch for free.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a ‘non-pricing meal service option’ for schools in low-income areas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. The website said that all students enrolled at the school can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost without the need to apply. The schools are reimbursed based on the percentage of students eligible for free meals based on other programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

News

Alexandria School Board Members want a raise

By James Cullum

Published July 22, 2024 at 11:05AM | Updated July 22, 2024 at 1:04PM

ACPS headquarters and clock (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

It’s no secret that being a member of the Alexandria School Board is stressful work with little financial reward. Now, a number of School Board Members want that to change.

Outgoing Board Member Tammy Ignacio isn’t seeking reelection but wants future School Boards to get higher pay.

News

Alexandria City Public Schools launches backpack and school supply drive for students in need

By Vernon Miles

Published July 12, 2024 at 10:55AM

The first day at school at George Mason Elementary School, Aug. 21, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

As families around Alexandria get ready for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is hoping for some help from the community to make life a little easier for some students and parents.

ACPS is running its 2024 Backpack and School Supply Drive with donors able to purchase backpacks and supplies for students from a wishlist or via direct donations.