Melanie Kay-Wyatt | ALXnow

Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School could reopen next week after lead exposure

Published October 2, 2024 at 9:00AM

Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School (image via Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School/Facebook)

Alexandria City Public Schools is working to reopen Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School by next Monday (Oct. 7) — a week-and-a-half after the school closed due to a lead exposure.

ACPS staff are deep-cleaning the entire school (at 600 Russell Road) after an environmental contractor found lead particles last Thursday (Sept. 27) in a kindergarten classroom, a fourth grade classroom, the school clinic and the main office. The school closed the following day, and students and staff transitioned to remote learning.

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Hundreds of kids get free books at Washington Commanders event in Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published September 26, 2024 at 2:30PM

The Washington Commanders Read program visited Mount Vernon Community School, Sept. 26, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Hundreds of students at Mount Vernon Community School got free books and a surprise visit from the Washington Commanders.

Former Commanders cornerback Fred Smoot and wide receiver Josh Morgan (who played back when the team was still the Redskins) were joined at the event by Commanders cheerleaders and mascot Major Tuddy in energizing the kids, and handed out the books.

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Olympic champ Noah Lyles welcomed back home in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published September 22, 2024 at 7:11PM

Olympic champ Noah Lyles returns home to Alexandria City High School, Sept. 22, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Olympic champion Noah Lyles received a hero’s welcome back home in Alexandria today.

The 27-year-old was greeted by city and school leaders, as well as hundreds of cheering fans at his alma mater, Alexandria City High School.

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These three concepts for George Mason Elementary School going to Alexandria School Board

By James Cullum

Published September 17, 2024 at 9:10AM

The three proposed concepts for the new George Mason Elementary School (via ACPS)

Three conceptual designs for George Mason Elementary School will be unveiled Thursday and the School Board will have a little more than a month before endorsing a plan.

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Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill gives 200 backpacks to kids at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School

By James Cullum

Published August 23, 2024 at 1:45PM

Washington Wizards Forward Anthony Gill at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, Aug. 23, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill handed out 200 stuffed backpacks to fourth and fifth graders at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School in Alexandria’s West End this afternoon.

The event is one of many from team owner Monumental Sports and Entertainment was part of a regional giveaway at schools in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. In Alexandria, the students at Tucker also received a free book from MahoganyBooks, a Wizards t-shirt, and an autographed card.

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Months after autistic 4-year-old ran away, Jefferson-Houston Elementary School administrators returning to work

By James Cullum

Published June 27, 2024 at 2:30PM

Brianna Davis-Suggs was reunited with her daughter, four-year-old Riley, who walked away from Jefferson Houston Elementary School on March 19, 2024 (courtesy photo)

The head of school and academic principal at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School are returning to work after four months of forced leave after an autistic four-year-old student walked away from the school and was found walking barefoot in the middle of the street near the King St. Metro station.

In a letter this week to Jefferson-Houston parents and staff, head of school John McCain thanked administrators PreeAnn Johnson and Julia Neufer for “serving as the acting leadership team and providing consistency for our community.”

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PHOTOS: More than 800 Alexandria City High School seniors graduate at GMU’s EagleBank Arena

By James Cullum

Published June 1, 2024 at 2:50PM | Updated June 27, 2024 at 12:45AM

ACHS graduate Torenzo Ricks hugs executive principal Alexander Duncan III onstage at GMU's EagleBank Arena, June 1, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

More than 800 Alexandria City High School students walked the stage at today’s graduation at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena.

ACHS executive principal Alexander Duncan III said that the day marked a defining moment in the lives of the 841 graduates.

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Ribbon cutting at Alexandria City High School’s new Minnie Howard Campus is next week

By James Cullum

Published May 23, 2024 at 10:45AM | Updated May 28, 2024 at 12:02PM

The new Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus (via Justin Wilson/Facebook)

Alexandria leaders will cut the ribbon on the Alexandria City High School’s five-story, $190 million Minnie Howard Campus next week.

The new 343,000-square foot facility at 3801 W. Braddock Road doubles the capacity of its 1950’s-era predecessor, and can hold 1,600 students. Construction started two years ago, and the new facility will open for students on the first day of the next school year, August 19, according to Alexandria City Public Schools.

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ACPS budget with staff raises goes into final stages after nod from City Council

By James Cullum

Published May 6, 2024 at 3:50PM

School buses on W. Braddock Road on Dec. 10, 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Staff raises and market rate adjustments are a few of the proposed highlights after Alexandria City Public Schools got the green light last week by City Council to add $273.03 million to its combined funds budget.

The $14.3 million increase over the current ACPS budget comes at considerable cost to the taxpayer, as last week City Council approved a 2.5-cent tax increase to pay for it and other city services.

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Alexandria City High School teacher Eva Irwin wins $25,000 Milken Educator Award

By James Cullum

Published March 19, 2024 at 3:45PM

Alexandria City High School teacher Eva Irwin wins the $25,000 Milken Educator Award, March 19, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City High School English teacher Eva Irwin was at a loss for words when her name was called and the packed gymnasium erupted in applause.

This afternoon at a school assembly, Irwin was recognized as a top-tier teacher and surprised with the $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

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PHOTOS: Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard Campus nears ‘substantial completion’

By James Cullum

Published March 18, 2024 at 2:45PM

The swimming pool at Alexandria City High School's Minnie Howard Campus (via ACPS)

The final touches are being made to Alexandria City High School’s expansion of its Minnie Howard Campus.

The five-story, $174 million high school project is on-budget and on-track for “substantial completion this spring,” according to an Alexandria City Public School staff report that will be presented to the School Board on Thursday.