First Day Of School 2021: See Photos From Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Schools in Alexandria welcomed students back for the 2021-2022 school year Tuesday.

Alexandria City Public Schools is starting the school year with five days of in-person learning per week and a virtual option through Virtual Virginia. Most ACPS students returned to school on Tuesday, while Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School students began on Aug. 9.

Masks are required inside ACPS facilities and vehicles regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required when eating in the cafeteria and outside with proper distancing. Other mitigation measures include a daily online health screening, temperature checks, enhanced cleaning and air purifiers. Families and staff will be notified of a positive COVID-19 case at the school, and those identified as close contacts will get further direction.

Last week, the City of Alexandria and ACPS jointly announced a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for city government and ACPS employees. Employees who do not provide documentation of vaccination will be asked to get weekly COVID-19 testing.

Patch asked readers in Alexandria to share photos of their students returning to school. If you'd like to see your students' photo published, email photos with names, schools and other relevant information to Emily.Leayman@patch.com.

Below are some photos providing a snapshot of the first day.

Ryan Shaw is entering second grade at Mount Vernon Community School

Jacob Lawrence, 5, celebrates the first day of kindergarten at Charles Barrett Elementary with his pup Baby Tuna

Josie Hart starts senior year at Alexandria City High School

Among the students returning to school were the mayor's own kids.