School Closing Order: What It Means For Alexandria Schools

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's new order closes K-12 schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year, Alexandria Public Schools is determining the next steps.

"Our staff is confident we can provide a continuity of learning for all students in ACPS," said Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. in a letter to families. "However, we need a few days to solidify those plans to make sure that our expectations are aligned with the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance and every student within our school division gets what they need."

The Virginia Department of Education's guidance is expected Tuesday. The state's guidance will include graduation requirements for seniors, high school credits, and continuity of learning that meets special education requirements.

In regard to testing, the Virginia Department of Education is preparing to request a testing waiver for Standards of Learning (SOL). The May International Baccalaureate (IB) exams are canceled, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams will switch from in-person exams to online free-response exams.

ACPS is offering multi-day meals on consolidated meal distribution days to promote social distancing. Effective March 23, two days worth of breakfast and lunch meals will be distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and one day worth will be distributed on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The locations include William Ramsay Elementary School, Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School and T.C. Williams High School. Meals are free for ACPS students, and no registration is required.

Hutchings will continue to hold daily video Q&A sessions regarding the new coronavirus, and families can find daily updates from ACPS Express. More information on the new coronavirus situation in Alexandria is available at www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.

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