Express Newsletter

As the 2022-23 academic year draws to a close this month, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt addresses the school community in her monthly video message

Alexandria City Public Schools is excited to announce that Jeanette Vinson has been selected as the new principal at George Washington Middle School.

The Alexandria City School Board approved a motion during its meeting on June 1, 2023, for final adoption of the Alexandria City Public Schools  Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Combined Funds Budget of $361.9 million and Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) of $51.3 million. 

Alexandria City High School celebrates the Titans Class of 2023 with its graduation ceremony on Sat., June 3, 2023, at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is observed on Fri., June 2, 2023, and it kicks off Wear Orange weekend on June 3-4.

The CivicTREK Showcase celebrated Alexandria City Public Schools students and teachers as they shared their projects and reflected on the project-based learning experience at the May 24, 2023 event at George Washington Middle School.

Public comment is requested as the English Standards of Learning (SOL), adopted in 2017, are scheduled for review in 2023-24.

Alexandria City Public Schools asks stakeholders to share their feedback and comments about the Student Code of Conduct through June 16, 2023. 

In order to better understand and serve you, we kindly ask that you share your thoughts via an online survey by June 11, 2023.

The Alexandria City School Board conducted a public hearing before the start of its June 1, 2023, Board meeting to hear from stakeholders on the use of ESSER III funds in Alexandria City Public Schools.

At the May 4, 2023, Alexandria City School Board meeting, the School Board announced that Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt will serve as the new permanent superintendent for Alexandria City Public Schools, effective July 1, 2023.

Alexandria City Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt discusses mental and physical health in her monthly address to the community.

This month’s Supe’s Spotlight puts the focus on volunteerism as Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt visits Volunteer Alexandria and reflects on how the act of giving makes a difference in our school community.

Enjoy our inspiring video that features elementary, middle and high school students sharing their career goals and the women who are supporting their professional growth.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt addresses the impact of women in our history and speaks to various other recognitions within Alexandria City Public Schools this month.

The Alexandria City School Board voted at its Feb. 16, 2023, meeting to approve the Combined Funds Budget for the 2023-24 school year of $359.9 million for Alexandria City Public Schools.

The focus is on equity in February’s Supe’s Spotlight as we celebrate Black History Month, mark 100 days in school and open our third annual Equity for All Climate Survey. 

The consultant has provided the Alexandria City School Board with a report they prepared on the stakeholder feedback they have gathered from the ACPS community.

Alexandria City Public Schools stakeholders have an extended opportunity — through Sun., Jan. 15, 2023 — to provide their input in an intensive search for a new superintendent.

Alexandria City Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt delivers her first Supe’s Spotlight of the new year, taking a look at all the recognitions ACPS has planned for January.

Your feedback will be encouraged and considered as we embark on the task of selecting the next superintendent to lead our ACPS community.

In the December Supe’s Spotlight, ACPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt addresses wellness ahead of Winter Break. Dr. Kay-Wyatt also shares resources that families can benefit from during the break.

Family Engagement Month takes the spotlight as ACPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt offers her insight on the benefits of family engagement in education.

The October Supe’s Spotlight with ACPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month.

As the new school year gets underway, Supe’s Spotlight continues with Alexandria City Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. 

Our video from the first days of school captured just some of the excitement from across the division as Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, interim superintendent as of Sept. 1, 2022, and other division leaders visited all schools to greet students and staff.

Alexandria City Public Schools Chief of Human Resources Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, who will serve as interim superintendent as of Sept. 1, 2022, shares some welcoming words for the new school year.

Alexandria City High School students are in the spotlight this month. Our May recognition article highlights achievements, recognitions and post-graduation plans.

The Alexandria PTA Council honored its 2023 Golden Apple Awards recipients during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023.

Alexandria City Public Schools celebrated the dedication of our educators during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023.

With graduation only weeks away, Alexandria City Public Schools is proud to recognize our students’ achievements as they prepare for their future.

School Communicators Day on May 12, 2023, celebrates our dedicated staff who ensure our families, staff and community can access information on critical issues.

National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023, focuses on the impact our Alexandria City Public Schools educators have on every child’s future.

The Alexandria City School Board celebrated academic leadership in Alexandria City Public Schools at its May 4, 2023, meeting.

Real life superheroes can be found in Alexandria City Public Schools cafeterias, and the division is rallying around our staff as we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 5, 2023.

Mount Vernon Community School Principal Dr. Liza Burrell-Aldana has been named the 2022-23 Principal of the Year by both Alexandria City Public Schools and The Washington Post!

The 2022-23 Alexandria City Public Schools Teacher of the Year is Nathan Hershberger. He currently teaches fifth grade math, science and social studies at George Mason Elementary School.

We are so proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our Alexandria City Public Schools students and staff over the past month in our April recognitions column.

Administrative professionals in Alexandria City Public Schools are a vital force serving the division each and every day.

Alexandria City Public Schools serves a linguistically and culturally diverse community, with students speaking 121 languages and representing 118 countries.

National Arab American Heritage Month celebrates the immeasurable contributions of Arab Americans to our nation and our community.

Our amazing volunteers provide added support to the school division, individual schools and — most importantly — our students.

Our assistant principals play a crucial role in ensuring positive values for teaching and learning and we recognize their commitment to our students and schools.

The Alexandria PTA Council Golden Apple Awards are given to educators who excel at family engagement. Take the time to nominate a teacher by Fri., April 21, 2023.

The Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners are Tasnia Rahman (William Ramsay Elementary School), Honey Lopez (Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School) and Sarah McBurney (Alexandria City High School).

The achievements of our students and staff are featured each month. Just a few of our division’s accomplishments are included in the March recognitions article!

Alexandria City High School students won the Barbara Johns Youth Award for Human Relations and Civil Rights, documenting their experience as part of the Alexandria Community Remembrance Project.

Alexandria City Public Schools is proud to announce the 2022-23 Vision, Integrity and Passion employee recognition award winners in the category of support staff.

Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week was a huge success. The highlight of the week-long celebration was special event at Patrick Henry K-8 School.

Celebrating our second annual Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week is our way of saying thank you to those who give their all in supporting our community every day.

Northern Virginia Magazine is now accepting nominations for this prestigious annual award and urges the Alexandria City Public Schools community to submit nominations.

Twenty Alexandria City Public Schools teachers have been awarded new or renewed National Board Certification (NBCT) in 2022.

Public Schools Week, Feb. 27 - March 3, 2023, brings together families, educators and community members to cast light on the value of public education.

The milestone 100th day of school was celebrated in 17 of Alexandria City Public Schools on Feb. 13, 2023.

The public service of the Alexandria City School Board and its staff are recognized in February.

We are excited to highlight some of the many activities and accomplishments achieved every day in Alexandria City Public Schools.

Alexandria City Public Schools is proud to announce the recipients of the second annual VIP employee recognition awards for the licensed specialists category.

The Kick! coffee shop provides an uplifting opportunity for students with disabilities in the City-Wide program to get hands-on work experience as they hone their skills.

The Virginia Safe Routes to School Program wants to celebrate crossing guards who make a difference in our communities.

The culinary arts students at Alexandria City High School created gingerbread houses to raise funds for The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.

The Alexandria City High School girls’ volleyball team made history on Nov. 19, 2022, winning the 2022 Volleyball State Championship in a 3-2 game against defending champion Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School.

ACPS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tue., Nov. 29, 2022, to mark the opening of the new Family and Community Engagement Center on the sixth floor of Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School.

Alexandria City Public Schools proudly celebrates the accomplishments of its staff and students this November as we highlight several achievements.

Alexandria City Public Schools is proud to announce the Vision, Integrity and Passion award winners in the category of transportation, nutrition services and building engineers.

The City of Alexandria is formally recognizing 2016 Titan graduates and track and field champions Noah and Josephus Lyles.

Each year, ACPS participates in The Washington Post Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year Awards, which recognizes excellence in education in the region.

The National School Public Relations Association announced the appointment of Alexandria City Public Schools Chief of School and Community Relations Julia Burgos to its Executive Board.

EVERFI Empowered Seal Recipient • Five Cafeteria Staff Named School Lunch Heroes • National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist at ACHS

ACHS Teacher Teresa Chavis — Virginia Association of Marketing Educators 2022 Teacher of the Year • ACHS Minnie Howard Student Jammica Reindorf — AVID Summer Institute/Paths student speaker
 

The Mental Health Matters Club at Alexandria City High School helps students improve their well-being by encouraging conversations about mental health.

The Miracle League of Alexandria shares the physical and socio-emotional benefits of playing baseball by providing an opportunity for youth and adults to step up to the plate. 

The Alexandria PTA Council honored its 2023 Golden Apple Awards recipients during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023.

We are highlighting our partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Child and Family Behavioral Health Services — which provides school-based therapists at several division schools — during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s annual day of giving, was a fundraising success. The robust response for the online event helps support nonprofit organizations in Alexandria.

In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, 2023, Alexandria City Public Schools is celebrating its partnership with UpCycle Creative Reuse Center this month. UpCycle connects art and the environment through the creative reuse of materials. 

Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s annual day of giving, is just days away!

Our amazing volunteers provide added support to the school division, individual schools and — most importantly — our students.

On April 26, 2023, everyone is invited to participate in this 24-hour online event, which celebrates and supports the nonprofits in Alexandria that enrich the community.

The Alexandria PTA Council Golden Apple Awards are given to educators who excel at family engagement. Take the time to nominate a teacher by Fri., April 21, 2023.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for April. Find out when the Alexandria City Public Schools Community Outreach team will be in your neighborhood!

The Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners are Tasnia Rahman (William Ramsay Elementary School), Honey Lopez (Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School) and Sarah McBurney (Alexandria City High School).

In response to the theme “show your voice,” 129 students from 14 Alexandria City Public Schools created original works of art in all available categories.

Nominate a teacher for the 2023 Alexandria PTA Council Golden Apple Award by April 21, 2023.

Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week was a huge success. The highlight of the week-long celebration was special event at Patrick Henry K-8 School.

Girls on the Run Northern Virginia encourages Alexandria City Public Schools students to recognize their individual strengths and celebrate their connections with others through dynamic, interactive lessons and physical activity.

A school social worker determined to help families facing food insecurity turned her vision into reality by launching a food pantry at George Mason Elementary School.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria has become a trusted advocate for the Alexandria City Public Schools educational community.

The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria provides the means for Alexandria City Public Schools students to achieve their post-secondary goals.

Building Momentum is a key community partner for Alexandria City Public Schools that encourages the application of classroom concepts in real world challenges for ACPS students.

The culinary arts students at Alexandria City High School created gingerbread houses to raise funds for The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.

Among the local food resource organizations serving Alexandria is ALIVE!, which has been addressing the needs of approximately 4,000 households monthly.

This month, we spotlight our school Parent-Teacher Associations and Alexandria PTA Council as they share how they engage families.

ACPS continues to address substance use and how it can affect the community at large and our schools, and share resources for our community.

Both Move2Learn and Best Buddies International make a difference for many of our Alexandria City Public Schools students each day.

Alexandria City Public Schools, Alexandria PTA Council and Parents for Safe Alexandria Schools are hosting a school safety forum for the ACPS community.

In our September partnership story, we highlight two long-standing ACPS community partners serving the Alexandria area: Casa Chirilagua and Liberty’s Promise.

With Parents for Safe Alexandria Schools among our community partners, the school division shares information on gun violence prevention with a focus on safe practices.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for June. 

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is observed on Fri., June 2, 2023, and it kicks off Wear Orange Weekend on June 3-4.

The Alexandria City School Board will conduct a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. before the start of its June 1, 2023, Board meeting.

In order to better understand and serve you, we kindly ask that you share your thoughts via an online survey by June 11, 2023.

At its meeting on May 4, 2023, the Alexandria City School Board adopted changes to the way community members can engage with the Board.

Alexandria City Public Schools is seeking stakeholder feedback by June 1, 2023, on how our school division should use pandemic relief funds. 

We are highlighting our partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Child and Family Behavioral Health Services — which provides school-based therapists at several division schools — during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Alexandria City Public Schools celebrated the dedication of our educators during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023.

Community members are welcome to sign up to share their feedback on the Alexandria City Public Schools budgets and Alexandria City Public Schools/Alexandria Police Department memorandum of understanding.

With graduation only weeks away, Alexandria City Public Schools is proud to recognize our students’ achievements as they prepare for their future.

Alexandria City Public Schools is seeking stakeholder feedback by June 1, 2023, on how our school division should use pandemic relief funds.

At the May 4, 2023, Alexandria City School Board meeting, the School Board announced that Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt will serve as the new permanent superintendent for Alexandria City Public Schools, effective July 1, 2023.

National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023, focuses on the impact our Alexandria City Public Schools educators have on every child’s future.

Alexandria City Public Schools is seeking stakeholder feedback by June 1, 2023, on how our school division should use pandemic relief funds.

Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s annual day of giving, was a fundraising success. The robust response for the online event helps support nonprofit organizations in Alexandria.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for May. Find out when the Alexandria City Public Schools Community Outreach team will be in your neighborhood!

On April 26, 2023, Alexandria City Public Schools celebrated a major milestone in the construction of our new Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard campus.

The Alexandria City School Board is asking all stakeholders to participate in a survey about key issues affecting the structure of the School Board serving our community.

Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s annual day of giving, is just days away!

On Sat., April 29, 2023, Alexandria City Public Schools will host its first mentoring Saturday event, “Your Future Today,” geared toward Black/African American males in grades 8-12.

On April 26, 2023, everyone is invited to participate in this 24-hour online event, which celebrates and supports the nonprofits in Alexandria that enrich the community.

The Alexandria PTA Council Golden Apple Awards are given to educators who excel at family engagement. Take the time to nominate a teacher by Fri., April 21, 2023.

Speed cameras are being installed this spring near Francis C. Hammond Middle School, John Adams Elementary School, Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School and George Washington Middle School.

Alexandria City Public Schools will host its first mentoring Saturday event, geared toward Black/African American males in grades 8-12, at Francis C. Hammond Middle School.

Enjoy our inspiring video that features elementary, middle and high school students sharing their career goals and the women who are supporting their professional growth.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for April. Find out when the Alexandria City Public Schools Community Outreach team will be in your neighborhood!

The Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners are Tasnia Rahman (William Ramsay Elementary School), Honey Lopez (Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School) and Sarah McBurney (Alexandria City High School).

Alexandria City Public Schools will host its first mentoring Saturday event, “Your Future Today,” geared toward Black/African American males in grades 8-12.

Families of four year old children who will enroll this fall in Alexandria Virginia Preschool Initiative programs are invited to a preschool health resources event on April 10, 2023.

The Advancement Via Individual Determination family event brought students, families, teachers, tutors and program administrators together at Alexandria City High School.

Nominate a teacher for the 2023 Alexandria PTA Council Golden Apple Award by April 21, 2023.

Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week was a huge success. The highlight of the week-long celebration was special event at Patrick Henry K-8 School.

The City of Alexandria is requesting community feedback on walking and biking conditions around five schools as part of its Safe Routes to School Program.

Celebrating our second annual Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week is our way of saying thank you to those who give their all in supporting our community every day.

Northern Virginia Magazine is now accepting nominations for this prestigious annual award and urges the Alexandria City Public Schools community to submit nominations.

A new school zone speed limit will be implemented near Alexandria City High School on King Street between Radford and Quincy Streets.

All ACPS families have the opportunity to request virtual learning for their children for the upcoming school year.

We hope to hear from you in the third annual Alexandria City Public Schools Equity for All Climate Survey before it closes on Sun., Feb. 26, 2023.

A brief community engagement survey on the potential use of weapons screening equipment in Alexandria City Public Schools is now open through March 8, 2023.

Alexandria City Public Schools debuted the launch of a recruitment campaign titled “Join Our Equity Journey: Live. Impact. Grow.” with a one-minute video following the lives of five employees.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for March.

Public Schools Week, Feb. 27 - March 3, 2023, brings together families, educators and community members to cast light on the value of public education.

Taking the Equity for all Climate Survey survey assists us in attaining an equitable learning environment in keeping with the goals set in the 2025 Strategic Plan.

The Alexandria City School Board voted at its Feb. 16, 2023, meeting to approve the Combined Funds Budget for the 2023-24 school year of $359.9 million for Alexandria City Public Schools.

Northern Virginia Family Network and Formed Families Forward are holding a virtual substance abuse panel on Wed., Feb. 22, 2023, from 7-8:30 p.m.

The consultant has provided the Alexandria City School Board with a report they prepared on the stakeholder feedback they have gathered from the ACPS community.

As we mark Black History Month, Alexandria City Public Schools reflects on honoring places of Black resistance in our own community.

The Alexandria City School Board is launching Spanish-, Amharic- and Arabic-speaking Advisory Committees that will help provide a voice to specific language groups.

Join us in celebrating our wonderful school principals in observation of Virginia Principal Appreciation Week, Jan. 15 - 21, 2023.

The School Board will hold a public hearing on Thur., Jan. 19,  2023, at 6:30 p.m. on the Proposed FY 2024 Combined Funds Budget.

Mark your calendar for the next Youth Speak Up event on Thurs., Jan. 19, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at George Washington Middle School.

Alexandria City Public Schools stakeholders have an extended opportunity — through Sun., Jan. 15, 2023 — to provide their input in an intensive search for a new superintendent.

At the Jan. 5, 2023, School Board meeting, Alexandria City Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt proposed the FY 2024 Combined Funds Budget for the school division.

The Virginia Safe Routes to School Program wants to celebrate crossing guards who make a difference in our communities.

Family and community members are invited to serve as  judges at the 2023 Alexandria City Public Schools Science and Engineering Fair, scheduled for Thurs., Jan. 26, 2023.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for January in our monthly community engagement and calendar reminders column.

Alexandria City Public Schools is seeking stakeholder feedback on how our school division should use pandemic relief funds.

Your feedback will be encouraged and considered as we embark on the task of selecting the next superintendent to lead our ACPS community.

Family and community members are invited to serve as  judges at the 2023 ACPS Science and Engineering Fair, scheduled for Thurs., Jan. 26, 2023.

The Office of Capital Programs, Planning and Design hosted its first virtual community meeting about the recently purchased property at 1703 N. Beauregard St. on Mon., Dec. 5, 2022.

Among the local food resource organizations serving Alexandria is ALIVE!, which has been addressing the needs of approximately 4,000 households monthly.

ACPS is seeking stakeholder feedback by Dec. 11, 2022, on how our school division should use pandemic relief funds.

ACPS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tue., Nov. 29, 2022, to mark the opening of the new Family and Community Engagement Center on the sixth floor of Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School.

Since 2018, ACPS has offered high-quality afterschool programs through its Linking Instruction Nurturing Knowledge (LINK) Club sites.

The School Board will hold a Public Hearing on Mon., Nov. 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. on the FY 2024-33 Capital Improvement Program Budget.

Find out when the ACPS Community Outreach team will be in your neighborhood!

The Alexandria PTA Council, Parents for Safe Alexandria Schools and Alexandria City Public Schools hosted a public safety forum on Oct. 26, 2022.

“Our club also serves as a safe space for students with similar backgrounds and cultural experiences,” says Latinos Unidos President Citlali Chambers.

Each year, ACPS participates in The Washington Post Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year Awards, which recognizes excellence in education in the region.

This survey deadline has been extended! Please provide your feedback through the School + Law Enforcement Partnership (SLEP) Survey by 11:59 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 9.

Alexandria City Public Schools, Alexandria PTA Council and Parents for Safe Alexandria Schools are hosting a school safety forum for the ACPS community.

Through its programs, Latinas Leading Tomorrow works to provide a safe space for young women to deepen their cultural and racial/ethnic identity and explore what it means to be a Latina in the U.S.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for October in our monthly community engagement and calendar reminders column.

Please provide your feedback through the School + Law Enforcement Partnership Survey.

In Alexandria City Public Schools, we are excited to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Nearly 38% of our students in ACPS are Hispanic, representing our largest demographic group.

As we close out National Arts in Education Week, we encourage all Alexandria City Public Schools families to support our students’ performances in the areas of music and theater.

Throughout the year, ACPS Express will share information on how you can support our students participating in the performing arts, STEM and other programing. This week, we are featuring ACPS Titan Athletics.

ParentSquare’s user-friendly layout and all-inclusive suite of communication tools will expand how we are able to reach families and how families are able to engage with us.

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for September.

Alexandria City Public Schools has launched a new communications platform to encourage a stronger school to home connection.

Alexandria City Public Schools is here to help our families easily access the information needed for a strong start to the 2022-23 school year.