Coming Up in November 2024: Community Engagement and Calendar Reminders

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

ACPS Academic Calendar Reminders

Diwali

Fri., Nov. 1

All ACPS schools will be closed for the Diwali holiday.

School Conferences

Mon., Nov. 4

Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity for families and teachers to discuss students’ social, emotional and academic learning progress. Schools will communicate with their students, staff and families regarding the schedule for conferences. There will be no school for students (except for Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School students).

Election Day/Professional Learning

Tues., Nov. 5

There will be no school for all ACPS students.

Veterans Day

Mon., Nov. 11

All ACPS schools will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday.

Fall Break/Thanksgiving

Wed., Nov. 27 - Fri., Nov. 29

All ACPS schools and offices are closed.

Community Engagement Events

Alexandria Public Library Beginner and Intermediate English Conversation

Weekly sessions at different library locations.

Improve your English speaking skills! The Alexandria Library invites all interested to join a conversation group to practice English and gain confidence. No registration is needed.

Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest Deadline

Sun., Nov. 10

“Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free” is the theme for the 2024 National Red Ribbon Week, observed Oct. 23-31. All ACPS students are invited to take part in the Red Ribbon Week poster contest to help promote a drug-free lifestyle and have the chance to win a $100 gift card. There are three categories for entries: elementary, middle and high school. All posters must be submitted or postmarked by Nov. 10.

Straight Talk with the Supe! Focus on Attendance

Tues., Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.
Wed., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Link

Join Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt as we reflect on the first quarter of the school year and discuss how strong family-school partnerships and being “In School, On Time, Everyday” drives student success.

Noche de Ciencias/Science Night

Thurs., Nov. 14, 5:30-8 p.m.

U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (600 Dulany Street)

All ACPS families are invited to an exciting evening of science, technology, engineering and math exploration! Come experience dozens of hands-on exhibits for students of all ages and interests. Giveaways, raffles, pizza and more. Learn more and register.

ACHS Fall Sports Awards Banquet

Mon., Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Alexandria City High School (3330 King Street)

Student athletes from all fall sports will come together to celebrate the end of the season. Join us at this traditional awards ceremony to honor a season of hard work in cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf and volleyball.

Building Bonds Beyond the School: Webinar Series for Families | Learn about ACPS Health Services and Substance Use Prevention

Wed., Nov. 20, 6-7 p.m.

https://acps.cc/buildingbonds

The Department of Student Services and Equity is excited to present this webinar series focused on supporting the academic, social, physical and emotional well-being of ACPS students. These webinars will provide valuable information and resources for families to enhance their children's experiences and outcomes. Join us for an informative webinar on ACPS health services, where you will learn about the role of school nurses in supporting student health and connecting families with resources. We will also share strategies on how we can work together to prevent substance use and build safer, stronger communities. 

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Sat., Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m.

Alexandria City Hall and Market Square (301 King Street)

The City of Alexandria will ring in its official start to the holiday season. Join Mayor Justin Wilson and a host of friends to help count down to the lighting of the tree.

ALIVE! Pop-Up Food Distributions

Sat., Nov. 23, 8:30-10:30 a.m

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W Reed Avenue)

William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue)

ALIVE! is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency and basic needs support to children, families and individuals living in poverty and with hunger in the City of Alexandria. ALIVE! will distribute bags of food to Alexandria City residents. No ID is required. Make sure to check out the ALIVE website for more information about the Food Hubs.

ACPS Family Thanksgiving Luncheon
Tues., Nov. 26
The Office of School Nutrition Services is pleased to announce the 2024 Family Thanksgiving Luncheon. Meals will be served during your school's regularly scheduled lunch period. Please check with your school for additional details. Adult meals are $5 each. Exact change or bills smaller than $10 are encouraged.

Cultural Observance Days

On weekdays, these are regular school days. However, on these days, assessments, sporting events or other school-sponsored special activities should not be scheduled. Any missed assignments due to student absences on these days can be made up without penalty.

• Fri., Nov. 1: All Saints’ Days/Dia de los Muertos

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Thurs., Nov. 7, 6 p.m.

The regularly scheduled School Board meeting will take place.

Please note, there will be no School Board meeting on Thurs., Nov. 21, as the School Board members will be attending the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) annual convention.

School Board meetings are held in person in the School Board Meeting Room starting at 6 p.m. at 1340 Braddock Place, unless otherwise noted. Members of the public may attend in person or via Zoom. Please visit the School Board webpage for any updates to the meeting schedule.