Snapshots from the Superintendent’s School Travels

ACPS Express is introducing a new monthly series, “Snapshots from the Superintendent’s School Travels.” Through photos and a brief description, the superintendent puts the spotlight on Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) students, families, organizations and school events.

Oct. 21, 2024: Stronger Together: A Family Workshop Series on Substance Use Prevention was held at Francis C. Hammond Middle School. ACPS Chief of Staff Dr. Grace Taylor attended on behalf of the superintendent and was joined by City of Alexandria partners, as well as ACPS K-12 Substance Use Prevention and Early Intervention Services Coordinator Fredy Martinez, the 2024 Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) Youth Leadership Award recipient. This session on substance use prevention was part of a coordinated effort to inform and engage the community about the importance of working together to prevent substance use.

Oct. 22, 2024: A 2024 Red Ribbon Week campaign event was held at Alexandria City Hall. Superintendent Dr. Kay-Wyatt joined city leaders and members of the community for the presentation of a proclamation that declared October 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week in the City of Alexandria.

Oct. 23, 2024: Operation Warm, sponsored this year by FedEx, provided new coats, gloves and hats to all students at the Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology. Superintendent Dr. Kay-Wyatt joined students, staff and community members.

Nov. 6, 2024: The Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC) met at the Alexandria City High School library. Superintendent Dr. Kay-Wyatt came together with the selected SSAC members at their first cohort meeting of the 2024-25 school year to learn more about their thoughts and concerns on contemporary issues currently impacting student life.

Nov. 12, 2024: ACPS leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Kay-Wyatt, accompanied Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Lisa Coons on her visit to Patrick Henry K-8 School to observe CTE Business Educator Dr. Laura Moore's Pathways to Your Future course. This class helps students explore career pathways as they prepare for high school, guiding them in choosing one of the six academies at Alexandria City High School. Career and Technical Education Director Dr. Tricia Jacobs and CTE Work-Based Learning Specialist Sarah Black helped organize the visit.

Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, 2024: Straight Talk with the Supe webinars, organized by the Department of School & Community Relations, were held for the ACPS community, one in the morning and the other in the evening. The sessions focused on student attendance and were hosted by Superintendent Dr. Kay-Wyatt who offered a message of gratitude to our families and community partners, who in collaboration with division teachers, counselors, social workers and administrators, helped ACPS in bringing down chronic absenteeism rates from 16% in SY 2023 to 13.5% in SY 2024. Members of the Department of Student Services and Equity offered their input and responded to questions from students, families and the community.

Nov. 13, 2024: Slices with the Supe was held at George Washington Middle School. Superintendent Dr. Kay-Wyatt met with a diverse group of students during the first of these annual meetings held at ACPS middle schools. The superintendent and students engaged in conversations about student life and future aspirations. Pizza was provided by the Superintendent’s Office.

Nov. 15, 2024: Terry’s Locker, donated by Washington Commanders Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin and UnitedHealthcare, was unveiled at the Mount Vernon Community School. The washer, dryer and fully-stocked locker will provide students access to basic hygiene supplies and a laundry facility. Superintendent Dr. Kay-Wyatt expressed her gratitude for the generous donation and for this act of caring about the students and families in Alexandria City.