Snapshots of Superintendent School Visits

Visiting Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and events students participated in over the past few weeks, Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt took great pride in seeing first-hand the accomplishments of our students and staff. Those moments are captured in this month’s “Snapshots from the Superintendent’s School Travels”:

Feb. 24, 2025 - The superintendent, along with Chief of School & Community Relations Julia Burgos, joined Alexandria City Mayor Alyia Gaskins and members of the Grandma’s Table mentoring program that brings together women who serve as mentors and provides academic supports for Alexandria City High School girls in grades nine and 10 to help them learn about how Alexandria City government works. Through regular meetings and activities, the program hopes to foster a greater sense of community between young and older individuals and to encourage participating students to become civically engaged young women.

Feb. 26, 2025 - During a Titans Rising visit to Mount Vernon Community School, Dr. Kay-Wyatt, joined by Chief of School & Community Relations Julia Burgos, visited a Spanish Language Arts class and had fun learning from the students.

Feb. 28, 2025 - Along with Chief of Staff Dr. Grace Taylor, Dr. Kay-Wyatt toured the new K-12 Innovation Lab at the local Virginia Tech campus.

Feb. 28, 2025 - The superintendent had an opportunity to visit schools with Alexandria City School Board Member Abdulahi Abdalla. One of the stops was at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School.

March 12, 2025 - Dr. Kay-Wyatt made a stop at Alexandria City High School and visited an English class where students were journaling.

March 12, 2025 - During the Slices with the Supe visit at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, Dr. Kay-Wyatt engaged in some lively conversation with the middle school students as they enjoyed a pizza lunch.

March 12, 2025 - James K. Polk Elementary School (Polk Elementary) hosted a visit from the Virginia Department of Education as Third Grade Teacher Sharon Phox was recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year Award for Region 4.

March 14, 2025 - The superintendent returned to Polk Elementary as Operation Warm, along with its new community partner Beazer Homes, provided all 770 students at the school with a brand-new pair of athletic shoes and additional school supplies.

March 18, 2025 - Dr. Kay-Wyatt was joined by Alexandria City School Board and City Council members for the field dedication event at Patrick Henry K-8 School. Alexandria School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief, Alexandria City School Board Members Chris Harris and Dr. Donna Kenley, Principal Kenard Robinson and ACPS Chief of Staff Dr. Grace Taylor, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Alicia Hart and Chief of School & Community Relations Julia Burgos were also present to celebrate the completion of a major project managed by the ACPS Department of Facilities and Operations. 

March 19, 2025 - Dr. Kay-Wyatt was also in attendance when Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and the City of Alexandria jointly celebrated their essential workers during the Fourth Annual Alexandria City Essential Workers Recognition Event held at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. Thanks to Principal Hairston for hosting the event. ACPS Chief of Staff Dr. Grace Taylor, Chief of School & Community Relations Julia Burgos, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Pierrette Finney and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Alicia Hart were also in attendance to join in on the celebration.