ACPS Heart Work

ACPS Heart Work: Celebrating the People Behind the Purpose

Every day in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), extraordinary people make an extraordinary difference. From teachers sparking curiosity in the classroom to bus drivers greeting students with a smile, our staff put their hearts into everything they do.

ACPS Heart Work is a division-wide campaign that shines a light on the unseen yet impactful work of our employees—those whose dedication, compassion, and commitment keep our schools thriving. Through storytelling, photos, videos, and community engagement, we’re sharing what it truly means to live our values every day in ACPS.

About the Campaign

ACPS Heart Work is a division-wide initiative designed to:

• Bring visibility to the staff members who embody ACPS core values and our commitment to students.
• Highlight the people behind the scenes that families and the community may not always see.
• Share authentic, compelling stories that reflect the heart of public education in Alexandria.

This campaign is grounded in the belief that our people are our greatest strength and our competitive advantage.

Our Goals

1. Affirm and Celebrate Our Employees
The foundation of ACPS excellence is our people. ACPS Heart Work recognizes and celebrates the work of our current employees to enhance retention and strengthen our culture. By sharing stories of “heart work” from classrooms, offices, buses, cafeterias and school grounds, we:

• Affirm the dedication of ACPS staff.
• Foster a sense of belonging and appreciation.
• Support staff morale and well-being.

2. Attract New Talent to Join Our Mission
ACPS is an inspiring place to grow a career in education. Heart Work also helps ACPS recruit high-quality, mission-driven staff. By highlighting the passion and excellence within our schools, we:

• Show prospective employees what it looks like to work in a division committed to equity, inclusion and student success.
• Demonstrate that ACPS is an employer of choice, where staff are valued, seen and supported.
• Invite future educators, career changers and school professionals to bring their talents to ACPS.

3. Reinforce Confidence in Public Education
Public education is the foundation of our community. Heart Work celebrates the transformative power of public schools, showing families and community members the excellence, diversity, and care that define ACPS. Heart Work also reinforces confidence in public education and encourages families to choose ACPS. By sharing real stories from our schools, we:

• Show families the quality, care and rigor that define ACPS.
• Highlight the relationships and experiences that help students thrive.
• Build pride in ACPS as a leader in high-quality, equitable public education.

Pass the Heart: Celebrating Kindness and Compassion

As part of the Heart Work campaign, each ACPS school and department received a wooden heart to celebrate acts of kindness, empathy, and dedication. Staff members pass the heart to colleagues who show what it means to lead with heart—recognizing the people who make ACPS such a special place.

Follow along on social media and join the movement by tagging @ACPSk12 and using #PassTheHeartACPS and #ACPSHeartWork to share your stories.

Heart Work in Action

See how our ACPS community is spreading the love and celebrating the heart of education:

• “Passing the Heart” moment from Francis C. Hammond MS
• Staff spotlight from Finance Department
• “Heart Work in the Classroom” Douglas MacArthur ES