Letter From the Superintendent

As we near the end of the 2020–2021 school year, we have much to celebrate. We have grown and persevered through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have learned the art of adapting to the “new normal,” finding solutions to everyday problems, and pivoting to provide excellent educational experiences for our students. We have made it through 100% virtual and hybrid learning models, and now we look forward to opening our doors to all ACPS students returning five days a week in the fall, whether it be in person or virtually. We understand that this past year has been challenging for everyone. Still, our community continues to put our students first, and they have been resilient and benefited from the comprehensive plans for Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning (SEAL) as well as family support.

We have a renewed sense of hope as vaccines have recently become available for children as young as 12 years old. The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) hosted two vaccine clinics within ACPS as part of the continued effort to help get our students, staff, and families conveniently and safely vaccinated. The reduced rates of community transmission and increased vaccinations are promising, and we are excited about the new school year. While we expect to see all ACPS students and staff back in the classroom in August, we recognize that in-person learning may not be possible for a few of our students. ACPS has partnered with Virtual Virginia to provide our students who select the virtual option with a virtual learning opportunity in 2021–2022 while they continue to be engaged and valued members of the ACPS community.

In addition to our work and preparation for fall 2021, we have also planned a comprehensive and engaging Summer Learning experience that is optional and free for all ACPS students. Summer Learning 2021 is primarily virtual, with the exception being made for in-person learning for students who are at the top of the prioritization matrix and need additional support. We are grateful that we can offer this summer opportunity and provide a space for students to learn and grow before entering their new grade level in August.

We continue to work to advance the ACPS five-year strategic plan, ACPS 2025: Equity for All, which calls for a bold and courageous road map to position ACPS as a national leader in redefining Pre-K–12 education as a deliberately antiracist, inclusive, and supportive experience where all students succeed. To learn more about our communities' experiences, we are launching the 2021 Equity for All Climate Survey in June. Your feedback is invaluable in measuring how far we have come and understanding how we can improve the racial and cultural climate in our schools and school division.

We look forward to feeling refreshed and excited as our schools return to in-person learning five days a week beginning in August.

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. Superintendent of Schools Alexandria City Public Schools