ACPS schools and offices are closed for winter break through Jan. 1, 2010. However you celebrate the season, enjoy this special time with family and friends. These words of wisdom from outdoor writer Hal Borland (1900-1978) seem appropriate for ringing out 2009 and ringing in 2010: “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” See you next year!
Extra! Extra!
On Monday, Jan. 4, we will launch ACPS Extra, a new e-mail announcement system that will include the Daily Digest plus some extras! In addition to the Digest, you can choose to receive extra information about topics such as student wellness, early childhood, inclusion and more! Look for details in January.
Emergency Management Grant
Alexandria City Public Schools on Jan. 6 will kick off a project to update emergency management plans, funded through a $542,862 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The new, computer-based, site-specific plans will all be developed in coordination with City of Alexandria emergency management team, including the police, fire and health departments and mental health agencies. The new plans will be in place for the start of the next school year, 2010-11. The grant also includes U.S. National Incident Management System (NIMS) emergency management training for staff members from each school. Read more at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/news2010/nr2009122303.php .
Lacrosse Coaches
After an exhaustive, selective search, the T.C. Williams High School Athletic Department has finalized the head coaches for the boys’ and girls lacrosse programs.
Read more at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/news2010/nr2009122305.php .
Planetarium Show
Registration opens at approximately noon on Monday, Jan. 4, for the January community planetarium show, to be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at the T.C. Williams High School Planetarium. Spectators should arrive by 6:45 to pick up their tickets in the lobby. The program will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Read more at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/news2010/nr2009122302.php .
Field Trip
Twenty-seven engineering and computer science students from T.C. Williams High School received the royal treatment when they visited the Catholic University School of Engineering earlier this month. Students programmed a computer game featuring cartoon characters Tom and Jerry with the help of several engineering and computer science teachers, received an introduction from the dean of engineering and enjoyed a complimentary breakfast. Read more at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/news2010/nr2009122304.php .
Successful Inclusion Week
Inclusive Schools Week came to a successful close on Friday, Dec. 11, in Alexandria City Public Schools. NBC4 reported about Tucker Riley, a 6-year-old student with multiple disabilities who is fully included in a Kindergarten class in his home school. Additionally, several schools throughout the district celebrated Inclusive Schools Week to highlight the diversity of their learners. Read more at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/news2010/nr2009122301.php .
Donors Choose
Several Alexandria City Public Schools teachers and students have benefited from grants through DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit organization that connects teachers with donors to fund classroom projects. To view current proposals from ACPS teachers, visit the Web site at http://www.donorschoose.org and search for “Alexandria.”
Adult Education
View the ACPS Winter/Spring 2010 Adult Education Course Catalog online at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/adulted/ace/
