Alexandria School District Brings Back First In-Person Students

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Thursday, Alexandria City Public Schools welcomed back its first group of students for in-person instruction. This is the first of a phased return plan for students with disabilities.

The first group involves students with disabilities in grades kindergarten through second grade who opt into in-person learning and receive their special education services in a specialized citywide program for autism, intellectual disabilities, or social emotional learning needs. Jefferson Houston PreK-8 IB School is the central location for this group of students.

On the ACPS website, health and safety measures for in-person learning are outlined. ACPS is purchasing face coverings for all students and staff before the return to school, and each will receive five reusable face coverings. Face coverings are required in ACPS buses and vans, inside facilities and at ACPS-sponsored events, unless medically exempted.

Employees working in certain capacities receive specialized personal protective equipment, including those who are part of the program for students with disabilities. These staff members are required to assist with instruction, restroom visits and feeding, and they may not be able to maintain social distancing at all times. The specialized PPE includes face shields, disposable gowns and disposable gloves. Sneeze guards are provided at student desks, which are spaced as recommended.

If ACPS learns about a positive case involving an employee or student in a school, there is coordination with the Alexandria Health Department. After ACPS confirms authorization to exchange information has been granted, staff will gather preliminary information about the exposure. ACPS notifies the health department's school response team, and the health department provides consultation on infection control measures like isolation, quarantine, closing areas, and disinfecting to prevent the spread of illness. The health department also helps with the notification processes to ensure individuals receive information on a "need-to-know" basis while ensuring confidentiality of personal information and protected health information.

Other policies on cleaning and disinfecting, transportation and meal service are available online.

The next phase will bring back students with disabilities in third through fifth grade who opt into in-person learning and receive their special education services in a specialized citywide program. The target return date is Nov. 17.

On Nov. 30, ACPS aims to bring back preschool students who receive special education services in a specialized, self-contained Early Childhood Special Education classroom, as well as students in kindergarten through fifth grade whose IEP indicates special education services for reading or math instruction or intervention in the special education setting. December is the targeted return time for students with Disabilities in grades six to eight whose IEP indicates special education services for reading or math instruction or intervention in the special education setting.

After that, ACPS's phased reentry plan for hybrid learning calls for remaining pre-K to fifth grade students opting into in-person learning to return in January. Remaining sixth through eighth grade students who choose in-person learning could return in February. Plans are being developed for high school students. Projected dates are dependent on building capacity with social distancing and staff availability.