Vice Mayor Amy Jackson

03/24/2026

Congratulations to Alexandria’s Housing Director Helen McIlvaine on her retirement next month!

The master strategist of Alexandria’s affordable housing plan is calling it a day. The City of Alexandria announced this afternoon that Helen McIlvaine, the Director of the Office of Housing, is set to retire on April 30 after 20 years of shaping our neighborhoods with budgetary spell work and a visionary structure.

McIlvaine arrived in Alexandria’s Office of Housing in 2006 as the Deputy Director and ascended to the position, she’s held now since 2015.

Under McIlvaine’s leadership, our city has gained much. During her tenure, McIlvaine oversaw dozens of affordable housing developments take shape, including the Sanse & Naja mixed-income community due to be completed within the next year.

As Covid-19 and the economic downturn began in 2020, so did the discussions with City Council about much needed housing stock and how newly vacant commercial real estate could transition into residential housing. Not one to shy from a challenge, McIlvaine and, now retired Planning and Zoning Director, Karl Moritz, doubled down and began seriously navigating the Alexandria world of housing preservation and commercial space conversions to increase Alexandria’s housing opportunities.

McIlvaine’s reputation proceeds her in the community rooms and regional housing conferences that have followed her lead, and Alexandria’s, for years. This will only continue as collaboration and community engagement structuring the policy work around the Housing 2040 Plan carries forth. Her own expectations always held to the highest standards to create accessibility and affordable housing options for all. She, and her team, helped residents who needed flexibility in order to afford to live in Alexandria and to make ends meet.

City Manager Jim Parajon states, “Helen’s dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on Alexandria. We are grateful for her 20 years of service and wish her all the best in retirement.”

Housing Deputy Director Aspasia Xypolia will serve as the Acting Director of Housing upon Director Helen McIlvaine’s retirement on April 30.

More stories at www.portcitystar.com

02/07/2026

UPDATE from AlexandriaVA.gov for “Walk of Peace” in Alexandria, VA on Monday, February 9, 2026:

A Message of Peace is Coming to Alexandria

We are honored to announce that the "Walk for Peace" pilgrimage is scheduled to pass through Alexandria on Monday, February 9 from 9 a.m - 2 p.m. as they make their way to Washington, D.C.!

The Mayor will present the group with a proclamation recognizing the group's work in sharing the message of mindfulness, compassion, and unity throughout the world.

Residents are invited to line the streets to offer a peaceful welcome as they pass. Please remember to maintain a respectful distance and follow all safety guidance from local law enforcement to ensure a safe path for the monks and our neighbors.

Follow along with their journey live at dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/live-map/

Road Closure & Traffic Details: Residents traveling in the area of S. Washington St may experience delays as the group travels towards Christ Church. Road Closures for a portion of the morning and early afternoon on February 9th are expected in the following locations:
🚫 Cameron Street between Washington Street and Alfred Street
🚫 Columbus Street between King Street and Queen Street

We look forward to sharing this unique moment of reflection and peace with all of you!

📸 credit: Walk for Peace

02/07/2026

The wicked winds and below freezing temperatures have arrived and a warning given for it for the first time since 1994.
Be aware and be prepared, folks.

02/06/2026

ALX TRAFFIC UPDATE from APD for Monday, February 9, 2026:

The Alexandria Police Department with AlexandriaVA.gov, Transportation & Environmental Services, City of Alexandria, Virginia is preparing for the arrival of the Walk for Peace pilgrimage as the group is set to enter Alexandria.

Alexandria Police will assist with the es**rt as the group travels through the city on day 107 of their journey and we are working with law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions as we prepare for a safe pilgrimage.

Traffic delays and street closures are expected. As plans finalize we will keep you informed.

02/03/2026

UPDATE: It worked! Let’s do it again tomorrow!!
Two-Hour Delay on Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Dear Alexandria City Public Schools Families and Staff,

All Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) schools and all offices will open with a two-hour delay on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, due to the continued impact of the recent inclement weather.

Students in grades PreK-12 should report to school two hours later than regular opening time. Students who ride the bus to school should report to their bus stop in the morning two hours later than their regularly scheduled pickup time.

The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) will operate on the same delayed opening schedule for all ACPS schools. Morning Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs are canceled for tomorrow, February 4, 2026. Afternoon ECSE will report at the regular opening time and will be dismissed at the regular time.

All essential personnel, including building engineers, custodians, maintenance shop employees and security staff must still report to their work location at their normal time if safe to do so based on weather conditions. Please contact your direct supervisor for reporting instructions.

All non-essential personnel should report two hours later than their regularly scheduled time.

Visit the ACPS website for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you and please continue to use caution on your way to school and work.

Sincerely,
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt
Superintendent
Alexandria City Public Schools

02/02/2026

UPDATE: ALX Trash/Recycle/Refuse Collection for Week of Feb. 2-6, 2026.

The City of Alexandria’s regular refuse collection schedule will resume tomorrow, February 2. Our team appreciates your patience and cooperation last week as we worked to respond to weather conditions.

Learn more about the return to service and collection options at alexandriava.gov/go/7846

www.AlexandriaVA.gov

02/01/2026

UPDATE for ACPS for Groundhog Day, Monday, February 2, 2026:

Dear Alexandria City Public Schools Families and Staff,

On Monday, February 2, 2026, students will engage in synchronous virtual learning with their teachers, and staff will be working virtually to support our students. All Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) buildings and offices will be closed for in-person learning and activities due to continuing frigid temperatures resulting in sidewalks not being cleared and safe for students to walk to school and wait for the school bus. Our goal is to reopen schools for in-person instruction on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with a possible two-hour delay once we have assessed all conditions.

All essential personnel, including building engineers, custodians, maintenance shop employees and security staff must still report to their work location, if safe to do so. All other facility and operations staff will be contacted by their direct supervisor regarding their reporting instructions.

Class times will include synchronous instruction via Zoom, which means live virtual instruction with teachers, as well as independent work. Teachers will also provide virtual office hours. Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day. Please check your student’s Canvas or Clever account no later than 8 a.m. for specifics about your child’s schedule. Also, due to the closures this week, posting of grades will be delayed. When the new date is identified, information will be shared with families.

Students in grades 3-12 should have their Chromebooks at home with them. Attendance will be taken through logging into Clever and Canvas. No new content will be taught and grades should not be assigned on virtual learning days.

Families may want to check with their community service provider or Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities regarding any changes to scheduled activities.

School Reopening Update
For tomorrow, some schools throughout the region will remain closed as communities continue working to return to normalcy following last weekend’s winter storm and several days of sustained freezing temperatures.

As you know, the prolonged below-freezing conditions have created additional challenges and delayed the process of clearing school facilities. Crews have been working to remove what is commonly referred to as “snowcrete”—thick, compacted layers of frozen snow and ice. Unlike regular snowfall, snowcrete requires specialized equipment and additional time to remove safely.

Tomorrow is expected to be the first day above freezing in nine days, and we are hopeful that these improved conditions will allow crews to make meaningful progress in completing snow and ice removal across school properties.

Thank you for your patience over the past several days as we have worked to clear school buildings, walkways and grounds to allow students and staff to safely return to in-person instruction.
We are also continuing to work closely with the City of Alexandria to clear school parking lots and surrounding streets to ensure staff have safe access to buildings and parking as we prepare for reopening.

Inclement Weather Meal Distribution Information
The ACPS Office of School Nutrition Services will provide to-go lunch meals to all children under the age of 18, without charge at Charles Barrett Elementary School and the Alexandria City High School King Street Campus. Student presence is requested at the time of meal pickup. Please view the meal distribution location and times below.

Alexandria City High School
3330 King Street - Door #34 (across from garage)
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Charles Barrett Elementary School
1115 Martha Custis Drive - Main Entrance
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Synchronous Virtual Learning Information
Please see information below about synchronous virtual learning (via Zoom) that is specific to your child’s school level:
Elementary School (Student Learning Activities)
PreK-8 Schools/Grades PreK-5
PreK-8 Schools/Grades 6-8
Secondary Schools (Middle Schools and High School)

Elementary School Synchronous Virtual Instruction
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work, but will not need to log into Canvas.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day, but our goal is for PreK-2 students to engage in two to three hours of choice board activities, and students in grades 3-5, four to five hours of synchronous core content instruction including literacy, math, science/social studies and Encore and social, emotional and academic learning.
The remaining time will include independent attention to projects, assignments, choice activities and content-specific apps.
Students will need to be present for classroom whole-group lessons as well as any small-group instruction offered by the school staff.
Virtual office hours will be established by the teacher as needed.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development block.

PreK-8 School Synchronous Virtual Instruction for Grades PreK-5 (Jefferson-Houston & Patrick Henry)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work. Please note that these are general schedules that may be adjusted based on the individual school’s instructional program. Teachers will provide customized schedules as needed.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day, but our goal is for PreK-2 students to engage in two to three hours of choice board activities and students in grades 3-5, four to five hours of synchronous core content instruction, including literacy, math, science/social studies and Encore.
The remaining time will include independent attention to projects, assignments, choice activities and content-specific apps.
Students will need to be present for classroom whole-group lessons, as well as any small-group instruction offered by the school staff.
Office hours will be established by the teacher as needed.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development block.

PreK-8 School Synchronous Virtual Instruction for Grades 6-8 (Jefferson-Houston & Patrick Henry)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work. Please note that these are general schedules that may be adjusted based on the individual school’s instructional program. Teachers will provide customized schedules as needed.
After whole-group instruction, students transition into asynchronous independent work for the remainder of the class period.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day.
Students may access the Zoom link for synchronous instruction and office hours from each teacher's Canvas page.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development course.

Secondary School Synchronous Virtual Instruction (Middle Schools & High School)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work.
Each school will follow their daily bell schedule, which includes four blocks per day. Students should access their teachers Canvas page for the daily schedule.
The lunch time will remain the same.
The instructional model during the instructional block will consist of 45 minutes of synchronous whole group instruction with the teacher.
After whole group instruction, students transition into asynchronous independent work for the remainder of the learning block.
Students may access the Zoom link for synchronous instruction and office hours from each teacher's Canvas page.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development course.

Additional Information
Please visit the ACPS website for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you and please stay safe.

Sincerely,
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt
Superintendent

01/30/2026

Bruce does what he does best - The Boss brings us another anthem. ❤️💪🇺🇸

01/29/2026

UPDATE for ACPS for Friday, January, 30, 2026 - Virtual Class Continues (Synchronous Learning):

Dear Alexandria City Public Schools Families and Staff,

On Friday, January 30, 2026, students will engage in synchronous virtual learning with their teachers, and staff will be working virtually to support our students. All Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) buildings and offices will be closed for in-person learning and activities due to continuing frigid temperatures, particularly during the early morning hours tomorrow.

All essential personnel, including building engineers, custodians, maintenance shop employees and security staff must still report to their work location, if safe to do so. All other facility and operations staff will be contacted by their direct supervisor regarding their reporting instructions.

Class times will include synchronous instruction via Zoom, which means live virtual instruction with teachers, as well as independent work. Teachers will also provide virtual office hours. Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day. Please check your student’s Canvas or Clever account no later than 8 a.m. for specifics about your child’s schedule. Also, due to the closures this week, posting of grades will be delayed. When the new date is identified, information will be shared with families.

Students in grades 3-12 should have their Chromebooks at home with them. Attendance will be taken through logging into Clever and Canvas. No new content will be taught and grades should not be assigned on virtual learning days.

Families may want to check with their community service provider or Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities regarding any changes to scheduled activities.

School Reopening Update
While ice and snow removal efforts continue, conditions throughout the region remain challenging as many areas are still clearing accumulated ice and snow, especially due to the freezing temperatures. In addition, the exceptionally cold temperatures have created challenges with keeping school buses running safely for extended periods of time because extreme cold can affect bus operations and reliability.

Our decision is grounded in safety because we want to ensure our students and staff are safe.

We appreciate your continued patience and partnership as we prioritize the well-being of our students and staff while navigating these ongoing weather conditions.

We are also monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend and will provide an update on Sunday by 6 p.m.

Inclement Weather Meal Distribution Information
The ACPS Office of School Nutrition Services will provide to-go lunch meals to all children under the age of 18, without charge at Charles Barrett Elementary School and the Alexandria City High School King Street Campus. Student presence is requested at the time of meal pickup. Please view the meal distribution location and times below.

Alexandria City High School
3330 King Street - Door #34 (across from garage)
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Charles Barrett Elementary School
1115 Martha Custis Drive - Main Entrance
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Synchronous Virtual Learning Information
Please see information below about synchronous virtual learning (via Zoom) that is specific to your child’s school level:
Elementary School (Student Learning Activities)
PreK-8 Schools/Grades PreK-5
PreK-8 Schools/Grades 6-8
Secondary Schools (Middle Schools and High School)

Elementary School Synchronous Virtual Instruction
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work, but will not need to log into Canvas.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day, but our goal is for PreK-2 students to engage in two to three hours of choice board activities, and students in grades 3-5, four to five hours of synchronous core content instruction including literacy, math, science/social studies and Encore and social, emotional and academic learning.
The remaining time will include independent attention to projects, assignments, choice activities and content-specific apps.
Students will need to be present for classroom whole-group lessons as well as any small-group instruction offered by the school staff.
Virtual office hours will be established by the teacher as needed.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development block.

PreK-8 School Synchronous Virtual Instruction for Grades PreK-5 (Jefferson-Houston & Patrick Henry)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work. Please note that these are general schedules that may be adjusted based on the individual school’s instructional program. Teachers will provide customized schedules as needed.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day, but our goal is for PreK-2 students to engage in two to three hours of choice board activities and students in grades 3-5, four to five hours of synchronous core content instruction, including literacy, math, science/social studies and Encore.
The remaining time will include independent attention to projects, assignments, choice activities and content-specific apps.
Students will need to be present for classroom whole-group lessons, as well as any small-group instruction offered by the school staff.
Office hours will be established by the teacher as needed.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development block.

PreK-8 School Synchronous Virtual Instruction for Grades 6-8 (Jefferson-Houston & Patrick Henry)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work. Please note that these are general schedules that may be adjusted based on the individual school’s instructional program. Teachers will provide customized schedules as needed.
After whole-group instruction, students transition into asynchronous independent work for the remainder of the class period.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day.
Students may access the Zoom link for synchronous instruction and office hours from each teacher's Canvas page.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development course.

Secondary School Synchronous Virtual Instruction (Middle Schools & High School)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work.
Each school will follow their daily bell schedule, which includes four blocks per day. Students should access their teachers Canvas page for the daily schedule.
The lunch time will remain the same.
The instructional model during the instructional block will consist of 45 minutes of synchronous whole group instruction with the teacher.
After whole group instruction, students transition into asynchronous independent work for the remainder of the learning block.
Students may access the Zoom link for synchronous instruction and office hours from each teacher's Canvas page.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development course.

Additional Information
Please visit the ACPS website for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you and please stay safe.

Sincerely,
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt
Superintendent

01/28/2026

UPDATE: ACPS Virtual Learning (Synchronous) Continues on Thursday, January 29, 2026:

Dear Alexandria City Public Schools Families and Staff,

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, students will engage in synchronous virtual learning with their teachers, and staff will be working virtually to support our students. All Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) buildings and offices will be closed for in-person learning and activities.

All essential personnel, including building engineers, custodians, maintenance shop employees and security staff must still report to their work location, if safe to do so. All other facility and operations staff will be contacted by their direct supervisor regarding their reporting instructions.

Class times will include synchronous instruction via Zoom, which means live virtual instruction with teachers, as well as independent work. Teachers will also provide virtual office hours. Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day. Please check your student’s Canvas or Clever account no later than 8 a.m. for specifics about your child’s schedule. Also, due to the closures this week, posting of grades will be delayed. When the new date is identified, information will be shared with families.

Students in grades 3-12 should have their Chromebooks at home with them. Attendance will be taken through logging into Clever and Canvas. No new content will be taught and grades should not be assigned on virtual learning days.

Families may want to check with their community service provider or Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities regarding any changes to scheduled activities.

School Reopening Update
The recent snow and ice storm has created significant challenges in preparing our schools and facilities to safely welcome students and staff. Essential building operations, including facility and bus inspections, pathway clearing and safety protocol verification, require additional time to be completed. Our teams are actively working to address these conditions, and we will continue to assess the situation throughout the week.

As we make operational decisions, we remain focused on the safety of both students and staff. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take the necessary steps to ensure a safe return to school. Additional updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.

Inclement Weather Meal Distribution Information
The ACPS Office of School Nutrition Services will provide to-go lunch meals to all children under the age of 18, without charge at Charles Barrett Elementary School and the Alexandria City High School King Street Campus. Student presence is requested at the time of meal pickup. Please view the meal distribution location and times below.

Alexandria City High School
3330 King Street - Door #34 (across from garage)
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Charles Barrett Elementary School
1115 Martha Custis Drive - Main Entrance
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Synchronous Virtual Learning Information
Please see information below about synchronous virtual learning (via Zoom) that is specific to your child’s school level:
Elementary School (Student Learning Activities)
PreK-8 Schools/Grades PreK-5
PreK-8 Schools/Grades 6-8
Secondary Schools (Middle Schools and High School)

Elementary School Synchronous Virtual Instruction
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work, but will not need to log into Canvas.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day, but our goal is for PreK-2 students to engage in two to three hours of choice board activities, and students in grades 3-5, four to five hours of synchronous core content instruction including literacy, math, science/social studies and Encore and social, emotional and academic learning.
The remaining time will include independent attention to projects, assignments, choice activities and content-specific apps.
Students will need to be present for classroom whole-group lessons as well as any small-group instruction offered by the school staff.
Virtual office hours will be established by the teacher as needed.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development block.

PreK-8 School Synchronous Virtual Instruction for Grades PreK-5 (Jefferson-Houston & Patrick Henry)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work. Please note that these are general schedules that may be adjusted based on the individual school’s instructional program. Teachers will provide customized schedules as needed.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day, but our goal is for PreK-2 students to engage in two to three hours of choice board activities and students in grades 3-5, four to five hours of synchronous core content instruction, including literacy, math, science/social studies and Encore.
The remaining time will include independent attention to projects, assignments, choice activities and content-specific apps.
Students will need to be present for classroom whole-group lessons, as well as any small-group instruction offered by the school staff.
Office hours will be established by the teacher as needed.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development block.

PreK-8 School Synchronous Virtual Instruction for Grades 6-8 (Jefferson-Houston & Patrick Henry)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work. Please note that these are general schedules that may be adjusted based on the individual school’s instructional program. Teachers will provide customized schedules as needed.
After whole-group instruction, students transition into asynchronous independent work for the remainder of the class period.
Schools will communicate the daily bell schedule for the school day.
Students may access the Zoom link for synchronous instruction and office hours from each teacher's Canvas page.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development course.

Secondary School Synchronous Virtual Instruction (Middle Schools & High School)
Synchronous virtual instruction will incorporate live instruction with teachers as well as time for independent work.
Each school will follow their daily bell schedule, which includes four blocks per day. Students should access their teachers Canvas page for the daily schedule.
The lunch time will remain the same.
The instructional model during the instructional block will consist of 45 minutes of synchronous whole group instruction with the teacher.
After whole group instruction, students transition into asynchronous independent work for the remainder of the learning block.
Students may access the Zoom link for synchronous instruction and office hours from each teacher's Canvas page.
The services for students with disabilities will be met in accordance with their individualized education plan (IEP) requirements in a virtual setting. Additionally, direct services for English learner (EL) students in a virtual setting will be provided by EL teachers in the general education classroom or in an English language development course.

Additional Information
Please visit the ACPS website for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you and please stay safe.

Sincerely,
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt
Superintendent