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Alexandria City Public Schools marked its fifth annual Essential Workers Recognition celebration on Thursday at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School, bringing together city leaders, school board members, and students to honor the staff who keep the district running day to day.
The March 19 event was the centerpiece of a week-long campaign recognizing essential workers across ACPS and throughout the City of Alexandria, anchored by the district's ongoing Heart Work campaign. Students expressed their appreciation through thank-you cards, colorful banners and a special musical performance. They also got a chance to step inside essential workers' vehicles and see firsthand the tools that help keep the city running.
ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief and School Board Member Tim Beaty attended, along with Alexandria city officials, Ferdinand T. Day Principal Rachael Dishner, George Mason Elementary School Principal Christopher Finan and members of the ACPS senior leadership team.
The appreciation extended beyond the celebration itself. George Mason Elementary marked the occasion on social media Thursday, reflecting the sentiment heard across the district.
"Today we celebrate our essential workers who keep Alexandria a beautiful and safe place to live," the school wrote on Facebook. "We say thank you for being the ones who work long hours and hard days and still take time to come to our schools and remind us that we all have an important place in our community."
This year's event carried extra weight following a January winter storm that forced ACPS to shift to virtual learning. Essential workers scrambled to maintain school buildings and clear surrounding properties while transportation staff navigated hazardous roads. City of Alexandria crews worked alongside ACPS staff to clear streets so students and employees could return safely.
"A dedication to service is a common bond shared by essential workers who do the 'heart' work," the district said on its website.
The week-long recognition follows a 2022 City of Alexandria proclamation designating a week each March to honor essential workers. The celebration itself dates to 2021, when ACPS launched the event to thank workers who kept schools functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parent-Teacher Association Council leadership also attended Wednesday's event, underscoring the broad community investment in the workers who often go unrecognized.
Fifth Annual Essential Workers Recognition Celebration (Alexandria City Public Schools)
