ACPS extends virtual learning to Monday; eyes Tuesday reopening
Fifth straight day of virtual instruction; sidewalks cited as key barrier
Alexandria City Public Schools will remain virtual Monday—the fifth consecutive day—with a goal of reopening for in-person instruction Tuesday, possibly with a two-hour delay, the district announced Sunday afternoon.
All ACPS buildings and offices will be closed Monday 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,” the district said.
Monday is expected to be the first day above freezing in nine days. The district said it is hopeful improved conditions will allow crews to make meaningful progress clearing snow and ice.
Crews have been working to remove what ACPS called “snowcrete”—thick, compacted layers of frozen snow and ice that require specialized equipment and extra time to clear safely.
Students will participate in synchronous virtual learning via Zoom, along with independent work. Teachers will provide virtual office hours. Check Canvas or Clever by 8 a.m. for schedules. No new content will be taught and grades will not be assigned.
Posting of grades will be delayed due to this week’s closures. The district said it will announce a new date.
Students in grades 3–12 should have their Chromebooks at home. Attendance will be taken through logging into Clever and Canvas.
Essential personnel, including building engineers, custodians, maintenance shop employees and security staff, must report to work if safe. Other facility and operations staff will be contacted by supervisors.
Students have not been in school buildings since Thursday, Jan. 22. Friday was a professional learning day, the storm hit Sunday, and Monday was an already-scheduled teacher work day. The district has been virtual every school day since. Monday will mark 11 days since students were last in classrooms.
School bus drivers did a dry run Saturday and reported problem areas to the city, which sent strike teams to address them. As of Sunday morning, 99% of sidewalks around schools were clear and parking lots were more than 80% clear.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins has repeatedly emphasized sidewalks as the key remaining issue in the city’s snow response, urging residents to clear their walks.
“The key issue remains sidewalk, sidewalk, sidewalks,” Gaskins said Sunday. “We need you, if you have not shoveled your sidewalk, to please get out there and make that a priority.”
Free meals for children under 18 are available Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Alexandria City High School (3330 King St., Door 34) and Charles Barrett Elementary (1115 Martha Custis Dr.).