The Alexandria Brief: Tuesday, December 2
ACPS enrollment, facility names and police agreement head to school board Thursday
Good morning, Alexandria. I’m Ryan Belmore, publisher of The Alexandria Brief.
It’s Giving Tuesday. Alexandria is home to more than 200 nonprofits doing important work in our community. I’d love to hear from you: What’s your favorite local nonprofit and why do you support them? Share in the comments below.
1️⃣ Rain clears for Santa, Eagles Run, and live music Tuesday
Expect a rainy start to the day. Rain is in the forecast, mainly before 2 p.m., with a high near 41 degrees. Skies will clear tonight, with temperatures dropping to around 28 degrees and wind gusts up to 29 mph. The sun rises at 7:08 a.m. and sets at 4:46 p.m.
Santa Claus arrives at Lena’s this evening, and the Eagles Run kicks off at Market Square. Live music includes Aimee Mann and Ted Leo’s Christmas Show at The Birchmere and Holly Montgomery at 219 Restaurant. The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. to review affordable housing projects and zoning amendments. At the library, pick up an upcycled gift wrapping kit at Barrett Branch or catch a virtual author talk with Sue Hincenbergs. On the courts, Titans basketball travels to Stafford High School.
2️⃣ Alexandria schools see largest enrollment drop since COVID-19
Alexandria City Public Schools enrolled 15,928 students this fall, a 407-student decline from last year that marks the largest drop since COVID-19. The district came in 617 students below its projection of 16,545. High schools saw the steepest decline at 4.6%, with Alexandria City High School losing 212 students. Elementary schools dropped 2.2%, while middle school enrollment remained relatively flat.
The decline mirrors a regional trend, with Fairfax County down 3,000 students, Montgomery County down 2,600, Loudoun County down 1,000, and Arlington County down 300. The school board will receive the data on Thursday at 6 p.m. at 1340 Braddock Place.
3️⃣ Only one facility name earns clear support in ACPS community poll
A months-long effort to name four school facilities has produced one decisive winner and three close calls. More than 1,400 community members voted in November, but only Owen’s Place — honoring the late son of the Early Childhood Center’s first principal — earned overwhelming support at 75%. Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt is recommending that the board defer the other three naming decisions until at least fiscal year 2028.
The closest race was at Parker-Gray Stadium, where Keith Burns Field edged out Sgt. DeForest L. Talbert Field by just 17 votes. At the Minnie Howard Campus, Kerry Donley Athletic Field Complex led Titan Territory by about 10 points. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 5 p.m., with a board vote set for Dec. 18.
4️⃣ School board to vote on extending police agreement through June
Alexandria City Public Schools is asking the School Board to approve a second extension of its partnership agreement with the Alexandria Police Department. The current memorandum of understanding governing school resource officers expires Dec. 30. Staff are recommending a six-month extension through June 2026 while the Governance Committee and School Law Enforcement Partnership advisory group complete their review.
This marks the second extension in 2025. The board unanimously approved the first extension in June when the original agreement was set to expire. According to the board memo, the Governance Committee determined additional changes were needed. The board will vote Thursday.
5️⃣ Scottish Walk, boat parade bring holiday crowds to Old Town Saturday
Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend arrives Saturday with back-to-back parades and waterfront festivities. The 54th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade steps off at 11 a.m. at South St. Asaph and Wolfe streets, winding through Old Town to Market Square around 1 p.m. Mayor Alyia Gaskins serves as grand marshal. The 25th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights launches at 5:30 p.m., with decorated boats cruising the Potomac for about an hour.
Significant road closures and traffic changes take effect throughout Old Town, with restrictions beginning as early as 5 a.m. Organizers strongly encourage public transit, including the free DASH bus and trolley service. Dockside festivities run from 2 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park, with Santa arriving by fireboat at 3:30 p.m. Both parades proceed rain or shine.
Extra Extra!
The Alexandria City School Board meets Thursday evening with a packed agenda that includes recommendations on facility naming, a vote to extend the division’s police partnership agreement, and first looks at academic calendars stretching to 2029. (The Alexandria Brief)
Several Alexandria establishments are participating in DC Cocktail Week, a seven-day celebration of craft cocktails and culinary pairings running Monday through Sunday. (The Alexandria Brief)
Runners pound the pavement, devour fast food at first Taco Bell DC 50K, which finished at the Taco Bell Cantina in Old Town over the weekend. (WTOP)
Amazon-Virginia Tech initiative awards two Amazon Fellows, support for four faculty projects (Virginia Tech)
Talking about periods doesn’t have to be awkward! Alexandria’s Teen Wellness Center and Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop are teaming up to host “Period Products 101: What’s Available and How to Use Them”—an interactive workshop designed to educate and empower. (City of Alexandria)
Join the Office of Historic Alexandria for a celebration of the legacy of the Alexandria Roller Rink. (City of Alexandria)
The City of Alexandria is accepting applications for the Stormwater Utility (SWU) Fee Credit Program. Property owners may be eligible for up to a 50% reduction on their SWU Fee by installing eligible practices. (City of Alexandria)