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Alexandria City High School moves to virtual learning after clashes on campus

By FOX 5 DC Digital Team
Published  December 19, 2024 12:11am EST
Alexandria
FOX 5 DC
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The Brief

    • After multiple student altercations at Alexandria City High School's King Street Campus resulted in injuries, the school transitioned to online instruction for Dec. 19 and 20.
    • The shift to asynchronous instruction aims to prevent additional conflicts while maintaining educational continuity via online platforms.
    • Virtual support circles and resources like CrisisText and CrisisLink were made available to help the school community process the incidents.
    • Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt outlined plans for stricter measures against disruptive behavior, to be implemented when students return in January 2025.

What we know

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Following a series of student altercations at the Alexandria City High School King Street Campus on Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced that all high school campuses will transition to asynchronous online instruction for the remainder of the week.

In a letter addressed to families, Dr. Kay-Wyatt described the incidents, which resulted in injuries to students and staff, as "disheartening and concerning." The school was placed on "hold status" for much of the afternoon to ensure safety while authorities investigated.

"Although these incidents involved a small number of students, such events are extremely disruptive to the educational environment and interrupt the focus on learning that our students deserve," Dr. Kay-Wyatt said.

Safety precautions and schedule adjustments

The decision to move to remote instruction on Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday, Dec. 20, stems from reports of potential additional conflicts among students. Dr. Kay-Wyatt emphasized the move as a precaution to prevent further disruptions and ensure safety.

During this time, students will complete assignments online via Canvas, where attendance will be recorded. The superintendent reassured families that education would continue uninterrupted while prioritizing the well-being of the school community.

Support circles and resources for students and staff

To address the emotional toll of the incidents, the Department of Student Services and Equity will host virtual support circles for students and staff on Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Resources for immediate support, such as CrisisText and CrisisLink, were also shared in the letter.

"We recognize that this situation may have caused stress and concern for our students and families," Dr. Kay-Wyatt stated, encouraging those in need to reach out to student support teams or trusted ACPS staff.

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Looking ahead: Plans for 2025

Dr. Kay-Wyatt announced plans for additional measures to address disruptive behavior, which will be implemented when staff and students return on Jan. 6, 2025. 

She promised "severe consequences" for future disruptions and said details of the plan would be shared with families before winter break begins on Dec. 20.

The superintendent thanked ACHS staff and families for their swift response and patience, expressing her commitment to restoring a safe and focused educational environment.

"We will continue to keep you informed and will provide updates as this situation evolves," she said.

Alexandria