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.