AC Town Crier 25-26 Issue 38 | | | PTSA Year‑End Edition: Celebrating Our Titans | | |
As we close out another memorable year at Alexandria City High School, we’re reflecting on the incredible accomplishments, growth, and resilience of our Titan community. From classrooms and stages to athletic fields and community events, our students, families, and staff have poured their hearts into making ACHS a place where every Titan can shine.
The ACHS Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is deeply grateful for the privilege of supporting our amazing school community. Your partnership, volunteerism, and generosity fuel everything we do, and we are honored to stand alongside you in service of our students, teachers, and staff.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing PTSA President Missy Estabrook, whose tireless advocacy has strengthened our school community in profound ways. Through years of dedicated service across multiple PTAs and leadership roles, Missy has championed family‑school partnerships, elevated parent voice, expanded access and inclusion, and worked relentlessly to ensure every student and family feels seen, supported, and valued. Her leadership has left a lasting impact on ACHS and the broader ACPS community, and we are deeply thankful for all she has poured into this work!
There is so much more we can accomplish together. We hope you’ll continue this journey with us next year!
| | There’s so much packed into our weekly Town Crier—be sure to click “View Entire Message” at the bottom of your email so you don’t miss a thing! | | |
Coming Up
Coming Up *2026 - 2027*
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August 14-21: Academic Advising: School counselors will communicate with parents/guardians regarding hard schedule conflicts and share options. Hard schedule conflicts arise when two classes requested by a student are offered at the same time.
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August 19: Academic Advising: Student schedules are live in PowerSchool and available to parents/guardians.
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August 24-28: Academic Advising: Phase I - School counselors will support students to resolve schedule corrections
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August 24: *First day of School for the 2026-2027 school year*
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August 27-28: Academic Advising: Students can request to level up to Honors or AP based on availability.
*June 2026 Recognitions and Cultural Observances
*ACPS Academic Calendar '25-'26
*2026-2027 School Year Calendars Now Available!
| | A Note from our ACHS PTSA President | | |
As I wrap up my final year as PTSA President, I want to thank the officers and chairs over the past two years, who did all the heavy lifting, and the countless other volunteers who made our work possible! Whether you’ve helped out with one event or dozens, whether you’ve given your valuable time or made a donation, on behalf of all Titans – THANK YOU for helping us strengthen the all-important family–school partnership. I’m so grateful to be part of a community that wants so much for its students to succeed.
A special thanks to our seasoned PTSA volunteers with graduates who will be leaving us this year. Kristen Creighton, Jessica Hughes, Cindy Morrison, Marie Randall, Marguerite Rippy, Katy Sokolove, and Linda Williams – I don’t know what we’ll do without your tireless dedication and advocacy. You’ve collectively given decades to our school division, building community, amplifying the voices of our members and supporting our educators as we all worked to improve student outcomes. You will be GREATLY missed.
Thanks also to our wonderful school leaders, Mr. Harrell, Mr. Carter-Sinclair, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Fredericks, Mr. Burch and Ms. Hardaway for attending every PTSA meeting and providing the administrative updates that kept all of our parents plugged in.
I’m proud to be leaving the PTSA in the most amazing hands — with our new President Rachel Dixon and our indefatigable Outreach VP, Sue Heiler Brown leading the way. I know our family and community engagement will only increase with these two rock stars at the helm and I wish them all the joy I’ve had, serving our community.
With Titan Pride,
Missy Estabrook
| | ***Congratulations to the ACHS class of 2026*** | | |
Senior Graduation Party
The PTSA's biggest event of the year — the Senior Graduation Party — was a huge success! Seniors celebrated with games, music, food, prizes, and a night full of Titan spirit. We loved seeing the pure joy on our seniors’ faces as they celebrated the end of four years of hard work, growth, and dedication — it was everything this tradition is meant to be: safe, joyful, and unforgettable.
A heartfelt thank‑you to Committee Chair Meredith Cantrell for her outstanding leadership and tireless work in bringing this event to life. We are also deeply grateful to our many volunteers, who showed up with enthusiasm and heart, and to the generous donors and sponsors whose contributions made this celebration possible.
The PTSA congratulates the Titans Class of 2026 on this incredible milestone. We are so proud of you!
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Thank you to Our 2026 Titans Graduation Party Corporate Sponsors!
The PTSA is deeply grateful for the generous support of our community partners who helped make the ACHS Titans Graduation Party possible.
Titan Silver Laurel Level ($250)
- Del Ray Citizens Association
- Rosemont LC
- Missy Estabrook
- Sarah Schultz
Titan Gold Helm ($500)
- GEICO Insurance – Matthew McCarthy
Titan Diamond Shield ($2,500)
Titan Legacy Circle Sponsors — Recognition of Our Multi‑Year Donors
- Virginia American Water
- Del Ray Citizens Association
- GEICO Insurance – Matthew McCarthy
- Rosemont LC
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Please join us in congratulating the newly elected 2026–2027
PTSA Executive Board and Chairs!
President – Rachel Dixon
Secretary – Katie Campbell
Treasurer – Amy Gareis
Outreach – Sue Heiler Brown
Advocacy – Amy Jackson
Communications – Katie Palavecino
Hospitality – June Shih & Martha Davis
Spring2Action – Joy Pochatila
Zoom Webinar – Teri Gennarelli
As we gear up for another incredible year, we are still seeking a few additional leaders to round out our team. With minimal time commitment and training provided, this is a wonderful, low‑pressure way to make a meaningful impact on our Titan community.
⭐ Open Chair / Co‑Chair Positions ⭐
Grad Party
Faculty Rep(s)
Fall Fundraising
Membership & Magnets
PTAC Rep
Special Education
Student Rep(s)
If you’re interested in joining the board or learning more, please contact Past President Katy Matthews at pastpresident@achsptsa.org.
| | Students — are you looking for leadership experience and volunteer hours next year? Come join the ACHS PTSA as a Student Representative for the 2026–2027 school year! Student Reps serve as the liaison between school administration and the PTSA, helping advocate for student needs and strengthening communication across our Titan community. It’s a meaningful role, a great résumé booster, and a chance to make a real impact. Interested? Contact Katy Matthews at pastpresident@achsptsa.org. | | ACHS Administration Updates | | Important End-Of-Year Calendar Updates - The end of the school year brings many important dates, celebrations, exams, and schedule adjustments. Families are encouraged to check the calendar daily to stay updated on what’s happening and any changes to the regular school schedule. | | |
Superintendent Search Community Engagement Sessions - The Alexandria City School Board invites students, families, staff and community members to participate in upcoming community engagement sessions hosted by HYA as part of the search for the next superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools. These sessions provide an opportunity to share your perspectives on the leadership qualities, priorities and vision you would like to see in the school division’s next superintendent. Feedback gathered through these conversations will help inform the leadership profile and selection process.
In-Person Community Engagement Session
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Alexandria City High School – Minnie Howard Campus Forum (First Floor)
3775 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302
Register
Visit the ACPS Superintendent Search webpage for additional information.
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Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget Development Process Nears Final Adoption - The Alexandria City School Board is approaching the final stages of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget development process, including the adoption of the FY 2027 Combined Funds and the FY 2027–36 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budgets.
Over the past several months, the School Board has engaged in budget work sessions, public hearings and community discussions focused on ensuring the proposed budget continues to support the priorities outlined in the ACPS 2030 Strategic Plan while balancing the operational and instructional needs of the school division.
The FY 2027 budget continues to focus on supporting students, staff and schools through investments aligned to the strategic plan’s priorities to nurture, educate and inspire students. Budget priorities include maintaining strong instructional supports, investing in staff, supporting safe and welcoming learning environments and continuing to strengthen programs and services across the school division.
The final phase of the budget process will include the following upcoming meetings:
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June 9, 2026: FY 2027 Adjusted Combined Funds and CIP Add/Delete Work Session
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June 11, 2026: School Board adoption of the Final FY 2027 Combined Funds and FY 2027–36 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budgets
Community members are encouraged to continue following the budget process and review budget materials and meeting information on the FY 2027 Budget webpage.
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Important Academic Advising Updates (see full detailed message on May 8th ParentSquare update)
Greetings Titan Students and Families,
The end of the 2025-26 school year is quickly approaching, and the Alexandria City High School team is actively preparing for the upcoming academic year.
Tipsheets
Parents/Guardians: View and Approve Course Requests
Students: View Course Requests
Parents/Guardians and Students: View Academy and Pathway Information*
Course Descriptions and Online Courses
Course descriptions can be found in the ACPS Program of Studies. In addition, some courses listed above are available via online learning. All online courses are offered based on vendor availability. Students who take a course online generally take this course during the school day in a dedicated classroom with other students and a teacher. This is the preferred method for students who may benefit from a more structured schedule. In some cases, students may be able to take an online course after school. Advanced Placement (AP) online courses should be taken during the school day in a dedicated classroom due to their rigor. Please contact your school counselor to request an online course. More information about online courses can be found on the Online Learning webpage, which begins on page 156 of the ACPS Program of Studies.
Timeline for 2026-27 Course Adjustments:
August 14-21, 2026: School counselors will communicate with parents/guardians regarding hard schedule conflicts and share options. Hard schedule conflicts arise when two classes requested by a student are offered at the same time.
August 19, 2026: Student schedules are live in PowerSchool and available to parents/guardians. As a reminder, requests to adjust courses will only be accepted between May 8-29, 2026.
August 24-28, 2026: Phase I - School counselors will support students in the following categories to ONLY resolve schedule corrections:
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Add a peer mentor period to resolve a course conflict as needed - Peer mentor periods should be primarily selected in the spring.
- Enact Senior Privilege with Parent/Guardian Permission
- Duplicate course on schedule
- Missing a core academic course
- Missing a graduation requirement
- Missing a class period
- Missing the prerequisite or corequisite required for a course
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Placed in an elective NOT selected between February 10, 2026 to May 29, 2026 (based on availability/space)
A counselor will review documentation to verify before making a correction.
- Remove a repeat class (where a student has already earned credit
August 27-28, 2026: Students can request to level up to Honors or AP based on
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Exception - Students can drop a DE course if they do not meet the Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) requirement, or if doing so aligns with the NVCC withdrawal deadlines.
- Please note that if students are scheduled for the seven primary requests they selected, they will not have an opportunity to change to one of their alternate choices.
September 7-11, 2026: Phase II - Students will have the opportunity to submit a request to supervising Academy Principals to level down, subject to availability. Classes dropped at this time will not appear on the high school or the NOVA transcript (for those in DE courses). They will review the request and make a decision based on attendance, current academic effort, input from the teacher, family, etc.
October 20-30, 2026: Phase III - Students will have an opportunity to submit a request to supervising academy principals to level down, subject to availability. DE classes dropped at this time will be reflected on the NVCC transcript. They will review the request and make a decision based on attendance, current academic effort, input from the teacher, family, etc.
November 1, 2026 and beyond: Phase IV - Only Seniors will have an opportunity to drop a class for a Withdraw Pass (WP) or Withdraw Fail (WF) if it is not required to graduate.
*Students can drop a dual enrollment course if they do not meet the Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) requirement to align with the NVCC withdrawal deadlines.
Important Information About Summer School Registration and Testing
If your student registered for summer school, there will be further communication sent by the summer leadership team at the end of May. Course requests will be adjusted as needed based on summer registration.
If your student needs a Standards of Learning (SOL) test or other testing credential to meet graduation requirements, there will be an additional opportunity to register for the SOL Bootcamp in early June.
If you have questions or need further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact your student’s professional school counselor (Link to School Counseling Directory).
| | ACPS Student Code of Conduct Feedback - ACPS is seeking stakeholder feedback on the Student Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations that help keep our schools safe and support positive student behavior. The Code of Conduct explains programs that promote positive school climate, the multi‑tiered supports available to students, and the procedures used to address a range of behaviors through a restorative lens. Families are encouraged to review the Code of Conduct and share their input. The feedback form is available in multiple languages through June 19, 2026. | | Student Reminder: Metro Buses are NOT FREE - The Metro Transit Police Department has reached out to our community to remind students that the Metro buses are NOT free. The bus drivers will not prompt or remind you to pay, however, you will face criminal actions if you are found not having paid. In addition, the Metro services our entire community. Etiquette matters! Please be mindful and govern yourselves accordingly. | | |
Braddock Road Safety & Access Study:
What Families Should Know
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The City of Alexandria hosted an open house last week to share potential safety and access improvements for a portion of West Braddock Road outside our Minnie Howard Campus. Unfortunately, the city did not consult with Alexandria City Public Schools or any Alexandria City High School Administrators in the development phase of the plan, so it does not take into consideration the daily needs of our students or teachers. Some school staff and community members have raised concerns that reducing travel lanes could worsen congestion, slow emergency response, and create additional transportation delays for students, buses, and families. Ms. PreeAnn Johnson, an ACPS Campus Administrator has shared concrns with City Council. Her letter is included below.
The W. Braddock Road Corridor and N/ Howard Street Access and Safety Improvements Study is based on data collected in 2023 and proposes four design options.
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Option 1 in the presentation would eliminate two travel lanes for buses and other vehicles on Braddock Road in front of Minnie Howard, reducing our four-lane road to two while adding bike lanes on both sides of the road.
- Option 2 would eliminate two travel lanes for buses and other vehicles on Braddock Road in front of Minnie Howard, reducing our four-lane road to two while adding a bike lane on one side of the road and parking on the other.
- Option 3 would eliminate one travel lane for buses and other vehicles to build a two-way bike lane on one side of the road.
- Option 4 would keep the current road configuration while still allowing the city to enhance crosswalks, reduce vehicle speeds, improve signage, adjust the timing of lights and make other changes to facilitate safer movement of students between campuses. Option 4 would also acknowledge that Alexandria City High School currently operates as a "closed campus" where students are not permitted to walk or bike during the day and must instead take the inter-campus shuttles.
The planning and design of this project is ongoing. You may share your thoughts on each of the four plans on the city's online feedback form before July 3rd.
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Dear Mayor and Members of City Council,
I am writing to respectfully urge you to reject the proposed Braddock Road Corridor redesign currently scheduled for appeal before City Council on May 16.
I have lived in Alexandria for more than 20 years and worked with Alexandria schools and city recreation programs for more than 40 years. During that time, I have worked with children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families across every part of our city. I have also spent years transporting special-needs residents and assisting citizens traveling to medical appointments and community programs throughout Alexandria. I know these roads not from theory, but from daily use and firsthand experience.
My concern is simple: Alexandria already has more traffic demand than our road network can comfortably support, particularly during school and rush-hour periods. Reducing travel lanes on another major corridor is likely to worsen congestion, delay buses, slow emergency access, and make daily travel harder for the residents who most depend on reliable road access.
I am especially concerned about the impact on Alexandria City High School students, DASH buses, school buses, staff, parents, and the broader school community. Students are already experiencing transportation delays on corridors where lane reductions have occurred. Additional reductions along Braddock Road risk creating even greater backups around some of the busiest intersections in the city.
I would urge Council to seriously examine the real-world results of the Seminary Road redesign before approving another similar project. Many residents continue to experience substantial delays along Seminary, particularly near the hospital corridor and during morning and evening rush hour. For many drivers, what was once a short trip now regularly takes significantly longer, even while bike lane usage often appears minimal compared to the volume of vehicle traffic being displaced into fewer lanes.
Most importantly, Braddock Road serves far more than commuters. It serves:
-churches and congregations,
-seniors,
-medically vulnerable residents,
-paratransit users,
-school transportation,
-DASH riders,
-emergency vehicles,
-working families,
-and residents simply trying to reach jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, recreation activities, and community events.
Removing parking, turn lanes, and accessibility spaces from such an important corridor may unintentionally create new barriers for the very residents Alexandria claims to prioritize under its equity and accessibility goals.
I fully support pedestrian safety improvements. However, there are alternatives that could improve safety without reducing roadway capacity on one of the city's critical east-west routes. Additional crosswalks, improved lighting, better signage, traffic calming near crossings, and targeted pedestrian improvements could all enhance safety while preserving traffic flow and accessibility.
I respectfully ask Council to prioritize practical transportation needs, accessibility, and reliable mobility for the greatest number of Alexandria residents. Planning decisions should reflect how people actually move throughout our city today - especially students, seniors, working families, and residents with disabilities - not simply how we hope they may travel someday.
Please vote NO on the current Braddock Road redesign proposal.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
PreeAnn Johnson
Alexandria Resident
ACPS CAMPUS ADMINISTRATOR
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Community Water Party - We are so excited to invite you to join us for the 10th Annual "Hello Summer", a Community Water Party where all ages and titles are left at the door, and everyone's inner six-year-old finally gets a turn.
For ten years, this afternoon has been the unofficial start of summer for hundreds of Alexandria families. Water balloons fill the air, music plays, hard to stay dry for long, and for a few hours. This is a bring-your-own-fun kind of party: water balloons, water guns, towels, and anything that gets people laughing. The more you bring, the better the afternoon. Come ready to laugh, connect, and maybe get a little soaked!
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A.L.E.X. Pilot Summer Fellowship Program - Are you a high school student in Alexandria looking to jumpstart your career in public service, or do you know a talented young leader who is?
Applications are now open for the A.L.E.X. Pilot Summer Fellowship Program, a unique, one-week immersive experience designed specifically for rising high school juniors and seniors who live in the City of Alexandria. As an A.L.E.X Fellow, you'll experience:
- Executive Shadowing: Observe daily operations and attend strategic discussions with City leaders.
- Professional Development: Participate in leadership seminars and complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) Self-Assessment.
- Civic Engagement: Research critical community issues alongside dedicated mentors. Key Details:
- Compensation: $1,000 stipend
- First Screening Date: May 25, 2026
- Eligibility: Must be a resident of the City of Alexandria and eligible to work in the U.S. Application Requirements:
Interested students must submit an online application, an unofficial transcript, proof of residency, and a 500-word essay reflecting their commitment to community, leadership, or public service. Help us shape the next generation of civic leaders. Share with a student, parent, or educator in Alexandria who needs to see this! 👉 Apply here: alexandriava.gov/jobs
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Registration is Open for the 2026 Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference! Rising 9th through 12th graders residing in the City of Alexandria are invited to register for the annual Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference. This year's conference will be held August 11-13 at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.) This event is free and youth must register by August 7. Register here.
The first two days of this three-day conference will feature interactive workshops. The last day of the conference will include an afternoon networking session with some of Alexandria's most prominent community leaders. Lunch will be provided all three days of the conference and youth who attend the conference in its entirety are eligible to receive a $20 gift card. The Youth Leadership Conference empowers emerging young leaders by providing training opportunities and connecting them to resources in their community.
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Alexandria City Youth Resource Directory — Your One‑Stop Hub for What’s Happening!
Looking for something fun to do? Need support? Want to get connected? The Alexandria City Youth Resource Directory has you covered!
This online hub brings together free and low‑cost resources for teens (11–17) and young adults (18–24) — everything from food, housing, jobs, and mental health support to clubs, activities, and weekly teen events happening all across the city.
Plus, check out the Teen Events Calendar, packed with free and low‑cost programs, library activities, rec center events, school clubs, and one‑time opportunities you won’t want to miss.
It’s all in one place — easy to browse, easy to use, and designed to help Alexandria youth stay informed, supported, and engaged!
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Alexandria City Community Cookouts — Join the Fun! - The City of Alexandria is hosting its annual series of Community Cookouts this spring and summer, and everyone is invited! Enjoy free food, games, activities, and giveaways while connecting with neighbors, city agencies, and local organizations. ACPS staff will also be on-site at select events to share resources, answer questions, and meet with families. See the full list of dates and locations in the ACPS Express.
| | Most parents don’t allow underage drinking — and you don’t have to either. Together, our community can help keep Alexandria youth safe by setting clear expectations and staying informed. Learn more about local prevention resources and support at PreventItAlexandria.org. | | Ways to Stay Connected with the PTSA | | Did you know that the PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in the country with over 4 million members nationwide? Today, our role is more important than ever in connecting parents, teachers and administrators, advocating for our students and supporting critical school needs that the school division cannot. We want EVERY family at ACHS to join the PTSA because we know we can do more together than apart. If you have questions about what we do, please visit our website. If you have questions about membership, please contact Membership Chair Jodi Zand at membership@achsptsa.org or visit our Givebacks Store to join today! | |
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PTSA meetings are generally held at 7pm on the third Monday of each month (barring holidays) on the third floor of Minnie Howard in Room 3007
- The School Administrative team and School Board Vice Chair Christopher Harris come to every meeting
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Elevators are available for those who require mobility support
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If you cannot attend in person, please join us via Zoom at this link
- If you'd like to listen to the meeting in Amharic, Arabic, Dari or Spanish, online interpreters are provided at every meeting
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If you can't join us in person or online, the agenda, minutes, treasurer's report and speaker presentations are posted on our website the following day along with a link to the same on our Facebook page
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Questions? Reach out to our Secretary, Beth Workman, at secretary@achsptsa.org.
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Throughout the new year, please be sure to visit our Corporate Titans of Giving for all of your digital presence, wellness, travel, field hockey, barre, construction, photography, consignment, and real estate needs. When you support these local businesses, you support the teachers, students, and staff at ACHS. Thank you, Corporate Titans of Giving, for your generosity!
Affinity Health & Wellness, PLLC
AVA Magic Field Hockey Club
Barre3 Alexandria
Capitol Hill Construction
Jen Walker Team
Judy Davis Architectural Photographer
MKJ Homes
Mint Condition
Neverland Destinations
RT7 Media
| | PTSA's Master Quick Links | | |
President: Missy Estabrook
Secretary: Beth Workman
Treasurer: Linda Williams
Outreach VP: Sue Heiler Brown
Past President: Katy Matthews
Advocacy: Marguerite Rippy
All Night Grad Party: Meredith Cantrell
Communications: Rachel Dixon
Fall Fundraising: Martha Davis
Hospitality: Jessica Hughes & Marie Randall
Membership: Jodi Zand
Magnet Sales: Julia Sylla
PTAC Rep: Greta Gordon
Reflections: Lee Lynch
Special Education: Kristen Creighton
Spring2Action: Joy Pochatila
Teacher Grants: June Shih
Zoom Webinars: Teri Gennarelli
| | | Executive Principal-Acting | Lance Harrell | lance.harrell@acps.k12.va.us | | King Street Campus Admin | Ashley Carter Sinclair | ashley.carter.sinclair@acps.k12.va.us | | Minnie Howard Campus Admin - Acting | PreeAnn Johnson | pree.ann.johnson@acps.k12.va.us | | Satellite/Chance for Change Campus Admin | Fredericka Smith | Fredericka.Smith@acps.k12.va.us | | Community Liaison
| Patty Moran | patricia.moran@acps.k12.va.us | | | |
The Alexandria City High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) is a volunteer-led organization created to strengthen the family-school partnership by connecting parents, teachers, students and administrators. We build community by increasing family engagement, amplifying the voices of our members and supporting educators as we all work to improve student outcomes.
The Town Crier is the ACHS PTSA's weekly newsletter. It will be sent to all subscribers every Sunday, except during school holidays. Please send your announcements and other information of interest to the ACHS community to actowncrier@achsptsa.org no later than noon on the Friday before it should be published.
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