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Meeting Date:
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Category:
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Teaching, Learning and Leadership |
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Type:
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Subject:
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Smart Beginnings Alexandria Name Change |
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ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
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Goal 2: Instructional Excellence ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction. Goal 5: Family and Community Engagement ACPS will ensure that all families and community members feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
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Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable):
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File Attachment:
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Agenda Item Summary:
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The Board Brief provides an update on the partnership between Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and Smart Beginnings Alexandria and the name change of Smart Beginnings Alexandria to Kids’ First Years effective July 1, 2021. |
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Background:
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In 2019, the Early Care and Education Workgroup (ECEW) voted to become Smart Beginnings Alexandria. They joined the Smart Beginnings Network, a statewide network of local coalitions that support local communities in developing comprehensive early care and education system. The Smart Beginnings Network, including the use of the name and brand, is managed by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF).
In March of 2021, Smart Beginnings Alexandria was notified by VECF of their intent to sunset the Smart Beginnings Network, which includes 17 coalitions and shift to a regional model to ensure coverage of all communities in the state. As a result of this new approach, the Smart Beginnings brand, logo, and tagline will be discontinued in 2023.
Since Smart Beginnings Alexandria is relatively new in name recognition and within the community, it was decided to move forward with the name change now instead of using it for another two years. After thorough research of names in use in the early care and education field, trademarks, and web domain availability, Mekanic, a local brand company, provided four names for consideration. The names were presented to partners, and Kids’ First Years was selected. |
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Recommendation
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The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the information presented within the brief. |
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Approvals:
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Recommended By: |
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Signed By: |
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Final-Clerk of the Board - Proxy |
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