A Little Farewell History

Superintendent's BlogEvery generation inherits a world it never made; and, as it does so, it automatically becomes the trustee of that world for those who come after. In due course, each generation makes its own accounting to its children.” — Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, 1968

As I come to the end of 43 years working in public schools — 13 as superintendent — I still feel the power of this quote. I came to Albemarle County thirty-two years ago because I knew educators were doing great things for children and the community supported public education. During my years here, this shared value for educating children well has not faded. Our school division’s strengths reside in this community and in our historical commitment to education that does not stand still in time. Keep reading the June 27 Superintendent’s Blog post »

Gov. Ralph Northam Talks SOLs, Early Childhood Education

Ralph NorthamCurious about our governor’s perspectives on current public education issues? Last week, Governor Ralph Northam addressed Virginia educators in attendance at the second annual Virginia School Leaders Hot Topics Conference. Northam spoke about his desire for students to learn how to think creatively; the importance of recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers; and the need for SOL reform, more broadband access in rural Virginia, increased emphasis on vocational and technical training at the high school level, more diversification in early workforce development, and improved education at the early childhood level. Check out coverage of his speech in The Roanoke Times »

ActivInspire Update

ActivInspireTeachers: Due to changes in the way that Promethean licenses their products, the interactive whiteboard software ActivInspire will not be included on our instructional laptop computer image for the 2018-19 school year.

Despite this change, all teachers and students who routinely use a Promethean ActivBoard for instructional purposes will be able to use ActivInspire on their laptops. Continue reading

benefitsFOCUS: Know before you go (on summer break)!

benefitsFOCUSWhat’s the BIG news?

Before you head out for the summer break, be sure to note that your annual benefits Open Enrollment period will be held August 1st through August 17th.

What’s Open Enrollment???

Open Enrollment is your ONE time of year to make any change you wish to your current medical or dental elections: You can add/drop/change a plan or add/drop dependents. It’s also the one time of year when you can enroll in a medical or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA). Continue reading

Teachers: Check Out These Summer PD Opportunities!

Hello SummerCode Virginia

CodeVA is a non-profit that partners with schools, parents and communities to bring equitable computer science education to all of Virginia’s students. In partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, CodeVA is offering a summer series of FREE trainings for educators in seven locations throughout the state. College credits toward certificate renewal may be earned. For more information on these professional development opportunities, visit the Educator Training page of the CodeVA website. Please contact Chris Dovi at cdovi@codevirginia.org with questions.
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Superintendent Listening Tour: Six Upcoming Opportunities for Teachers

Matthew Haas, Ed.D.Dear Colleagues,

I am both honored and enthusiastic to assume the role of Superintendent of Schools this July 1. As part of my transition from Deputy Superintendent to Superintendent, I am embarking on a Listening Tour throughout July and August. My intention is to relearn our school system from a new perspective—to see and understand our students, parents, employees, and school communities through new eyes and ears. Continue reading

Best Wishes to You and Your Families for Much Success in the Years Ahead

Superintendent Pam MoranDear Colleagues:

“Every generation inherits a world it never made; and, as it does so, it automatically becomes the trustee of that world for those who come after. In due course, each generation makes its own accounting to its children.” — Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, 1968

As I come to the end of 33 years working with the Albemarle County Public Schools 13 as superintendent I truly feel the power of this quote. I came to ACPS because I knew people were doing great things for children, I inherited that mission and now, I bequeath that mission to the next generation. Continue reading

ACPS Learning Management System Follow-Up Survey: Please Respond by June 30

BlackboardTeachers: As part of the school division’s model of continuous improvement, we are evaluating Blackboard Learn to determine if it continues to meet the division’s commitment to quality learning. Thank you to everyone who participated in our initial survey (May 25-31), which helped us gain insight regarding current use of Blackboard Learn.

After reviewing this feedback, we created a follow-up survey that further explores the specific needs and preferences of our students and teachers as they interact with Blackboard Learn. Your feedback will be valuable in helping us construct our evaluation criteria and rubric. Please participate in our follow-up survey by June 30 »

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Google Accounts: Important Info for Graduating Seniors & Exiting Students and Staff

GoogleAs we near the end of the school year, graduating seniors, as well as other students and staff exiting the school division, who wish to archive or move items from their @k12albemarle.org Google account should follow these directions. Accounts will be available until July 13, 2018. Staff needing assistance can reach out to their school’s Learning Technology Integrator or submit a Service Desk ticket. Students needing assistance can contact their school’s Student Helpdesk or work with one of their teachers.

If you have questions please contact the learning technology team at learningtech@k12albemarle.org.

You’re Invited: A Conversation With Dr. Chris Emdin – June 28

ACPS PDThursday, June 28, 2018 | 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | MoHS Auditorium | Registration

You’re invited! On Thursday, June 28, ACPS is pleased to announce that Dr. Chris Emdin will be at Monticello High School for a morning presentation. Chris is an Associate Professor and Director of the Institute for Urban and Minority Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. His bio describes him as “a social critic, public intellectual and science advocate whose commentary on issues of race, culture, inequality and education have appeared in dozens of influential periodicals including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post.” Continue reading