The Governor recently signed a new law that eliminates the requirement for teachers seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license to demonstrate proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction. Therefore, the Virginia Department of Education has recently clarified the TSIP requirements for all licensed personnel in Virginia. The actual Technology Standards certainly still exist; however, they are not required for licensure. You are welcome to explore the Virginia Society for Technology in Education’s Standards as well. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: August 2018
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, August 17
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings.” — Jenny Han
Good Friday morning!
When I think back to Tuesday and the beautiful sight of all our teachers together in the Monticello gym, I can only be overwhelmed. What a journey it is to become a teacher, a person so important to so many. Continue reading
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, August 10
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Good Friday morning!
I am so happy to know that all of our teachers are coming back to school next week! I had the pleasure of meeting 170 new teachers to the County on Tuesday this week; I think our veteran ACPS teachers are going to like them, and I know they can’t wait to meet you! Continue reading
A Note From Jeff Richardson, County Executive & Matt Haas, Superintendent
On Friday of last week, members of the Albemarle County Local Government Leadership Team and the Albemarle County Schools Superintendents’ Cabinet had the opportunity to meet and talk about our shared values and objectives and how we can work more closely together to build upon our community’s quality of life excellence.
At the top of our lists when we were discussing mutual strengths are the highly talented and dedicated employees who do such an outstanding job in serving the residents of our county on a daily basis. Continue reading
Important Message About School Operations for Aug. 10-12
Dear Colleagues:
This weekend marks the anniversary of the illegal and traumatic events that brought so much pain and damage to our community one year ago. Although it is unclear what may happen, you should know there is no higher priority at all times in our school division than safeguarding the safety and security of every student and every member of our staff.
For the past several months, our division has been closely working with local government, law enforcement, public safety and regional partners on several preparatory measures to ensure that everyone is safe this weekend.
This Friday, all non-essential school staff will have the option of leaving their offices at 1 p.m. and concluding their workday from home. Continue reading
Employee & Community Resources for August Events
During the summer of 2017, the events in Charlottesville impacted our community and all of us living and working in the surrounding area. It is important to recognize that the anniversary of these events may be a challenging time due to traumatic memories and lingering stress. There are resources available for community members and County employees to help us through these and other difficult events. Continue reading
benefitsFOCUS: The Last Three Issues (July 27, August 1 & 3)
August 3, 2018
Special Flexible Spending Account edition: Read on if you currently have an FSA, or are thinking of/planning to have one next year!
What’s the BIG news?
Your benefits Open Enrollment period is under way! Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* are a great way to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical and child dependent care expenses. Continue reading
August 17 PD Sessions: Registration Now Open!
Registration for August 17 Professional Development sessions is now live.
Teachers: You are responsible for 6 hours of professional development this summer. If you participated in two PD sessions July 9-19 or in CAI, Design Academy, Responsive Classroom, Developmental Designs, Intervention Institute, Albemarle County Writing Collaborative, or AVID, then you do NOT need to register for sessions on August 17.
Please contact Shelia Waddy or Jennifer Sublette with any questions.
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, August 3
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “We must accept the societal change in the mission of our schools.” — Rick Stiggins
Good morning, everyone! I hope you had an enjoyable July! This week, I had the opportunity to check in on the teacher leadership program, an intervention workshop, and threat assessment training, all out at Western Albemarle High School. Continue reading
Virginia Sales Tax Holiday, Aug. 3-5
Virginia’s annual three-day sales tax holiday starts this Friday, August 3, at 12:01 a.m. and ends the following Sunday, August 5, at 11:59 p.m. During the sales tax holiday, shoppers can buy qualifying school supplies ($20 or less per item) and clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item) without paying sales tax. Plus, items do not need to be purchased for school use or in connection with a school activity to be eligible for the exemption! View the list of qualifying school supplies and clothing »
The tax holiday also applies to hurricane and emergency preparedness items and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products. Get more details »