No matter when you are planning to retire, you probably have questions, like: How much money will I need in retirement? Where will it come from? How does VRS work? What are my options for saving? How does health insurance work when I retire? For answers to these questions and much more, you should attend the Retirement Planning Seminar! Continue reading
Monthly Archives: October 2018
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, October 26
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “Everything looks like failure in the middle.” — Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Happy Friday! This week was National School Bus Safety Week. I had brunch with all the bus drivers and crews over at the Vehicle Maintenance Facility on Tuesday. Principals, assistant principals, and even a few Board members were there. Continue reading
benefitsFOCUS: Get ready for the upcoming November benefits Open Enrollment window!
What’s the BIG news?
Your annual benefits Open Enrollment window (November 1st through November 16th) begins next week! This Open Enrollment window is the final step needed to transition our medical, dental and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) plan years to run on a calendar year basis. Any changes you make to your medical/dental/FSA elections during the upcoming Open Enrollment period will go into effect January 1, 2019, and will run through December 31, 2019. Continue reading
NEA Foundation Grant Opportunities – Next Deadline: Feb. 1
The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation offers multiple grant opportunities for educators, including Student Achievement Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants. Three grant deadlines are established annually: February 1, June 1, and October 15. Two levels of funding are available: $2,000 and $5,000. Grants fund activities for 12 months from the date of the award. Continue reading
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, October 19
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai
Good morning, everyone!
Wednesday afternoon, Jay Thomas and I were on our way back from Hampton after making a presentation about the “Profile of a Virginia Graduate” at the VDOE School Counselor Summit that morning. We made a stop in Richmond to meet up with Melisa Larson and Beth White, two terrific teachers from Western Albemarle High School, who were on a field trip with their students at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Continue reading
Substitute Focus Group: First Meeting on Oct. 24
Are you concerned about the quantity and quality of our substitutes? Do you wonder why it is sometimes difficult to find subs? Do you worry about the impact on students?
Do you want to be part of the solution to this division-wide concern? Continue reading
3K Cancer Walk Coming up on Nov. 3: Support a Cause!
The ACPS Transportation Department is hosting a 3K Cancer Walk on Saturday, November 3, at the Albemarle High School track. Registration will open at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9. All proceeds will benefit the Emily Couric Cancer Center of UVA. Register as a walker or register as a vendor.
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, October 12
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “Being a good teacher means helping students to be who they need to be.” — Kwame Alexander
Good Morning, everyone, and happy Friday!
On September 6, Virginia Slechta, a first-grade teacher at Crozet Elementary School, emailed Jamie Foreman and me to ask about expanding IP phone services in classrooms so that teachers can call parents who have held onto phone numbers from other area codes. I really appreciate Ginny emailing us because it started a larger conversation about connecting effectively with families, especially those that are transient. Continue reading
2019-20 School Year Budget Requests
Dear Colleagues:
Among the most valuable input I receive each year in developing a budget for our school division comes from the professionals who are closest to our work. I deeply appreciate your engagement with our students, parents, programs and services, and community partners.
That’s why I am asking you to take some time over the next few weeks to think about and offer budget suggestions that will continue to improve our performance. Continue reading
Onsite Flu & Tdap Vaccination Clinics Start Today!
BeWell Albemarle has partnered with Giant Pharmacy to offer onsite flu clinics at 50+ Albemarle County locations in October and November! All Albemarle County employees (including part-time and temporary employees, substitutes, interns, and student teachers) and public safety volunteers (Fire Rescue, Police, Sheriff’s Office) are eligible to receive flu and Tdap vaccinations with no out-of-pocket cost, even if you are not covered through the County’s health plan. Clinics start today, October 9! View the clinic schedule »