Monthly Archives: February 2021

Shannon Foundation Now Accepting Grant Applications – Apply by April 16

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Shannon Foundation's 2021 Logo

Every year, the Shannon Foundation supports our teachers by funding their best ideas for classroom programs or projects. The Foundation offers two levels of financial support: Level 1 grants of up to $750, which are awarded to individual teachers or a team of teachers with an innovative or unique learning idea, and Level 2 grants of up to $5,000, which are awarded to school teams, led by a coordinating teacher or building administrator.

This year, the Shannon Foundation has made it even easier to apply: Teachers can visit the Shannon Foundation’s Grants page and apply directly. All submissions must be received by April 16, 2021. Continue reading →

Stage 4 Instructional & Technology Resources

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3D Number 4

In preparation for a possible decision to transition to Stage 4 of our Return to School plan, the departments of Instruction and Technology collaborated to create a set of resources for teachers. In addition to these resources, we encourage teachers to reach out to your school’s assigned Instructional Coaches and Learning Technology Integrator to support thinking through instructional needs and approaches. Continue reading →

COVID-19 Vaccine Update: First & Second Doses

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ACPS COVID-19 Vaccine Program

We continue to work closely with the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) regarding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to our employees. 

Information You Need to Provide

Later this week, you will receive an email with a link to a form that asks you to provide information regarding your first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have already received one or both doses, please fill out the form when you get the link. If you haven’t, please save the email for future use. Continue reading →

February 4 School Board Presentation: Stage 4 Recommendation

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Dr. Haas Recommends Move to Stage 4

As a reminder, at the School Board meeting on February 4, Superintendent Haas recommended to the Board that the division progress to Stage 4 of our Return to School plan beginning March 1. Under this proposal, students in Grades PK-3 would attend school four days a week, and students in Grades 4-12 would attend school two days per week. The School Board will vote on the recommendation during their next meeting on February 11.

In case you missed the February 4 meeting, we wanted to provide links to the full video recording as well as the slideshow presented that evening and references for the data and issues discussed by Dr. Vergales. Continue reading →

Teacher Transfer Requests for 2021-2022

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Two Teachers

Teacher Transfer Requests are now open to all tenured teachers desiring consideration for new assignments for the 2021-2022 school year. Teachers who are on a Performance Improvement Plan or who will be on an active improvement plan for the upcoming school year are not eligible to apply for a transfer. All other teachers are welcome to apply for jobs online as vacancies become available. Continue reading →

Annual Leave Overages Update & Holiday Bucket Reminder

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Man Working and Daydreaming of Vacation

UPDATE: Annual Leave Overages

We previously announced that we temporarily disabled the conversion of annual leave at or above 320 hours that normally occurs at the end of an employee’s birth month through February 28, 2021. In recognition that 12-month employees may not be able to take time off for the immediate foreseeable future, we will be extending this suspension through December 31, 2021. Continue reading →

Content Opportunities Course for K-5 Teachers: 6th meeting on Feb. 8

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ACPS PD

Monday, February 8, 2021 | 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Registration

Attention all K-5 teachers: You’re invited to the sixth meeting of our Content Opportunities Course on February 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The course, which we will offer monthly, aims to support implementation of inquiry-based curricula in science and social studies as outlined in the pacing guide. A great group of teachers, coaches and LTIs are collaborating to support this work, and participants are eligible for recertification points. Continue reading →

Superintendent Recommends a Move to Stage 4

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Dr. Haas Recommends Move to Stage 4

At this evening’s special School Board meeting, Superintendent Haas recommended to the Board that the division expand the ability of parents to choose in-person instruction for their child beginning Monday, March 1. Under this proposal to progress to Stage 4, Pre-K students and students in Grades K-3 would attend school four days a week, and students in Grades 4-12 would attend school two days per week. The School Board will vote on the recommendation during their business meeting next Thursday, February 11. Continue reading →

Screencast-O-Matic Now Available!

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Screencast-O-Matic Logo

In response to requests from ACPS educators for a technology tool that supports screen recording and video creation, ACPS has purchased a division license for Screencast-O-Matic. This new tool is available to all teachers! Step-by-step directions on how to install Screencast-O-Matic on your ACPS laptop are now available. Continue reading →

The Paramount Theater Presents Arts Education Virtual Resources

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The Paramount logo

Dear Educators and Administrators,

As we start this wonderful New Year filled with hope and promise, we feel a deep sense of awe and gratitude for your extraordinary work and dedication during this unprecedented time of teaching and learning. We are thinking of you, your students, and your school communities, and hope this finds you safe and well.

While currently The Paramount cannot welcome our school communities in person to experience live arts education performances, we hold steadfast to our mission and shared belief in the important role the arts play in our lives. Continue reading →