Monthly Archives: September 2023

“Theory of Change” Work Sessions – Oct. 10 & 11

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One of the recommendations from the Bellwether instructional practices audit involves using a planning tool called a “Theory of Change” to identify strategies, actions and resources that can facilitate change and achieve desired outcomes. This process includes reflecting on the various roles of people in our school division and the influence of those roles on student success. As Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) begins this important work, we invite educators, administrators, support staff, students, parents and guardians, and community members to join us.

Are you interested in learning more about this concept? Would you like to help ACPS develop a Theory of Change? If so, please register to attend one of our upcoming work sessions: Continue reading →

Nationwide 457b Deferred Compensation Plan: Virtual Consultations Available Sept. 25-29

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Our Nationwide Retirement Specialist, Lynn Robinette, is available for individual virtual consultations on an ongoing basis, but each month, she reserves a week of appointment openings for Albemarle County employees. Appointments are available this September 25-29!

The Nationwide 457b Deferred Compensation Plan is available to ACPS employees who wish to save additional money toward retirement through pre-tax payroll deductions. Continue reading →

Reminder: Making Connections Call for Proposals – Submissions Due Sept. 22

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Mark your calendar! Our annual Making Connections professional learning event will be held Monday, November 6. Programming will consist of sessions facilitated by visiting educators as well as ACPS teachers and administrators. We are especially excited that Making Connections 2023 will again include opportunities for support staff to participate in professional learning! Sessions for instructional staff will be hosted at Monticello High School, while sessions for support staff will be offered at Albemarle High School.

As a reminder, any instructional or support staff member who is interested in presenting at Making Connections must submit a session proposal by Friday, September 22. Continue reading →

Your ACPS HR: Meet the Talent Team

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This is the third article in a series of Compass posts about the structure of the new ACPS Human Resources Department. As we explained in the first post in our series, Human Resources used to jointly serve the school division and Albemarle County Government. One of the major reasons for transitioning to separate HR departments to serve each organization was related to the nuances of recruiting and retaining school division employees, such as teachers, drivers, nurses, teacher assistants, Extended Day Enrichment Programs and cafeteria staff, office associates, and principals, compared to public safety and government office staff. Our ACPS HR Talent Acquisition Team is focused on and committed to recruiting, supporting and retaining a diverse workforce that is representative of the students and community we serve. Continue reading →

Have You Subscribed to TeacherDirect?

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TeacherDirect is a weekly e-newsletter published by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as a direct line of communication with classroom teachers and educators. The goal of TeacherDirect is to share new instructional resources created by VDOE staff and to make teachers aware of professional development and grant opportunities, SOL resources, and other information of special interest to teachers and their students. Subscribe to TeacherDirect to receive weekly updates from VDOE via email.

Statement on Public Sector Collective Bargaining in Albemarle County Public Schools

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On Thursday afternoon, September 7, shortly after the fourth regularly scheduled negotiation session between the School Board and the Albemarle Education Association (AEA) began, the AEA representatives terminated the discussions and walked out of the meeting. The School Board representatives remained at the negotiating table for another 30 minutes, but the AEA representatives did not return.

Progress toward the School Board’s adoption of a mutually agreed-upon collective bargaining agreement was being made. Continue reading →

Work Out & Give Back This September

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Throughout the month of September, acac Fitness and Wellness Centers is partnering with the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson’s Research for their 30 days for $30 campaign. Try acac, commitment free, and enjoy 30 days of unlimited group exercise classes, aquatics, a state-of-the-art fitness floor, Kids Zone child care, and more at your local acac, all while supporting the development of new treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease (100% of your $30 pass will benefit the work of the MJFF). Get started at acac.com/30days or scan the QR code in the flyer below. Continue reading →

Give the Gift of Life: Donate Blood on Sept. 19!

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Hello ACPS team! We have an extraordinary opportunity to make a real difference in our community by partnering with the American Red Cross for our second ACPS Blood Drive! Join us on Tuesday, September 19, by rolling up your sleeves to help save lives! The Red Cross has over 135 years of experience providing humanitarian aid, including more than 75 years of supplying blood to those in need. By donating just a small amount of your time (60 minutes or less), you can help save lives and contribute to a cause that truly matters.

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023
⏰ Time: 1 to 6 p.m.
🏢 Location: Lane Auditorium, County Office Building, 401 McIntire Rd, Charlottesville VA, 22902

Continue reading →

Check Out Our Fall 2023 PD Offerings & Subscribe to Receive Updates!

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The Office of Professional Development has launched its Fall 2023 Professional Development Opportunities website! This site features both internal and external professional development (PD) opportunities, PD offerings for teaching assistants, and info about state conferences. Please use the tabs (Internal PD, External PD, etc.) to navigate the various offerings. Continue reading →