5 Alternative Ways to Use Kahoot! in the Classroom

Kahoot!A game of Kahoot! is typically initiated by educators as a way to gain rich insights about their classroom, through formative assessment or reviews. However, there are loads of alternative ways to play Kahoot! to capture the hearts and minds of learners—with a focus on mastery and helping learners realize their deepest potential. Kahoot! Journal reports »

Virginia Forecast Includes Colder, Wetter Winter

VDEM LogoGovernor Terry McAuliffe has proclaimed Nov. 29 through Dec. 5 as Winter Preparedness Week in Virginia, which serves as a reminder to prepare now before severe weather arrives.

Virginia could get a wetter-than-average and colder-than-average winter, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS has predicted above-median precipitation amounts for December, January and February in Virginia due to a strong El Niño effect. NWS also predicted that temperatures might be slightly below median levels. Find out how to prepare for and stay safe during winter weather »

Reading, Literacy & Learning: Master of Education Degree or Endorsement – Apply by Feb. 1

Longwood Reading EndorsementLongwood University is offering full-time teachers the opportunity to earn their Masters or Reading Specialist Endorsement through a two-year, part-time, hybrid program. Get the
details »

Application materials are due by February 1 for admission to the subsequent summer. The two-year, part-time track will begin every other academic year. Continue reading

15th Annual Lighting of the Lawn – Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.

Lighting of the LawnLighting of the Lawn is an annual event that aims to bring together University of Virginia students and faculty and the community of Charlottesville at the end of the fall semester. The event, which fosters a sense of camaraderie, looks back on the past year at the University. Charlottesville and U.Va. groups perform, the class poem is read, and various student groups, University departments, and schools host receptions in the Lawn rooms and Pavilions. The event culminates with the actual Lighting of the Lawn, ushering in the holiday season. Check out the Facebook Event Page.

Themed “How the Grinch Stole Wahoowa,” the 2015 Lighting of the Lawn will include a performance by the Minute Men from Albemarle High School. Continue reading

Stay Safe by Registering to Receive Severe Weather Alerts

CodeREDThe Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Office of Emergency Management has selected CodeRED Weather Warning, an automatic severe weather notification service, to alert citizens in the path of severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and tornadoes. You are invited to register for community emergency alerts. There is no charge for this service and you may select which notifications you would like to receive.

Get started by visiting communityemergency.org. Click on the CodeRED logo at the lower-left of the page and enter your contact information. Continue reading

Happy Thanksgiving

Superintendent Pam MoranDear Colleagues:

This past weekend, drama students at Western Albemarle High School gave a very moving performance of The Diary of Anne Frank. In preparing for their roles and in a media interview prior to their performances, students talked about the parallels between the time in which the play’s events unfolded and what our world now is experiencing.

Our students spoke intelligently and thoughtfully about the need for courage, connectivity and hope among people in times of uncertainty and unspeakable horror. Continue reading

Community Outreach Survey – Please Respond by Dec. 4

Tell Us What You ThinkIn an endeavor to minimize the number of surveys our stakeholders complete, we have assembled three important surveys into one Community Outreach Survey. This is an opportunity for you to:

– Provide feedback about the quality of our schools;
– Inform calendar design; and
– Have input into the budgetary process.

Please participate by 12 Noon on Friday, December 4. Take the survey »

Digital Learning Resources: Walking Inside Your Photographs

VFH LogoNew digital learning resources from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities offer access to history resources for kids and teachers to consume and even create. Tour the ruins at Pompeii, “walk” through Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, upload a 360-degree photo and place audio clips into the virtual space, and more! Check out these new tools »