Author Archives: Division Compass

Beyond ‘Turn It Off’: How to Advise Families on Media Use

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Digital Citizenship“Today, more than 30% of U.S. children first play with a mobile device when they still are in diapers, according to Common Sense Media. Furthermore, almost 75% of 13- to 17-year-olds have smartphones, and 24% admit using their phones almost constantly, according to the Pew Research Center.”

With the goal of providing thoughtful, practical advice to parents based on the evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) convened the invitation-only Growing Up Digital: Media Research Symposium this past May. Read in AAP News about 12 key messages that emerged for parents »

You’re Invited: “Honoring Our Veterans” Ceremony – Nov. 11

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Veterans Day 2015Next Wednesday, November 11, 2015, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and School Board will recognize those employees who have served our country in the armed forces during a brief ceremony at 4:45 p.m. at the County Office Building on McIntire Road. (This is a change from the previously scheduled time.)

The ceremony will include the reading of a joint resolution as well as student performances. All employees and their families are invited to attend. Continue reading →

New Blackboard Features!

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BlackboardNew Blackboard Learn features are now available! Key upgrades include:

– Blackboard Collaborate, a powerful web conferencing tool, is fully integrated!
– SafeAssign built into the assignment feature.
– Fully experience your class as a student with Student Preview.
– Significant figures improved for Calculated Formula Test Questions.
– Anonymous and delegated grading now available.

Learn more about how to access and use these new features »

Making Connections 2015: Program Now Available!

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Making Connections 2015Making Connections will be at Monticello High School on Monday, November 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Making Connections 2015 Program is now available! Check the site often between now and November 2, as additional content will be added when it becomes available, including information about Health and Safety for Teachers. (Rumor has it, there are prizes involved!)

We are looking forward to seeing you bright and early on Monday! Don’t forget to carpool!

Virginia State Bar 2016 High School Essay Contest – Deadline: February 12, 2016

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VA State BarThe Law in Society Essay Competition is sponsored by the Virginia State Bar, in cooperation with the Virginia State Department of Education, to increase awareness and appreciation of our legal system among high school students. The criterion for the competition is an essay in response to a hypothetical topic. This year’s contest explores a school’s right to access students’ secrets. Continue reading →

Free “CARE for Teachers” Workshop, December 4-6

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CARE for TeachersTeachers! The University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education invites you to participate for free in the “CARE for Teachers” professional development program. CARE (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education) is a unique program designed to promote teachers’ own well-being and resilience. The program will begin Friday, December 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., and will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6. Lunch and snacks will be served. There are a limited number of slots available. If you are interested in joining us and able to attend all three days, please complete this screening form.

Continue reading →

“Free Range Parenting” Community Forum – October 27

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Albemarle County LogoWHAT: Community Forum on “Free Range Parenting”
WHEN: October 27, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Burley Middle School Cafeteria, 901 Rose Hill Drive, Charlottesville

Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville are hosting a forum on “free-range” parenting to foster a community discussion on how to provide children an opportunity to experience independence in a safe environment. Continue reading →

NCTM Grants, Scholarships & Awards

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NCTMHey, math educators! Did you know that the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) offers grants, scholarships and awards to help math teachers, prospective teachers, and other math educators improve the teaching and learning of mathematics? Funding ranges from $1,200 to $24,000! Check out this current list of funding opportunities »

Google Hangout With Author Kate Messner – October 20

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Kate MessnerCelebrate the National Day on Writing with New York Times Notable author Kate Messner! During the live Google Hangout on Tuesday, October 20, at 12 Noon, students will learn that published authors go through the same process as student writers, including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. RSVP today and you could win a class set of Kate Messner’s book, Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time #1).