As you likely recall, the closure of schools in the spring led to a cancellation of SOL testing. The state has announced that SOL testing will resume this school year. Below is the most up-to-date information we have at this time. Middle and high schools will soon be sharing this information with families. Continue reading
Google has announced that classic Sites is officially being retired on November 1, 2020. All users must use new Sites to create websites in the ACPS Google Domain after November 1, 2020.
In today’s classroom, it is more important than ever to share video content from YouTube safely. Though YouTube is a resource filled with credible and engaging content, like many other online tools, it should be used carefully and thoughtfully with students. Seesaw and Schoology provide teachers with a safe environment in which to share video content from YouTube. ACPS teachers should embed videos directly into Schoology or post videos in Seesaw via Google Slides. Not only do these strategies legally strip videos of distracting advertisements and thumbnails, they also leverage tools supported and managed directly by the Department of Technology. Continue reading
In honor of Digital Citizenship Week, the Department of Technology’s Learning Technology team has launched a Digital Citizenship Week website featuring resources to support our educators with covering digital citizenship topics with students.
Also, ACPS will also be hosting two family Digital Citizenship webinar events this November, and you’re invited! Mark your calendar: Continue reading
In a time of multiple and overlapping crises—the COVID-19 pandemic, a national reckoning on race and injustice, political polarization, and threats to voting rights and access—how will you teach about current events, including the election? ACPS is offering three connected workshops, each facilitated by Facing History and Ourselves, that can be taken collectively or à la carte. Each opportunity will offer resources, support and strategies to teach in this environment.
The first workshop in the series is Election 2020: Teaching in Unpredictable Times. Register to participate in this on-demand webinar independently and then come together to debrief and discuss with your colleagues. Continue reading
From our foundational CRT module sessions to a division-wide virtual CRT & The Brain book study, start or continue your learning in Culturally Responsive Teaching this fall through the Office of Community Development’s CRT professional development series.
To find out more about and register for these and other PD offerings from the Office of Community Engagement, click on the “CRT 2020-2021 PD” featured link on the Professional Development web page, or visit the internal ACPS PD Offerings page. Please contact Leilani Keys, ACPS Equity Specialist, with questions.
The next round of Division PLC (DPLC) meetings is coming up on October 16 or 23, depending on your group. Please refer to the Division PLC 2020-21 document for key information about the purpose and structure of DPLCs as well as the meeting schedule and Zoom links.
Please email leadcoaches@k12albemarle.org with any questions.
The Department of Technology is now able to have important pop-up messages appear on ACPS student and staff laptops and iPads. This communication strategy will be used when a major ACPS system is not working or is experiencing technical difficulties (e.g., Zoom, Schoology or Seesaw). We want you to be aware of this new communication strategy in case we use pop-up messages in the future. Please make sure your students and families are aware that we may use pop-up messages.
This Friday, October 16, we will send a test pop-up message to all ACPS student and staff laptops and iPads. Continue reading
Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | 4:30 to 6 p.m. | Zoom Meeting Link
High School Educators: You’re invited to join us to learn about High School Redesign in Albemarle County. We hope you can join us this afternoon at 4:30 for an update on the Academies of Albemarle, Center II, and new initiatives designed to support student learning. Learn more »
Dear Colleagues,
At their upcoming meeting on October 8, the Albemarle County School Board will decide whether the school division will progress to the next stage of reopening (from Stage 2 to Stage 3). The school division will remain in its current stage (Stage 2) through at least the end of the first quarter. The Board’s decision will impact the second quarter of the school year, which begins on November 9. Continue reading