Category Archives: Community Engagement

ACPS Equity & Opportunities Fair: Join Us on Feb. 18!

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ACPS Equity & Opportunities Fair

— Spotlight on Education, Careers & Community Partners —

Saturday, February 18, 2023 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Burley Middle School
Event Website​​​​ • Registration

The ACPS Office of Community Engagement and Human Resources Department will host an Equity & Opportunities Fair on Saturday, February 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Burley Middle School. All ACPS educators and employees are invited to attend the event, including ACPS student teachers, practicum students, substitutes, and support staff. We will also distribute an event flyer and letter with additional information to higher education institutions and community partners. Continue reading →

Video Spotlight: School Safety Info Session

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Last Wednesday evening, November 30, our Community Engagement team hosted an online forum on school safety. Among the experts who spoke were Sally Hudson, who represents Albemarle in the Virginia House of Delegates, and our state senator, Creigh Deeds. They were joined by professors and researchers from the University of Virginia, a representative from the Albemarle County Police Department, and several professionals from our Student Services program. In addition to the current state of safety in our schools and our prevention and protective measures, conversations addressed how our school division is meeting the social and emotional needs of students.

In case you missed it, we wanted to share the video recording of the forum, including presentations and responses to questions from the audience:

Spotlight on Equity Education, Issue 4

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Welcome to the fourth issue of Spotlight on Equity Education! In this issue, we’re talking about the January 6 “Intent to Pursue” requirement for those seeking certification or a micro-credential in Culturally Responsive Teaching; ideas to promote culturally responsive holiday practices in our schools; and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Continue reading →

Spotlight on Equity Education, Issue 3

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celebration of diverse cultures in education depicted in 3D image of graduate

Welcome to the third issue of Spotlight on Equity Education! In this issue, we’re talking about the number of Culturally Responsive credentialed educators in ACPS, culturally sensitive ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, and Solidarity week. Plus, we’ve included the November calendars for CRT Credentialing and observances and holidays. Be sure to check out our new Culturally Responsive Teaching web page. Continue reading →

Solidarity Week: Nov. 7-11

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Dear Colleagues,

Next week, Monday, November 7 – Friday, November 11, is Solidarity Week. This is a national student-led program hosted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), an organization started by teachers in 1990. Among the organization’s priorities is generating support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which requires any school division that receives Elementary and Secondary Act federal funding to prohibit bullying and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, and religion. Continue reading →

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More About CRT & the Division’s Anti-Racism Work

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Are you interested in learning more about culturally responsive teaching (CRT) or our anti-racism policy, or would you like friends or family to know more about our collective efforts to end the predictive value of race on student success? This October and November, Community Engagement’s team of equity specialists is offering FREE 90-minute virtual courses through Open Doors to educate the community on CRT and the division’s anti-racism work. Upcoming course offerings include:

diversity tree

What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching?
Thursday, October 20, 2022
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)

ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation

Anti-Racism Orientation: Unpacking What it Means to be Anti-Racist
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)

ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation

Taking a Look in the Mirror: Examining Your Racial Identity
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)

To register, visit opendoors.digitalsignup.com or call 434-975-9450.

Spotlight on Equity Education, Issue 2

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celebration of diverse cultures in education depicted in 3D image of graduate

Welcome to the second issue of Spotlight on Equity Education! In this issue, we’re talking about resources for those who are seeking a credential in Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT); an upcoming virtual session to help our community better understand the purpose and value of CRT; Indigenous Peoples’ Day; and Hispanic Heritage Month. Plus, we’ve included the October calendars for CRT Credentialing and observances and holidays. Continue reading →

Spotlight on Equity Education, Issue 1

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Office of Community Engagement

Be on the lookout for a monthly Compass article from your Equity Education Specialists with highlights of the equity work across the division and information about Culturally Responsive Credentialing. Your equity specialists for the year are Shay Carter-Shifflett, Steven Turner, Megan Washburn, and Leslie Wills-Taylor. Ayanna Mitchell is the new Director of Equity Education, working closely with Dr. Eric Irizarry, the new Director of Equity, Family, School and Community Relations. All of our equity leaders are in the Office of Community Engagement led by Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Daphne Keiser. Continue reading →