The Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined project, in conjunction with the Partnership for People with Disabilities, invites applications for sponsorship to the 9th Annual I’m Determined Youth Summit at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, June 17-19, 2015. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 20. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: March 2015
5 Helpful Grant Opportunities for STEM Teachers
Each month, eSchool News compiles a list of new education grant opportunities. This month’s roundup focuses on grants small and large for science, math and technology teachers. Check out these funding opportunities: Continue reading
ChemFest is March 28: Free Science Demonstrations & Activities for Kids
Presented by Alpha Chi Sigma, the University of Virginia’s professional chemistry fraternity, ChemFest celebrates chemistry through fun and engaging experiments that aim to get students interested in science. A chemistry magic show also will be held to demonstrate the most impressive and exciting experiments! This free event is geared toward elementary and middle school students, but older students and adults will enjoy it as well. Join the fun on Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Venable Elementary School, 406 14th Street, Charlottesville. “Join” the event on Facebook »
Last Day to Get Discounted Tickets to See the Harlem Globetrotters!
The Harlem Globetrotters 2015 World Tour will be at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville this Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Albemarle County employees can save up to $7 per ticket until 5 p.m. today, March 10. Find out how »
Policies Under Review March 12; Feedback Welcome
These policy updates will be reviewed by the Albemarle County School Board at their meeting on March 12, with a target approval date of March 26. Please use the Electronic School Board site to access the March 12 Board agenda, where you can view the proposed policy revisions under the Consent Agenda. Continue reading
Current Status of the 2015-16 Budget Process
Dear Colleagues:
Thank you for your patience with our school closings due to winter weather. I know that the resulting disruption of learning can be frustrating when we lose momentum in our schools due to inclement weather. Fortunately, spring is just around the corner and temperatures this week are forecast to rise dramatically. When daffodils bloom and flowering trees spring back to life in March, we know that we are in one of the loveliest communities to be found anywhere.
I would like to share an update on the current status of the 2015-16 budget process. Each year, our School Board reiterates that their funding request to the Board of Supervisors must affirm our vision for learners and learning. Continue reading
Classified Staff Performance Competencies Review
Dear Classified and Support Staff,
A few years ago, we updated our Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA), and more recently, we revised our Administrator Performance Appraisal (APA). As a part of our continuous improvement work, we are now focusing on our performance competency and appraisal model for classified staff. Continue reading
Now Hiring Instructional Coaches
The Department of Instruction is accepting internal applications for instructional coaches for the 2015-16 school year. Use the Human Resources search engine to view the Instructional Coach job description. Learn more about Instructional Coaching in Albemarle County. Applications will be reviewed and interviews will begin after March 13. Apply now »
Apply for a Shannon Foundation Grant by April 24!
The Edgar and Eleanor Shannon Foundation for Excellence in Public Education wants to help teachers and schools implement their best ideas. Two levels of proposals are invited for the 2015-16 school year: Level 1 grants, not to exceed $750, will be awarded to classroom teachers for projects that support original and innovative student activities. Level 2 grants, not to exceed $5,000, may be awarded to schools for creative projects that enhance student learning across age and grade levels. Completed applications must be submitted to Nicole Storm (nstorm@k12albemarle.org), Legislative and Public Affairs Officer, by April 24, 2015. Continue reading
Digital Learning Day is March 13!
Digital Learning Day is one day out of the year dedicated to demonstrating the difference digital learning makes for students around the world. Educators from around our school division will participate in this important celebration in a variety of ways. Whether it is a focus on digital tools to support a maker-infused curriculum, Universal Design for Learning, interactive technologies like game-based learning, or the student development of digital citizenship and literacy skills, our educators and students are using technology in meaningful and powerful ways not possible without it. March 13, 2015 is quickly approaching and we’d like to encourage you to join in the celebration, too. Continue reading