COVID Testing Clinic at Walton Middle School Canceled Today!

COVID Testing Signage

Due to a power outage, the COVID-19 testing clinic scheduled from 4 to 7 today at Walton Middle School has been canceled. Testing will resume tomorrow at Center I from 12 to 6 p.m.

As a reminder, this week is the final week of mandatory COVID-19 testing for employees. Employees who are required to test must test this week to remain in compliance with the school board’s COVID-19 mitigation policies. Continue reading

Updated Contact Info for Payroll Clarity Questions

Payroll

For the past few months, we have all been adjusting to the transition to a new pay schedule and use of ADP, our new payroll system. We appreciate your patience as we’ve worked through a variety of issues to ensure your paychecks are as accurate as possible. While we know that some of you are still experiencing some discrepancies and are awaiting responses from the Payroll Clarity Project team, we are going to shift future questions to the most appropriate people/department to answer them: Continue reading

March 2022 Policy Updates

Policy Updates

Albemarle County Public Schools has a number of policies that govern our operations in alignment with state code and our division vision, mission and values. Our policies must be reviewed once every five years, though we often review them more frequently due to changes in Virginia Code or the needs of our school system. So far in 2022, we have updated, revised or deleted 33 policies. Continue reading

Reminder: This Friday Is the Deadline for Completing the ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation

ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation

In alignment with the school division’s Anti-Racism Policy, Superintendent Haas and the Albemarle County School Board asked all employees to complete the ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation. The orientation takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and includes a verification form at the end that will confirm the completion of all activities. During the fall, we reached an 89% completion rate. With your support, we are hoping to reach 100% by Friday, April 1, 2022. Continue reading

Changes to Our Mitigation Strategies

COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies Update

Effective this Friday, April 1, ACPS will suspend contract tracing efforts. Beginning Monday, April 4, face masks will become optional for everyone, including staff and visitors. Also, while the requirement remains in effect this week, employees who have had to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing will no longer be required to do so beginning next week. Please keep reading for more details. Continue reading

Mental Health First Aid Training Opportunities

school psychologist helping student

Are you interested in helping support students experiencing mental health challenges?

Albemarle County Public Schools is excited to offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to all staff. Mental Health First Aid helps individuals assist someone who is experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Continue reading

We Notice 2021-22: Nominate a Colleague by March 27!

We Notice

We are excited to announce the start of our annual We Notice program! This is an opportunity to recognize a colleague whose work you would like to celebrate. This recognition can be given to any employee who works in our schools, such as teachers, office staff, building service team members, teaching assistants, cafeteria workers, school nurses, and bus drivers. 

Nominations will be accepted through Sunday, March 27, from students, employees, and community members. Click here to nominate a staff member »

Continue reading

Book Approval Committee

magnifying glass and open book

Monday, March 28, 2022 | 4:15 to 5 p.m. | Zoom

Attention ACPS Employees: Are you interested in being part of a diverse team that reimagines our division-wide book approval process? If so, please join us on Monday, March 28, from 4:15 to 5 p.m. on Zoom to learn more about how you can join the team that will help guide the selection of books for ACPS students. If you have questions, please contact Kimberly Gibson or Catrina Sims.

ComPsych Newsline: Ukraine Crisis, Uncertainty, Tax Season & More!

Albemarle BeWell

If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you’re familiar with the pre-flight safety routine when the flight attendant demonstrates how to put on an oxygen mask and reminds you to put on your own mask first before helping others. ACPS is focused on student mental health, but we know we also have to support the mental health and well-being of our staff so they, in turn, can support students.

One way we do this is by providing the services of our Guidance Resources® Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In addition to resources like the ones below based on current events, EAP also provides employees and their families with an opportunity for confidential one-on-one support. Continue reading

Reminder: Anti-Racism Policy Orientation

ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation

In alignment with the school division’s Anti-Racism Policy, Superintendent Haas and the Albemarle County School Board asked all employees to complete the ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation. The orientation takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and includes a verification form at the end that will confirm the completion of all activities. During the fall, we reached an 89% completion rate. With your support, we are hoping to reach 100% by Friday, April 1, 2022. Continue reading