Technical Issues with MinecraftEdu

Microsoft has made a change that is causing login issues with our current MinecraftEdu configuration. This means that students and staff are unable to use MinecraftEdu at this time. Our Technology team is in contact with Microsoft about this issue, and we are advocating for Microsoft to produce a solution as soon as possible. In the meantime, please reach out to your school’s assigned LTI for support with selecting alternative instructional resources.

We apologize for this inconvenience, and we will provide an update when MinecraftEdu is operational.

Professional Development Reimbursement Program Update

audience applauding conference speaker

ACPS is excited to announce that both teachers and classified employees are now eligible for reimbursement for participating in professional development! Professional Development Reimbursement Program (PDRP) funds are available to cover costs of conferences and credit-bearing coursework. To learn more about the process and how to request reimbursement for professional learning, please visit our PDRP web page.

Setting up Short-Term Subs for Success With Technology

What You Need to Know on chalkboard

The Department of Technology created this Technology Need-to-Knows for Short-Term Substitutes document to support substitute coordinators and assist teachers when creating sub plans. The document addresses technology resources that are available to substitutes; accessing materials using Google Drive; displaying materials using a Promethean Panel; and getting technical support. Please direct any questions to the Service Desk during normal business hours at 434-975-9444.

Renewal of the COVID Leave Bank Program

COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test

Following the expiration of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) and Expanded FMLA (EFMLA) on September 30, 2021, Albemarle County Public Schools created a COVID Leave Bank program equivalent to 10 days of leave for all regular employees. While this program expired on June 30, 2022, given the highly contagious COVID-19 variants in the county, ACPS is reinstating the COVID Leave Bank program retroactive to July 1, 2022. The bank is accessible to benefits-eligible regular employees who are symptomatic, those who test positive for the virus, and those who must take leave as the primary caregiver of someone who contracts the virus. Continue reading

Spotlight on Equity Education, Issue 1

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

ACPS Recycles!

ACPS Recycles

To encourage increased participation in the ACPS recycling program, our Building Services team has placed blue recycling bins in every classroom across the division. We strongly encourage all students and staff to use the blue bins to recycle cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. Custodial staff will empty both recycling and trash bins.

Student groups are welcome to assist with recycling at their schools! Continue reading

ACPS Convocation Follow-up

We want your FEEDBACK sign with green background

Many thanks to everyone for your participation and enthusiasm at our division-wide convocation on Tuesday, August 16! It was wonderful to see familiar faces and greet newcomers at Ting Pavilion! As promised, we’re now inviting you to share your feedback on this event: Click here to take our feedback survey by August 26.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say, and we will use your input to help us plan next year’s event. Thank you in advance for responding by Friday, August 26.

Leave Your ActivPanel On!

power button

Teachers: Did you know that your classroom’s Promethean ActivPanel is essentially a giant computer? Just like your laptop, an ActivPanel needs frequent updates to keep it running smoothly. While these updates are managed centrally by the Department of Technology, your panel needs to be on in order to receive these updates. Therefore, it is considered best practice to leave your ActivPanel on at the end of the day. This is especially important now, as your panel may have several updates to install since it was off over the summer. Once any updates have been received and installed, your panel will automatically enter standby mode. Continue reading

Welcome to the 2022-23 School Year!

Technology Icon

The Department of Technology welcomes you to the 2022-23 school year! We are excited to partner with you. Please let us know how we can best support you in making this a successful year in your classroom!

Please keep reading for important updates and tips, including school-based technology staff assignments, how to get technology support, reimaging your computer, changing your password, how to protect your personal information, and accessing technology resources. Continue reading