Spotlight on Equity Education, Issue 2

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

Special Offer from UVA Athletics: Free Tickets to Home Football Game on Nov. 5

UVA Football PowerV Logo

UVA Athletics has a special offer for ACPS students, faculty, staff and administrators: two free tickets to attend the Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels football game on Saturday, November 5, at Scott Stadium (time TBA)! Complimentary tickets are available two per household on a first come, first served basis for the first 2,000 fans. Click here to claim up to two free tickets. (Additional tickets can be purchased for a fee.)

HR Weekly Update: VRS Optional Life Insurance – Special Enrollment Opportunity, Oct. 1 – Nov. 30

benefitsFOCUS header

If you are currently an active (full-time) member of the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), you will have a ONE-TIME opportunity to either newly enroll in or enhance your optional life insurance protection through VRS/Securian Financial without undergoing medical underwriting during a special enrollment window this October 1 – November 30, 2022. Continue reading

Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts: Classroom Residency Opportunity

Wolf Trap Logo

Attention pre-K through first-grade teachers: Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts is once again offering an opportunity to participate in a 5-session classroom residency, either in-person or virtual, the week of December 5-9. Wolf Trap classroom residencies are creative partnerships between “Teaching Artists” (musicians, dancers, actors and puppeteers) and early childhood educators as they collaborate in using the performing arts to engage children, enrich their learning, and reinforce curriculum. Interested teachers: Please sign up by October 7. Continue reading

Mental Health First Aid Training Opportunities: Full 2022-23 Schedule

school psychologist helping student

Are you interested in helping support students who are experiencing mental health challenges? Albemarle County Public Schools is excited to offer Mental Health First Aid training to all staff. Mark your calendar: Between October 2022 and April 2023, we will offer six opportunities for staff to participate. Continue reading

Is School Leadership in Your Future? Check Out JMU’s Educational Leadership Programs!

JMU Logo

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | 5 p.m. | Zoom

James Madison University (JMU) is pleased to host an informational meeting for its Educational Leadership programs, including master’s and certificate options, on Wednesday, September 28, at 5 p.m. via Zoom. JMU is planning to start a new cohort in January 2023 for Albemarle County Public Schools and surrounding school divisions. Classes will be held locally, one night per week. Continue reading

HR Weekly Update: ADP & YOU — Are You Registered?

benefitsFOCUS header

If you’ve already registered for access to the ADP Employee Portal, then you’ve completed the first step of the journey toward using our employee self-serve options in ADP! Current self-serve options include viewing your pay statements, changing your federal and state withholding amounts, and updating your personal contact information. Coming soon, our self-serve options will expand to include: Continue reading

Division’s Policy Protecting Transgender & Gender-Expansive Students Remains in Place

ACPS Logo

Over the weekend, several media outlets reported that the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has drafted new guidance on the treatment of transgender and gender-expansive students in schools. This newly-proposed guidance differs significantly from the current guidance in place, which in 2021 led to the development of our Policy on the Treatment of Transgender and Gender-Expansive Students.

Beginning Monday, September 26, the VDOE will open a 30-day public comment period on the proposed new guidance on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website. Here is the statement we issued to the media yesterday in response to requests about how this new guidance will impact our policy: Continue reading