benefitsFOCUS: Wellness Care & Resources

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BeWell Albemarle takes pride in the diverse and talented workforce here at ACPS, which is the foundation of our success. We recognize that each one of you brings a unique set of skills, experiences and perspectives to our school division, and we are dedicated to supporting and empowering every member of our team to thrive. Our wellness program provides tools and resources to help you manage stress, improve mental health, and maintain a better work-life balance. Here are some available resources for you to consider: Continue reading

Race Matters in School Communities: Join the Conversation

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The Counseling Alliance of Virginia (CAVA), in partnership with the Office of Community Engagement, Families Helping Families, and ACPS Family Council, invites participation in a series of unique and powerful conversations to inspire positive changes for racial awareness, sensitivity and responsibility in our region. We are looking for a representative from each school in our division to engage in these honest and disruptive conversations, not only for personal development, but also to share insights and initiatives with their school community and parent-teacher organization (PTO).

The series, Race Matters in School Communities, includes eight monthly discussions facilitated by CAVA. The group will meet locally on the second Tuesday of the month, October through May, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dates are as follows: October 10, November 14, December 12, January 9, February 13, March 12, April 9, and May 14. Dinner will be provided, and child care will be offered.

Registration is still open, but spaces are limited! Continue reading

2023 ACPS Vaccination Clinic Schedule

Serve the Community - Give the Gift of Immunity

BeWell Albemarle is happy to announce that ACPS and Giant have partnered again this year to bring important vaccinations to 50 locations throughout Albemarle County. All ACPS employees (including part-time, temporary, substitutes, interns, and student teachers) are eligible to receive flu and other vaccinations with no out-of-pocket cost, even if you do not participate in the school division’s health insurance plans.

On-site vaccination clinics are scheduled to start this Thursday, September 28, and will continue into mid-November. You are welcome to attend any clinic held at any location listed on the schedule. Continue reading

Windows Updates for ACPS Laptops

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The Department of Technology wants you to be aware that Windows will require an important update by Sunday, September 24. If the update does not have the opportunity to install by Sunday, your ACPS laptop may force a restart on Monday and then begin installing this required update. The update may take an extended time (10-30 minutes) to complete, so please plan accordingly.

Windows updates will continue to happen throughout the school year on a periodic basis. Continue reading

PD Opportunity for TAs & EDEP Staff: Responsive Classroom for Support Staff

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Only a few seats remain in our Responsive Classroom for Support Staff workshop scheduled for Friday, September 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lakeside Middle School. This session is for teaching assistants and EDEP staff. Participants will be compensated their hourly rate and lunch will be provided. Click here to learn more about what to expect in this one-day workshop.

Space is extremely limited! Register now through the Professional Learning Management System (PLMS). Please contact Megan Wood with any questions.

2023-24 DPLC & CRT Professional Development Schedule

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We are looking forward to our next Division Professional Learning Community (DPLC) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) Professional Development (PD) Day on Friday, September 29. Please reference the schedule for the times and locations of your DPLC meetings and your Culturally Responsive Teaching PD.

Important Notes:

  1. Not all DPLCs are meeting based on level. Please check each DPLC offering to find your group.
  2. If you are unable to attend your grade-level CRT PD because it conflicts with your DPLC meeting time, please attend the session that offers the most benefit and convenience for you.

As a reminder, the following dates are reserved on our 2023-24 School Year Calendar for DPLC meetings and CRT professional development: September 29, October 30, January 25, March 5, and April 29.

More About Our Culturally Responsive Teaching Credential

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The ACPS strategic plan sets the goal for all licensed staff to earn an ACPS Culturally Responsive Teaching Certification or Micro-Credential by 2026 (or, for new teachers, within three years of hire). Currently, we have over 380 credentialed educators in the division, and another 530 have already registered their 2023-24 plan in the Professional Learning Management System (PLMS). Keep reading for information about what you should register for prior to the launch of our current-year programs on September 29. Continue reading

benefitsFOCUS: Preventive Care Measures & Resources

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Did you know… preventive health measures and screenings can prevent 85% of illness and disease, and are often covered at no cost to you? BeWell Albemarle understands that maintaining good health can sometimes be challenging, but remember: Every small step you take toward preventive care can have a positive impact on your well-being. We value your health and support you in prioritizing it! Here are some key measures and resources available for you to consider: Continue reading

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

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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 the week of November 27 – December 1. (There may be virtual options either that week or later in the school year.) 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 September 29. Continue reading