Interested in School Administration? The James Madison University (JMU) Educational Leadership Program is starting a new cohort next Tuesday, September 4, at the Governor’s School in Fishersville! The class runs for 12 weeks on Tuesday nights from 5 to 9 p.m. If you have not registered or applied, come to the first class and see what it is all about. It is not too late to start this semester! Continue reading
Policy Updates: May – August 2018
Albemarle County Public Schools maintains over 600 policies. Our policies are locally developed through our work with the Virginia School Boards Association and they are tied to Virginia Code. Several are locally developed. Our policies translate our core values of excellence, young people, community, and respect into the backbone of our daily operations and aspirations for students.
You can stay up-to-date on policy revisions, additions and deletions through the ACPS website! View the policy updates for May – August 2018, including a total of 29 revisited policies.
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, August 24
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Good Friday morning!
I thank you all, and I mean each and every one of you, for a super opening to the school year on Wednesday! Continue reading
Classified Employees: You’re Invited to Join Me on September 6
Dear Classified Employees,
You’ve probably heard that I am hosting a Listening Tour this summer. My intention is to relearn our school system from a new perspective—to see and understand our students, parents, employees, and school communities through new eyes and ears.
Perhaps you have already attended one of my listening sessions this summer. If you have not yet had the opportunity, I invite you to join me at an upcoming session specifically dedicated to classified employees. We will meet on Thursday, September 6, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Albemarle High School. Continue reading
Blackboard Learn Resources for 2018-19
Blackboard Learn (Bb Learn) is now set up and ready for the 2018-19 school year. Teachers interested in using Blackboard this school year will need to activate classes using the Blackboard Class Request Form (PDF version or MS Word version). The form contains important information about how to request classes and when to select a master class. You also can view a sample form to assist you as you complete the form for your classes. Continue reading
Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP)
The Governor recently signed a new law that eliminates the requirement for teachers seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license to demonstrate proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction. Therefore, the Virginia Department of Education has recently clarified the TSIP requirements for all licensed personnel in Virginia. The actual Technology Standards certainly still exist; however, they are not required for licensure. You are welcome to explore the Virginia Society for Technology in Education’s Standards as well. Continue reading
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, August 17
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings.” — Jenny Han
Good Friday morning!
When I think back to Tuesday and the beautiful sight of all our teachers together in the Monticello gym, I can only be overwhelmed. What a journey it is to become a teacher, a person so important to so many. Continue reading
Superintendent’s Weekly Check-in, August 10
Dear Colleagues:
A thought for next week: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Good Friday morning!
I am so happy to know that all of our teachers are coming back to school next week! I had the pleasure of meeting 170 new teachers to the County on Tuesday this week; I think our veteran ACPS teachers are going to like them, and I know they can’t wait to meet you! Continue reading
A Note From Jeff Richardson, County Executive & Matt Haas, Superintendent
On Friday of last week, members of the Albemarle County Local Government Leadership Team and the Albemarle County Schools Superintendents’ Cabinet had the opportunity to meet and talk about our shared values and objectives and how we can work more closely together to build upon our community’s quality of life excellence.
At the top of our lists when we were discussing mutual strengths are the highly talented and dedicated employees who do such an outstanding job in serving the residents of our county on a daily basis. Continue reading
Important Message About School Operations for Aug. 10-12
Dear Colleagues:
This weekend marks the anniversary of the illegal and traumatic events that brought so much pain and damage to our community one year ago. Although it is unclear what may happen, you should know there is no higher priority at all times in our school division than safeguarding the safety and security of every student and every member of our staff.
For the past several months, our division has been closely working with local government, law enforcement, public safety and regional partners on several preparatory measures to ensure that everyone is safe this weekend.
This Friday, all non-essential school staff will have the option of leaving their offices at 1 p.m. and concluding their workday from home. Continue reading