Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, all new teacher laptops and all replacement laptops issued to teachers will be the Lenovo 11e model, similar to those used by our students in the 1:1 laptop initiative.
This upgrade will better serve you as you design learning activities and projects for students informed by our Lifelong-Learner Competencies and Seven Pathways, particularly Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Interactive Technologies, and Connectivity. Continue reading
Dear Fellow Educators,
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.
The first opportunity for teachers to participate is next Wednesday, July 11, with two more events the following week on Tuesday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 18. Additionally, I’ve reserved three dates in August specifically to hear from you: August 7, 14 and 29. Continue reading
Dear Colleagues:
There are a great many thoughts that come to mind as you prepare to succeed someone with the stature and impact of Pam Moran. As Superintendent for 13 years, she was much more than the leader of a school division. She was a role model for all organizations in the way in which energy, vision and purpose are used to change conventional thinking and pave the way for higher achievement. Continue reading
Every generation inherits a world it never made; and, as it does so, it automatically becomes the trustee of that world for those who come after. In due course, each generation makes its own accounting to its children.” — Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, 1968
As I come to the end of 43 years working in public schools — 13 as superintendent — I still feel the power of this quote. I came to Albemarle County thirty-two years ago because I knew educators were doing great things for children and the community supported public education. During my years here, this shared value for educating children well has not faded. Our school division’s strengths reside in this community and in our historical commitment to education that does not stand still in time. Keep reading the June 27 Superintendent’s Blog post »
Curious about our governor’s perspectives on current public education issues? Last week, Governor Ralph Northam addressed Virginia educators in attendance at the second annual Virginia School Leaders Hot Topics Conference. Northam spoke about his desire for students to learn how to think creatively; the importance of recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers; and the need for SOL reform, more broadband access in rural Virginia, increased emphasis on vocational and technical training at the high school level, more diversification in early workforce development, and improved education at the early childhood level. Check out coverage of his speech in The Roanoke Times »
Teachers: Due to changes in the way that Promethean licenses their products, the interactive whiteboard software ActivInspire will not be included on our instructional laptop computer image for the 2018-19 school year.
Despite this change, all teachers and students who routinely use a Promethean ActivBoard for instructional purposes will be able to use ActivInspire on their laptops. Continue reading
What’s the BIG news?Before you head out for the summer break, be sure to note that your annual benefits Open Enrollment period will be held August 1st through August 17th.
Open Enrollment is your ONE time of year to make any change you wish to your current medical or dental elections: You can add/drop/change a plan or add/drop dependents. It’s also the one time of year when you can enroll in a medical or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA). Continue reading
Code VirginiaCodeVA is a non-profit that partners with schools, parents and communities to bring equitable computer science education to all of Virginia’s students. In partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, CodeVA is offering a summer series of FREE trainings for educators in seven locations throughout the state. College credits toward certificate renewal may be earned. For more information on these professional development opportunities, visit the Educator Training page of the CodeVA website. Please contact Chris Dovi at cdovi@codevirginia.org with questions.
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Dear Colleagues,
I am both honored and enthusiastic to assume the role of Superintendent of Schools this July 1. As part of my transition from Deputy Superintendent to Superintendent, I am embarking on a Listening Tour throughout July and August. 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. Continue reading
Dear Colleagues:
“Every generation inherits a world it never made; and, as it does so, it automatically becomes the trustee of that world for those who come after. In due course, each generation makes its own accounting to its children.” — Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, 1968
As I come to the end of 33 years working with the Albemarle County Public Schools — 13 as superintendent — I truly feel the power of this quote. I came to ACPS because I knew people were doing great things for children, I inherited that mission and now, I bequeath that mission to the next generation. Continue reading