TPA & Learning Walks Brief

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Matthew Haas, Ed.D.Dear Teachers and Administrators: I want to thank each of you for your role in getting our division off to such a fantastic start this year! As I have had the privilege to see during my school visits, teachers already are providing excellent learning work and opportunities for our students.

That’s a great lead-in to our 2015-16 School Year Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA) cycle. The Performance Appraisal process is so important because it strengthens and extends our professional learning culture. This in turn ensures that we are meeting the educational needs of all students. While you can read about our TPA philosophy and technical guidance, I’d like to share with you some thoughts about three of our division’s priorities this year: goal setting, learning walks, and an update to the TPA that will take effect next year. Continue reading →

September 26 Is Drug Take-Back Day

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Drug Take-Back Day 2015Martha Jefferson Hospital, in partnership with the Albemarle County Police Department, is hosting Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event, which aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of expired, unwanted or unused medication, will be held at Martha Jefferson’s Outpatient Care Center at Pantops (595 Martha Jefferson Drive). Controlled, non-controlled, and over-the-counter substances will be collected. The program does not accept sharps or discarded medical needles.

Onsite Flu Clinics Begin Next Week!

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Flu Shot 2015 StickerAttention ALL employees (including part-time, temporary, substitutes, interns, and student teachers): You are eligible to receive a flu vaccination with no out of pocket cost, even if you are not covered on the County health plan! BeWell Albemarle will offer onsite clinics beginning the week of September 21. Check the calendar for the event nearest you »

What should I bring? Continue reading →

2015-16 “Recycling Is Bigger Than the Bin” Video & Poster Contest – Entries Due December 18

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JASON LearningCalling all artists, filmmakers, and recyclers! Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in a national recycling awareness contest sponsored by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and JASON Learning. The theme of this year’s contest is Recycling Is Bigger Than the Bin.

Your challenge is to choose an item that is “bigger than the bin” and find a way to recycle it! Continue reading →

Global Collaboration Day Is September 17

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Global Collaboration DayJoin students, teachers and organizations in celebration of global collaboration on September 17! On this day (and beyond), experienced global educators and professionals will host connective projects and events and invite public participation. The primary goals of this whole day event are to demonstrate the power of global connectivity in classrooms, schools, institutions of informal learning and universities around the world, and to introduce others to the tools, resources and projects that are available to educators today. It’s a global party, and everyone is invited! Get connected »

Honoring Our Veterans This November 11

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Veterans Day 2015Albemarle County Public Schools and Local Government are fortunate to have many veterans who continue to serve our country through their work in government offices and public schools. On November 11, 2015, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and School Board will recognize those employees who have served our country in the armed forces through a joint resolution.

Are you a veteran or a current member of the armed forces, including Reserves or National Guard? If so, please take a moment to complete a short, 7-question survey so that we may recognize you. Continue reading →

What We Learn from Making

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Maker Curriculum“What are the real benefits of a maker-centered approach to learning? It’s often described as a way to incubate STEM skills or drive technical innovation — and it is probably both of these. But as a new report from Project Zero’s Agency by Design concludes, the real value of maker education has more to do with building character than with building the next industrial revolution.” Keep reading in Usable Knowledge, an online resource from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Shenandoah National Park Welcomes 4th-Grade Students through Every Kid in a Park Initiative

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Every Kid in a ParkShenandoah National Park, as part of the White House’s new Every Kid in a Park program, is offering fourth graders (and their families!) the opportunity to see America’s natural wonders and historic sites for FREE! Fourth-grade students can visit the Every Kid in a Park website and complete an activity to obtain a free year-long entry pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks.

Fourth-grade educators: You can download the activity and print paper passes for each of your students by clicking on the Educators link!

Policy Updates: August 2015

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Policy UpdatesAlbemarle 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 August 2015 policy updates (ACPS user name and password required).

VEA Mini-Grants – Submit Your Proposal by October 2

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VEAHave an idea? Need the funds to implement it? The Virginia Education Association (VEA) is proud to provide mini-grants to support members’ ideas designed to improve student learning. You are invited to submit your proposal for a VEA mini-grant of any amount up to $500. Entries must be received by 4:30 p.m. on October 2, 2015. Open the application and guidelines »

Questions? Contact Sonia Lee in the Office of Teaching & Learning at slee@veanea.org or 1-800-552-9554, ext. 333. Not a member? Learn how to join the VEA »