As part of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, the U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued guidance to schools reminding them that bullying is wrong and must not be tolerated—including against America’s 6.5 million students with disabilities. If a student with a disability is being bullied, federal law requires schools to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate the issue and, as necessary, take steps to stop the bullying and prevent it from recurring. Read more »
Making Connections 2014: Program Now Available
Monday, November 3, 2014 is a teacher contract day set aside for division-level professional development. Making Connections 2014 will take place on Monday, November 3, at Monticello High School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The program for Making Connections includes over 160 sessions and workshops, a Maker Faire, and EdCamp/Unconference time. The depth and scope of the sessions is a testament to the willingness of division teachers to share and work together. Continue reading
Register Now for a Special BIOteach Event at Making Connections! Spots Are Limited!
Want to learn more about the biotech industry in Charlottesville and have the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art modern laboratory? Our partners at HemoShear and Virginia BIO have put together a special Making Connections session for interested science and technology teachers and career specialists! Sign up NOW for these exciting morning or afternoon sessions—spots are limited! Continue reading
All Employees Must Complete 2014 Online Annual Training by Wednesday, November 5!
It’s time once again for Albemarle County’s Online Annual Training (OATs)—a yearly review of policies, procedures, and other important information for all Albemarle County Public Schools employees. Please complete this required training by Wednesday, November 5, 2014. Completion of the training is a three-step process (view the presentation, take a short online quiz, and certify that you have completed the training) and takes about 20 minutes. For more information, including instructions and what to do if you experience technical difficulties, read the letter to staff from Assistant Superintendent Matt Haas.
Dan Meyer Presents “Math Curriculum Makeover”
Math Teachers: You likely know the professional learning work of high school math teacher, Dan Meyer. In this Ted Talk, he describes his three-act math problem-solving strategy with humor and concrete math examples of why he thinks the U.S. needs different math learning resources and curricula. “I sell a product to a market that doesn’t want it, but is forced by law to buy it.” His goal? Engage teens in mathematical thinking that grabs their interest and builds deep understanding, not simply memorization of procedures. You can follow Dan Meyer on Twitter @ddmeyer.
Ebola Virus Information
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has been made aware that many school personnel have questions about what education professionals can do to keep students and adults safe from the Ebola virus. At the current time, there are no cases of Ebola in Virginia. Our national health system has the capacity and expertise to quickly detect and contain this disease and is working with states and school districts to ensure the safety of our students and school employees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is our primary source of information on Ebola. Continue reading
Wear Orange for Unity Day on Wednesday, October 22!
Make it ORANGE and make it end! Unite against bullying! This week is Safe Schools Week, and this Wednesday, October 22, is Unity Day. Show that you care about safe and supportive schools and communities by wearing ORANGE on Unity Day. That’s the day everyone can come together—in schools, communities and online—and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope and unity. Get involved »
Save the Date: Annual Retirement Planning Seminar Nov. 3
Are you planning on retiring within the next few years? Just starting out in the workforce? Wondering where the money will come from when you retire? Not sure what your retirement options are?
Whether you’re a seasoned worker, new hire, or just plain curious about the retirement process, Human Resources is offering an informative Retirement Planning Seminar on Monday, November 3, from 5:15 to 7 p.m., at COB-McIntire, Lane Auditorium. Continue reading
October 20 Is the National Day on Writing
As part of Connected Educators Month, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the National Writing Project, and The New York Times Learning Network invite you to celebrate writing in all its forms: through photos, film and graphics; with pens, pencils and computers; in graphs, etchings and murals; on sidewalks, screens and paper. This year you are encouraged to focus your writing on your community in any way you see fit.
Join the Tweetup! Post your writing during the National Day on Writing Tweet-Up on October 20 with the hashtag #WriteMyCommunity. Learn more »
Interested in Becoming a Master Gardener?
Want to polish your green thumb and serve your community? Become a Master Gardener with Virginia Cooperative Extension! Learn more about the Master Gardener Program for 2015 through one of our remaining information sessions: October 27, 1 to 2 p.m., at the Albemarle County Office Building, 5th Street Extended; or November 14, 1 to 2 p.m., at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Central Branch, McIntire Room.
The 2015 Master Gardener Training Course will be held on Mondays running from February 9 through May 4, 2015. To register and receive directions, please contact Nancy Bishop at nancyb63@vt.edu or 434-872-4580.