BeWell Bucks, Issue 2: In-Network vs. Out-of-Network & How to Prepare!

BeWell Albemarle ACPS logo 2023

Hello, BeWell Wizards! Can you believe it’s already been a month since we launched our BeWell Bucks: Invest in Your Health Wealth campaign? Time flies when you’re focused on wellness!

Are you making use of the “Find Care” tools available at Anthem.com to find community providers that fit your health and wellness needs? Your feedback matters, and we’re eager to know how we can better support you in taking control of your health.

To further empower you in this journey, we’re back with Issue 2 of our campaign and we’re diving deeper into understanding In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Coverage as well as offering Tips and Tricks to help you feel prepared for your appointments. Continue reading

Updated COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies

COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies Update

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. In response, Albemarle County Public Schools has updated our COVID-19 guidance and practices.

Please visit our COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies web page for details, including helpful information on the steps you can take if you have symptoms of a respiratory virus* and what to do if you test positive for COVID-19. We’ve also updated our guidance on when students and employees can return to normal activities following a respiratory illness. Continue reading

Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan: Schedule a Virtual Consultation April 1-5

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company logo

The sooner you start planning for retirement, the easier it can be. If you wait, it could take much more per pay period to achieve the same goal. Let’s get started! Schedule a free 30-minute virtual consultation with one of our Nationwide consultants to learn more about Albemarle County’s 457(b) deferred compensation plan. Through a 457(b) plan, you can contribute to your account each pay period; invest that money so it can potentially grow into a lot more; and use tools to monitor your account and make adjustments as needed.

Appointments are set aside for ACPS employees next week, April 1-5! To schedule, scan the QR code in the flyer below or visit https://bit.ly/ACVA457. Continue reading

Restorative Practices Resources

teen high fiving therapist in support group circle

Restorative Practices are designed to strengthen relationships between individuals and within communities through an intentional focus on managing behaviors. Most restorative work is done proactively to build healthy communities and strengthen ownership of behaviors. The Department of Student Services invites you to visit their Restorative News SharePoint site for a collection of resources on discipline, threat assessment, restorative practices, and STEP (Short-Term Education Plan), plus monthly news articles! Continue reading

Retirement Planning Opportunities in March & April

VRS Logo

Preparing for and navigating your financial future is easier than you might think. Your Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Retirement Specialist is ready to help answer your questions about saving, investing, planning and more! Join facilitator Steven McGregor for an upcoming seminar or individual account review! These opportunities are open to all ACPS employees and may be most beneficial for VRS Hybrid Plan members. Continue reading

Submit Your Shannon Grant Application by April 17

Shannon Foundation's 2021 Logo

ACPS Educators: Less than four weeks remain to submit your application for a 2024-25 Shannon Grant! Last year, the Shannon Foundation awarded over $24,000 to fund 16 projects created by Albemarle County and Charlottesville City educators. You can revisit our summer news release to read about the innovative project work your ACPS colleagues are doing this school year with Shannon Grant funding. Continue reading

Employee Engagement Survey Closes Tomorrow: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Contribute!

We want your FEEDBACK sign with red background

Last call! Our 2024 Employee Engagement Survey closes tomorrow, Friday, March 22. We encourage every employee to share their feedback… teachers, teaching assistants, instructional coaches, school nurses, bus drivers, food service associates, custodians, EDEP assistants, school counselors, office associates… everyone! The survey only takes about 5 minutes to complete. Don’t miss this chance to help us create a more supportive working environment for you and your colleagues! Continue reading

Canva for Education

Canva logo

The Department of Technology is happy to share that we’ve recently launched Canva for Education across the division! All staff, teachers and students now have access to the all-in-one visual communication platform, 100% free! Whatever you want to create—presentations, posters, videos, digital whiteboarding, newsletters, a teacher portal, or websites to connect with parents—you can do it all in Canva. Continue reading