Interested in Adding an ESOL Endorsement? Free Opportunity for Praxis Prep from the VDOE!

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Division Compass

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is offering a FREE opportunity this November for teachers who are interested in adding an ESOL endorsement to their existing teaching license. The EducateVA ESOL Praxis Prep Workshop will be held in Harrisonburg on three consecutive Saturdays: November 5, 12 and 19. Tuition will be covered by the VDOE, and mileage will be reimbursed by the ACPS International & ESOL Program. For more information, please see the workshop flyer, and reach out to Lauren MacLean, ACPS Assistant Director of ESOL, World Languages, and Homeschool, if you plan to register. Space is limited to two participants per school division!

Making Connections 2022: Call for Proposals – Submit a Proposal by Sept. 26

Posted on September 6, 2022 by Division Compass

Our annual Making Connections professional learning event will be held Monday, November 7. Given the wide range of innovative practices and effective strategies implemented by educators and staff in Albemarle County, our programming this year will be a combination of workshops facilitated by visiting educators as well as ACPS teachers and administrators.

We are excited to expand this year’s Making Connections conference by including opportunities for support staff to participate in professional learning! We will host professional learning sessions for instructional staff at Monticello High School, while professional learning opportunities for support staff will be offered at Journey Middle School. Continue reading →

Retirement Planning: Virtual Consultations, Sept. 6-9; Webinar, Sept. 7

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Division Compass

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! Our Nationwide Retirement Specialist, Lynn Robinette, is offering virtual consultations next week, September 6-9, and a webinar on Wednesday, September 7. Continue reading →

Make Sure You Are Registered for ADP!

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Division Compass

Friday, September 2, 2022, is the first payday of the 2022-23 school year for our 10-month employees! Pay stubs are available through the ADP Employee Portal and typically can be viewed on the Thursday prior to each payroll. Employees can access ADP through a web browser or a mobile app on your phone or tablet. All employees should check their pay statements on a regular basis to confirm the accuracy of the information (pay, benefits deductions, etc.) and reach out to Human Resources at hr@k12albemarle.org if you see any errors or issues. Please note that ADP has updated the appearance of their web-based platform, but navigation remains similar to last school year. Continue reading →

Technical Issues with MinecraftEdu

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Division Compass

Microsoft has made a change that is causing login issues with our current MinecraftEdu configuration. This means that students and staff are unable to use MinecraftEdu at this time. Our Technology team is in contact with Microsoft about this issue, and we are advocating for Microsoft to produce a solution as soon as possible. In the meantime, please reach out to your school’s assigned LTI for support with selecting alternative instructional resources.

We apologize for this inconvenience, and we will provide an update when MinecraftEdu is operational.

Professional Development Reimbursement Program Update

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Division Compass

ACPS is excited to announce that both teachers and classified employees are now eligible for reimbursement for participating in professional development! Professional Development Reimbursement Program (PDRP) funds are available to cover costs of conferences and credit-bearing coursework. To learn more about the process and how to request reimbursement for professional learning, please visit our PDRP web page.

Setting up Short-Term Subs for Success With Technology

Posted on August 30, 2022 by Division Compass

The Department of Technology created this Technology Need-to-Knows for Short-Term Substitutes document to support substitute coordinators and assist teachers when creating sub plans. The document addresses technology resources that are available to substitutes; accessing materials using Google Drive; displaying materials using a Promethean Panel; and getting technical support. Please direct any questions to the Service Desk during normal business hours at 434-975-9444.

Renewal of the COVID Leave Bank Program

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Division Compass

Following the expiration of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) and Expanded FMLA (EFMLA) on September 30, 2021, Albemarle County Public Schools created a COVID Leave Bank program equivalent to 10 days of leave for all regular employees. While this program expired on June 30, 2022, given the highly contagious COVID-19 variants in the county, ACPS is reinstating the COVID Leave Bank program retroactive to July 1, 2022. The bank is accessible to benefits-eligible regular employees who are symptomatic, those who test positive for the virus, and those who must take leave as the primary caregiver of someone who contracts the virus. Continue reading →

Spotlight on Equity Education, Issue 1

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Division Compass

Be on the lookout for a monthly Compass article from your Equity Education Specialists with highlights of the equity work across the division and information about Culturally Responsive Credentialing. Your equity specialists for the year are Shay Carter-Shifflett, Steven Turner, Megan Washburn, and Leslie Wills-Taylor. Ayanna Mitchell is the new Director of Equity Education, working closely with Dr. Eric Irizarry, the new Director of Equity, Family, School and Community Relations. All of our equity leaders are in the Office of Community Engagement led by Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Daphne Keiser. Continue reading →

Please Share Your Feedback on Our Convocation by Friday, August 26

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Division Compass

We want your FEEDBACK sign with green background

As a reminder, please take a few moments to share your feedback on our division-wide convocation that took place last Tuesday, August 16. We look forward to hearing what you have to say, and we will use your input to help us plan next year’s event. Thank you in advance for responding by Friday, August 26.