Social Studies SOL Testing for 2021-22

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Division Compass

This school year, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is requiring students to take Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in Virginia Studies, Civics & Economics, World Geography, World History I, World History II, and Virginia & United States History. In Virginia Studies, Civics & Economics, and Virginia & United States History, students will be assessed on the 2015 standards. In World Geography, World History I, and World History II, students will be assessed on the 2008 standards. Please note: The only students who will need to take SOL tests in high school EOC courses (World Geography, World History I, World History II, and Virginia & United States History) are those who still need to earn a verified credit in Social Studies. Continue reading →

Reminder: All Employees Must Complete ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation by Sept. 17

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Division Compass

In alignment with the division’s Anti-Racism Policy, Superintendent Haas and the Albemarle County School Board ask all employees to complete the ACPS Anti-Racism Policy Orientation by Friday, September 17. The orientation takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and includes a verification form at the end that will confirm the completion of all activities. Continue reading →

Making Connections Call for Proposals: Submit a Proposal by Sept. 19

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Division Compass

Making Connections: Learning for All, our annual Making Connections professional learning event, will be held Friday, October 29. Given the wide range of innovative practices and effective strategies developed by educators here in Albemarle County, our programming this year will be a combination of workshops facilitated by visiting educators and by ACPS teachers and administrators. It’s exciting to have this time to learn from and with each other! By highlighting our own practices, we strengthen our professional network within the division and “make connections” that we can build on over time.

Interested in presenting at Making Connections? Submit a session proposal by September 19. Continue reading →

Science Safety & Science Learning Collaboratives

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Division Compass

Science Safety

Science Safety K-8: The VDOE recorded a recent Science Safety Training for K-8 teachers. If you have not participated in safety training for 2021-22, please watch this Science Safety Training webinar and complete the K-8 Science Safety Training form by Friday, October 1.

Science Safety 9-12: High school science teachers have access to the ACPS Chemical Hygiene Plan. Please use this Access Code to join the Schoology course: BR4B-H6V8-2WT5J. You will need to review the ACPS Chemical Hygiene Presentation in the Chemical Hygiene Plan folder. Once you review the presentation, you will need to take the Chemical Hygiene Quiz. Please complete this quiz by Friday, October 1.

If you have any questions regarding science safety, please contact Katina Dudley.

Science Learning Collaboratives

Science Learning Collaboratives (SLCs) will meet throughout the year for a deep dive into a specific practice and collaborate in improvement of the practice. SLCs will be available to both elementary and secondary teachers:

Elementary Science Learning Collaboratives will include literacy and science instruction and integrated curriculum.
Secondary Science Learning Collaboratives will include formative assessments and discourse in science.

If you are interested in learning more, please complete the SLC 2021-22 form or email Katina Dudley.

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Virtual Information Session on Sept. 15

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Division Compass

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 | 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. | Interest Form

The Office of Community Engagement is excited to launch our 2021-22 Credentialing program in Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT)! On September 15, from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m., the Equity Specialists will host a virtual information session for all those interested in obtaining a Micro-credential or Certification in Culturally Responsive Teaching this school year! Anyone interested is strongly encouraged to attend for an overview of the credentialing process and to hear the stories of credentialed educators from across the division. Continue reading →

Special Message from the Superintendent

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Division Compass

This week, Superintendent Haas visited Monticello’s football field with a very special video message for our school community. Please help us celebrate and support all of our teams and student performers, including football, field hockey, volleyball, cross country, golf, mountain biking, cheer, scholastic bowl, and our fine arts, by staying safe in the stands and encouraging excellence on the field and stage.

Coming January 2022: Pay Frequency Will Increase for All Employees

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Division Compass

Albemarle County is committed to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for all residents. We take pride in offering our employees access to a pay and benefits program that is comprehensive, competitive, FLSA-compliant, and convenient. To that end, we are making changes to align our pay cycles. Starting in January 2022, we will pay all Albemarle County and Albemarle County Public Schools employees on a biweekly basis, every other Friday. The first biweekly paycheck will be distributed on January 21, 2022. Continue reading →

Update on Sept. 15 Vaccination/Testing Requirements; Complete Staff Vaccination Status Form by Sept. 3

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Division Compass

health professional holding COVID-19 vaccine

As a reminder, the Albemarle County School Board recently approved a resolution that requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 15, 2021, or to show proof each week of a negative COVID-19 test result. In the resolution, the school board noted that the COVID-19 case incidence rate in Albemarle County is increasing, largely driven by the presence of the Delta variant, and health data confirms that over 90% of current cases are among unvaccinated people.

By Friday, September 3, all ACPS employees are required to complete an online Staff Vaccination Status Form. You can access this brief form directly at vaccine.k12albemarle.org (ACPS login required). Every employee should enter their current vaccination status information into this form by tomorrow, September 3, regardless of vaccination status. (If you have difficulty accessing the survey, please email vaccine@k12albemarle.org.) Continue reading →

Anti-Racism Policy Orientation: All Employees Should Complete by Sept. 17

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Division Compass

In alignment with the division’s Anti-Racism Policy, Superintendent Haas and the Albemarle County School Board ask all employees to complete this Anti-Racism Policy Orientation by Friday, September 17. The orientation takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and includes a verification form at the end that will confirm the completion of all activities.

Anti-Racism Policy Orientation

If you have any questions, please follow up with your supervisor for more information.

Good News from Zoom!

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Division Compass

The Department of Technology has received good news from Zoom! Zoom is waiving the 40-minute time limit for all education Zoom meetings within our @k12albemarle.org environment.

ACPS employees should be vigilant in managing and sharing links to Zoom meetings with students, families and stakeholders. Failure to do so may result in “Zoombombing” or other inappropriate access issues. Continue reading →