Updated Info re: “Reframing the Narrative” Cohorts for Elementary Teachers

Posted on by
CRT sign on notebook paper with drawing of globe

We are pleased to announce that we are forming cohorts for Reframing the Narrative for elementary educators. Over the last two years, secondary teachers have been participating in this project with the purpose of co-constructing anti-racist and culturally responsive social studies curricula. This year, we are inviting all pre-K through fifth-grade educators to apply to be a part of this exciting project, which will include a pathway toward a micro-credential or certification in Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT). Continue reading →

Visitor Management: Safety & Security Updates

Posted on by
ScholarChip logo

This post has been updated to reflect that installation of intercom systems at school entrances is still underway.

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year! We wanted to take this opportunity to share a new visitor management practice with you. Effective immediately, visitors to our schools will need to sign in through a new visitor management system, called ScholarChip, located in the front office of each school building. Continue reading →

You’re Invited to Join the Albemarle County Concert Band

Posted on by
Albemarle County Concert Band

Calling all musicians! The Albemarle County Concert Band is open to people of all ability levels and performance experiences who are interested in playing in a concert band and making music together. We rehearse in the band room at Burley Middle School on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Jean Flaherty.

Welcome Back from the Department of Technology

Posted on by
Technology Icon

The Department of Technology welcomes you to the 2021-22 school year! We have several important updates and best practices we’d like to share with you:

On-site Technology Staff Assignments: We have adjusted some Learning Technology Integrator (LTI) and Technology Support Specialist (TSS) building assignments for this school year. Click here for the list of assignments.

How to Receive Technology Support: Continue reading →

Info Session on COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies: Join Us on Aug. 18

Posted on by
COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies 2021-22 School Year

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom

All employees are invited to join a community information forum devoted to the school division’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The session will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, over the Zoom platform. We encourage you to take this opportunity to ask questions about the safety measures we are implementing for the 2021-22 school year. The link to join the session will be posted in the Spotlight section of the ACPS homepage. Continue reading →

COVID-19 Update: To Meet Health Emergency, Employees Must be Vaccinated or Tested Beginning Sept. 15

Posted on by
health professional holding COVID-19 vaccine

At their meeting yesterday evening, the Albemarle County School Board adopted a resolution that aligns the school division with an Emergency Order issued by County Executive Jeff Richardson on Wednesday. The resolution requires all employees to either be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or to show proof each week of a negative test for the virus. The requirement will go into effect Wednesday, September 15, for all local government and school division employees. Continue reading →

Introducing a New Mass Communication System: BrightArrow

Posted on by
BrightArrow logo

Among the school division’s most important responsibilities is sharing valuable and timely information with our school families, students and staff. For a number of years, ACPS has used the Blackboard Connect mass communication system to reach our stakeholders through email, phone and text messaging. In a short while, however, our contract with this company will come to an end. Earlier this year, a team of school leaders and technology, communications and ESOL professionals worked together to evaluate proposals from 11 different mass communication companies. Ultimately, we selected BrightArrow’s Mass Notification Solution for PowerSchool as the best choice to meet our communication needs. Continue reading →

A New Look to Your School Week Comes Into Focus on August 16

Posted on by
Strategic Plan: Learning for All

Recently adopted by the school board, the division’s new five-year strategic plan, Learning for All, updates our mission, vision, values and goals, with the objectives and strategies that will bring them into practice. Beginning next Monday, August 16, when you log in to your computer for the first time each week, you will gain greater insight into how our new strategic plan will shape your school or department. Continue reading →

Effective August 9, Masks Required for All Employees When Indoors

Posted on by
Face Mask Required Sticker

Beginning Monday, August 9, all ACPS employees, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a face mask when inside a school or school division office. Previously, masks were not required in schools or offices if a person was fully vaccinated and students were not present. This new requirement is based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recently recommended that masks be worn by anyone inside a school, regardless of vaccination status, in communities where there is substantial or high transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Continue reading →