February 4 School Board Presentation: Stage 4 Recommendation

Dr. Haas Recommends Move to Stage 4

As a reminder, at the School Board meeting on February 4, Superintendent Haas recommended to the Board that the division progress to Stage 4 of our Return to School plan beginning March 1. Under this proposal, students in Grades PK-3 would attend school four days a week, and students in Grades 4-12 would attend school two days per week. The School Board will vote on the recommendation during their next meeting on February 11.

In case you missed the February 4 meeting, we wanted to provide links to the full video recording as well as the slideshow presented that evening and references for the data and issues discussed by Dr. Vergales. Continue reading

Teacher Transfer Requests for 2021-2022

Two Teachers

Teacher Transfer Requests are now open to all tenured teachers desiring consideration for new assignments for the 2021-2022 school year. Teachers who are on a Performance Improvement Plan or who will be on an active improvement plan for the upcoming school year are not eligible to apply for a transfer. All other teachers are welcome to apply for jobs online as vacancies become available. Continue reading

Annual Leave Overages Update & Holiday Bucket Reminder

Man Working and Daydreaming of Vacation

UPDATE: Annual Leave Overages

We previously announced that we temporarily disabled the conversion of annual leave at or above 320 hours that normally occurs at the end of an employee’s birth month through February 28, 2021. In recognition that 12-month employees may not be able to take time off for the immediate foreseeable future, we will be extending this suspension through December 31, 2021. Continue reading

Content Opportunities Course for K-5 Teachers: 6th meeting on Feb. 8

ACPS PD

Monday, February 8, 2021 | 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Registration

Attention all K-5 teachers: You’re invited to the sixth meeting of our Content Opportunities Course on February 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The course, which we will offer monthly, aims to support implementation of inquiry-based curricula in science and social studies as outlined in the pacing guide. A great group of teachers, coaches and LTIs are collaborating to support this work, and participants are eligible for recertification points. Continue reading

Superintendent Recommends a Move to Stage 4

Dr. Haas Recommends Move to Stage 4

At this evening’s special School Board meeting, Superintendent Haas recommended to the Board that the division expand the ability of parents to choose in-person instruction for their child beginning Monday, March 1. Under this proposal to progress to Stage 4, Pre-K students and students in Grades K-3 would attend school four days a week, and students in Grades 4-12 would attend school two days per week. The School Board will vote on the recommendation during their business meeting next Thursday, February 11. Continue reading

Screencast-O-Matic Now Available!

Screencast-O-Matic Logo

In response to requests from ACPS educators for a technology tool that supports screen recording and video creation, ACPS has purchased a division license for Screencast-O-Matic. This new tool is available to all teachers! Step-by-step directions on how to install Screencast-O-Matic on your ACPS laptop are now available. Continue reading

The Paramount Theater Presents Arts Education Virtual Resources

The Paramount logo

Dear Educators and Administrators,

As we start this wonderful New Year filled with hope and promise, we feel a deep sense of awe and gratitude for your extraordinary work and dedication during this unprecedented time of teaching and learning. We are thinking of you, your students, and your school communities, and hope this finds you safe and well.

While currently The Paramount cannot welcome our school communities in person to experience live arts education performances, we hold steadfast to our mission and shared belief in the important role the arts play in our lives. Continue reading

Apology Regarding Recent Guidance for African American History Month

Black History Month heart logo

With regard to the recent Guidance for African American History Month, the writing team for this guidance would like to express our apologies for taking an official stance on the name or interpretation of Black or African American History Month. We recognize that language and interpretation of this month is owned by the community. Continue reading

Inclement Weather Decisions

ACPS Inclement Weather Alert

In advance of the winter weather forecast for our area this Sunday and Monday, we want to make sure you are aware of the various scheduling options we will consider and how to find out about school schedule changes. Teachers and staff are encouraged to take home any materials they may need in case we close schools to students, in which case all learning will occur virtually.

The most complete resource for information is our Closings, Delays & Early Dismissals web page, which explains our inclement weather decision-making process and details our scheduling options, our decision and communication timelines, all of the ways you can find out about schedule changes, and more. Continue reading

Speak Up Technology Survey Now Open

Speak Up

The Speak Up Survey is a district and national research initiative designed to amplify the voices and perspectives of students, families and teachers about technology and learning. Input from you and your students will impact how ACPS uses technology to support schools. In the past, we have received thousands of responses across the district, and this year, we’re aiming for 100% participation from students, families, teachers and administrators. Continue reading