Connections

Volume 4, Issue 11 | July 2025

A Message from the Superintendent

We hope you're having a great summer!

Dear ACPS Students, Staff and Community,

While many students and teachers are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, our work as a school division continues in full swing. Across Albemarle County, teams are busy planning new learning opportunities, updating curriculum, and preparing classrooms to welcome students back this August.

Some students are also continuing their learning in summer programs, and we’re grateful to the educators supporting them during these important weeks. Much of our summer work happens behind the scenes: Our Building Services team is deep-cleaning and refreshing schools, Transportation staff are updating routes, Technology teams are preparing devices and systems, and support staff in every department are laying the foundation for a strong start to the 2025-26 school year.

It takes a dedicated and collaborative community to make each school year a success. I’m thankful for everyone who is working through the summer to help make that possible. Whether you’re spending these months recharging, working, or learning, I hope you’ll also find time to enjoy the season and look ahead with excitement.

We can’t wait to welcome back all of our students and staff, both new and returning, on August 13!

😎 Warmly,

Dr. Matthew S. Haas

Superintendent

Important Reminder!

Just a quick reminder—next year’s school calendar includes an earlier start date. The first day of school for students this year is Wednesday, August 13. This shift supports best practices for learning and aligns with other local school divisions.

Please take a moment to review the 2025-26 School Calendar (available in English and Spanish) and consider any adjustments needed for summer plans.

Thank you for your partnership in preparing for a great start to next school year!

In Case You Missed It

A lot has happened this month! Here's what we think is important to know:

ACPS In the News

Catch a roundup of our news coverage in the month of June.

Portrait of a Staff Member

For Adam Reinhard, an art teacher at Western Albemarle High School, teaching art at any level is about helping students discover what they’re capable of by challenging them, not by making assignments easier.

Learn more about how Adam fosters a love of art in his students: https://bit.ly/3TgcmoH

Board Appoints Principals

The Albemarle County School Board recently appointed Nancy McCullen to lead Baker-Butler Elementary School and Dr. Seth Kennard to be the inaugural principal of Mountain View Upper Elementary. Read more on our website!

This Month's Video Highlight

Monthly Calendar

Important Dates

Thursday, June 19

Juneteenth, all ACPS schools and offices will be closed.

Friday, July 4

Independence Day, all ACPS schools and offices will be closed.

Wednesday, August 13

First day of school!

Upcoming Events and Meetings

Thursday, July 10

The School Board will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Lane Auditorium.

Thursday, July 10

ACPS will hold a job fair to recruit for open positions for the 2025-26 school year! Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Office Building at 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville.

Monthly Observances

Friday, July 4, is Independence Day.

Event Information

Annual Back 2 School Bash!

Join us on Saturday, August 2, for the annual Back 2 School Bash! The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Ting Pavilion in downtown Charlottesville. Join us for some fun and get pumped for the new school year!

When?

Saturday, Aug 2, 2025, 10:00 AM

Where?

Ting Pavilion, East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA, USA

location_on Open maps

Studio Spotlight

Pulse Studio

In Savor Studio, you’ll collaborate with peers and instructors who are just as passionate about creating impactful experiences as you are. You’ll dive into hands-on projects that allow you to learn by doing, gaining practical skills along the way.

Learn more on our Scholars Studios webpage.

Did you know...

...that we still have preschool seats open for the 2025-26 school year? If you have a child who will be 4 years old by September 30, 2025, they may qualify for a seat in one of our preschool programs!

Albemarle County Public Schools

Email: superintendentoffice@k12albemarle.org
Website: k12albemarle.org
Location: 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA, USA
Phone: (434) 296-5820
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K12Albemarle
Twitter: @k12albemarle