page background

Connections

Volume 4, Issue 9 | May 2025

ConnectionsVolume 4, Issue 9 | May 2025

A Message from the Superintendent

Celebrating Our Amazing Educators

Dear ACPS Students, Staff and Community,


I would like to take a moment to celebrate our Licensed Employee of the Year, our Classified Employee of the Year, our Leader of the Year, and our First-Year Teacher of the Year. Every day, these individuals bring our mission to life, and it is a true honor to recognize their dedication.


Please join me in congratulating this year’s winners: Sarah Kiscaden from Mountain View Elementary School, our Licensed Employee of the Year; William Morse from Transportation Services, our Classified Employee of the Year; Ashby Johnson, Principal of Journey Middle School, our Leader of the Year; and Mia Giacomo from Agnor-Hurt Elementary School, our First-Year Teacher of the Year. These four individuals exemplify the excellence, commitment, and spirit of service that define Albemarle County Public Schools.


I'd like to also take a moment to celebrate all of our teachers as we approach National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 through May 9). Here at ACPS, we have truly outstanding staff who care about not only the learning of each and every one of our nearly 14,000 students, but about their success and well-being as a person outside of school.


Thank you for joining me in celebrating our colleagues’ outstanding accomplishments. Their work reminds us of the power of education to transform lives and strengthen our community.


Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew S. Haas

Superintendent

Sarah Kiscaden

William Morse

(Second from left)

Ashby Johnson

Mia Giacomo

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 April!

Thank Your Assistant Principal!

April 1 to April 4 was National Assistant Principals' Week, but it's never too late to thank them for all that they do!

Golden Apple Winners Announced!

Congratulations to all of our Golden Apple Winners! Read more about their exceptional work on our website.

This Month's Video Highlight

Little Feet Meet 2025

Monthly Calendar

Important Dates

Monday, April 28

April 28 is now a REGULAR SCHOOL DAY, students should report to school.

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day, no school for students and all ACPS facilities closed.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

Thursday, May 8

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

Tuesday, May 13

The Special Education Advisory Committee will hold a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14

The School Health Advisory Board will hold a meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Long Range Planning Advisory Committee will hold a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday, May 19

The Talent Development Advisory Committee will meet from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at Center I.

Wednesday, May 21

Family Council will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 22

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

Monthly Observances

Thursday, May 1 is National School Principals' Day.

Thursday, May 1 to Wednesday, May 7 is National PE & Sport Week.

Friday, May 2 is School Lunch Hero Day.

Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9, is National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Tuesday, May 6, is National Teacher Day.

Wednesday, May 7, is National School Nurse Day.

Friday, May 9, is School Communicators Day.

Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

Event Information

Bystander Training to Stop Hate-Based Harrassment

This free training will give you actionable skills to understand and address bias. Here, attendees will use interactive polling, find a space to ask anonymous questions and get further resources. Learn more and register on our website.

When?

Sunday, Apr 27, 2025, 01:30 PM

Where?

400 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA, USA

location_on Open maps

Studio Spotlight

Nexus Studio

Nexus Studio is for students interested in the GIS, Logistics, & Robotics. This studio offers Pathways focused on Geospatial Tech, Robotics, and Computer Science.


Learn more on our Scholars Studios webpage.

Albemarle County Public Schools k12albemarle
Albemarle is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters