Connections

Can you believe 2025 is almost upon us?

I'd first like to thank all of our students, families and staff for a wonderful first semester. Throughout the past several months, I have been encouraged and inspired by the learning going on in our schools.

Next, I'd like to take a moment to bring to your attention a few things on our horizon come January:

• The FY 2025-26 Budget: Beginning in September, our Budget Advisory Committee, School Board and various other ACPS staff members began discussions about our upcoming budget for the next year. Throughout February and March, the School Board and the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will work together to finalize and approve the budget. For more information, visit our Budget Information webpage.
  
  
• A New Year for the School Board: At the School Board's January 9 meeting, the Board will approve and publish their meeting calendar for the 2025 year. To learn more about our Board, visit our School Board webpage.
  
  
• Virginia General Assembly: The Virginia General Assembly will begin meeting in January. With several bills on the docket that pertain to public schools and education, we will be closely monitoring their progress and working with legislators to create a better school environment for all our students and staff.

Lastly, as this time of year can sometimes be stressful for some, we encourage our students, staff and families to take advantage of mental health supports through ACPS and in our area. To learn more about our mental health supports, please see our resource document.

It is my hope that everyone has wonderful Winter Break and that you are able to take time to rest, recharge and spend time with those dear to you.

Until next year,

Dr. Matthew Haas

Superintendent
NEW! Check out Dr. Haas' weekly check-in with staff!

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

Why do we tell stories? How can we use digital tools to create art? How do we solve problems with security in technology?

At Link Studio, you'll acquire skills to create interactive worlds and secure digital systems while communicating purposefully. Transform your creativity into impactful, responsible digital experiences. Learn more on our Scholars Studios webpage.

...you may be more involved within the realm of public health than you realize?

Although the textbook definition is “the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities," the actions we complete throughout our spare time in hopes of benefiting our community fall under the study of Public Health. These simple actions might include donating to the local homeless shelters, attending PTA meetings to improve the school cafeteria menu, and even reading to kids at the Boys & Girls Club.

The assumed understanding of Public Health is about controlling disease outbreak and preventing the spread of an ongoing pandemic, and though those events remain significant, Public Health also includes everyday impacts. The study of Public Health expands past the extremes into events that are influencing you, your family, and most likely your children. Our schools here in the Albemarle County division embed numerous protocols and procedures dedicated to the upkeep of Public Health. This includes beneficial examples such as every student being assigned a school counselor and the requirement of taking health classes throughout the curriculum. These programs act as the walls holding up both the safety and prosperity of our Albemarle County Schools.

Learn more about Public Health and how you can contribute through Avery Bruen's (AHS, senior) article "Public Health Starts With Us: Strengthening Our Schools and Community."

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