| Welcome to the Black Knights Twitter feed. We hope you will follow us for updates and news about CHS! – Charlottesville High School (@CHSBlackKnights)
Clark Twitter Feed
Welcome to our Clark Elementary School Twitter feed. We can’t wait to share all the wonderful things going on at Clark!
— Clark School (@clarkbees)
Tours for Potential Jackson-Via Students
Jackson-Via will be offering tours to parents on the dates listed below. All tours take place at 9:15 a.m. and last approximately 30-45 minutes. We limit the number of participants on each tour to ensure that everyone can hear and ask questions. Please call Ms. Harlow in the Jackson-Via office to register – 434-245-2416.
Upcoming Dates:
- November 18
- December 2
- January 13
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
Parents should plan to arrive in the front office a few minutes early to sign in and receive visitors’ passes. Please allot time for parking as there are typically few spots available on site and many of the neighborhood streets do not permit non-resident parking during the day.
Unfortunately, requests for tours at other dates and times cannot be honored due to the disruption to classes.
If you are an out-of-division family who would like to apply for a space in Charlottesville City Schools next year, we begin accepting applications in April. Click here for information about the application process.
Notice of Electronic School Board Meeting
Updated Notice of Meeting
The Charlottesville City School Board will hold a Closed Session meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 5:00 p.m., as authorized by Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(29) to discuss the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds for a Superintendent search firm and where the discussion in open session would adversely affect the School Board’s negotiating strategy. This meeting will be held in the CATEC Auditorium and via Zoom for public access. The Board will also review and take action on a request from Dominion Energy for Right of Way Underground Utilities at Greenbrier Elementary. This item was presented and tabled at the April 1, 2021 meeting.
Tp join us for the open portion of the closed session meeting please connect using the following directions. There will be no public comment so please email schoolboard@
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://
Meeting ID: 857 4635 4720
Passcode: 884489
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Spring 2021: Energy & Water Conservation: Your New Normal
Charlottesville City Schools and the City’s Energy and Water Management Team are working together to reduce the energy and water footprint of all City schools.
In 2019, the School Board approved an Energy and Water Performance resolution, showing a commitment to achieving and maintaining high performing school facilities.
Continuing on past efforts, the City’s maintenance and development teams are specifying high efficiency building equipment, such as high-efficiency chillers and LED lighting, and are enhancing operational control through advanced building automation systems.
Charlottesville Schools and the City’s Energy and Water Management Team continue to investigate ways to accelerate the installation of high performance equipment throughout our schools.
The City is also working with each school to raise awareness about energy and water saving practices through education and outreach efforts that include distributing educational materials and providing tips and strategies that students and faculty can use to reduce the energy and water impact at our schools.
Each quarter a different theme emphasizes aspects of energy and water efficiency/conservation.
Spring 2021: Make Your New Actions be your New Normal
Last quarter, we discussed Pick and Action! Do an Action! Hopefully you have had time to develop your water and energy saving actions so far and are working hard to do these at home and eventually at school too! The Energy and Water Management Program wants to help you make this action be your new normal and remind you to do your actions each day. Try putting out physical reminders or making your new energy and water saving action the easy choice.
For example, if your water action is turning the water off while you brush your teeth, put a reminder sign on your mirror to turn off the tap. This small action might not seem like a lot of water savings, but you are saving up to 4 gallons of water each time you brush your teeth, which adds up to saving over 2,900 gallons of water a year (enough water to fill up 70 bathtubs)!
Over the next few months, work on doing your saving action and share your reminder strategy with your friends, classmates, and family. Each water and energy saving action can have a big impact when we do it each day.
Tips:
- Reminders: Use reminders such as signs or notes where you need to do your action.
- Schedule: Schedule your actions into your daily schedule and make sure you give yourself enough time to do them.
- Make it Easy: Set yourself up to succeed by making it easy to do your action over the energy wasting or water wasting choice.
Resources
Have questions about this program? Contact the City’s Energy and Water Management Team at EnergyWaterTeam@charlottesville.gov and learn more at charlottesville.gov/EnergyWater.
Learn more about other green initiatives at Charlottesville City Schools here.
Winter 2021: Pick an Action! Do an Action!
Put your knowledge into action–pick an action that helps you save energy and water at home and at school!
We started off the school year strong with a new commitment to save energy and water. Now it is time to put your knowledge into action! The Energy and Water Management Program wants you to pick an action that helps you save energy and water and start to do it! Each time you do your action, you will help save more energy and water, and combined with all of your classmates, you all will have a positive impact helping Charlottesville be more sustainable! You can start small with just one action and work on repeating it each week or each day. Grow your action by getting your friends and family involved and see who can be the most consistent at doing your energy and water saving action! Together we will all have a big impact to save energy and water in Charlottesville.
Tips:
- Start off small: Pick a small action like turning lights off as you leave a room or turning the faucet off when scrubbing your hands with soap (or choose your own!).
- Repeat, repeat, repeat: Do your energy and water saving action over and over again, each day!
- Grow your action: Expand your action to save more energy and water by including your family!
Resources:
- CCS EWMP Winter 2021 Activity Sheet for Lower Grades (K – 4)
- CCS EWMP Winter 2021 Activity Sheet for Upper Grades (5 – 12)
Fall 2020: New school year, new commitment to save energy and water!
Whether we are at school or at home this fall, the City’s Energy and Water Management Team has some great tips to help us reduce our energy and water consumption.
Energy and water are essential resources we need to use everyday; however, they also require a lot of effort including money and hard work to make into electricity for our lights or clean, safe water to drink. In addition, the overuse of these resources can have bad impacts on our environment even here in Charlottesville.
So, let’s start the school year with a new commitment to save when we can by following some of these important tips and actions we learned last year.
Tips:
- Only Use What You Need: Turn off the lights and faucet when you are done!
- If You See Something, Say Something: Report a water leak or an open door to an adult.
- Reduce Our Energy and Water Waste: Use a reusable water bottle and unplug electronics when not in use.
Resources:
- CCS EWMP Fall 2020 Activity Sheet for Lower Grades (K – 4)
- CCS EWMP Fall 2020 Activity Sheet for Upper Grades (5 – 12)
2019-20 Education and Outreach
Summer Quarter: This summer the Energy and Water Management Team wants you to take what you learned around how to save energy and water at school and apply it at home!
Let’s first focus on reducing our energy waste at home. This can look like turning the lights off when you leave a room, making sure you power down and unplug electronics when you are not using them, and making sure doors and windows aren’t left open when your home’s heating or air conditioning is running.
When you look at water, there are some easy ways we can reduce our water waste at home. Remember to always turn the water off when not in use (like while we are brushing our teeth), don’t forget to fill up your reusable water bottle with tap water when you are thirsty, and if you see dripping faucet or running toilet tell an adult to fix it! Plus, if you help your family with some gardening projects outside, look to the weather to do the watering work or collect rainwater to use for watering later.
This summer let’s all commit to saving energy and water. Take this pledge and start implementing these easy steps at home today!
This summer I pledge to be an energy and water saver at home!
- I pledge to turn the lights off when I leave a room,
- I pledge to power down and unplug electronics when I’m finished with them,
- I pledge to close windows and doors when my home’s heating and cooling systems are on,
- I pledge to turn the water off when not in use,
- I pledge to use a reusable water bottle instead of a single-use plastic bottle,
- I pledge to report water leaks as soon I see them,
- I pledge to come back to school in the fall ready to keep saving energy and water!
You are now ready to be an energy and water saver! Together we can all have a huge impact at home and at school.
Activity Sheets for Grades K-4
Activity Sheets for Grades 5-12
Paper copies of the activity sheets were included with our summer meal distribution program. Copies can also be found in the main office of each school building, or you can contact the Energy and Water Management Team, at EnergyWaterTeam@Charlottesville.gov.
Spring Quarter: Reducing our Energy and Water Waste
This spring the Energy and Water Management Team is back with more reminders to help us trim up our energy and water use!
Help our school reduce energy waste! Make sure outside doors close behind you and tell an adult if propped open. This will help keep our cooled and heated air inside our school rather than letting it escape through open doors to the outside!
Don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle along with you wherever you go! Fill it up from tap water, which comes from our rivers and is cleaned to make it safe and taste good. Before dumping out any left over water, think reusable by giving it to some plants that would happily enjoy that water.
Spring Quarter Tips:
1. Keep outside doors closed
2. Fill up your reusable water bottle with tap water
3. If you see a water leak or an open outside door, report it!
If we each reduce our energy and water waste at school and at home by focusing on these easy habits,together we can have a real impact.
Winter Quarter: Understanding our Energy and Water Use
Did you know that the greenhouse gases produced from energy used at all 10 Charlottesville City Schools is equal to the greenhouse gases produced by 500 homes? We know our schools need resources to operate but what exactly uses energy and water in our schools every day?
We are asking students and faculty to try to identify what uses energy and water when you walk into your classroom each day. For energy, think about the overhead lighting, computers, electronics, and air conditioning/heating. For water, think about the water fountain in the hallway and sink in your classroom. What about at home?
There are also the items that aren’t as noticeable such as leaving your phone plugged in even when it’s fully charged or not paying attention to that dripping faucet. Even when a phone is plugged in and is fully charged, it still uses 2.24 watts of energy, and that slow drip…drip…drip of a faucet can waste 3,000 gallons of water a year!
Let’s reduce our energy and water impact at school and at home by focusing on these easy habits we can do each day.
Winter Quarter Tips:
- Turn the lights off when you leave a room.
- Make an effort to unplug personal electronics.
- Turn the water off when not in use.
- If you see a water leak or hear a running toilet, report it!
Fall Quarter: The Value of Energy and Water
The energy and water that we use at home and in our school are typically provided using finite resources. In Virginia, fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) are used to produce over 60% of the electricity that we use, with nuclear and renewables making up the rest. We also use natural gas directly to heat our school and to heat our water. The water we use is pumped from reservoirs fed by rivers and is treated before coming to our homes and school as clean, potable water. Simply put, our demand for electricity, natural gas, and water (the amount we use) has a direct impact on these resources. We have a responsibility to manage what we use but we’re also empowered with the ability to make lasting change.
In many cases we use more than we need, so we already have simple opportunities to reduce our impact. The best place to start is just becoming aware of when and how we use energy and water throughout our typical day. As you do your normal activities, think about how long you leave your lights on, leave your phone plugged in, and leave the water running. Now think about how you can adjust your behaviors to trim that up a bit. It’s a game of inches, not miles, and small changes add up to big savings.
Fall Quarter Tips:
- Last one out? Flip the switch!
- Turn the water off when not in use.
Buford Bus Routes and Other Information
On Monday, April 12, Buford will begin offering in-person instruction to all students who have requested it, following a hybrid model. Students in Cohort A will attend school on Monday-Tuesday, and students in Cohort B will attend Wednesday and Thursday.
- For more information about the new model, click here.
Please read this page for useful information such as bus routes.
¿Traducción? Vea la esquina inferior izquierda.
Tafsiri? Angalia kona ya chini kushoto.
ترجمة؟ انظر الزاوية اليسرى السفلى.
Important Notices about Bus Service
- Bus space is very limited. Buford is presently contacting those families who are being offered bus service. Other students should find alternative transportation. If you are unsure whether your student has a confirmed spot on the bus or if your child needs to be added to a waitlist for bus transportation, please contact the school.
- Bus routes will change on April 12. Please click button below to see current information.
New Safety Practices for In-Person Instruction
Review Safety Practices Here
Daily Routines
I will do a daily health screening before my child leaves for school. The screening checks temperature plus other symptoms/ risk factors. See screening tool here.
Proper mask-wearing (over the mouth and nose) is required at all school-related sites unless my child receives permission (such as to eat or take a mask break). If my child requires a medical or developmental exception, I will supply documentation to the school.
In addition to mask-wearing, other school health routines such as social distancing, hand-washing, assigned seats, and health screenings will be in place.
Schools are limiting visitors. Family will be asked to drop off and pick up students (and any needed materials) outside the building.
Children will be going outside for outdoor learning as much as possible. I can let the school know if my child needs any inclement weather clothing.
Students will not share food or equipment such as a microwave.
Students Showing Symptoms/Possibly Exposed
I agree to keep my child (and any siblings) home from school if:
- They or any close contacts are showing COVID symptoms.
- They or any close contacts are waiting on COVID test results.
- They or any close contacts have tested positive for COVID.
- They or anyone in their household have been asked to quarantine
If my child shows symptoms or gets exposed at school, I will make arrangements for the child and any siblings to be picked up/return home ASAP (within an hour).
If my child has exhibited symptoms or been asked to quarantine, my child and all siblings will stay home from school until cleared by a doctor (or until the recommended period has elapsed — usually 10 days for a COVID diagnosis and 14 days for a quarantine).
Schools may need to shift certain students, classrooms, schools, or even all Charlottesville City Schools back to online learning for a period of time.
Transportation/Arrival at School
If your child has been assigned a spot on the bus:
- My child will ride the bus regularly and will be picked up and dropped off at the same assigned location.
- At the bus stop and on the bus, I will support bus safety practices such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and assigned seats.
- When boarding the bus, my child will be screened for fever or symptoms and will use hand sanitizer.
- For students in PreK-grade 6: I agree that a designated adult will wait with my child until they have been screened so that if they show symptoms at the bus stop, the child and all students in the household can return home with the adult. (Designated adult does not need to be a family member.) Adults, please help us by wearing a mask and practicing COVID safety.
- For students in grades 7-12: I understand that if my student shows symptoms at the bus stop, my student will be directed to return home. The school will attempt to contact parents/guardians.
If your child is not on a bus:
- My child will be screened for fever or symptoms and will use hand sanitizer upon arrival at school.
- If I am driving children to school, I agree to wait until the health screening is complete and will assume responsibility to take home all the children in my car if any child I am driving displays symptoms. Children may be screened in the car.
- For walkers/bike riders in PreK-grade 6: if my child displays symptoms, I agree to arrange pick-up of my child and any siblings within an hour.
- For walkers/bike riders/self-drivers in grades 7-12: if my child displays symptoms, I agree to arrange for my child and any siblings to be picked up or to return home on their own within an hour.
Conclusion/Important
Charlottesville City Schools is committed to teaching the skills that will keep us all safe. However, if your child or family struggles to uphold these safety commitments, for the safety of your child and our school community, we may reassign your child to virtual learning or family-supplied transportation.
Thanks for your partnership as we plan for a safe return to in-person instruction!
Ready to Sign the Agreement?
Safety Agreement Form for In-Person Instruction
Print-ready Versions of Key Documents
- Safety Rules/Agreement Form | Daily Health Screener
- Formulario de acuerdo y normas de seguridad | Evaluador de Salud Diaro
New Information about Meal Deliveries (Updated Routes)
More Information
Bus Routes and Other Information for In-Person CHS Students
On Monday, April 12, CHS will begin offering in-person instruction to all students who have requested it, following a hybrid model. Students in Cohort A will attend school on Monday-Tuesday, and students in Cohort B will attend Wednesday and Thursday.
- For more information about the new model, click here.
Please read this page for useful information such as bus routes.
¿Traducción? Vea la esquina inferior izquierda.
Tafsiri? Angalia kona ya chini kushoto.
ترجمة؟ انظر الزاوية اليسرى السفلى.
Important Notices about Bus Service
- Bus space is very limited. CHS is presently contacting those families who are being offered bus service. Other students should find alternative transportation. If you are unsure whether your student has a confirmed spot on the bus or if your child needs to be added to a waitlist for bus transportation, please contact the school.
- Bus routes will change on April 12. Please click button below to see current information.
New Safety Practices for In-Person Instruction
Review Safety Practices Here
Daily Routines
I will do a daily health screening before my child leaves for school. The screening checks temperature plus other symptoms/ risk factors. See screening tool here.
Proper mask-wearing (over the mouth and nose) is required at all school-related sites unless my child receives permission (such as to eat or take a mask break). If my child requires a medical or developmental exception, I will supply documentation to the school.
In addition to mask-wearing, other school health routines such as social distancing, hand-washing, assigned seats, and health screenings will be in place.
Schools are limiting visitors. Family will be asked to drop off and pick up students (and any needed materials) outside the building.
Children will be going outside for outdoor learning as much as possible. I can let the school know if my child needs any inclement weather clothing.
Students will not share food or equipment such as a microwave.
Students Showing Symptoms/Possibly Exposed
I agree to keep my child (and any siblings) home from school if:
- They or any close contacts are showing COVID symptoms.
- They or any close contacts are waiting on COVID test results.
- They or any close contacts have tested positive for COVID.
- They or anyone in their household have been asked to quarantine
If my child shows symptoms or gets exposed at school, I will make arrangements for the child and any siblings to be picked up/return home ASAP (within an hour).
If my child has exhibited symptoms or been asked to quarantine, my child and all siblings will stay home from school until cleared by a doctor (or until the recommended period has elapsed — usually 10 days for a COVID diagnosis and 14 days for a quarantine).
Schools may need to shift certain students, classrooms, schools, or even all Charlottesville City Schools back to online learning for a period of time.
Transportation/Arrival at School
If your child has been assigned a spot on the bus:
- My child will ride the bus regularly and will be picked up and dropped off at the same assigned location.
- At the bus stop and on the bus, I will support bus safety practices such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and assigned seats.
- When boarding the bus, my child will be screened for fever or symptoms and will use hand sanitizer.
- For students in PreK-grade 6: I agree that a designated adult will wait with my child until they have been screened so that if they show symptoms at the bus stop, the child and all students in the household can return home with the adult. (Designated adult does not need to be a family member.) Adults, please help us by wearing a mask and practicing COVID safety.
- For students in grades 7-12: I understand that if my student shows symptoms at the bus stop, my student will be directed to return home. The school will attempt to contact parents/guardians.
If your child is not on a bus:
- My child will be screened for fever or symptoms and will use hand sanitizer upon arrival at school.
- If I am driving children to school, I agree to wait until the health screening is complete and will assume responsibility to take home all the children in my car if any child I am driving displays symptoms. Children may be screened in the car.
- For walkers/bike riders in PreK-grade 6: if my child displays symptoms, I agree to arrange pick-up of my child and any siblings within an hour.
- For walkers/bike riders/self-drivers in grades 7-12: if my child displays symptoms, I agree to arrange for my child and any siblings to be picked up or to return home on their own within an hour.
Conclusion/Important
Charlottesville City Schools is committed to teaching the skills that will keep us all safe. However, if your child or family struggles to uphold these safety commitments, for the safety of your child and our school community, we may reassign your child to virtual learning or family-supplied transportation.
Thanks for your partnership as we plan for a safe return to in-person instruction!
Ready to Sign the Agreement?
Safety Agreement Form for In-Person Instruction
Print-ready Versions of Key Documents
- Safety Rules/Agreement Form | Daily Health Screener
- Formulario de acuerdo y normas de seguridad | Evaluador de Salud Diaro
New Information about Meal Deliveries (Updated Routes)
More Information
Buford April Counseling Newsletter
We wish you a wonderful spring break and look forward to seeing many of you during the week of April 12!
Meal Delivery Routes and More
We are offering free meal delivery or in-person meals for all students. This page gives information about what you need to know.
Four important notes!
- We need meal delivery volunteers — Openings have been updated for Mondays-Fridays. Sign up here! Thank you!
- Meal Routes will change on Monday, April 12. Following spring break, we will make some changes to our meal delivery routes, Monday- Friday. (As before, we will still have expanded routes on Fridays, but all routes M-F will have some changes). Current information is presented below, followed by the new information.
- Updated Pandemic-EBT Information is below, including a DELAY for some cards. The benefits will extend through the end of the 2020-21 school year. See latest info below, including information about the possible delay.
General Meal Information
We have weekday deliveries, Monday through Friday, for virtual students or students who aren’t in school that day. To-go meals are also available by reservation at schools (see below). For students attending in-person instruction, we are serving meals at school (no reservation necessary).
- Menus and more info can be found on the Charlottesville Schools Nutrition Web Site.
Deliveries will follow limited routes on Monday-Thursday and full routes on Fridays. Each delivery or to-go bag contains a free hot lunch or sandwich and a breakfast bag for the next morning. Meals are available to all children up to age 18/CHS. Please see the below routes and delivery locations. These routes are subject to change. Also, see information below about Virginia’s Pandemic EBT card benefits for those who are approved for free/reduced meals.
Monday-Thursday Delivery or Meal Pick-Up Information in Place Starting Monday, April 12
Monday-Thursday Routes for Meal Deliveries starting 4/12; for Fridays, see below
Route A
10:55-11:00 6th St @ Bolling Av
11:05-11:10 Elliott Av @ Burnett St
11:15-11:20 5th St @ Cleveland Av
11:25-11:32 Monte Vista @ Middleton
11:37-11:42 Sunset Rd @ Stribling Av
11:50-12:00 Hardy Dr (Community Center)
12:10-12:20 Rivanna Ave @ Forest St (2nd corner, near 1115 Forest)
12:30-12:35 Holmes Avenue @ Elizabeth Avenue
ROUTE B
10:55-10:59 7th St @ Dice St
11:02-11:12 2nd St @ Friendship Ct
11:20-11:30 Carlton Av @ Nassau St
11:38-11:45 Rougemont Av @ Meridian St
11:52-11:57 6th St SE @ Rougemont Avenue
12:00-12:10 1st St S @ Lankford Avenue
12:15-12:25 Bailey Rd @ Prospect Av
12:30-12:35 Prospect Av @ Greenstone
Friday Meal Delivery Routes Starting Friday, April 16
Friday Routes starting 4/16
Route 1
10:55 AM-12:30 PM Greenstone
11:05 AM Bailey Rd @ Orangedale Av
11:50 AM 806 Prospect Av
12:00 PM 5th St @ Cleveland Av
12:15 PM Monte Vista @ Middleton
12:30 PM Sunset Rd @ Stribling AV
12:10 PM 7th St @ Dice St
12:25 PM 6th St @ Bolling Av
12:30 PM Elliott Av @ Burnett St
Route 2
11:00 AM-12:30 PM Michie Dr
11:30 AM Wayne Avenue @ Cedar Hill Rd
11:40 AM 2204 N. Berkshire Rd
12:03 PM Rivanna Ave @ Forest St (2nd corner, near 1115 Forest)
12:05 PM Forest St @ Concord Avenue
12:30 PM Venable Elementary @ Gordon Avenue
Route 3
10:50 AM-12:40 PM Hardy Dr Community Center
11:10 AM -12:40 PM Friendship Ct Community Center
11:25 AM Christ Episcopal Church (2nd St side)
11:40 AM Holmes Av @ Elizabeth Av
11:47 AM St Clair Av @ St George Av
11:54 AM 323 Riverside Av
12:07 PM Carlton Av @ Nassau St
12:18 PM Rialto St @ Druid Av (back of park)
12:23 PM Rougemont Av @ Meridian St
12:30 PM 6th St SE @ Rougemont Avenue
12:40 PM 1st St S @ Lankford Avenue
UPDATED INFORMATION: Take advantage of the PEBT Benefit — Apply for Free/Reduced Meals for the 2020-21 School Year
Notice of a Delay for Some PEBT Cards: The state has announced that due to a mechanical problem, there will be a delay for the delivery of some cards. These cards may take another four weeks or so to reach the households by U.S. mail.
2020-21 Free/Reduced Meal Application
2020-21 Free/Reduced Meal Policy
- All students up to age 18/CHS will receive free meals during the 2020-21 school year, but families are still encouraged to apply to qualify for P-EBT benefits (see below).
- Virginia is extending is Pandemic EBT card benefits throughout the 2020-21 school year for those who have been approved for free/reduced meals. Find information here:
- Lost your card? Call Connect EBT at 866-281-2448.
- Have other questions? Call the P-EBT Call Center Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 866-513-1414 or 804-294-1633. Households may also use the online P-EBT inquiry form.
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April 2021 News & Highlights
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear staff and families —
Spring is here, and what a difference a year makes! Last year at this time, we were in the first stages of the COVID-shutdown. Now we are celebrating expanding access to the vaccine and the hope of restoring some of the routines and pleasures we have been denied. We have been so excited to welcome students back to school this month, and we are looking forward to bringing even more students back at Buford and CHS in April.
But let’s keep in mind that we are not hoping for a return to “the old ways.” The pandemic’s disproportionate impact on black, brown, and lower-income families has motivated us to find new, better ways of seeing and serving each student. Furthermore, in this past year we have seen painful examples of racism and violence directed at Asian Americans, African Americans, and others — and we reject the long, dangerous history of White Supremacy. |
So as our schools and country begin to return to “normal,” let’s do better than normal. This pandemic taught us a lot about new ways to connect with every family — and we need to maintain those engagement practices. Let’s harness the pluses of the tech we learned to make learning more personal and to add new options to our communications toolbox. And let’s create spaces where everyone is safe, valued, and appreciated for both their commonalities and their differences.
As you know, this spring will be my last with Charlottesville City Schools — and I’m committed to making it a good one, marked by hope and concrete action for a better “normal.”
Dr. Rosa S. Atkins
Superintendent
Food Updates for Spring Break and Beyond
We have several meal-related announcements:
- Thanks to Cultivate Charlottesville and other partners for providing student meals during spring break on Monday and Wednesday, April 5 & 7. They’ll be serving from 11:30 to 12:30 at Hearthwood, Friendship Court, Westhaven, Greenstone on 5th, and South 1st Street.
- Also, our meal delivery routes will change after spring break. More info coming soon!
- Finally, remember to apply for free/reduced lunch this year so you can qualify for Pandemic-EBT benefits. Please be advised that cards may be delayed this spring.
Find complete information at charlottesvilleschools.org/food.
Feedback on Proposed Model for School Safety
In March, after months of research, public feedback, and consideration, the Superintendent’s committee on school safety presented a draft model to the School Board. Find out more and submit your feedback by visiting charlottesvilleschools.org/safety. The Board will hear another update and vote on May 6. Watch video.
Our Youngest Learners: Kindergarten Registration Coming Soon and Preschool Applications Available Now
Calling all future kindergarteners! It’s almost time to register for the fall. Our new student registration forms for the 2021-22 year are now being finalized, and links will be posted by April 13 at charlottesvilleschools.org/kindergarten.
Once you have registered your kindergartener, your school will make an appointment for you to bring documents such as proof of residency to the school.
Have a child who will be 3 or 4? Consider applying for preschool! Find more at charlottesvilleschools.org/preschool.
Students Head to the Great Outdoors for Great Learning
Upon returning to face-to-face learning, our schools have leaped into outdoor learning. At Walker Upper Elementary, students have ample time outside everyday to learn in teams, participate in social emotional learning and sensory-based activities, and more. Each team of teachers has a wagon from which they can gather supplies, stools, medical supplies as needed, and other teaching materials. Then they head outside with kids every day.
“Research backs outdoor learning as a way to heal emotional and social pain and, given the pandemic, these are significant,” said Walker School Counselor John Kronstain. “The administrative team here should be given lots of kudos for getting this off the ground.”
Meanwhile, our lower elementary students are also maximizing time outside. Thanks to our staff for sharing the cute pics!
Transitional Update
Earlier this month, Superintendent Dr. Atkins announced that she would be retiring from Charlottesville City Schools and accepting a top-level position with the Virginia Department of Education. Last week, the School Board voted to hire our former Associate Superintendent Jim Henderson as our Acting Superintendent, beginning on June 1. The Board also posted a request for proposals for a firm to help find our next Superintendent. Updates about this process will be posted to charlottesvilleschools.org/superintendent. Please join us in extending our deepest appreciation to Dr. Atkins and Mr. Henderson!
Golden Apple Nominations
Save the date for the Golden Apple Award Ceremony on June 23 at 4 p.m. This year, it’s more important than ever to show our teachers appreciation. Help us honor our teachers by nominating them for a 2020-21 Golden Apple Award! Sponsored by Better Living Building Supplies and Cabinetry, each recipient of a Golden Apple Award will receive a $500 grant to use in the classroom. Nominations are being accepted until Friday, April 30, 2021. Nominate a teacher now!
Buford Equity in STEM Program
Interested in iSTEM and want to learn more? Join the Buford STEM Equity Program, a 10-week course built by CHS students Jude Fairchild, Owen McKinney, Camden Baucom, and Kaymin Hester, who want to introduce more students of color to to the world of engineering. Want to join? Contact Buford Engineering Teacher Brendan Martin at MartinB1@charlottesvilleschools.org.
Fine Arts Update
Four CHS band students earned spots in the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors’ Association All-State Band! Congratulations to Ella McLaren (3rd in the state on bassoon earning her a 2nd chair orchestra spot!), Alden Dent (earned 9th chair concert band on clarinet), Bob Kammauff (earned 3rd chair concert band on tuba), and Rebecca Fitch (earned 2nd alternate on the Eb clarinet). Congratulations and Go Black Knights!
Congratulations to the following students who placed in the 2021 VSBA Student Art Contest, which is held in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association Spring Regional Forums: First Place Elementary – Charlotte Dontanville, 5th; Third Place Middle – Levi Beling, 8th; Third Place High School – Luke Roberts 11th. Way to go, Charlotte, Levi, and Luke!
Earlier this month, CHS art students reflected on the concept of freedom in recognition of our local Liberation & Freedom Day holiday. Behold this beautiful art and reflections quilt that weaves both writing and visual creativity.
We are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, we have a CHS student finalist in the annual City Art Bus Contest. CHS art student Nathan Kim is a finalist! Check out last year’s winner, CHS student Julia Bailey (known for the cat JAUNT bus) and cast your vote for this year here.
Black Excellence in the Community
Student leaders from Charlottesville High School Student Council and Black Student Union hosted “Black Excellence in the Community,” a live webinar featuring a panel discussion with Superintendent Dr. Rosa Atkins, as well as other communiy leaders.
After the event, ninth grade SCA President Je’Saun Johnson said, “We had 108 people tune in! We had amazing conversations and we definitely left people wanting more…so the webinar was very much a success!” See related news coverage here.
Earlier in March, community leaders and members of the local Alphi Phi Alpha Fraternity did virtual read-alouds for students at Clark Elementary School and then donated 205 books to the school.
CHS Sports Roundup
Here are a few great moments in sports from March:
- CHS Golf team member, Preston Burton, tied for first place against Western Albemarle at a recent match at Meadowcreek and remains undefeated this season! The team also took a big win against Albemarle HS at Old Trail.
- CHS Cross Country team runner, Caroline Jaffe, won her first race vs. Orange County and William Monroe!
- CHS Field Hockey hosts Monticello, Daily Progress Photo Album
- CHS Football hosts Western Albemarle, Daily Progress Photo Album
For these and other athletics stories and photos, follow @cvillehs_athletics on Instagram.
VDOE Seeking Input on Future Changes to Math Curriculum
The Virginia Department of Education is holding information sessions about future improvements to the math curriculum via livestream on the VDOE YouTube channel. Each session will include a 20-minute presentation followed by responses to questions submitted in advance by parents and students. You can submit questions or topics you would like to have addressed during the session here. Here is the full schedule:
- Tuesday, April 13 – How does the Virginia Mathematics
- Pathway Initiative (VMPI) affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
- Tuesday, April 27 – Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
- Tuesday, May 25 – Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
News You Can Use: COVID-19 Free Testing in April
Cville Schools to Host Virtual Job Fair
Are you interested in a career with Charlottesville City Schools? We invite you to attend our virtual job fair on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 15 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. We are looking for talents in all positions including teachers, school psychologists, custodians, counselors, nutrition & technology staff, and more! Please register in advance using this link.
Upcoming Dates:
School Board Meeting, April 1, 5pm- End of 3rd Quarter, April 2
- Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing (FREE), April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4-8pm, Buford Middle School
- Spring Break, April 5 – 9, No school for students; Teacher holiday 4/5
- School Board Closed Session Meeting, April 13, 5pm
- CHS Graduation, June 5 – Learn more here!
School Board Updates
At the March 4 School Board meeting, the Board voted to approve the 2021-22 CCS School Calendar. The Board also heard updates on gifted education, the health curriculum, transportation, and mental health supports.
On March 17, the Board met in closed session to approve the superintendent’s intention to retire, effective May 31, 2021. Read the media release.
The Board met once again on March 26 for a closed session in which they voted to appoint Jim Henderson as acting superintendent, effective June 1, 2021. Read the media release.
#ICYMI: Read Across BME Campaign Encourages #bobcatsinbooks
Our elementary students at Burnley-Moran participated in a week of activities to promote reading including Book Talk Tuesday, a school-wide read in, and a book chat with author Marc Boston as part of the school’s efforts to celebrate its school-wide identity as avid readers. What are YOU reading? Thanks for the cute photo, B-ME!
And, special thanks to The Soho Center for a generous book donation to all of our preschool students this month and our kindergarteners earlier this fall. Read more about the Soho Center’s efforts to promote childen’s literacy here.
Superintendent
This page will keep you posted on the latest for Charlottesville City Schools’ search for a superintendent to succeed Dr . Rosa Atkins, whose retirement is official on May 31, 2021.
Update as of April 1, 2021:
Earlier this month, Superintendent Dr. Atkins announced that she would be retiring from Charlottesville City Schools and accepting a top-level position with the Virginia Department of Education. Last week, the School Board voted to hire our former Associate Superintendent Jim Henderson as our Acting Superintendent, beginning on June 1. The Board also posted a request for proposals for a firm to help find our next Superintendent. Updates about this process will be posted to charlottesvilleschools.org/
CHS Graduation 2021 Scheduled for June 5
We are excited to announce that Charlottesville High School will hold graduation ceremonies on Saturday, June 5th at 10:00 am on DeBerry-Bingler Field at Theodose Stadium (CHS Athletic Field Complex). Each student will be given four tickets for family and friends. Since the attendees will be grouped together to allow for CDC social distancing guidelines, tickets may not be given away to another family. We are following strict guidelines from the governor’s office, and we cannot make exceptions. We will provide families with additional safety guidelines as graduation approaches.
The rain date is scheduled for Monday, June 7th at 7:00 pm.
Please check below for information about ordering caps, gowns, and diploma covers.
We are looking forward to giving our seniors a memorable experience!
Ordering Caps, Gowns, and Diploma Covers
Congratulations, Class of 2021! It’s time to order your graduation items from the company Herff Jones! Before you order, take a look at the additional links listed below.
Order anytime online or by phone!
- www.highschool.herffjones.com
- 804-598-0971
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding graduation items, please email Emmett Bradshaw at egbradshaw@herffjones.com or call Herff Jones at 804-598-0971.
For CHS-specific questions about caps, gowns, and diploma covers, reach out to Brandi Underwood in the Counseling Department at underwb1@charlottesvilleschools.org.
CCS offers virtual job fair on April 14 and 15
Are you interested in a career with Charlottesville City Schools? We invite you to attend our virtual job fair on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 15 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
We are looking for talents in all positions including teachers, school psychologists, custodians, counselors, nutrition & technology staff, and more!
Please register in advance here.
Learn more about Charlottesville City Schools!