Do you care about students learning a more honest and inclusive history? Then share your support for the new Virginia history/social science standards. The draft standards were revised by teachers, history coordinators, historians, and community organizations from across the state. However, state-level officials have recently shared their concerns with the proposed standards. Feedback from the public is being accepted until Sept 25. Click here to review the proposed standards and share your feedback.

After years of discussion with families in the Westhaven community, staff recommended officially zoning elementary students who live on Hardy Drive to their neighborhood school, Venable Elementary. This would correct a historic wrong as well as end the more recent period in which families at Westhaven were offered the choice of Burnley-Moran or Venable. At last week’s School Board meeting, Charlottesville City Schools apologized to past and current families in the Westhaven community. To learn more, visit charlottesvilleschools.org/westhaven.

Design work continues on our middle school modernization project. At the School Board meeting, Ms. Powell and VMDO Architects presented the progress made and the latest cost estimates. As expected, due to inflation, the costs of the project have risen $6.5 million. By working with the City, we expect to maintain forward momentum and the current timetable for this project. To learn more, visit charlottesvilleschools.org/facilities.

Have school-related COVID questions? We’ve got answers:
— Find our latest COVID protocols (when to stay home, etc.). With our community transmission rate at high, we encourage students to mask.
— Sign-up for free, optional weekly or one-time COVID testing
— Follow our COVID Dashboard   |   COVID Spreadsheet
— Stay up to date on vaccines. The bivalent COVID vaccine (targeting the original virus and omicron variants) is now available locally at pharmacies and the Blue Ridge Health District.

As a part of our continuous improvements to safety in our schools, we’ve updated our procedures for welcoming visitors.
— Bring a photo ID.
— At the main entrance, press the buzzer to reach the receptionist via intercom.
— Identify yourself and indicate if you have an appointment.
— Once buzzed in, go straight to main office, sign in, and show ID to the receptionist.
— The receptionist will give you instructions and a badge to stick to your clothing.
— Remember to sign out when you leave.

Thanks for your continued support as our community adjusts to the expanded walk zones and as the City works to increase school-bus services (look for new routes in early October). Some of our families are currently researching options for a carpool app. Interested in a carpool app as a participant or researcher? Email walkzones@charlottesvilleschools.org.

Join our Family Engagement team for our virtual Family University workshop tomorrow (Thursday, September 8) from 5:30-6:30pm. We’ll focus on how Cville Schools supports students and families. We’ll cover topics such as:
— What to do if you see your child struggling (with learning, behavior, or any other area of concern)
— How to get the support you need (with action steps).
Even if you can’t attend, registering will get you access to the recording. Want to submit a question for the workshop? Email farrelp1@charlottesvilleschools.org.

From sports to concerts to festivals, there’s a lot going on this fall — come join us! For instance, our Family Engagement team is hosting a fall tailgate on Friday, September 16. Come at 5:30 for food, games, and resources, and stay for the CHS vs. Spotswood game at 7!  Reserve your tickets here, and find other CHS sports info at gocville.org. Fall concerts and events are on the horizon — check out our online calendars. Buford has two family-friendly events coming up. The first is a tailgate on Saturday, September 10 for the UVA/Illinois game. And Cultivate Charlottesville and Buford invite everyone to their annual Harvest Festival on Friday, September 30 from 5:30-7pm.

The School Board usually meets the first Thursday of the month at 5pm in the media center at CHS. You can join in person, via Facebook, or via Zoom. Attached are the mini-minutes from August and from last week’s September meeting. Interested in future meetings? Sign up to receive notices of School Board meetings.