Dear ACPS families and community,

As we head into May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, the safety and mental well-being of our students are taking center stage here at ACPS.

You may have heard that, at its March 28 meeting, the Albemarle County School Board directed our School Division Counsel to engage in outside litigation counsel and join a class-action lawsuit filed against several social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, among others. This suit aims to hold these platforms accountable for the damage they can cause to the mental health of users, many of whom are children and teens.

As White Hall Representative Dr. Rebecca Berlin said it best at the meeting: "We are incurring substantial damages to our most important asset — our students. We will do whatever it takes to support the mental health of our students and their families."

If your student is experiencing poor mental health, please reach out to your student’s school counselor for help and resources. Together, we will protect and support our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew S. Haas

Superintendent

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

Do you want to learn more about how AFE is generating a community commitment to helping each student in ACPS thrive? Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and follow us on social media. You can find AFE on Facebook and Instagram. Join us to see stories of student learning, meet impactful school champions, and learn more about needs across the division.

In Virginia, students must have certain vaccinations (Spanish version) before starting seventh grade and a second dose of MenACWY (meningococcal ACWY) (Spanish version) after their 16th birthday and before starting 12th grade. Students will not be allowed to start these grades until they receive the required vaccines. As proof of vaccination, parents/guardians need to submit a copy of their child’s updated immunization record to their child’s school.

Albemarle County Public Schools is accepting preschool applications for the 2024-25 school year. To learn if your child is eligible for these programs and how to apply, visit our Preschool Application Information webapge.

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