The results of the calendar survey for 2020-21 were shared with the School Board and the results are in. The draft of next year’s middle and high school Program of Studies course catalog was also shared with the School Board for their feedback.
If you didn’t watch the December 5 Board meeting live, you can watch online anytime from the comfort of your sofa, and take your time to view the presentations and memos.
Don’t forget that you can also watch all Board meetings live on ACPS-TV, local cable channel 71 and ACPS-TV online. You can also watch all meetings recorded online.
2020-21 Calendar
We want to thank each and every one of you who participated in the calendar survey for the 2020-21 school year. The results of the survey were evenly split across all three calendars among staff and parents. Consequently, the school division assessed that our partners, parents and staff would need more time for planning before changing the calendar to start before Labor Day next school year. For example, changes to the calendar would impact summer school and summer camps already scheduled to be held in our buildings, plus the length of the summer vacation for staff and students alike.
Therefore, ACPS proposes not to start school before Labor Day in 2020-21. Instead, ACPS is proposing to retain a 2020-21 calendar that closely follows this year’s calendar. Doing so will allow the staff and community to better plan for a possible pre-Labor Day start in August 2021.
View the 2020-21 proposed traditional calendar (PDF).
View the 2020-21 proposed modified calendar – for Samuel W. Tucker (PDF).
View the presentation slides (PDF).
2020-21 Program of Studies
February 3, 2020 marks the start of the academic advising process for secondary students for the 2020-21 school year. Students and their families are provided with a Program of Studies which provides information on graduation and school practices that support student learning. The Program of Studies also includes a comprehensive list of courses available to meet graduation requirements; provides opportunities to explore a wide range of disciplines; and meets diverse student needs and interests. A committee of administrators and counseling staff from each secondary school, along with Curriculum & Instruction and Communications staff, worked to design and develop the proposed Program of Studies for the 2020-21 school year. The committee members worked with various departments in each school to solicit recommendations for course revisions, additions and deletions that incorporated trends in student interest and demand.
Once the Program of Studies is approved, it will be published on the ACPS website and printed for distribution to students, parents/guardians, and school staff at the end of January 2020.
View a draft of the Program of Studies (PDF)
View the presentation slides (PDF)
Water Testing
During 2016, ACPS tested 22 facilities, 18 schools, and four other facilities where employees and additional students were located. Lab results were posted and shared. Lead was detected in four of the water samples, but it was below the EPA Action Level. These outlets were recently retested.
To comply with state code, ACPS will test all facilities to establish a baseline for the presence of lead and copper at all water outlets by January 11, 2020. This includes water sources like drinking fountains, cafeteria sinks, classroom combination sinks, teachers’ lounge sinks and any other outlets used for drinking or food preparation.