DonorsChoose

To support our teachers, Family Council is supporting the launch of the official ACPS partnership with DonorsChoose.

Why? Because we want all teachers to have access to supplemental funds for innovative classroom projects!

See FAQ.

How do our volunteers support DonorsChoose?

• Annual educator training -- see 2024 PowerPoint Slides or Getting Started Video (below).

• Support ACPS teachers & staff as needed (and the DonorsChoose team is also really helpful).

• Communicate active projects and available matching funds via our public Facebook page.

• Generate broad community support, both via PTOs and non-family donors in the community.

• Monitor funds donated and equity across schools in weekly reports.

• Share PR opportunities with ACPS Strategic Communications (see Swiftie bracelets story, for example).

• Spread the word! We'd love help to get more non-parent community members signed up. 

Do you have ideas & energy? Contact Chair:   Kelly McCaskill -- acpsdonorschoose@gmail.com 

Race Matters in School Communities

For effective family partnerships that achieve positive outcomes for racially-diverse students, school divisions must invest in building the capacity of families as leaders. As PTOs and school-based family organizations grow more diverse, family leaders must be supported to navigate complex conversations on race. 

The first series of workshops was held in the 2023-24 school year to develop a cadre of family leaders with the capacity and skills to navigate productive conversations on race in order to better serve all families in our public schools. Race Matters in Schools was a series of monthly conversations facilitated by Gene Cash, LCSW, LISW-S, a local expert, seasoned facilitator, and CEO of Counseling Alliance of Virginia (CAVA).

The project was initially developed in partnership with Families Helping Families and multiple PTOs including Agnor-Hurt Elementary School. ACPS Family Council is the lead organizer, with fiscal sponsorship from Journey PTO. The pilot series was funded by ACPS Office of Family Engagement and a grant from BamaWorks via the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.

For the 2024-25 school year, ACPS adopted the program and involved the Leadership Team in this experience, and held a series of workshops that included both staff & families. 

The series will continue in the 25-26 school year, organized by ACPS leaders. If you are a PTO or family leader interested in bringing this experience to your school or region, get in touch. Contact:  Emily Mathon -- fcacpscochair@gmail.com