Class in session: Teachers say in-person learning has been safe for special education

After months of debate, the Albemarle County School Board decided in July to hold the first nine weeks of classes with distance learning for most students. One exception to the mandate was made for students with special needs. The decision immediately stirred up controversy and concern, with many community members believing face-to-face instruction was not […]

Digging for truth: Albemarle students put a new spin on geography

For many people, Shenandoah National Park is a great place to hike, camp, bike, and explore. But now, Albemarle’s middle and high schoolers will have a chance to see a different side of the park, and dig deeper into its creation. What happened to the people who once lived there? What are their stories? Can […]

The ‘college experience’: UVA’s incoming first-years sign on for mostly-virtual semester

By Claudia Gohn University administrators around the country have expressed concern about whether students would show up for a non-traditional school year (and, accordingly, pay tuition). UVA’s incoming freshmen have shown that they’re so eager to begin their halcyon college years, they’ll do so even during a pandemic. According to Dean of Admission Greg Roberts, […]

High school seniors modify end-of-year traditions

By Claudia Gohn Senior year traditions—from proms and sports banquets to senior nights and graduation ceremonies—have long been a way to commemorate the end of high school, giving students the chance to celebrate and say goodbye to one chapter of life before beginning a new one. But with schools closed since March and social-distancing regulations […]

How coronavirus has changed the college admissions process

While schools are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, districts across the country have adopted alternative grading policies for the remainder of the academic year. Charlottesville City Schools’ middle and high schoolers who had a passing grade when schools closed on March 13 will automatically receive an A for each course, while those who […]

Changing the game: Esports come to middle school

Amy Brudin has always been a gamer. She grew up playing games like Myst and Doom, back when computers were “way less cool than they are now.” And today, she loves playing games on her phone.  So when Brudin, director of educational technology at the Peabody School, first learned about esports—the world of team-based competitive […]

Game on: Monticello High will compete in Virginia eSports pilot

Virginia high schools will put a new spin on the word “athlete” when they launch an eSports competitive video gaming league this fall. The Virginia High School League announced earlier this summer that it’ll be rolling out a one-year pilot program for the 2019-20 school year that includes three different video games: League of Legends, […]

MHS drama teacher Madeline Michel wins a Tony Award by investing in students

Madeline Michel sits on one of the couches lining her classroom, balancing a sparkly gold laptop on her knees as she tells two students about being summoned to the Monticello High School principal’s office. Principal Rick Vrhovac called her in for a “meeting,” she says, her voice slightly sarcastic as she makes air quotes, “about […]