Our Mission

Working together as a team, we will end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student.

Our Mission

Family Communications Hub

At ACPS, we’re committed to keeping families informed and engaged with everything happening in our schools. Our Family Communications Hub is your go-to resource for understanding how we will connect with families throughout the 2024-25 school year.

Discover BrightArrow, our electronic school notification system, which ensures you receive essential information and timely updates via voice, email and text.
Learn about Remind, our new two-way communication tool that enables real-time interactions between teachers and families.
Stay updated with our monthly newsletter, Connections, which delivers a roundup of division news and highlights.
Explore our website and social media accounts for the latest updates, events and insights into our school community.
Get to know our new branded messaging: ACPS Supports, ACPS Listens, and ACPS Shines—three distinct brands designed to keep our communications clear, relevant and engaging.

We’re here to support you every step of the way—thank you for partnering with us to make this school year a great success!

Click on a tab below to start exploring!

BrightArrow

How We Use BrightArrow for Family Communications

ACPS uses BrightArrow to send important information to families via voice, email, and text messages. Designed for one-way communication, this system delivers both division-level and school-level updates, such as:

School closings and delays
Community survey invitations
Attendance notices
School events and newsletters
Emergency alerts

Enrollment Process for Families

Parents and Guardians: You can sign up for electronic notifications during your child’s initial school registration or at the start of each school year during the registration verification process, when you have the opportunity to review and update registration and contact information. You can also enroll or update your contact preferences anytime by reaching out to your child’s school.

Opt In for Text Alerts

To receive text messages through BrightArrow, you must opt in.

You can opt in to text messaging at any time by sending the word Yes or Sí to the short code 87569 or 79041.
Once you opt in, BrightArrow will send you a confirmation that your phone number is opted in.

Note: Your mobile phone number must be on file with your child’s school to receive text messages.

Helpful Tips

Voice Messages: When we call you with a voice message, the Caller ID will display 434-974-5777. To replay the last voice message sent to your number, dial 855-994-4242 from any number that received the call.
Email Messages: Email messages will be sent from Notification-Do_Not_Reply@target.brightarrow.com.
Text Messages: After opting in, you’ll receive text messages from the short code 87569 or 79041.
Translation: BrightArrow translates messages into each student’s “home language” for email, text, and text-to-speech voice messages. Machine-generated translations include a link to read or listen to the original message in English. If you prefer to receive messages only in English, please contact your child’s school.
Updating Your Contact Information: To update your contact information or change communication preferences, please contact your child’s school.

Need Help?

For assistance, call the ACPS Service Desk at 434-975-9444, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Remind

New in 2024-25, we are rolling out Remind division-wide! If you’re not already familiar with Remind, it’s a classroom communication tool that makes it easy to stay involved with your child’s learning. Remind is free to use, and you’ll be able to get and send messages on any device—even a simple text message from your phone!

We’ll continue to use BrightArrow for essential updates through voice, email and text, but Remind will offer direct, two-way messaging with teachers.

What You Need to Know

Easy Setup: You’ll receive an email or text when your child’s school or teacher is ready to connect with you on Remind. Just follow the instructions to set up your account.
Language Support: Remind will send messages in your home language, and you can reply in your language too. Your messages will be translated for the teacher. (¿Cómo puedo recibir mensajes en otro idioma?)
Download the App: We encourage you to download the Remind app for iOS or Android to keep in touch more easily. If you prefer, you’ll also continue to receive messages via text or email.

For more details, watch the video demo below and check out the Remind parent guide for tips on getting started.

Getting Started for Parents

Guía de inicio para los padres

Connections

Connections is ACPS’ monthly newsletter that keeps our whole community updated on all the division’s activities.

On the last Friday of each month, Connections arrives in email inboxes with a recap of the month’s highlights and a preview of upcoming events. It includes a roundup of media stories featuring ACPS, a video from the Office of Strategic Communications, and more!

All staff, students and families are automatically subscribed via their ACPS email address and any personal email address enrolled in our Electronic School Notification System (BrightArrow). Community members can receive Connections by subscribing to Albemarle County News.

Connections Newsletter

Web & Social Media

ACPS Website

The ACPS website is a valuable resource for our families and community. Our division-level site provides comprehensive information about our school board, superintendent, division departments, instructional practices, and more. Our school-based sites offer essential details for families, including school supply lists, event information, teacher contacts, lunch menus, and other important updates.

Feedback on the ACPS website can be sent to webmanager@k12albemarle.org.

Social Media Channels

Through our social media channels, we connect with our community and showcase the exciting activities happening in our schools and departments.

Connect with us:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Branded Messaging

Starting in the 2024-25 school year, ACPS is introducing three new communication brands to address key topics. These channels are designed to help families receive information that is most relevant to their needs.

ACPS Supports embodies our dedication to taking care of everyone in our school community. From implementing safety measures and security protocols to promoting overall well-being, we focus on creating a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

ACPS Listens reflects our commitment to actively connecting with employees, students, families, and community members and valuing their feedback. Through surveys, forums, and direct communication, we ensure that all voices are heard and considered as we make decisions and improve our services.

ACPS Shines is where we celebrate our successes and showcase the outstanding achievements within our school division. Whether it’s academic excellence, innovative programs, or staff accomplishments, this is our platform for sharing the bright spots and proud moments of our journey.

If you are an ACPS staff member looking for communications support, please visit our Communications Hub in SharePoint or reach out to the Communications Team.