Amherst Education Center

09/02/2026

Be sure to check out the most recent edition of the ACPS Family Newsletter.

ACPS Family Newsletter

09/01/2026

🟢 THE DROP IS LIVE! 🟢
Week 1 of the ACPS Rise & Shine Attendance Challenge has officially begun! From now until September 18, every day your student is in class helps push their grade level closer to the top of the leaderboard.

Remember: A single absence can shift the whole competition. Every Day Counts, Every Drop Wins! Let’s see that school pride.

08/28/2026

Our Biology students put their scientific investigation skills to work with a Testing for Starch Lab! Students used iodine as an indicator to test different foods for the presence of starch. They first established a positive control using cornstarch and a negative control using water, giving them a baseline for comparing their food samples.

Throughout the investigation, students made careful observations, recorded color changes, analyzed their results, and determined which foods contained starch. More importantly, they practiced thinking and working like scientists—using controls, collecting evidence, and connecting their results to real-world applications in food science and nutrition.

08/25/2026

🚨 BIG NEWS, ACPS! 🚨
We are launching a 3-week Rise & Shine Attendance competition starting next week! Every single grade level is going head-to-head to see who can claim the highest attendance rate. 📈

The reward? The winning grade gets to play The Attendance Board - a giant peg-drop game where students will drop the puck to win some incredible prizes! 🎁✨

Success isn't luck; it's a chain reaction. When you show up every day, you set yourself up to win. Parents, help your students get ready to bring their best attendance habits!

08/17/2026

Chromebook Protection Plan💻
This year families have the option to purchase an Optional Chromebook Protection Plan for their student’s school-issued Chromebook. The protection plan costs $20 per student/device and is non-refundable. Families interested in purchasing this protection plan are encouraged to do so through the online SchoolCash Online payment portal by September 11th.

Important Dates📅
The Optional Chromebook Protection Plan will be available for purchase beginning Monday, August 17, 2026, through Friday, September 11, 2026.
After September 11, families will no longer be able to purchase the protection plan for the 2026-2027 school year.

What Does the Protection Plan Cover?💰
The plan provides coverage for accidental damage or loss of the Chromebook, according to the following schedule:
1st incident: No cost to the family
2nd incident: 50% of the repair or replacement cost, whichever is less
3rd and subsequent incidents: 100% of the repair or replacement cost, whichever is less

Potential costs for Chromebook repairs or replacement may include:
Up to $300 for device replacement
$50 for screen replacement
$35 for a replacement charger

What Is Not Covered?
The Optional Chromebook Protection Plan does not cover:
Lost or stolen chargers
Intentional damage to the Chromebook or equipment

If ACPS determines that equipment was intentionally damaged, the student and/or parent/guardian will be responsible for 100% of the repair or replacement cost, whichever is less.

Other Insurance Options
Families may also choose to obtain property insurance at their own expense to provide additional protection for school-issued equipment.

Please note that choosing not to participate in the Optional Chromebook Protection Plan or choosing not to obtain property insurance does not relieve the student and/or parent/guardian of responsibility for the school-issued equipment or any applicable repair or replacement costs.

Thank you for helping us ensure that our students have the technology they need to learn and succeed throughout the school year.

08/17/2026

ACPS will hold its first Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting of the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, August 24​, 202​6, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Administration Office.

Agenda items for this meeting include welcome and introduction of new members, introduction of the new Special Education Director, and member discussion items. If you would like more information or would like to participate, please visit the ACPS website for additional information (www.amherst.k12.va.us). We hope to see you there. Please access the following link if you wish to participate virtually: meet.google.com/kaa-bxah-ndw

08/12/2026

🎒💙 Stronger Together: Back-to-School Night at ACHS! 🧡📚
What a great evening! Despite the storms that rolled through the county, families made the trek to our division-wide Back-to-School Night - and we are so grateful they did!

This event was all about making sure our students and families are ready for a successful start to the 2026–2027 school year. Families were able to:

🎒 Pick up school supplies generously donated through our Pack the Bus event and by local businesses, organizations, and community members.

🤝 Connect with community partners and ACPS staff who shared valuable information, resources, and services available to support our families.

💉 Visit the Virginia Department of Health, which was on hand to provide required vaccinations to help ensure students are ready for the first day of school.

A HUGE thank-you to everyone who donated supplies, volunteered their time, shared resources, provided services, and helped make tonight possible. Your support makes a difference for our students and families!

And to the families who braved the weather to join us - thank you!
We are excited to welcome our students back for the 2026-2027 school year!🎉
Every Child, Every Day. 💙🧡

08/12/2026

🎉 Welcome Back, ACPS! 🎉
The first day of school is here! We’re excited to welcome our students, families, teachers, and staff back for a brand-new school year filled with learning, growth, and new possibilities.

Here’s to a fantastic 2026–2027 school year! 💙🧡