Total Compensation Statements, Employee Conversations with Dr. Reid, FSA Deadline

Employee News 1 week 1 day ago

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Hadley “Hurricane” Harrison, a fourth grade teacher at Union Mill Elementary School, helps a student from the “Leprechaun Lookout Agency” create a trap to catch Lucky the Leprechaun. 

Your Total Compensation Statement: The Value of Your Benefits

Next week, FCPS will provide each employee with a personalized and comprehensive total compensation statement. Each statement will include a chart showing your annual base salary (or pay) for the current year as well as the value of contributions made by FCPS on your behalf. Your statement will also include information on FCPS leave programs, optional FCPS benefits, and benefits available to FCPS employees at no cost.

Your annual total compensation statement will be sent securely as an email attachment to your FCPS.edu email account. You will also be able to view it in UConnect, FCPS’ employee self-service portal. (You will need your FCPS username and password to access UConnect.)

FCPS is committed to maintaining a premier workforce, providing a competitive compensation and benefits package, and sustaining a caring culture. If you have questions regarding your Total Compensation Statement, please submit a ticket through StaffConnect.

StaffConnect Options Now Include Benefits

StaffConnect has replaced HRConnection as your place to ask questions or get more information about benefits, employee wellness programs, the employee assistance program, leave, and disability benefits, among other topics. Job applicants and retirees may also use StaffConnect to request assistance.

🎤 Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid: Register Today


Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Join one of her Employee Conversations this spring. Click on a location below to register:

Employee Conversations are an opportunity to share what’s on your mind and ask questions. Reach out to Dr. Reid at any time by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing [email protected].

👩‍⚕️ 2023 Flexible Spending Account Filing Deadline Is March 31

If you contributed to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in 2023, you have until Sunday, March 31, to submit claims for your 2023 FSA expenses. File your claims through your Optum account.

Standard rollover provisions apply. Up to $610 is permitted to roll over for your 2024 healthcare FSA. Dependent-care account funds do not roll over.

🙋 Supporting All of Our Students


High expectations require high support. In order to invest in excellence, we must be able to support our changing student population. While overall enrollment is down from pre-pandemic levels, the number of students who receive additional services has grown. 

Since the 2019-20 school year, more than 9,000 additional students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, requiring greater targeted staffing at their schools. We’ve seen a 7.4% increase in students receiving special education services, and a 5.1% increase in those needing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support.

FCPS’ advertised budget for next school year dedicates $38.8 million in funding toward the increase in support needed for students.

We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details. See the Budget Documents, including the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Book, for more details on our budget.

⏰ Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. 

Community forums will take place in April and May. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule: 

Registration is not required, but it does help with planning. Click the location of the event to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times

🚀 Honoring the Legacy of Katherine Johnson and Women’s History Month


March is National Women's History Month, which is a great opportunity to honor women's contributions to American history.

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician and aerospace technologist. As a NASA employee, she was well known for her calculations of orbital mechanics, which were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S.-crewed spaceflights.  

In 2020, the City of Fairfax School Board voted unanimously to change the name of Lanier Middle School to Katherine Johnson Middle School. Learn more about Katherine Johnson’s legacy.

And, here's a fun fact: Johnson's niece, Valerie Johnson, worked at FCPS as a classroom teacher and mathematics specialist for 32 years! She retired in June 2023.

📝 Resume and Interviewing Workshop

Are you ready to take your career with FCPS to the next level? Attend a resume and interviewing workshop on Thursday, April 4, 5-7 p.m., at Willow Oaks Administrative Center.

Megan Vroman, Region 2 assistant superintendent; Chris Latham, Groveton Elementary School assistant principal; and Sara Royer, educational specialist for Integrated Professional Learning, will be your hosts.   

Operational and instructional employees at all levels are welcome to attend. Participants will learn the do’s and don’ts of a great resume as well as how to put their best foot forward in a professional interview. Participants should bring a current resume and a job description for a position in which they are interested. Register in advance in MyPDE.

🩺 Mental Health Impacts of a Medical Diagnosis

Have you found yourself struggling with the news of a serious medical diagnosis for yourself or a loved one? Whether it is cancer, a heart attack, or a chronic condition, it’s important to have support as you adjust to the seriousness of the situation and the uncertainty about what lies ahead. 

Attend the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar on the Mental Health Impacts of a Medical Diagnosis webinar on Wednesday, March 20, 4:30-5:30 p.m., to gain practical tools, resources, and support to help you navigate this challenging time. Learn about coping strategies for processing the news and adjusting to life changes. 

Find additional EAP events and recordings of previous webinars on the Hub. For more information, email [email protected].

Community Learns About the Dangers of Fentanyl and Other Drugs

More than 200 staff, students, and community members gathered at Lake Braddock Secondary School last night for the latest Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs. They heard moving testimony from the parents and friends of Cayden Foster, a student at Centreville High School who died from a fentanyl overdose last year. Other speakers included Dr. Reid, Fairfax County School Board Chair Karl Frisch, Fairfax County Chief of Police Kevin Davis, and Centreville High School Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Dawn Brower. 

Nine county and community partners attended to share information and resources to support students and families. The Fairfax Community Service Board provided free NARCAN training to attendees. Learn more about the opioid epidemic in Fairfax County and free NARCAN training.

Safe, Supported, and Included — FCPS Family Summit 2024

The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families. 

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association. 

This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan. More details will be available after spring break.

🗳️ Support Services Employees’ Advisory Council (SSEAC) Election

Each elected representative of the SSEAC will serve a two-year term, working as a liaison between management and employees, representing one of the following community-of-interest groups:

  • Group 3 – Food and Nutrition Services 
  • Group 4 – Custodial and Plant Operations
  • Group 5 – Trades/Maintenance/Security                
  • Group 7 – Management and Administration
  • Group 8 – Educational Support
  • Group 9 – School-Based Clerical  

Interested employees must submit an electronic nomination petition, a candidate statement of contribution, and nomination endorsements of at least 25 members from the candidate’s specific community-of-interest group to the Office of Employee Relations by Friday, May 3.

The SSEAC Election Petition outlines the election process. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or [email protected] with questions.

🌷Calendar Reminder: Spring Break

Monday, March 25, to Friday, March 29, is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed (only 12-month personnel report). We wish our school-based staff a happy and restful spring break! 

Employee News will take a break, too. Look for the next issue on Tuesday, April 2.

🗓️ Quarter End/Teacher Workday

Friday, March 22, is the end of the third quarter. Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 2, are school planning and teacher workdays, respectively. 

Eid al-Fitr (Half-O Day, Holiday)


In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three-day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give to charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.

Tuesday, April 9, is an evening observance day. There is school on this day, but important events will not be held after school. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday; all schools and offices will be closed.

See the school year calendar or the employee calendar.

School Board Meeting Scheduled for March 21 at 7 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. 

Topics on the agenda include:

  • FY 2024 Third Quarter Budget Review
  • ERFC Proposed Plan Design Changes
  • Revised Glasgow Middle School Boundary Study Scope

View the complete agenda.

Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

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Step Increases vs. Market Scale Adjustments, FCPS CARES of the Month

Employee News 2 weeks 1 day ago

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Members of Olde Creek Elementary School's administration team proudly represent the Bears! Pictured from left are Stephanie Kaminsky, assistant principal; Courtney Korb, principal; and Alison Butler, assistant principal. 

Understanding Step Increases vs. Market Scale Adjustments

In the past, FCPS has increased employee compensation by offering a step increase and market scale adjustment (MSA). A step increase refers to the steps on FCPS’ salary scales, which vary in value and do not equate to years of experience. MSA is a salary adjustment for employees, regardless of their step or salary scale. 

Step increases are not consistent from step to step and across different employee groups. The move from one step to the next on the teacher scales is typically an average of more than 2%. In contrast, MSA is an adjustment that guarantees the same compensation rate increase regardless of an employee’s current step or salary scale. Over the last 10 years, MSA increases have averaged 2% per year. 

With these factors in mind, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget features a 6% MSA, without a step, to provide all employees with a substantial salary increase. 

This improves FCPS' recruitment efforts by increasing our salary rankings compared to neighboring school divisions. FCPS is also working to improve retention by providing employees at the top of the salary scales (who are therefore not eligible for step increases) with a substantial MSA. Whether a salary increase is derived from a step increase or MSA has no impact on pension plans. 

Get more details about step vs. MSA (PDF) on the Employee Hub.

Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget

The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from FY 2019 to FY 2023. It dipped to 51.6% in FY 2024. The County’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements. 

If the county were to return to transferring 52.6% to FCPS for the upcoming year, that would equate to $63 million more to #InvestinExcellence.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Give your feedback on the County budget.

💙 FCPS CARES of the Month Recipient Is “Selfless and Noble”

FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Carleen Troup, a teacher at Camelot Elementary School (pictured on the right with her nominator, Kristen Williamson), is one of the winter CARES of the Month recipients. 

In January, one of Carleen's colleagues suffered a medical emergency. Carleen was there quickly to support her and call an ambulance. “Carleen has been there every step of the way” as her colleague recovers and “has been a rock for her second-grade team,” according to her CARES nomination. “Teachers like Carleen, who are able to continuously support their students for the benefit of their learning and well-being — while processing their own emotions — are selfless and noble."  

Congratulations to Carleen and other winter FCPS CARES of the Month recipients:

  • Judie Lieberman, Willow Oaks Administrative Center
  • Kim Schauer, Hughes Middle School
  • Florence Harrison, Bryant High School
  • Karizma Glenn, Bull Run Elementary School 
  • Lisa Bliss, Nashwa Osmani, and Courtney Mocco; Freedom Hill Elementary School
  • Katelyn Bongard, Karli Eddinger, Elizabeth Murphy, and Luis Perez; Holmes Middle School

Read about all the recipients

Submit an FCPS CARES Nomination


Do you know an employee who deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond? Submit their story.

Submissions are now made through the StaffConnect portal. Choose FCPS CARES from the first drop-down menu to access the appropriate form.

🎸 “Look at My Capabilities and Talents” — Instructional Assistant Dedicated to Lifelong Learning


Sam Kang, instructional assistant (IA) at Stone Middle School, is constantly thinking about ways he can develop himself and help others. Sam is self-taught in playing guitar, singing, and sketching, and loves to write. He believes in lifelong learning and sharing that gift with other people. In addition to his IA duties, Sam runs an afterschool guitar club and dreams of doing even more for his community.

Read about Sam and the impact he is making at Stone.

🎤 Join a Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs 

A community conversation on the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. (Please enter through Door #14). Attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material presented will be suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed.

Learn more about the event and register online.

🎤 Save the Date: Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid


Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! A series of Employee Conversations with the superintendent will be held across the school division this spring. Click on one of the locations below to register:

Employee Conversations are an opportunity to share what's on your mind and ask questions. Reach out to Dr. Reid at any time by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing [email protected].

💭 Share Your Thoughts About Schoology

The Instructional Services Department is conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on Schoology. Surveys were sent on Monday, March 11, to:

  • Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
  • Secondary students through email from Naviance.
  • School-based professionals through eNotify.
  • School leadership (principals, APs, DSAs, SBTS) through eNotify.

If you are in one of these groups, please complete your survey by Friday, March 22. Your feedback will inform FCPS’ use of Schoology and help improve processes, communication, and professional learning. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.

✂️ Family Resource Center Library Named for Education Advocate


FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) has formally named its library the Dr. Larry Bussey Family and Community Library. This honor recognizes Bussey’s legacy and commitment to education and equipping families to effectively advocate for the educational rights and needs of their children.

The FRC helps parents, caregivers, and teachers support the success of all students. One of the ways they accomplish this is through their lending library, which contains more than 10,000 books, DVDs, and CDs on topics related to parenting and educating children. Learn about Dr. Bussey and the FRC.

On a related note, FCPS, in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association, observes March as Equity in Education Month. This is a divisionwide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.

📚 Literacy Development for Multilingual Learners

In the Academic Matters segment of last week’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared information on literacy development of multilingual learners (students who are learning the English language). Of the more than 180,000 FCPS students, approximately 48% have a home language other than English, and 20% are multilingual learners (as of January 2024). 

Dr. Reid emphasized that the school division’s Equitable Access to Literacy Plan applies to ALL students, including multilingual learners. She shared some of the supports FCPS provides these students, including new elementary language arts basal resources. View Dr. Reid's presentation slides.

Educator Support in New Language Arts Curriculum

Guided Language Acquisition Design (Project GLAD) is a resource to support educators who are new to teaching multilingual students, regardless of the subject they teach. In the coming months, we will continue to roll out this professional development across our division.

Building Cultural Bridges Between Families and Schools

Raheel Ahmed-Litz, pictured (left) with one of her sisters (right) in a photo from the '70s, has nearly 60 years of history with Fairfax County Public Schools as a student and employee. 

Because of some of her experiences as a child of an immigrant family, Raheel feels passionate about helping families “who don’t feel seen or heard,” she said. "I want all FCPS families to understand and utilize all the wonderful resources and services we offer in FCPS and through our partners in Fairfax County; to ensure the best educational experience possible.”

Raheel shares more of her inspiration, along with a treasured Ramadan memory, in this Employee Blog.

🏅 Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion Activities

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20

Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in FCPS by Friday, March 22. Email [email protected] with questions.

Launch My Health With Wellbeats

Looking for support boosting your energy, addressing chronic conditions, or enhancing your kitchen skills? Join Launch My Health for educational nutrition programs led by experienced healthcare, culinary, and nutrition experts. Explore programs in your Wellbeats account including:

  • Home Chef Pro (eight weeks)
  • Optimizing Brain Health (five weeks)
  • Restore Gut Health (four weeks)
  • Optimizing Women’s Hormones (five weeks)
  • Kids in the Kitchen (two weeks)

Learn more about Launch My Health.

Add Friends and Family to Your Wellbeats Account

Invite friends, family, or colleagues to Wellbeats to promote a healthier lifestyle! Use the friends and family feature to:

  • Share positive messages and celebrate achievements.
  • Engage in real-time workout challenges and stay motivated through live chat.
  • Virtually cook together with entertaining demonstrations and healthy recipes. 

Visit portal.wellbeats.com, go to your profile, and switch to sub-accounts to invite up to five people per account. For more information, email [email protected].

2024 ERFC Trustee Election

The Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board of Trustees will elect one person to serve as trustee. The ERFC Board is the governing body of ERFC and supports its mission to enhance the financial security of members through prudent financial stewardship.

Interested active ERFC members who seek to be candidates must submit a nomination petition and a statement of contribution. The Office of Employee Relations must receive materials by the close of business on Friday, April 26.

Notice 4771 outlines the election process. An electronic election will be held Tuesday, May 14, through Thursday, May 16. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or [email protected] with questions.

📰 Free Online Classifieds for Employees


FCPS' Online Classifieds is a free way for staff to post ads for personally owned items that they are seeking to buy, sell, or give away. It's also a great tool to look for someone to share a ride to work, find a roommate, or rent real estate. 

Our Online Classifieds system is completely self-service and allows users to post new ads, or update or renew existing ads at any time. Access it from the Employee Hub. View rules and frequently asked questions. For more information, contact Andy Grunig.

🌷Calendar Reminder: Spring Break


Monday, March 25
, to Friday, March 29 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed (only 12-month personnel report). 

We wish our students, teachers, and school-based staff a happy and restful spring break!

🗓️ Quarter End/Teacher Workday

Friday, March 22, is the end of the third quarter. Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 2, are school planning and teacher workdays, respectively. 

See the school year calendar and the employee calendar.

🌊 Perkspot Has Spring Break Deals

Savings for Staff (PerkSpot) has great spring break savings! Explore deals on travel, adventure, and more, so you’ll be ready for your next expedition. Whether it's booking a vacation or securing tickets to the Walt Disney World® Resort, PerkSpot has you covered!

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Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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Great Beginnings Celebrates a Milestone, Classroom Management PD, Solar Eclipse Resources

Employee News 3 weeks 1 day ago

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Office Assistant Linda Mach works in the main office at Annandale High School.

🎉 30 Years of Great Beginnings


Great Beginnings is celebrating its 30th anniversary! The Office of Professional Learning would like to interview teachers who can share their stories about the enduring impact Great Beginnings has had on their time in FCPS. To share your story, please upload a short video by Tuesday, April 2

Videos can include descriptions of relationships with Great Beginnings mentors or peers when you were a new teacher, your experience as a new teacher, your leadership journey, or other relevant stories.

We will select some individuals for a longer interview based on their video submissions. Contact Julia Braxton with any questions.

🧘 New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces

FCPS has created a regulation to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. Regulation 1502: Expectations for Meditation and Silent Reflection Space Accommodations provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time and for students to leave school for religious activities.

These spaces are designated areas within a school or on school premises for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. View Regulation 1502 for more information.

FY 2025 Budget: Addressing State Funding


As mentioned in last week’s Employee News, the School Board adopted FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Meeting our budget needs becomes more of a challenge with underfunding by the state, using staffing formulas that continue to result in school districts not receiving the actual support needed for excellent public education. A staffing formula is the method for calculating the number of positions that need to be assigned to meet program needs.

Did You Know?

In July 2023, the bipartisan Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) released a study of Virginia’s K-12 funding formulas. The report found that Virginia school divisions receive less funding per student than the 50-state average, the regional average, and many of Virginia’s neighboring states including West Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky. Learn more about the JLARC study. Visit our website to view FCPS’ budget development timeline.

💚 Thank You, Social Workers, for Removing Barriers


It’s National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help students succeed by working to improve their social, emotional, and behavioral wellness. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the division. Read about Elizabeth Romeo, school social worker at Lorton Station Elementary School.

Submit FCPS CARES Through StaffConnect

The Employee Recognition team is now processing FCPS CARES submissions through the StaffConnect platform. The goal is to provide a more efficient and contemporary user experience. 

Nominators will continue to visit the FCPS CARES page to make their submissions. However, instead of completing the web form directly on the page, users will get a link to submit through StaffConnect. The existing notification and recognition process will remain. To submit an FCPS CARES, please visit StaffConnect.

Classroom Management Session for New Teachers and Teacher Trainees


The Office of Professional Learning is offering the third session in the Spotlight Series on Classroom Management for new teachers and teacher trainees. This session will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 6, 5-6:30 p.m. It will focus on how to respond to classroom behaviors. You may still participate if you did not attend previous sessions. 

Please register in MyPDE for the March Spotlight Series session.

Win a Scholarship for ASCD Conference in Washington, D.C.

The ASCD Annual Conference — a one-of-a-kind event that brings together educators from across the globe — will take place Friday, March 22, through Monday, March 25, in Washington, D.C. Attendees can choose from dozens of sessions on the most critical topics affecting the future of learning, such as creating equitable learning environments and leading through change. Connect with education experts who can guide you in improving academic outcomes for all students.

A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the registration fee for the conference. To apply, submit a short application by Friday, March 8

The goal of the scholarship program is to increase the number of educators from historically underrepresented backgrounds attending our events and to also support educators who work in under-resourced schools. Educators in the Washington, D.C., area and surrounding regions will be prioritized.

💊 2023 Flexible Spending Account Filing Deadline Is March 31

If you participated in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2023, you have until Sunday, March 31, to submit claims for your 2023 FSA expenses. You can file your claims through your Optum account. Find instructions for filing a claim on the Flexible Spending Accounts webpage.

Standard rollover provisions apply. No dependent care spending account funds may roll over to 2024, and $610 is permitted to roll over for your 2024 healthcare FSA.

Rate Decrease for FCERS Optional Life Insurance Participants

Employees enrolled in employee-paid Fairfax County Employees’ Retirement System (FCERS) Optional Life insurance coverage with MetLife will see a slight decrease in their payroll deduction amount starting with the biweekly paycheck on Friday, March 8. No action is needed; this change will occur automatically. This does not apply to Virginia Retirement System (VRS) participants enrolled with Optional Life coverage with Securian.

Employees who wish to elect, change, or cancel Optional Life and/or Spouse and Child(ren) Dependent Life Insurance should visit the Life Insurance webpage. Life insurance beneficiary updates should be made via the MetLife MyBenefits website. Please visit the Updating Your Beneficiaries webpage for more information.

☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

Due to this timing overlapping with some dismissal times, schools should reiterate the importance of safe viewing practices. FCPS safety guidelines do not permit direct viewing of the sun even with protective eyewear and encourage the use of indirect (projection) viewing devices, including solar boxes and pinhole projectors. A one-page document with safe viewing practices and instructions for how to make these devices with students will be shared with K-12 science teachers in Schoology groups.

Schools are encouraged to share the Solar Eclipse Resources with their communities to access safe viewing practices. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.

Retirement Ceremony Scheduled for May 1


FCPS’ annual celebration for retirees and their guests will be held Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The evening will begin with an hors d'oeuvres reception followed by a ceremony where Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, the Leadership Team, and the School Board will recognize retirees for their years of dedicated service. 

Invitations will be mailed in the coming weeks. Those planning to retire should submit their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) as soon as possible. 

For more information about this event and past ceremonies, visit the Retirement Ceremony webpage. Please contact [email protected] with questions.

✅ Family Engagement Survey Now Open


FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open for all parents/caregivers. Emails were sent to families on Sunday, March 3, by our independent partner, K12 Insight. 

Please encourage families to participate! Feedback will be used to develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships throughout the division to support student success.

The survey is available in 10 languages. Parents/caregivers may stop by schools to fill out a paper survey or for support with completing the survey online. A link to the survey and additional information are available on the Family Engagement Survey webpage.

🍎 Become a Special Education Teacher 

Are you a paraprofessional who is interested in becoming a special education teacher? FCPS and James Madison University (JMU) are hosting an online information session on Thursday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about joining the FCPS cohort and course requirements for becoming a special education teacher. 

The JMU program leads to dual licensure in about two years.  Paraprofessionals with an associate’s degree or more than 60 college credits should complete this form to receive an invitation for the session.

⏰ Correction: Middle School Start Times

In last week’s Employee News, we shared that Prismatic Services, Inc. presented an analysis of middle school start times to the School Board. We also wrote that Prismatic was awarded a contract in September 2023 to explore adjusting start times for middle schools to 8 a.m. or later, beginning in the fall of 2025.

We incorrectly stated that “the change must be budget-neutral and not affect other school start times.” We should have stated that any change to middle school start times should continue to have high schools start after 8 a.m. We apologize for the error.

📅 Calendar Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Begins

Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m., when daylight saving time begins!

First Full Day of Ramadan


This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity, and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.

March 11 is a religious and cultural observance day. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on observance days, however, tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be scheduled. See the school year calendar.

School Board Meeting Scheduled for March 7 at 7 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. 

Topics on the agenda include:

  • Fiscal Year 2024 Third Quarter Budget Review
  • Elementary Language Arts Basal Resources

View the complete agenda.

Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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📅 2024-25 Employee Calendar, School Board Adopts Advertised Budget

Employee News 1 month ago

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Teacher Alyssa Credle leads a literacy lesson with her kindergarten students at Garfield Elementary School.

📅 2024-25 Employee Calendar Now Available

Last year, FCPS added holidays to the 260-day work calendar as part of its compensation package and in alignment with changes made to the student calendar. The 2024-25 Employee Calendar will include the same number of paid holidays as the 2023-24 calendar, which had four additional paid holidays.

These holidays will include:

  • Friday, July 5
  • Thursday, October 3 (Rosh Hashanah)
  • Friday, November 1 (Diwali)
  • Monday, March 31 (Eid al-Fitr)

View the 2024-25 Employee Calendar.

☑️ School Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2025 Advertised Budget


The School Board voted to adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget last Thursday.

The Advertised Budget prioritizes the school division’s most urgent needs, including providing employees with competitive compensation, so that each and every student has access to the world-class education they deserve.

The budget is closely aligned with FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which seeks a strong academic start for our youngest students and prepares our graduates for a thriving future. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. View the news release.

Do You Know Where FCPS Funding Comes From?


The majority of FCPS funding is requested from the Fairfax County government, which generates its revenue from real estate and personal property taxes. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the next largest source of revenue to FCPS through state aid and sales tax. The rest of the funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal aid and tuition for non-county residents. (Numbers above represent the FY 2025 proposed school operating fund in millions.)

FCPS does not have the authority to impose taxes and may only charge fees where the Commonwealth of Virginia has granted specific authority.

🏫 Happy Public Schools Week!


Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents, and community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools. Thank you for being a major part of what makes our schools amazing!

🕵️ Complete Your Cybersecurity Mission in MyPDE by March 22

Please complete the mandatory cybersecurity training by Friday, March 22. In this exciting, interactive, 15-minute training, you will gain essential knowledge and skills to bolster your cybersecurity defenses at home and at FCPS. Go to MyPDE to start your cybersecurity awareness mission!

🏃 Empowering Students Through Middle School Sports


Witness the transformative power of middle school sports, as FCPS students share their experience with participating in school athletics for the first time. Watch this video to discover how these no-cost programs provide an important pathway for students of all backgrounds to explore their athletic passions. Access to and participation in extracurricular activities are part of Goal 2 and Goal 4 in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

📦 A C.A.R.E. Package on Accessible Learning Materials

The Department of Special Services is excited to share a C.A.R.E. Package! Find out how to Curate Accessible Resources for Everyone to support Universal Design for Learning. In this first C.A.R.E. package, learn about immersive readers. 

Join the Conversations on Accessible Learning Materials Zoom channel to share ideas, ask questions, and receive additional resources. Complete this Google form to provide feedback. Post on X (Twitter), add #FCPSKeepCALM, and tag @accessible_fcps.

Look for monthly C.A.R.E. packages on accessibility topics. Find accessibility information on the Hub and view the Accessibility in FCPS page for more resources.

💬 How Hayfield Elementary Is Improving Attendance and Belonging


Teachers at Hayfield Elementary School were recently asked to review data from the biannual Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener given to students in grades three through six. They looked for students in each class who reported that they didn’t feel like a part of their school’s community. 

Teachers were challenged to have daily two-minute chats with the students — about anything except school — for 10 consecutive days. Find out how teacher Nicole Johnson, pictured above, connected with one of her students, who now feels as if she belongs

👩‍🔬 Building a Foundation for Future Careers


In the Academic Matters segment of last week’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid addressed how STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) and computer science are building the foundation for our students’ future careers. Access to STEAM and computer science is part of Goal 4 in the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. View the presentation slides or watch the presentation.

🎤 Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs


A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14. 

All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Together, as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and sometimes fatal substances.

Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.

💜 Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families


Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of our 14,000 enrolled military-connected students. 

Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8

Note: Shipping and handling costs are per delivery address. Schools and offices may want to consider arranging bulk orders.

📜 George Mason University Education Leadership Info Sessions

George Mason University’s Education Leadership (EDLE) Program is hosting information sessions for summer and fall applicants. FCPS educators interested in pursuing leadership and earning licensure in administration and supervision can earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate in formats designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals.

Several program options are available, including a cohort specifically for FCPS educators and in-person, online, and hybrid options. 

Register on the EDLE website to attend an information session:

  • Virtual Information Session: Tuesday, February 27, 4:45-5:45 p.m.  
  • In-Person Information Session: Thursday, March 7, 4:45-5:45 p.m., at Gatehouse Administration Center, Rooms 4050/4051

The summer 2024 application deadline is Monday, May 6. Classes begin Monday, May 13. Contact the EDLE office with questions at [email protected] or 703-993-3633.

⏰ School Board Exploring Middle School Start Times

At the February 22 School Board meeting, Prismatic Services Inc. presented an analysis of middle school start times including background information and community engagement plans. 

In September 2023, Prismatic was awarded a contract to explore adjusting start times for middle schools to 8 a.m. or later, beginning in the fall of 2025. The change must be budget-neutral and not affect other school start times. View the presentation slides.

🍼 Expectant Parent Workshops

The Office of Benefit Services offers a virtual workshop on how to prepare and plan for child-related leaves on Tuesday, March 5, 10-11 a.m.

Register for the workshop. Space is limited to 50 participants. All workshop materials, including the presentation and handouts, will be posted to the Expectant Parent Workshop webpage.

🥝 Register for Colorful Choices Challenge


Kick-start a healthier lifestyle with Colorful Choices, a four-week wellness challenge focusing on incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet. Log daily servings in a virtual blender for points, aiming for a variety of colors. The challenge takes place Monday, March 4, to Sunday, March 31. The last day to register or join a team is Friday, March 8.

Drawings will take place weekly and at the end of the challenge for individual and team prizes.

Two-Week Supportive Foods Program

Prefer a shorter healthy eating program? Wellbeats is sponsoring the Supportive Foods Program to look at foods and nutrients that support various aspects of our health including immunity, metabolism, brain function, digestion, sleep, and skin health. Join the short webinars to learn about specific foods and recipes to incorporate into your daily meals. 

Select “Programs” in your Wellbeats Wellness account and sign up for the Supportive Foods Program today. For more information, contact [email protected].

Healthy Weight Series

Explore effective weight management in a four-part Healthy Weight webinar series. A Kaiser Permanente health educator will lead 45-minute sessions focusing on goal setting, healthy eating, and exercise tips. 

For questions, email [email protected].

📅 Calendar Reminder: First Full Day of Ramadan

This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.

March 11 is an O day. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however, tests, quizzes, field trips, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.

Stay tuned for a new FCPS regulation with guidance on accommodating student meditation and silent reflection during the school day.

March 5 Presidential Primary — Student Holiday/School Planning Day

The Fairfax Board of Elections requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the safe and efficient administration of the 2024 presidential primary election. March 5 will be a holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day for teachers. 

Central offices and school offices will remain open. See the employee calendar and the school year calendar.

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Learning and Wellness Opportunities, Supreme Court Decision on TJHSST

Employee News 1 month 1 week ago

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First Grade Teacher Alexis Hopkins teaches a literacy lesson at Lake Anne Elementary School.

Supreme Court Decision Regarding TJHSST

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand an appeals court decision upholding the admissions policy for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), ending a three-year legal challenge. Read FCPS' statement.

🏫 School Board Approves Capital Improvement Program


The Fairfax County School Board approved an annual update to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that includes new school construction and/or repurposing, capacity enhancements, and renovations.

These projects are detailed in the Fiscal Year 2025-29 CIP, which also illustrates FCPS’ alignment with the Fairfax County Joint Environmental Task Force’s (JET) goals with the inclusion of more Net-Zero Energy (NZE) building practices.

New construction of Dunn Loring Elementary School is designed to provide additional capacity in the Dunn Loring, Falls Church, and Tysons areas. Other projects include renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, as well as capacity enhancements at Justice High School. Information about all capital projects will be posted on project webpages on the FCPS website. Read more about the approved CIP.

☑️ School Board to Adopt Fiscal Year 2025 Advertised Budget

This afternoon, the School Board held a work session focused on compensation strategies to attract and retain employees, and market comparison data for surrounding school divisions. View the presentation (PDF). The board will adopt FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget at its regular business meeting on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. 

As a reminder, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the FY 2025 Proposed Budget to the School Board on February 8. This needs-based budget prioritizes competitive compensation for employees’ hard work and dedication, and supports FCPS’ unwavering commitment to success for each and every student.

Learn more about the budget. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

🚌 Going Above and Beyond: Thank You School Bus Drivers!


February is Love the Bus Month, and February 22 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. FCPS employs more than 1,800 drivers who transport an estimated 131,000 students safely to and from school each day. Our drivers and attendants take pride in being the first FCPS face students see in the morning and the last one they see before heading home for the evening.

Driver Synnethia Pacheli, pictured above, knew exactly what to do when she witnessed an accident earlier this school year. Read more about her and the extensive training our school bus drivers receive before getting behind the wheel on the Employee Blog. 

Thank you Synnethia, and all our school bus drivers, for the work you do every day and for safely transporting our students!

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 3

FCPS is partnering with independent firm K12 Insight to administer our third Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Sunday, March 3, to Friday, March 22. Our families' feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. Topics include:

  • Welcoming environment
  • Communication
  • Student success
  • Advocacy
  • Family and school partnerships
  • Community partnerships

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive the survey link via email from K12 Insight on March 3. A public link will be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will also be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.

🍎 Apply to Be a Great Beginnings Facilitator!

Applications are now being accepted for the Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool. Great Beginnings program facilitators lead a variety of professional learning opportunities for new teachers and those who support them. Facilitators receive recertification points and are paid for planning, facilitation, and professional development. 

To be a part of the pool, candidates must have at least five years of teaching experience, with at least three of those in FCPS (by the end of school year 2023-24). Potential applicants may view the Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool advertisement (PDF) for more information. 

Applicants must submit their application, a current resume, and request a recommendation from their supervisor by Friday, March 8.

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.

Great Beginnings Learning Series Continues

The Great Beginnings Quarter 3 Learning Series will be offered Tuesday, February 27, to Thursday, February 29, 5:15-6:45 p.m., with different sessions occurring each night. All sessions will be presented virtually via Zoom.

Learn about the Quarter 3 Learning Series sessions and register. You may register for one session each day.

📝Get Paid to Support Divisionwide Curriculum Development 

School educators looking for an opportunity to support divisionwide curriculum development this summer, collaborate with other educators, and get compensated for their contributions should look for an email from Instructional Services and Special Services on Monday, March 4. The email will include a link to a database of summer curriculum development projects.

Projects will begin in late June through July and vary in length. Projects may be virtual, hybrid, or in person. 

Interested teachers are encouraged to apply online by Friday, March 22. Please email questions to [email protected]

Note: Summer Curriculum Development projects are contingent upon adoption of the FY 2025 Approved Budget.

💭 Share Your Thoughts About Schoology

The Instructional Services Department will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22.

To hear from all stakeholders, four surveys will be sent to:

  • Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
  • Secondary students via email from Naviance.
  • School-based professionals through eNotify.
  • School leadership (principals, APs, DSAs, and SBTS) through eNotify.

Your feedback will inform our use of Schoology and help us improve our processes, communication, and professional learning. Instructional Services will also conduct focus groups for families. 

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.

🥝Learn How to Make Healthy Food Choices on the Go!

A hectic day can easily derail healthy eating goals, but you can stay on track even if you are busy. Join the Healthy Food Choices on the Go webinar Wednesday, February 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m., for guidance on improving your food choices no matter where your day might lead you. 

Find additional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) events on the Hub EAP page and recordings of previous webinars on the Recorded EAP Workshops page. For more information, email [email protected]


Heart Disease and Its Solutions Workshop

Dr. Monica Aggarwal, a cardiovascular expert, will deliver a webinar about heart disease: What it is, how to test for it, what makes us prone to it, and practical ways to lower our risk. This webinar will be held on Thursday, February 22, at 3 p.m. Register to attend.

Learn more about the Full Plate Living Program.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Hiring Event This Saturday


Do you know someone who has an interest in education? Encourage them to attend FCPS' Instructional Job Fair on Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Participants can network and take advantage of interview opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. Register today.

Rate Decrease for FCERS Optional Life Insurance Participants

Employees enrolled with employee-paid Fairfax County Employees’ Retirement System (FCERS) Optional Life insurance coverage with MetLife will see a slight decrease in their payroll deduction amount starting with the Friday, March 8, biweekly paycheck. No action is needed; this change will occur automatically. This does not apply to Virginia Retirement System (VRS) participants enrolled with Optional Life coverage with Securian.

Future enhancements are coming to the employee-paid FCERS Spouse and Child(ren) Life Insurance coverage. Stay tuned for details.

Employees who wish to elect, change, or cancel Optional Life and/or Spouse and Child(ren) Dependent Life Insurance should visit the Life Insurance webpage

Life insurance beneficiary updates can be made via the MetLife MyBenefits website. Visit the Updating Your Beneficiaries webpage for more information.

✨ Excellence, Equity, and Opportunity for Every Student


At FCPS, we believe that learning happens best in community. When we have equally high expectations for every student, we all benefit. Excellence, equity, and access to opportunity are essential for achieving success in all aspects of life. Together, they foster growth, development, and high achievement for all students as they prepare for a world yet to be imagined. 

Read more about how FCPS strives to ensure excellence, equity, and opportunity for every student.

📅 Calendar Reminder: March 5 Presidential Primary — Student Holiday/School Planning Day

The Fairfax Board of Elections requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the safe and efficient administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.

March 5 will be a holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day for teachers. 

As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based administrators to devote time to school improvement efforts, such as collaboration around data, common assessments, and responsive instruction. 

Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as it is on other professional work days.

See the complete school year calendar. See the employee calendar.

📰 Free Online Classifieds for Employees


The FCPS Online Classifieds — which is for employees only and also on the Hub — is a free way for staff to post ads for personally owned items that they are seeking to buy, sell, or give away. It's also a great tool to help an employee look for someone to share a ride to work, find a roommate, or rent real estate. 

FCPS’ Online Classifieds system is completely self-service and allows users to post new ads, or update or renew existing ads at any time. View rules and frequently asked questions. For more information, contact Andy Grunig.

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Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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6% Raise Included in FY 2025 Proposed Budget, Register for an Employee Conversation

Employee News 1 month 2 weeks ago

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A sixth grade Chinese class at Oak Hill Elementary School celebrates Chinese New Year with a dragon dance led by (from left to right) Physical Education Teacher Gregory Germain, Chinese Teacher Yajuan Jiang, a student, Principal Kelly Durso, and Chinese Teacher Lucy Chen.

Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget Focuses on Competitive Compensation and Educational Excellence


At last week’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 that prioritizes competitive compensation. 

The proposed budget totals $3.8 billion. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. 

Key highlights of the proposed budget include:

  • Retaining and attracting a world-class workforce with a 6% market scale adjustment. 
  • A market cyclical review of school-based office positions.
  • An ERFC Legacy Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) to allow eligible employees to continue working beyond their retirement eligibility while continuing to accumulate retirement benefits. 

Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities to be addressed at year end.

The School Board held a budget work session today and is holding a public hearing at 6 p.m. this evening. The hearing will be available on YouTube and Channel 99. The board will vote on the Advertised Budget on Thursday, February 22. Read more about the proposed budget. Visit FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar webpage to keep up with the budget process.

🎤 Save the Date: Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid


Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! A series of Employee Conversations with the superintendent will be held this spring across the school division. Events are planned for the following dates:

Click on the location above to register. These events are an opportunity to share your thoughts and ask questions. Reach out to Dr. Reid at any time by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing [email protected].

❄️ Make Sure You Receive Emergency/Weather Text Messages

If you are not currently receiving text messages from FCPS regarding weather delays and other critical operational messages, please follow the process below: 

  1. Log in to UConnect.
  2. Click Bookmarks > Employee Self Service > Personal Information > Contact Numbers.
  3. Click Add.
  4. On the Detail section, click Contact Type, then select Cell Phone.
  5. Enter your cell phone number in the Phone Number field.
  6. Enter the Start Date or leave on the default date (today’s date).
  7. Click Update.

Note: In addition to email and text messages, FCPS weather delays and closings are posted on Twitter, Facebook, FCPS.edu, and school websites, and announced on local media broadcasts.

💙 CARES of the Month Recipient Helps Student Realize Dream

FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. One of the November CARES of the Month recipients was Charles Cornwell, pictured at right, auto collision services teacher at Edison High School. 

“Mr. Cornwell taught his students how to take an old beat-up truck and turn it into my son’s dream truck and make it ready for him and his grandfather to show in Ocean City. Mr. Cornwell stayed after school many days to help my son achieve his dream, this is not something that is required of a teacher. This will be something my son will always carry with him and a memory that he and his grandfather will always cherish all due to Mr. Cornwell.”

Congratulations to Charles and other November FCPS CARES of the Month recipients:

  • Eric Fleming, Instructional Programs Support Center
  • Kathleen Moskowitz, Herndon Elementary School
  • Emily Velez and Diane Quezada-Bin, Falls Church High School
  • Trevor Echols, South County High School
  • Denisse Stein, Stone Middle School
  • Rosemond Nkansah, Lane Elementary School

Read about all the recipients

Do you know an employee who deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond? Submit their story.

We 💗 FCPS Families


FCPS is home to many families who have multiple members working for the district. Read this Employee Blog feature to learn about some who are dedicated not just to their families, but also to FCPS — such as Steven and Susanna Smith, pictured above with their children at Greenbriar West Elementary School.

Are You or a Family Member Interested in Becoming a Teacher?

Attend an instructional job fair on Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Network and take advantage of interview opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. Register to attend.

🧾 W-2s Have Been Delivered!

W-2s for 2023 are now available in UConnect. You will need to opt-in for W-2 Web Delivery to access your form online. For instructions on opting in, please see the FCPS Online W-2 Access Guide (PDF).

Take advantage of the new W-2 Web Delivery to print, download, save, and copy your W-2. For employees who did not opt in before January 5, their W-2s for 2023 have been mailed to the address on record as of December 29, 2023. If that address is not up to date, please update it in UConnect now. Any W-2s returned to FCPS will be re-mailed to the new address.

If you do not have access to UConnect or have not received your 2023 W-2 in the mail, please complete a W-2 Reissue Request Form (PDF). The fastest way to get a W-2 replaced is online. The Office of Payroll Management will process reissue requests in the order they are received.

For more information, visit FCPS' W-2 Tax Form webpage.

📬 IRS Form 1095 Arriving in Early March

FCPS employees and retirees who were enrolled in FCPS health plan coverage (or who were eligible for coverage but did not enroll) will receive IRS-Form 1095-C in early March. Form 1095 provides information regarding your health insurance eligibility and enrollment.

While the information on this form may assist with preparing your tax return, the Internal Revenue Service has stated you will not need to submit it with your tax return. You should keep the form for your records with other important tax documents.

If you have questions regarding how this form impacts your tax return preparation, please check with your tax professional. For other questions, please contact the Office of Benefit Services at 571-423-3200 and select Option 3 to speak with a representative.

💊 2023 Flexible Spending Account Filing Deadline Is March 31

If you participated in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2023, remember that you have until Sunday, March 31, to submit claims for your 2023 FSA expenses. You can file your claims through your Optum account. Find instructions for filing a claim on the Flexible Spending Accounts webpage.

Standard rollover provisions apply. No dependent care spending account funds may rollover to 2024, and $610 is permitted to roll over for the health care FSA.

FCPS Retirement Ceremony Scheduled for May 1


After years of hard work and dedication, FCPS celebrates our retirees’ careers, legacies, and accomplishments at our annual retirement ceremony, We Honor You — Celebrating Your Service to FCPS. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The evening begins with an hors d’oeuvre reception followed by a recognition ceremony with the superintendent, Leadership Team, and School Board.

Those planning to retire should submit their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) as soon as possible. Invitations will be mailed in mid-March to those who retired after the spring 2023 retirement recognition and to those who plan to retire before December 31, 2024. Please email questions to [email protected].

🍎 Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool


Great Beginnings Program facilitators lead a variety of professional learning opportunities for our new teachers and those who support new teachers. Our facilitators receive pay for their planning and facilitation, professional development, and recertification points. 

To be a part of the Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool, candidates must have at least five years of teaching experience with at least three of those in FCPS (at the conclusion of the current school year). 

For additional eligibility requirements, role descriptions, and information about the application process, view the Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool advertisement (PDF). Applications will be open through Friday, March 8.

👮 Building Relationships and Increasing Safety Every Day


February 15 is School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day. The SROs who work in Fairfax County public schools are sworn police officers with the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD).

Officer Brian Sehrer, pictured above, was selected as Officer of the Month by FCPD in December for his outstanding SRO performance at Frost Middle School. Learn more about him and the role of SROs on the Employee Blog.

Thank you Officer Sehrer, and all our SROs, for the work you do in our schools every day.

🥗 Colorful Choices Wellness Challenge


Discover how nutritious eating can be both fun and beneficial with the four-week Colorful Choices Wellness Challenge! This program will take place from Monday, March 4, to Sunday, March 31. Each day, participants will log fruit and vegetable servings in a virtual blender, aiming to include a variety of colors for points. 

This engaging program offers tips on creating flavorful, nutritious meals, and snacks. Registration is open Wednesday, February 14, through Friday, March 8

Drawings for prizes will take place weekly during the challenge and at its completion. Teams with the highest active participation can win five Nutribullet Pros.

Earn up to $100 with 2024 Wellness Rewards

Our annual Employee Wellness Incentive program is open for participation for employees subscribing to FCPS healthcare plans with Cigna or Kaiser Permanente. 

Click the appropriate link below for simple steps to redeem a gift card worth up to $100:

If you have questions about the Wellness Incentive Program, please email [email protected] or visit the FCPS Wellness Incentive Program HUB page.

Sharing Culture and Wishing Every Young Person Well

Sara Tae has worked in the Family and School Partnerships office for more than 18 years. In her role as a cultural outreach liaison, she enjoys supporting families and the community by providing connections and resources. 

Sara has led many cultural initiatives and was the inaugural Korean podcaster for the FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast. Learn more about Sara's work — and her favorite Lunar New Year traditions — in this Employee Blog.

How School Counselors Support Student Success


During Academic Matters at last Thursday’s School Board Meeting, Dr. Reid recognized National School Counseling Week. She discussed counselors’ roles, how they support academics, college and career paths, and social-emotional wellness. School counselors' work supports all five pillars of the 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan. View Dr. Reid's presentation.

📅 Calendar Reminder: Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, for the Presidents Day holiday. 

Presidents Day is a time to honor and remember the birthdays and achievements of the country's most distinguished leaders, and to reflect on the role of the president in shaping the nation’s history and development. 

See the complete school year calendar. See the employee calendar.

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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Music Teacher Gets a GRAMMY, Thank You School Counselors, Wear Yellow to Support Transportation Workers

Employee News 1 month 3 weeks ago

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Wednesday, February 7, is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. Be sure to say “Thank you!” to the crossing guards who help our students get to and from school safely, including Ferial Oweis, pictured above, who works at the entrance of Weyanoke Elementary School.

🎼 Annandale High School Music Teacher Gets a GRAMMY


An Annandale High School music teacher, whose work with children with disabilities has drawn praise, won the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Orchestra Director Annie Ray, the 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding Secondary School Teacher, attended the star-studded GRAMMY ceremony in Los Angeles to officially receive the honor. Read about her win. Congratulations, Annie!

New Regulation Allowing for Silent Witness

A new regulation was approved allowing employees to have a silent witness present when being counseled or disciplined by their immediate supervisor. The regulation establishes the roles of employees and silent witness representatives when an employee is the subject of management fact-findings for possible misconduct; or in the event of an issuance of a summary memorandum for poor performance or misconduct, letter of reprimand for misconduct, suspension for misconduct, or proposed dismissal for performance or conduct.

The Silent Witness regulation is separate and distinct from the procedures contained in any currently applicable conduct, performance, or grievance regulation. View Silent Witness Regulation 4463 on BoardDocs.

💚 Thank You, School Counselors


This week is National School Counseling Week, which highlights the tremendous impact school counselors — such as Marie Doñosos from Twain Middle School, pictured above, at center — have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for a career. 

School counselors work with students in many ways, including classroom lessons, group sessions, and individual counseling. Read about some of our exemplary school counselors who were chosen as pyramid winners for the 2023 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Award.

🚍 Wear Yellow to Support Transportation Staff February 9


February is Love the Bus Month! On Friday, February 9, FCPS employees and students are encouraged to wear yellow in recognition of our drivers, attendants, and all transportation staff.

🍎 My First Year Episode 4: The Seasons of Learning


First-year teacher Ms. Vivi is back and ready to celebrate the seasons of learning. Watch how she keeps the magic of the seasons alive in her classroom at Shrevewood Elementary School. 

Red Rover Tips for Teachers

Red Rover, FCPS’ new substitute management system, officially launched five weeks ago. More than 83% of school staff and substitutes have registered. Thank you to the employees who took time to train and educate others about the new platform and help make the transition easier.  

As with any new technology, there is a learning curve. Here are a few tips on how to best navigate Red Rover:  

  • Add your absence with as much lead time as possible.
  • Use only your fcps.edu email address.
  • Click the question mark icon on the top menu bar for help.
  • Create a “Favorites” list by clicking the edit button, typing in a substitute’s name, and adding them to the list. 

More resources and tutorials are available on the Substitute Resources Hub page.

We ❤️ FCPS Families

Hunter Woods Elementary School is home to three generations of the Epperson family. Cory Epperson is a fourth grade teacher. Her son Justin is a special education teacher, and her granddaughter Olivia is a third grader. 

Cory is a proud graduate of Fairfax High School, and Justin graduated from Oakton. 

“Being able to collaborate with my son is so cool and allows me to see the competent colleague that he is,” Cory says. “Reading books to my granddaughter’s class or seeing her at recess or in the cafeteria is a great joy for me.” 

Do you come from an FCPS family? What do you love about working for FCPS? Share your story and photos with us by emailing [email protected]. We will feature the stories next week for Valentine’s Day on the Employee Blog. 

💻 Tutor.com Teacher Dashboard and Teacher-Referred Tutoring

The new Tutor.com Teacher Dashboard, which can be accessed in Schoology®, is a user-friendly interface that allows teachers to seamlessly toggle between class rosters for each of their classes and chart students’ Tutor.com engagement.

The easy-to-use dashboard also facilitates Teacher-Referred Tutoring. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring sessions in specific subjects, ensuring equitable access to students who might not otherwise participate in a Tutor.com session. Teachers may also add personalized notes to referrals to make sure students and tutors maximize their session time together.

These new tools are designed to help teachers identify students who are participating in tutoring sessions and using drop-off review services; receive real-time notifications that students are struggling with a lack of prerequisite knowledge or content mastery; refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified; and then chart their progress.

Learn more about these new Tutor.com program features in the Teacher Dashboard Training.

📖 Summer 2024 K-6 Literacy Institute

All K-6 classroom, ESOL, and special education teachers will be trained on evidence-based literacy instruction using the newly adopted basal resource, which will be the English Language Arts curriculum in the 2024-25 school year. The Summer 2024 K-6 Literacy Institute will provide this training so that teachers are prepared to implement the new basal resource at the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Three consecutive days of training are available from Monday, June 24, to Wednesday, July 31, at locations across the county. Space is limited. Participants should register in MyPDE early for preferred dates or locations. Teachers will be compensated for attending.

Teachers who are unable to attend the Summer Literacy Institute will receive basic orientation to the new basal resource during an August staff development day. Additional sessions will occur in fall 2024 to ensure that all teachers are able to complete the training. The Summer Literacy Institute is recommended for all who are able to attend. For more information, please reference the K-6 Literacy Institute Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

💘 Your Heart Deserves the Best: Wellbeats February Program

Pump it up! Did you know that the American Heart Association suggests a minimum of 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of heart-pumping exercise each week? Being more active can help us think, sleep, and perform daily tasks more easily. Wellbeats Wellness is your go-to tool to support your heart health this February, and year-round. 

The Your Heart Deserves the Best program includes running and walking; high-intensity interval training; cycling; strength training; heart-healthy recipes with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; and calming meditations. 

Download the Wellbeats Wellness app or visit portal.wellbeats.com. Forgot your login information? Enter your FCPS email address and click “Forgot My Password.” New to Wellbeats Wellness? Watch this short video for a preview of classes. For any account issues, email [email protected].  

Wellness Kick-Off Event: Congratulations Prize Winners!

On January 24, the Employee Wellness team held a New Year’s kickoff event at Gatehouse. Three employees who stopped by to set up their Foundations wellness app were randomly selected for a Nutribullet blender prize! Congratulations to Mark Jones, Dee Laucevicius, and Michael Parker, pictured with Employee Wellness manager James Jadallah.

Staff will have another opportunity to win a Nutribullet blender during March’s Colorful Choices challenge, which kicks off on Monday, March 4! Stay tuned for details.

Download the Foundations wellness app  and use organizational ID FCPS to create an account. Click on “Digital Self-Care Tools” after signing in.

Employee HR Software to Be Streamlined

At the January 25 School Board Meeting, FCPS awarded Applications Software Technology (AST) the contract to implement an Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) software solution to replace the 25-year-old Lawson Human Resources Information System. 

A single platform will replace BrassRing, Onboarding, MyTime, UConnect, MyPDE, and other programs as we progress through the multi-phased project. This will streamline employee access to software related to leave, pay, and other employment functions. 

The Oracle implementation will be broken into three phases over approximately three years and is anticipated to begin in mid-March. Read more about the contract on the HCM Project webpage on the Employee Hub.

Celebrating Achievements of African Americans


Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. FCPS Social Studies provides information and suggested activities and resources to support teaching and learning Black and African American history. This Black History 180 document supports the celebration of Black History Month in February, as well as every other school day. 

Black history is American history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Black and African American people year-round, and Black History Month is one opportunity to honor these diverse and important stories. 

Learn more about Black History Month. Get information about other heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

📅 Calendar Reminder: Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, for the Presidents Day holiday. 

Presidents Day is a time to honor and remember the birthdays and achievements of the country's most distinguished leaders, and to reflect on the role of presidents in shaping the nation’s history and development. Students should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and enduring learning experiences that explore the remarkable history and impactful contributions of American presidents. 

Resources for Presidents Day are available for teachers via this social studies Presidents Day 180 doc. Teachers and school leaders will find ideas for classroom learning experiences across content areas and grade levels. These resources have been curated specifically for the social studies curriculum, but are available and accessible for any content area.

See the complete school year calendar. See the employee calendar.

School Board Meeting Scheduled for February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. 

Topics on the agenda include:

  • Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget
  • Proposed FY 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program
  • Awarding of Contracts

View the complete agenda.

Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

Staff Staples

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Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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Proposed Budget to Be Presented to School Board, Tell Us About Your FCPS Family

Employee News 1 month 4 weeks ago

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Cunningham Park Elementary School Teacher Eunice Moon celebrates learning with one of her first graders.

Superintendent to Present Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget


Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will present the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7 p.m. Dr. Reid’s presentation, as well as other budget documents, will be available after she presents to the School Board. 

The meeting can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, and the FCPS website.

Recordings of School Board meetings and work sessions can be viewed on the FCPS YouTube channel. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, you can visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

If you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

We ❤️ FCPS Families. Tell Us About Yours!

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, which seems like a great time to celebrate our FCPS families. For example, Paul and Anne Wardinski (pictured, left) met while working at Marshall High School in 1989. Now they work together at Lake Braddock Secondary School. 

Did you meet your partner through FCPS? Do you come from an FCPS family? What do you love about working for FCPS? Share your story and photos with us by emailing [email protected].

Offer Your Input on December Pay for Monthly Employees

The Office of Payroll Management is interested in learning more about monthly-paid staff preferences for the December pay schedule. Historically, December paychecks have been provided to monthly-paid staff on the last school day of the year before winter break. Some staff members have expressed concerns about the early timing of December paychecks. 

To better understand staff preferences across the division and inform decisions on the pay schedule, please complete the feedback form that is linked in the email you received from the FCPS Office of Payroll Management on Thursday, January 25. Responses will be anonymous.

School Communicators Recognized for Excellence


FCPS presented 11 awards for outstanding school communications at the annual School Communicators Conference held January 26. 

The 2023 Awards of Communication Excellence celebrate the creation of excellent website, newsletter, and social media content that informs and engages readers. The winners are examples of the substantial talent that exists among the community of FCPS school communicators.

FCPS’ Office of Communications organized the event. Read about the winners.

Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool


Great Beginnings Program facilitators lead a variety of professional learning opportunities for our new teachers and those who support new teachers. Our facilitators receive pay for their planning and facilitation, professional development, and recertification points. To be a part of the Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool, candidates must have at least five years of teaching experience with at least three of those in FCPS (at the conclusion of the current school year). 

For additional eligibility requirements, role descriptions, and information about the application process, view the Great Beginnings Facilitator Pool advertisement (PDF). Applications will be open Monday, February 12, through Friday, March 8.

Resume and Interview Support for Aspiring Teacher Leaders

Are you thinking about applying for the Great Beginnings Facilitator pool or another supplemental position this year? Has it been years since you updated your resume or prepped for an interview? Attend a virtual Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills workshop on Thursday, February 8, 5-7 pm.  

As part of this workshop, participants will identify the key parts of a resume, craft powerful work experience descriptions, and consider strategies for successful interviews. Please bring your most current or draft resume to the workshop. Registration is requested.

Leardership Courses for FCPS Staff

What are your leadership goals for 2024? Whether you want to build trust, discover improvement science, or become a stronger professional development presenter, Compass has courses to help! 

Read the Quarter 3 Compass Quarterly newsletter (PDF) to discover learning experiences that will support you on your leadership journey.

Sign up to receive the Compass Quarterly Newsletter.

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!


Ombuds staff engage with staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

The ombuds is available to help resolve disagreements involving employees in the workplace or between parents and schools. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

$20K Wellness Grant Awarded to Support School Staff

The FCPS Employee Wellness team has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States as part of their Thriving Schools Initiative. The grant will be disbursed through wellness liaisons at each FCPS school to fund initiatives and programs that improve staff work-life balance and physical, mental, and emotional health. Possible suggested programs could include:  

  • Hosting a biometric screening event.
  • Hiring a fitness or nutrition instructor for weekly classes.
  • Creating a quiet or wellness room for staff with stress relief items, relaxation tools, mindfulness activities, etc. 

Addressing staff wellness reduces burnout, leading to enhanced staff morale and teacher-student connectedness within the classroom. It also impacts classroom morale, social-emotional learning, and academic outcomes.

💵 Double Your Focus: Ditch Debt, Build Wealth

Ditching debt and building wealth are priorities for many staff members this year. The Paying Off Debt While Building Wealth webinar on Wednesday, January 31, at 4:30 p.m., will help participants learn to set and track short- and long-term financial goals. The webinar will also provide strategies to overcome debt and techniques for tailoring a financial plan to start building wealth. 

Visit the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Guidance Resources Online to learn more and use Web ID: FCPS, or call our EAP at 1-855-355-9097. Sign up for the EAP-Wellness Newsletter to receive monthly updates and announcements.

Find additional EAP events on the Hub EAP page. For more information, email [email protected].

🥗 Unlocking the Secrets to Achieving Your Health Goals

The Unlocking the Secrets to Achieving Your Health Goals workshop, presented by registered dietitian Kayli Anderson and sponsored by Full Plate Living, provides actionable steps to set and achieve long-term health goals. Discover how to identify the right goals, design a fail-proof plan, and seamlessly integrate these changes into your daily routines.

Create a Full Plate Living account to view this recording and get access to upcoming workshops at no cost. 

💲 2023 W-2s Are Now Available in UConnect 

Note: The email informing you that your W-2 is available online was not spam nor a phishing attempt.  

W-2s for 2023 are now available to all employees in UConnect. You will need to opt in for W-2 web delivery to access it. For instructions on opting in, please see the FCPS Online W-2 Access Guide.

All employees who opted out of the W-2 web delivery as of January 5 will receive their 2023 W-2 in the mail at the address on file as of December 29, 2023. W-2s will be mailed to employees by January 31.

Access to Advanced Coursework for High School Students

During the Academic Matters segment of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented information on FCPS’ academic advising for high schoolers and advanced coursework selection. Advanced coursework is a focus of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Goal 3, Academic Growth and Excellence. 

FCPS has advanced coursework options available for middle and high school students. Taking rigorous and college-level coursework through AP, IB, and/or dual enrollment participation is correlated with increased high school and college graduation rates. It also enables students to earn college credits while still in high school.

💝 Valentine’s Day Savings for Staff

Looking for a gift for your Valentine? The Savings for Staff discount program makes it easy for FCPS employees to shop and save. Sign up for discounts on flowers, dining, entertainment, travel, and other categories! 

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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Make an Impact! Become a Mentor

Employee News 2 months ago

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Navy Elementary School custodial staff kept up with the snow, shoveling throughout the weekend and showing up on Saturday to continue clearing walkways. Thank you to those pictured from left to right: Blanca Hernandez, Juliet Frompong, An Tran, and Deron Elmond; and to all our FCPS custodians who help keep schools safe.

💲 2023 W-2s Are Now Available in UConnect

W-2s for 2023 are now available to all employees in UConnect. You will need to opt in for W-2 web delivery to access the form. See the W-2 page for instructions. 

Employees who did not opt in for web delivery by January 5 will receive their 2023 W-2 in the mail to the address on file as of December 29, 2023. W-2s will be mailed to those employees by January 31.

Make an Impact! Mentors Needed for FCPS Students


FCPS MentorWorks helps eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement. Every student should be able to name a caring, responsible adult in their community who they can talk to. MentorWorks is looking for non-school-based staff (central office staff, bus drivers, substitute teachers, etc.) to offer at least 30 minutes of their time a week to students. Note: Mentors do not provide academic tutoring services.

“I remember that [mentorship] was a truly powerful experience for me,” said Manuel “Manny” Gomez Portillo, an educational specialist in Equity and Cultural Responsiveness. Manny was mentored as an FCPS student and now serves as a mentor. “My mentor provided me with a safe space to talk and relax that was outside of the classroom. My mentor took the time to learn about my culture and language and shared a lot about American culture. This made me feel a lot better and I felt happier to go to school.” 

Read about Nekpen “Amie” Agoi’s (pictured above) path to mentorship and Manny’s story

Mentoring Information Sessions

Learn more about mentoring in a Zoom chat with Manny. See the schedule of upcoming sessions

Sign up to mentor by completing the Mentor Registration Form. Read the FAQ for FCPS Central Office Mentors and email questions to Mentoring Specialist Martha Macdonald.

🕵️ Your Mission Awaits: New CyberSecurity Training in MyPDE

Immerse yourself in an interactive, spy movie-themed cybersecurity training. The latest training was designed to equip everyone with essential data protection knowledge that can be applied at home and at work. 

Like all FCPS required training, it only takes 15 minutes and should be completed within 60 days. Check your FCPS email this week for a message from MyPDE letting you know your mission awaits!

Once an Atom, Always an Atom


Last August, Sandra Benitez excitedly started her first day of school as a high school teacher. However, some of the usual anxieties were at bay because she was returning to a familiar environment. Four years after graduating from Annandale High School, Sandra returned to the school as a U.S. Government teacher for English learners. Read about Sandra’s journey from student to teacher in our latest Employee Blog.

🏗️ Proposed Construction, Renovation, and Enhancements Support Students and Sustainability


Fairfax County Public Schools outlined plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations during the School Board meeting on January 11. Learn about the proposed CIP program.

These projects — presented as part of FCPS’ proposed FY 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) — represent a commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality public school environments for all students. View the proposed CIP. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at the Thursday, February 8, meeting.

🍼 Expectant Parent Resources

The Office of Benefit Services offers virtual workshops providing information on how to prepare and plan for child-related leaves. Sessions will take place:

  • Tuesday, February 6, 4-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 5, 10-11 a.m.

Register for an upcoming workshop. Space is limited to 50 participants per session. All workshop materials, including the voiceover presentation and handouts, will be posted to the Expectant Parent Workshop webpage.

📅 Quarter End and Early Release; Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

Thursday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools will be closed for students on Friday, January 26, for a teacher workday. 

See the complete school year calendar. See the employee calendar.

School Board Meeting Scheduled for January 25 at 7:30 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, January 25, at 7:30 p.m. 

Topics on the agenda include:

  • Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Priorities Resolution
  • Update on Strategic Plan Goal 1
  • Awarding of Contracts

View the complete agenda.

Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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Mentors Needed, 🔌 FCPS to Receive $16 Million to Buy More Electric Buses; Proposed Construction, Renovation, and Enhancements

Employee News 2 months 1 week ago

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Thank you to our emergency employees — including Ever Menjivar-Diaz, above — who worked this week to keep our school grounds clear of snow and safe to access. Ever reported to Jackson Middle School at 3 a.m. on Tuesday. Thank you for all you do!

👏 Thank You, Principals!


It's Virginia School Principals Week! We truly appreciate all of FCPS’ incredible principals for their leadership, dedication, and passion. In the latest Employee Blog, read about two of FCPS' outstanding principals: April Cage from Garfield Elementary School (pictured above) and KJ An from Eagle View Elementary.

🎤 Save the Date: Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid


Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you. A series of Employee Conversations with Dr. Reid will be held this spring across the school division. Events are planned for the following dates:

These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Reach out to Dr. Reid at any time by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing [email protected].

🔌 FCPS to Receive $16 Million to Buy More Electric Buses

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of two applicants in Virginia to receive more than $17.1 million through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program’s Grants Competition. Fairfax County Public Schools was selected to receive $16.5 Million to purchase 42 electric school buses. 

FCPS was the first school division to acquire electric buses in 2019. With the help of this EPA grant, our electric bus fleet will more than double.  

FCPS has one of the largest bus fleets in the United States, transporting more than 141,000 students on over 1,600 buses each day.

💻 Quarterly Required MyPDE Trainings

Specific MyPDE trainings are required on a quarterly basis for several reasons: 

  • Some topics are more relevant at different times of the year. 
  • Assigning training at the end of every quarter allows employees to focus on a few topics at a time, helping them feel less overwhelmed and potentially increasing information retention.
  • Feedback on training throughout the year allows the development team to make improvements that impact the next cycle of assignments. 

Second-quarter assignments will be available on Monday, January 22. Employees have 60 days to complete training assignments. Be sure to check your email or the Assigned Training page in MyPDE to see your customized list. 

Most instructional staff will be assigned FCPS Dyslexia Training, and all staff will be assigned Cybersecurity Awareness training. 

Make an Impact! Mentors Needed for FCPS Students


If you are enthusiastic about making a difference and believe in the power of mentorship, please consider mentoring a student in FCPS! 

FCPS MentorWorks helps eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement through mentoring. Every student in FCPS should be able to name an adult in their community they can talk to. A mentor is a caring, responsible person, interested in spending time with a student, and encouraging them to develop their strengths and capabilities. A mentor does not provide academic support. 

MentorWorks is looking for non-school-based staff to offer at least 30 minutes of their time a week to students. 

Learn more about mentoring in a Zoom chat with an experienced mentor. See the schedule of upcoming sessions. Sign up to mentor by completing the Mentor Registration Form. Learn more about mentoring in the FAQ for FCPS Central Office Mentors or email Mentoring Specialist Martha Macdonald.

35 Teachers Earn or Renew Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards


Congratulations to the 14 newly certified National Board teachers and the 21 teachers who renewed their certification! See who was certified

The National Board Certification program in FCPS began over 20 years ago. More than 500 FCPS teachers have achieved this prestigious certification. The school division is ranked in the top five in the state of Virginia for both new National Board certified teachers and current National Board certification candidates.

Leave of Absence Application Due March 1

Employees who intend to request or extend a Leave of Absence (LOA) for the upcoming 2024-25 school year must indicate their intentions by Friday, March 1. An LOA is an approved, unpaid, extended absence from work that exceeds 30 calendar days. Find additional information about leaves of absence and the application process

Employees currently on an approved LOA will be sent reminder communications from the Disability and Leaves Office in late January, asking them to indicate their leave intentions by the March 1 deadline. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected] or call 571-423-3200, Option 2. 

Please Note: If you are expecting a baby or planning to adopt a child, the March 1 due date does not apply to you. 

Proposed Construction, Renovation, and Enhancements Support Students and Sustainability

 

Fairfax County Public Schools outlined plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations during the School Board meeting on January 11. Read about the presentation. 

These projects — presented as part of FCPS’ proposed FY 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) — represent a commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality public school environments for all students. View the proposed CIP.

A public hearing will be held Thursday, January 18, at Luther Jackson Middle School. Members of the public may sign up to speak at the hearing. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at the February 8 meeting.

Spring 2024 Teacher Leadership Cohorts

The contributions of teacher leaders impact data-driven continuous improvement and innovation across FCPS. This spring, two teacher leadership cohorts will explore how to create professional learning environments that cultivate collaboration, continuous learning, and transparency: 

  • Facilitation Skills for Leading in a Collaborative Culture – Participants will develop skills and strategies to support adult learners and explore strategies for managing common challenges and conflict.
  • Becoming a Transformational Leader – Participants will utilize transformational leadership principles to reflect their values, vision, theories, and beliefs about their leadership, and to inform and direct the actions they take in their work environments. 

These cohorts complement each other and can be taken in any order. Visit the Teacher Leadership website for more information. Register in MyPDE.

🎓 Review of Graduation and Dropout Rates


During the Academic Matters segment of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented five-year trends of graduation and dropout rates from 2019 (pre-pandemic) until 2023. Our five-year on-time graduation trends are consistently above state outcomes. Our rates have also improved more than 2 percentage points since 2019, compared to Virginia’s improvement of less than .5 percentage point. 

Dropout rates look at students who did not successfully earn a diploma, GED, certificate of completion, or did not remain enrolled. We have significantly reduced our dropout rates over the five-year trend from 7.3 to 5.5, and now we are closely aligned with statewide rates. “Our goal is always zero, and we will continue to work on this measure,” Dr. Reid said. 

📅 Calendar Reminder: Orthodox Epiphany (Observance Day)

In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and commemorates the baptism of Jesus.

The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.

Quarter End and Early Release; Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

Thursday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools will be closed for students on Friday, January 26, for a teacher workday. 

See the complete school year calendar. See the employee calendar. 

School Board Leadership Confirmed

The Fairfax County School Board’s leadership has been confirmed for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. Karl Frisch (Providence District), the board's current vice chair who has been acting as chair since January 1, was elected chair.

The board elected Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District) as its new vice chair at its January 11 regular meeting. Additionally, recently elected board members were confirmed for various committee assignments. Read more about board leadership.

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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Professional Development and Learning Opportunities

Employee News 2 months 2 weeks ago

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Dr. Reid and other fifth floor Gatehouse staff sport their favorite college team gear for Central Office Spirit Week. 

Mobile Fingerprint Sites Available Throughout the County


All current FCPS employees still requiring digital fingerprints (most of these employees were hired before 2006), should have received an email invitation through their fcps.edu email last week for mandatory fingerprinting, per Regulation 4116 (PDF). These employees must schedule a five-minute appointment at Gatehouse Administration Center or visit one of our mobile fingerprinting service locations as soon as possible. 

Employees who did not receive an email will be automatically resubmitted for background checks with their fingerprints already on file and do not need to schedule an appointment.

Employees should download and complete their fingerprint data form (PDF) and bring it with them when they get their fringerprints.

For questions on background checks and reporting requirements, visit the Employee Hub, or contact Human Resources at 571-423-3000 or via the FCPS StaffConnect portal.

Extended Hours Available at Gatehouse

Gatehouse is open for fingerprinting Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Appointments are required. Check your email invitation for a personal link to make an appointment. Extended hours, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., are available on select dates.  

Mobile Fingerprinting

Mobile fingerprinting will be available at select high schools, secondary schools, and centers. No appointment is necessary. View details under Fingerprinting Locations, Dates, and Times

Stay Cyber Safe!


In today's digital age, where technology is integral to our personal and professional lives, a wide range of sensitive information, including your personal information, could be stolen and used for criminal activities such as identity theft and financial fraud. Learn more below:

Cybersecurity Fast Facts

  • Education is impacted far more than any other industry by cybersecurity threats.
  • School districts experience up to three weeks of loss of learning per breach.
  • $3.65 million is the average cost of a data breach.

What You Can Do

  • Never exchange sensitive or confidential data via email.
  • Do not use short message service (SMS), also known as text message-based, multi-factor authentication (MFA). Use an authenticator App.
  • Never share passwords or authenticator codes with anyone for any reason.
  • Always report suspicious emails sent to your FCPS Outlook account using the PhishAlarm® button.

Get more information and register for cybersecurity training on the Employee Hub.

Licensure Information Sessions for Prospective Teachers

Starting Wednesday, January 17, Licensure Information Sessions for Prospective Teacher Candidates will occur virtually every third Wednesday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Interested candidates will have a chance to discuss options for obtaining a teaching license and the licensure process. Contact Sedeka Turner or Andrew Drake with questions about the sessions.

Contracted teachers, please direct questions to your assigned licensure specialist.

💡 Professional Development and Learning Opportunities

The spring Academy Course Program provides more than 40 offerings that address teacher needs and support strategic plan goals. Many of the course topics focus on math instruction, classroom management, teacher leadership, and meeting the needs of diverse learners. Details including course syllabus, outcomes, and assignments will be listed in the Academy course catalog in MyPDE.

Registration begins Tuesday, January 16, at 5 p.m. Visit the Employee Hub for registration information or email [email protected] with questions.

📜 2024-25 Accelerated Certification Cohort (ACC) Info Session

The ACC is a partnership with the University of Virginia allowing FCPS instructional employees to obtain the Virginia pre-K-12 license in administration and supervision in a one-year cohort. There will be a virtual information session for those interested in participating on Tuesday, January 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for this session in MyPDE.

Applications will go live on the ACC Google site on Tuesday, January 16. Program requirements, eligibility, expectations, and other information will also be on the Google site. Contact Sofia Mora with questions.

💻 Teachers: Apply for Artificial Intelligence Innovator’s Cohort

Instructional Services and the Department of Information Technology are partnering to lead an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovator’s Cohort. Educators who are currently utilizing AI in their roles and are eager to expand their knowledge and application of AI in their work are encouraged to apply. 

Selected individuals will join a community of innovative staff members engaging in continuous dialogue and collaboration. Please note that the focus of this program is on staff development and currently does not include student use of AI.

View this flyer for more information. Apply by Tuesday, January 16. Participants will be selected to ensure a representation across regions, levels, and content areas.

🏅 Submit a Nomination for FCPS Hall of Fame

Do you know an FCPS alum who has made significant contributions to their chosen field and/or our local, national, or global community? If so, nominate them for the Spring 2024 FCPS Hall of Fame!

Educate Fairfax knows that FCPS alumni are something special, and is excited to share their stories. Over the past two years, Educate Fairfax has recognized leaders from business, education, community service, entertainment, military, sports, and government.

Time is running out! FCPS Hall of Fame nominations will be accepted through Friday, January 12. Visit Educate Fairfax's website for more information

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday


FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. The holiday marks the birthday of King, who was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. The movement protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. 

Volunteer with Give Together
FCPS is excited to collaborate with Volunteer Fairfax for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. 

Community members can volunteer on Monday, January 15, at Volunteer Fairfax’s Give Together event. It is designed to engage families with children ages 5-12 in service learning. Projects will include a food drive, assembling caring kits for community members, making no-tie fleece blankets for veterans, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare. Children ages 13 to 18 may serve as teen event volunteers.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Orthodox Epiphany (Observance Day)

In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and commemorates the baptism of Jesus. 

The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.

See the complete school year calendar and the employee calendar.

School Board Meeting Scheduled for January 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, January 11, at 7:30 p.m. 

Topics on the agenda include:

  • Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program
  • Awarding of contracts

View the complete agenda.

Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

☎️ See Something, Say Something: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline

FCPS provides a way for employees and the general public to report any suspected wrongdoing related to FCPS’ assets and resources. Reporting will help ensure taxpayers’ money is spent appropriately — on our students’ education. It can also help improve employees’ work environment.

Reports can be made in person, by phone, by email, or online. All reports are taken seriously, and every effort will be made to investigate the reports according to the applicable laws, codes, policies, or regulations. Employees can assist with investigations by providing as much information as possible. Please visit the Office of Auditor General webpage to learn more.

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Start the Year Right in Google and Red Rover

Employee News 2 months 3 weeks ago

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Teacher Briana Trone works on math patterns with her first grade students at Wakefield Forest Elementary School.

🎉 Happy New Year!


Welcome back FCPS teachers and staff! We hope you had a great winter break and are energized for the new year.

💾 Start the New Year Right in Google Drive

It is a best practice to store documents that will be shared with colleagues in a Shared Drive within Google Workspace. 

Moving critical documents into a Shared Drive means ownership transfers to that Shared Drive, and access to those documents will be maintained even if the original owner leaves FCPS.

Find out more about Shared Drives in Google Workspace Sharing Guidelines and Best Practices and the Google Workspace tool page on the Employee Hub.

🏃 Red Rover Red Rover, Send a Sub Right Over

Red Rover is FCPS’ new substitute management system. Thank you to the 16,323 school-based staff, administrators, and substitutes who have registered their accounts. Employees who have not yet registered will continue to receive email invitations from Red Rover.  

When logging in to Red Rover for the first time, you will need to sign in using your fcps.edu email. Take time to familiarize yourself with the new system before you need it and update the “My Profile” section by clicking on the top right by your initials. 

Tutorials and resources are available on the Substitute Employment Hub page. For questions, email [email protected] or call 571-423-3030.

👩‍🏫 Special Education Teacher Info Session


Learn more about becoming a special education teacher in FCPS by attending a virtual hiring event on Wednesday, January 10, 6-7 p.m. Register to attend.

🚌 School Bus Driver Job Fair

A job fair for transportation workers will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Lorton Center. Visit our Bus Driver Employment webpage for more information and a complete list of hiring events. 

Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness. 

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. We created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips. Visit our website for more information.

🎵 Band Director Wants Students to “Feel the Magic”


When Tiffany Hitz was in high school, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a music or math teacher. In the end, a practical decision helped her decide. “As it turns out, there are not a lot of math education scholarships and there are a lot of music scholarships … especially if you play the French horn,” she said. It’s a decision that she doesn’t regret. And she continues to perform as a French horn player. 

Tiffany is now the director of the middle school band at Robinson Secondary School. She continues to learn and practice music, hoping that her students will see how much she loves music and that she is still learning and growing as a musician and a teacher. 

Tiffany is pictured above with her college band director, who recently presented her with an award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. 

Read more about Tiffany and what inspires her as a teacher in the Employee Blog.

💲 Tuition Reimbursement Window Opening

The portal to apply for reimbursement of fall 2023 courses is open through Wednesday, January 31. Contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in reimbursement for one course that ended between September 1 to December 31, 2023. 

Apply through the Tuition Reimbursement Portal (VPN required). Remember to have your tuition paid receipt and grade report handy to complete the request. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Conversation to Raise Awareness of Fentanyl and Other Drugs


In this video, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid interviews the Fosters, a family who tragically lost their son, Cayden, to a half pill of fentanyl mistaken for Percocet. This heart-wrenching yet essential discussion aims to save lives by raising awareness among students about the dangers of fake painkillers.

Please join Dr. Reid on Wednesday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Edison High School for a community conversation about opioid awareness. You may register to attend. However, registration is not required; it is simply for space considerations. 

FCPS’ website also has resources to help you start the conversation and additional support for families struggling with substance misuse.

🍼 Expectant Parent Resources

The Office of Benefit Services offers virtual workshops providing information on how to prepare and plan for child-related leaves. Sessions will take place:

  • Tuesday, January 9, 4-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, February 6, 4-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 5, 10-11 a.m.

Register for an upcoming workshop. Space is limited to 50 participants per session. All workshop materials, including the voiceover presentation and handouts, will be posted to the Expectant Parent Workshop webpage.

New School Board Members Sworn In


Recently elected members of the Fairfax County School Board took the oath of office on December 13 at Jackson Middle School. The 12 members of the board were elected for a four-year term on November 7, 2023. They began their terms on January 1.

Karl Frisch is chair of the School Board. A vice chair will be chosen at the board meeting on Thursday, January 11. Learn more about the School Board

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Zoom Ahead, Free COVID Tests, Update Your Address

Employee News 3 months 2 weeks ago

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Falls Church High School staff members are feeling festive! Pictured from left are 
Shannon Gray, teacher; Liz Edwards, teacher; Paul Molholm, teacher; Ben Nowak, principal; Jessica Grenfell, director, Student Services; Paul Naanou, teacher; Dorothy Graves, teacher; and Peter Lake, assistant principal. 

💲 Tuition Reimbursement Window Opening

The portal to apply for reimbursement of fall 2023 courses will be open Monday, January 1, through Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in reimbursement for one course that ended between September 1 to December 31. 

Eligibility to request reimbursement is based on the current priority list and is reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Directions for creating and submitting a request, detailed information on the priority list, and the documents needed for upload are available on the Tuition Reimbursement page on the Employee Hub. 

Apply through the Tuition Reimbursement Portal (VPN required). Remember to have your tuition paid receipt and grade report handy to complete the request. Please email [email protected] for more information.

🏎️ It’s Time to Zoom Ahead

Are you still using Microsoft Teams for your team chats and web conferencing? If so, please move to Zoom before FCPS stops supporting Teams and Onedrive as official school division tools in 2024.

Zoom’s advantages include:

  • Strong stability and reliability during meetings, reducing the chance of interruptions or connectivity issues.
  • Better video quality, even in low-bandwidth situations, providing more clear and reliable video conferencing experiences.
  • Working seamlessly across various devices and operating systems, ensuring consistent user experience on desktop, tablet, or mobile.

If you’re having trouble accessing Zoom, download it from the Software Center. Visit the Zoom page on the Employee Hub for support.

🕙 MyTime’s New Sign-In Screen

As mentioned in yesterday’s email announcement from FCPS Tech Support, MyTime, FCPS’ time and attendance reporting system, has a new sign-in screen. Your username and password will stay the same. 

When you log in for the first time, you’ll have the option to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) — it only takes a few minutes — or you can choose to be reminded in 30 days. 

MyTime is the first app in FCPS’ new Single Sign-On portal (FCPS-SSO). More apps will move to the portal over the next several months. 

Learn more about MFA in this FAQ on the Hub or contact Tech Support for more information.

🧾 Update Your Address to Receive Your W-2

W-2 tax forms will be issued by the end of January. Employees are encouraged to opt in for W-2 web delivery. Paper W-2s will be mailed to the address on file (as of Thursday, December 28) for employees who have not opted in for web delivery.

To avoid delivery delays, please keep your address up to date in UConnect and submit a forwarding address to the U.S. Postal Service if you move. For assistance with online address changes, please call the Human Resources Welcome Center at 571-423-3000.

🎁 Keep Scammers Away During the Holiday Season

Scammers can’t wait for the holiday season. Lower your risk of falling victim to identity theft and fraud during the holidays by following these tips:

  1. Be Cautious When Shopping Online
    Online shopping scams are the most common type of scam. They’re also the most likely to lead to financial loss for their victims. If you’re asked to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer, the transaction could be a scam. Instead, pay with a bank-issued card or a peer-to-peer payment app that has purchase protections.
  1. Don’t Shop on Public Wi-Fi
    Public Wi-Fi networks might not be secure. A virtual private network (VPN) might keep some of your information safe, but it’s still best to avoid logging in to your accounts or making a purchase when using a public network.
  1. Ignore Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
    Scammers create websites featuring highly in-demand products at surprisingly low prices such as gaming consoles. Once you check out, you may get an order confirmation and then never receive the product.

Visit the Office of Cybersecurity Hub page for additional holiday tips.

CyberDefense Fundamentals

FCPS offers a one-hour CyberDefense Fundamentals course that covers basic cybersecurity concepts, emerging and evolving cyber threats, tips to keep yourself safe, and an overview of FCPS cybersecurity guidelines. Sessions are virtual via Zoom. Please register on MyPDE today!

🎨 Bonnie Brae Librarian Draws on Her Talents


Even if they haven’t stepped inside the library, visitors to Bonnie Brae Elementary School have likely been amazed by the talents of Librarian Lora Lewis. The entrance of the school, main office windows, doors that lead to “Scottland Yard,” and the library doors all showcase Lora’s incredible work. Read more on the Employee Blog.

Share Your Talents!

Do you or a colleague have a hobby or special talent that you share with your school/department? Email us at [email protected], and you may be featured in an upcoming blog!

📜 2024-25 Accelerated Certification Cohort (ACC) Info Session

The ACC is a partnership with the University of Virginia for FCPS instructional employees to obtain the Virginia PreK-12 license in administration and supervision in a one-year cohort. There will be a virtual information session for those interested in participating on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for this session in MyPDE.

Applications for the 2024-25 ACC will go live on the ACC Google site on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The ACC Google site will also list program requirements, eligibility, expectations, and other information. Contact Sofia Mora with questions.

🏃 Last week for SmartFind Express; 2024 Sub Requests Move Over to Red Rover

By Friday, December 15, all 2023 substitute job verifications must be completed in SmartFind Express.  

School staff and substitutes can now update their job profiles, and enter and accept 2024 substitute requests into the new substitute management system, Red Rover. A Red Rover email invitation was sent last week to employees to begin setting up their accounts. 

Learn more about Red Rover and find helpful resources, including training resources and how-to guides, on the Substitute Employment Hub page.

💙 CARES of the Month Recipient Reaches Students Individually

FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. One of the October CARES of the Month recipients was Laura Osborne, a special education preschool teacher at Rose Hill Elementary School (pictured on the right with Rose Hill Principal Rachal Edwards). 

“She continues to find creative ways to reach students on an individual level and celebrate with them even if their progress is not as she'd hoped,” Laura’s nomination said. “She is in daily communication with families to keep them apprised of what goes on in their child's classroom. Her teammates also benefit from her experience, expertise, and professionalism.” 

Congratulations to Laura and other September FCPS CARES of the Month recipients:

  • Mirna Soriano, Lorton Center, Transportation
  • Ashley Scott, Churchill Road Elementary School
  • Greg Williams, Glasgow Middle School
  • Susan Waring, Caitlin Schifter, and Megan Counts; Laurel Ridge Elementary School
  • Elisabeth Frostick, Sandy Nolff, and Waleed Mufti; Chantilly High School
  • Anthony Garza, Hayfield Secondary School

Read more about all the recipients

Do you know an employee who deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond? Submit their story.

✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Baseline Report


At last week’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the abridged baseline report on FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence.

The baseline report identifies benchmark data, final targets, and our current divisionwide work toward the goals. Our Goal 3 measures can impact the rest of a student’s life in the following ways:

  • Students who are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. 
  • Students who do not successfully complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade are kept from higher-level mathematics courses needed for STEM careers.
  • Students without experience in advanced coursework during high school are less likely to enroll in, persist, and complete college. 

FCPS’ overall percentage of students successfully passing the third grade reading SOL and completing Algebra 1 by eighth grade is above the state average. However, there is room for improvement among groups including English learners, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. 

Read the full report.

🤣 Laugh Your Way to Wellness

Attend the Laughter, Humor, and Play to Reduce Stress and Solve Problems Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar on Wednesday, December 13, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants will learn how:

  • A smile can lift your mood and boost your self-confidence.
  • Laughter improves heart health, reduces stress, and strengthens your social connections. 
  • Humor and play can spark creativity and fun, and build positive relationships.     

Visit the EAP Guidance Resources to learn more (use Web ID: FCPS) or call 1-855-355-9097. Sign up for the EAP wellness newsletter to get monthly updates. 

Find additional events on the Hub EAP page. For more information, email [email protected].

🎁 Your Gift to Educate Fairfax Impacts Students All Year Long


Educate Fairfax works with Fairfax County Public Schools and our community to create pathways to long-term success for students. Your tax-deductible monetary donation can help Educate Fairfax across all of our focus areas:  

  • Gap needs for students (e.g., backpacks, school supplies, grocery gift cards).
  • Literacy efforts for our youngest learners.
  • Direct grants to teachers to support innovative instruction and learning in the classroom. 
  • Retention and recognition of stellar educators. 

With your help, students can achieve their maximum potential, and we can create lasting impact, one child at a time. Thank you for your support!

📚 Community Review of Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources


FCPS will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-25 school year. Public review of the recommended primary instructional materials is part of the process for selecting new resources. The resources may be accessed in person and online until Friday, December 15, at noon

Digital materials for public review and comment are available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review webpage. That page also has information on how to view hard copies of the instructional materials at Pimmit Hills Center. All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and the School Board.

😷 Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests

U.S. residential households are eligible to receive four free at-home COVID-19 test kits. If an order has not been placed for your address since the program reopened on September 25, you may place two orders now.

❄️ Calendar Reminder: Winter Break


As a reminder, there will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024 for winter break.

To help make sure our families have a restful break, no homework should be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments should be due immediately following the break. 

We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024

See the complete school year calendar and Employee Calendar

Employee News will not be published during break. The next issue will be sent on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. 

School Board Meeting Scheduled for December 14 at 7:30 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. 

Topics on the agenda include:

  • Strategic Plan Goal 1 Baseline Report.
  • Fiscal Year 2024 Midyear Budget Review. 
  • Awarding of Contracts. 

View the complete agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new School Board will be Wednesday, December 13, at 7 p.m

Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

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Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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