South County MS counselors show they're ready and available to support their students. (Photo: South County MS)
Superintendent Brabrand will release FCPS' FY 2019 Proposed
Budget (for the 2018-19 school year) at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 11, at
Jackson MS at 7 p.m. The main budget priority will be increasing compensation for all employees. We'll share more details in next week's issue of Employee News. Visit FCPS' 2018-19 Budget webpage.
Whenever forecasts call for wintry weather, we receive numerous questions regarding how FCPS decides to close schools or delay their start time. This short video explains the process. It's also good to familiarize yourself with Regulation 4810, Administrative Leave – Emergency, which outlines all of the
different conditions under which emergency administrative leave may be granted. And, don't forget to bookmark FCPS' Weather Cancellation Procedures page to stay informed during inclement weather or other emergency situations.
New Year’s Resolutions Made Easy
Make your New Year’s resolutions count! If you’ve decided to improve your overall health and wellness, get help from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Two new programs have been added to the Healthy Guidance Wellness Coaching Program, Learning to Run and Motivate Me. One-on-one coaching is only a phone call away. Reach your EAP toll-free at 855-355-9097 to get started today.
Be part of our ongoing conversation about employee
engagement! Take the annual FCPS Employee Engagement Survey and share
confidential feedback on your work environment and the school division overall. The
results will help FCPS continue to be a great place to work for all employees.
You’ll
receive an invitation and survey link from K12 Insight, the survey
administrator, in your FCPS email account on January 26. The survey will close on February 19. Visit the Employee Engagement Survey page.
Photos of the Week
Westgate ES students get to enjoy a magical mural in the school's library, thanks to their talented art teacher, Emma
O'Grady. (Photo: Westgate ES)
Employees participating as the
primary cardholder in an FCPS health plan can still earn a $100 wellness incentive for completing their health vendor’s online
health assessment (HA) from January 1-September 30.
The HA is a questionnaire related to
different aspects of your general health and well-being. It provides a snapshot of your current health
status and includes a wellness score, so you can become familiar with any
potential health risks and strategies to help reduce them. Your individualized
health report may also include information on how to obtain health coaching
and receive other health or wellness programs that are offered through your
health plan. If you took the HA in 2017, you can take it again in 2018 to qualify for the wellness incentive and see how your health status compares to last year.
The HA is confidential; your health-related information will not be shared with FCPS. To get started, visit the Employee
Wellness website or email hrwellness@fcps.edu.
Active members of the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) may be eligible to purchase qualifying prior service credit, including refunded service and certain approved leaves of absence. Prior service counts toward time needed to become vested and calculation of your future benefit. Get the details.
Less than 12-month employees who intend to request or extend a Leave of Absence (LOA) for the upcoming 2018-19 school year must indicate their intentions by March 1. Find out more about LOA requests.
#OurFCPS Faces: Hannah Hazlett
Hannah Hazlett is a teacher in Forestdale ES' Preschool Autism Class (PAC) and recent FCPS Cares of the Month winner. She's made quite an impact on her students as well as their parents. Here's what one parent said about Hannah:
"My son is in his second year in Forestdale's Preschool Autism Class (PAC) with Ms. Hazlett, and she is a truly remarkable teacher. Her amazing ability to reach my son and all of the kids in her class makes her a fantastic educator. She makes each student feel special and as if he is the only one in her class! Ms. Hazlett has reinvigorated the learning process by bringing fresh ideas to the class, such as teaching the children some basic yoga poses, and my son loves that! Ms. Hazlett's knowledge, compassion, and patience is abundant in all she does, and we are grateful for all she has done for our son and all of the children in her class!"
We are very grateful for all you do, too, Hannah!
Recognize an Outstanding FCPS Librarian
The Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) is calling for nominations of outstanding school librarians for the 2018 Virginia School Librarian of the Year–Potomac Region award. The award recognizes a school librarian in our area who embodies innovative librarianship. The Potomac Region School Librarian of the Year will be in consideration for the Virginia School Librarian of the Year.
The nomination process has two steps, both of which must be completed and submitted by January 15:
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A colleague or supervisor of the outstanding librarian should complete the online nomination form and upload a recommendation letter.
- The nominated librarian must complete an online application form, which includes a narrative and additional references.
Email Priscille Dando at pmdando@fcps.edu with any questions.
Are you a middle or high school teacher,
who’s passionate about showing students the world? Be
a group leader with an FCPS International Study Travel or Service Learning
Program (ISTP and ISLP)!
These
programs promote in-depth exploration, greater cultural understanding, and
hands-on learning tied to the FCPS curriculum in countries throughout the
world. The programs also provide students with a unique opportunity
to become globally minded, career-focused citizens. EF Education First, an approved FCPS vendor, operates the districtwide ISTP and ISLP. Apply
now to be a group leader for the 2018-19 school year. Questions? Visit
the ISTP and ISLP website or email istp@fcps.edu.
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FCPS Grad Co-Hosts the "Today Show"
Hoda Kotb, who now co-hosts NBC's "Today Show" is a product of FCPS! Hoda graduated from Fort Hunt HS in 1982. The school is now known as West Potomac HS. Hoda's mother lives in Alexandria, VA.
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In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, Fairfax County public schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15. View the 2017-18 Employee Calendar.
Staff Staples
Note: Intranet access is required to open some of the links in this email. If you're using a mobile device or working remotely, you can connect to the intranet via the Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email RequestIT@fcps.edu with questions.
Employee News is sent to all FCPS employees every Tuesday. Please email EmployeeNews@fcps.edu with potential submissions or questions. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!
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