First grade staff at Cub Run ES showcased variations of 100 for the school's 100th Day of School celebration. (Photo: Stephanie Congdon, Cub Run ES)
As mentioned in yesterday's email from Superintendent Brabrand, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill presented his FY 2019 Advertised
Budget of $4.29 billion to the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Hill recommended a
general fund transfer to FCPS of $2.26 billion, which is a 4.38
percent, or $95.10 million, increase over the current FY 2018 budget.
This meets the School Board’s requested transfer, after accounting for an anticipated
increase in state revenues.
At the budget press conference, Dr. Brabrand discussed how FCPS is actively collaborating with Fairfax County to support our
students, teachers, and staff. Watch the video.
On February 22, the Fairfax County School Board passed a resolution on gun violence prevention at its business meeting. Read the resolution.
In light of increased national conversation around whether
or not teachers should be armed in the classroom, we are reminding ALL Fairfax
County Public Schools staff that no weapons of any kind are allowed on
school property. Weapons include, but are not limited to: guns, knives or
blades, explosive devices, ammunition, objects that are capable of discharging
a projectile, brass knuckles, mace, and similar devices. School property
includes, but is not limited to, any and all FCPS buildings, parking lots,
garages, and fields.
Employees found with a weapon on school property are subject
to dismissal per FCPS
Regulation 4293.6. While Virginia is a concealed carry state, FCPS
Regulations supersede Virginia law regarding school employees.
Additionally, any item–novelty, prop, or facsimile–that is not conducive to creating a safe school
environment should not be brought on school property.
Please refer
to Regulation 4293.6 Dismissal—Definition of Just Cause. Contact your
supervisor or the Office of Safety and Security with questions.
Photo of the Week
Bus drivers at Herndon HS received this 'wheely' awesome cake, thanking them for all they do “to keep Hornets safe on the road.” Teacher Hala Zanoun made the mouthwatering masterpiece—a tres leches (three milks) cake filled with dulce de leche mousse (made by caramelizing sugar in milk). All the decorations are edible and handmade from colored chocolate. The bus is made of cake and covered with chocolate panels that Hala drew. (Photo: Hala Zanoun, Herndon HS)
Most instructional and school-based staff hired
after January 1, 2014, are members of the VRS Hybrid Retirement Plan. If
you’re a hybrid member, it’s time to enroll or make
changes to voluntary contributions.
#OurFCPS Faces: James Cottom
Officer James Cottom really steps up as the school resource
officer (SRO) at Lake Braddock SS, offering much more than the usual
security measures. In an FCPS Cares submission, LBSS Teacher Roger Baskin said
that in Officer Cottom’s first year at LBSS, he has become "a very active
member of the community." Last December, Officer
Cottom participated in the Black Student Alliance's Kwanzaa celebration by
teaching students the origins of stepping. He also showed them how to
"step the Alpha way." (Officer Cottom is a member of Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek
letter fraternity for African-American men.) Baskin says it "gave
students a fun and educational experience" and a chance to see
Officer Cottom in a different light. "His participation in positive
interactions with our students goes a long way in developing a culture of
caring." He participates in events and supports after school programs;
students know he's accessible.
Officer Cottom enjoys working in schools, because it
gives him "an opportunity to interact with students and an opportunity to
discuss things they might not otherwise feel comfortable talking about to a
police officer on the street." He adds, “I want to portray a realistic view and
assure kids that I’m available, and they don’t have to talk to me only when in
trouble.”
Officer Cottom is a product of FCPS, having graduated from South
Lakes HS. He has been a police officer for 12 years and was also an SRO at South
County HS. In his free time, Officer Cottom enjoys spending time with his wife
and two children. He also coaches basketball.
We are so glad you
stepped our way, Officer Cottom!
If you spend any time engaging on social media platforms, be sure to review FCPS'
new Social Media
Guidance for Staff. Its three guiding principles will help
prevent mishaps that may impact you personally and professionally. Also, watch this short
video for a quick recap of the guidance.
#OurFCPS: Together It's Possible
Share #OurFCPS awesomeness in social media! Be sure to use the hashtag “#OurFCPS” to highlight the innovation, creativity, collaboration, and pride being cultivated around the school system. See what your colleagues are tagging #OurFCPS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Volunteer at Fairfax County's Science
and Engineering Fair
The 2018 Fairfax County
Regional Science and Engineering Fair
is in need of teachers or other staff to help out at
this exciting event. The science fair will be held March 16-18 at Robinson SS. It’s for high school students throughout the county, including private school students, that have won
a local school science fair. Volunteer
opportunities include setting up the exhibit hall, registering students,
preparing awards, distributing awards folders, and other activities. Please register to volunteer,
if you’d like to help. Find out more
about the science fair. Contact Tim Harazin, Tim.Harazin@fcps.edu,
with questions.
 |
An electronic election to
fill one trustee position on the Board of Trustees for the Educational
Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) will be
held April 24-26. Notice 4771 outlines the election process and
includes a petition for interested candidates to use in qualifying for the
election. Candidates must also submit a
statement for inclusion in election materials, explaining in 100 words or less
their qualifications for the trustee position. Petitions and candidate
statements must be returned to the Office of Equity and Employee Relations
(EER), Suite 2615, Gatehouse Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls
Church, VA 22042, by 4:30 p.m. on April 6. If you have
questions, please call EER at 571-423-3252.
Friday, March 2, is Dr. Seuss' birthday. It also marks the annual celebration of Read Across America Day, when the love of reading is celebrated in schools, libraries, and other venues around the country. (Some schools are celebrating all week!) This is the 20th anniversary of Read Across America Day, which was started by the National Education Association.
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!
|
