Employee News - Tuesday, 3/13/18

Westfield HS defensive coaches

 

Check out this fantastic foursome of Westfield HS football coaches. (Photo: Shaun Blair, Westfield HS)


Redesigned Unified Pay Scales to Be Presented to School Board April 19

As part of FCPS’ ongoing efforts to provide market competitive employee compensation, the Department of Human Resources is redesigning pay scales for the remaining unified scale employees. The primary goal of the proposed changes is to move salaries for unified scale positions to within 95-105 percent of market average.

Remember, redesigned pay scales were put in place for several employee groups at the start of FY 2018. The teacher scale was enhanced and classroom instructional support positions were moved from the unified scale to their own scale. In addition, hourly contracted positions in Food Services and Transportation were moved to the new Unified Scale - Schedule H. The remaining unified scale changes are built into FCPS’ FY 2019 budget. They comprise three additional salary schedules and provide for better market alignment. See what employee groups are impacted and other important details


Instructional Employees’ Transfer Window

Current teachers, school counselors, school-based technology specialists (SBTS), and instructional assistants interested in pursuing other professional opportunities for the 2018-19 school year may do so during the Instructional Employees’ Transfer Window, which starts in April (exact day TBD) and ends June 29. Instructional staff interested in transferring to another school or work location should contact principals or program managers for details regarding instructional vacancies for next year and to schedule interviews. 

Instead of our former Transfair events, current teachers, SBTS, and school counselors may attend FCPS’ Instructional Job Fair on April 28. Principals may schedule interviews with candidates prior to the event, or principals may meet candidates during the job fair and schedule interviews for a later date. Additional information will be forthcoming regarding recruitment events and opportunities for instructional assistants to interview with schools for positions for the 2018-19 school year. Learn more


February Cares of the Month Winners 

Congratulations to the FCPS Cares of the Month winners for February: 

  • Central Office: Rochelle Burks, Lorton Center
  • Region 1: Roger Fernandez, Waples Mill ES
  • Region 2: Rachel Olarinde, Falls Church HS
  • Region 3: Lisa Demmel and Katie Pluntke, Belle View ES
  • Region 4: Edith Giffear, White Oaks ES
  • Region 5: Karen Bell, Woodson HS

See what makes the winners specialAcknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee 


Photo of the Week

Principal Jackson, Mr. Beebe, and Ms. Heart from Lorton Station ES. Ms. Jackson and Mr. Beebe are duck-taped to the wall as part of a fundraiser.

 

Principal Joanne Jackson (left) and Teacher Matthew Beebe (right) let Lorton Station ES students tape them to a wall to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The school's Pennies for Patients drive raised $1,500, which is being guarded by Teacher Laurie Hartt (center). See, being stuck up isn't always a bad thing! (Photo: Lorton Station ES)


2018 Federal Income Tax Withholding Form W-4 Now Available

The IRS has released the 2018 withholding allowance certificate, form W-4. The 2018 worksheet was modified to reflect changes under the tax law that was signed December 22, 2017. The information widely available in the mainstream news media warns that this may or may not prepare you for the tax filing season in the spring of 2019 for the 2018 tax year. A new W-4 form is not required, however you may choose to update your withholding in response to the new law. If you would like to adjust your federal income tax withholdings, please continue to access UConnect, to make changes online.

The Office of Payroll Management is not permitted to provide tax advice. Please consult your tax professional regarding how this new law impacts you. Also, remember this change is to the federal income withholdings only.


What Is the Office of Auditor General?

Office of Auditor General video


As the 10th largest school system in the country with a $2.8 billion budget, it is critical that FCPS use sound processes to manage its fiscal and administrative operations. The Office of Auditor General (OAG), which reports to the School Board and the School Board-appointed Audit Committee, works independently to determine if these processes are effective, transparent, and accountable to Fairfax County citizens. Watch this short video to learn more about OAG or visit OAG's webpage.


#OurFCPS Faces: Mercedes Squirewell

Mercede Squirewell, Kilmer Center


Mercedes Squirewell began working as a public health attendant at Kilmer Center in September 2016. She works with students in the Autism program. As part of an FCPS Cares submission, her co-worker, Heather Frei, wrote, "Mercedes is such a calm, consistent, caring, and trustworthy presence for students who need exactly that. She has such a skilled way of helping students manage even their most difficult emotions and behaviors [...]. It's truly a pleasure to work with and see her in action."

Mercedes brings the experience of her previous work as a mental health technician for a mental health facility and as a preschool teacher. She says, “I like making all the small daily accomplishments with all our children, because it makes me feel like I help make a difference in a child’s life.” Her principal, Jane Quenneville, adds that “Mercedes is a very dedicated and hardworking employee with an excellent working relationship with our students with autism. She is well respected by the staff and is a welcome addition to Kilmer Center.”

Mercedes enjoys going to parks or to the movies with her kids. She loves hanging out with her family and tries to coordinate barbecues no matter what the weather is. Marvelous work, Mercedes!


Elder Care Information and Resources Panel

By 2020, it's estimated that 12 million older Americans will need long-term care. Having an elder care plan can be a helpful resource for you, your family, and your elderly loved one. Learn about the available elder care resources in our region and hear from representatives who can provide guidance at the Elder Care Information and Resources Panel. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 4:30 p.m., at Willow Oaks Administration Center. Please register on MyPLT for #HR-808040, section 2018-1.


Register for the 13th Annual Special Education Conference

FCPS is hosting its 13th annual Special Education Conference on Saturday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield SS. Dr. Pamela Mims, the keynote speaker, will present Using Evidence to Guide Practice: Justifying Inclusion for All. Choose from over 60 workshops! Register now. 


Helen Keller quote on optimism

ERFC Trustee to Be Elected

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. 


Follow ERFC on Social Media!

Have you checked out ERFC on social media? Be sure to follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest retirement trends and events. And of course, you can always visit ERFC’s website for additional information.  


Staff Staples


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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!