Employee News - Tuesday, 4/24/18

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology administrators and librarians


Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology administrators (far left and right) expressed gratitude for the school’s librarians during National Library Week. (Photo: Shawn Frank, TJHSST) 


Fairview ES Staff Honored for Heroic Efforts

Fairview ES staff receiving FCPS' ABC Award for helping an employee in medical distress.


(Left to right) Dr. Steven Lockard, Timothy Paper, Nagla Elshikh, Jennifer Sypien, Janice Brooks, Angela Atwater, and Lynn Mayer

Congratulations to four Fairview ES staff members who recently received FCPS' ABC (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty) Award! Timothy Paper, assistant principal; Nagla Elshikh, public health assistant; Jennifer Sypien, clinic aid; and Janice Brooks, administrative assistant were recognized for their heroic actions which helped save the life of a colleague in distress. 


Instructional Employees’ Transfer Window

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

Instead of our former Transfair events, current teachers, school counselors, and SBTS may attend FCPS’ Instructional Job Fair on April 28. Advance registration is required. Please read registration details. 

Instructional assistants interested in transferring to another school or work location during the Instructional Employees’ Transfer Window should also contact principals or program managers for information regarding instructional vacancies for next year and to schedule interviews. Learn more 


Redesigned Unified Pay Scales Presented at School Board Work Session

At last Thursday’s School Board Work Session, the Department of Human Resources (HR) presented proposed redesigned pay scales for the remaining unified scale positions. The proposed pay scales are part of an ongoing effort to provide market competitive employee compensation. (Redesigned pay scales were put in place for teachers, classroom instructional support positions, and hourly contracted positions in Food Services and Transportation at the start of FY 2018.)

No final decisions regarding redesigned unified pay scales were made at the Work Session. The School Board has asked HR to provide additional details; the discussion will resume at the May 1 Work Session. If the Board endorses HR’s recommendations, redesigned unified scales will be implemented as part of the FY 2019 Advertised Budget.

Stay tuned for an update in Employee News. In the interim, please find the proposed unified scales and compensation study details on BoardDocs.


Photo of the Week

Colin Powell ES Band Teacher Kelly Harms


Colin Powell ES Band Teacher Kelly Harms is floored, but it's all part of her well-orchestrated plan. She tweeted, "In 17 years of teaching, I have yet to find a better way of creating a seating chart than to get down on the floor with all the name tags." This was just some of her prep for the band's first full rehearsal with "120 young musicians playing together for the very first time." (Photo: @CPESBand)


The Foundation for FCPS Announces Teacher Grant Opportunity

The Foundation for FCPS is pleased to announce a new discretionary grant aimed at supporting teachers in the classroom. Amounts will range from $500-$2,500 and will be funded for the 2018-19 school year. Grants will assist teachers in enhancing or expanding work-based learning opportunities in the classroom to guide students of all levels to explore and develop interest in various career paths. The grant cycle will close May 18. 

Teachers interested in learning more should reach out to the Foundation by email or call 571-423-1031.


#OurFCPS Faces: Administrative Professionals

FCPS Leadership Team Executive Assistants

 

It's Administrative Professionals Week, and April 25 is Administrative Professionals Day. So, with that in mind, we're changing things up for today's #OurFCPS Faces. 

Administrative Professionals Week is a great time to celebrate the significant contributions of the numerous administrative professionals who help keep our schools and offices running smoothly. It was started in 1952 by the National Secretaries Association, which is now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals. 

Featured above are some of the excellent employees who support our Leadership Team and School Board members, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of their respective offices. Teresa Johnson, assistant superintendent of the Department of Special Services (DSS), says of Tina West, “Tina is an amazing EAA [executive administrative assistant]! She is responsive to community members, School Board members, and the Leadership Team. She manages my schedule (which is crazy) and assists with reports. Tina also reviews all regulations that come through DSS and provides input when needed. She’s caught many errors. Her strong writing skills are indispensable. I really would have a hard time managing my job without her.“ 

Terry Dade, assistant superintendent of Region 3, praises his EAA, Dianne Crandall. “Dianne is the calm voice on the other end of the line who has an incredible ability to instill a sense of calm and care with all stakeholders. She provides sage advice, answers to questions, and the sentiment that 'everything is going to be okay' in her daily interactions. Dianne is the engine that keeps Region 3 running smoothly, and we have no idea where we would be without her!” 

Thanks to all of the dedicated administrative professionals working across FCPS!


2018 ERFC Trustee Election Results

The election for the Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board of Trustees to fill one three-year term trustee vacancy will not be conducted as planned for April 24-26. Section IV of Notice 4771 states that “If only one properly processed nomination petition is submitted per trustee, the voting instructions will be waived and the successful candidate(s) announced.” Kimberly Adams, current vice chair of the ERFC Board of Trustees and librarian for Mantua ES, was unopposed and will serve as an ERFC trustee for three years beginning July 1. 


Buy Tech Products at a Discount 

The Technology@Home program offers FCPS staff and students an opportunity to purchase technology products at discounted rates. Most of the vendors allow one purchase each year per employee, and you will be required to verify your relationship with FCPS. Get the details


Barbara Bush Quote

Mental Health Awareness Workshop

At one time or another, most people experience symptoms of mental illness. Too frequently, the response to such symptoms in the workplace is confusion, fear, judgment, avoidance, and rejection. This leads to a worsening of symptoms and a deterioration of performance. 

Employees are encouraged to attend the Employee Assistance Program's (EAP's) Mental Health Awareness Workshop on May 1, 5 p.m., at Gatehouse Administration Center. The event is designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and promote ways of supporting one another in the workplace. The session will address signs and symptoms of distress and effective ways of providing support for coworkers. To attend, please register on MyPLT for #HR-808040, section 2018-2.


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!