Employee News - Tuesday, 5/15/18

Twain MS teachers at a math workshop


Say "hello" to the talented Algebra Team at Twain MS. (Photo: Twain MS)


FCPS Honors Retirees

Retirement Ceremony honoree with Superintendent Brabrand


We Honor You, the formal FCPS retirement reception and ceremony, was held on Tuesday, May 8, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Retirees, along with their families, friends, and colleagues, attended the catered event. Members of FCPS' Leadership Team and the Fairfax County School Board participated in the celebration as well. Visit the Retirement Ceremony page for event photos, video, and more. 


Mental Health Support for You and Your Family

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Please remember to take time for yourself and check in with others by reviewing and sharing the available resources for employees and their household members through FCPS' work-life benefit, Guidance Resources. For more information and support, contact Guidance Resources anytime toll-free at 855-355-9097 or log on to your Guidance Resources Online (GRO) account. New users will need to register with organization web ID “FCPS."


Become Familiar with FCPS' Brand Page and DIY Tools

FCPS' brand webpage and digital asset portals enable employees to independently access and download the FCPS logo, photos, marketing materials, web resources, and incident communications. Employees should review and adhere to the FCPS Brand Guidelines when using these graphic, web, and photo materials. Each of the portals has a unique access code which is located on the intranet (with the exception of the photo portal):

  • Photography Portal: Access to photos from FCPS events, such as School Board, Retirement, and Honors. (Open to the public; no code necessary.)
  • Brand Portal: FCPS logos, templates, and specifications for swag and Brand Guidelines.
  • Incident Communications Portal: Over 32 sample letters for various incidents.
  • Marketing Portal: Marketing materials tied to major FCPS initiatives.
  • Web Resource Portal: Photos, images, icons, and other resources that can be used by school and department web curators and publishers.  

Access codes, and the materials they protect, are the property of Fairfax County Public Schools and are for use by FCPS employees only. Contact Pamela Martin with questions at phmartin@fcps.edu.


Photo of the Week

Westlawn ES teachers holding baby chicks


Ever wonder how to pick up chicks? If so, Westlawn ES Teachers Alexandra Norton, Julia Tolbert, and Courtney Urano (left to right) are happy to demonstrate. The cute baby chicks above recently hatched after incubating for about a month. Clearly, they are in great hands. (Photo: Courtney Urano)


Accelerate Your Career with eLearnIT!

All FCPS employees have free access to online training and skills development via eLearnIT. The eLearnIT website contains thousands of online courses, professional books, videos, and other resources that are available to all staff 24/7. A few examples include: 

Take advantage of the many resources eLearnIT has to offer! If you have questions, please contact ITServiceDesk@fcps.edu or 703-503-1600.


#OurFCPS Faces: Anice Denton

Armstrong ES Teacher Anice Denton


Anice Denton came to FCPS from Jamaica, where she taught general education for 10 years before becoming an instructional assistant. Inspired by a collaborative teacher to return to school, Anice later earned her master’s degree. Now, as a special education teacher, she inspires her students to realize the potential in themselves.  

Anice loves working with her students, some of whom are children with autism. When working with students, she uses extreme patience. “I understand my students depend on me,” she says. “Their expressions tell me what they are feeling.” When talking about her students, Anice reflects on why she works so hard to change teaching and learning for her students. “I can help this child to shine,” she says. “That is the reward for me! To see a child do something they haven’t done before, that is why I do this.” Anice is currently working toward an education leadership degree with the hope of becoming an education specialist. Read more about Anice and her dedication to students


Get Fast Facts About Fairfax County

Fairfax County has created a series of Fast Facts videos that provide an overview of essential functions of Fairfax County government. Topics include the county's budget process, elected officials, what taxes residents pay, and how to contact the Fairfax County government. Watch the videos


Share Your #OurFCPS Awesomeness!

The school year isn't over yet! Remember to use the hashtag #OurFCPS when sharing examples of innovation, inspiration, pride, and collaboration. Check out #OurFCPS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And, if you'd like to borrow the traveling #OurFCPS photo frame, please email employeenews@fcps.edu.  


Stephen Covey quote

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News You Choose allows you to subscribe to email notifications based on your interests. Pick from a variety of topics including school system news, department updates, and the latest information from the schools of your choice. Subscribe to News You Choose.   


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!