Employee News - Tuesday, 6/5/18

Annandale Terrace ES art teachers


The amazing art teachers of Annandale Terrace ES had much to smile about at the Annandale Pyramid Art Show. (Photo: Annandale Terrace ES)


Pay Day Reminder for June 

This month's pay day for monthly paid employees is June 29. Monthly paid employees will receive their pay advice on June 22. However, pay day remains the last business day of the month. For more information, visit Payroll Management's webpage or email payroll.help@fcps.edu


Save-the-Date: 2018 Leadership Conference

All employees, US-20 and above, are invited to attend FCPS’ 2018 Leadership Conference at George Mason University Center for the Performing Arts on August 2 at 8 a.m. Additional conference information will be provided in July. 


Photo of the Week

Jean Kodjo, Rolling Valley ES custodian

 

Hey Mr. DJ! Or, should we say, "Hey Mr. Kodjo!" Either way, Rolling Valley ES was thrilled to have their custodian, Jean Kodjo, pump up the volume at the school's 50th birthday celebration this past Saturday. We hear that a fantastic time was had by all. (Photo: Rolling Valley ES)  


Deadline for Teacher Resignation Notification Is June 15

In accordance with the Code of Virginia, any contracted teacher who does not intend to return to teach for the 2018-19 school year must submit the Notification of Resignation or Retirement Form HR-2 on or before June 15, in order to resign in good standing ("without prejudice"). Please access the HR-2 form for details.  


FCPS Names an Ombudsman

Armando Peri, new FCPS ombudsman


Fairfax County Public Schools recently announced that Armando Peri will be the school system's new ombudsman. If you're wondering what that is, you're not alone! An ombudsman is an individual, typically at large organizations, who is charged with resolving issues or complaints. FCPS' family and student ombudsman is a new position. Armando will be an "independent, confidential resource for students, families, and community members, offering formal and informal help to resolve concerns, problems, complaints, and other student-related issues." Our ombudsman will also serve as Title IX coordinator, "responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX." Find out more about our new ombudsman 


#OurFCPS Faces: Lindsey Gera

Lindsey Gera, Special Education Teacher, Bull Run ES

Lindsey Gera is in her seventh year of teaching for FCPS. After graduating with her master's in special education from George Mason University, she accepted her first teaching position as a special education teacher at Bull Run ES. She taught at several other schools but is now back at Bull Run. Lindsey says, “I graduated from Lynbrook ES, Key MS, and Lee HS. I am so proud to work for such a great school district!”

Lindsey is an enhanced autism teacher for students K-5. She adds, “I LOVE teaching verbal behavior! Verbal behavior is the ability for one to use and understand language. There is nothing more rewarding than meeting a student who has little to no verbal communication at the beginning of the year and by the end of the year, that same student is beginning to speak and can be understood by others.”

In an FCPS Cares submission, colleague Susan Holland wrote, "[Lindsey’s] dedication to her students alone would qualify her for an FCPS Cares award, but what makes Lindsey even more special is her creation of Toys For Teachers, a [teacher-run] organization whose mission is to collect and redistribute donated toys to teachers of students with disabilities in Fairfax County. Jason Pensler, Bull Run's principal, adds that Lindsey is “fair and respectful toward students and builds positive relationships. She communicates respectfully with all families and is sensitive to different cultures and values.”

Lindsey is currently in graduate school for applied behavior analysis. When she’s not in class or studying for her Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam, she enjoys indoor and outdoor rock climbing and volunteering. Lindsey, thank you for helping students climb to new heights! 


Master’s Degree Programs for Fall 2018

Is your school going 1:1 with technology? Are you ready to learn more about blended or digital learning? If so, consider beginning a master's degree program at George Mason University (GMU) in fall 2018! Join GMU representatives at an information session on June 12, at 4:45 p.m., at Willow Oaks. Both the Blended Online Learning in Schools and Designing Digital Learning in Schools programs will be highlighted. These are just two examples of the wide variety of programs available through FCPS' partnership with GMU. FCPS staff will also be available at the information session to answer questions about tuition sharing and tuition reimbursement.

Please register in MyPLT or search in MyPLT using the keywords "George Mason." For more information, email tuitionbenefits@fcps.edu or call 571-423-1344.


Nominations Open for 2018 Business, Community, and Workforce Development Partners of the Year

Does your school or program work with a terrific business or community partner? Does a local business work with your students to develop workforce readiness skills? The Foundation for FCPS is soliciting nominations for the 2018 Business, Community, and Workforce Development Partners of the Year. Awards will be presented at the State of Education Luncheon on Tuesday, November 27. Please visit the Foundation’s website for details and to access the nomination form. Or, contact the Foundation at 571-423-1031.    


Dalai Lama quote

Register Now for Summer Adult and Community Education (ACE) Classes; Employees Eligible for Discount!

ACE offers a wide variety of programs including ESOL, career classes and certificate programs, professional development, and enrichment classes for adults and students K-12. The course catalog, ACE Classes, has been mailed to Fairfax County residents. It's also available at Fairfax County public libraries and at the Plum Center in Springfield. As an FCPS employee, you are eligible to receive a 25 percent tuition discount on most ACE classes. View class descriptions and register online. Learn more about ACE, a self-funded program.


2018 Virginia Primaries: What You Need to Know to Vote 

Primary elections in Virginia and Fairfax County will be held on Tuesday, June 12. Precincts will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and many of our schools will serve as polling locations. Voters are encouraged to vote before or after school hours, if possible, and to postpone voting during the times when school buses are dropping off or picking up students. Here's what you need to know to vote


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!