Employee News - Tuesday, 6/12/18

The 2017-2018 Administrator Development Cohort (ADC) has successfully completed their year-long cohort.


Hats off to the 2017-18 Administrator Development Cohort (ADC) for successfully completing their year-long program. Members acquired the knowledge and skills of a successful school-based administrator based on FCPS' Leadership Standards. (Photo: Christopher Smith, Brookfield ES)


FCPS Honors Event Recognizes Outstanding Employees

FCPS Honors stage


Congratulations to the 562 employees who were recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event last Wednesday evening! This group of employees included 64 finalists and 12 winners in 12 different award categories. More than 1,000 people attended the event which was held at George Mason University. Please visit the FCPS Honors page for the list of winners, finalists, and nominees. Check out event photos, too! 


Pay Schedule Change for 10- and 11-Month Employees: Video

Pay Schedule Change video thumbnail


In past issues, we've mentioned the upcoming pay schedule change for 10- and 11-month employees. To recap, employees who are currently paid September through June will be paid August through June, effective July 1.* And, employees currently paid August through June will be paid July through June, effective July 1.** Please watch this short video for more information. Questions? Visit the Payroll Office’s webpage or email Payroll.Help@fcps.edu. 

*180-day personnel will not have a change.

**209-day personnel will not have a change.


Organizational Changes

Several organizational changes have been implemented in anticipation of a new deputy superintendent coming aboard. As of June 1, the Department of Human Resources has been placed under the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Marty Smith. This placement better aligns with the COO’s areas of responsibility on the operational side of FCPS.

The Office of Student Testing now reports to the Assistant Superintendent of the Instructional Services Department, Sloan Presidio. 

Additionally, the Office of School Support now falls under the responsibility of the Chief Academic and Equity Officer, Francisco Durán. This is in keeping with FCPS' move toward more equitable outcomes for all schools and students with the work of Project Momentum. Lastly, Dr. Durán now reports directly to Superintendent Brabrand. 


Photo of the Week

Hayfield SS staff helping a colleague retrieve keys from a drain


Top: Hayfield SS staff look in the sewer for a set of keys. Bottom: Amy Ferguson, Career Center specialist at Hayfield SS, and her hero, Mario Canales, Hayfield's building supervisor. 

Grateful /ɡrātfəl/ [adjective]: When your co-worker climbs down a 20-foot ladder into the sewer to retrieve the car keys you dropped. 

After Amy Ferguson accidentally dropped her keys, they had slightly washed down the tunnel. They weren't visible from the surface. Super Mario to the rescue! Amy says, "He went WAY above and beyond!" The next morning, she surprised him with a thank you note and gift card. You're the man, Mario! (Photos: Amy Ferguson)


Save-the-Date: 2018 Leadership Conference

All employees on FY 2019 Unified Scale Schedules B, C, and Leadership Team 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. 


Summer Tuition Reimbursement Opens July 1!

Are you taking or planning to take for-credit undergraduate or graduate coursework this summer? If so, be sure to apply for summer tuition reimbursement! Interested contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in tuition reimbursement for one summer course (summer terms with a start and end date between May 15-August 17). FCPS offers a maximum reimbursement of $1,400 per year, per employeethat equates to one course per term or a total of two courses.

To apply for tuition reimbursement, use FCPS’ new Tuition Reimbursement Portal from July 1-August 17. You will need a copy of the course registration confirmation from a regionally accredited college or university. For more information, please visit the Tuition Reimbursement page on the intranet. (VPN required if accessing remotely.) Or, please email Tuitionbenefits@fcps.edu.


#OurFCPS Faces: Donnie Biggs and Karen Bolt

FCPS Photographers Donnie Biggs and Karen Bolt


It’s pretty rare to see Donnie Biggs and Karen Bolt in front of the camera. As FCPS photographers, they're known for making incredible magic from behind the lens. Donnie, a 10-year veteran of FCPS, says that being in schools with the kids and staff, and highlighting unique moments is the favorite part of his job. “I strongly believe in showing emotion in my photos, as that captures the true story. That’s the essence of still photography; we are storytellers.” As evidence, just look at Donnie and Karen's gorgeous photos at the top of FCPS' homepage. 

Ravensworth ES Principal Roxanne Salata says, “When it comes to making everyone and everything in FCPS shine, no one can match the talent of Donnie Biggs. [He] is one of our quiet heroes, making us all look great, one click at a time.”

Karen has been with FCPS for three years. Like Donnie, she enjoys capturing students in their natural learning environment and seeing staff and teachers, especially through candid photos. “Seeing the cool, exciting things being done and the energy that the teachers bring to the classroom is one of the favorite aspects of my job.” She adds, “They pour their heart and soul into their work. We get to see that and make them shine, then convey that emotion to everyone else. That’s the power of still photography.” Kimberly Perri, school-based technology specialist and website curator at McNair ES says, “Karen captured a ton of creative, fun, and engaging learning opportunities at our school. She was flexible, courteous, and professional.”

Donnie and Karen managed quite a feat these past two years, having  photographed almost all 196 schools and centers for the schools’ new Drupal websites. And, they managed to do this while still covering numerous other events in- and outside of schools including FCPS Honors, the Retirement Ceremony, School Board Meetings, Great Beginnings, Recruitment Fairs, Leadership Conference, and others.

Donnie and Karen, we’re so lucky to experience #OurFCPS through your creative lens!


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"). Questions? Please email HRConnection@fcps.edu.


Quote by Washington Capitals Player Alexander Ovechkin

Easy Access to Medical Care Whenever, Wherever

Don’t let an earache or case of poison ivy ruin your summer vacation. All FCPS health plans provide nurse advice lines and telemedicine benefits as a convenient way to get personalized medical care when you're traveling or if your doctor’s office is closed. Learn more.


Employee News Will Return in August

This is the last issue of Employee News for the 2017-18 school year. Publishing is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, August 21. Enjoy your summer!


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!