Employee News - Tuesday, 9/4/18

Leadership Conference Planning Team


Meet the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement's (OPLFE) leadership team. OPLFE oversees the Professional Growth and Career Development, Family and School Partnerships, and Title I offices. (Photo: OPFLE)


June Cares of the Month Winners

Congratulations to the FCPS Cares of the Month recipients for June: 

  • Central Office: Aaron Curtis and the Forte Center Team, Forte Center  
  • Region 1: Michelle Lehman, Clearview ES
  • Region 2: Daryl Jones, Falls Church HS
  • Region 3: Celina Amaya, Rose Hill ES
  • Region 4: David Arndt, Robinson SS
  • Region 5: Laura Blahusch, Gina Byron, Beth Latzo Gijan, Carmen Issing, and Anita McKenney, Daniels Run ES

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


Stop by Payroll Management for National Payroll Week

In honor of National Payroll Week, September 4-7, the Payroll Management Office is again inviting FCPS staff to drop in any time this week. Meet their team members—they’ll be happy to answer any of your pay-related questions! Payroll Management is located at Gatehouse Administration Center in Suite 2200. Please email payroll@fcps.edu if you have immediate questions. 


Photo of the Week

Foundation for FCPS Executive Director Elizabeth Murphy and Administrative Assistant Amy Verdin


Check it out! The Foundation for FCPS' Executive Director Elizabeth Murphy and Administrative Assistant Amy Verdin are super excited to see how some lucky teachers will use their grant funds from the Foundation's inaugural Teacher Grant program. The grant program supports classroom initiatives that focus on enhancing work-based learning, career exploration, or workforce readiness opportunities for students in grades K-12. (Photo: Foundation for FCPS)


2018-19 Apple IMPACT Grants

The Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement is pleased to announce that applications for the 2018-19 Apple IMPACT School Grants will open on Friday, September 7. Get the details.   


Don't Miss Out on Your $100 Health Incentive!

The deadline to complete your Health Assessment (HA) is September 30. If you are a primary cardholder with FCPS health insurance (Care First, Aetna-Innovation, or Kaiser), you are eligible to receive a $100 health incentive for taking your HA. The HA is a questionnaire related to different aspects of general health and well-being. It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Go to the Employee Wellness webpage to find out more about how to obtain your health incentive. Please email questions to HRWellness@fcps.edu.


#OurFCPS: Together It's Possible

Bryant HS staff with #OurFCPS frame


The #OurFCPS frame made friends with some of Bryant HS' stupendous staff! (Photo: Alanna Dushok, Bryant HS)


New Online Ordering System for FCPS Employee Signature Line Lunches

FCPS employees may place Signature Line lunch orders to be delivered to their school or worksite via FCPS' Nutrislice website or on a mobile phone using the Nutrislice app. View the Signature Line menu and ordering instructions.  


#OurFCPS Faces: Dominic "Dom" Amato

Don Amato, after-school specialist, Twain MS


Dominic “Dom” Amato has been with FCPS for 10 years. He started at Franklin MS in 2007. Since 2008, he has been the after school specialist at Twain MS. Dom’s job entails hiring staff to run clubs and programs, as well as creating a budget and schedule for the year. Dom also works with the administrative team to plan and implement some of the school’s activities.  

Dom says, “I love the fact that I am able to interact with so many different students and staff members on a daily basis. I enjoy mentoring and being a part of a child’s life even if for only the two years they are with us. I really like being around sports and enrichment while also still promoting that education is the student’s first priority.” Twain MS Principal Chuck Miller adds, “Mr. Amato is very dedicated to our students. He is always looking for positive ways to include all of our kids in his program and works hard to build the morale of those around him. His sense of humor, loyalty, and love of our school is evident in everything he does.” This may be a prime example of how Dom is living out his favorite quote, “Don’t depend on someone else for your own happiness.”

Christine Arocho, Twain's school-based technology specialist (SBTS), shared the following, "Dominic has created a wonderful experience for our region's students and the students at Twain. He facilitated Twain hosting the region's VIP camp and our Jump Start program. Twain appreciates his dedication to preparing our future students." In his free time, Dom enjoys golfing, going to the movies, bowling, and spending as much time with his daughter as he can. Dom, we’re happy you’re sharing your enthusiasm with the students of FCPS!


ERFC to Host Retirement Information Sessions

ERFC will host six retirement Information Sessions for the 2018-19 school year beginning in October. New This Year: All sessions will be open to all ERFC/VRS members! Registration is now open for the October 2 session. Register via MyPLT; search "RET." 


Work It, Washington Mill

Washington Mill ES staff dancing in a video


We couldn't resist sharing this video of Washington Mill ES staff doing the “Back-to-School” Shuffle during their professional development week. Their energy and dance moves are definitely on point! On Twitter, Washington Mill challenged other schools and the Region 3 office to show their shuffle. In the meantime, the video has garnered more than 6,100 views! Thanks to Assistant Principal Michael Wilson for sharing it with us.  


Quote by Duke University Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski

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!