McLean HS staff members prove that great minds think alike. (Photo: Nishi Langhorne, McLean HS)
How Much Do You Know About Your ERFC Retirement Benefit?
Members of the Educational Employees' Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) should have received an email with a link to a very important active member survey. The survey is part of an
ongoing effort to improve member education and communication. Your participation will let ERFC know how well members understand their retirement benefit. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few minutes to provide your responses. The survey will be available through Monday, October 8.
ERFC values your input and looks forward to expanding its ability
to inform you about the value of your FCPS retirement benefit. To find out more about ERFC, please visit their website.
What do new teachers really want to know? From instructional differentiation to student engagement,
educators Natasha Saunders and Elizabeth Dean field questions from new teachers
at Great Beginnings 2018 on the latest Answer Key podcast. Also, get their take on the role of
collaboration, technology, parent involvement, and self-care. Listen to The Answer Key: Learning and Leadership in
the K-12 World.
Photo of the Week
This team of teachers from Bucknell ES were rain ready, as they led the school's morning staff meeting. Pictured, from left to right, are Alicia Kerr, Erica Beckett, Chris Roeseler, and
Deb Demers. (Photo: Bucknell ES)
Universal screener policy revisions
for the 2018-19 school year are slated to yield significant testing relief for
schools and students in the combined numbers of mathematics and reading
screener tests administered K-6.
The following information was provided by FCPS' Office of Student Testing:
The universal screener is one
component of FCPS' Balanced Assessment Framework. As a core evidence-based
practice within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports/Responsive Instruction
approach, the universal screener is the first in a series of steps to identify
and respond to students with potential gaps in foundational academic skills in
mathematics or reading.
The FCPS elementary testing
policy is reviewed annually based on feedback from teachers and administrators
and analysis of data from the previous school year. Accordingly, the 2018-19
policy introduces significant opportunities to defer or exempt certain students
from universal screener testing across the school year.
The policy maintains a priority
on identifying students early who may have academic need and continues to
monitor those students throughout the year. At the same time, students whose
early results show little risk of foundational gaps will not repeat testing
later in the year, unless their teachers see evidence that suggests further
screening is needed. The new participation guidelines are expected to reduce
the overall time and resources that school staff must direct toward universal
screener testing this year.
For more information, visit the universal screener webpage or
contact UniversalScreener@fcps.edu.
#OurFCPS Faces: David Arndt
David Arndt is in his 19th year as a
middle school math teacher at Robinson SS. He teaches 7th and 8th grade
math as well as Algebra I. When asked what he likes most
about his job, David says, “It sounds like a cliché, but I enjoy working with
kids. I especially enjoy working with middle school students because of their
energy and enthusiasm. They remind me of the ways in which I can still feel
young.”
One
of David’s students submitted an FCPS Cares on David's behalf. It says, "Mr. Arndt has been incredibly
helpful this year teaching algebra. Whenever I'm having issues
understanding a topic, he sits down and explains how to do it until I
understand. He always makes sure to move slowly while teaching and gives us
lots of practice. When we answer questions correctly, he gives us candy as a
reward. Also, when we turn in our tests, he explains why we got questions wrong
and helps us re-learn the material. Mr. Arndt makes math fun by doing class Kahoots and teaching us tricks for solving equations. I love math with Mr.
Arndt!"
In
his free time, David enjoys walking, biking, and geocaching. One
of his favorite quotes is from Pablo Picasso: "When I haven't any blue, I use red.” David says, “It reminds me to
be a problem-solver; if something doesn’t work, then be open to trying
something else.” Thanks, David, for being a math teacher who students can always count on!
Mount Vernon HS English Teacher Auja Jones and the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak.
Mount Vernon HS English Teacher Auja Jones hit the jackpot during Wheel of Fortune's "Teacher's Week." Auja successfully competed against teachers from Nebraska and Massachusetts, raking in some serious cash and prizes. Find out more about Auja and watch her win the bonus round. Way to go, Auja!
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.
Be sure to follow FCPS on Instagram for some amazing sights and sounds from around the school division. Find us @fairfaxcountypublicschools.
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!
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