The phenomenal custodians at Parklawn ES were recently honored by school staff for keeping their building and grounds in great shape. (Photo: Parklawn ES)
New Process for Employees Wanting to Receive E-Notify Text Messages
Employees who currently receive FCPS text messages or wish to receive text messages for delayed openings, school closings, and other critical communications will need to list their cell phone number(s) in UConnect. The new e-Notify system will launch December 14. Add or update your number before that date to ensure you receive or continue to receive text messages. Here's how:
- Log into UConnect.
- Click Bookmarks > Employee Self Service > Personal Information > Contact Numbers.
- Click Add.
- On the Detail section, click Contact Type, then select Cell Phone.
- Enter your cell phone number in the Phone Number field.
- Enter the Start Date or leave on the default date (today’s date).
- Click Update.
Contact HR Technology Support with questions at 571-423-3350.
One-Time Bonus for FY 2019
As part of the FY 2018 Final Budget Review this past July, the School Board approved a one percent, one-time bonus to grandfathered classroom instructional support scale employees and teacher scale employees who are not receiving at least a one percent salary increase in FY 2019. The one-time bonus will be paid to eligible monthly paid employees on November 30. Questions? Please contact Salary Services at 571-423-3300.
During the Web Curator Conference last Tuesday, FCPS recognized 10 school websites for excellence in web design and use of web-based tools in the 2018 Best of the Web Awards. See the list of winners.
Photo of the Week
 Who's got spirit? These Dreamgirls do! During South Lakes HS' recent Spirit Week, staff members, including the trio above, didn't miss a beat in their Broadway music-themed costumes. We think Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Holliday, and Loretta Devine (the original Dreamgirls) would be proud!
Pictured left to right: Tiffany Welborn, special education social studies teacher; Monica Charles-Williams, special education math teacher; and Traci Waller, safety and security assistant. (Photo: Marie Turner, International Baccalaureate and Diploma Programme Coordinator)
 FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) is having an enrollment drive now through the end of December! ACE offers a wide range of classes to educate and inspire students of all ages. Plus, FCPS employees receive a 25 percent discount! Use coupon code FCPSACE184 and register online today! Find specific courses that are of interest to you by using the "Advanced Search." Remember, FCPS ACE is funded almost entirely through tuition. Sign up today and show your support for ACE programming.
We are honored to introduce you to the amazing Asta-Dianne Clark. Asta-Dianne is a kindergarten teacher at Churchill Road ES, and she's also a Navy veteran. We heard about Asta-Dianne in an article in Churchill's family newsletter, written by Office Assistant Kim Moran. An edited version of that article follows:
Prior to becoming a teacher, Asta-Dianne served 15 years in the US Navy. As an aviation electronics technician, she worked on EA6-B Prowlers, F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 A-D Hornets, and F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets. Asta-Dianne's last job in the Navy was as a naval instructor. As much as she loved working on airplanes, she discovered that she loved teaching more. Also, both Asta-Dianne and her husband were on active duty at the same time, which was very challenging for their family. That's when she decided to become a teacher.
Asta-Dianne received a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and a teaching certification from the University of West Florida. Prior to joining the Churchill Road team, she taught kindergarten for two years in Florida. She feels that the atmosphere at Churchill Road is like that of a very large family. From the first moment she stepped through the door, she felt at home. She continues to feel that way every day she walks into the building. She says, “My favorite part of teaching is seeing the "A-ha" moment. When students go from learning letters and sounds to being able to read is such a magical moment. I love being a part of that.”
Asta-Dianne, her husband, and their six children enjoy exploring outside, riding bikes, and walking on trails, where they can find lots of bugs and animals. When they aren't outdoors, the family likes spending time in the kitchen.
Thank you, Asta-Dianne, for serving our country and for pursuing your love of teaching with FCPS!
Learn more about Asta-Dianne in this video.
K-12 Teachers to Receive Free Admission to Congo Masks Exhibit at VMFA
Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni announced that K-12 teachers in Virginia can receive free admission to Congo Masks: Masterpieces from Central Africa, a special exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). The collection features more than 130 rare and unique masks dating back to the 17th-20th centuries. To claim their one free ticket, teachers must present their identification card at VMFA’s Visitor Services desk. The exhibition will be on view through February 24, 2019. Find out more about the Congo Masks exhibition.
The Great American Smokeout Is November 15
The Great American Smokeout is an annual event that focuses on encouraging Americans to quit smoking. If you smoke, it may be very difficult to quit on your own. Guidance Resources, FCPS' Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offers employees and their household members, free Healthy Guidance Health Coaching programs to gain support and motivation to help quit smoking. Coaches are trained experts in behavior change and can help you get started today. Call the FCPS EAP dedicated toll-free line at 1-855-355-9097. You can also find tip sheets, assessment tools, podcasts, and other resources online. First-time users, please register with the web ID: FCPS. For questions about EAP, contact Helen Canepa at EAPQuestions@fcps.edu or 571-423-4462.
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!
|
