Vienna ES staff wore purple yesterday in honor of Inclusive Schools Week. (Photo: Vienna ES)
Important Reminder About December Payday
Friday, December 21 is the monthly payday for December. This early pay practice is a continuance from when paychecks were hand delivered to work locations. Once FCPS transitioned to direct deposit, many employees perceived the early pay as a benefit, so the practice was continued. When winter break moved to two full weeks, this inadvertently made the payday even earlier than in previous years. An employee survey showed that the majority of staff preferred no change to the December payday.
After December 21, the next payday will be January 31, 2019. Please plan ahead! A helpful tip is to wait until the last day of December to recognize the money in your bank account. See more budgeting and money saving tips from FCPS' Employee Assistance Program. Contact Payroll.Help@fcps.edu with questions.
New Process for Employees Wanting to Receive E-Notify Text Messages
As a reminder, FCPS will be moving to a new vendor to provide emergency and essential email, text, and phone notifications beginning December 14. 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. Please review, add, or update your number before December 14, 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.
Note: In addition to email and text messages, all FCPS weather delays and closings are also posted on Twitter, Facebook, FCPS' website, school websites, and local radio and television broadcasts.
Superintendent Brabrand spoke to more than 300 business and community leaders at the State of Education Luncheon on Tuesday, November 27. During the luncheon, FCPS and the Foundation for FCPS presented awards to Apple Federal Credit Union, United States Geological Survey, and Girls on the Run of NOVA for their valuable contributions as school partners. The awards also recognize the importance of business and civic involvement in the school system. The State of Education Luncheon was a fundraiser for the Foundation to support its Innovative Teacher Grant program. Watch Dr. Brabrand's remarks. Learn more about this year’s award winners.
Photos of the Week
After already having measured the objects at their stations, second graders at North Springfield ES asked to measure their teachers. Ryanne Billig (above, left) and Holly Polak (above, right) were down for the challenge! (Photo: North Springfield ES)
See how you can continue FCPS' energy savings initiative during Winter Break. Check out the Energy Conservation page for checklists and other resources. Contact Justin Moss, jrmoss@fcps.edu, if you have questions.
As 2018 comes to a close, please consider a year-end gift to the Foundation for FCPS, the independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization associated with the school system. The Foundation works alongside teachers, principals, administrators, and leadership to keep our diverse school system robust and innovative.
During its annual appeal, the Foundation is raising funds for its three focus areas: Innovation Grants for Teachers, Kids in Need, and employee recognition. Get information about these programs on the Foundation's website. Tax-deductible contributions can be made online through a secure donation portal and may be designated to an existing initiative or to the school or center of your choice.
#OurFCPS Faces: Kevin Smith
As a photography teacher at Fairfax Academy, Kevin Smith is responsible for introducing his students to the world of professional photography. He says, “I work with [students] on both the technical skills [and professionalism] needed to be successful in any industry. We explore many types of photography, where they can generate an income. Students are given many opportunities to do real jobs while collaborating with other Academy classes, businesses, or the general public.”
Kevin’s favorite part of his job is working with students and seeing them discover their passion, whether it's in photography or something else. Student Evan D. is a big fan of Kevin's. "I've known this teacher for three years, and this is my second year having his class." Evan adds, "Mr. Smith is the most genuine teacher I've ever had. He is attentive to each and every one of his students and truly cares for their success. There is no one experience I wish to describe because every experience in his class is special."
Fairfax Academy’s administrator, Andrea Cook, has wonderful words about Kevin, too. “Kevin Smith is just awesome in every sense of the word and develops a strong rapport with students and colleagues alike. He also goes above and beyond to connect with students and support their passion, whether it’s in- or outside the realm of photography. He is an outstanding example of what we aim for here at the Academy [...]. I am honored and humbled to be his co-worker.” Outside of FCPS, Kevin loves spending time with his "beautiful wife and three incredible sons." And when he's not with them, Kevin can be found at the gym training in Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts.
Where can you go to get comprehensive FCPS retirement information in one place? The Educational Employees' Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County's (ERFC) popular Annual Retirement Seminar! The event will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019, 8 a.m.-noon, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. It is open to all members and will feature presentations from ERFC, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), FCPS' Office of Benefit Services, and the Social Security Administration. Representatives from the FCPS 403b and 457 plans, Apple Federal Credit Union, and International City/County Management Association-Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) will be on site, along with the VRS Hybrid Plan defined contribution manager. To register, please go to MyPLT and search "ERFC."
Increase your audit knowledge by reading the Office of Auditor General’s (OAG) Audit Buzz newsletter. In the latest issue, OAG summarizes results of the FY 2018 local school activity funds (LSAF) audit, provides an update on OAG's implementation of Pentana, an audit software, and touches on current and future OAG work. View Audit Buzz now.
Clarification: Help Homeless Students During the Holidays
In last week's Employee News, we included information on how you can help FCPS' homeless students during the holiday season. We inadvertently omitted the donation link from the article. If you would like to support homeless students but don't have time to shop for gift cards, please send cash or checks to The Foundation for FCPS or donate online. Contact Patti Parisi, 571-423-3750, with questions.
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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