 Gunston ES staff wore matching T-shirts bearing the quote, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind!” (Photo: Gunston ES)
Total Compensation Statements to Be Sent to All Employees
FCPS will provide each employee with a personalized total compensation statement in March. Each statement will include a chart showing the employee’s annual base salary (or pay) for the current year as well as the estimated value of contributions made by FCPS on the employee’s behalf. Statements will also include information on FCPS leave programs, optional FCPS benefits, and benefits available to FCPS employees at no cost.
The annual total compensation statement will be sent securely as an attachment to FCPS employee email accounts. Employees may also view their total compensation statement by logging into UConnect, our employee self-service portal. Questions? Please email Meg Calderwood at mmcalderwood@fcps.edu.
Did you take advantage of your $100 wellness incentive in 2018? Employees participating in an FCPS health plan as the primary cardholder can earn a $100 wellness incentive again in 2019 when they complete their online health assessment (HA) now through December 31.
The HA is an online questionnaire related to your general health and well-being. It's easy to fill out and takes about 15-20 minutes. The HA is confidential. Only you and your health plan receive your individual information–it is never shared with FCPS, in compliance with state and federal privacy laws. Click on your health plan to get started:
Visit the Employee Wellness website for details or email HRWellness@fcps.edu.
Photo of the Week
From the Archives
Picture this: It's a beautiful spring day. Dozens of employees are standing around, waiting patiently on the ground level of a Willow Oaks office building. Their phones are ready for the perfect shot. But what's the target? Puppies! When four absolutely adorable pups arrived, squeals of joy (from the humans) echoed throughout the lobby. Michael Sanchez (above, right), a functional applications specialist for the Chief Equity Office, was fur-tunate enough to hold one. The puppy therapy session was organized by Willow Oaks building management, KBS. And by the way, the puppies were definitely worth the wait!
Save the Date: 2019 FCPS Leadership Conference
The superintendent’s annual Leadership Conference will be held on Wednesday, July 31, at George Mason University. Please stay tuned for more information.
The annual retirement ceremony, We Honor You–Celebrating Your Service to FCPS, will be held on Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The evening will begin with an hors d’oeuvre reception for retirees and their family and friends. The reception will be followed by a recognition ceremony with Superintendent Brabrand, FCPS' Leadership Team, and the School Board.
Invitations have been sent to the homes of those who have retired since the May 2018 retirement ceremony and to those who have submitted their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) with a retirement date prior to December 31, 2019. If you did not receive an invitation, and you believe you should have, please email WeHonorYou@fcps.edu. Visit the retirement ceremony webpage for photos from previous ceremonies and other information.
#OurFCPS Faces: Solomon Hailemichael
Solomon Hailemichael has worked as a technology support specialist (TSSpec) for the Department of Information Technology in multiple schools during the last 15 years. He is currently at Mountain View HS, where he, “supports staff and students with all of their technology needs.” Solomon really enjoys “making new computers ready [for use] by staff and students [and] seeing [their] happy faces.”
Mountain View ESOL Teacher Sandra Valenzuela sings Solomon's praises. "Solomon is [...] filling in for our regular TSSpec. He has been at Mountain View [a short time], but he has had a huge impact. He jumped right into his job and has been outstanding at troubleshooting and fixing a variety of tech issues while he’s been here. He works well beyond his contract hours every day. [...] He has made the teachers’ jobs at our school so much easier."
Solomon adds, “I feel I’m privileged to work in an educational environment. I have such high regard for educators and what they do with students. This reminds me of the following quote about education by George Washington Carver: “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”
Solomon’s supervisor in IT, Tony Klepic, says, “Solomon has been a great asset to his fellow TSSpecs and to Mountain View HS. Solomon fulfills his duties knowing that his work can positively impact the day for both students and staff in their pursuit of a superior educational environment, and he works tirelessly to make sure that’s what they have."
Assistant Principal Elizabeth Obester tweeted, “One of our awesome staff members making #MountainView an excellent place to be. Solomon Hailemichael is a fantastic TSSpec who is supporting us above and beyond as we begin the year.”
In his spare time, Solomon enjoys swimming, yoga, and visiting new places.
Solomon, we truly appreciate the excellent customer service you provide every day!
It's Sleep Awareness Week
The National Sleep Foundation is celebrating its annual Sleep Awareness Week. Sleep deficiency is linked to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and depression. Lack of sleep is also associated with workplace injuries, errors, and decreased productivity. Healthy Guidance sleep coaching, provided by our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), helps participants learn healthy habits that can improve sleep patterns. Get started today! Call a health coach at 1-855-355-9097.
The Educational Employees' Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) recently posted its first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which replaces the Annual Summary Report. The PAFR summarizes the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) in an easy-to-read and understandable format. View the PAFR. Find more information about ERFC benefits.
March is Social Work Month! Our school social workers impact student success in numerous ways. For example, they promote students' social and emotional development, support students' sense of connection, and help remove barriers to learning. Thanks to FCPS' amazing school social workers for all that they do! (Photo: FCPS Office of Social Work Services)
Donate Prom Dresses and Accessories to Students
The Princess for a Night project collects prom dresses and accessories from the community and provides them to high school students for free. The project is in its 16th year. In 2018, more than 150 students benefited from this program! Donations will be collected through Friday, March 29. Dresses should be gently used, clean, and free of stains or tears. Shoes and accessories should be in "like-new" condition. Donation locations include:
Please contact Katie Basinski, at Kabasinski@fcps.edu, with questions.
Correction
In last week's issue, we misspelled Nahoko Nakayama's name. Nahoko, a Japanese Immersion teacher at Fox Mill ES, was featured in #OurFCPS Faces. We apologize for the error.
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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