West Springfield pyramid principals and Region 4 leadership were excited and proud to attend West Springfield HS' graduation this morning. (Photo: Region 4)
Employees participating in an FCPS health plan as the primary cardholder may earn a $100 wellness incentive when they complete their online health assessment (HA) by December 31!
The HA is an online questionnaire related to your general health and well-being. It's easy to complete, takes about 15-20 minutes, and is confidential. Only you and your health plan receive the individual information. It is never shared with FCPS in compliance with state and federal privacy laws.
Click on your health plan to get started:
Learn more by visiting the Employee Wellness website. Please email questions to HRWellness@fcps.edu.
Don’t let an earache or a case of poison ivy ruin your summer vacation. All FCPS health plans provide nurse advice lines and telemedicine benefits as a convenient way to get personalized medical care when you are traveling or if your doctor’s office is closed. Find out more about nurse advice lines and telemedicine.
Photo of the Week
Wolftrap ES tweeted this photo of Rubia Ramos, saying that she was the "Best Custodian Ever!!" Rubia took extra steps to keep the playground clean by sweeping bugs off of the slides. That's dedication! (Photo: Wolftrap ES)
Based on employee feedback, the tuition reimbursement process has been updated to provide greater access, a more streamlined and efficient process, and a shorter timeline for the overall process.
The Reimbursement Request Portal will be open three times per year as follows:
- September 1-30 for courses ending May 16-August 31.
- January 1-31 for courses ending September 1-December 31.
- June 1-30 for courses ending January 1-May 15.
Employees requesting reimbursement will upload both the tuition paid receipt and the grade report when making the initial request. This streamlined process reduces the timeline for the entire process from five to six months to one to two months. Additionally, the priority list for 2019-20 will be published July 1.
Visit the Tuition Reimbursement webpage for more information on the updated reimbursement process.
Would you like to gain a better understanding of the how the offices, departments, and schools within FCPS work together to support the mission of our division? Are you interested in building your knowledge and skills around core leadership competencies?
If so, please consider applying for the Fall 2019 Cohort of Supporting the Mission! Eligible employees include teacher leaders, and Schedule B and C staff (formerly US-20 and above). Interest and recommendation forms are due by July 24. Forms will be shared with members of the FCPS Leadership Team, who will forward nominations for the cohort. Please visit the Supporting the Mission webpage for more details or contact Tiffany Lee at ttlee@fcps.edu.
#OurFCPS Faces: Maria Filgueira
Maria Filgueira is a multiple disabilities and enhanced autism teacher at Lees Corner ES. Maria's responsibilities include building a positive relationship with each student and family, implementing each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), assessing students’ progress with their IEP goals, and adapting lessons to meet the needs of the students in large or small group setting.
Maria says, "I enjoy the challenge of figuring out what works best for each of my students. My main goal as a special education teacher will always be to help all my students learn functional and academic skills in order to become an independent learner and contributing member in their community.”
A Lees Corner ES parent had many wonderful things to say about Maria: "Ms. Filgueira goes above and beyond so often that I am not sure I can write it all down. She runs Blizzards Market, a school store staffed by special education and general education students. It is a wonderful program [that] promotes inclusion and life skills. This year, her special education students requested real cash registers, so she raised funds to make it a reality. She is currently spearheading a Walk in My Shoes program to promote schoolwide awareness of special education students’ daily challenges. [...] She worked with the administration to plan an alternative field trip, because so many of the special education students cannot tolerate a long bus ride. [...] Despite her years of experience, she is eager to learn new information, ideas, teaching strategies, and programs related to autism. She is constantly looking for ways to promote inclusion at LCES and make it an amazing place for everyone."
Maria is truly an advocate for her students. She says “I don’t allow myself to ever assume a student is not capable of learning. Every student is a success story. Sometimes you have to do what is best for your student, not what is best for everyone else.”
Principal VaRonica Sloan is extremely appreciative of Maria's efforts. “Maria Filgueira is an integral member of the Lees Corner school community. She is constantly exploring initiatives, programs, and activities in order to build community and support all learners! Mrs. Filgueira isn’t resting until she is reassured that students have numerous opportunities to access all components of learning to support their academic, social, and emotional well-being!”
When she’s not in the classroom, Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and finding new resources for her classroom.
Thank you, Maria, for being a true champion for students!
Teachers and Administrators: Share Your Voice on Professional Learning Communities
Interested in sharing your voice on the topic of Professional Learning Communities? If so, please join Educational Specialists for Professional Development Anita Hartley, Emily Preston, Leslie Rozzoni, and Raegan Hanson for a #NoVAedchat. The Twitter chat will be held on Wednesday, June 19, from 8-9 p.m. Participants will exchange ideas and cultivate learning, while exploring the complex simplicity of Professional Learning Communities. If you are new to Twitter chats, please refer to these helpful tips. Register on MyPLT to receive one recertification hour for participation (OPLFE-120018).
Burnout is now a legitimate medical diagnosis, according to the International Classification of Diseases. Symptoms include feelings of exhaustion, reduced professional efficacy, or feelings of negativism related to one’s job. You can get help avoiding burnout from Guidance Resources, FCPS’ Employee Assistance Program. Their services are free and include consultations; resources and tools for health and emotional well-being; financial and legal support; and even personal needs such as daycare and event planning. Call 1-855-355-9097 or visit Guidance Resources online. In the interim, check out this article on preventing burnout at work.
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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