Employee News - Tuesday, 8/27/19

Glasgow MS Health and Physical Education Department

 

Members of Glasgow MS' Health and Physical Education Department are ready to play! See who they are.


A Fantastic #firstdayfairfax!

Sanya Chopra, Belvedere ES, fifth grade teacher


#firstdayfairfax was the best day ever for Belvedere ES Teacher Sanya Chopra! (Photo: Sanya Chopra)

Thanks to everyone who used #firstdayfairfax on social media yesterday! Although we were unable to share all of your photos and videos, it was amazing to see so much enthusiasm about the beginning of a new school year. Check out #firstdayfairfax on Twitter and Instagram for numerous examples of #OurFCPS awesomeness in action on Day One!


What Do Parents Think About Our Schools?

The Fairfax County School Board recently released the results of FCPS' 2018-19 Family Engagement Survey. The survey solicited parent opinions and feedback on a variety of topics that impact student achievement. More than 29,000 family members participated. Survey highlights include:

  • More than 92 percent of participating parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child's school welcomes families of different backgrounds and cultures.
  • 91 percent agreed or strongly agreed that their child feels safe at school.
  • 87 percent agreed or strongly agreed that their school provided a welcoming environment.

Find out more about the Family Engagement Survey results.


Photo of the Week 

Employees at Stonecroft Transportation Center having a picnic.

 

FCPS' Office of Transportation Services recently held a Back-to-School Kickoff Cookout at Stonecroft Transportation Center. Staff enjoyed food and fellowship, and showed off their fancy dance moves! (Photo: Tina Hunt, Coordinator, Area 3 Transportation)


Become a National Board Certified Teacher in FCPS!

Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is considered one of the most prestigious certifications a teacher can achieve. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recognizes this by awarding $5,000 for the first year of certification and $2,500 each additional year a teacher maintains the certification! Teachers interested in learning more about the National Board's certification process, and how FCPS supports it, should attend an information session on September 11, at Willow Oaks Center from 4:45-6:15 p.m. Please register in MyPLT.

Also, the Academy Course offered to support the development of the individualized portfolio to be assessed by NBPTS is open for registration


Important Information for Current National Board Certified Teachers

FCPS is required to confirm the eligibility of all National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) every year in order for them to receive the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Incentive Award. All NBCTs must provide necessary information by completing this form. Please have your VDOE license number available! Every year, FCPS must certify that NBCTs are “engaged in direct instruction” with students more than 50 percent of each school day. Also, if you are up for renewal this year, please consider joining your NBCT colleagues in an Academy Cohort beginning in October. Register in MyPLT.


#OurFCPS Faces: Elaine Scott

Elaine Scott, FCPS Hearings Office

 

Elaine Scott is quiet and unassuming, but her impact is resounding. Elaine is a hearing and legal technician in the Hearings Office which she joined 15 years ago. Before that, she was a program assistant in what used to be FCPS' Office of Monitoring and Compliance.

As a hearing and legal technician, Elaine is responsible for bringing together all parties involved in discipline and grievance hearings. She says, "The process involves assigning jobs, and coordinating dates and times with principals, assistant principals, parents, students, Hearings Office staff, School Board office staff, and, if required, law offices, and interpreters.” What does Elaine like most about her job? She says, “I like working with one of the best teams in FCPS. The Hearings Office staff are people who care about students and do what is necessary to help every student succeed in [his or her] education.” 

Administrative Hearing Officer Dana Scanlon writes, “There is no one in the Hearings Office who has been here longer than Elaine. She is our rock: dependable, unfailingly professional, and steadfast. Elaine is a friend to us all and has always been willing to lend an ear and share her perspective. Further, she has inspired her colleagues with her dedication to lifelong learning, earning a general studies degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and a Master’s degree in Christian Education, all while working full time in the Hearings Office." 

Mark Holbrook, one of Elaine's colleagues, adds, “Elaine is the consummate professional–the backbone of our office.”

This article is a bit bittersweet, as Elaine is retiring this month after 31 years with FCPS! Dana says, "Elaine will be greatly missed!” She’ll have plenty of time for her hobbies, though, such as reading, working in ministry, traveling, spending time with family, and watching classic movies.

Congratulations on your remarkable career with FCPS, Elaine. We know you will continue to inspire others for many years to come!


#OurFCPS: Together It's Possible

Lorton Station Staff with #OurFCPS frame


At Lorton Station ES, staff members are ready to go above and beyond for student success. That's #OurFCPS! (Photo: Christine Berry, Assistant Principal)


FCPS to Host Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference

Registration will soon open for FCPS' 6th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference. The event will be held at Fairfax HS on Saturday, October 5, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. This year’s conference is being sponsored by Inova. The morning session will focus on social and emotional learning, with a keynote address from Dr. Marc Brackett, of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Attendees are encouraged to stay for Inova’s Act on Addiction Summit, which will be held from 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. For more information, please visit the Mental Health and Wellness Conference webpage.


Save the Date: Real Assistive Technology for Everyone Conference to Be Held October 19 

FCPS will host its 2019 Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference at Carson MS, on Saturday, October 19, from 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The RATE Conference is an educational technology conference focusing on the use of assistive technology to support all students, especially those with special needs. This year's keynote speaker is Fadel, an FCPS post-secondary student. He will share how assistive technology has impacted his life and school experiences.

FCPS employees will receive five recertification points for attending the conference. More information and registration will soon be available on the conference webpage


Cleo Wade quote: You deserve your dreams–who else could they possibly belong to more than you?

Buy Tech Products at a Discount 

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. You will be required to verify your relationship with FCPS. Learn more about the Technology@Home program


Staff Staples


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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!