We are delighted to feature some of FCPS' fantastic bus drivers!
Phishing Email Advisory
We have had a number of phishing emails sent to FCPS staff in which the sender appeared to be an FCPS staff member. Since the attacker used an FCPS staff member’s account to send the messages, the system does not add “[External]” to the subject line, making recognition of the phishing attacks more difficult. Some FCPS users did not recognize the phishing attack, opened the message, clicked on the link(s) within the message (usually advertising a product discount or income opportunity), and provided their username and password on the fake login screen. The attacker used that login information to access FCPS contacts and send yet more phishing and scam emails to FCPS staff.
We are currently blocking the phishing and scam messages from the compromised accounts that we know about. We are also blocking the phishing website(s) and assisting with password resets for the compromised user accounts. We need your help to prevent these scams. If you receive any messages that you were not expecting, either from an FCPS staff member or an external source, please do not click on any links or enter your FCPS credentials without verifying the sender. When in doubt, please consult with your TSSpec or forward any suspicious emails to SpamRemoval@fcps.edu. If you have questions, please contact the IT Service Desk at ITServiceDesk@fcps.edu or 703-503-1600.
The application portal for reimbursement of courses taken between May 16- August 31, 2019, is now open. Interested contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in tuition reimbursement for one summer course. To apply for tuition reimbursement, use FCPS’ Tuition Reimbursement Portal from now through September 30. (VPN required if accessing remotely.) Tuition reimbursement is available on a first-come, first-served basis using the current priority list. Please review it, since there have been changes. As previously announced, the process to request reimbursement has been streamlined. Remember to have your tuition paid receipt and grade report handy to complete the request. For more information, please email Tuitionbenefits@fcps.edu.
Photo of the Week
Before the new school year began, Poe MS celebrated their amazing custodial staff and thanked them for working hard to get the school ready for students and staff. Please save a plate for us next year! (Photo: Poe MS)
The Equity and Cultural Responsiveness Team wants to engage you in their first Leaders of the Lens series of #NoVAedchat for the 2019-20 school year with FCPS Director of Equity and Family Engagement Leona Smith-Vance. The Twitter chat will be held on Wednesday, September 11, from 8-9 p.m. Prepare to share and reflect on Brené Brown’s latest book, Dare to Lead, as you consider ways to foster a welcoming and culturally responsive environment for students, families, and staff. If you are new to Twitter chats, please refer to these helpful tips. Register on MyPLT (Course ECR003TW) to receive one recertification hour for participation.
#OurFCPS Faces: Linda Ysewyn, Jackson MS
Although Linda Ysewyn (Ease-win) is a Jackson MS mathematics teacher, she explains, “In reality each day, I’m also a learner.” Linda joined FCPS during the 2000-01 school year and has been at Jackson since then. “It’s been so rewarding to have former students return, in person or via email, to share with me their continued life journeys since they were in my middle school math classroom.”
Linda sees her responsibility as more than teaching seventh graders the math curriculum. She says, “Foremost, my responsibility is to be present each day as my best self and to maintain an open heart and open mind.” Linda is also on the Math 7 Honors and Pre-Algebra Collaboration Teams; an advisory teacher for seventh graders; and an active member of the Faculty Advisory, Human Relations, and Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) Committees. She has served as a “Check and Connect Mentor” for students, which is a program administered by the school social worker, and has collaborated with Student Services to initiate a peer tutor program for math students.
Principal Michael Magliola adds, “When you step into Mrs. Ysewyn's classroom, two things are clearly visible: She seeks to understand the educational and emotional needs of her students and uses love, humor, and thoughtful consideration to meet those needs."
Linda says, "Over the years, I’ve been blessed to work and learn alongside the Jackson Middle School staff and with our students and their families, as well as the Falls Church High School softball coaches and players.”
Linda has been enamored with baseball since she was 4 years old. She describes it as a sport that requires remarkable offensive and defensive skills, a slower pace, and strategy. Linda asks, "Did you know Hall of Famers generally fail seven out of ten times? With that stat, my belief is, let’s remain optimistic.”
Optimism and gratitude seem to be a theme for Linda. One of her favorite quotes is from Melody Beattie: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough [...]”
And with that gratitude in mind, Linda beams, “My parents were my beacon. I would simply not be who I am without their love, sacrifice, support, humor, and boundless faith in me.” Linda, we believe you are a beacon for many students in FCPS, and we are grateful for all you do!
Did you know that FCPS ACE (Adult and Community Education) offers a huge variety of courses in professional development and personal enrichment? There is something for all ages and interests from students K-12 to adults. Whether you want to learn how to bake German Christmas Stollen, take a CPR/first aid class, learn to speak confidently in public, or attend ACE’s Bathroom Remodeling Workshop, you can discover your passion from ACE’s treasure trove of learning opportunities!
The fall 2019 course catalog, ACE Classes, is now available online and has been mailed to Fairfax County residents. Register now. It can also be found at Fairfax County public libraries. Employees are eligible for a 25 percent tuition discount on most ACE classes! Learn more about FCPS ACE, a self-funded program. Your journey begins with ACE!
 Every Tuesday, we highlight one of FCPS' awesome teachers on Instagram as part of our #TeacherTuesday series. Please stop by FCPS' Instagram page and check out today's #TeacherTuesday profile.
FCPS Employee Wellness, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health Tobacco Control Program, is launching a tobacco cessation campaign called Quit & Stay Quit Monday. The campaign is running now through November. For more information about why Monday is a prime day to quit smoking, watch this short video. Below are resources to help individuals commit to quit:
You can do it!
FCPS' Office of Auditor General (OAG) publishes, Audit Buzz, to provide an update into our OAG's work. In the latest issue of Audit Buzz, you'll find key takeaways from the recently completed performance audit of payroll oversight and process, and an update on the performance audit of safety and security compliance. The newsletter also highlights OAG's FY 2019 Annual Report, and provides a look into the FY 2020 Risk Assessment and Audit Plan. Read the latest issue of Audit Buzz now.
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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