Flannel Day was a huge hit at Fairhill ES. (Photo: Fairhill ES)
Are you getting married or having a baby? Or, maybe your dependent has reached the age of ineligibility (26 years)? These are all examples of life or “qualifying” events that can impact your benefits. Be sure to notify the Office of Benefit Services within 30 calendar days of a qualifying event, so you can make changes to your benefits. Prompt notification helps avoid the possibility of significant financial consequences. See FCPS’ list of qualifying events. If you have questions, please email the Office of Benefit Services at HRConnection@fcps.edu.
The Office of Talent Acquisition and Management (TAM) will host its second annual Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar at Gatehouse Administration Center on Tuesday, December 17, from 5-8 p.m. This event will give FCPS graduates; current FCPS juniors and seniors; and former FCPS Teachers for Tomorrow students an opportunity to meet and hear from teachers and administrators. Participants can visit exhibitors as well as attend breakout sessions that cover a variety of topics including developing a resume, preparing for an interview, and applying for a license. Find out more about the Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar.
Flint Hill ES Assistant Principal Allison Hoak had a chance to be the "I" in "KIND" during the school's recognition of Inclusive Schools Week last week. Allison also participated in Flint Hill's first "Walk in My Shoes" event, which allowed students to experience visual, speech, fine motor, sensory, and other impairments. Allison tweeted, "I learned so much about myself and others from the activities today." (Photo: Allison Hoak)
Would you like to gain a better understanding of how teacher leaders positively impact schools and the school division? Are you interested in building your knowledge and skills around core teacher leadership competencies? If so, the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement invites you to apply for an upcoming Teacher Leadership Cohort!
Please visit the Teacher Leader Cohort webpage on the intranet to learn more about each cohort and access the online application. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, December 20. Please email questions to Raegan Hanson at rnhanson@fcps.edu.
#OurFCPS Faces: Patina Betchar
Born and raised in Centreville, Virginia, Patina Betchar feels extremely fortunate to have parents who owned a daycare center. Growing up around kids is what sparked her passion for teaching. Patina started as a student teacher at Churchill Road ES and later became a long-term substitute for a second grade class. Patina says, “After teaching second grade for two years, I had the privilege to loop with my second graders into third grade this past year. I am currently teaching third grade with my kids from last year, with the addition of a few new students!”
In addition to teaching, Patina is also Churchill's equity lead. This role involves holding monthly committee meetings, attending countywide training, and leading the school's equity training. She ensures that culturally responsive practices are implemented throughout the school to prepare students for success, and to foster a caring and inclusive culture. Patina exclaims, “I have an inclusion class where I work with special education students, general ed, and ESOL [English for Speakers of Other Languages] students. I absolutely love it!"
Patina was recently honored with an Excellence Award for Student Achievement. Anne Scarano, ESOL teacher at Cooper MS and Patina’s mentor, nominated her for the award. Anne writes, “Patina […] makes sure that every student in her classroom has a voice. She is known for the masterful way she guides seven-year-olds through a series of Socratic seminars in which all children participate in the conversation. The discussion is polite, nurturing, and intellectual, and everyone believes that they are valued members of a learning community.”
Churchill Road’s Literacy Coach Cindy Haines noted, “I was in awe by the depth of the students’ thinking and feelings. This is just one of hundreds of activities–visual, auditory, hands-on, and collaborative–that Patina incorporates into her instructional routine. Patina’s work ethic and desire to be the best she can be for all students represents education at its very finest.” Principal Don Hutzel sings Patina's praises too, saying, “Patina is an amazing teacher!”
As with most educators, Patina's day isn’t over when the last bell rings. She adds, “I also love tutoring and working my second job, which is working as a senior ABA [Applied Behavior Analysis] therapist for children with autism. My dream is to own my own daycare for special needs children one day.”
We know your dream will come true, Patina. Thank you for cultivating an inclusive classroom and positive learning environment for students!
Evie Ifantides Marks Her 1,000th Bike Ride to Work!
Evie Infantides, preK-12 ESOL technology specialist, is joined by friend and Canterbury Woods School-Based Technology Specialist Fran Migdal for her 1,000th bike ride to work! (Photo: Canterbury Woods ES)
Congratulations to Evie Ifantides for reaching her goal of 1,000 bike rides to work! We introduced you to Evie in our November 12 issue of Employee News. She is a preK-12 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) technology specialist with the Office of ESOL Services in Willow Oaks Administrative Center. Evie's rides to work help support FCPS' Safe Routes to School program.
Did you know that FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) offers a huge variety of courses in professional development and personal enrichment? There is something for all interests and ages from students K-12 to adults. Whether you want to master Thai Cooking, take a CPR/First Aid class, learn Italian, or learn how to select a contractor, you can discover your passion in the new year!
The Winter 2020 course catalog, ACE Classes, is available online and has been mailed to Fairfax County residents. It can also be found at Fairfax County public libraries. Employees are eligible for a 25 percent tuition discount on most ACE classes. Use promo code FCPSACE201. Register now! Learn more about FCPS ACE, a self-funded program. Your journey begins with ACE!
More than 2,400 homeless children are enrolled in FCPS; roughly 24 percent of them are without a parent or guardian. In keeping with FCPS’ Caring Culture, and as part of the mission of the Foundation for FCPS to serve our kids in need, we are supporting homeless and unaccompanied students this holiday season by collecting gift cards for them to buy personal items. Here's how you can help:
- Purchase as many gift cards, in any amount, as you would like. (Walmart, Target, and grocery store gift cards are suggested.) Be sure to mark the value on the back of the card(s).
- Send gift cards to Patti Parisi, Financial Services, Gatehouse, Room 4214; Tina West, Special Services, Willow Oaks, Room 2109; or Amy Verdin, Foundation for FCPS, Gatehouse, Suite 5101.
- No time to shop? Send cash or checks to The Foundation for FCPS or donate online. The Homeless Liaison Office will do the shopping for you.
Last year, because of the kindness and generosity of FCPS employees, families, and friends, more than $9,200 was collected in cash and gift cards. We hope you will help again this year! Please contact Patti Parisi, 571-423-3750, with questions
Looking for a recent copy of Employee News? You're in luck! Just go to the Employee News page on FCPS' website or look for the Employee News link at the bottom of the Employee Resources page.
Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an opportunity to integrate computer science, computational thinking, and coding skills in grades preK-12. CSEdWeek also recognizes the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. Visit CodeVA to learn more about CSEdWeek.
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!
|
