Educators from across the school division gathered at the 2020 City Neighbors Progressive Education Summit in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo: Katie Eustis, Title 1 Resource Teacher, Woodley Hills ES)
New Federal Income Tax Withholding Form W-4
The new federal income tax withholding form has been revised to more closely match the goals of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Access the new 2020 Form W-4.
Please read the form and instructions carefully. If you need help determining how it applies to your tax situation, please use the IRS calculator or consult your tax professional. Federal tax withholding changes will return to UConnect in Employee Self Service by mid-February. In the interim, please send paper forms via PONY (interoffice mail) to Payroll Management, Gatehouse Administration Center, Suite 2200.
Divisionwide results from FCPS' 2019-20 Employee Engagement Survey are now available on the intranet. Here are some highlights:
- 84 percent of participating employees were rated as engaged or highly engaged.
- “I am engaged in my work” received the highest average engagement score (4.41).
- 88 percent of participants said they are proud to work for Fairfax County Public Schools.
- 76 percent of participating employees said they are hopeful about the future of FCPS, compared with 73 percent in 2017-18.
Access the complete divisionwide results on the intranet. Survey results for your specific school, department, or office will be available soon. Please contact Shelli Wayland, at slwayland@fcps.edu, with questions.
FCPS Employee Wellness, in conjunction with Inova Well, is offering a convenient opportunity for employees to know their numbers. Staff members will be able to receive a free health screening, complete their online health assessment to earn a $100 credit*, and participate in fun wellness activities such as a smoothie station, sleep deprivation goggles, and fitness demonstrations. Health screenings include a finger prick, glucose and cholesterol reading, blood pressure, and body mass index.
The event will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Marshall HS, in the Lecture Hall (Room C113). Visit the Employee Wellness Website on the intranet to sign up for an appointment.
*Find out if you are eligible for the $100 health assessment incentive.
There's nothing like a good surprise, and that's exactly what Cardinal Forest ES Principal Felicia Drake received last Wednesday. Felicia was named Outstanding New Principal for Region 4. Students and staff filled the gym to show their support and congratulate Felicia on a job very well done. Watch the video, which was captured by Cardinal Forest PE (@CFESRedBirdsPE).
Employees who intend to request or extend a Leave of Absence (LOA) for the 2020-21 school year must indicate their intentions before/by March 1. An LOA is an approved, unpaid, extended absence from work which exceeds 30 calendar days. Additional information about leaves of absences and the application process can be found on the FCPS Leaves of Absence website.
Employees currently on an approved LOA will receive reminder communications from the Disability and Leaves Office in late January. If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Disability and Leaves Unit at HRConnection@fcps.edu or call 571-423-3200, Option #1.
Note: If you are expecting a baby or planning to adopt a child, the March 1 due date does not apply to you. If you are currently on an LOA for child care, the March 1 date does apply.
Academy Course Registration
Did you know that one of the highlights of MyPDE is that registration for Academy courses remains open until the day before the course begins? Instructional employees interested in deepening their knowledge and learning new ways to improve their practice to support student achievement are encouraged to register for one of the many Academy courses available this semester. Access the catalog in MyPDE. For registration information, please visit the Academy intranet page.
This year's Pathways to Leadership Conference will take place on Monday, February 10, at Willow Oaks, in Rooms 1000A/B, from 4:30-7 p.m. Breakout sessions and booths will highlight instructional leadership opportunities such as graduate programs in educational leadership, the Accelerated Certification Cohort, Middle Managers Round Table, Supporting the Mission, National Board Certification, and the Administrator Development cohort. The conference will also feature panels on school-based and nonschool-based leadership positions. Get tips on interviewing, building a cover letter, and creating a resumé, too. Register in MyPDE (Course 001546).
#OurFCPS Faces: Elizabeth Morales
As a fifth grade teacher at Mount Vernon Woods ES, Elizabeth Morales believes her biggest responsibility is to make school a safe and inviting space for all students. This includes ensuring each student has what he or she needs to be successful–physically, socially, emotionally, and academically. She also collaborates with colleagues to make sure these needs are met.
Elizabeth says, “I love seeing my students develop into innovative, socially-conscious young adults. Even in elementary school, students come with rich life experiences and interests. One of the most gratifying parts of my job is watching my students discover what they are passionate about and being able to help them hone the skills they need to pursue those passions."
Principal Clint Mitchell adds, “Mrs. Morales is one of the most unique educators that I have ever worked with. She resides in our school community. Regardless of the situation, she always finds a way to see the best attributes in every child in her room and at MVWES.”
Elizabeth firmly believes in getting to know students, so that she can meet them where they are. She adds, "There is so much value in connecting with students on a person-to-person level, no matter their age. The more I know about what drives each individual student, the more effective I can be at making our learning 'fit' them.”
In addition to teaching, Elizabeth is MVWES' equity lead. In that role, she's learning a lot about herself, the school community, and how to grow their "collective capacity in cultural responsiveness.”
Outside of FCPS, Elizabeth spends time with her husband, two daughters, and their dog. She enjoys running, listening to audiobooks, and watching the New York Mets.
Elizabeth is also a big fan of Marvel Comics. This Stan Lee quote really resonates with her: “I try not to do anything that's too close to what I've done before. And the nice thing is we have a big universe here. It's filled with new ideas. All you have to do is grab them.” This sentiment encapsulates what Elizabeth hopes her students will take away from their education.
Thursday, January 30, is Thank a Mentor Day. In this video, students give thanks to special people, such as Janet Jaworski, who generously put their time and energy into helping shape the next generation. Janet works with the City of Fairfax Planning Commission and is also a substitute teacher at FCPS. Watch the video.
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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