Braddock ES staff are "red-dy" for Read Across America Week. (Photo: Braddock ES)
Yesterday, Superintendent Brabrand sent a message to all staff and parents about FCPS' response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The message is also posted on the FCPS website along with FAQs and other resources.
Additional Information About Flu Virus Prevention
The Fairfax County Health Department recommends the following flu prevention tips:
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
"Like mother, like son!" Aldrin ES tweeted this great photo of Principal Shane Wolfe and Nettie Wolfe, Shane's mother. Nettie is an instructional assistant at Marshall Road ES. They're both doing an awesome job of repping the Positivity Project, which has been adopted by both schools.
FCPS to Provide Employee Total Compensation Statements
Next week, FCPS will provide each employee with a personalized total compensation statement–your salary and benefits comprise your total compensation. Each statement will include a chart showing your annual base salary (or pay) for the current year as well as the estimated value of contributions made by FCPS on your behalf. Your statement will also include information on FCPS leave programs, optional FCPS benefits, and benefits available to FCPS employees at no cost.
Your annual total compensation statement will be sent securely as an attachment to your FCPS email account. You will also be able to view it via UConnect, FCPS’ employee self-service portal. (You will need your FCPS username and password to access UConnect.)
FCPS is committed to maintaining a premier workforce, providing a competitive compensation and benefits package, and sustaining a caring culture. If you have questions about your Total Compensation Statement, please contact HRConnect@FCPS.edu.
#OurFCPS Faces: Tammi Sisk
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Tammi Sisk has been living this credo for all of her 25 years at FCPS. Tammi started as a teacher at both Calico Corner and My Friend’s Place, former Interagency Alternative Schools for elementary at-risk students. After five years, she became a technology resource teacher for Alternative Schools, the school-based technology specialist at Halley ES, and then an instructional technology specialist within FCPS' Instructional Technology Integration Office.
Tammi explains that digital media and technology are quickly evolving, bringing extraordinary opportunities as well as real challenges for students. She says, “Kids and teens are using the power of the internet and mobile technologies to explore, connect, create, and learn in ways never before imagined. But with this power comes moral, ethical and civic dilemmas and challenging issues, such as cyberbullying, hate speech, privacy violations, [and others]. And these are surfacing both in schools and at home.”
Digital citizenship education is an essential component of the FCPSOn initiative. It includes themes such as media balance and wellbeing; privacy and security; digital footprint and identity; cyberbullying; and news and information literacy. Tammi states that her role is to "promote a culture of shared responsibility for supporting students with digital citizenship. I work closely with a cross departmental team, Common Sense Media, as well as other organizations to provide curriculum, resources, and learning opportunities for FCPS schools and the community."
Tammi's “why” is inspired by a relative who had an “unhealthy relationship with online gaming.” She says that rather than blaming the technology or her relative’s parents, she decided to learn more about why he was so drawn to it and what could be done about it. (That relative is now earning a second degree in nursing!)
Tammi's supervisor, Ken Martin, adds, “Tammi’s research and learning have been used by a multitude of schools and Pyramids to support digital citizenship learning events across the division. These events have an impact not only on the schools, but the communities they serve.” Derek Kelley, coordinator of the Instruction Technology Integration Office, says, “Tammi is passionate about supporting students, teachers, administrators, and parents in the safe and responsible use of technology."
In her free time, Tammi likes to hike with her English bulldog, Wally. She also enjoys skiing, yoga, traveling, and taking art classes.
Tammi, we appreciate your dedication to building healthy digital citizens across FCPS!
Congratulations to Liberty MS' Hilary Powell and Varrie Smart!
Congratulations to eighth grade teachers Hilary Powell (above, left) and Varrie Smart (above, right) from Liberty MS! Hilary and Varrie recently became teacher fellows with the International Teacher Education Network (ITEN). The fellowship is a two-year professional development and leadership experience for selected classroom teachers to share their professional knowledge and advance the teaching profession in the Western hemisphere.
Through the partnership between FCPS' Global Classroom Project and the Organization of American States, Hilary and Varrie attended a six-day workshop focused on equitable instructional practices in physics. They continue to grow in their instructional practice and leadership skills while making valuable contributions toward ITEN goals. (Submitted by Joann Hardy, PreK-12 Curriculum and Instruction project liaison.)
Attention: Full-Time, Monthly-Paid Instructional, Administrative, and Educational Support Employees
The Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board is the governing body of ERFC and supports ERFC’s mission to enhance the financial security of members through prudent financial stewardship. An electronic election to fill one trustee position on the Board of Trustees will be held March 31-April 27. Review the election process in Notice 4771. The notice also includes a petition, candidate statement form, and details on other requirements candidates must meet.
Petitions and candidate statement forms must be returned to the Office of Equity and Employee Relations (EER), Suite 2517, Gatehouse Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, by March 6. If you have questions, please call EER at 571-423-3252.
Employee Wellness is offering a Basics of Estate Planning workshop in conjunction with FCPS' Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Guidance Resources. This workshop will introduce you to the estate planning process and prepare you for important life matters. Registration is required. Visit the EAP webpage for workshop dates and times.
Alicia Hunter, an Equity and Cultural Responsiveness educational specialist with the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement, talks about focusing on students' assets and what they bring to the classroom, as we make decisions about their education in FCPS. Watch the video.
March 1-7 is School Social Workers Appreciation Week, and March is Social Work Appreciation Month. FCPS has 160 school social workers, who support every school and center. They have expertise in many areas including mental health, human development and behavior, trauma, and family systems. School social workers play a vital role in helping students meet academic, social, and emotional challenges on the way to becoming successful and productive young adults. We truly appreciate all of our school social workers! Watch this video to learn more about their role.
Statistics in Schools: Everyone Counts! Week is March 2-6. FCPS is supporting the 2020 Census by encouraging teachers to use free U.S. Census Bureau activities focused on statistics. Each activity also highlights the importance of a complete census count, which helps fund our schools. Visit the Statistics in Schools website.
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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