Employee News – Wednesday, 3/25/20

Bren Mar Park ES staff who took part in a virtual meeting


With schools closed, Bren Mar Park ES tweeted this photo of staff holding their normal Friday spirit day virtually. They explained, "Staying at home doesn’t keep our community apart!" 


Coronavirus Updates

As many of you watched on Monday, Governor Ralph Northam announced that all Virginia K-12 schools are closed for the remainder of the school year, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Superintendent Brabrand sent a message to FCPS staff and families later that day, in response to the governor's decision. Today, Dr. Brabrand sent a message to all staff regarding work expectations, compensation, and benefits. View it on the intranet.


For coronavirus information and related resources, visit our Coronavirus Updates page. Also, FCPS is now publishing a daily digest for the FCPS community, highlighting things you need to know such as major county and state announcements, updates on instruction, and news articles. The digest includes positive examples of school outreach and a short Q&A, too.  


Popular COVID-19 Questions and Answers

The coronavirus outbreak is leaving many of us with a lot of questions. Some of the most popular ones, along with their answers, follow:

1. I need information on Benefits and/or Leave. Who do I contact?

Email hrconnection@fcps.edu.

2. I  have a question regarding payroll. Who do I contact?

Email hrconnection@fcps.edu.

3. Who will get paid for the two-week closure?

All contracted employees (those who accrue leave) with defined contract days and daily scheduled hours will continue to receive pay for their regular scheduled work hours for the remainder of their 2019-20 school year (190-day, 194-day, 218-day, etc.). Hourly and substitute employees will receive income replacement for the first two weeks of the closure (3/16-3/27). This information is included in an email that was sent to all staff today.   

4. How do I keep up with food distribution sites?

View the food distribution site list

5. Can I volunteer at an FCPS food distribution site?

Due to state training requirements for food distribution, it would be best to contact one of our community partners


Managing Your Anxiety Around COVID-19

Guidance Resources, the FCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP), is a free resource that can help keep employees and their household members informed about the coronavirus, as well as offer guidance on how to remain physically and emotionally healthy. Guidance Resources is available 24/7 to assist with support and resources on topics including work/life balance, confidential counseling, or legal and financial questions. Reach Guidance Resources by calling 1-855-355-9097; TDD:1-800-697-0353 or visit their website. (If you are logging in for the first time, use "FCPS" as the USER ID.) Email questions to EAPquestions@fcps.edu.


Things You Can Do to Support Yourself

The following tips are adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. This includes social media. 
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy and well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others virtually.

Find mental health resources.


Practice Healthy Habits at Home with Well Traveled

COVID-19 has imposed travel restrictions, but you can still visit great U.S. sites and stay healthy by participating in Well Traveled, a six-week virtual wellness challenge, sponsored by Employee Wellness. As you log your daily health habits for physical activity, sleep, and produce servings, you will earn points and virtually travel across the U.S., stopping at amazing places along the way. Participants will receive resources, tips, and healthy recipes daily. Team up with four to eight colleagues for added support and fun. Register now.

Although, Well Traveled started Monday, you have until Friday, March 27, to register. Visit the Employee Wellness website on the intranet. Please send questions to fitnesschallenge@fcps.edu.


Accessing IT Tech Support During FCPS Closure

The IT Service Desk will be teleworking and supporting FCPS staff remotely, in an effort to maintain their commitment to customer service. If you need technical assistance, please connect to the FCPS network via Virtual Private Network (VPN). Launch the RequestIT icon on your desktop and enter a RequestIT ticket. Please include your contact information in the ticket.

IT will process tickets in the order of receipt. Support personnel will contact you as soon as possible, if needed. Please do not call the IT Service Desk or your technology support specialist (TSSpec); they are all are working remotely. 

If you do not have VPN on your laptop, Pulse Secure VPN software is accessible for download in the Software Center. To install VPN software on your laptop, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the lower left of your screen.
  2. Scroll down in the alphabetical list of programs to Microsoft System Center and click on it.
  3. Software Center will appear. Click to launch it.
  4. Click the Pulse Secure VPN icon to install it.

If you are unable to connect to VPN, please email ITServiceDesk@fcps.edu


Protect Your G Suite Account with 2-Step Verification

Minimize the chance of your G Suite for Education account being compromised by adding a 2-Step verification process for extra protection. All FCPS employees have a G Suite account. (It ends with “fcpsschools.net,” as in jmdoe@fcpsschools.net.)

How does this help make your account more secure?

Your password is the first layer of security. 2-Step verification adds a second layer of security. If someone is able to hack through your password layer, he or she will still need your phone and security key to access your account.

How does it work?

  • Enter your password as usual. You will be asked to enter a security code. 
  • The code will be sent to your phone or mobile app, depending on how you set it up.

How do you set up 2-Step verification?

Visit Google's 2-Step Verification site for more details on how to add an extra layer of protection to your G Suite for Education account. If you have questions, please enter a RequestIT Ticket and include your contact information.


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 ITServiceDesk@fcps.edu with questions. 

Please email EmployeeNews@fcps.edu with potential submissions or questions. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!