Employee News – Wednesday, 4/29/20

Fairfax Academy staff holding 1-1-4-0 for the number of students enrolled this August.


Fairfax Academy staff celebrated their record enrollment for the fall–1,140 students. (Photo: Fairfax Academy)


February Cares of the Month Winners

Congratulations to FCPS Cares of the Month recipients for February! The winners are:

  • Central Office: Kim Kelly, Area 3 Transportation.
  • Region 1: Lesley Aschenbach, Aldrin ES.
  • Region 2: Holley Remer, Chesterbrook ES.
  • Region 3: Lonnie Bickel, Pulley Career Center.
  • Region 4: Sarah Pike, Lindsay Warren, Athena Privett, Madi McKenna, Becky Brandt, and Anita Williams; West Springfield HS.
  • Region 5: Michelle McCarten, Daniels Run ES.

See what makes the winners special. 

FCPS Cares–Going the Distance!

Since schools and offices physically closed in March, countless FCPS staff have put in a herculean effort to support students, parents, and their FCPS colleagues during this challenging time. You can honor these outstanding individuals with an FCPS Cares–Going the Distance recognition. Send your submission today!


Deadline Extended for Teacher Grant Applications

The deadline to submit applications for the Foundation for FCPS' teacher grant program for the 2020-21 school year has been extended to Friday, May 15. Grants are intended to support work-based learning opportunities for students at all levels. Teachers and principals can view brief descriptions of previous grants and access the application on the Foundation’s website. 

Any current year grantees should have been notified of the final report deadline and information about carry-over to next year. Please contact the Foundation for more information at foundation@fcps.edu.


Video of the Week

Clearview ES Assistant Principal Kate Becker reads her self-published book, "The Day School Closed."

 

Kate Becker, assistant principal at Clearview ES, recently debuted her new children's book, The Day School Closed. The story features a young girl who experiences different emotions about schools being closed. It's beautifully written and illustrated. Watch Kate read the book aloud.  


FCPS Foundation and Central Office Staff Provide School Supply Kits for Students

We are excited to share that 30,678 students in Title I schools, and students living in homeless shelters, received school supply kits to support their learning at home. This collaborative effort included funding from the the Foundation for FCPS and Title I, as well as direct support from the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement, Title I, Office of Communication and Community Relations, Department of Special Services, and Instructional Services Department. Thanks to these groups, many students are prepared to learn!


Graduate Educational Leadership University Programs

James Madison University (JMU)

JMU offers a master's degree or certificate in School Administration. If you are interested in learning about these programs, please attend an information session on Tuesday, May 5, at 4 p.m. You will need to join the following Zoom Meeting, Meeting ID: 977 1596 0481. Please contact Dr. Roger Collins at colli5rd@jmu.edu with questions.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has two Principal Preparation programs that lead to certification as a school principal. Informational sessions about the face-to-face and online programs will be held Tuesday, May 5, and Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m., at this Zoom link. Learn more about the Principal Preparation programs.

George Mason University (GMU)

GMU is planning an Education Leadership Cohort which offers a master's degree program with administrative licensure in preK-12, as well as a program for licensure only. The EDLE program will hold virtual information sessions on April 27, May 4, and May 18, at 4:30 pm. Register to attend. Please email edleprog@gmu.edu with questions.


All Things Equity: Considering Multiple Perspectives 

The Equity and Cultural Responsiveness (ECR) team is happy to announce a weekly professional learning series, All Things Equity. Each week ECR will share tools, resources, and strategies to consider, as we navigate equity and access for distance learning and remote engagement.  

Leader of the Lens Questions. Consider varying perspectives as we see things differently and support students, families, and staff in a way that is respectful and responsive in light of continued distance learning and remote engagement.

Virtual Communication: Presenting with Empathy Webinar. In this webinar, Duarte Executive Speaker Coaches Doug and Nicole share tips they’ve used to help professionals focus on empathy when communicating virtually. 

If you have questions about resources and support please email ecr@fcps.edu.

Note: Sources are varied and well established. Ideas included in this message are for consideration. The FCPS ECR Team does not endorse any particular groups, individuals, or companies.


ERFC Trustee Election to Be Held May 12-14

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. The ERFC Board provides strategic direction and oversight. All eligible members will receive an email from FCPSSurvey@fcps.edu containing a link to vote in the 2020 ERFC election on May 12. If you have questions, please call the Office of Equity and Employee Relations at 571-423-3252.


Coronavirus Information

Bookmark the following webpages for the latest information regarding FCPS operations during the pandemic: 


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!