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Second grade teachers at Island Creek ES share a special message for their students. (Photo: Island Creek ES)
![YouTube button on a sign saying "We [heart] our teachers.](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/VAEDUFCPS/2020/05/3345836/teacher-appreciation_original.png)
Every day, FCPS teachers and staff demonstrate passion, purpose, and an unstoppable commitment to serving our students. We have witnessed this 10-fold during the last seven weeks. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, FCPS leadership wants everyone to know how grateful they are for our outstanding educators and staff members. Please watch the video and be sure to #thankateacher today and every day!
Confidential Counseling and Other Resources
The rich resources available through FCPS' Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Guidance Resources, can help keep you informed about COVID-19, and offer guidance on how to remain healthy and manage the emotional impact. Guidance Resources provides confidential counseling, access to legal and financial advice, and work/life specialists. Employees and their household members can call 1-855-355-9097, 24 hours a day/seven days a week for support. Please consider taking advantage of this free employee benefit.
Worries are thoughts about the future that generate fear. They arrive in the form of “What if?” and generate dire warnings about terrible consequences that await. These warnings are generally overblown and focused on hypothetical problems that probably won’t happen.
Chronic worry that impacts your quality of life becomes anxiety. If you're looking for strategies to help put you at ease, please join Employee Wellness’ Managing Worry and Anxiety Webinar. The event will be held May 18, at 8:15 a.m. Register now. Email questions to eapquestions@fcps.edu.
Interested in finding a cool learning space in your home? Try the refrigerator! April Medina, a teacher at Mount Eagle ES, shows us how it's done. The magical hat is a bonus! (Photo: Mount Eagle ES)
Wellness Goes Virtual
Every Wednesday, employees will have the opportunity to tune into an online wellness seminar and learn more about topics such as making healthy meals and getting restful sleep. On Fridays, live fitness classes will be available, including Mat Pilates, Bootcamp, and Yoga. All classes will be held at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. Registration is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Class recordings as well as other on-demand wellness resources are available on the Employee Wellness website on the intranet. See class descriptions. Register now.
Access Wellbeats for On-Demand Fitness Classes and More
Register for the online wellness platform Wellbeats to access on-demand fitness classes, join goal-based challenges, view cooking demos, and other activities. More than 500 classes are available online, ranging from one to 60 minutes. Receive class recommendations based on your preferences and goals. Wellbeats is available to all FCPS staff through May 31. Register on Wellbeats and use code: b6500a3c.
Follow Employee Wellness on Social Media
Did you know that Employee Wellness has a presence on Twitter and Instagram? Start following them today!
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and remind those with mental illness that they should never feel alone. As we navigate the stress and uncertainty surrounding the current health crisis, taking care of our emotional health has never been more important. Choose from a wide variety of helpful resources on Guidance Resources, our Employee Assistance Program website. If it's your first time logging in, use Web ID: FCPS.
#OurFCPS Faces: Mario MartinezDiaz
Nearly everyone who has worked at FCPS for the past 12 years has encountered Mario MartinezDiaz. Mario is the calm and friendly client services manager, who oversees the Welcome Center at Gatehouse Administration Center. As he puts it, “We’re the 'Human' in Human Resources.”
Mario has worked for the Department of Human Resources (HR) since joining FCPS. His primary responsibility is to ensure every new hire receives a thorough background check at the state and federal level. He explains, "I work very closely with Virginia State Police and the Department of Social Services in Richmond, to confirm that every candidate gets processed in a timely manner. This is to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. I am also responsible for ensuring that FCPS is in compliance with federal guidelines as they relate to U.S. immigration laws–more specifically, employment authorization and identity of new employees.”
Craig Maniglia, manager of HR communications, says, “Mario is a very effective supervisor in our Welcome Center. He greets everyone who visits [before the closure] with a smile and a willingness to do whatever is needed to make their time here pleasant and efficient. He looks for the positive in change and makes the best out of each situation.”
Mario's work has been greatly impacted by the closure, since much of his office's activities require face-to-face interaction. While working from home, he meets virtually with his team to provide necessary supports for staff and the community. He and his wife have created a schedule to help them navigate teleworking while taking care of their one-year-old.
As for his “why,” Mario explains, “I feel that the contribution I provide to FCPS makes a difference every day. Although most of our work is done in the back-end and at times is unnoticeable, I’m ok knowing that in my role, I’m able to provide a safe environment for everyone in FCPS.”
Thank you, Mario, for serving as an outstanding example of caring culture within FCPS.
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!
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