Employee News – Wednesday, 5/13/20

Area 2 Transportation Services


Staff and supervisors at Area 2, Office of Transportation Services sent a virtual message to their drivers and attendants. (Photo: Janet Goolsby, Coordinator, Area 2)


Get Help Coping with COVID-19

Camille Bartus, Wellness Specialist


FCPS Wellness Specialists Camille Bartus and Emilia Otero virtually joined Superintendent Brabrand to talk about mental health and wellness resources offered through the FCPS Employee Assistance Program. Watch the video.


How to Make Self-Care a Priority

In a time such as this, taking care of ourselves is a necessity. If we can make self-care a priority, it will be our best tool to guard against becoming mentally and physically depleted. FCPS' Healthy Minds blog provides a lot of great tips to incorporate self-care in our daily routine. Read the article


Photo of the Week

Sidewalk chalk on a driveway saying "Stay positive, healthy, strong. This too shall pass."


Pause for a moment to take in the positive messages left by an anonymous author. Thanks to Tracy Badger, an instructional assistant at Cub Run ES, for tweeting the photo.   


Cox Names Heroes of Distance Learning

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (last week), Cox Local VA went on a search to find Virginia teachers who have become Heroes of Distance Learning. Out of the 156 teachers nominated, Cox named 11 of them as Heroes of Distance Learning. Six of the top prize winners are from FCPS! They were awarded $1,000 for a virtual classroom makeover. Six additional teachers, including one from FCPS, were awarded $200. Meet Cox's Heroes of Distance Learning.


Stuff the Bus: Help Fairfax County Families

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, demand for food has increased dramatically. Help fight hunger and feed hope by participating in Stuff the Bus. Fastran buses will be parked at locations throughout Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax to collect food donations on Saturday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 19. Visit Fairfax County's website for locations, times, and tips on how to donate safely.  


FCPS Food Distribution Continues

FCPS continues to provide meals at no cost for students under the age of 18, Monday through Friday, at various school sites and along bus routes. Adults may pay $2 for a meal. Food distribution will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Get more information


#OurFCPS Faces: Cory Yeager

Cory Yaeger, Fort Hunt ES, School-Based Technology Specialist


As a show of appreciation for Cory Yeager, Fort Hunt ES staff prepared a slide show tribute with this message: “Hats off to Cory for guiding and instructing us through this exceptional time. We appreciate all your support and patience. Go Bills! (Hopefully football will happen in the fall!)” What a wonderful way to celebrate Fort Hunt's school-based technology specialist (SBTS)!

Cory joined FCPS 16 years ago as a third and fifth grade teacher at Hybla Valley ES. He spent time at Woodley Hills ES, Columbia ES, Sleepy Hollow ES, and Fort Belvoir Upper ES, before landing at Fort Hunt, where he's been for the past two years.

Cory originally came to this area to gain teaching experience that he could take back to upstate New York. He says, “I stayed because I realized I had found what I consider to be a gem in the education world. I appreciate the tremendous leaders that I have been privileged enough to work for and the vast amount of professional development opportunities that are available to me. I owe so much to the leaders and educators in this county.”

With the school closure, schools are relying on their SBTS more than ever. Cory says, “The closure provided me an opportunity to support teachers in a way I have never been able to achieve in this role. I was excited by the new challenges, and I was very motivated to help our staff in any way I could. We have a very dedicated staff who have been wonderful to work with. They have been very patient with me and have shown a lot of appreciation. I consider myself very lucky to be in this role with THIS staff.”

Colleague Veronica Lindeman states, “Cory is polite, kind, and caring. Definitely a good example of a gentleman and a professional. He is always there when you need him the most. [...] He is a great part of our school team."

Principal Tim Slayter adds, “Cory is a talented SBTS with a humble heart. He loves helping and supporting other teachers but prefers not to take any credit. Their success is his success, and that’s why he is so appreciated by his Fort Hunt teacher colleagues.”

Outside of work, Cory enjoys time with his wife, Amy, and his dog, Opie. He likes golfing, snowboarding, wake boarding, and water skiing–anything outdoors where he can be active. His favorite quote [attributed to several authors] is: "Whatever you are, be a good one." You, Cory, are a great one!


ERFC Election: Meet the Candidates

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. The 2020 ERFC election is happening now through Thursday, May 14. All eligible FCPS employees should have received an email yesterday from FCPSSurvey@fcps.edu with a link to vote. Get information about the candidates on ERFC's website.   


Coronavirus Information

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


Staff Staples


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