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School counselors at Hayfield SS show off their college spirit wear while wishing the Class of 2020 a Happy Decision Day. (Photo: Hayfield Counselors and Career Center)
All-Staff Town Hall on Wednesday, June 10
Join FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Sloan Presidio, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Helen Nixon for an FCPS All-Staff Town Hall on Wednesday, June 10, from 7-8 p.m. View the livestream on FCPS.edu or on Channel 99. All staff are encouraged to ask questions before or during the forum by emailing ReturntoSchool@fcps.edu or calling 1-800-231-6359 (during the forum). The following topics will be covered: Return to School scenarios, upcoming staff and family surveys, helpful HR resources, and answers to your questions and concerns.
New guidance has been issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to permit mid-year change opportunities for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) participants for the remainder of 2020. As a result, employees may elect to participate, increase, or decrease their 2020 election(s) under the Health Care and Dependent Care FSA without having a qualifying event. These election changes will be applied only to future contributions. Additionally, the IRS is permitting cancellation of FSA enrollment for the 2020 plan year and refunds for prior periods, only if no clams have been filed for 2020. Visit Benefit Service’s Mid-Year Change Opportunities webpage.
Archer ES is doing a "drive by" sixth grade promotion on Thursday, June 11. In addition to their promotion certificates, sixth graders will receive their Class of 2020 t-shirts as a surprise. Not only are Archer staff members proud of this year’s graduates, but they are also proud to celebrate Archer's Class of 2014, who are now seniors. Check out the video on teacher Rebecca Sobel's Twitter.
Important Survey Coming Soon
An important survey about returning to schools and work sites this fall, and your experiences with distance learning and teleworking this spring will be sent to your FCPS email address by the end of the week. Staff feedback will provide valuable insight as we plan for the coming school year. Your voice counts; please share your thoughts with us.
#OurFCPS Faces: James Marotta
James Marotta moved to Northern Virginia and began his career with FCPS at Navy ES in 2013. The Long Island, New York native is an enhanced autism and behavior intervention teacher. He considers himself fortunate to be "part of all of the great things happening at Navy, working with the staff that has become like a second family, and working with the families and students that make the Navy community a blessing to be a part of.”
James also serves as the local screening chair, which gives him the unique opportunity to work with families, engage in discussions, and truly be part of the process to obtain necessary supports for their children.
Principal Jon Coch says, “James Marotta is a wonderful asset to the Navy community. He is a staff member that supports the students, staff, and community in a positive manner. He is a great person to work with on a daily basis and serves as a good role model for the Navy students.”
James is guided by his favorite quote from Martin Luther King: “Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.” He explains, “Education is more than learning to read and understanding your multiplication facts. It’s about building character and fostering meaningful relationships. He adds, "My 'why' is because I want to be able to make an impact by instilling a growth mindset in every student with whom I cross paths.”
During distance learning this spring, James and his wife experienced some of the same challenges echoed by many others–juggling working from home while taking care of a child. However, he realizes, "There are people who have it a lot worse. We just try to stay positive, and I continue to do all I can to support the school community, even if it is just to be an ear for someone who needs it. We are all in this together.”
When James is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He adds, “I like working out, watching sports, and trying new restaurants when I can.” As a New Yorker, James considers himself "a glutton for punishment being a Knicks, Mets, and Jets fan." His father always said it helps build character and loyalty.
Thank you, James, for your incredible impact on student success.
Academy Course Program: Learners at the Center
The Academy course program is offering a prioritized list of one-credit courses this summer. Courses will begin as early as July 1, and end by August 10. All courses will be delivered virtually with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Courses will address the following topics:
- social and emotional learning.
- trauma-informed practices.
- instructional technology.
- building relationships and teaching in the virtual and/or blended environment.
- mental wellness for staff and students.
Registration will begin Friday, June 12, at noon. For information on how to access the Academy catalog, please visit the Academy intranet page. Email the Academy Team with questions at Academy@fcps.edu.
Current employees, including substitutes, who would like to become special education teachers for the 2020-21 school year will be able to access EDSE 501–Introduction to Special Education tuition free this summer with George Mason University. Preference will be given to classroom support employees (instructional assistants, public health attendants, and public health training assistants) who are interested in filling vacancies; particularly in low-incidence programs such as Category B teacher positions serving students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Eligible candidates must have a principal or manager recommendation, agree to the terms of the program, and at a minimum, hold a bachelor’s degree. Upon successful completion, candidates will be eligible to apply for current vacancies in special education. EDSE 501–Introduction to Special Education is an online, on-demand master’s level class, where students work through self-directed modules. Once registered, candidates will have until August 17 to complete the course. Get course details. If you would like more information, please complete this form.
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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