Annandale HS' administrative staff is ready for the new school year. (Photo: Karen Bryan, Administrative Assistant)
Last Friday, Superintendent Brabrand welcomed back teachers and support staff, as we get ready for a 100-percent virtual start on Tuesday, September 8. If you missed Dr. Brabrand's video, please watch it now.
Telework Reminder
The following reminder is excerpted from Dr. Brabrand's August 7 message to staff:
FCPS continues to encourage employees who can telework to continue to telework. However, the virtual start to the school year may mean that there are job duties and tasks that cannot be completed in a telework setting. Principals and program managers may require an employee to report to their worksite to assist with various tasks including the distribution of laptops, school supplies, and other assignments, as needed, to begin the school year virtually. Employees will follow established safety guidelines at their work location, including the completion of a daily health screening questionnaire.
If you are asked to report to your work site, all employees will be required to wear a face covering and to complete the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)-FCPS Staff Training and review the Return to Work video available in MyPDE. We also ask that everyone working in an FCPS building continue to take important precautions to help us maintain a safe and healthy workplace–wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, and perhaps most important, stay home if you are sick. Hand sanitizer and extra cleaning supplies have been sent to worksites. Daytime custodians have been instructed to continuously disinfect and sanitize restrooms and high touch points throughout the day.
Employees who have submitted ADA requests for telework will continue to telework and will not be asked to return to the physical worksite unless the review process for each individual request determines that an employee may return with certain restrictions. For questions, please email eerada@fcps.edu.
Superintendent to Hold Town Hall Wednesday, August 19
School-Based Technology Specialists Nishi Langhorne (left) and Leslie Leisey (right) joined Superintendent Brabrand for last week's virtual Town Hall.
Join Dr. Brabrand for a virtual Town Hall Wednesday, August 19, from 6-7 p.m. Special guests at this week’s event will include school staff from FCPS’ social work and clinical teams. View the livestream or watch Channel 99 (Verizon, 11). You may ask questions before or during the forum by emailing ReturntoSchool@fcps.edu, or by calling 1-800-231-6359 during the forum.
Hailey Sabol tweeted about being welcomed as a new teacher at Glasgow MS. She's excited to start, and her furry friend, Ellie, looks pretty excited, too. See Hailey's tweet.
#OurFCPS Faces: Gabriela Marquez Canale
Gabriela Marquez Canale believes that social workers are the untapped resource of the century. She says, “Much more than just report-writers and resource finders, we are clinicians with a wealth of skills to share.” Although Gabriela has only been with FCPS for one year, she’s making a resounding impact at Fairfax County Adult High School (FCAHS). She is a clinical social worker and has been working in school social work for more than 15 years. Her passions are "education, equity, and the disruption of the school to prison pipeline."
Gabriela explains that at FCAHS, the school social worker role is slightly different than the typical social worker role. “Our students are very vulnerable, so the needs are diverse. I provide counseling to students individually and in groups, and even have the opportunity to do family work.”
Gabriela thinks about her work day and night. She is personally invested in improving the lives of the most vulnerable. Originally from Venezuela, and having a background in law, she is committed to helping others. “I want everyone to know that if they ever need help, or just a partner to brainstorm, I would be happy to collaborate.”
Gabriela credits her administrator and coworkers as part of her success. “Our school is lucky to have a brilliant administrator, and she has given me opportunities to participate in an array of tasks.” Administrator Michelle Morgan says Gabriela is “an advocate and cheerleader for our students, who possesses the unique gift of making students feel wonderful and special no matter the circumstance.”
Equity and advocacy are at the core of why Gabriela chose this work. She explains, “I believe every child deserves multiple chances. Learning can only happen in a safe environment, and I mean safe to make mistakes, learn from them and grow.
School closures due to COVID-19 have presented challenges as well as opportunities. Gabriela states, “Many of our students are already part of disenfranchised populations, so the distance takes away that element of socioemotional comfort and support that even a smile or a quick check-in can provide. However, the closure has forced us (teachers, administrators, and staff) to collaborate and be creative about ways to address any and all challenges that our students, their needs, and distance learning have given us. [...] The closure has been hard for all, yes, but the magic that happens when communities act in solidarity in times of crisis is inspiring!”
Coworker Denise Lee provides proof of that magic in her recent FCPS Cares submission on Gabriela's behalf.
In her free time, Gabriela enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She feels fortunate to live in Reston,Virginia, where they can be outdoors, play sports, and "have amazing friends and neighbors."
Gabriela, your skills, passion, and purpose are exactly what our students need. Thank you for all you do on their behalf!
Wondering how to access your FCPS email when you're not at work? Looking for quick links to licensure, payroll, or benefits information? Find those links and more on the Employee Resources page.
Save the Date: FCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference
FCPS will host its 7th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference over a three-week period beginning Monday, September 14 through Saturday, October 3. The virtual event will focus on resiliency. Our Minds Matter will also host a student strand. Inova will be sponsoring the conference for the second year in a row. Please stay tuned for more 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!
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