The awesome office staff at Groveton ES have been instrumental in preparing their families for the new school year. (Photo: Groveton ES)
FCPS' Office of Payroll Management has had many inquiries regarding the Presidential Executive Order announcing a deferral of social security taxes for employees. The U.S. Treasury Department is tasked with providing more guidance to employers which is expected in the coming weeks. Until then, FCPS will continue to withhold taxes appropriately. For more information, please visit Payroll’s intranet page.
Dr. Brabrand has named Gautam Sethi as the school division' chief information officer. Gautam will oversee the Department of Information Technology, effective September 21. He is currently serving as chief technology officer for the Douglas County School District in Castle Rock, Colorado. Read the news release.
FCPS Social Media Guidance for Staff outlines expectations for employees who use social media as a communications tool. While the guidance is updated throughout the year as needed, we are calling your attention to a substantial change.
In consultation with Division Counsel, the student privacy section has been updated to reflect that parent or guardian permission must be obtained prior to posting any student work on social media, because it is not defined as exempt directory information which may be released without consent. Student work includes, but is not limited to, drawings, artwork, and presentations, which may be considered part of a student’s education record. Additionally, student handwriting is considered a “biometric” record that is considered personally identifiable student information (PII). This guidance aligns with FERPA and is to be implemented effective immediately.
Other important reminders include:
- Staff may not post or share photos or videos of students whose parents have submitted a signed Opt-Out Form noting the Comprehensive Opt-Out Option or Choice C.
- Teachers who plan to feature students on their class/FCPS social media account should make parents aware of those plans as soon as possible. Any concerns about a student being featured in social media posts, whether from a parent or a student, must be respected.
Please review FCPS Social Media Guidance for Staff.
Francine Furby, Director, Transportation Services (left) and Maria Perrone, Director, Food and Nutrition Services (right) joined Superintendent Brabrand at last Wednesday's virtual Town Hall for operational staff.
Superintendent Brabrand's will host a virtual Town Hall for the community regarding technology support on Wednesday, September 2, at 6 p.m. View the livestream. Please email questions to ReturntoSchool@fcps.edu now or call 1-800-231-6359 during the forum.
Tuition Reimbursement Portal Is Open
The portal to apply for tuition reimbursement for Summer 2020 courses is open now through September 30. Interested and eligible contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in tuition reimbursement for one course that ended between May 16 and August 31. Visit FCPS’ Tuition Reimbursement intranet page for important information and access to the request portal. (VPN is required if accessing remotely.) Tuition reimbursement is available on a first-come, first-served basis using the current priority list. Remember to have your tuition paid receipt (see example) and grade report (see example) handy to complete the request. For more information, please email Tuitionbenefits@fcps.edu.
Become a National Board Certified Teacher in FCPS
Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is considered one of the most prestigious certifications a teacher can achieve. The Virginia Department of Education recognizes this by awarding $5,000 for the first year of certification and $2,500 each additional year a teacher maintains the certification. Interested teachers are invited to attend an information session about the benefits and process for achieving National Board Certification on Wednesday, September 2, from 4-5 p.m. Register for the information session on MyPDE. There is an asynchronous session as well as additional information on the FCPS National Board Certification website.
The Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement offers a three-credit Academy course to provide support throughout the candidacy process and tuition reimbursement toward the cost of certification. Please email NBCTInfo@fcps.edu for more information.
Fall Academy Courses for Teachers
The fall Academy Course Program will continue to provide virtual professional development opportunities for teachers, with over 80 virtual offerings that enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills in the following initiatives and goals that are prioritized by the school division:
- Social Emotional Learning.
- Mental and Emotional Safety of Students and Teachers.
- Student Engagement.
- Curriculum Support in the Virtual Environment.
- Technical Skills to Enhance Distance Learning.
- Family Engagement.
- Equity and Cultural Responsiveness.
Details including course syllabus, outcomes, and assignments will be listed in the Academy course catalog, which will be available on September 8, in MyPDE. Registration will open at 4 p.m. on September 14. See how to register or visit the Academy intranet page (VPN required) for more information. Please email Academy@fcps.edu with questions.
#OurFCPS Faces: Nathaniel Davis
Nathaniel Davis has been a technology support specialist (TSSpec) for FCPS for just over three years. He started at Willow Springs ES and is now part of the Centreville HS team.
Nathaniel serves as the local area network administrator and provides desktop support to everyone in the building. He explains, “When students or staff have a problem with their device not functioning properly, it is my responsibility to correct the issue, or find a suitable solution that supports the students’ education and learning and supports staffs’ ability to instruct students.” He adds, “Students and staff come in with issues that need support, and while I work to find a resolution, I get to learn about my customers and their background."
Principal Chad Lehman adds, “We are very fortunate to have Mr. Davis as our TSSpec at Centreville High School. He demonstrates the highest level of commitment to ensuring that our students and staff have their technology needs met. One of our TSSpec positions was vacant until recently, and Mr. Davis was our only TSSpec through much of the pandemic. Yet he always handles the high volume of work with efficiency, dedication, and a tremendously positive attitude."
When asked about the COVID closure, Nathaniel talked about the additional pressures TSSpecs have faced: "All my colleagues have been innovative, and I have seen them all support not only their staff with new techniques, but they have shared that knowledge with everyone else. This innovation and sharing have helped all of us to learn and to grow in ways we never would have thought necessary or even possible to a degree.”
Nathaniel's “why” is centered around his faith and family. He shared that his faith directs how he works and interacts with everyone around him. He explains, "My family drives my need to work and to be the parent I need to be. FCPS has been a huge part of all of that.” Nathaniel's free time is occupied with church activities and family. His two children keep him and his wife "on our toes at all times."
Thank you, Nathaniel, for the outstanding support you provide for staff and students!
Participate in an Employee Wellness Webinar
Employee Wellness, in conjunction with Guidance Resources, FCPS’ Employee Assistance Program, will be offering 45-minute webinars for your personal development. Please click on the appropriate link to register.
Gratitude: A Skill for Happier Living
September 14, noon
September 14, 4 p.m.
Learn how to focus on the positive elements of our lives with a few simple practices and choose gratitude to look forward to each day.
Developing Grit – Strategies for Success in Work and Life
September 21, at noon
September 21, 4 p.m.
Grit is mental toughness and the ability to persevere toward achieving difficult long-term goals. This course will examine the nature of grit and identify specific methods for developing it.
FCPS employees can get an exclusive discount on AT&T's best Unlimited Plan–up to $10 per line, per month on the AT&T Unlimited Elite Plan. The plan includes unlimited data, 30GB of mobile hotspot data, and other features. Log in to Perkspot or sign up to access savings from AT&T and other vendors.
FCPS’ Office of Auditor General (OAG) publishes Audit Buzz to provide a look into OAG’s work. Highlights from the latest issue include the status of current engagements, an update on registering FCPS with the National Registry of Continued Professional Education (CPE) Sponsors, and revisits internal controls. Check out Audit Buzz.
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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