Fox Mill ES staff distributed supplies and laptops to students earlier this month. (Photo: Fox Mill ES)
Superintendent Brabrand presented the annual Opening of Schools report during the September 17 School Board meeting. The report provides an overview of demographics, hiring statistics, budget, technology systems, capital improvements, and other information about the school division. Watch the video.
Congratulations to Kings Glen ES teacher Lisa Rode for being named the Region 4 Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education! Lisa will compete for the 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year title with seven other regional Teachers of the Year. The winner will be announced Thursday, October 8. Read the news release.
Fall Academy Courses Open for Registration
The fall Academy Course Program is now open for registration. The Academy continues to provide in-depth and immediately relevant professional development opportunities that enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills to support prioritized FCPS initiatives and goals. Some of the courses that directly support teaching and learning in the virtual environment include:
- AC-1175 Building Your Digital Learning Environment in FCPS.
- AC-2815 Supporting Students’ Executive Functioning in a Digital Environment.
- AC-2638 Using Technology to Enhance Project-Based Learning in Elementary School.
- AC-2677-1 Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in Collaborative Settings.
- AC-2814 Blended Learning in a Transforming Classroom.
Details such as course syllabi, outcomes, and assignments are listed in the course description. Watch a video on how to register or visit the Academy intranet page (VPN required) for more information. Please email Academy@fcps.edu, if you have questions.
Photo of the Week
Pictured left to right: Bus drivers Elsa Fisher, Jean Demas, Jim Jackson, Patty Vollmer, and Karen Gilmore. (Photo: Jessica Trexler, Bus Driver Supervisor)
Many of our bus drivers are supporting schools in other ways during virtual learning. The drivers above are from Team 36 in Area 3 Transportation Services. They recently visited Fairview ES to help prepare school supply bags.
Congratulations to Our Two Newest Principals
We are excited to acknowledge our newest principals:
Please join us in congratulating them!
Register for Employee Wellness' Emotional Intelligence Webinar
Building emotional intelligence improves your ability to master your emotional functioning. It can also improve communication with others, enhance your perception of satisfaction with yourself and your life, and increase your overall productivity.
Interested in learning more? If so, please register for the Emotional Intelligence webinar courtesy of Employee Wellness, in conjunction with Guidance Resources, FCPS’ Employee Assistance Program. The 45-minute webinar will be held on Monday, September 28, at noon and at 4 p.m. Please click on your preferred time to register.
#OurFCPS Faces: Jerry Richardson
Jerry Richardson is a fifth grade Advanced Academic Program (AAP) teacher at Bush Hill ES. He recently returned to FCPS after teaching English to fourth and fifth grade students for one year in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Although this is Jerry’s first year at Bush Hill, he is starting his sixth year of teaching in FCPS. (He taught at Parklawn ES for five years.) More than anything else, Jerry sees his job as "serving as an accessible and approachable role model by modeling to students how to be a better reader, writer, thinker, and problem solver.”
Jerry’s motivation is the significant growth he’s seen in his students’ academic and social skills. He says, “Knowing that I contributed to [my] students’ success empowers me to continue my work of service.” Jerry is truly dedicated to improving his "teaching craft" to benefit his community and the families he serves. And, he believes that FCPS' strong teaching environment allows him to do just that: “The opportunities that teachers are given to extend their learning through Academy classes, [combined with] school leaders who listen and implement necessary changes to school culture, and the resources provided to teachers are unmatched.”
Principal Mary Duffy attests to Jerry’s commitment. She says, “I have had the pleasure of hiring Jerry to work for FCPS two different times. I first helped to hire him as a first-year teacher at Parklawn Elementary several years ago. This past February, I reached out to him via Twitter to see if he was planning to return to the U.S. after teaching abroad. I shared with him that our school would have a vacancy for fifth grade AAP and encouraged him to apply. The rest is history! Over the years, I have come to know Jerry as a passionate educator who loves his students. He is constantly learning and stretching his own skills. He builds strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. He is a positive collaborator who gives of his time. I knew he would be a great addition to our staff and a fabulous role model for our students.”
When Jerry returned to FCPS, he returned to virtual learning. While he admits that teaching virtually has not been ideal, he has adjusted to teaching online by taking advantage of professional development opportunities, communicating with other teachers and staff, and pushing himself to be flexible and creative.
Outside of FCPS, Jerry loves to hike with friends, family, or alone. He uses that time to clear his head and focus on self-care.
We are so happy you came #Back2Fairfax, Jerry!
Employees can list personally-owned items or real estate that they're seeking to buy, sell, or rent on the FCPS Classifieds. Staff may also use this service to advertise for roommates. Visit the Classifieds on the intranet (VPN required).
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic rise in the demand for food from area nonprofits. On Saturday, September 26, Fastran buses will be parked at 21 locations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to collect food for the Stuff the Bus food drive. See the list of donation sites and other information on Fairfax County's website.
Hispanic Heritage Month is acknowledged annually from September 15-October 15. The celebration honors the rich history, culture, and many contributions of Hispanic Americans. Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.
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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