Mosby Woods ES staff wore orange on Unity Day to take a stand against bullying. (Photo: Mosby Woods ES)
Yesterday, Dr. Brabrand announced that current health metrics for COVID-19 cases in our community have exceeded the threshold to expand our in-person learning. As a result, FCPS is "pressing pause" and delaying expanding in-person instruction to Group 5, which includes Early Head Start, pre-K, kindergarten and select students who receive special education services, who were scheduled to return today. Read the superintendent's message.
Dr. Brabrand will hold another Return to School Town Hall Thursday, November 19, from 6-7 p.m. You may watch it on FCPS cable channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) or on the FCPS website. Please submit your questions in advance by email to returntoschool@fcps.edu or call 1-800-231-6359 during the Town Hall.
Photo of the Week
Forestville ES teachers Renee Riddell (left) and Jane Conner (right) came together, but not too close together, to distribute supplies to their students. (Photo: Ann Marie Mochen, School-Based Technology Specialist)
FCPS Names Chief Academic Officer and Chief Equity Officer
Superintendent Brabrand announced two executive appointments yesterday. Sloan Presidio (left) has been named chief academic officer, effective today. Sloan currently serves as FCPS' assistant superintendent for Instructional Services. Read the news release. Lisa Williams (right) will serve as FCPS' chief equity officer, with an effective date to be determined. Lisa is executive director of the Department of Equity and Cultural Proficiency in Baltimore County (Maryland) Public Schools. Read the news release.
#OurFCPS Faces: Karen Snow
“Everyone is a reader… Some just haven’t found their favorite book yet." This anonymous quote is treasured by Karen Snow. It's painted on a wall in the Stratford Landing ES library, where Karen has served as librarian for the last eight years. Before arriving at Stratford Landing, she taught third grade at Gunston ES and fourth grade at Hunt Valley ES.
As school librarian, Karen orders and maintains the library, is the team chairperson for specialists, and runs the news show featuring teachers and students. In addition, she creates book trailers and self-help information for teachers, and manages the book fair along with curbside pickup for students to access library books.
Karen points out that her job changes every day, which is one of the things she likes most about it. She says, “I love teaching and interacting with all the students in the school–seeing kids’ faces light up when [I] hand them a book they have been waiting for, helping teachers locate materials that enhance their lessons. There is never a dull moment in the library, and it is a welcoming place for all.”
Virtual learning has made checking out books difficult, but with curbside delivery, it has been easier. Karen is grateful to her assistant, Laura Odegard, for her help.
Colleague and parent liaison Kate Pennington says, “Karen has collaborated with other FCPS librarians and has brought curbside and contactless book pickup and return to our families. Our students can continue to choose books and enjoy reading, and the books are safely quarantined upon return before being checked out again. In addition, Ms. Snow teaches classes in all grade levels and focuses on teaching the children about digital resources while encouraging their love of reading.”
Principal Kevin Morris adds, “Mrs. Snow has great reading relationships with her students and helps our students find their reading passion.”
For Karen, nothing is more rewarding than contributing to the education of others. That's her "why." She explains, “My job as a librarian is all about connections, and virtually I had to make that work by attending morning meetings, creating a news show with fun things for kids to do on their down time, and making my lessons engaging [so students want] to participate."
Outside of FCPS, Karen loves to work in her yard, boat with friends, and spend time with her family and dog outdoors. And, of course, she reads a lot!
Karen, thank you for helping instill of a love of reading in our students!
Do you know an FCPS graduate or student who is interested in becoming a teacher in FCPS? If so, please invite them to attend the Office of Talent Acquisition and Management's virtual Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar on Tuesday, December 15, from 5-7 p.m. This event will give FCPS graduates, and current FCPS juniors or seniors, an opportunity to learn about the hiring process, employee resources, and becoming a successful educator. Get more information.
Virtual fitness classes for November are still available! From yoga to cardio kickboxing, there's something for everyone. You may view class descriptions and recordings on the Employee Wellness webpage (VPN required). Participation is limited, so please sign up today!
Register for Employee Wellness Webinars
Time Management Principles
Work, family, and personal life responsibilities can feel overwhelming. It sometimes seems as if a 24-hour day simply isn’t long enough to get everything done. Join the Time Management Principles webinar to help feel more in control. Please register using one of the links below:
Coping with Compassion Stress
Selfless individuals who are committed to helping others may be at an increased risk of neglecting their own self-care. The Coping with Compassion Stress webinar will raise awareness of maintaining appropriate self-care, despite the demands of professional or personal pressures. Please register using one of the links below:
NOTE: If you cannot attend the live session, please register to receive the recording.
For additional information, visit our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Guidance Resources online, and use Web ID: FCPS, or call our EAP at 1-855-355-9097.
New Pony Mailbox at Gatehouse
A new FCPS Pony mailbox (above, left) has been installed in front of the Gatehouse Administration Center main lobby entrance and adjacent to the existing U.S. Postal Service mailbox (above, right). The Pony mailbox is for FCPS internal mail only. It will fit large, flat envelopes, and may be used for any FCPS internal items such as teacher licenses, benefits, and payroll changes. Internal mail will be sorted and distributed throughout Gatehouse. Contents within the Pony mailbox will be picked up at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday-Friday and distributed by Property Management staff.
The pandemic has increased the amount of stress faced by students and families who are struggling to access food. Project Cornucopia is the latest fund established at the Foundation for FCPS to provide needy students and their families with grocery gift cards for the holidays. Your generosity will help ensure that all of our students can enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Donate to Project Cornucopia.
FCPS’ Office of Auditor General (OAG) publishes Audit Buzz to provide a look into OAG’s work. In this issue of Audit Buzz, OAG summarizes the status of current engagements, offers highlights from the November 11 Audit Committee meeting, and provides steps to stay cybersafe. Learn about International Fraud Awareness Week, too. Read the Read the latest issue of 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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