2020-21 Inclement Weather Day Procedures
This year, FCPS will provide additional approaches for observing “snow days” during the inclement weather season that may include synchronous instruction (teacher-led) and asynchronous instruction (independent). If conditions are warranted, we do anticipate that there will be “typical” snow days as we have had in past years. As with any inclement weather event, each one is very different than the other, and they can present unique challenges for our students, staff, and community.
FCPS will continue to evaluate how weather conditions impact our operations and will notify you as we have in the past through the FCPS website, Twitter, Facebook, email, text messages, and the local media. Please be aware, due to the large volume of emails sent there will likely be a lag between social media postings and receipt of an email in your inbox.
More information is available online.
Video: School Board Work Session on Return to School
The School Board held a work session on December 10 to discuss the tentative plan for returning students to in-person instruction. A video of the work session is available online.
Updated Meal Distribution on December 15
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing all students access to meals during the possibility of inclement weather this week.
On Tuesday December 15, meals will be distributed for both Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Grab and Go locations will offer two days of breakfast and lunch.
- Bus routes will offer two days of breakfast and lunch.
Meal kit sites that normally distribute on Wednesdays will distribute on Tuesday, December 15.
FCPS will continue to monitor the weather and will alert families to additional changes. Updates will be posted online.
Grab and Go Meals for Winter Break
Fairfax County Public Schools is providing all students access to meals during the FCPS Winter Break. The following plan will be in place from Friday, December 18 through Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Photos of the Week
Check out this week's photos to see students learning about migratory birds, performing in a virtual choral concert, participating in holiday food drives, and practicing music on their stringed instruments.
Calendar Reminder: Winter Break Is December 21 to January 1, 2021
As a reminder, this year winter break starts on December 21 and ends on January 1, 2021. All students will resume classes virtually on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Monday, January 4, 2021, is an asynchronous (independent) day.
See the complete 2020-21 school year calendar.
Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Did you know that the Fairfax County Health department’s contact tracing efforts help slow the spread of COVID-19 by making individuals aware of those they’ve been in contact with who have tested positive for COVID-19?
Slowing the spread of COVID-19 also requires people to answer the health department’s call, stay home from work and school during their isolation period, and provide the information needed to protect others who may be at risk of becoming ill.
Learn more about how you can help in the fight against COVID-19 by downloading COVIDWISE, the free, voluntary smartphone app that is available to all Virginians.
Virginia Department of Health to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall December 16 at 7 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will host “Virginia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall” on Wednesday, December 16, at 7 p.m. The virtual town hall will be hosted by WRIC-TV and VDH, and livestreamed on several channels across the Commonwealth. A team of community and medical professionals will answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
More information is available online.
Video: FCPS Safety Teams Review Mitigation Strategies
Safety Teams are being deployed to schools and centers across FCPS every weekday. They will conduct random onsite spot checks, immediately deliver education and resources, and report their findings to administrators on a continuous basis. Safety Team members consist of FCPS staff members and retirees. Watch the video to learn more.
New Employment Opportunities in Fairfax County Public Schools: Classroom Monitors
FCPS schools and centers are hiring classroom monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when some staff members continue to work virtually. If you would like more information about the position, review the job description online and apply if interested. Please share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.
FCPS Is Seeking Individuals to Serve as Substitute Teachers
Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply online or attend one of our Friday information sessions to learn more. To sign up for a session, visit the FCPS substitute teacher information page.
FCPS Cares of the Month Winners for October
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. All FCPS Cares submissions were reviewed, and six winners were selected for the month of October—one for each region and the central office—to receive extra recognition for their work. They are:
-
Central: Brad Hollis, Instructional Programs Support Center, Instructional Services Department.
-
Region 1: Nick Sylor and Padma Iddamalgoda, Madison High School.
-
Region 2: Joshua Floyd – Glasgow Middle School.
-
Region 3: Angela Perez – Whitman Middle School.
-
Region 4: Kristy Carballo – Robinson Secondary School.
-
Region 5: Emily Tobin and Michelle McCoy – Deer Park Elementary School.
Get more information about the winners and how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee who has gone above and beyond.
Special Event on December 15 for FCPS Graduates and Students Who Want to Teach in FCPS
Do you know an FCPS graduate or student who is interested in being a teacher in FCPS? FCPS graduates and current FCPS juniors or seniors are invited to join us for a virtual event on Tuesday, December 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. for the third annual Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar. Learn more about how to navigate the hiring process, employee resources, and tips to being a successful educator.
Join us for an evening filled with networking opportunities, breakout sessions, and FCPS employment information. We invite current students and FCPS graduates to Say Yes to FCPS!
Registration for the event is available online.
From the Healthy Minds Blog: Build Children's Self-Esteem Through Praise
Praising children is one of the ways that parents can build up children's self-esteem and self-worth. Having a strong, positive sense of self is important for a child’s development. Ultimately as parents, we want children to grow up to be kind, caring individuals.
Children's behavior may be a reflection of how they feel about themselves. When they hear affirming and positive comments, children view themselves as positive people, and they tend to behave that way toward themselves and others. The same holds true with a negative view of themselves. If children hear enough negative comments, they will begin to internalize them, believe them, and behave accordingly.
Children learn to be nurturing and caring when being treated that way...and praise does just that. Learn about the two distinct kinds of praise that parents can give.
Six Ways to Manage Mental Health During COVID-19
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to change the way we live, work and play, it is normal for us to feel anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what to expect. The social isolation of COVID-19 can affect us in different ways.
Although there is no right way to manage stress, there are many strategies for us to practice that promote positive emotional and mental health.
FCPS in the News
Quick Links:
|
