Langley HS' administrative team is feeling festive in their school spirit wear. (Photo: Langley HS)
2020-21 Inclement Weather Day Procedures
This year, FCPS will provide additional approaches for observing “snow days” during the inclement weather season. These approaches may include synchronous instruction (teacher-led) and asynchronous instruction (independent). Read Dr. Brabrand's message for details.
Additionally, in anticipation of tomorrow's inclement weather, FCPS announced that tomorrow, Wednesday, December 16, will be a virtual, synchronous learning day for all students.
Masks are most likely to slow the spread of COVID-19 when widely used in public. Wear a mask around people not living in your household, especially when social distancing (at least 6 feet apart) is difficult. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In last week's Employee News, we mentioned that FCPS has deployed Safety Teams to help monitor each school's adherence to five mitigation strategies for COVID-19. Watch this video to see a Safety Team in action.
Congratulations to FCPS CARES of the Month recipients for November! The winners are:
- Central Office: Loretta Cross, Lorton Center, Transportation.
- Region 1: Brian Sladki, Aldrin ES.
- Region 2: Jan Rayl, Falls Church Academy.
- Region 3: Mike Henrich, West Potomac HS.
- Region 4: Jamaal Hines, Lake Braddock SS.
- Region 5: Mark Daugherty, Stone MS.
See what makes the winners special. Recognize a staff member today.
The Team Behind the Scenes: Human Resources' Recognition Team
Meet Human Resources staff members Shelli Wayland, employee programs specialist (left); Bryan Buser, multimedia development specialist (center); and Beth Boivin, employee programs specialist (right).
We all know that engagement matters in the classroom, but it also has a positive impact on employee productivity, retention, and loyalty. The Department of Human Resources' Office of Business Services works behind the scenes to help ensure all employees feel valued, acknowledged, and heard. This amazing team includes Shelli Wayland, employee programs specialist; Bryan Buser, multimedia development specialist; and Beth Boivin, employee programs specialist. Some of their projects include new teacher orientation, employee engagement and climate surveys, and HR intranet and webpage design support. They also work on employee recognition programs and events such as FCPS CARES; Excellence, Service, and Outstanding Employee Awards; and the Retirement Ceremony. During the pandemic, Shelli, Bryan, and Beth have found creative ways to virtually honor exceptional employees and spread positivity throughout FCPS.
Change to Integrated Disability Management Program Administration
Effective January 1, 2021, administration of FCPS’ integrated disability management (IDM) program will be managed by two new vendors. Sedgwick will administer FCPS’ short-term disability and workers’ compensation benefits. Metlife will administer long-term disability benefits. Program benefits remain unchanged. Learn more about this transition.
Photo of the Week
Congratulations to Celia Osegueda, one of Dogwood ES' 2020-21 School-Based Outstanding Award winners. Here's to more wonderful surprises in 2021! (Photo: Dogwood ES)
FCPS staff members do an amazing job of using social media to showcase creativity, collaboration, and learning. But sometimes, staff social media posts are not aligned with FCPS’ mission or values. Examples include using inappropriate language or being disrespectful to others.
As FCPS employees, we are all considered FCPS brand ambassadors. With that in mind, please review FCPS Social Media Guidance for Staff. Its three guiding principles are:
- Protect our students.
- Be professional.
- Use common sense.
Remembering these three tenets can help avoid situations that detract from our ability to effectively serve our students. Please contact the Office of Communication and Community Relations with questions at ccrsocial@fcps.edu.
As the pandemic continues to change the way we live, it's normal to feel anxious and uncertain about the future. Thankfully, there are many strategies for us to practice that promote positive emotional and mental health. Find out what they are.
Expectant Parent Resources
Thinking about expanding your family? The Office of Benefit Services will offer virtual workshops on preparing and planning for maternity, paternity, and adoption-related leaves on the following dates:
- Tuesday, December 15, 4-5 p.m.
- Monday, December 21, 2-3 p.m.
To register for an upcoming workshop, please visit the Expectant Parent Workshop webpage. All workshop materials will also be posted to this page.
#OurFCPS Faces: Justin Sumblin
When meeting Justin Sumblin, Theatre Arts teacher at Poe MS, you can’t help but notice his charisma. Principal Jason Pannutti says, “Mr. Sumblin is an advocate for kids and focuses on building strong relationships with his students and colleagues. Mr. Sumblin exudes confidence and creativity, and holds himself, his program, and students to a very high standard! To students, ‘He is the teacher that inspired me and that I will always remember!’”
Justin joined FCPS and Poe two years ago. He teaches Beginning Theatre Appreciation, Musical Theatre Appreciation, Technical Theatre Appreciation, and Advanced Theatre Appreciation. He enjoys sharing his love for theater and "quirkiness" with the whole school. He says, “It really comes down to the kids. I value human interaction so much as a performer and just as a person. Having the opportunity to work with the population at Poe Middle School has been so rewarding, because it's given me a chance to work with a group so diverse and so already full of global and intellectual knowledge. I've been blessed to be ‘let in’ by the students and help expand their already wide mindset.”
Justin’s positive impact prompted some of his colleagues to submit an FCPS CARES on his behalf. The following is an excerpt:
"Mr. Justin Sumblin is a great asset to Poe Middle School. In addition to being a beloved theater arts teacher, Justin sponsors the school talent show [Poe-chella], plays, and performances for students to showcase their talents. This year, during a pandemic, he went above and beyond for our school community. He took on another role as the sponsor for the school morning news show. […] All students enjoy hearing and seeing the school updates, fun facts, pictures, and videos. Thank you for being a teacher who cares about fostering community in all that you do at Poe!"
Since theater is very much a live production, Justin has had to make quite a few adjustments due to the pandemic. He explains, "In class, we've found a lot of success with students really getting into voice work. As we progress, my goal is to help students feel more comfortable with turning on their cameras, so that we can expand on the foundations we're building now.”
Justin laughs when asked about free time, saying, “What is free time again...?” However, he still acts professionally, always looking for another production to work on. He is also a Zumba instructor, and on the weekends, he is a senior teaching artist for Acting for Young People. He adds, “But when I'm not doing all that, I'm crocheting, sleeping, and playing Animal Crossing.”
We appreciate your sharing your time and talents with our students, Justin!
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, including highlights from the December 9 Audit Committee meeting; provides information on CARES Act Funding; and shows off a special virtual classroom surprise by an OAG auditor. Stay up-to-date with OAG’s current and planned work by reading the latest issue of Audit Buzz!
Employee News Will Be on Winter Break
This is our last issue of Employee News for 2020. We will return on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Enjoy winter break, and thank you for reading Employee News.
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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