Thanks to South Lakes HS for tweeting this photo of their beautiful mural.
COVID-19 Vaccine for FCPS Staff
Last Sunday, Dr. Brabrand announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all FCPS employees as part of the 1b group of other essential workers. As he restated yesterday, all FCPS staff members are asked to wait for specific registration information regarding obtaining the vaccine via the process developed by the Fairfax County Health Department and Inova Health System for public and private schools and daycare staff in 1b. Current registration links on the Inova website are reserved for 1a workers only (health care professionals).
We all need to continue working together to help slow the spread of COVID-19. See how you can protect yourself and your family.
Dr. Brabrand presented a $3.1 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Proposed Budget (for the 2021-22 school year) to the Fairfax County School Board at its business meeting on January 7. The FY 2022 Proposed Budget represents an increase of $0.4 million, or 0.01%, over the FY 2021 Approved Budget. “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted FCPS in numerous ways,” said Dr. Brabrand. “As a result, this budget focuses on our most pressing needs." Read the news release.
Last Wednesday's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building left most of us with an array of emotions ranging from outrage to anxiety to sadness. If you are having a difficult time processing that event or could use some support with other challenges, please access FCPS’ free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Guidance Resources. Our EAP provides confidential counseling, work-life solutions, tip sheets, self-assessment tools, and other helpful services. You might like these resources, too:
Please call our 24/7 toll-free phone line at 1-855-355-9097 for assistance. Or, visit Guidance Resources’ website and register with Web ID: FCPS. For additional information, visit the EAP webpage (VPN required).
Shout out to Frost MS Principal Anthony Harris for his cool hoodie. By the way, if his name sounds familiar, it might be because Anthony was recently selected as FCPS' 2020 Outstanding New Principal! Congratulations, Anthony! (Photo: Anthony Harris)
Under the direction of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Department of Human Resources' Office of Business Services will administer the online Virginia Teacher/School-Based Staff Climate and Working Conditions Survey Monday, January 18, through Friday, February 5. Information collected from the survey will help schools ensure that all students and staff have access to a healthy and positive school environment.
School codes have been distributed to school survey coordinators and principals. Given the VDOE survey timeline, FCPS' Employee Engagement Survey will be administered this fall. For more information, please visit the Department of Human Resources intranet page (VPN required).
Would you like to gain a better understanding of how teacher leaders positively impact schools and the school division? Are you interested in building your knowledge and skills around core teacher leadership competencies? If so, the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement invites you to apply for an upcoming Teacher Leadership opportunity.
Please visit the Teacher Leadership webpage (VPN required) to learn more about each cohort and access the online application. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 12. Please email questions to Raegan Hanson at rnhanson@fcps.edu.
Congratulations to the 21 FCPS teachers who achieved or renewed certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in 2020! Initial certification and renewal of National Board Certification requires teachers to submit a portfolio documenting their high quality instruction, ability to differentiate, and how their practices continue to align with the five core propositions of accomplished teaching in their certificate area. Read the news release.
#OurFCPS Faces: Janet Murray
Janet Murray has the recipe for culinary success and loves sharing it with her students. Janet is a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Mount Vernon HS. She's been at Mount Vernon and FCPS for 16 years. Known as "Chef Murray" to her students, Janet teaches Culinary Arts 1 and 2, manages the MV Café (a student-operated restaurant), and sponsors SkillsUSA.
With Janet's guidance, students prepare truly amazing meals for MV Café's catering operation. Delicious dishes include crusted salmon with honey-mustard sauce and a garden salad; bacon-wrapped, smoked gouda stuffed chicken breast with seasoned broccoli and wild rice; Greek grilled chicken Caesar salad; and a Reuben sandwich. We hear the pumpkin cheesecake is outrageous!
Teaching students culinary techniques, watching them become successful in the culinary arts post-graduation, and operating the MV Café and off-site catering events bring Janet a great deal of joy. She is passionate about her work, and it shows.
Mount Vernon HS Assistant Principal Derek Steele describes Janet as a wonderful teacher who builds an authentic culinary skill set with her students while involving them in activities and events. Derek proudly recommends the café to anyone visiting the school. He adds, "Chef Murray is so very accountable. If you ask her to do an event, you don’t have to worry. She will have it ready, and the quality of work and the food delivered is phenomenal. You’d pay a good deal for [this] elsewhere. She’s also doing a phenomenal job teaching virtually…having students prepare food in their own homes.”
Derek considers Janet a “teacher of teachers,” explaining that Mount Vernon HS has hired one of Murray’s former students as a culinary teacher.
Although virtual learning has impacted Janet's connection with her students as well as their ability to prepare meals and cater for their customers, she remains positive. She now knows how to do virtual cooking demonstrations, which is a plus. Janet adds, "Maybe, I’ll start a cooking show!”
During her free time, Janet enjoys empowering women, reading, and exercising.
Thank you, Janet, for teaching our students invaluable life skills. We can't wait to see what you cook up next!
Balancing Work and Life Webinar
If you are feeling overwhelmed and/or conflicted between personal and professional responsibilities, consider joining the Balancing Work and Life webinar on Tuesday, January 19, at 4:30 p.m. This webinar will help participants define home responsibilities, identify career requirements, prioritize leisure time, and live a more balanced life.
Register for the webinar today. If you cannot attend the live session, please register anyway to receive the recording. For additional information, visit our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Guidance Resources, online and use Web ID: FCPS or call them at 1-855-355-9097.
Two Holiday Observances Next Week
All schools and offices will be closed Monday, January 18, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Wednesday, January 20, for Inauguration Day.
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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