Lewis HS staff connect at a swim meet. Pictured from left to right are Kathleen Winston, head swim and dive coach; Alfonso Smith, principal; and Sarah Clouse, assistant coach and teacher. Kathleen is also an administrative assistant at South County HS. (Photo: Lancers Swim & Dive)
Due to vaccine supply limitations, first dose appointments for FCPS employees, and others in 1b, are cancelled as of today, Tuesday, January 26, until further notice. Inova will reach out to everyone who registered to reschedule their vaccine appointment when more information is available. Read the message from Inova.
W-2 tax forms for 2020 were mailed Friday, January 22, to the address employees had on file in UConnect as of December 30, 2020. Please visit the Office of Payroll Management’s webpage (VPN required) for more information about your W-2.
At last Thursday's School Board meeting, Superintendent Brabrand provided an interim update on FCPS' plans to return to in-person learning. The plans will be discussed in detail during the School Board Work Session on Tuesday, February 2. See the proposed timeline for returning to in-person instruction.
Governor Northam proclaimed January 24-30 as Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week, and we second that motion! FCPS has the hardest working principals in the world. Please join us in recognizing them for their incredible leadership and unwavering support of staff, students, and families. Read the Governor's proclamation.
Reminder: Mid-Year Assessment Due February 16
The performance evaluation mid-year assessment deadline is Tuesday, February 16, for the following staff:
- Probationary employees (instructional and operational).
- Teachers with a conditional rating.
- Employees currently on evaluation cycle who are not meeting performance expectations, as documented by their principal or program manager.
Except for the employees noted above, mid-year assessments during the 2020-21 evaluation year are not required for any other staff members. At this time, there are no other changes to the evaluation process and their respective timelines. Please visit the Performance Evaluation intranet page (VPN required) for more information. If you have questions, please contact your Equity and Employee Relations specialist or HRConnection@FCPS.edu.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Teacher/School-Based Staff Climate and Working Conditions Survey closes Friday, February 5, at 11:59 p.m. This will be the only opportunity to take the survey this year. School codes, along with survey links, have been distributed to school survey coordinators and principals. For more information, please visit the Department of Human Resources intranet page (VPN required).
When you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself. Please wear your mask while following social distancing guidance, especially when indoors around people who don’t live with you. Also, remember that your mask should:
- Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
- Completely cover your nose and mouth.
- Fit snugly against the sides of your face and not have any gaps.
A gaiter needs to have two layers, or fold it to make two layers. Learn more about masks from the CDC.
#OurFCPS Faces: Jose Flores
Until last week, Jose Flores was Fairfax Villa ES' student information assistant (SIA). He is now embarking on a new adventure. Jose has left Fairfax Villa to complete an internship at Silverbrook ES as a step toward becoming a school counselor. He is also working part-time at the Dunn Loring Administrative Center.
As an SIA, Jose handled student enrollment, data entry, and family and community engagement. He was also part of the school’s equity team. Jose enjoys creating connections with students and their parents. He adds, "I absolutely love when they use the resources given to them to advocate for themselves.”
It is in that vein of helping students and utilizing resources that Jose decided to become a school counselor. He shares, “I want to help our students become the best version of whatever it is they want to be. I also want to help those less privileged, and those with whom I share some similarities (immigration status, [supplemental educational services], English language proficiency), overcome some of the barriers that interfere with the educational and social emotional journey.”
Jose was Region 5's Outstanding Operational Employee last year. Fairfax Villa ES Principal Dave Gerstner can’t praise Jose enough for his dedication to the Fairfax Villa community. Dave says, “He is a kind, compassionate, intelligent, and hard-working individual who is clearly dedicated to our community and staff. As he works toward a master's degree in counseling with a goal of continuing in that path with Fairfax County Public Schools, Jose is the employee who exemplifies the promise and success of the Premier Workforce that strengthens our schools and our communities – in the present and in the future.”
Fairfax Villa will truly miss Jose. Dave adds, “His professionalism, his willingness to help others at any given moment, his love for the students, his enthusiasm, and the bonds he creates with his teammates will, without a doubt, make him an outstanding counselor. Mr. Flores will forever hold a place in our hearts.”
You will be an outstanding school counselor, Jose. Good luck!
Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus food drive is back and committed to meeting the increased demand for food due to COVID-19. Donate nonperishable foods in person on Saturday, January 30, and Saturday, February 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at locations throughout Fairfax County. Social distancing will be in place. There is also an option to make monetary donations by visiting Stuff the Bus partner websites. Get more information.
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!
|
