Hutchison ES administration and staff jump for joy to welcome back students!
March Is Equity in Education Month; FCPS Team Works to Eliminate Gaps in Opportunity and Achievement for All Students
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)—in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association—observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.
As part of the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement, the Equity and Cultural Responsiveness (ECR) team designs professional learning and provides customized support to schools and leaders. Get more information about Equity in Education Month.
FCPS Statement Regarding Asian American and Pacific Islander Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Please read FCPS’ response regarding Asian and Pacific Islander harassment.
Vaccine Information Update
All FCPS teachers and staff who received a first dose from Inova Health System, in partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department, should have already received information on how to schedule a second dose with Inova. If you received a first dose at Inova but have not heard back about a second dose, please log in to Inova’s MyChart portal to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required and are subject to vaccine availability. Inova verifies all FCPS teachers and staff. Questions? Call 1-855-694-6682.
ICYMI: FCPS Featured on National Sunday News Show
Holmes MS staff and Superintendent Brabrand discussed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 6-foot social distancing limitations on in-person learning on CNN. Watch the interview.
Region 5/Westfield HS Principal Announcement
Congratulations to Westfield HS’ new principal, Antonio “Tony” DiBari, who has served as assistant principal at Lake Braddock Secondary School since 2016. Read more about Principal DiBari.
Remember to Take the Employee News Poll!
If you haven't done so already, please help us better serve your needs with Employee News. We’d like to know when you’d like to receive your issue and what content you’d like to see. Take the Employee News Poll.
IRS Form 1095 Coming Soon
FCPS employees and retirees who were enrolled in FCPS health plan coverage (or who were eligible for coverage but did not enroll) will receive IRS Form 1095-C in the next several days. Much like Form W-2 and Form 1099, Form 1095 provides information regarding your health insurance eligibility and enrollment. Learn more about IRS Form 1095.
Update on the 2021-2022 School Year Calendar
Draft calendars for the 2021-22 school year were developed with a focus on instruction and learning time for students. The Fairfax County School Board will introduce the calendars as new business at its March 4 meeting, and plans to take action on the 2021-22 School Year Calendar at its regular meeting on March 18.
After School Board action, the employee calendar will be developed and shared with employees when available.View the draft calendars.
RequestIT info
The Department of Information Technology (IT) Support Team launched an upgraded version of RequestIT yesterday. Other IT support tools such as the IT Service Catalog and the Incident Management System have also been refreshed. This modernized Service Catalog Portal includes intuitive navigation for entering and tracking requests as well as a new chat capability for providing rapid user support. This allows the IT Service Desk to expand its service from emails, tickets, and phone calls to live chat for faster incident response and resolution. Access RequestIT as you did before by using the RequestIT shortcut on your desktop or from the link on the FCPS intranet. Bookmark it now (VPN required).
Save the Date: FCPS Virtual Special Education Conference Set for April 17
FCPS will hold its 16th annual Special Education Conference virtually on Saturday, April 17. Registration will begin later this month. A student strand will be held for youth ages 14-22. FCPS educators, administrators, and pre-service teachers can earn recertification points for attending the conference. Exhibit Hall and Inclusive Schools resources will be shared. Visit the Special Education Conference webpage for more information.
Sandburg MS Librarian Dominique Price shows off art at the Sandburg Library celebrating Black History Month. (Photo: Sandburg MS)
The FCPS/George Mason University Educational Leadership Cohort for 2021-23 begins this summer. If you are interested in joining, please register for a virtual information session on March 10 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Register now. The Zoom link will be sent one week prior to the session.
Instructional Employees’ Voluntary Transfer Window Is Open
Current teachers, librarians, school counselors, and classroom instructional support staff (instructional assistants, public health training assistants, and public health attendants) interested in transferring to another school for the 2021-22 school year may do so during the FCPS Voluntary Transfer Window. Instructional staff interested in transferring to another school or work location should apply to the FCPS Instructional Candidate Transfer Gateway to express interest in interviewing for instructional vacancies at other Fairfax County public schools. All instructional staff are permitted one voluntary transfer during the FCPS instructional employees’ Voluntary Transfer Window which will be open through Friday, June 25.
More information is available via FCPS Instructional Employees' Voluntary Transfer Window (VPN required).
Teacher Voices: Learning for Teachers, by Teachers
Interested in learning more about how teachers are navigating concurrent learning? Do you have tips to share with your colleagues? Join us for this unique series amplifying teacher voices and sharing stories on concurrent instruction. FCPS teachers are invited to come together as a professional learning network to share ideas and problem solve. Each series of opportunities will be scheduled based on the Return to School calendar (sign up accordingly). The first kickoff is Wednesday, March 10, with subsequent groups’ kickoffs each Wednesday. Registration is available in MyPDE.
Special Education Survey
Beginning March 1, instructional staff in FCPS will be invited to participate in an independent, third-party survey on the special education services provided to students with disabilities. A survey link will be sent to staff via email and will remain open through March 15.
OurFCPS Faces - Jeremy Doxer
Jeremy Doxer, coordinator for transportation services, loves the people, the kids, and the action in FCPS! With thirteen years of experience in the FCPS Office of Transportation, he claims there is never a dull moment.
Jeremy explains, “We start at 5:00 a.m., and we don’t stop after the office closes. We are a family, and we really take care of each other. […] I look forward to seeing our team reunited as our students begin to safely phase back into the classrooms.”
Jeremy is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of all students in the southern end of the county. His team handles vehicle and route assignments, after-hours emergencies, compliance with special education laws, and ensuring employees have met state requirements. During the pandemic, his team has taken on meal distribution and supply delivery for schools and students.
Supervisor Sherry Dyson says, “Jeremy is a highly motivated, passionate, and enthusiastic individual. Jeremy started his career as an activity/athletic driver while attending George Mason University. [He] set his sights on becoming a teacher; however, he enjoyed pupil transportation so much that he decided to pursue his transportation career. […] His drivers admire him and love to see him out there with all of them.[...] If you need an employee in your corner—He is the ONE you want.”
Bus driver Barbara Davis expresses her appreciation of Jeremy in a recent FCPS Cares nomination, “[Jeremy] goes above and beyond to make certain each employee is treated fairly. [..]The fact that Jeremy still jumps in a bus when needed, is a perfect example of his "All Hands On Deck" motto. [...]We are fortunate to have him as coordinator, particularly during this stressful time."
As a proud FCPS graduate (Go Cougars!), Jeremy loves to support the students in the community where he was raised and currently lives. He thrives by spending time with his family and friends and being outdoors. He says, “I live for summer and weekends at the beach!”
Thank you, Jeremy, for being a driving force for FCPS!
Celebrate National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and the Employee Wellness Team is celebrating by hosting a “Veg”-ucational Series of seminars and live chef demos! Learn about various nutritional topics and effective application strategies to eat healthier and feel better:
- Thursday, March 4, 5-6 p.m., Power in Plants Seminar.
- Thursday, March 11, 5-6 p.m., Live Chef Demo (Mason Jar Salad and Energy Bites).
- Thursday, March 18, 5-6 p.m., Quick and Healthy Meals on a Working Schedule Seminar.
- Thursday, March 25, 5-6 p.m., Live Chef Demo (Hummus Veggie Wrap and Baked Oatmeal)
View the flyer for more details. Register for the seminars and live chef demos.
Resources for Expectant Parents
Thinking about expanding your family? The Office of Benefit Services will offer virtual workshops providing information on how to prepare and plan for maternity, paternity, and adoption-related leaves on the following dates:
- Friday, March 12, 3-4 p.m.
- Thursday, April 1, 2-3 p.m.
To register for an upcoming workshop, please visit the Expectant Parent Workshop webpage. All workshop materials, including the voiceover presentation and accompanying handouts, will also be posted to this webpage.
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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