Returning Strong!
Staff at Westfield HS could not wait to welcome back their students. By the end of this week, FCPS will have welcomed back 109,000 students and staff to in-person learning using our “safe, steady, ready approach.”
Return to School Update & Five Days in Fall Announcement
Five in Fall: FCPS is planning for a strong five day in-person start to the 2021-22 school year and is currently weighing all options to find ways to keep health and safety at the forefront while ensuring all students get the access to in-person learning they want and need in the fall.
Playgrounds Now Open Again: FCPS is now permitting the use of playground equipment during recess. Just be sure to follow the guidance.
2021 AP/IB Testing Information: The College Board and International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization announced changes to this year’s exams. Information is now available online about 2021 AP and IB testing in FCPS.
Tomorrow, look out for Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand’s additional update on return to school changes announced in today’s work session.
Video: Back to School Smiles at Greenbriar East ES
FCPS is returning strong! Watch for those smiles under the face-coverings Greenbriar East ES welcomed first and second graders back to in-person instruction.
All Your Need-to-Know Information in One Place! New Employee Website Coming Soon
The Employee Hub, offering a better search engine, easier navigation, and a personalized experience for staff information and content, is launching in April. FCPSnet will still be available until June 30, though, giving you time to transition. A launch day video will give staff a tour of the site and highlight the features. Visit the Hub page on FCPSnet to learn more (VPN required).
Feedback Wanted on 2021-22 School Year Calendars
The FCPS calendar will be among the topics discussed at the upcoming School Board meeting on Thursday, March 18. Information about the calendars will be posted on BoardDocs prior to the meeting. Make sure you share your feedback.
Healthy Minds Podcast: Purposeful Conversations
In recognition of National Social Work Week, Sharita Crawford, a social worker in Region 3, joined last week’s Healthy Minds podcast. Sharita shares a day in the life of a social worker and discusses the importance of purposeful conversations, as we continue to process our thoughts around the pandemic.
En Pocas Palabras Podcast
Dr. Brabrand, FCPS Division Superintendent, offers a message of hope and expresses how proud he is of the students, staff, and families. He discusses how FCPS is Safe, Steady and Ready for students to either return to classrooms or continue virtual learning at home. He thanks families and gives information on school safety strategies which are detailed in a FCPS Family Guide booklet. Dr. Brabrand also talks about the importance of students’ social-emotional well-being.
This podcast is also available Korean in Arabic.
Congratulations to Our New and Renewed National Board Certified Teachers
Congratulations to the 11 teachers who recently achieved National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification, and the 11 who renewed their certification in 2020. View their accomplishments.
FCPS 2021 Retirement Recognition
Due to the current COVID safety protocols and limits on gatherings, FCPS is regretfully unable to host a central in-person Retirement Ceremony in 2021. Retirees will be recognized on the FCPS website, and each retiree will receive an engraved retirement gift and a commemorative program. Those planning to retire should submit their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) as soon as possible.
Letters have been sent to the homes of those who have retired since April 2020, and to those who have submitted their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) with a retirement date prior to December 31, 2021. If you received a letter, please go to the link provided to enter your information for the engraved gift and program. If you did not receive a letter and you believe you should have, please email elboivin@fcps.edu.
Photo of the Week
Teri Hampton, an assistant principal at Lake Braddock SS, greets the Bruins Class of ‘21 with celebratory balloons. Read the tweet.
Concurrent Instruction Professional Development
Dr. Catlin Tucker, bestselling author and expert in blended learning, will facilitate optional webinars for FCPS teachers on April 8. During the webinars, teachers will hear about concrete strategies to address common challenges faced in the concurrent classroom and practical application of blended learning strategies. A learning guide for before, during, and after the webinar can be found at April 8 Learning Guide
The webinar will be streamed via Google Meet Live, and the link will be sent prior to the event. Registration is in MyPDE using the link below:
Concurrent Teaching with Dr. Catlin Tucker
To learn more about Dr. Tucker, visit her website. General questions about the webinar can be sent to MyPDE_PDInfo@fcps.edu.
Spring Break Travel Guidance
Spring break is just around the corner (March 29 to April 2), and we hope you take time for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. If you make plans to travel, please consider the following information:
- The Virginia Department of Health urges all Virginians to avoid non-essential travel, especially if you are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 or if you will be visiting someone at higher risk of serious COVID-19. This recommendation applies to everyone, even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have fully recovered from COVID-19.
- FCPS does not currently have travel restrictions. Students are not required to quarantine or provide COVID-19 test results for either domestic or international travel. Parents may opt to keep their students at home for 14 days after they return from travel.
- Upon returning, any student, staff or visitor demonstrating symptoms of illness is asked to stay home to help “Stop the Spread” of COVID-19.
Updates and more information are available online.
2021 ERFC Election Notification
The Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board is the governing body of ERFC and supports ERFC’s mission to enhance the financial security of members through prudent financial stewardship. An electronic election to fill one position on the Board of Trustees will be held May 18-20.
For active members who wish to be candidates, Notice 4771 outlines the election process and requires: 1) Nomination petitions and 2) a candidate statement of contribution.
Electronic petitions and candidate statements must be received by the Office of Equity and Employee Relations, via email to Skburris@fcps.edu by April 23. If you have questions, please contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or Skburris@fcps.edu.
OurFCPS Faces - Stephen Matthie
Stephen Matthie, itinerant orchestra teacher and director at Rocky Run MS, tries to live his life according to his purpose and cherishes the relationships he builds. Stephen has taught at FCPS for 16 years, including time at Carson MS, Robinson SS, and Greenbriar West ES.
Stephen, a proud FCPS alum of Brookfield ES, Rocky Run MS, and Chantilly HS, says he always wanted to come back to FCPS and give back to a school system that gave him so much.
He admits that he’s never bored at work. “I have a passion for mentoring and building relationships with kids. So, the fact that I have a job that gives me the opportunity to build relationships and mentor kids every day is awesome. I also love middle school. I think it’s the most fun and interesting age to teach. You never have a dull day.”
Stephen reveals that one thing people may not know about him is that he is an immigrant, having moved from Jamaica to the United States when he was five years old. He says, “It’s important for my students, especially my immigrant students, to be aware of this. Immigrating to this country can be really hard on the families and takes a while to get a foothold. I love to be an example to all fellow immigrants that you can find your passion, purpose, and dream job if you keep working hard and focus on achieving your goals.”
Principal Amy Goodloe says, “Stephen Matthie builds a classroom community where all students - in-person and online, feel that they are seen and belong. His music room is magical.”
He thought he had things all figured out by his 16th year of teaching as far as planning, structures, and the routines he likes and thought, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Then along came COVID!
He says, “Well…with virtual learning I had to throw all that out the window and start fresh. Orchestra has certainly looked very different this year. I have had to be really creative and think outside the box. However, because of that, I don’t think I will just go back to doing exactly what I did before. I have expanded my view of what is possible and important. I’ve also started a few new traditions that I would like to keep going in future.”
When he’s not instructing students virtually or in-person, Stephen enjoys teaching private violin lessons, playing violin in various orchestras and a string quartet, watching movies, and playing tennis.
Thank you, Stephen, for being a role model and sharing your musical talents with FCPS students!
Search and You Will Find
Did you know that the FCPS website search tool is the most efficient method for finding information on the FCPS website? The tool is available in the top left of every page of the website (look for the magnifying glass next to the translation tool) and in the center of the home page. Some recent refinements include a spell check (if there are no results) and the ability to filter content by type and date. Remember to use double quotes when searching for a phrase like “community relations.” Try the search tool.
Fresh Air Ventilation
As staff and students return to FCPS school buildings, you might be wondering about air circulation in schools. Rest assured that FCPS not only uses mechanical ventilation systems to provide classrooms with outside air, but fresh air is provided at an appropriate rate, and the air is filtered and conditioned before it enters the space.
This practice is in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus that advises windows be opened in the absence of outside mechanical ventilation.
FCPS meets the industry recommended standards for outside air ventilation in classrooms and offices. Our schools are designed to ventilate fresh outside air and mitigate the buildup of odors and pollutants. Get more information.
There’s Still Time to Get Veg-ucated
Learn about various nutritional topics and effective application strategies to eat healthier and feel better! Participate in an upcoming event:
- March 18, 5-6 p.m., Quick and Healthy Meals on a Working Schedule Seminar
- March 25, 5-6 p.m., Live Chef Demo (Hummus Veggie Wrap and Baked Oatmeal)
View the flyer for more details (VPN required). Register for the seminars and live chef demo.
Did you miss the Power in Plants Seminar and/or the Live Chef Demo (Mason Jar Salad and Energy Bites)? Or, maybe you won’t be able to make the remaining live sessions? Don’t worry! Access the recorded sessions at your convenience.
Fairfax County Government Strategic Plan Survey
Help shape the future of Fairfax County and your community by giving feedback to the Fairfax County Government on the proposed Countywide Strategic Plan. Give your feedback online.
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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