Employee News - Tuesday, 4/20/21

Returning Strongphoto of teacher Rachel Looney from Holmes MS


Holmes MS ESOL Teacher, Rachel Looney, instructs a student in the library.


Five Days in Fall graphic


School Board Work Session Focuses on FCPS’ Five Days in the Fall

Tuesday’s School Board Return To School (RTS) work session will focus on plans to prepare for  five days of learning in fall to include: updating bell schedules and bus schedules, expanded outdoor learning and lunch room capacity, exploring COVID-19 screening and diagnostic testing pilots, developing master schedules for 5 days a week of in-person instruction, monitoring health and vaccine updates, reinstating School Age Child Care (SACC), discontinuing the use of classroom monitors, as well as an expectation that all employees will discontinue the majority of telework and will report buildings in person and discontinuing the COVID-Related Leaves of Absence (LOA).

We are looking forward to in-person instruction as the primary mode of learning for all FCPS students during the 2021-22 school year. Please note that virtual learning options will be limited, based on need and will be the exception. Twelve-month staff will be expected to return to work five days a week in person beginning on July 1.

Schools must continue to use the current mitigation strategies (masks, social distancing, hand-washing) to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Social distancing guidelines remain at 3 feet between students inside wearing masks and 6 feet between staff. Read more.

We will send you a more detailed update following the work session.


photo of Dr Brabrand at town hall


Spanish-Language Virtual Town Hall April 21

Join Superintendent Brabrand and two school officials for a virtual Spanish-Language Town Hall on Wednesday, April 21, 5-6 p.m. They will provide information on opportunities for four days of in-person instruction; summer learning plans, and vaccine updates. They will answer questions, too. The Town Hall will be streamed live on FCPS Facebook en Español. Please email your questions to ReturntoSchool@fcps.edu. You may also send a message on our Facebook page or leave it in the “Comment” section during the Town Hall. We hope you will join us!


photo of girl with facemask giving a thumbs up

Mask Up; Protect Yourself and Others

Please note that CDC Essential Elements of Safe K-12 School Operations for In-Person Learning indicates that staff must maintain 6 feet of distancing between adults (teachers and staff), and between adults and students, at all times in a school building. Several studies have found that transmission between staff is more common than transmission between students and staff, and among students, in schools.

The current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that even after teachers and staff are fully vaccinated, schools need to continue implementing layered prevention measures for the foreseeable future, including requiring masks in schools and physical distancing. 

Currently, all layered prevention strategies remain in place for all FCPS employees. Fully vaccinated employees are not exempt from this requirement. As stated in Regulation 2109 Face Coverings to Mitigate the Spread of Infectious Disease, every school employee is required to wear a face covering while on school property and whenever interacting with other persons on FCPS property. Additionally, face covering and physical distancing requirements are also referenced in the Employee Guide for Return to Work and the required Stop the Spread training for staff available in MyPDE.


photo of principal Sarah Aiello with hand sanitizer

FCPS Earns WELL Health-Safety Rating: Your Health Comes First

FCPS recently earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for its schools and offices, which serves as proof of its commitment to good health for anyone entering its buildings. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy place to work. Based on operational policies, maintenance protocols and emergency plans, the rating gives 22 strategies to maintain health and safety indoors.  With this accomplishment, FCPS joins a community of organizations pushing the boundaries of what health and safety look like in a post-coronavirus environment. Read the news release.


Recognize Your Top Colleagues: Nominate an FCPS Individual or Team for Excellence Awards by May 10

Excellence Awards celebrate teams and individuals exceeding expectations in supporting FCPS strategic plan initiatives. Award categories include: Growth, Impact on Others, Innovation and Student Achievement. Each winner will receive a $1,000 cash award and a certificate from Superintendent Brabrand, which will be presented at a ceremony in the fall.   

Nominators must be current contracted FCPS employees. They must also enter initial information about the individual or team they are recommending into an online portal and complete a nomination packet. The deadline for submission is Monday, May 10, at 4:30 p.m. Please visit the Excellence Awards webpage for additional information.


Teaching Opportunities for Special Education Summer Recovery Academy Now Available

The Department of Special Services will hold the Summer Recovery Academy from June 21 through August 12, at various sites throughout the county, to meet special education and Section 504 obligations for recovery services. Special education teachers are needed to staff this program. Applicants will designate their weekly work availability and preferred work location during the application process. Teachers selected to work during Summer Recovery Academy will be compensated at their current per diem rate, up to $47.77 per hour, and could be asked to work up to 30 hours per week. Work schedules may vary depending on the needs of the program. Interested applicants must apply and submit their resumes via FCPS Google Apps.  The application deadline is Friday, May 14, at 5 p.m. For additional information, call Due Process and Eligibility at 571-423-4470. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.


Coaches Needed for Great Beginnings

The Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement (OPLFE) is seeking coaches for the Great Beginnings program for the 2021-22 school year. Great Beginnings coaches receive a stipend as well as recertification points for licensure renewal.

Please note that we are currently hiring for the following coach positions: PreK-6; ES General Music; 4-12 Band & Strings; FLES; HS English; MS Counseling; MS/HS Math; MS Science; MS Social Studies; Early Childhood SPED; Preschool Autism (PAC); Speech & Language Pathologist; ES SPED (High Incidence); SS SPED (High Incidence); Adapted Curriculum.

Interested candidates must submit both the Great Beginnings new coach application and a principal recommendation. Note that you may ask the administrator who has observed you the most and is best able to speak to your abilities to complete the recommendation. For qualifications and more information, please visit the Great Beginnings website. Applications due Friday, April 30.


graphic for NAMM music award


FCPS Earns Best Communities for Music Education Award

"We use music to say things we could never say with words" by Andrea Bocelli. Feb. 7, 2018

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has awarded FCPS the title of 2021 Best Communities for Music Education.  FCPS is one of several school districts that received the award nationwide. Read more.


photo of cherry blossoms


Register Now for S
pring into Motion

It’s a great time of year to commit to your health by joining Spring into Motion! This four-week online wellness challenge is designed to help you boost energy and improve your health while enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle. View the two-minute preview video. In addition to creating healthy habits, win prizes for you and your school! Questions? Visit the Spring into Motion page (VPN required) or email HRWellness@fcps.edu 


Read Wellness News to Improve Your Well-Being

Learn more about new and upcoming wellness programming available to FCPS employees in the Employee Wellness newsletter: Wellness News! Read April’s newsletter to find out more about your on-demand wellness platform, the upcoming Wellness at Work Expo, and other topics! 


Three Ways to Get to Know the Employee Hub

graphic of employee hub for video


The Employee Hub offers a better search engine and a personalized experience. The Hub is coming soon! Check out the following resources to help you prepare for launch:

  1. One-Page Overview on the Employee Hub (VPN required).
  2. Previous Communications (VPN required).
  3. FAQs (VPN required).

All NEW content will be posted solely on the Hub after it has launched. FCPSnet will remain active until June 30 for reference. Questions about the Employee Hub? Contact hub@fcps.edu.


Photo of the Week

photo of bus driver and attendant


James Bevard (transportation attendant) and Homa Bastaniallahabadi (bus driver) of Team 43, Area 4 Transportation, inspire and motivate each other throughout the day. James has earned four medals during the pandemic by participating in strenuous physical competitions. James often does burpees and push-ups in the bus lot, and Homa, encouraged by James’s enthusiasm, now walks on her midday breaks! (Photo: Nancy Bloomfield, Bus Driver, Stonecroft Transporation)


photo of beach chair with ERFC logo


Goodbye Tension...Hello Pension

The staff at Educational Employees' Supplementary Retirement System (ERFC) would like to thank all FCPS employees for their perseverance and commitment to students and each other during this unprecedented school year. As ERFC staff enters its busiest season assisting members who have reached their career finish line, they encourage all members to understand the unique financial reward reaped in retirement because of dual pension contributions to ERFC and the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). 

If you haven’t viewed an ERFC plan specific webinar, please check out ERFC website to learn more about your ERFC plan, as well as an additional video provided by the FCPS HR benefits team to guide you through retirement health information. Don’t know what ERFC retirement plan you fall under? Just log in or register your convenient online ERFCDirect account and find the information you need. ERFCDirect is the place to go while you are an active employee member to update your beneficiaries and run your own benefit estimates.

For questions regarding your ERFC benefits or plan, call (703) 426-3900 M-F from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. or via email at: erfcoffice@fcps.edu


photo of Lauren Jones


Our FCPS Faces Profile: Lauren Jones

Lauren Jones, technology support specialist (TSSPec) at Westfield HS, shares that her role model is her grandmother who taught her that nothing is too hard to do. With that mindset, Lauren tackles the technology needs of the staff and students including the thousands of devices (computers, printers, copiers, etc. ), network, hardware and software, at Westfield to keep the days running smoothly. She says, “During the pandemic I helped pivot [to] support students and staff virtually.” 

Lauren, a proud FCPS grad (Go Bulldogs!), has worked for FCPS since 2007 in various roles for the Department of Information Technology (IT) as a functional application specialist at the IT Service Desk and a TSSpec as well as coaching various sports.

She says her “why” for working for FCPS is simple. “[I] just want to help people with my skills and experiences.” 

Lauren values the relationships with staff and students and working in a school environment. “Every day is an adventure. […] It keeps things fun and enjoying what I do is important to me. I like the hands-on aspect of working with technology and the routine. I work with people that over the years have turned into friends so that’s a plus. I am a graduate of Westfield HS (2004) and it’s been unique and fun going from student to working there.”

Principal Tony DiBari says, “Lauren is an incredible staff member who truly does it all. She is always on the move not only within her TSSpec responsibilities, but is frequently seen taking on other roles as well. Whether it is specifically coaching or helping at other school events, Lauren can be found anywhere that staff and students need help. We are incredibly lucky to have her here at Westfield!”

When Lauren is not busy solving the technology challenge of the day, she enjoys coaching and attending after school activities. She shares, “I had a great time being involved as a student athlete for FCPS and still enjoy that experience as a coach and fan. I like to cook and be active and, if there is a palm tree, I will go. I like to visit the beach, go to sporting events, and attend as many concerts as possible.”

She also shared a goal of hers to watch a professional or collegiate sporting event in every state. Lauren says, “I’ve been to a few and have also seen some Rugby/Aussie Rules Football when I visited Australia.”

 Lauren, thank you for coming Back2Fairfax and sharing your expertise with FCPS!


photo of girl scout donations

Girl Scouts Provide Educators at Lanier MS with a Sweet Surprise

Tammara Hannah, principal at Lanier MS, was pleasantly surprised when Lauren Bauer, membership specialist, Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, notified her of an initiative with the local Girl Scout troop to have cookies donated for educators. Lauren dropped off 96 boxes of cookies for teachers. Through the Samoa Love for Teachers program, Girl Scouts in the greater Washington region sold 50,000 boxes of cookies that were specifically designated to be donated to their local school systems. It’s rumored that all FCPS schools will get this sweet surprise this spring! Learn more about the Somoa Love program


Staff Staples


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Please email EmployeeNews@fcps.edu with potential submissions or questions. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!