 
May 3-7 is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. We are so thankful for all the hard work our teachers do every day to make our schools a great place to learn and work! Please join us in celebrating FCPS' amazing, creative, and caring educators who inspire our students each day.
View Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand’s message of appreciation in English and Spanish.
Return to School Update: Five in Fall
We are looking forward to having our students and staff return for five days of in-person instruction this fall! Our safety measures against the spread of COVID-19 in our buildings have been working very well, and we are ready to have everyone back. Planning for the fall is ongoing, but expect an engaging and positive experience for everyone. Please keep in mind that virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year will be very limited and only available to students with medical or health-related needs.
Stay tuned for more updates about five days for fall later this week.
Mask Up: Face masks are still required at all times, on all FCPS sites, indoors and outdoors.
On Thursday, April 29, Governor Ralph Northam amended Executive Order 72 to adopt new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on mask use in outdoor settings beginning on May 1. The CDC guidelines state that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks outdoors when alone or in small gatherings. Mask use is still required indoors and outdoors at large crowded events like concerts, sporting events, and graduation ceremonies.
What does that mean for FCPS? The ease in the mask rule only applies to social gatherings. Sports (to include spectators of FCPS events) and entertainment (proms and other events) are not included. Only athletes engaged in active play may remove their masks. Until further notice, FCPS’ Regulation 2109 still requires masks in facilities and on school property as FCPS has no way of knowing who is and who isn’t vaccinated.
Summer Recovery Academy: Special Education COVID Recovery Services
Special education COVID recovery services may be considered for any student with a disability whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team or Section 504 Committee determines a significant educational impact due to the COVID-19 school closure and the virtual learning this school year. Recovery services are designed to address learning gaps and are determined by IEP Teams or 504 Committees.
Case managers are responsible for reaching out to parents about their recommendations for Recovery Services. Additionally, parents have been advised to contact their child’s IEP/504 case manager to further discuss and schedule a meeting if they think their child may require COVID recovery services. View additional information regarding FCPS’ Summer Recovery Academy
In The News: Outdoor Classrooms in the Washington Post
The April 29 issue of the Washington Post contained a story on the front page of the Metro section featuring the outdoor classroom at Centreville Elementary School. Read the story.
Read the original story by our new media relations team on the FCPS website. This post includes a full list of schools where outdoor classrooms have been piloted, set up, or are in motion.
The Employee Hub Launches May 5
What is the Employee Hub?
The Employee Hub is the new FCPS employee intranet site that will replace FCPSnet. Check your FCPS email tomorrow for your invitation to explore the Hub.
What’s happening to FCPSnet?
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May 5 - No new content will be added to FCPSnet starting on this date.
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June 30 - Last day FCPSnet is available to all employees.
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July 1 - FCPSnet retires and is no longer accessible.
See you at the Hub!
FCPS staff members do an amazing job of using social media to showcase creativity, collaboration, and learning at its best. But sometimes, staff social media posts are not aligned with FCPS’ mission or values. Examples include using inappropriate language or being disrespectful to others.
As FCPS employees, we are all considered FCPS brand ambassadors. With that in mind, please review FCPS Social Media Guidance for Staff. Its three guiding principles are:
- Protect our students.
- Be professional.
- Use common sense.
Remembering these three tenets can help avoid situations that detract from our ability to effectively serve our students. Please contact the Office of Communication and Community Relations with questions at ccrsocial@fcps.edu.
Revised Fairfax County Budget Includes 2% Teacher and Staff Pay Raise
Over the past year, FCPS teachers and staff members have worked tirelessly to overcome the many challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 6 the FY 2022 Approved Budget will be presented to the School Board, and on May 11 the School Board will hold public hearings on the budget. View the budget development calendar.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering an updated Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget that includes a 2% salary increase for FCPS employees, funded in part with dollars from the Commonwealth. More details about the updated FY 2022 budget are available here. Final adoption by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for today at 1 p.m.
FCPS Seeks Input on Anti-Racism, Anti-Bias Curriculum Policy
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to educational equity in which every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. FCPS wants to empower students as the next generation of change leaders for a more just world. To achieve educational equity, FCPS is analyzing and addressing the beliefs and policies that inform what is taught in schools. As a school division, we are starting this process by revising the existing Controversial Issues Policy and developing a new Anti-Racism, Anti-Bias Education Curriculum Policy.
Families and staff will be asked to participate in a survey seeking input on what should be included in the Anti-Racism, Anti-Bias Education Curriculum Policy. A survey will be sent to all families and staff this week and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. In addition, FCPS will conduct a series of focus groups to gather perspectives and input of all stakeholders. Learn more about the development of this curriculum.
 2021-22 Employee Calendar Is Now Available: Note Upcoming Religious and Cultural Observances
The 2021-22 Employee Calendar is now available and can be accessed on the FCPS website. The 2021-22 Employee Calendar is aligned with the Student Calendar for School Year 2021-22.
FCPS is committed to honoring the religious and cultural diversity of our employees as demonstrated by allowing staff the time away from the workplace to observe those beliefs and practices. As part of the School Year 2021-22 Calendar development, 15 religious and cultural observances were identified.
Of the 15 identified observances, the following fall within the 2020-21fourth quarter: Theravada New Year, April 27; Orthodox Good Friday, April 30; and Eid al Fitr, May 13. These are scheduled workdays and employees report unless otherwise noted. Regulation 4817 - Religious Accommodation for Employees provides options for employees wishing to observe religious/cultural observances. One significant update to the regulation allows employees to take leave for observances without an opportunity for their supervisor to deny based on operational needs.
Save the Date for the 2021 Summer Equity Symposium: It’s a New Day
The Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement’s Equity and Cultural Responsiveness team is pleased to announce the theme and dates for the 2021 FCPS Summer Equity Symposium. This year’s theme is It’s A New Day.
- June 23, 8:30 - 3:30 p.m., Division Leadership and Administrators
- July 1, 8:30 - 3:30 p.m., Non-Administrator School and Central Office Staff
The Equity Symposium is designed for participants to break out of their comfort zone into growth, reflection, and continuous improvement when engaging in themes of identity, bias, power, and privilege as we seek a culture of inclusivity, equity, diversity, and acceptance. Keynote speakers and small group breakout sessions will be tailored to the specific audience with opportunities to engage in conversations to process and apply what was learned.
Registration and more information will be coming soon.
Last Chance to Nominate a Coworker for Excellence Awards: Nominations Close May 10th
Don’t miss out on nominating a team or individual that is exceeding expectations supporting FCPS strategic plan initiatives. Nomination 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 this fall.
Nominators, who must be current contracted FCPS employees, enter initial information about the individual or team they are recommending into an online portal and complete a nomination packet. The packet must be submitted electronically via the portal by Monday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m. Please visit the Excellence Awards webpage for details on award eligibility and the online nomination process.
Photo of the Week
Kings Glen ES Principal Sam Elson takes a pie in the face as the “payoff” for a schoolwide contest this year. The student who memorized the most numbers of Pi got to “pie” the principal. The 4th grader who earned Grand Champion rattled off 102 digits after the decimal. And, she recited it “live” just minutes before delivering the tasty pastry. Kings Glen live- streamed the event for all to watch and listen live.
Participate in Wellness at Work Expo
To celebrate Mental Health Month in May, Employee Wellness is hosting a 5-day Wellness at Work Expo from May 3-7 with activities to help you reduce stress and improve your wellbeing. Activities include a fun virtual dance party, live yoga sessions, guided meditations, and more! Sign up to participate in the expo. After registering on this form you will receive a link to the Wellness at Work Expo website and daily emails from employee wellness May 3-7. Plus each activity you join in will count as a raffle entry towards a wellness prize. Questions? View the Wellness at Work Expo flyer to learn more or email HRWellness@fcps.edu
Last Chance to Join Spring Into Motion
Spring Into Motion, the newest 4-week wellness challenge, has begun and the last day to register or form a team is Friday, May 7! Don’t miss out on the fun; join your colleagues in this exciting challenge designed to boost energy and improve your health as you enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. In addition to the physical benefits, you can earn $25-50 Amazon gift cards for logging daily or earning a certain number of points. It’s a great time of year to get outside and Spring Into Motion! Register now. Questions? Visit the Spring Into Motion page or email HRWellness@fcps.edu.
May Fitness Classes
The May fitness class schedule has been released! Relax with a yoga-based Stretch & Flow class or get your heart pumping with classes like Cardio Sculpt. Class recordings are available on the Employee Wellness Website. View the schedule and register here.
Increase Your Connections With Others: Register for this Wellness Webinar
Did you know that loneliness and social isolation have been steadily increasing and are now considered a health risk factor on par with cigarette smoking? Register now to gain a better understanding of the impact of loneliness on well-being and identify ways to increase connections with others.
For additional information, visit our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Guidance Resources online, and use Web ID: FCPS, or call our EAP at 1-855-355-9097. Sign up for our EAP-Wellness Newsletter to get monthly updates and announcements of our Employee Wellness offerings.
OurFCPS Faces Profile - Jessica Csomay
Meet Jessica Csomay, 7th grade science teacher at Robinson SS.
What do you like most about your job? “I love interacting with my students the most and emphasizing being kind and making connections with each other. I also work with amazing colleagues at Robinson. The combination of students and my colleagues are why I really LOVE being at Robinson.”
What is your “why” for working for FCPS? “My ‘why’ for working for FCPS is connected to my ‘why’ for teaching. FCPS gives me the space to share my joy of biology and life science with students. I teach because I enjoy interacting and seeing students have those ah-ha moments. So many students start 7th grade hesitant about science or not-liking the subject. I strive for all of my students to at least be open to learning science. FCPS offers many resources for science that were not available to students in other districts I have taught in.”
Who is your hero or role model? “WOW. This is a question I haven’t really thought of before. There are so many people that have left impressions on me that I would say are role models but I would be leaving so many out if I named just one. I would say that people that I strive to be like are those people that are kind and resilient while also being down to earth.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? “I am a mom to three amazing boys who all attend schools in FCPS. I enjoy being outside hiking, gardening, and biking. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and family.”
 Enjoy Two New Short Highlight Videos
These videos (about two minutes long) feature the historic John R. Lewis High School rededication held Friday, April 23.
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Take Note of 11 Moments From Asian American History
More than 30 years after President George H.W. Bush signed a law that designated every May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, much of Asian American history remains unknown to many Americans—including Asian Americans themselves. Read in TIME.
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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