 
Wanda Talford, an instructional assistant, and Bernard Jones, an emotional disabilities teacher, at Burke School are all set to celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month.
Howard Brewer Named Region 4 Teacher of the Year
Howard Brewer, alternative schools teacher for Interagency Alternative Schools located at Bryant High School, has been selected as the 2022 Virginia Region 4 Teacher of the Year! He is also now a finalist for the 2022 Mary J. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year. Congratulations Howard! Find out what makes Howard Brewer an outstanding educator.
Terri Hodges Named 2021-22 School Psychologist of the Year
Congratulations to FCPS school psychologist Terri Hodges! She has been named Virginia School Psychologist of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists. This award is given each year to a psychologist in Virginia who meets the highest professional standards. Hodges, who has worked as a school psychologist for over 20 years - the past 11 of which she spent with FCPS serving Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School at the U.S. Army installation at Fort Belvoir - is now Virginia’s nominee for the national award. Find out more about Terri Hodges.
FCPS Receives School Divisions Of Innovation Award
 Fairfax County Public Schools recently received the School Divisions of Innovation Award from the Virginia Board of Education. This five-year designation serves to recognize FCPS’ work to lead transformative innovation in the Commonwealth. FCPS is among five school divisions in Virginia that are recognized for designing and implementing alternatives to traditional instructional practices and school structures to improve student learning and promote college and career readiness and good citizenship.
FCPS is implementing the Fairfax County Portrait of a Graduate to provide equity in access, opportunity, and outcomes for all students. Performance will be measured through end-of-year presentations requiring students to curate evidence of learning and academic growth over time in a portfolio, and share their learning experiences and goals with authentic audiences, including teachers, families, peers and community members.
Former Lake Braddock Secondary School Former Student Is Now a Teacher
When Saja Abduljabbar arrived at Lake Braddock High School for 9th grade, she spoke no English. Now, about a decade later, she is back at her alma mater, but this time as a teacher.
Abduljabbar sees herself in every English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) student and wants to provide as much support and encouragement as possible. And she is grateful for the inspiration she continues to receive from her former teacher and now colleague, Danyele Magretta. Find out more on our website.
FCPS Receives Funding for New Student Devices
Fairfax County Public Schools received funding commitment from the Federal Communication Commission's Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) for up to a total of $18M towards purchasing PK2 devices this school year. The grant allows reimbursement for any hardware purchased in the order of $400 per device/student. The FCPS grant proposal requested purchase of 17,730 Apple iPads (serving grades preschool and kindergarten) and up to 27,251 Dell touchscreen laptops (serving grades 1,2).
FCPS Teacher Artwork on Display
Artwork by teachers from Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Fine Arts is currently on display at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Artwork by over 75 FCPS art teachers from 50+ schools will be on display at the McGuire Woods Gallery as part of the 14th annual Artist Teacher Exhibition, an art exhibition recognizing the creativity and technical expertise of FCPS art teachers through October 24.
September 15-October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month: Use These 2021 Curriculum Resources
September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate Hispanic culture. We celebrate at this time of year because the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all received their independence on September 15. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18.
FCPS Social Studies has published resources and materials at Planning for National Hispanic Heritage Month and Multiple Perspectives Hub - two new Google sites, to support K-12 teachers of all subject areas seeking guidance and meaningful learning experiences about Hispanic American perspectives, contributions, and cultures.
These sites bring together resources across subject areas and grade levels, offering essential questions and pacing guidance to flexibly support teachers in different contexts. For additional information about Heritage Months and Observances resources, please contact Deborah March, dmmarch@fcps.edu.
Calendar Reminder: Monday, October 11 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Monday, October 11, is a student holiday and a professional development day for staff, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of Indigenous People, not just in America, but around the world.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) will be sending out new tips every week during the month to raise awareness.
Week 1: Travel Safety Tips
We realize that travel is rare during a pandemic, but it is important to keep up basic cyber hygiene when traveling or connecting over untrusted wireless networks. Did you remember to unpair your phone from the rental car’s Bluetooth? Do you make sure to never leave your device unattended? Learn more Cybersecurity Travel Safety Tips on the Employee Hub.
Election Day Is November 2: Have You Registered to Vote?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. A school bond referendum will be on the general election ballot. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents of Fairfax County may vote if they are 18 years or older on Election Day and have registered to vote 22 days prior to the election (on or before October 11, by 5 p.m.).
You are eligible to register to vote if you are:
- A citizen of the United States.
- At least 18 years of age by the next November general election*.
- A resident of Virginia.
Visit the Fairfax County Office of Elections website for information about registering to vote or updating your voter file and voting options, or call 703-222-0776.
The building and renovation of schools is not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds. Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over a number of years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. Bond sales must be approved by voters since they are a future obligation for taxpayers.
Read about Fairfax County’s coveted triple-A bond ratings and why the county's bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes.
COVID Vaccine Reminder Update: Who Is Eligible for the Booster?
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will begin providing booster shots of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who meet new CDC guidelines for a booster dose. For more information on eligibility and availability, please see the FCHD press release.
Spots to Get the Shots: Drive-Thru Flu Shots and COVID Vaccinations
Flu Shots
Flu shots are free for all full-time, part-time, hourly, and substitute employees on contract in SY 21-22. A drive-thru flu clinic open to all FCPS employees will be held at Gatehouse on October 23. Alternatively, most insurance plans (along with Medicare) provide no cost flu shots at your doctor’s office or pharmacy. Check with your insurance plan for details. Questions? Email employeewellness@fcps.edu. Appointments are required. Make your appointment now.
Drive-Thru Flu Clinic
Location: Gatehouse Administration Center
Date: Saturday, October 23
Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
COVID Vaccinations
Visit Fairfax County Health Department’s website to find a location near you. For vaccine questions or to schedule an appointment, call 703-324-7404.
Last Chance to Join Walktober
It’s not too late to commit to making physical activity part of your daily routine by joining the fall-themed virtual wellness challenge, Walktober! You will have the chance to earn prizes for yourself and your school by collecting leaves for logging your activity. Get all of the details on the Employee Wellness Website. Fall is the perfect time to get outside and get moving!
Walktober runs October 1-31. The last day to register or join a team is Friday, October 8. Register on fcps2021.walktober.com. Questions? Email employeewellness@fcps.edu
Free Live Fitness Classes in October
 Registration is open for October fitness classes! Participation is limited, so claim your spot in classes like Zumba, Tai Chi, Pilates, and more! Can’t attend live? Class recordings are made available on the Employee Wellness Website and a library of on-demand classes are available through your Wellbeats benefit. View the full schedule and register for a class.
OurFCPS Faces Profile - Dave Worst
Dave Worst, a health and PE teacher at Rose Hill Elementary School, has worked for FCPS for six years. Besides loving his job, he serves as a resource team manager for the specialists team and mentors students. Find out more about Dave and what audiobook he’s listened to for the 7 millionth time. Hint: Go Hufflepuffs!
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!
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