In the pennant race? Thoreau Middle School administrative team (Tracy Bromberg, Jihoon Shin, Teresa Khuluki, Rebecca Aguilar, and Gregory Luongo) pose with School Resource Officer Tiara Good and proudly show off the school’s pennant.
Equitable Access to Literacy Will Transform Learning for Every Child
The Equitable Access to Literacy Plan will provide every student with the education and support they need to develop the reading and writing skills necessary for school and life. The division is launching this ambitious initiative that will transform learning from PreK through graduation because “It is best for every child.”
Read more about why literacy education is so important, what FCPS is doing now, and what’s to come.
Check Off Your Professional Development in MyPDE!
The first quarter is nearly over and it’s time to check your required training in MyPDE. Go to MyPDE, click on the Self icon then Assigned Training. Refer to this video for detailed instructions.
For technical support or questions, please submit a ticket to RequestIT or email ITServicedesk@fcps.edu.
For questions about a specific course, please email the contact under the Additional Information section of the course.
School Leadership Educational Opportunities: Take the Next Step and Learn About School Administration Programs
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James Madison University offers a master's degree or certificate in School Administration. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the form to sign up. FCPS will be holding an information meeting on October 26, 2021. If you have questions, please contact Roger Collins at colli5rd@jmu.edu or Derek Steele at desteele@fcps.edu.
- The George Mason University Education Leadership Program is currently recruiting for a new spring 2022 Fairfax Campus Hybrid program. Register below to attend a virtual information session. Questions? Please contact Farnoosh Shahrokhi at fshahrok@gmu.edu.
October 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
October 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Drive-Thru Flu Shots
Flu shots are free for all full-time, part-time, hourly, and substitute employees on contract in SY 21-22. Drive through our flu clinic at Gatehouse on October 23. 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.
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.
Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Open
Not yet vaccinated or need a booster shot?
All FCPS employees are eligible for a booster shot. In addition, we know that vaccination is the way to end COVID and while most of our staff are fully vaccinated, we want to make sure those who still want the vaccine have access to it.
The Fairfax Community Vaccination Clinic is operating a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the former Lord & Taylor store at Tysons Corner Center. FCPS employees can get first and second doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as well as booster shots at this center. Operating hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
Staff seeking a booster of the Pfizer vaccine should take their FCPS ID. Those needing a second dose are asked to bring their vaccination card showing the dates of previous doses.
Dr. Brabrand recently received his COVID-19 booster, hear what he has to say about it.
Read more about the Fairfax CVC online. To find an appointment visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA.
Who Needs to Test for COVID?
All Fairfax County Public Schools employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing at designated FCPS work locations. This reinforces the division’s commitment to safety and reducing the spread of this virus. Employees who are not fully vaccinated according to the CDC guidelines, have a medical or religious exemption or have not responded to the vaccination status survey, will be required to attend testing at these sites starting in November. We will be able to share a list of these sites with staff in Employee News next week.
If your vaccination status has changed, please be sure to update the online Employee Covid Vaccination Status Form with the most recent date of your last shot.
For additional information on COVID vaccination resources, visit the Employee Hub or here.
Open Enrollment Is Underway!
Open Enrollment began on Monday, October 11, and will continue through Friday, November 5. Remember – this is your annual opportunity to enroll and/or make changes to your medical, dental, and/or flexible spending account (FSA) benefits for the upcoming year. The Office of Benefit Services staff will be hosting virtual open houses to discuss 2022 benefits for active employees on the following dates:
- Friday, October 15, 4-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 20, 4-6 p.m.
- Thursday, October 28, 4-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 2, 4-6 p.m.
To register for a virtual open house or find additional details about Open Enrollment, please visit the Open Enrollment website.
School Bond Referendum on November 2 Ballot
A school bond referendum will be on the general election ballot on Tuesday, November 2. 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 12, at 5 p.m.).
Early voting has begun, find an early voting location and vote now!
Our school buildings and outdoor spaces are used by community members as teen centers, recreation and athletic sites, polling places, places of worship, civic meeting spaces, and School Age Child Care facilities. Like a home renovation, school renovations enhance and protect taxpayer investments.
The building and renovation of schools is not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds. Bonds sales must be approved by voters since they are a future obligation for taxpayers. As long debt service costs do not increase significantly as a percentage of combined general fund disbursements, the county's bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes.
Learn more about the 2021 Bond Referendum.
What Is the Office of the Ombudsman?
 Dawn Clements, Armando Peri, and Deanna Johnson of the Ombudsman Office
The FCPS Office of the Ombudsman provides an independent, confidential resource for students, families, community members, and employees who are seeking informal help to answer questions, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Examples of services the Office of the Ombudsman provides include:
- Sharing strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Helping to resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Providing ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
However, the Office of the Ombudsman does not:
- Change or make decisions, policies, or regulations.
- Take sides.
- Provide legal advice.
Contact the Office of the Ombudsman by using the "Submit a Question" button at the top of the Office of the Ombudsman webpage, by calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombudsman@fcps.edu.
CyberSecurity Awareness Month - SmartPhones
The DIT - Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) will be sending out new tips every week during the month of October to raise awareness.
Week 2 of 4: Smartphone Security Tips
Today, we use our smartphones for everything: checking emails, shopping, and even banking. Unfortunately, these activities have made our smartphones a target for cyber-criminals. Learn how to protect your device with our Smartphone Security Tips.
What’s the Buzz?
FCPS’ Office of Auditor General (OAG) publishes Audit Buzz to provide a look into OAG’s work. In this issue of Audit Buzz, OAG summarizes the status of current engagements, provides information on The What, When, Why and How of audits in the Knowledge Hive, and highlights the newest citizen member of the Audit Committee.
Stay up to date with OAG’s current and planned work by reading the latest issue of Audit Buzz!
OurFCPS Faces Profile - Lawrence Veasley
Lawrence Veasley, a school-based technology specialist at Daniels Run Elementary School, has worked for FCPS for 26 years. He also taught robotics and coding during the summer at Mount Vernon High School and Whitman Middle School. Learn more about Veasley and some of his many talents!
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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