Bus drivers Danielle McNamara, Leslie Sugg, Keir Froberg, Nicholas Rocha, and Margaret Scalia show off one of the new fleet of electric buses at Stonecroft Transportation Center.
COVID-19 Screening Testing for Staff Begins Monday
Starting Monday, November 1, contracted staff who are not fully vaccinated or have not completed the Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Status Form are required to be tested weekly at an FCPS testing site. Employees required to schedule appointments will receive instructions via email this week.
Everyone who is medically able to be vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Testing sites/supports are being set-up to cover the county, but it is important to understand that testing will cost the individual time and because some employees remain unvaccinated, they are at higher health risk. Vaccination is part of our layered prevention strategies that help to keep us all safe in the workplace.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing on the Employee Hub. Find a place to get vaccinated on the Fairfax County Health Department Website.
We Are Ready to VaxUP!
It’s a big week for COVID-19 vaccination news. Today, the Food and Drug Administration’s key vaccine advisory committee endorsed Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 -11, moving the matter to the full agency for approval. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet next week to vote on its recommendation. Emergency Use Authorization may be announced soon (learn more about Emergency Use Authorization). FCPS, the Fairfax County Health Department, Inova Health System, and the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics are collaborating to provide opportunities for vaccination throughout the community, in doctors’ offices, and at schools. Learn more and stay up to date with the latest news on our website.
Evaluation Requirements Lightened
In response to continued advocacy around reducing workload demands, division leadership has approved additional measures to lighten certain aspects of the performance evaluation requirements for school year 2021-2022. Find out the details on the Employee HUB.
School Bond Referendum is on the November 2 Ballot
A school bond referendum is on the general election ballot this year. Early voting continues through October 30 at sites throughout the county. Polls are open Election Day, Tuesday, November 2, 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.).
New and renovated schools provide safe and optimal spaces for teaching and learning. The building and renovation of schools is financed through bonds. Bonds sales must be approved by voters since they are a future obligation for taxpayers. As long as 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.
We Need Your Input: Take FCPS’ 2022-23 School Year Calendar Survey
 Want to give your opinion on the development of FCPS’ 2022-23 School Year (SY) Calendar? Here’s your chance. On Wednesday, October 27, all employees will receive an email from FCPS Survey with a link to the calendar survey. Parents, families, and students in grades 7-12 will also be invited to take a similar survey. The results will be used to inform and support FCPS staff as well as the School Board, as they work to adopt the 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Your participation is critical, so once you receive the survey, please weigh in at your earliest convenience. The survey closes on Wednesday, November 10. All responses are confidential. Please email FCPSsurvey@fcps.edu with questions about the survey.
This year, FCPS is using a different process to develop the calendar. Learn about the criteria being used in the development of the 2022-23 calendar.
Also, mark your calendars for a virtual Calendar Development Community Meeting on Monday, November 8, 7-8 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.
Fairfax County School Board Selects Superintendent Search Firm
The Fairfax County School Board has contracted human resources recruitment firm GR Recruiting to conduct a nationwide search for the next Superintendent of Schools. The community’s voice will be critical in helping define leadership characteristics, qualities, and qualifications of the next superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. Parents, staff, students, and community members will be deeply involved in the process. Learn more.
FCPS Named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year: Sustained Excellence for 2021
Fairfax County Public Schools has been named a 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year: Sustained Excellence, the highest honor among ENERGY STAR awards. For the fifth year in a row, FCPS has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy for its continued efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and facilities. Find out why we received this honor on our website.
Calendar Reminder and Cultural Observance Days: Two-Hour Early Release on October 29; Student Holidays November 1-2
As a reminder, Friday, October 29, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 2, for teacher work days. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
Monday, November 1 (Dia de los Muertos), and Thursday, November 4 (Diwali), are religious and cultural observance days. Religious and cultural observances are designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Regulation 2234 and Regulation 4817 – Religious Accommodation for Employees specifies these days and the guidance provided.
Fall for Fitness: Employee Wellness in November
 Registration is open for November wellness classes. Weekly fitness classes and a special cooking demo will be held throughout the month. Fitness classes include Zumba, Mat Pilates, and more. The November 15 cooking demo will feature healthy twists on Thanksgiving recipes. View the full schedule and register for a class. Class recordings are available on the Employee Wellness Website and a library of on-demand classes are available through your Wellbeats benefit.
New to fitness or returning after some time away? Wellbeats, available to all benefit-eligible employees, provides a NEW “Get Started” Challenge. It’s a 4-week plan with fun workouts, beginner-friendly meditation exercises, and healthy eating tips designed to make you feel good – no matter your experience or activity level.
Email employeewellness@fcps.edu with any questions about employee wellness.
CyberSecurity Awareness Month- Week 4 of 4: Protect Your Information
The DIT - Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) will be sending out new tips every week during October to raise awareness.
Week 4 of 4: Tips to Protect Your Information
Cloud storage, online applications, email… FCPS relies on a lot of systems to create, store, and share information. What are the best practices to secure this information? Read some cybersecurity tips on where and how to protect your information.
September FCPS CARES of the Month
Congratulations to the September FCPS CARES of the Month recipients:
- Central: Celine Sinclair-Peebles – Interagency Alternative Schools – School Improvement and Supports
- Region 1: Jonathan Pruess – South Lakes High School
- Region 2: Lesli Bailey – Columbia Elementary School
- Region 3: Lisa Schroeder – Gunston Elementary School
- Region 4: Christine Franco – Keene Mill Elementary School
- Region 5: Asmita Jadhav – Rocky Run Middle School
Learn more about these employees and their contributions. Recognize an employee who goes above and beyond.
OurFCPS Faces Profile - Bryan Buser
Bryan Buser, multimedia development specialist in the Department of Human Resources (HR), began his 22-year career in FCPS as a business and information technology teacher at Centreville High School. He’s also a proud graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School. Bryan says, “Because I’m engaged with meaningful work, my work days fly by.” Learn more about Bryan and his spirit wear collection featured here.
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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