Winter weather has arrived! Hutchison Elementary School staff members Sarah Ince, Maureen Griffin, Joanne Yi, Steven Wilson , Lee Tyskowski, Kate Delgrande, and Jason Shirley show off the 400 "Coats for Hutchison Kids” collected through community and non-profit organizations.
Be Ready for Winter Weather
The first snowflakes of the season fell Tuesday morning and were a reminder to prepare for inclement weather.
Earlier this year, we announced that snow days will stay in 2021-22. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional inclement weather days. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning.
There are several ways you can find out if inclement weather will affect the school or work day. The FCPS website is generally the first and fastest mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be updated as quickly as possible including email, text, website, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Plan ahead for the winter season. Bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare if needed, and know what items you may need to take home with you before a weather event.
COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Available for ALL Staff
Starting December 1, all staff may obtain COVID-19 diagnostic testing at six drive through sites throughout the division. This addition to our COVID-19 testing program supports our commitment to provide safe work environments for all, and to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Appointments are not needed for diagnostic testing but staff do need to register in the secure online portal.
Information about staff diagnostic testing, including site locations and schedules, is available on the FCPS website and employee Hub.
Employee Testing Site Location and Schedule Adjustments: Stay up to date with employee screening and diagnostic testing site locations and schedules by checking the employee Hub frequently.
Winter Break: FCPS COVID-19 testing sites will be unavailable from December 18-January 1. Employees should not schedule appointments during this time. Testing will resume on January 3, 2022. Testing is available via other local providers over winter break.
A November Bonus in Honor of Your Commitment and Hard Work
As a reminder, in recognition of your service, dedication, and contributions, eligible employees received a bonus in their November paychecks on Tuesday. Visit the website for more information.
You Might See A Little More Money in Your December Paycheck
Many individuals postponed elective medical and dental care, creating a surplus of reserves which are being returned to employees.
Monthly-paid employees will not have medical and dental premiums deducted from their December paycheck. Biweekly-paid employees will not have deductions from their December 17 and December 30 pay. More details are available in the Employee Benefits Briefing.
Superintendent Search Starts December 13
Mark your calendars for the start of the superintendent search process on December 13. The School Board will be holding a work session at 1 p.m. to discuss the process, the timeline and engagement opportunities.
The meeting can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) and on the FCPS website.
Interim Chief Equity Officer Keeps Focus
on Student Success
Nardos King, currently the assistant superintendent for Region 3, will assume the role of Interim Chief Equity Officer, effective December 6. King replaces Lisa Williams.
The appointment reasserts FCPS’ commitment to ensuring the work of centering equity remains at the forefront of all decisions the school division makes.
Read more about the role leadership plays in the division’s equity work.
Save on Holiday Shopping
If you still have to finish holiday shopping, or just love a good deal, sign up for PerkSpot, or visit our Savings for Staff page to see offers and discounts from hundreds of merchants including food, clothing, electronics, and travel.
Eleven FCPS Schools Named 2021 Purple Star Schools
Eleven Fairfax County public schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2021 Purple Star schools. The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
See what schools were recognized as 2021 Purple Star schools.
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Calendar Reminder and Cultural Observance Day: Bodhi Day, December 8
Wednesday, December 8 (Bodhi Day), is a religious and cultural observance day. 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.
School Board Updates
The School Board will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, December 2, at 7 p.m. Agenda items include:
- New Business: Award of Contracts; FY 2022 Midyear Budget Review
See the complete regular meeting agenda. The meeting can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) and on the FCPS website.
Last week, the School Board voted unanimously to adopt the 2022 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program and Priorities. Details are available on Board Docs or you may watch the meeting on our YouTube Channel.
Check out the November Issue of the Audit 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, introduces a new Ask the Auditor series in the Knowledge Hive, highlights the Auditor General's recent virtual trip to Richmond, Va., to participate in a peer review, and showcases a new OAG team member.
October FCPS CARES of the Month Recipients are “Unsung Heroes”
- Central Office: : Michael Vu, Stonecroft Transportation Center.
- Region 1: Barbara Posey, South Lakes HS.
- Region 2: Samya Salih, Davis Career Center.
- Region 3: Iris Stubblefield, Tracy Hamilton and Alaise Rudder, Mount Vernon HS and Bryant HS.
- Region 4: Fabienne Gustave, Centreville HS.
- Region 5: Wendy Beaumont – Little Run ES.
Read more about what makes these employees special. Recognize a colleague who goes above and beyond.
OurFCPS Faces Profile - Rick Cutting
Richard ‘Rick’ Cutting is a pharmacy tech teacher at Chantilly High School’s STEM Academy. He loves influencing young minds towards their career and life choices after high school. He says, “If I can reach them in a positive way and make them see the greater perspective, then it’s a well-deserved accomplishment.” Learn more about Rick and what’s drawing him back to college next year.
Nominate a colleague for an OurFCPS Faces profile at employeenews@fcps.edu.
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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