A lot of hard work happens on a snow day to make sure schools and offices are ready to open when the weather clears. A huge thank you to our operational staff who worked throughout the winter storm to keep parking lots, sidewalks, and buildings safe.
Check out this photo gallery of snow day pictures from across the county.
Navigating the January 2022 COVID Surge
On Thursday, Dr. Brabrand shared our plan to navigate the current COVID surge. We are committed to keeping our classrooms open. We will continue with this plan for the next 2-3 weeks and then make any necessary adjustments.
Details and updates about our plan to provide continuity of instruction during the COVID surge can be found on our website.
Again, we thank you for your continued resilience and dedication to our students in this ever-changing situation.
Changes to Quarantine and Isolation Effective January 10
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance for isolation and quarantine in late December, with an update January 4. This guidance reduces isolation and quarantine to five days. The VDH states that school districts may choose to continue more stringent isolation and quarantine requirements or may implement the new CDC guidance.
FCPS will adopt the new guidance with one exception:
- FCPS will adopt CDC’s recommendation for quarantine for students and staff.
- FCPS will adopt CDC’s recommendation for isolation for staff.
- FCPS will NOT adopt CDC’s recommendation for isolation for students as we are unable to implement the required physical distancing protocols during meals.
This new guidance goes into effect January 10. More information will be available on our website soon and upcoming issues of FCPS This Week.
Return to Work requirements for staff are posted on the Employee Hub.
Stay Healthy and Safe
In-person learning is best for our students and we have the knowledge and tools to keep schools open and safe. Our layered prevention strategies have served us well during the fall, and are fully supported by the U.S. Department of Education and Northern Virginia Health Departments.
It is critical that we support our colleagues and students by following those layered prevention strategies every day and at all times. The most important thing we can do is to stay home when sick, get tested, and follow the appropriate procedures for reporting COVID cases and returning to work.
- Standard protocols and procedures, and answers to questions about leave, can be found on the employee HUB.
- Diagnostic testing is available for staff at our drive-through testing sites. Check the FCPS website for locations, schedules, and any updates related to weather.
- Proper mask-wearing at all times, covering the nose and mouth except when eating or drinking.
Vaccination helps reduce the severity of illness and remains the best tool for ending the pandemic. Booster eligibility has been expanded and the time needed before receiving a booster shortened. If you need a vaccination or booster, the Fairfax County Health Department website is a great source of information about clinics and other vaccination opportunities.
Employee News Anytime, Anywhere!
Introducing the Employee News Blog—a new way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information employees need to know. Check the Employee News Blog anytime linked on the FCPS website's Employee Resources page or the Features page. We’ll also share a round up of the latest blog in each week’s Employee News newsletter email.
Be sure to check for opportunities to share feedback on topics. Your voice matters and we want to hear from you. Your feedback will be shared with division leadership and we will share updates and answer questions in future blog posts.
Read this week’s Employee News Blog to learn more about:
- November FCPS CARES of the Month.
- Tips for Coping with Stress.
- Apply for Fall Tuition Reimbursement.
- Earn Your License in Administration and Supervision in One Year.
- New Leadership Course for Operational Leaders.
- Instructional Coaching Program Information Nights.
Working Together to Keep Students Safe on Social Media
Over the last few weeks, the FCPS Department of Information Technology (DIT) and many FCPS staff have observed an increase in inappropriate, harmful, and at times threatening/illegal content regarding students and schools being posted on certain social media platforms. This is a nationwide trend and not unique to FCPS. Such content affects student and staff safety, can lead to mental health issues, and detracts from the learning environment.
In an effort to combat this harmful student behavior on social media, DIT is reinstating blocks to certain social media sites on FCPS networks and student devices, without exceptions. While these platforms are already blocked on the FCPS network by default, a few schools had requested local exceptions for various purposes.
To keep students focused on learning while at school and reduce the potential harm students may experience from social media, the following platforms are blocked for students on FCPS networks and devices:
- Instagram.
- TikTok.
- Discord.
- Reddit.
- Snapchat.
- Pinterest.
You can help by talking with your students about responsible use of social media. Refer to the 2021-22 Student Rights and Responsibilities document (PDF); a list of do’s and don’ts for social media is on page 12. The FCPS’ Digital Citizenship webpage is also a helpful resource for discussing safe and proper internet use.
Please remember that if a student shares a safety concern with you, contacting the authorities should always be your first step. If your safety concern is an emergency, please call 911. The FCPS Office of Safety and Security also has a safety tip line that you can access anonymously online, by text, or by phone.
Working together, we can help keep students safe and teach them to use social media in responsible and healthy ways.
Take the FCPS Superintendent Search Survey
The Fairfax County School Board is committed to hiring the best possible candidate for FCPS’ next superintendent. With that in mind, the Board has contracted a search firm to conduct a national search for the new superintendent. Your voice is an important part of this effort! Please weigh in by participating in the Superintendent Search Survey today. The survey allows FCPS staff, parents/guardians, high school students, and community members to share their thoughts on the leadership characteristics and qualities of the next superintendent. Information gathered through the survey, focus groups, and upcoming town halls will help inform the selection of FCPS’ new superintendent.
An invitation to take the survey was sent to your FCPS email address earlier this week. Thanks in advance for your participation in this important process. Visit FCPS’ Superintendent Search page for more information.
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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