Jenna Grazzini Pietrandrea, a music therapy teacher at Woodlawn Elementary School, shows students the finer points of playing the ukulele.
Join Dr. Reid for a Multilingual Virtual Town Hall on May 17
On Tuesday, May 17, Incoming superintendent Michelle Reid, Ed.D. will join staff, families, and students for a multilingual virtual town hall, from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online.
Dr. Reid will be hosting additional engagement sessions throughout the county after her official start date on July 1. Stay informed about community engagement opportunities by visiting our website.
Dr. Reid spoke candidly to a group gathered in the auditorium at Annandale High School on May 3, answering questions for 90 minutes on topics including pandemic learning loss, supporting diversity, and career pathways. Six student representatives from across FCPS shared the stage with Dr. Reid, asking their own questions on matters such as school lunch, supporting the arts, and helping immigrant families feel safe.
May 3 Town Hall Highlights
If you missed the May 3 town hall meeting with Dr. Reid, you can watch the highlights in this short video.
Help Keep Schools Healthy for All
FCPS has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks as our county has transitioned to the medium community level.
Our layered prevention strategies have served us well throughout this school year, and are fully supported by the U.S. Department of Education and Northern Virginia Health Departments. However, there are many things each of us can choose to do to help keep ourselves, our students, and our colleagues safe and healthy.
Get Vaccinated or Boosted
Vaccination is the best protection we have against severe illness. Everyone is encouraged to stay up to date with vaccinations and boosters. If you need more information about COVID-19 vaccinations or where to get the dose you need, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website.
Consider a Mask
Mask use is optional for everyone in FCPS schools. However, health experts agree that wearing a mask is an excellent practice for avoiding COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. If you are immunocompromised or at high risk of severe illness, or live or have social contact with someone in this situation, speak with your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask or take additional precautions.
Stay Home When Sick and Get Tested
This time of year sniffles and fatigue may be allergies, or they may be COVID-19. That is why it is always best practice to stay home if you are sick or having symptoms and get tested as soon as possible. Staying home when you are sick or having symptoms is the best thing you can do to help stop the spread of any virus, especially COVID-19.
What’s on the Employee News Blog?
Catch up on employee news anytime, anywhere on the Employee News Blog. The Employee News weekly email newsletter will include a recap of what's on the blog so you won’t miss anything you need to know.
In case you missed it, the Employee News Blog for the week of May 2 included:
- George Mason University Holding Education Leadership Program Information Sessions.
- Fairfax County Employee Retirement System Election Petitions Due by May 18.
Educate Fairfax Inducts Inaugural Class to FCPS Hall of Fame
On Wednesday, May 4, Educate Fairfax (formerly the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools) inducted the inaugural class of eight members of the FCPS Hall of Fame, established to honor distinguished alumni of Fairfax County Public Schools.
The inductees for the FCPS Hall of Fame’s 2022 class include:
- Elizabeth Moore Aubin (Langley High School), U.S. ambassador to Algeria.
- Christian Burbach (Langley High School), decorated military veteran and business leader.
- David Guernsey (Falls Church High School), business owner and non-profit leader.
- Shea Megale (Westfield High School), an author, film director, and advocate.
- Paul Misener (Annandale High School), business leader, engineer, and inventor.
- Jeffrey Platenberg (West Springfield High School), assistant superintendent, FCPS Department of Facilities and Transportation.
- Lynn Symansky (James Madison High School), an international equestrian, trainer, and Olympian.
- Les Williams, Jr. (Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology), an entrepreneur, engineer, and nonprofit leader.
Educate Fairfax is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to make a positive difference in the lives of FCPS students and teachers. For more information, visit the Educate Fairfax website.
Excellence Award Nominations Close Monday, May 16
The Excellence Awards, celebrated each fall, honor both teams and individuals exceeding expectations in supporting FCPS strategic initiatives. Award categories include Growth, Impact on Others, Innovation and Student Achievement. Winners receive a cash award for their achievement.
If you know an FCPS employee or team that should be recognized for their efforts over the past year, visit the Excellence Awards Hub page, and submit a nomination by Monday, May 16.
Summer 2022 Academy Course Catalog Available on May 17
FCPS is committed to continuous, sustained professional development through the summer Academy Course Program. Courses include a variety of virtual offerings based on teacher feedback and FCPS priorities, such as: Supporting Students' Social Emotional Needs, Addressing Unfinished Learning, Literacy (K-2), Adopting Culturally Responsive Instructional Practices, English Learner Instruction, Engaging Families and Communities, Developing Students' POG Skills, and Leadership/Career Development. All courses are designed to enhance teacher knowledge and skills.
To promote equitable access and to minimize potential summer program conflicts, most of the Academy courses will be offered from late June until early August and will start at 3:30 p.m. or later.
Details including course syllabus, outcomes, and assignments will be listed in the Academy S catalog, which will be available on May 17 in MyPDE. Registration opens at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24.
Visit the Academy Hub page for more information or email Academy@fcps.edu for questions.
Savings for Staff Program Provides Discounts to FCPS Employees—Now Available as an App
Savings for Staff is a way for merchants to reach new customers with discounts to FCPS employees through our partner, PerkSpot. Discounts are available from local and national vendors for travel, entertainment, dining, technology, apparel, health and wellness, flowers and gifts, cell phones, and more. The site is easy for FCPS employees to access, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
New App Makes Saving Easier
The Savings for Staff discount program just became easier for FCPS employees to shop and save on the go with the launch of a new mobile app powered by PerkSpot. The app is downloadable on the Apple or Google Play stores.
Instructional Resources for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In May, people all over the United States celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders year-round, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is one opportunity to honor these important stories.
FCPS Social Studies, in collaboration with a group of educators and students, developed an internal site for instructional resources: Planning for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Teachers and school leaders will find ideas for classroom learning experiences across content areas and grade levels.
For more information, contact Deborah March at dmmarch@fcps.edu or 571-423-4638.
Instructional Resources for Jewish American Heritage Month
In May, people all over the United States celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions of Jewish Americans year-round, and Jewish Heritage Month is one opportunity to honor these important stories.
FCPS Social Studies, in collaboration with a group of students and educators, developed an internal site for instructional resources: Planning for Jewish American Heritage Month. Teachers and school leaders will find ideas for classroom learning experiences across content areas and grade levels.
For more information, contact Deborah March at dmmarch@fcps.edu or 571-423-4638.
Correction: Sherry Wilson Will Start with FCPS on June 1
Last week, Employee News incorrectly stated that incoming assistant superintendent of Human Resources Sherry Wilson would begin with FCPS on July 1. She will begin on June 1. Learn more about Sherry Wilson.
FY 2023 Budget Update
The School Board is collaborating with the Fairfax County Government to adjust the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to ensure opportunities for affordable housing that will benefit teachers, school staff, and county employees. Learn more about this latest update in the budget process by watching the recording of the May 10 school board work session on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Reminder: School Board Meeting on May 12
The School Board will hold a regular business meeting on Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m. See the complete regular meeting agenda. The meeting can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, and on the FCPS website. Agenda highlights include:
- Approval of the Tax Deferred savings program regulation.
- Introduction of recommended changes from the Public Engagement Committee to the Strategic Governance Manual regarding community participation.
- Awarding of contracts.
If you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on any School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.
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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