Bus drivers and attendants had a sweet start to their day last Friday, as members of the FCPS Leadership Team met them with baked goods from Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates. The treats were provided—courtesy of Apple Federal Credit Union—to thank the drivers for all that they do to ensure students get safely to and from school.
Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates is the first business enterprise of the nonprofit Every1 Can Work. They employ young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and many of them are FCPS alumni.
Community Conversations Continue
Superintendent Michelle Reid continues her meetings with families and employees at each high school pyramid. These events offer a unique opportunity to help Dr. Reid get to know the FCPS community. Please view the schedule and register to attend. We hope to see you at an event soon!
FCPS Affinity Groups
The Office of Professional Learning and Equity (OPLE) is excited to announce affinity groups to provide educators in FCPS with a safe place to build community, share stories, and find support from educators with similar identities and backgrounds. This includes:
- Affinity groups for Asian Educators, Black Educators, Latinx Educators, LGBTQIA+ Educators, and Aspiring Leaders of Color.
- Support for new and veteran teachers, such as includes monthly full group meetings and connection with an FCPS mentor of the same affinity.
Affinity groups help employees feel welcome, improve retention, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster relationships. If you are interested in participating, please sign up here or visit our website for more information.
Boost Up! Updated COVID Boosters Available for Ages 12+
The Fairfax County Health Department is now offering bivalent boosters for COVID-19. The bivalent vaccines, also known as “updated boosters,” target Omicron’s BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, as well as the original COVID-19 strain.
Appointments are recommended through the COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Scheduling site, but walk-ins are available. Use the Fairfax Health District VAMS link to register.
FCPS continues to follow the CDC’s guidance. We encourage you to review the following sites on the Employee Hub to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on health, safety, and FCPS guidance:
Strong Relationships and Connections Set the Stage for Learning
Feeling valued as an individual and having strong foundational relationships at school and in the classroom can set students up for success including deeper learning and better attendance. But, how can you get to know your students better?
Consider adjusting “getting to know you” surveys to include more open-ended questions. Provide opportunities for students to share information about things they care deeply about. Connect one-on-one and use emotional check-ins.
Read more in this edutopia.org article or visit the Student Attendance page on the Hub for more resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
September Is Self-Care Awareness Month
Refocus on You and Your Well-Being
Take care of your mind and body by joining the four week “Take Care of You” program through Wellbeats.
Wellbeats is your virtual wellness fitness platform that gives you access to monthly challenges and on-demand well-being classes to restore energy, elevate your mood, and focus on your health and happiness. No matter your age, level, ability, or interest, you can choose what fits your lifestyle. Forgot your login or new to Wellbeats?
- Enter your FCPS email address.
- Click “Forgot My Password.”
- Check your email for a link from Wellbeats to create a new password.
Please email support@wellbeats.com for any account issues.
Coming Soon: 10K A Day Virtual Wellness Challenge
Improve your mental and physical health, one step at a time by joining the virtual wellness challenge, 10K A Day.
This fun-filled virtual walking tour challenge program takes you to some of the world’s most fascinating cities. Ten thousand steps daily will ensure you visit exciting tourist hot spots every day. Get the details on the Employee Wellness website.
10K A Day has both individual and team competitions, an interactive message board, helpful wellness resources, and there are prizes!
Registration begins Monday, September 26 on the 10K A Day website. Questions? Email employeewellness@fcps.edu.
Top Dogs
 Rasheeda Green, Bucknell Elementary School Principal, with Willow Wiggles. Photo by Neika Smith Photography
The Mount Vernon Gazette recently published a Pet Gazette, featuring more than a dozen of the most principled pets in the county…and their owners, FCPS principals, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Learn more about a few of these special friends in our latest Employee News Blog.
Spending time with pets can be a great way to increase activity and exercise, and decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They can also help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Do you have a pet who helps calm you after a stressful week? Tell us about them! We may feature them in an upcoming blog.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of the members of our community whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
For more information on local celebrations, visit the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services website.
Verification Information for Current National Board Certified Teachers
The Office of Professional Learning and Equity is required to confirm the eligibility of all National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) every year in order for them to receive the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Incentive Award. All NBCTs must provide necessary information by completing this form. Please have your VDOE license number available.
Every year, FCPS must certify that NBCTs are “engaged in direct instruction” with students more than 50% of each school day. The verification form must be completed by close of business September 25.
Visit the FCPS NBCT website to learn more. Also, if you are pursuing Maintenance of Certification (MOC) this year, please consider joining your NBCT colleagues in an Academy Cohort beginning in September.
Upcoming Instructional Staff Learning Opportunities
Visit the Employee News Blog to learn more about the following learning opportunities for instructional staff:
- STEAM and Computer Science Professional Learning Cohorts for elementary (apply by November 10) and Early Childhood educators (apply by September 16).
- George Mason Education Leadership Program information session on master’s degrees or advance Certificate in Education Leadership:
- And more!
Updates to MyPDE
MyPDE has a new look and a new learner dashboard. These updates are designed to improve your experience as a user in the system. On your learner dashboard, you can now see a countdown of your assigned required training as well as a rotating banner with announcements tailored for you as a learner. Learn more about the updates by watching the MyPDE Updates video (1 min.). For technical help with MyPDE, please submit your question to RequestIT@fcps.edu and use “MyPDE” in the subject line.
Sexual Harassment Prohibited in FCPS
Policy 4950, Sexual Harassment, states that no person in Fairfax County Public Schools shall be subjected to sexual harassment. It is the intent of the School Board to maintain an environment free from sexual harassment of any kind.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature amounting to or constituting harassment are prohibited. Employees should report complaints of sexual harassment to their supervisors or program managers.
If, for any reason, an individual prefers not to address their concerns directly with a principal, supervisor, or program manager, he or she may consult with, or file a complaint with, the Office of Equity and Employee Relations by calling 571-423-3070.
School Board Meeting on September 15 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold a regular business meeting on Thursday, September 15, at 7 p.m. See the complete regular meeting agenda (English only). The meeting can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, and on the FCPS website. To watch recorded School Board meetings or live Regular Meetings dubbed in Spanish, you can visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel. Agenda highlights include:
- A motion to renew the strategic plan
- Reallocation of ESSER III funds
- 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 action items 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: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using 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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