COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting and Upcoming Testing
Human Resources has implemented a new Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Status Form that all FCPS employees must complete. The form will help with monitoring health and safety needs across the division as well as assist principals and program managers with approving administrative leave for COVID-19 quarantine/isolation for eligible employees. Please note that while vaccination is not required, your response to this form is. It is your responsibility to update the form as your status changes.
The link to the form and employee guidance, policies, procedures, and diagnostic testing information are also available on the websites below:
Visit this Fairfax County website for more information on where to obtain a COVID vaccination.
Please contact HRconnection@fcps.edu with any questions or concerns, or refer to the email sent by HR last week.
COVID Diagnostic Testing
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county on October 17, 18, and 19. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
Open Enrollment Update
This year’s open enrollment is November 1-18. Later this week, benefit-eligible employees will receive their FCPS Open Enrollment Statement, which shows projected enrollment for 2023. This statement includes information about you and your covered dependent(s)' projected enrollment for 2023, based on your coverage elections as of October 2022.
New Provider
As a reminder, Cigna will replace Aetna and CareFirst beginning in January 2023. The new plan is similar to current plans for most benefits, and 97% of existing primary care providers will remain in-network. To help ease the transition for employees whose providers are out-of-network, FCPS will subsidize these claims for the first year of the new plan. This means that participants who continue to access out-of-network providers will have their claims supported at the in-network level after claims submission.
More details are available on the Cigna Plan page of the FCPS website, including the find a physician tool.
CVS/Caremark will continue to provide pharmacy benefits for the new plan. Kaiser Permanente will still be available as a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).
Upcoming Open Houses and Benefits Briefing
To learn more about the changes occurring for 2023 and see the dates of upcoming virtual and in-person open houses, go to the FCPS Open Enrollment webpage.
Celebrating School Bus Safety Week
Next week marks School Bus Safety Week. In this moving video, learn how an FCPS bus driver and attendant, Mr. Ron (above, left) and Mr. Bill (above, right), made an impact on Shea Megale, a 2013 graduate of Westfield High School.
Community Conversations Continue
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid has been hosting Community Conversations across the division since August to get to know our school communities. The events continue through November. We invite you to register to attend your school pyramid event or, if you have been unable to attend a previous event in your pyramid, register at a location and date that is convenient for you. See the schedule and register for an event on our website.
Dr. Reid is also hosting a Community Conversation for military-connected families this Thursday, October 13, at the Gatehouse Administration Center. If you are a military-connected family and would like to attend, email occr@fcps.edu.
All events are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Language interpretation, childcare, and light refreshments will be provided.
Watch your email, the FCPS website, and our weekly newsletter for information on future events, which may include virtual and/or multilingual events. Keep up with Dr. Reid’s work and visits around the county by reading her Weekly Reflections and following her Instagram page.
Special Education Review Report Highlights
FCPS is committed to fostering a responsive, caring, and inclusive culture where our students and staff feel seen, valued, and supported. We are continuously seeking ways to improve and to ensure the highest quality of special education services. At the request of the School Board, the FCPS Office of Auditor General (OAG) engaged a consultant to conduct an independent, third-party review of FCPS’ special education program in October 2020.
American Institutes for Research® (AIR) presented their final report during the School Board’s October 4 work session. Review their key findings and other information on OAG's website.
The School Board will hold a second session to discuss a framework for the Special Education Enhancement Plan at their Tuesday, November 15 work session.
What Is an Ombuds?
FCPS’ Office of the Ombuds is excited to celebrate Ombuds Day on October 13. An ombuds is someone who helps resolve conflict by facilitating communications and sharing available resources. The FCPS Office of the Ombuds works as an independent confidential resource to help students, families, community members, and employees get questions answered, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters.
The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help to resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
Nominate and Celebrate Your Colleagues
We know FCPS employs some of the best and brightest! To recognize your colleagues, consider nominating them for one of the following:
- The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care.
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Excellence Awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of individual employees and teams whose job performance produces exceptional results that support the mission and vision of FCPS. The Excellence Awards recognize multiple pathways to results by using nomination categories based on the school system’s goals.
- The FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards program (Honors) celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of exceptional school-based and nonschool-based employees from throughout the district. Nominations are accepted from colleagues, supervisors, students, and parents.
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Awards Liaisons from participating schools and departments work with the Employee Awards Team throughout the selection process. These liaisons communicate to their co-workers and community regarding dates and deadlines, as well as provide general information about the nomination process.
Employees are also honored upon their retirement at the We Honor You ceremony. More information on all the programs is also available on the Hub.
Calendar Reminders: Disability Employment Awareness Month and Diwali
Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present, and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. Learn more from the Department of Labor.
Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate this day and the victory of light over darkness. Monday, October 24 is a holiday for teachers and students (only 12-month employees report). See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Professional Growth and Career Development
The Office of Professional Growth and Career Development offers a variety of courses, cohorts, and professional development to support FCPS personnel across the course of their careers, from hire to retire. Learn more about some of the programs by exploring the sites below:
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Great Beginnings: A comprehensive, standards-based teacher induction program designed to support and foster the growth of new teachers in their first three years in FCPS with resources for new teachers, mentors, lead mentors, and school-based administrators.
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Teacher Leadership: Support for teachers at any stage of their career through professional learning opportunities around specific communication skills, collaborative practices, and reflective practices.
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Leadership Development: Differentiated programs supporting current and aspiring school-based and Central Office instructional and operational leaders throughout their careers.
Upcoming EAP Wellness Webinar on Self-Esteem and Saying “No”
Saying “no” can sometimes be difficult. It can cause feelings of guilt or fears of displeasing others. Nevertheless, the word “no” is one of the most important words in our language.
The ability to say “no” is a critical skill that many have never developed. Join the Learning to Say No webinar on Wednesday, October 19, at 4 p.m. to learn the skills involved in learning to respectfully say “no” in order to build and maintain healthy self-esteem. Attendees will be entered into a raffle to receive wellness prizes.
Additional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar recordings can be accessed on the Hub EAP page. For additional information, visit EAP Guidance Resources online, and use Web ID: FCPS, or call our EAP at 1-855-355-9097. Sign up for the EAP-Wellness Newsletter to get monthly updates and announcements.
Wellbeats in Your Classroom
Move, play, and have fun with Wellbeats virtual fitness classes for kids of all ages. Wellbeats offers expert-led fitness activities, mindful breaks, and movements centered around creativity, learning, and exploration. You can choose from one-minute meditation classes that allow you to relax, breathe, and enjoy being still, or take a 20-minute, simple hip hop dance class and add your own moves.
Wellbeats is available to all benefit-eligible employees. Members can access virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes from wherever they feel comfortable.
Forgot your login or new to Wellbeats?
- Enter your FCPS email address.
- Click “Forgot password.”
- Check your email for a link from Wellbeats to create a new password.
Please email support@wellbeats.com for any account issues.
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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