Winners of the inaugural Award for Communication Excellence were recognized at the recent School Communicators Conference. Winners, who represent excellence in web, social media, and school newsletter communications, include (from left) Cynthia Gavin, Lake Braddock Secondary School; Helly Ahmadyar and Beth Curtis, Key Center; Alanna Dushok, Westlawn Elementary School; Kaylin Daniels, Shrevewood Elementary School; and Brooke Nyland, Woodlawn Elementary School.
“You Can Really Make a Difference”
Many FCPS employees participate in MentorWorks by connecting with students for at least 30 minutes a week in schools near where they work. Have you considered the impact you could make by mentoring? Read a few reflections on the Employee News Blog for inspiration!
Trust Policy Required Training in MyPDE
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and their families. To help meet that goal, all employees are required to complete Trust Policy Training in MyPDE.
The Trust Policy confirms the School Board’s commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for all students and their families. It aligns with Fairfax County’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy to ensure that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without the fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please email the Office of Professional Learning and Equity with questions.
W-2 Forms Have Been Mailed
W-2 tax forms for calendar year 2022 have been mailed to your address on record as of December 30, 2022. If your address has changed, please update it in UConnect now. Any W-2 returned to FCPS will be mailed to the new address. Get more information about receiving and reviewing your W-2.
What Do You Find Fulfilling?
Melinda Ward is a strings teacher at Rolling Valley Elementary School. She initially worked as a private music teacher. Melinda says, “When the first of my students auditioned for and made it into their area's District Orchestra, I realized I felt more fulfilled by their excitement over their achievement and decided to pursue a teacher licensure program and career switch.”
What makes you fulfilled as an employee with FCPS? Tell us about it on the Employee News Blog. Considering a career switch? Learn more about becoming a teacher for FCPS.
Have Your Say on Our Future!
Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:
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Wednesday, February 1, 6:30-8 p.m., at Marshall High School.
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Thursday, February 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mason Crest Elementary School.
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Saturday, February 4, 9-10:30 a.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School.
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Monday, February 6, 6:30-8 p.m., at Edison High School.
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Tuesday, February 7, 6:30-8 p.m., at South County High School.
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Wednesday, February 8, 6-7:30 p.m., in Spanish, online.
Click one of the dates above to register for a forum, or check out the full schedule of Community Forums and register for one that's convenient for you. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today.
Share Your Thoughts with Us!
What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.
Thank You for Your Feedback on the Draft Calendars
Thank you to the approximately 23,000 staff, families, students, and community members who completed the Calendar Feedback Form to let us know which aspects of the four draft calendars—blue, green, orange, and purple—worked or did not work for them. The School Board received the feedback in real time at today's work session, and included it as part of their discussion on the calendar for the 2023-24 school year. The School Board is scheduled to vote on a calendar on Thursday, February 9.
View a summary of the feedback collected on the four draft calendars. (Select the file "SY Calendar 2023-24 1-31-23.pdf.")
It's Not Too Late–Share Your Feedback Today!
FCPS has extended the deadline for community feedback on the draft calendar options to Monday, February 6. If you haven't already participated, please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
Updates on Equitable Access to Literacy
At last week’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted the Equitable Access to Literacy plan and major milestones that have been made since 2021. Watch the presentation.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? If so, reach out to the Office of the Ombuds, an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and the community. Ombuds staff members are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and/or resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button on their webpage. The team looks forward to serving you!
Family and School Partnerships Training for Educators
Are you looking to improve interactions with families and learn how to encourage families to be more involved? Registration is now open for the following Academy classes offered by Family and School Partnerships:
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Engaging Families for Student Success: Develop a greater understanding of what family engagement is and how it can be incorporated into an existing classroom or school culture.
February 21, 28; March 7, 14, and 21; 4:45-6:45 p.m.
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Culturally Responsive Family Engagement: Learn about culturally responsive family engagement and how it can be incorporated into an existing classroom or school culture.
February 21, 28; March 7, 14, and 21; 4:45-6:45 p.m.
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Supporting Military-Connected Youth: Learn strategies to better meet the unique needs of military-connected youth. These are synchronous meetings with additional asynchronous work.
February 23 and March 30, 5-7 p.m.
Click the links above to register on MyPDE.
Learn more about these and other opportunities on the Employee News Blog.
Upcoming Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Webinars
The Office of Benefit Services’ upcoming webinars are scheduled with employees in mind. Join the live sessions to engage with the speaker or, if you can’t make it, access the recording after the session ends. Session attendees will be entered in a raffle for wellness prizes!
Register by clicking the topics below:
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Acceptance of Others
Wednesday, February 22, at 4:30 p.m.
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The Psychology Behind Saving Money and Other Good Financial Habits
Wednesday, March 1, at 4:30 p.m.
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Emotional Eating: The Connection Between Mood and Food
Wednesday, March 8, at 4:30 p.m.
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Deskercise! Taking Care of Your Body During the Work Day
Wednesday, March 15, at 4 p.m.
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Parenting a Child with Special Needs
Wednesday, April 12, at 4 p.m.
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Sleep: An Essential Component for Health and Wellbeing
Wednesday, April 19, at 4 p.m.
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Overcoming Your Distorted Negative Thinking
Wednesday, April 26, at 4 p.m.
Find session descriptions in the 2023 EAP webinar training catalog. Access additional EAP webinar recordings on the EAP page on the Employee Hub.
In-Person EAP Workshop Requests
If you would like to schedule an in-person EAP workshop at your work location, please contact Helen Canepa at hgcanepa@fcps.edu. Workshops are 45-60 minutes long with audience participation. Please place requests at least 30 days in advance to secure Guidance Resources’ most qualified facilitators.
For additional information, visit our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Guidance Resources online and use Web ID: FCPS, or call 1-855-355-9097. Sign up for our EAP-Wellness Newsletter for monthly updates and announcements.
Find Free COVID-19 Testing in Your Community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which allows consumers to search for free testing sites near them. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites, and retail locations. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.
Calendar Reminder: Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Planning for Black History Month is available for teachers across content areas as part of the FCPS Multiple Perspectives Hub. Teachers and school leaders will find ideas for classroom learning experiences across grade levels as well as content areas. Resources curated specifically for social studies curriculum are also available on a new Black History 180 document.
National Heart Health Month
February is National Heart Health Month. Help raise awareness for heart disease by wearing red on Friday, February 3, at your school or office. Please send pictures of your team wearing red to employeewellness@fcps.edu. The school or office with the highest participation will be entered into a raffle prize drawing!
Last Chance to Register for the Ola Virtual Challenge
From the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the towering cliffs along Molakai’s rugged north coast, you’ll soak up stunning scenes as you exercise your way around America’s 50th state.
Start logging activity on Monday, January 30. The last day to register is Friday, February 3. This friendly competition will end Sunday, March 12. FCPS' Employee Wellness Program and the Office of Benefit Services are sponsoring the Ola Virtual Challenge. Please email questions to employeewellness@fcps.edu.
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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