Mountain View High School Counselors (from left) Ellen Fay, Michael Todd, Jenelle Lee, and Evelyn Clumpkens are dressed in academic regalia to celebrate graduating students. This week is National School Counselors week! Read more below.
School Board to Vote on School Year Calendar, Building Projects
Thank you to the nearly 36,000 employees, parents/caregivers, students, and community members who provided feedback on the draft calendar options! A summary of the feedback and the draft calendars are available on the BoardDocs website. The School Board is scheduled to vote on the 2023-24 School Year Calendar at their meeting on Thursday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. View the agenda.
Did you share your thoughts in the recent poll regarding the school year calendar development process? If you didn't, please let us know why on the Employee News Blog.
Future Construction and Renovations
The School Board is also scheduled to approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-28 Capital Improvement Plan, to coordinate the location, timing, and funding of building projects over five years.
Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Why Did You Become a Teacher? Tell Us!
"I became a teacher because I like to help others discover their own fascination with science," says Kirsten Salonga, a biology teacher at Justice High School. "I love my students and all that they have taught me. Every day, they teach me what it means to be resilient and dedicated, and they are the reason I continue to teach."
Why do you teach? Tell us about it on the Employee News Blog. Considering a career switch? Learn more about becoming a teacher for FCPS.
Excellence, Equity, and Opportunity
At Fairfax County Public Schools, we believe that learning happens best in community. When we have equally high expectations for every student, we all benefit. Excellence, equity, and access to opportunity are essential for achieving success in all aspects of life. Together, they foster growth, development, and high achievement for all students as they prepare for a world yet to be imagined.
Read more about how FCPS strives to ensure excellence, equity, and opportunity for every student.
Your Voice Matters! Have Your Say in Our Future
What is the ONE promise our school division should make and keep regarding learning, growth, and success for every student? Tell us and help shape FCPS' future.
Upcoming Community Forums
If you haven’t been able to make it to an in-person forum, virtual events will be held on Thursday, February 9, noon-1:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 11, 9-10:30 a.m. Click the date to register for that forum. Visit FCPS' Community Forums page for more information.
Does Your Family ❤️ FCPS?
FCPS employees include many couples and families who share a common commitment to education and our students. Luke Tonia, data specialist for Instructional Support at Willow Oaks, and Maggie LeGendre, a school-based technology specialist at Hayfield Secondary School, met at Hayfield in 2015, when they were both teachers. Visit the Employee News Blog on Valentine's Day to learn more about them and other FCPS families.
Did you meet your partner through FCPS? Do you come from an FCPS family? What do you love about working for FCPS? Share your story and photos with us by emailing employeenews@fcps.edu.
Targeted and High Impact In-Person Tutoring
The Department of School Improvement and Support (DSIS) is working with principals across the region to best identify where there is the most need for in-person tutoring to benefit students. The district is recruiting qualified tutors who will be matched to schools based on need.
Are You Interested in Tutoring?
FCPS is now actively recruiting qualified tutors to provide in-person academic support to small groups of students. These new FCPS tutors will be paid an hourly rate of $47.17. The position is flexible. The number of hours worked and location will be based on the tutor’s availability and qualifications, as well as needs throughout the division. Apply now! Contact tutor@fcps.edu for more information.
Note: Current FCPS staff can only apply to tutor outside of their contracted hours.
Tutor.com Is Still Available; Free for All FCPS Students
Online tutoring through Tutor.com is available to all FCPS students as a resource for support and enrichment. As of January 2023, approximately 8,000 students have participated in approximately 34,000 tutoring sessions. Tutor.com remains available to all FCPS students at no cost. Find out more about Tutor.com.
Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity
FCPS is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking community feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please fill out this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives.
Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Planning Process page for more information.
Annual Retirement Ceremony Set for May 3
The annual FCPS Retirement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 3, at 6 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. FCPS employees planning to retire prior to December 31 should submit their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) as soon as possible, so they may be included in this year’s recognition. Learn more about the annual We Honor You retirement ceremony.
Leave of Absence Applications Due
Employees who intend to request or extend a Leave of Absence (LOA) for the upcoming 2023-24 school year must indicate their intentions by Wednesday, March 1. An LOA is an approved, unpaid, extended absence from work which exceeds 30 calendar days. Additional information about leaves of absences and the application process can be found on the FCPS Leaves of Absence webpage.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Disability and Leaves team at DisabilityandLeaves@fcps.edu or 571-423-3200 and select “Option 2.”
Note: If you are expecting a baby or planning to adopt a child, the March 1 due date does not apply to you.
Third Quarter Compass Leadership Development Courses
Compass courses are offered by FCPS to leaders and aspiring leaders. They are led by staff from across FCPS to promote leadership skills and development. Courses are for operational and instructional current and aspiring leaders, unless specified in the course title. Upcoming courses for the third quarter include the Supporting New Teachers series, Building Coaching Skills, and Emotional Intelligence.
View Compass Quarterly, a new newsletter showcasing all Compass course offerings for the third quarter. Staff can also sign up to get Compass Quarterly sent directly to their inbox. Contact COMPASS@fcps.edu if you have questions.
Think Outside the Chocolate Box: Employee Perks for Valentine’s Day
Looking for a gift for your valentine? The Savings for Staff discount program makes it easy for FCPS employees to shop and save on-the-go with the mobile app powered by PerkSpot. The app is downloadable on the Apple or Google Play stores. Search for "PerkSpot" and sign up to save on flowers, dining, entertainment, travel, and more.
Calendar Reminders: Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
Remember to thank your school crossing guards on Wednesday, February 8, Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Virginia!
National School Counseling Week
February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week, which highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
Presidents Day
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Staff Staples
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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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