Sean Miller, a history teacher at South County High School, and students in his African American History class, held a Black Joy Family Reunion–a culminating, student-led African American history project.
School Board Adopts FY 2024 Advertised Budget
At their last meeting, the Fairfax County School Board adopted the FY 2024 Advertised Budget, which prioritizes student achievement, and recruiting and retaining outstanding educators.
The FY 2024 Advertised Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $249.6 million or 7.6% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. To support the investments included in this budget, the superintendent is requesting an additional $159.6 million, or a 7.0% increase, from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Nearly 86% of the Advertised Budget is targeted at instruction.
The budget includes innovative investments that aim to close the achievement gap for all students. Read more about those investments.
Conversation with Dr. Reid on the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan
In December, we shared that the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education published a Resolution Agreement with Fairfax County Public Schools regarding the provision of special education services during the global COVID-19 pandemic. FCPS developed a plan to support the needs of students with disabilities whose learning was impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our teachers and staff are actively working to implement the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan and ensure that all students are receiving the support they need to succeed.
Dr. Reid invites all special education staff (e.g., teachers and related service providers), 504 case managers, and others who are invested in this work to join her for a conversation Monday, March 6, at 4:30 p.m. This will be a hybrid event, participants may join in person at Willow Oaks room 1000 A/B (pre-registration is required) or virtually via Zoom (pre-registration is requested). An American Sign Language interpreter will be at the event and visible on Zoom.
During the event Dr. Reid will share more about the work to implement the plan. You will have an opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns directly with the superintendent.
Please complete this form to indicate your preference for joining the meeting. In-person attendance is capped at 250 participants. Those requesting to attend in person will receive a confirmation email by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 3.
Join the meeting on Zoom, Monday, March 6, at 4:30 p.m. Please be sure to sign in to your FCPS Zoom account using your network credentials before clicking on the event link.
“Compassion, Empathy, Passion” Drives FCPS Cares Winner
“The student body of Bryant High School is blessed to have Pipi Harrison in their corner,” a colleague said about Florence Harrison, director of Student Services at Bryant High School and an FCPS CARES recipient in November. “It's compassion, empathy, and passion that drives Pipi to serve her community. She is very aware of the needs in our Bryant community, and she seeks to meet those needs.”
FCPS CARES 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.
Winners for November include:
- Florence Harrison, Bryant High School
- Jessica Bigles, Langley High School
- Jennifer Santos, Camelot Elementary School
- Maggie Jones, Hayfield Secondary School
- Lauren Joyner, Ravensworth Elementary School
- Ruby Brown, Stone Middle School
Read more about Pipi and get more information about all the winners. Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee.
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How Are We Doing?
Since last fall, thousands of employees, students, families, and community members have contributed to the strategic planning process by participating in focus groups, planning teams, community forums, and surveys. In the weeks ahead, employees will have an opportunity to react to the work that’s been done thus far through a feedback form. Staff will attend a strategic planning “reality check” session held by their principal or Central Office director and complete the form as an “exit ticket” during that event.
Your input will help us know whether we are headed in the right direction—one that will help ensure a thriving future for every FCPS student. Please visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.
“I Want to Make a Difference”
Destinee Freeman, a fourth-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School, became a teacher to help expose students to new opportunities. She was inspired by her own teachers.
What inspires you as a teacher? Share with us on the Employee Blog.
Considering a career switch? Learn more about becoming a teacher for FCPS. An instructional job fair will be held on Saturday, March 4.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and Early Childhood Education
Superintendent Reid shared a video on Early Childhood Education, and STEAM and computer science learning during her Academic Matters segment in last Thursday’s School Board meeting.
Celebrate Public Schools Week With Us!
Join us in celebrating Public Schools Week this week! Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents, and community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.
Share how you are #PublicSchoolProud! Visit the FCPS Facebook page and tell us what you are most proud of about our public schools.
Improved Access to Language Translation on FCPS Websites
In a continued effort to prioritize access for our diverse communities, FCPS is launching a language translation feature that will be available on every division and school webpage. The feature will be added to the header at the top of the page and will scroll with the user as they navigate the page. Learn more about our new translation feature.
Parental Notifications and Policy 3290: Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content
A Virginia law passed last spring requires schools to create a policy for parental notification of sexually explicit content/materials. In December 2022, the School Board adopted FCPS Policy 3290: Parental Notification Regarding Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content.
FCPS has had policies in place for many years regarding the review of instructional materials, communication with parents, and options for alternative instructional materials.
An expectation of this new policy is the 30-day parental notification requirement of sexually explicit content in instructional materials assigned or selected by teachers. Parents and caregivers may start receiving notifications through email or postal mail in March. After reviewing the notification letter, parents or caregivers who prefer to choose alternative instructional materials for their child must submit this form to the appropriate teacher within the 30-day notification window. View Policy 3290 for more information.
Public Hearing on 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will hold public hearings on the Proposed Revised 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning. The Standards of Learning identify the essential content, processes, and skills for grade levels and subject courses.
Public comment regarding the proposed revised 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning may be offered through public hearings or public comment on the VDOE website until Tuesday, March 21. A hearing will be held Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Visit the VDOE webpage for more information.
Spring Professional Development Opportunities
Learn more about these and other opportunities on the Employee Blog.
Great Beginnings Coach Pool
The Office of Professional Learning and Equity is excited to announce the official opening of the Great Beginnings Coach Pool. Great Beginnings coaches lead the professional development cohorts for teachers new to Fairfax County. Coaches receive professional development, a stipend, and recertification points. Teacher leaders with the following qualifications are encouraged to consider applying:
- A minimum of five years of highly successful teaching, at least three within FCPS.
- Highly effective communication and human relations skills.
- A desire to support novice and experienced teachers who are new to FCPS.
- A passion for collaboration and teamwork.
- A commitment to cultural responsiveness and equitable outcomes for all students.
Interested applicants should complete this application form and request an administrator recommendation. Please submit both by Friday, March 24, and email any questions to GreatBeginnings@fcps.edu.
Develop Division Instructional Resources
Instructional Services and Special Services are seeking resource developers and curriculum writers with diverse perspectives and lived experiences to support the development of instructional resources for the 2023-24 school year. Explore the Summer Project site to learn more about each of the opportunities and identify projects of interest. The application process begins on Monday, March 6, and will end on Friday, March 24. If you have any questions, please email SCD@fcps.edu.
UVA Administration & Supervision M.Ed. Information Session
The University of Virginia’s Administration & Supervision program is seeking applicants in FCPS who would like to join the ranks of the next generation of educational leaders. To learn more about the summer 2023 cohort, register for the Monday, March 13, virtual information session or email bcd3da@virginia.edu.
George Mason University Education Leadership Program
The George Mason University Education Leadership Program will be starting a new cohort for FCPS educators in fall 2023. Applications are being accepted now. Learn more about this regional cohort option by attending a virtual information session. Register for sessions that occur at 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
For more information, contact the Mason Education Leadership Program office at edleprog@gmu.edu or 703-993-3633.
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.
Reminder: School Planning Day on March 3
Students have an early release on Thursday, March 2. There is no school for students on Friday, March 3, due to a school planning day (186-, 188-, and 191-day personnel do not report). See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar and the Employee Calendar.
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
FCPS Hall of Fame, Wednesday, April 19
Did you know that every year, nearly 14,000 students graduate from FCPS? Some of our most talented alumni will be inducted into the second class of the FCPS Hall of Fame on Wednesday, April 19.
This year’s Hall of Fame members include an Army general, an ambassador, entrepreneurs, a scientist, a doctor and philanthropist, and two non-profit leaders in Fairfax. Learn more about them on the Educate Fairfax website.
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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