Staff at Franconia Elementary School participate in the school’s World Showcase Day Fashion Show.
March 31 Is Flexible Spending Account Filing Deadline
If you participated in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2022, remember that you have until Friday, March 31, to submit claims for your 2022 FSA expenses. You can file your claims through your Optum account. Standard rollover provisions apply. No dependent care spending account funds may rollover to 2023. A rollover of up to $570 is permitted for the healthcare FSA.
See how to file a claim on the Benefits News and Updates webpage.
Why Do You Work for FCPS?
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Thanks to all of the employees who have shared their stories over the last few months on the Employee Blog. We’ve compiled some of the inspirational stories and continue to encourage you to share why you work for FCPS and/or who has inspired you on your journey.
Some of the common themes include giving back to the school district that helped to shape them, and appreciating and supporting a multicultural community. Want to share your story? Fill out the form on the blog or email employeenews@fcps.edu.
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2023 ERFC Election Reminder
The Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board of Trustees will elect one person to serve as trustee. The ERFC Board is the governing body of ERFC and supports its mission to enhance the financial security of members through prudent financial stewardship.
Interested active members who seek to be candidates must submit a nomination petition and a statement of contribution. Notice 4771 outlines the election process. Required materials must be received by the Office of Equity and Employee Relations, via email an to Skburris@fcps.edu, by Friday, April 21. An electronic election will be held May 9-11.
Please contact Sherri Burris with any questions at 571-423-3252 or Skburris@fcps.edu.
Proposed Updates to the 2023-24 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), and Feedback Opportunities
Please join the Department of Special Services for their second virtual meeting regarding proposed updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Regulation for the 2023-24 school year. Some of the topics to be discussed include the student dress code and bullying. The event will be held Monday, March 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Click the preceding date to register.)
Language interpretation will be available in Spanish. A Certified Deaf Interpreter will be available as well.
Beginning Wednesday, March 29, staff, families, and students will also be able to provide input on proposed updates to the SR&R via an online feedback form. Please stay tuned for details. Visit FCPS’ website.
Share Feedback on Cell Phone Policy Implementation
In August 2022, FCPS implemented new expectations for cell phone use that are specific to each school level: elementary, middle, high, and secondary. The new cell phone expectations were established to help foster a school environment that is conducive to learning, as part of the 2022-23 SR&R. The Department of Special Services is encouraging all school-based staff to provide input on the implementation of the cell phone policy. Please fill out this form by Tuesday, March 28. All responses are confidential.
“I Hope I Can Make an Impact”
“I had many influential teachers who took time to get to know me and build meaningful relationships with me growing up," says Amanda Manno, Woodburn Elementary School teacher. "I knew I wanted to work with children and support their own learning journey. I hope that I can make even half the impact that was made on my life by my teachers.”
Who made an impact on you and made you want to work in education? Tell us more on the Employee Blog.
Considering a career change? Learn how to become an FCPS teacher.
Register for a Virtual Strategic Planning Community Forum
We invite employees, parents/caregivers, students, and community members to join us for a virtual community forum to discuss the first draft of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Forums are scheduled for Monday, April 10, at noon; Tuesday, April 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (in Spanish); and Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Click on the date to register for the event. Your participation is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for Students Starting April 10
FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to begin offering virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Starting Monday, April 10, parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their child’s behavior will be able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist. Teletherapy is available on any device, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for details.
Instructional Coach Learning Cohort Opportunity: Apply Now
Applications are being accepted for the 2023 Instructional Coach Learning Cohort. Teacher leaders interested in becoming an instructional coach for the 2024-25 school year should apply.
The Instructional Coach Learning Cohort is designed to prepare a diverse group of candidates for the role of an instructional coach through the course content; experiences leading in their schools; asynchronous learning and reflection; and observations, coaching, and feedback. There are nine synchronous sessions. Seven sessions will be held in person, and two will be held virtually.
To learn more about the cohort, register for a virtual information session from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, or Wednesday, April 19. Read additional information and application materials. Contact Hallie Case or Erika Williams, with questions.
Learn about other professional development opportunities on the Employee Blog.
High School Assessment and Grading Survey
In last week’s Employee News, we shared information about the upcoming High School Assessment and Grading Survey. That survey has been delayed. We will update you once a new launch date has been scheduled.
FCPS Online Classifieds Free for Employees
The FCPS Online Classifieds—which is for employees only and found on the Hub—is a free way for employees to post ads for personally owned items that they are seeking to buy, sell, or give away. It's also a great tool to help an employee look for someone to share a ride to work, find a roommate, or rent real estate. FCPS’ Online Classifieds system is completely self-service and allows users to post new ads, or update or renew existing ads at any time. View rules and frequently asked questions. For more information, contact Andy Grunig.
Calendar Reminders: Ramadan
This year, the first day of Ramadan is Wednesday, March 22. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.
Ramadan begins with a half “O Day” on March 22, followed by an O Day on March 23. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. Half O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days.
🌷 Spring Break
Schools and school offices will be closed Monday, April 3, to Friday, April 7, (12-month employees report to work). Students will return to school on Monday, April 10.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims congregate that morning for Eid prayers. The most common way to wish someone a Happy Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed feast” (or festival). Read more at Britannica.com.
FCPS has designated Eid al-Fitr as a religious and cultural observance day to allow students an opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Eid al-Fitr is from sunset Thursday, April 20, to sunset Friday, April 21. April 20 is a half O Day. April 21 is a student holiday (only 12-month employees report).
See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar. See the 2022-23 Employee Calendar.
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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