Kristofer Johnson, art teacher at Lake Anne Elementary School, shows off his collection of board games he shares with his “Lunch Bunch.” Students are welcome to come to his room to enjoy their lunch with friends while playing games.
Your Total Compensation Statement: The Real Value of FCPS Benefits
FCPS will provide each employee with a personalized and comprehensive total compensation statement, which includes the value of your salary and benefits. Each statement will include a chart showing your annual base salary (or pay) for the current year as well as the value of contributions made by FCPS on your behalf. Your statement will also include information on FCPS leave programs, optional FCPS benefits, and benefits available to FCPS employees at no cost.
Your annual total compensation statement will be sent securely as an attachment to your FCPS.edu email account in April. You will also be able to view it via UConnect, FCPS’ employee self-service portal. (You will need your FCPS username and password to access UConnect.)
FCPS is committed to maintaining a premier workforce, providing a competitive compensation and benefits package, and sustaining a caring culture. If you have questions regarding your total compensation statement, please contact HRConnection@FCPS.edu.
January FCPS CARES: Modeling Empathy
Tracy Tashima, second-grade teacher at Hunt Valley Elementary School is “an exceptional educator not just for teaching the educational standards, but for modeling empathy and collaboration everyday in the classroom,” said a parent who nominated her for FCPS CARES.
“She understands that in order for students to be successful, they need to feel safe and valued in the classroom,” the parent says. “Anytime anything happens outside of school that is remotely positive, my child wants his teacher to know about it because he feels like she is his biggest fan. In speaking with her students, both current and past, every child feels this way about her. To have every child in the class feel that personal connection with the teacher is phenomenal.”
Thank you, Tracy, and all the January FCPS CARES recipients! Also recognized that month were:
- Steve Campbell, Instructional Programs Support Center.
- Josh Bickford, Carson Middle School.
- Crystal Campbell, Glasgow Middle School.
- Justin Robinson, Hollin Meadows Elementary School.
- Paul Yu, Daniels Run Elementary School.
FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Read more about all the recipients. Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee.
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. See how to file a claim on the Benefits News and Updates webpage.
Website Updates: Easier Access to Translations
FCPS continues to make updates to the district and school websites to improve accessibility and user experience, and further reflect our commitment to inclusivity. Recent changes include adding a new “header,” the information at the top of the page (shown above). This allows the translation buttons at the top right of the page to “travel” with the user as they scroll down our pages. When using a mobile device, access to other languages are available in the header as an icon (shown below).
The next step in the website update process will involve removing the orange “translation blocks” that appear before text blocks on many of our webpages. With our new translation options in the moving header, which also align with best practices, the orange translation blocks will be phased out in April. Read more about our website updates.
Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone Into a Career
“In high school, I took an internship class where I was assigned to be a teaching assistant in a first-grade classroom. During my internship, I read books to the class and worked with students on reading and math skills,” says Jasmine Piernas, a sixth-grade teacher at Bucknell Elementary School.
“The teacher I worked with encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone in so many different ways,” she added. “By the time my internship was over, I realized how much I enjoyed being in a classroom and helping students achieve their academic goals. During my senior year, I made the decision to pursue a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and I have not looked back!”
Did starting your career with FCPS involve stepping out of your comfort zone? Tell us more about what brought you here on the Employee Blog, or email us at employeenews@fcps.edu.
Considering a career change? Learn how we can help you become an FCPS teacher.
Special Education Virtual Inclusion Hall
A virtual inclusive schools hall will be part of this year’s Special Education Conference. FCPS schools have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their inclusion practices and programs at the conference. The inclusive schools hall will feature schools who have highlighted and shared the ways in which they support a culture of inclusion. Please consider submitting a proposal for the Special Education Conference.
FCPS Named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year
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Fairfax County Public Schools has been selected as a 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year winner for Sustained Excellence.
Recent accomplishments that helped earn this sustained excellence award include achieving energy savings greater than 21% and $65 million since 2014, and winning the “Best Project in the Major Renovation” category of the ENERGY STAR Decarbonize Your Design Challenge for the renovation of Crossfield Elementary School.
FCPS has been an ENERGY STAR® partner since 1998.
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🌎 Mark Your Calendar for #FCPSEarthWeek 🌱
All students and staff are encouraged to join FCPS Get2Green in celebrating our divisionwide Earth Week 2023, April 17-20. Earth Week is an engaging way to foster conversation and learning about environmental topics that are essential in developing students as environmental stewards, and ethical and global citizens.
Engage students with the chance to win prizes through the FCPS Earth Week Connect Four boards for elementary school, and a Day of Service for middle and high schools. Check the Get2Green Earth Week webpage for everything you need to get started.
From Mentorship to Friendship
Katie Eustis and Grace Parsons met professionally through the Great Beginnings teacher mentor program. But their professional relationship grew into a true friendship. Katie even officiated Grace's wedding. Learn more about their relationship on the Employee Blog.
What have you found to be a great benefit of working at FCPS? Have you formed life-long relationships? Tell us more on the blog, or email us at employeenews@fcps.edu.
Cell Phone Policy Implementation Survey Closes Today
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 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation. 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 11:59 p.m. tonight. All responses are confidential.
Schoology: Upcoming Survey on Divisionwide Usage
The Instructional Services Department will be conducting surveys on the use of Schoology Monday, April 10, to Friday, April 21. In order to hear from all stakeholders who use Schoology, surveys will be delivered to students in grades 3 and up and school-based teachers, professionals, and leadership.
Your feedback will inform our overall use of Schoology and help us improve our processes, communication, and professional learning. Instructional Services will also be reaching out to families through focus groups. Please don't hesitate to email schoology@fcps.edu with any questions.
ESSER Funds Help Students Make Big Gains In Small Groups
Justin, a third-grader at Brookfield, struggled to identify most letters and their sounds in fall 2021 when students returned for the first year of fully in-person instruction since the pandemic began in 2020. After a year of reading intervention services—supported by ESSER COVID relief funding—he knows all his letters and their sounds. According to testing data maintained by his school, he’s made more than two years of progress in his reading skills in one academic year! Read more about how schools are overcoming pandemic-related challenges.
View Updated Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan
We are excited to show you the most recent version of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan! Join us for a virtual community forum and see how the feedback you provided on the Strategic Planning “exit ticket” has helped inform the latest draft of the plan. Community forums are open to staff, students, parents/caregivers, and community members. Please register by clicking on one of the following dates:
We appreciate your continued involvement throughout every step of this important process. Together, we will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.
Retiring this Year? Check Your Mailbox!
Print invitations have been sent to the homes of those who have retired since the spring 2022 retirement recognition. RSVP for this ceremony by Friday, April 14. If you did not receive an invitation and you believe you should have, please email WeHonorYou@fcps.edu.
Prepare for Your Next Step at FCPS: Resumé and Interview Workshop
Join a workshop on Thursday, April 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., about moving your career to the next level. Speakers include Region 2 Executive Principal Megan Vroman, Groveton Elementary Assistant Principal Chris Latham, and Education Specialist for Integrated Professional Learning Sara Royer. This session is for operational and instructional employees at all levels.
Participants will learn the do's and don'ts of a great resumé, and receive advice and practice on how to put their best foot forward in an interview. Participants should bring a current resumé and job description for a position they are interested in pursuing. Register in MyPDE.
2023 SSEAC Election Announcement
The Support Services Employees’ Advisory Council (SSEAC) will elect five representatives to serve a two-year term for their specific community-of-interest group listed below. Representatives serve as liaisons between management and employees:
- Group 1 – Bus Drivers and Attendants
- Group 2 – Central Office Clerical/Technical
- Group 4 – Custodial and Plant Operations
- Group 5 – Trades/Maintenance/Security
- Group 6 – Finance Support and Supply Operations
- Group 7 – Management and Administration
- Group 9 – School-Based Clerical
One person will be elected to serve a three-year term to represent Group 10 – At Large.
Interested employees must submit an electronic nomination petition and a candidate statement of contribution. The SSEAC Election Petition outlines the election process. The Office of Equity and Employee Relations must receive required materials via email at Skburris@fcps.edu by Friday, April 28. An electronic election will be held May 16-18. For more information, contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or the email above.
Calendar Reminders: 🌷 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.
Note: There will be no issue of Employee News next week. The next issue will be sent April 11. In the meantime, remember to visit the Employee Blog for any breaking news and information that affects employees.
April Is National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Thank You Assistant Principals!
April 1-5 is National Assistant Principals Week. Thank you to all our administrators who help our schools run smoothly!
Quarter End: Early Release, Student Holiday, Teacher Work Day
Reminder, the third quarter ends Thursday, April 13, and students will be released two hours early. There will be no classes for students on Friday, April 14, a student holiday and teacher work day.
See the complete School Year Calendar. See the Employee Calendar.
School Board Meeting on March 30 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its regular business meeting on Thursday, March 30, at 7 p.m. Agenda highlights include:
- FY2023 Third Quarter Budget Review
- Awarding of Contracts
- Secondary World Languages Basal Instructional Resources Approval
See the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
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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