Wendy Alfaro, student services assistant at Holmes Middle School, shares some positivity and inspiration for the week.
đź©ş Virtual One-on-One Appointments with Cigna
Benefit Services wants to ensure that you have access to the information and resources you need to understand your health plan benefits. That's why they are excited to offer virtual appointments with Cigna representatives this spring.Â
During these appointments, you can discuss your questions and concerns, as well as get more information about your health plan and benefits. Appointments will take place on Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m., and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon. To schedule a virtual appointment, please use the Pick-A-Time Online Scheduler.
Don’t want to wait? You can always call Cigna’s FCPS-dedicated Service Team, 24/7, at 877-501-7992.
🏅 Peer-to-Peer Recognition Opportunity: Excellence Awards
The Excellence Awards is hosted each fall, and celebrates both teams and individuals who exceed expectations in supporting FCPS strategic initiatives. Award categories include Growth, Impact on Others, Innovation, and Student Achievement. Winners receive a cash reward.  Â
Peer-to-peer recognition inspires a positive workplace culture and empowers employees to motivate each other. Employees know best about the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts that take place behind the scenes on many projects. So nominations for the Excellence Awards can only come from current, contracted FCPS employees (with principal or program manager’s approval).Â
If you know an FCPS employee or team that should be recognized for their efforts during the past year, visit the Excellence Awards Hub page, and complete a nomination by Thursday, May 11, at 11:59 p.m.
“Seeing the Pure Emotion” of Learning Is a Privilege
Kirsten Birge, a multiple disabilities teacher at Bull Run Elementary School, went back to school herself this year in order to support and assist her special education students in a new way. While working toward licensure, she has moved from the gymnasium to the classroom and from being an adapted physical education teacher for 25 years to a multiple disabilities teacher.
Kirsten enjoys watching her students learn new skills and become excited about their work at school. “I have learned so much more about my students and who they are as individuals,” she says. “Watching my students grow so much right alongside me has been the most rewarding part of my journey as their teacher.” Although this year has been challenging, Kirsten says it has also been incredibly fulfilling.Â
“If anyone is considering a career in special education, I would absolutely recommend it,” she says. Visit the Employee Blog to read more about Kirsten’s journey and share what has inspired you on your career path.Â
Considering moving into the classroom yourself? Learn how to become an FCPS teacher. A career switcher information session will be held Wednesday, April 19, at 6 p.m.
Also on the Blog This Week…
Find out what inspired Anne Ray, music teacher at Annandale High School, and Brittany Hooper, teacher resident at Fort Belvoir School, to consider teaching. Why do you work in education? What inspires you? Tell us more on the Employee Blog, or email us at employeenews@fcps.edu.
FCPS Stance on Proposed History and Social Science Standards
The Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) is required to review the Standards of Learning (SOL) in all subjects at least once every seven years. The History and Social Science SOL—which seeks to build students’ understanding and skills in history, geography, civics, and economics—is currently up for review.
Multiple history and social science experts prepared a comprehensive analysis of the January 6 draft standards outlining significant concerns about the proposed standards. The Fairfax County School Board and Dr. Reid submitted a letter to VBOE’s president and the Virginia Department of Education’s acting superintendent of public instruction. The letter raises numerous issues with the proposed standards and their inability to provide students with history and social science instruction that prioritizes thinking, historical accuracy, diverse perspectives, and developmental appropriateness. Read their letters.
FCPS Summer Learning Job Opportunities
Positions are now available to join the fun and excitement of FCPS summer learning:
Elementary School and Middle School Positions
- Bridge to Kindergarten: Help pre-kindergarten students build executive functioning skills and routines for a smooth transition to school in the fall.Â
- Young Scholars (Elementary and Middle School): Guide FCPS Young Scholars in project-based learning as they create and present innovative products to address real-world problems.Â
- Summer Olympians Aspire and Reach (SOAR): Coach students (grades K-6) as they strengthen math and language arts skills while developing Portrait of a Graduate attributes.Â
- IMAGINE: Coach students (grades 7 and 8) as they strengthen math and language arts skills while developing Portrait of a Graduate attributes.
High School Positions
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Credit Recovery Academy: The Academy provides an opportunity for students to recover high school course credits and prepare for select SOL or WorkKeys tests. Be a part of this collaborative and transformative student-centered learning program.
Find application information.
Extended School Year (ESY) Employment Opportunities
Special education summer positions are still available for Extended School Year (ESY) teachers and operational staff in Community B and Autism/ABA. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online.
Hourly summer contracts for teachers and support positions are available at all grade levels. Special education teachers and professionals on the teacher pay scale employed for the ESY Program will be compensated at a flat rate of $68 per hour. Paraprofessional positions will be compensated at a flat rate of $27.08 per hour. Homebound and consult teachers will be paid a flat rate of $50 per hour. Positions will be open until filled. For more information, visit the Summer Learning and ESY Employment Opportunities page.
To apply, go to the Teacher Employment Opportunities and Paraprofessional and Operational Employment Opportunities pages. Note: ESY contracts are contingent upon student enrollment. Please contact the ESY Team at esy@fcps.edu or 571-423-4190 with any questions.
Academic Matters: Curriculum for Core Content Added to Website
At the March 30 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented updates to the curriculum overview on the FCPS website during the Academic Matters segment. Parents can go to our website to see what their students are learning in their core classes by grade level. We hope this information will allow us to better partner with parents and caregivers to support academic success.Â
An introductory paragraph on each grade level or course page includes language indicating that: the objectives and outcomes for each unit are common across FCPS and based on the Virginia Standards of Learning; suggested pacing by quarter and week as an example of how the curriculum can be organized throughout the year; and teachers may adjust the pacing or order of units to best meet the needs of students.
Information will be updated at the start of each school year to reflect curriculum changes. To access the grade level and/or course pages directly, visit FCPS'Â Academics page. The K-12 Curriculum links provide access to all family-facing curriculum for those grades.
View Updated Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan
Join us for our final virtual community forum on Monday, April 17, from 6-7:30 p.m., and see how your feedback has helped shape the latest draft of the new FCPS Strategic Plan. The community forum is open to staff, students, parents/caregivers, and community members. Please register today.
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.
FCPS Feedback Opportunities
Proposed Updates to the SR&R
FCPS is in the process of updating the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document for the 2023-24 School Year. The SR&R provides clear expectations for student behavior, responses to that behavior, and support that may be needed.
Please check your FCPS email for a link to a brief survey on proposed changes to the SR&R. All responses to the survey are anonymous. The information provided will be used to revise the SR&R document that is presented to the School Board for their approval in June.Â
Proposed changes include:
- Language in the dress code has been modified to be more specific and objective, as well as less gendered. The focus is on the specific clothes that are/are not permitted rather than the amount of skin permitted to be shown. The Student Dress Code regulation (R 2613) is also being revised to reflect these changes, and to include a belief statement and corresponding values relative to the dress code.Â
- Draft proposals for several substance misuse infractions include changing the minimum FCPS Student Behavior and Administrative Response (SBAR) Level to at least Level 3, in alignment with Model Guidance and given the increased concern regarding substance misuse.
- The definition of discriminatory harassment has been revised to define what constitutes an “intimidating, hostile, or offensive student environment,” and specific examples of how discriminatory harassment may be expressed are provided.
- Hazing is currently listed as an FCPS SBAR Level 2-5 infraction. It is proposed to be a Level 5 infraction only to align with the model policies established by the Department of Education.
- Principals or their designees will now be required to notify the parent/guardian of any student who is involved in an alleged bullying incident of the alleged incident within 24 hours of learning of such allegation.
Our goal is to ensure each and every student's right to an education in a safe, civil, and caring environment. Please complete the survey by 8 p.m. on Friday, April 21.Â
ESSER III COVID Relief
FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding beginning in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
ESSER III focus areas include:
- ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing students’ academic needs.
- maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff.
- addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.
From Wednesday, April 12, through Friday, May 5, FCPS will be seeking feedback on how well the school division is responding to the areas above. Your input will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work. Â
See tomorrow’s FCPS This Week newsletter for a link to the ESSER III online feedback form. We’ll also share the link in social media and next week’s Employee News.Â
The School Board will hear public comment on FCPS’ ESSER III in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Registered speakers will have two minutes to address the Board regarding ESSER III. The speaker list will open on Thursday, April 13.
Visit our website to see how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.
Spring 2023 ESSER/Return to School Survey for Teachers
FCPS’ Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) will be gathering information about FCPS’ learning efforts this school year. Your perspective is vital to understanding the successes and challenges students and teachers have experienced.
All FCPS teachers will be asked to complete a survey between Monday, April 17, to Monday, May 1. Survey feedback will help inform the School Board, superintendent, and Leadership Team about the Division’s efforts in meeting student academic and wellness needs as well as staff needs. Look for the survey in your FCPS email inbox on Monday.
Learning to Improve Conference
The FCPS/GMU iLEAD team is excited to host the first ever Learning to Improve Conference at George Mason University on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn from practitioners who have used the methods and tools of improvement science to address problems of practice that aim to redress inequities and improve educational outcomes for students in the following areas:
- Access and opportunities in math, literacy, and college access programs.
- Achievement in math and literacy.
- Student discipline and attendance processes.
- Parent and community engagement.
- Central Office programs, projects, and systems.
The registration fee is $15. Register online.
Fairfax County Employee Retirement System Trustee Election
An electronic election of one trustee for the Fairfax County Employee Retirement System (FCERS) will take place May 23 to 25. More than 6,000 FCPS employees receive their retirement benefits from FCERS including transportation, food service, trades and maintenance, custodial, and part-time teaching staff. Â
FCPS employees who are FCERS members are eligible to be nominated and to vote for the vacant trustee position. The term for the newly elected FCPS trustee is July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2027.
The FCERS petition outlines the election process. The required electronic petitions and candidate statements are due Friday, May 12, to Skburris@fcps.edu. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or Skburris@fcps.edu with any questions.
FCPS Retirement Ceremony RSVPs Due Friday
The annual retirement ceremony, We Honor You—Celebrating Your Service to FCPS, will be held on Wednesday, May 3, at 6 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The evening features an hors d’oeuvre reception for retirees, and their family and friends, followed by a recognition ceremony with the superintendent, Leadership Team and the School Board.
Invitations were mailed to the homes of those who have retired since the spring 2022 retirement recognition and those who have submitted their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) with a retirement date prior to December 31, 2023. The online RSVP for this ceremony is due this Friday, April 14.
Find more information on this year’s retirement ceremony. For questions, contact WeHonorYou@fcps.edu.
Shine a Spotlight on Your School’s Inclusion Practices
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.
🎖️ April Is Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. FCPS is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.Â
To show our support for all military-connected families, we are inviting all FCPS employees, students, families, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 19 for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force blue.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. Sign up for the Military Families newsletter.
🌎 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. Check the Get2Green Earth Week webpage for everything you need to get started.
Additional Calendar Reminders: Quarter End
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, which is a student holiday and teacher work day.
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
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. It is a time of official receptions and private visits, when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited.Â
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 designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Eid al-Fitr is from sunset April 20 to sunset April 21. Thursday, April 20, is a half O Day, and Friday, April 21, is a holiday (only 12-month employees report).
See the complete School Year Calendar. See the Employee Calendar.
School Board Meeting on April 13 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its regular business meeting on Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. Agenda highlights include:
- Recommended Updates to the Family Life Education Curriculum.
- New Policy: Safety Procedures—Gun-Free Schools, and School Board Buildings and Property.
- Awarding of Contracts.
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.Â
Please email EmployeeNews@fcps.edu with potential submissions or questions. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! Â
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