Edison High School Student Ambassador Sponsors coordinate and assist the student-led, peer transition support team. The students work with new classmates to create a welcoming environment and accepting school culture. Pictured (from left) are School Counselors Melissa Johnson, David Schlemmer, Joann Quinia, and Maribel Forget; and Head Librarian Sarah Mahan.
Teacher Town Halls: What’s on Your Mind?
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will be hosting four Teacher Town Halls to talk about topics of interest to instructional staff. The town halls will take place:
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Thursday, April 20, at West Springfield High School (Door 11)
4:30 to 6 p.m. (Hybrid)
6:30 to 8 p.m. (In Person Only)
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Tuesday, April 25, at Herndon High School (Door 8)
4:30 to 6 p.m. (In Person Only)
6:30 to 8 p.m. (Hybrid)
An American Sign Language interpreter will be at each event. Interpretation services in Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Vietnamese will be provided, based on staff availability. Please register to attend. For more information, please see Dr. Reid’s April 13 email to instructional staff.
🎵 On the Employee Blog: 30+ Years of Choral Festivals
With the exception of two years when she was on maternity leave, Jeanette Essig has been involved with every 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival since 1988. This year’s festival was Essig’s last; she will retire in June. Read Jeanette’s reflections on her career and impact.
FCPS Hires Trio of Support for Students Who Learn Differently
Kristen Haynor (above left) is believed to be the first neurodiversity specialist in a U.S. K-12 public school setting. She hopes her appointment will inspire other districts to follow suit. Kristen was joined recently by Nonye Oladimeji (middle), who began as Virginia’s first public school Twice Exceptional (2E) education specialist. In addition, Rachel Rubio (right) serves as our new dyslexia specialist, a highly specialized role dedicated to the reading and writing disability that affects 20% of the population.
All three positions reflect FCPS’ understanding that there are many different, yet equally valid, ways to learn, and that we owe it to our young people to provide a school experience that is equitable and accessible to all. Read more about these new employees.
Register for the Special Education Conference
The 18th annual FCPS Special Education Conference will take place on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Register now for this virtual event.
This year's theme is Unity Within Our FCPS Community. FCPS educators, administrators, and preservice teachers will be able to earn recertification points for attending the conference. Watch this short video for more information. Please email questions to SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu.
Become a National Board Certified Teacher in FCPS
Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is considered one of the most prestigious certifications a teacher can achieve. FCPS wants to support all teachers that are ready to take their instructional practice and professional development to the next level to pursue this challenge.
The Virginia Department of Education awards $5,000 for the first year of certification and $2,500 each additional year a teacher maintains certification. Interested teachers are invited to attend an information session about the benefits and process for achieving National Board Certification on Tuesday, May 16, from 5 to 6 p.m. Register for the information session on MyPDE. Visit the FCPS National Board Certification website for details on an asynchronous session as well as other information.
The Office of Professional Learning and Equity offers a three-credit Academy course to provide support throughout the candidacy process and tuition reimbursement toward the cost of certification. There will also be a summer Academy course: NBPTS Pre-Candidacy. Please email Sara Royer for more information.
🧪 Academic Matters: Science Fair
At last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid highlighted science traditions in FCPS, including the regional science fair which has taken place for 68 years.
"Teaching Is One of the Noblest and Most Rewarding Professions"
“I think that teaching is one of the noblest and most rewarding professions that exist," says Arabic Language Teacher Nader Hussein. "And my motivation is to shift my student's paradigms from considering language learning as a target to using it as a tool for creativity and critical thinking.”
What inspires you to work in education? Tell us on the Employee Blog.
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.
Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl
Last month, FCPS hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives. Opioid overdoses are on the rise across the country, including in Fairfax County. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years involved fentanyl.
The conversation on opioids and fentanyl will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. At this event, the current crisis will be defined using national, state, and Fairfax County level data, with an emphasis on discussing the opioid crisis within Fairfax County public schools. This meeting will be an opportunity for parents/families to partner in identifying and meeting county and division wide mitigation needs, and will provide opportunities to learn about support services within FCPS and Fairfax County.
Transportation will be available from select schools throughout the county. View the registration page for details.
Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and get help for yourself or loved ones.
February FCPS CARES: Putting Students and Community First
James Carlisle, a teacher at Woodlawn Elementary School, is “constantly putting his students and community first,” said his colleague who nominated him for FCPS CARES. Among the activities he’s supported or helped launch are a student book club, the PTA, a lunchtime knitting group, and an environmental club called Roots & Shoots. James has also created a moving exhibit in the hallway based on poems his students wrote about their dreams. He published a book of his students’ poems, I Dream of Eternity.
“Mr. Carlisle is always encouraging co-workers and supports their ideas for creativity and community building as well,” his colleague added. “He is a great leader and resource to the Woodlawn Community and deserves to be recognized for his support, energy, and time he has put into Woodlawn, the students, and their families.”
Teaching is not James' first career. He retired from the Army in 2015 as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving for 26 years. Thank you, James, for your service to our country and our students!
Also recognized in February as FCPS CARES recipients were:
- Paul Dallas, Gatehouse Administration Center.
- Tracy Bromberg, Thoreau Middle School.
- Cecia Cortes Sanchez, Davis Career Center.
- Latrice Betz, Newington Forest Elementary School.
- Christine Lee, Eagle View 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.
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Strategic Planning Update
Thanks to everyone who participated in our last round of virtual community forums! Attendees shared their input on the latest draft Strategic Plan goals and brainstormed strategies to consider when implementing them.
There will be one final opportunity to provide feedback on the most up-to-date version of the draft goals. Please stay tuned for the survey link which will be available later this month. In the meantime, you can fill out this form to let us know what keeps you optimistic about FCPS as well as what concerns you. We appreciate all of your efforts to 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. If you haven’t already, please provide feedback on the proposed changes to the SR&R by 8 p.m. Friday, April 21. Access the survey at this link.
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.
FCPS is seeking feedback on how well the school division is responding to the ESSER III focus areas which 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.
Please provide your feedback on this form by Friday, May 5. Your response will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work.
Watch this video and read this story about how ESSER funds helped Timber Lane Elementary School celebrate a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Day.
Teachers: Tell Us About Your Experience with Teaching This School Year
FCPS’ Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) is gathering information about FCPS’ learning efforts through the Spring 2023 ESSER/Return to School Survey. All classroom and resource teachers should have received a survey link via their FCPS email account yesterday, April 17. Please complete the survey by Monday, May 1.
Your perspective is vital to understanding the successes and challenges students and teachers have experienced. 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.
If you have questions about the survey, please contact ORSI at research@fcps.edu.
🎖️ Appreciating Our Military Families
Military families throughout FCPS share their stories and show their support for all military connected youth in our schools. These families face unique challenges, and demonstrate tremendous resilience and strength. We would like to say, “Thank you for your service,” to all members of these families.
To show our support, we are inviting all FCPS employees, students, families, and community members to “Purple Up!” for military children tomorrow, Wednesday, April 19. 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.
💤 Improve Your Sleep
Researchers are finding that more and more Americans are sleep deprived. An upcoming Employee Assistance Program (EAP) workshop will provide the latest research regarding the importance of sleep and suggest ways to improve sleep according to priority and quality measures.
Register now for the webinar: Sleep -- An Essential Component for Your Health and Wellbeing, which will be held on Wednesday, April 19, at 4 p.m. Attendees will be entered in a raffle for wellness prizes.
Find additional EAP webinar recordings on the Hub Employee Wellness or EAP pages.
Register for the Refresh from Stress Challenge!
Refresh from Stress is a 31-day inspiration challenge during May that offers simple and effective strategies to reduce anxiety and boost your mood. Activities will focus on self-care, social connections, and mindfulness, along with other inspirations to help you increase stress resilience.
Take the Pledge! Each day, choose and complete an activity from a list of suggestions or create your own. Complete and record at least 10, 20, or 30 activities to be eligible for rewards and prizes. If you complete 15 or more activities, you will be entered into drawings for $25 gift cards. All FCPS employees can participate. Have questions? Please email employeewellness@fcps.edu.
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. The Office of Equity and Employee Relations must receive required materials by email 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 at the email address above.
Calendar Reminders: 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. 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 or the Employee Calendar.
Less Than 12-Month Employee Calendar Reminder
For teacher-scale personnel, Tuesday, June 20, and Wednesday, June 21, have been identified as “optional work from alternate location” days.
For additional flexibility, less-than-12-month employees were provided the option of working on Friday, April 21, instead of working their last scheduled work day at the end of the school year. Employees who wished to exercise this option were responsible for following up with their principal or program manager prior to April 1. Teacher scale personnel were also provided the option to work on April 21, instead of working on June 21.
To ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees (eligible for overtime pay) who work on April 21 will need to report their time (B1) in MyTime. On their last scheduled work day, they will report Leave Without Pay (LW). Instructions for reporting time will be provided to time and attendance processors to share with staff. Please contact hrconnection@fcps.edu with questions.
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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