Bernice Opare is one of our School Lunch Heroes who serves Bailey’s Elementary School as Food Services kitchen manager. Thursday, May 5, is School Lunch Hero Day!
Teacher Town Hall Outcomes
Dr. Reid has hosted a series of town halls with teachers and instructional staff. Participants shared their concerns about elementary planning time, compensation, student behavior and attendance, grading policies, health insurance, the Office of Civil Rights settlement, and other topics.
As a result, there is a team working on a plan to address elementary school planning time. A goal of equitable planning time for all teachers, including elementary school teachers, has already been established for the next school year beginning in August.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to share with Dr. Reid what’s working well and ways we can improve.
🎤 Community Conversation: School Safety and Security
FCPS will host a community conversation to discuss our approach to safety and security, and the work we do every day to keep our schools safe. Join us Monday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School. Register for the Community Conversation.
FCPS staff and experts will review our risk assessment processes, the physical measures we already have in place to protect our students and staff, pilot programs to detect vaping, and how we communicate and collaborate with our partners when there is an incident at our schools.
💲 Earn Your $100 Employee Wellness Incentive!
Did you know, employees participating in an FCPS medical plan as the primary cardholder can earn a $100 wellness incentive by completing their health plan's preventive care requirements? For more information, visit the Employee Wellness Hub page.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? If so, reach out to the Office of the Ombuds, an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and the community. Ombuds staff members are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button on their webpage. The team looks forward to serving you!
🩺 Share Questions/Concerns with Cigna Representatives
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.
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 call Cigna’s FCPS-dedicated Service Team, 24/7, at 877-501-7992.
March FCPS CARES: Dedication and Inclusion
“Mrs. [Brittany] Gonzalez and Ms. [Danielle] Stauber gave my autistic daughter a chance to prove herself,” said a Poplar Tree Elementary School parent about the school’s music teachers. The parent nominated the teachers for FCPS CARES after the All-County Chorus Festival.
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“Autism comes with its own unique challenges, and we cannot thank them enough for building up our young girl to find her joy in exactly who she is,” the parent said. “Mrs. Gonzalez and Ms. Stauber have taken the time to understand my child’s needs and work tirelessly to create a nurturing and inclusive program where my child feels not only respected, but challenged. We are truly blessed to have these two women in the lives of our children. They have helped my daughter find a safe place with her unique voice where she not only can feel at peace, but truly thrive.” |
Also recognized in March as FCPS CARES recipients of the month were:
- Jean Wyche, Jennifer Brown, Jennifer Matthias, and Spencer Jamieson; Willow Oaks Administration Center
- Felecia Allen, Colvin Run Elementary School
- Jennifer Reynolds, Parklawn Elementary School
- Mary Allan, Hayfield Secondary School
- Leah Johnson, Centreville High 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.
ERFC Celebrates 50 Years (and a New Location)
The Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) is turning 50 on July 1, and you are invited to help them celebrate! Check out their 50th anniversary page, submit a photo, and tell them your retirement dreams.
In early June, ERFC will be moving to a new location: 3110 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 300, Falls Church.
Due to the move, they’ll only offer virtual appointments after Monday, May 15. They will resume in-person appointments as soon as possible. Give ERFC a call at 703-426-3900 or email them before visiting, to make sure their new location is ready for visitors.
2023 ERFC Election Reminder
ERFC’s 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. Notice 4771 outlines the election process. An electronic election will be held May 9-11. Please contact Sherri Burris with any questions at 571-423-3252.
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Final Feedback Opportunity on Draft Strategic Plan
If you haven’t already, please participate in the final opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan goals, measures, and pillars. Take the survey today! Feedback will be reviewed by the School Board at their May 9 retreat. It will also be discussed at the May 25 Board meeting. The survey will close Wednesday, May 17. Visit FCPS’ website to learn about the strategic planning process.
An Update on ESSER III Funding and
2023-24 Budget Proposal
In the fall of 2021, FCPS received $188.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
Last week, Sloan Presidio, FCPS’ chief academic officer, presented the proposed ESSER expenditures for the 2023-24 school year, the last year of ESSER funding. This funding is in addition to the FCPS operating budget and is specifically targeting the impacts of COVID-19.
The proposed plan is intended to maximize the dollars remaining in our funding. At least 20% of ESSER funding must be spent toward unfinished learning. FCPS' proposed plan has nearly 40% of ESSER funds allocated to unfinished learning.
How Are We Doing?
We are now seeking feedback from the community on actions FCPS has taken in the areas of student wellness and learning in accordance with the FCPS ESSER III Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. Take our survey by Friday, May 5, to make your voice heard.
Your response will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work. Read more about how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.
Hazel Health Teletherapy for High School Students
At last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid presented FCPS’ partnership with Hazel Health to offer teletherapy to high school students at no cost. Hazel’s therapists can help students address:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
- Anxiety, worry, fears
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
- Academic stress
“Hazel Health has been surprisingly user-friendly for both staff and families,” says Sara Brewer, a school counselor at West Potomac High School. “We were skeptical that it sounded too good to be true, as it offers services for ALL families (including those that need language support for intake services). We were pleasantly surprised that our first referral was processed within THREE days because the family was so responsive and appreciative.”
How to Access Hazel Health Teletherapy Services
In order for high schoolers to participate in teletherapy services, caregivers must complete three steps:
- Give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel in ParentVUE.
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Consent for Hazel Mental Health services.
- Students must be referred to therapy by a guardian or designated school staff member. Parents/caregivers can refer their child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services.
Visit the FCPS Teletherapy website for more information.
Mental Health Awareness Vendor Forum Event
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in America live with a mental illness. May is a perfect time to pause and assess your mental health.
Join the Mental Health Awareness Forum on Thursday, May 4, at noon. Panelists from Guidance Resources, Wellbeats, Cigna, and Kaiser will discuss supports and resources for your overall health and wellbeing. The meeting will be held on Zoom. Please email EAPQuestions@fcps.edu to receive an invitation.
Find additional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) events and information on the Hub EAP page. Sign up for our EAP-Wellness Newsletter to get monthly updates and announcements.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
The City of Fairfax will host a one-day, outdoor, family event on Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City on Sunday, May 21, from noon to 6 p.m. (Rain date is June 4.) The event will highlight Asian heritage through food, arts and crafts, education, and performances. Learn more about the Asian Festival on Main.
School Board Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Public Hearing
The Fairfax County School Board will hear public comment on the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget on Tuesday, May 16, at 6 p.m., in the auditorium of Luther Jackson Middle School. Registration for 25 speakers will open at 6 a.m., Friday, May 5. Registered speakers will have two minutes to address the Board regarding FY24 Budget.
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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