Navy Elementary School Librarian Emily Litz and Resource Teacher Emily Madison show off bouquets of gratitude from their students for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.
Public Health Emergency Ends: What That Means for Employees
The Biden administration signed a declaration ending the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on Thursday, May 11. Upon the end of the PHE, standard coverage for FCPS medical and pharmacy plans will resume, impacting both members of Cigna and Kaiser insurance plans. Below is a summary of changes resulting from the end of the Public Health Emergency:
- COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be covered at 100% when received from an in-network provider. They will be treated the same as the flu shot, covered under the preventive care benefit. If received from an out-of-network provider, the vaccine will be covered at 90% (subject to the deductible).
- Over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits will no longer be covered. However, these tests remain an eligible expense under the healthcare flexible spending account (FSA).
- PCR COVID tests require a physician’s order. They will be covered the same as other lab tests. These tests will be covered the same as other laboratory services, subject to the deductible.
- FDA-approved antiviral medications will continue to be covered under the CVS pharmacy benefit.
Please direct any questions to your healthcare provider. See your plan identification card for the phone number to call. Learn more about FCPS medical and pharmacy plan benefits.
❤️ Thank You Teachers and School Staff!
This week, and every week of the year, we thank our teachers and school staff for their tireless dedication to our schools and students! Visit the Employee Blog to read about some of our amazing teachers. While you’re there, tell us what teachers do you appreciate?
Being a “Mirror” for Students
Growing up, Tori Huynh didn’t see many people who looked like her. Now, she strives to be a “mirror and a window” for her second grade students at Camelot Elementary School. “I strive to foster a welcoming classroom environment that affirms students' identities,” she says.
Tori shared the information above in response to an Employee Blog post about what she finds fulfilling in her career. Want to highlight a colleague or be featured yourself? Read and respond to our blogs!
Who or what inspires you in your career with FCPS? Fill out this form on the Employee Blog or email us at EmployeeNews@fcps.edu.
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Also New on the Blog This Week
Learn how one teacher was impacted by Academy programs.
🎖️ Retirees Recognized at Annual Ceremony
FCPS' annual Retirement Ceremony, We Honor You, was held on Wednesday, May 3, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Retirees, along with their family and friends, FCPS' Leadership Team, and members of the School Board attended the catered event. Each of the 160 retirees had a profile read by a member of the Leadership Team, received a retirement gift, and posed for a professional photo.
View the ceremony program, photos, and video. Share your retirement photos and celebrations on social media and tag #HR_FCPS.
🏅 Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities Announces First Class Award Winners
The Fairfax County Public Schools Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) presented their First Class Awards at the 18th Annual Special Education Conference. The awards recognize educators, administrators, and students who support, implement, or design programs and activities that include students with disabilities and improve outcomes for all students. Read about this year’s winners.
Excellence Award Nominations Close Thursday, May 11
The Excellence Awards are held each fall, and honor 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 award.
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.
Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates
The School Board will review updates to the proposed changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document at their regular meeting on Thursday, May 11. The Board is scheduled to approve the 2023-24 SR&R on Thursday, June 15. Get more information on Boarddocs.
Summer Academy Catalog Available Next Tuesday
Looking for an engaging way to enhance your professional development this summer? Look no further than the FCPS Summer Academy! With more than 40 offerings, Academy courses are designed for all FCPS teachers with learning outcomes that are immediately applicable with students in any classroom.
Whether you're looking to brush up on the latest teaching techniques, explore innovative ways to engage students, or dive deeper into your subject matter, the Summer Academy has something for you. With courses ranging from Engaging Families for Student Success to Teacher Leadership, there's no shortage of options to help you grow your skills and knowledge.
Course syllabuses, outcomes, and assignments will be listed in the Academy course catalog, which will be available Tuesday, May 16, in MyPDE. Registration opens at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23. See how to register or email Academy@fcps.edu with questions.
North TIER Summer Course Registration
North TIER has a wonderful summer line-up of online professional development courses that are only $55 for a 30-hour course. A graduate credit option, where participants earn two graduate credits from Colorado State University, has extra work and fees. View their summer advertisement for course catalog details and information on how and where to register.
Seats fill quickly, so register early! Contact Aron Sterling with questions.
🧠 Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Webinar
Learn how to identify signs and symptoms of distress and effective ways to provide support to co-workers by attending the Mental Health Awareness webinar on Wednesday, May 10, at 4 p.m.
Additional employee wellness events and webinar recordings are available on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webpage. Sign up for a monthly EAP wellness newsletter to receive updates and announcements.
🏃♀️ Middle School Athletics Coming This Fall
FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Advertised Budget allocates funding for middle school athletic activities to support student well-being at no cost to students. Pending budget adoption, this will be the first time FCPS has offered middle school students a chance to participate in extracurricular sports programs.
Middle schools will start with cross country this fall. Track will follow in spring 2024. Learn more about middle school athletics.
☑️ Final Feedback Opportunity on Draft Strategic Plan
There is a little more than one week left to give input on the draft Strategic Plan goals, measures, and pillars. Please take our survey today, if you haven’t already. The survey will close Wednesday, May 17. Your voice matters!
Next week, the School Board will participate in a work session to review interim results from the final survey as well as work done thus far. Please continue to stay up-to-date on FCPS’ strategic planning process.
Collaborating with Businesses and Community Groups
School leaders looking to learn about partnering with local businesses are encouraged to attend an upcoming Partnerships Virtual Lunch and Learn from 11:30 a.m. to noon, on Tuesday, May 16.
Learn what defines an Ignite Partnership, ways to find a partner, if you can join an existing partnership, and the successes and challenges that a partnership brings.
Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
🩺 National School Nurse Day
National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 10. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.
FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.
Please join us in thanking the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students!
Fentanyl Awareness Day
Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. In 2021, the drug fentanyl was identified in 77.14% of adolescent overdose deaths.
FCPS continues to take active steps to address substance misuse prevention and intervention in schools. In doing so, Regulation 2151: Management of Naloxone Administration in Schools has been revised to expand the category of personnel required to be trained in naloxone (Narcan) administration and address student administration of naloxone. The revisions to Regulation 2151 were incorporated to increase access to potentially life-saving resources, should there be a suspected opioid overdose in school.
Read the regulation to learn more about who is required to be trained in the administration of naloxone and the guidelines surrounding authorization to carry or administer the nasal spray.
View Infogram #82 for information on how to be trained to administer naloxone or schedule a training for your school group/team.
Don’t Forget Mom and Dad!
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14, and Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18. Still looking for the perfect gift? The Savings for Staff discount program makes it easy for FCPS employees to shop and save on-the-go with the mobile app powered by PerkSpot. The app is downloadable on the Apple or Google Play stores. Search for "PerkSpot." Sign up to save on flowers, dining, entertainment, electronics, and other items.
School Board Meeting on May 11 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its regular business meeting on Thursday, May 11, at 7 p.m. Agenda highlights include:
See the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Staff Staples
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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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