Third graders at Westbriar Elementary School join their teacher, Alexandra Lujan, for a photo.
October 2 Is National Custodian Appreciation Day
Monday, October 2, is National Custodian Appreciation Day. FCPS employs more than 1,300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors to maintain our more than 28 million square feet of infrastructure. Thanks to our colleagues on the custodial team, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work.
One of our amazing custodial employees is last year’s Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Leonard Roberts, a custodian at Bull Run Elementary School. Visit the Employee Blog to see what makes Leonard so special.
🎤 Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid
Your voice matters! And, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you. A series of Employee Conversations with Dr. Reid will be held this fall across the school division. Events are planned for the following dates:
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Thursday, October 19, 4:30-6 p.m., Location TBD
These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. You may reach out to Dr. Reid at anytime of the year by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing superintendent@fcps.edu.
Extended Hours for Fingerprinting
As FCPS continues to review and update employee background checks, the division is working on ways to streamline this process. Some school-based employees hired prior to 2006 recently received an email inviting them to schedule an appointment to submit digital fingerprints. Client Services is now offering extended hours for fingerprinting on select days at the Gatehouse Administration Center for those who were recently emailed. Mobile fingerprinting services are also being re-introduced at schools starting in October.
To schedule an appointment during extended hours, please follow the personal link you received via email and select the best time for you. To make use of mobile services in October, please await separate email communication with more details in the next few weeks.
If you have not received an email notification asking you to set up an appointment, no action is required by you.
For more information, visit the Background Checks FAQ page, access the new StaffConnect portal, or call 571-423-3000.
🎖️ Blue Star Welcome Week at Frost Middle School
Approximately 600,000 active-duty and transitioning military families move each year. Blue Star Welcome Week, held from September 23 to October 1, is a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of community and belonging for those who serve and their families.
Julia Kim, an eighth grader at Frost Middle School, is one of the 134 military-connected students who make up almost 11% of their student population. She has moved eight times and has lived internationally. She is currently in her third year in FCPS and is an ambassador to help other military-connected students feel welcome at Frost.
Read more about Blue Star Welcome Week at Frost Middle School.
Watch this Blue Star Welcome Week message from Dr. Reid.
Additional Steps Added to the SBA and Schedule C Salary Scales
After a full compensation and market review, FCPS is adjusting employees on the School-Based Administrator (SBA) and Schedule C salary scales to align FCPS' market-oriented salary maximums, while also considering salaries from comparable school districts.
Funding of $1.8 million was approved to adjust SBA and Schedule C pay ranges by extending the scales from 17 to 20 steps and raising the increment from 1% to 1.5% beginning at Step 12. Adding the three additional steps helps with recruitment and retention challenges, and allows FCPS to retain experienced and knowledgeable employees.
This change will take effect Sunday, October 1, and will not be retroactive. Visit FCPS’ Salary Scales webpage for a complete list of salary scales.
Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference
The 2023 Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference, sponsored by Assistive Technology Services (ATS) in the Department of Special Services, will be held on Saturday, October 28, 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m at West Springfield High School.
The RATE Conference focuses on strategies for using assistive technology hardware, software, and peripherals to enhance learning for all students.
The keynote speaker is Dell McDonald, a technical support specialist in the Department of Information Technology. Dell will share how assistive technology tools positively impacted his educational experience and are an integral part of his career. Breakout sessions will focus on inclusive technology, reading and writing strategies, assistive technology in the early childhood classroom, communication tools, and other topics.
Teachers, staff, and parents/caregivers — from FCPS and the broader community — are invited to attend. FCPS employees will receive five recertification points for attending the conference.
Check out the conference webpage to register, and to view the conference schedule and session descriptions.
Great Beginnings Week-Long Learning Series
This year, the Great Beginnings team will be offering a week-long learning series each quarter. Teachers in their first three years at FCPS are invited to participate in additional professional development tailored to their grade level, content area, and/or specific needs.
The Quarter 1 Learning Series will be offered from Monday, October 9, to Thursday, October 12, with different sessions occurring each night. All sessions will be presented virtually from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
Learn about the Quarter 1 Learning Series sessions and register for no more than one session each day.
Information Sessions for George Mason Leadership Program
George Mason University’s Education Leadership (EDLE) Program is hosting virtual information sessions for spring 2024 applicants.
Educators interested in pursuing a pathway to leadership and earning licensure in administration and supervision can earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate in Education Leadership in a format designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals.
Several program options are available. Click on the links below to register for an upcoming virtual information session:
The spring 2024 application priority deadline is Wednesday, November 1. The final application deadline is Friday, January 5. Classes begin Tuesday, January 16. Contact the EDLE office at edleprog@gmu.edu or 703-993-3633 for more information.
🏗️ Projects Funded by Recent School Bonds
Thanks to the support of Fairfax County citizens who approved the 2019 and 2021 bond referendums, projects have been funded at Armstrong, Bonnie Brae, Braddock, Bren Mar Park, Brookfield, Crossfield, Dranesville, Fox Mill, Herndon, Hybla Valley, Lees Corner, Louise Archer, Mosaic, Oak Hill, Wakefield Forest, Washington Mill, and Willow Springs elementary schools; Cooper and Frost middle schools; and Centreville, Falls Church, Justice, Madison, and West Potomac high schools.
Not only do our facilities wear out over time, but they also become outdated, from both a technological and instructional standpoint. FCPS renovates its schools to ensure that students across the division have high quality, effective learning environments.
Watch some of the ribbon-cutting celebrations. Follow the status of FCPS capital projects for updates on renovation projects.
The 2023 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 7. Learn about registering to vote.
🧪 Free COVID-19 Tests
Beginning Monday, September 25, every U.S. household can place an order for four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
Review health and safety guidance for schools to stay up to date on the best ways to prevent the spread of disease.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Starts in October
Students in grades 3-12 will participate in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener in October/November and March. This screener helps students evaluate their school community's efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. School teams and families use this information to develop positive school cultures and support students.
Parents/caregivers may opt their child out of taking the SEL screener. Read more about SEL.
👟 Get Ready to Walk and Roll to School!
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 4. The purpose is to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.
Employees and students are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work on October 4, where it is safe to do so. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Watch Marshall Road Elementary School’s bike train in action.
Get more information about Walk and Roll to School Day.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Staff Development Day on October 9
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian.
See the Standard School Year Calendar or the Employee Calendar.
School Board Meeting on September 28 at 7:30 p.m.
The School Board will hold its regular business meeting on Thursday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m. Agenda highlights include:
- Executive Expectations.
- Academic Matters.
- Divisionwide Comprehensive Plan.
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.
Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!
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