Falls Church High School staff members are feeling festive! Pictured from left are Shannon Gray, teacher; Liz Edwards, teacher; Paul Molholm, teacher; Ben Nowak, principal; Jessica Grenfell, director, Student Services; Paul Naanou, teacher; Dorothy Graves, teacher; and Peter Lake, assistant principal.
💲 Tuition Reimbursement Window Opening
The portal to apply for reimbursement of fall 2023 courses will be open Monday, January 1, through Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in reimbursement for one course that ended between September 1 to December 31.
Eligibility to request reimbursement is based on the current priority list and is reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Directions for creating and submitting a request, detailed information on the priority list, and the documents needed for upload are available on the Tuition Reimbursement page on the Employee Hub.
Apply through the Tuition Reimbursement Portal (VPN required). Remember to have your tuition paid receipt and grade report handy to complete the request. Please email TuitionBenefits@fcps.edu for more information.
🏎️ It’s Time to Zoom Ahead
Are you still using Microsoft Teams for your team chats and web conferencing? If so, please move to Zoom before FCPS stops supporting Teams and Onedrive as official school division tools in 2024.
Zoom’s advantages include:
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Strong stability and reliability during meetings, reducing the chance of interruptions or connectivity issues.
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Better video quality, even in low-bandwidth situations, providing more clear and reliable video conferencing experiences.
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Working seamlessly across various devices and operating systems, ensuring consistent user experience on desktop, tablet, or mobile.
If you’re having trouble accessing Zoom, download it from the Software Center. Visit the Zoom page on the Employee Hub for support.
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🕙 MyTime’s New Sign-In Screen
As mentioned in yesterday’s email announcement from FCPS Tech Support, MyTime, FCPS’ time and attendance reporting system, has a new sign-in screen. Your username and password will stay the same.
When you log in for the first time, you’ll have the option to set up multifactor authentication (MFA) — it only takes a few minutes — or you can choose to be reminded in 30 days.
MyTime is the first app in FCPS’ new Single Sign-On portal (FCPS-SSO). More apps will move to the portal over the next several months.
Learn more about MFA in this FAQ on the Hub or contact Tech Support for more information.
🧾 Update Your Address to Receive Your W-2
W-2 tax forms will be issued by the end of January. Employees are encouraged to opt in for W-2 web delivery. Paper W-2s will be mailed to the address on file (as of Thursday, December 28) for employees who have not opted in for web delivery.
To avoid delivery delays, please keep your address up to date in UConnect and submit a forwarding address to the U.S. Postal Service if you move. For assistance with online address changes, please call the Human Resources Welcome Center at 571-423-3000.
🎁 Keep Scammers Away During the Holiday Season
Scammers can’t wait for the holiday season. Lower your risk of falling victim to identity theft and fraud during the holidays by following these tips:
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Be Cautious When Shopping Online
Online shopping scams are the most common type of scam. They’re also the most likely to lead to financial loss for their victims. If you’re asked to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer, the transaction could be a scam. Instead, pay with a bank-issued card or a peer-to-peer payment app that has purchase protections.
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Don’t Shop on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks might not be secure. A virtual private network (VPN) might keep some of your information safe, but it’s still best to avoid logging in to your accounts or making a purchase when using a public network.
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Ignore Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
Scammers create websites featuring highly in-demand products at surprisingly low prices such as gaming consoles. Once you check out, you may get an order confirmation and then never receive the product.
Visit the Office of Cybersecurity Hub page for additional holiday tips.
CyberDefense Fundamentals
FCPS offers a one-hour CyberDefense Fundamentals course that covers basic cybersecurity concepts, emerging and evolving cyber threats, tips to keep yourself safe, and an overview of FCPS cybersecurity guidelines. Sessions are virtual via Zoom. Please register on MyPDE today!
🎨 Bonnie Brae Librarian Draws on Her Talents
Even if they haven’t stepped inside the library, visitors to Bonnie Brae Elementary School have likely been amazed by the talents of Librarian Lora Lewis. The entrance of the school, main office windows, doors that lead to “Scottland Yard,” and the library doors all showcase Lora’s incredible work. Read more on the Employee Blog.
Share Your Talents!
Do you or a colleague have a hobby or special talent that you share with your school/department? Email us at EmployeeNews@fcps.edu, and you may be featured in an upcoming blog!
📜 2024-25 Accelerated Certification Cohort (ACC) Info Session
The ACC is a partnership with the University of Virginia for FCPS instructional employees to obtain the Virginia PreK-12 license in administration and supervision in a one-year cohort. There will be a virtual information session for those interested in participating on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for this session in MyPDE.
Applications for the 2024-25 ACC will go live on the ACC Google site on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The ACC Google site will also list program requirements, eligibility, expectations, and other information. Contact Sofia Mora with questions.
🏃 Last week for SmartFind Express; 2024 Sub Requests Move Over to Red Rover
By Friday, December 15, all 2023 substitute job verifications must be completed in SmartFind Express.
School staff and substitutes can now update their job profiles, and enter and accept 2024 substitute requests into the new substitute management system, Red Rover. A Red Rover email invitation was sent last week to employees to begin setting up their accounts.
Learn more about Red Rover and find helpful resources, including training resources and how-to guides, on the Substitute Employment Hub page.
💙 CARES of the Month Recipient Reaches Students Individually
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. One of the October CARES of the Month recipients was Laura Osborne, a special education preschool teacher at Rose Hill Elementary School (pictured on the right with Rose Hill Principal Rachal Edwards).
“She continues to find creative ways to reach students on an individual level and celebrate with them even if their progress is not as she'd hoped,” Laura’s nomination said. “She is in daily communication with families to keep them apprised of what goes on in their child's classroom. Her teammates also benefit from her experience, expertise, and professionalism.”
Congratulations to Laura and other September FCPS CARES of the Month recipients:
- Mirna Soriano, Lorton Center, Transportation
- Ashley Scott, Churchill Road Elementary School
- Greg Williams, Glasgow Middle School
- Susan Waring, Caitlin Schifter, and Megan Counts; Laurel Ridge Elementary School
- Elisabeth Frostick, Sandy Nolff, and Waleed Mufti; Chantilly High School
- Anthony Garza, Hayfield Secondary School
Read more about all the recipients.
Do you know an employee who deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond? Submit their story.
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✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Baseline Report
At last week’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the abridged baseline report on FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence.
The baseline report identifies benchmark data, final targets, and our current divisionwide work toward the goals. Our Goal 3 measures can impact the rest of a student’s life in the following ways:
- Students who are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.
- Students who do not successfully complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade are kept from higher-level mathematics courses needed for STEM careers.
- Students without experience in advanced coursework during high school are less likely to enroll in, persist, and complete college.
FCPS’ overall percentage of students successfully passing the third grade reading SOL and completing Algebra 1 by eighth grade is above the state average. However, there is room for improvement among groups including English learners, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.
Read the full report.
🤣 Laugh Your Way to Wellness
Attend the Laughter, Humor, and Play to Reduce Stress and Solve Problems Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar on Wednesday, December 13, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants will learn how:
- A smile can lift your mood and boost your self-confidence.
- Laughter improves heart health, reduces stress, and strengthens your social connections.
- Humor and play can spark creativity and fun, and build positive relationships.
Visit the EAP Guidance Resources to learn more (use Web ID: FCPS) or call 1-855-355-9097. Sign up for the EAP wellness newsletter to get monthly updates.
Find additional events on the Hub EAP page. For more information, email EmployeeWellness@fcps.edu.
🎁 Your Gift to Educate Fairfax Impacts Students All Year Long
Educate Fairfax works with Fairfax County Public Schools and our community to create pathways to long-term success for students. Your tax-deductible monetary donation can help Educate Fairfax across all of our focus areas:
- Gap needs for students (e.g., backpacks, school supplies, grocery gift cards).
- Literacy efforts for our youngest learners.
- Direct grants to teachers to support innovative instruction and learning in the classroom.
- Retention and recognition of stellar educators.
With your help, students can achieve their maximum potential, and we can create lasting impact, one child at a time. Thank you for your support!
📚 Community Review of Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources
FCPS will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-25 school year. Public review of the recommended primary instructional materials is part of the process for selecting new resources. The resources may be accessed in person and online until Friday, December 15, at noon.
Digital materials for public review and comment are available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review webpage. That page also has information on how to view hard copies of the instructional materials at Pimmit Hills Center. All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and the School Board.
😷 Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests
U.S. residential households are eligible to receive four free at-home COVID-19 test kits. If an order has not been placed for your address since the program reopened on September 25, you may place two orders now.
❄️ Calendar Reminder: Winter Break
As a reminder, there will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024 for winter break.
To help make sure our families have a restful break, no homework should be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments should be due immediately following the break.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
See the complete school year calendar and Employee Calendar.
Employee News will not be published during break. The next issue will be sent on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
School Board Meeting Scheduled for December 14 at 7:30 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Topics on the agenda include:
- Strategic Plan Goal 1 Baseline Report.
- Fiscal Year 2024 Midyear Budget Review.
- Awarding of Contracts.
View the complete agenda.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new School Board will be Wednesday, December 13, at 7 p.m.
Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
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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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