Shakil White, right, visits Danielle Hornbecker, director of Student Services at Frost Middle School and Shakil’s former math teacher. He now works as a Safety and Security assistant at Frost.
🎉 FCPS Celebrates 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations to Laura Senturia, a fourth-grade teacher at Colin Powell Elementary School, who has been named the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year! This recognition is for educators who have exemplified excellence in their profession by inspiring learning, encouraging individual growth, demonstrating subject matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. Laura was selected from a group of 19 finalists who teach at schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Read about the Teacher of the Year.
Updates to Employee Use of Social Media Regulation
Regulation 7004 was recently updated to include new requirements and responsibilities for employee use of social media. The regulation includes new definitions and rules for official, professional, and personal social media accounts.
FCPS official and FCPS professional social media accounts can only be used for FCPS business, such as sharing classroom photos/videos of students.
They can NOT be used to:
- ❌ Post photos featuring students with opt-outs on file. Blurring or covering a child’s face is NOT acceptable.
- ❌ Post, share, or like inappropriate content, including personal beliefs, interests, or opinions; campaigning; arguments; or obscenity.
- ❌ Block/ban users or hide/delete comments unless they violate the FCPS Social Media Disclaimer.
- ❌ Post student work without parent/caregiver permission. Graded work is an educational record protected by FERPA.
Personal social media accounts:
- ✅ Must be kept separate from FCPS official and FCPS professional accounts.
- ❌ Must NOT post photos/videos of students or student work without parent permission.
Please review Regulation 7004 on BoardDocs. For additional guidance, see the Social Media Guidelines for FCPS Employees.
Central Office Coordinator and Several Manager Positions Retitled
Human Resources recently conducted a study in response to concerns that some central office coordinator and manager position titles do not best reflect the duties and responsibilities of these roles, particularly when compared to entities outside of FCPS. In addition, job responsibilities for people with these titles within FCPS have not always been aligned.
As a result of this study, effective Wednesday, May 1, all central office positions with coordinator titles and manager titles at the B/008 pay grade and higher will be retitled senior manager I, II, or III. These changes involve a modification of the job title only. They do not impact salary, grade, job duties, or organizational structure.
Those impacted have already been directly notified of this change. Visit the Employee Hub for more information including FAQs.
🌳 Get2Green Leader Enjoys Connecting Students With Nature
As a Get2Geen leader at Forest Edge Elementary School, Erika Thompson (pictured above, second from left), an advanced academic resource teacher, enjoys learning more about reducing waste, recycling, and composting while she helps the school become more eco-friendly. She has led classes in green activities and started an after-school club for fifth and sixth graders. Read more about Erika’s Get2Green experience.
💜 Thank You FCPS Administrative Professionals!
Wednesday, April 24, is Administrative Professionals Day. Thank you to all the FCPS employees who support our schools and offices and keep things running smoothly.
Read about Alexa Pugnetti, administrative assistant at Woodson High School, who was named the 2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee at FCPS Honors.
⏰ Share Your Thoughts on Middle School Start Times
FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for a forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
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Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. virtual forum.
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
Find the Latest Tips on Accessibility
The FCPS Accessibility Team has been sharing biweekly tips, tricks, and resources to help the school division Keep C.A.L.M. and Choose Accessible Learning Materials. The Keep C.A.L.M. Hub page includes a summary of the campaign and an archive of accessibility tips. The archive includes both C.A.L.M. updates and C.A.R.E. Packages (Curate Accessible Resources for Everyone). Visit often to keep up with the latest tips!
Share how you keep C.A.L.M. and C.A.R.E. for all your students by joining Conversations on Accessible Learning Materials on Zoom. Complete this Google Form or post on X, add #FCPSKeepCALM, and tag @accessible_fcps.
💙 CARES of the Month Recipient Keeps All Eyes on the Prize
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 February’s CARES of the Month recipients is Joash Chung, manager of Tutoring Services.
“The stresses of managing a program which has grown exponentially in size and budget without growing in staff, are profound,” his nomination stated. “As a leader, Joash is always able to reflect, advise, and keep his eye on the prize of helping boost student achievement and skills.”
Thank you, Joash, for looking out for our students! And congratulations to the other FCPS CARES of the Month Recipients:
- Joycelynne Jimenez-Rodriguez, Hughes Middle School
- Wilson Harvey, Justice High School
- Debra Schuman, Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Amanda Alsbaugh, Oak View Elementary School
- Emma Miller, Woodson High School
- Lorena Orellana, Blanca Chavez, and Custodial Staff, Lewis High School; and Guery Cespedes, Alexis Rivas, Rosa Romero, and Juan Miranda, Lake Braddock Secondary School
Read about all the recipients.
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⛔ Learn to Say No
Have you found it challenging to say no when you really should? You're not alone! Saying no can induce feelings of guilt and fear, but it’s also one of the most empowering words in our language. Whether you like to feel needed or you’re someone who hesitates to assert boundaries, Employee Wellness’ upcoming workshop aims to equip you with the confidence to handle it skillfully.
Register for the Learning to Say No webinar, on Wednesday, April 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Employees will learn practical techniques for saying no effectively, establishing boundaries, and maintaining respect and productivity.
☑️ Serve as a 2024 ERFC Trustee
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 ERFC members who seek to be candidates must submit a nomination petition and a statement of contribution to the Office of Employee Relations by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
Notice 4771 outlines the election process. An electronic election will be held Tuesday, May 14, through Thursday, May 16. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or Skburris@fcps.edu with questions.
🏫 Unlock FCPS' Past on Historic Schoolhouse Day
Step into the rich history of Fairfax County Public Schools on Historic Schoolhouse Day, Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Unlock the doors to six captivating former FCPS one- and two-room schoolhouses where local students learned from 1870 to 1939.
Immerse yourself as each location comes alive with engaging activities and insightful tours, offering a glimpse into Virginia's educational heritage.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious learner, or simply seeking a unique experience, all are warmly invited to partake in this unforgettable event. Come be a part of this vibrant celebration of our educational legacy. For schoolhouse locations and additional details, visit the Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virginia website.
🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Theravada New Year (Observance Day)
In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.”
Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an observance day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.
Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Work Day
Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.
School Board Meeting Scheduled for April 25 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m.
Topics on the agenda include:
- Strategic Plan Goal 2 Baseline Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered
- 2024-25 IDEA Special Education Annual Plan
- Awarding of Contracts
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Staff Staples
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Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!
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