Teacher Rachel Claessen uses a flashlight to illuminate the inside of a live, unhatched chicken for her students at Cub Run Elementary School.
🙏 Thank You, Teachers and Staff, for Being Exceptional
Happy Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Watch this video for a message from Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid expressing her gratitude for all of FCPS’ hardworking employees.
🌟 More Than 4,200 Years of Service Recognized at FCPS Retirement Ceremony
FCPS' annual Retirement Ceremony, We Honor You, was held on Wednesday, May 1. Retirees — including Gina Elliott, ESOL teacher at Bailey’s Elementary School (pictured above with Superintendent Reid) — along with their family and friends, FCPS' Leadership Team, and members of the School Board, attended the catered event. Each of the 180 retirees who attended had a profile read by a member of the Leadership Team and received a gift.Â
Those honored represented more than 4,200 years of service with FCPS. Thank you to all our newly retired staff members for all the ways you have supported and empowered our students and families, each other, and our division over the years. You've made an invaluable impact on our community. View the ceremony program, photos, and video.
Last Chance to Nominate Colleagues for an Excellence Award
The annual Excellence Awards celebrate both individuals and teams exceeding expectations in supporting FCPS' strategic initiatives. Our teachers and staff know best about the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts that occur behind the scenes. That’s why nominations can only be made by current FCPS employees.
Submit a nomination by Thursday, May 9. Visit the Excellence Awards Employee Hub page for information and nomination materials.
Collective Bargaining Update
Fairfax Education Unions have submitted a petition for certification to go to election, seeking to become the exclusive representative for operational and licensed instructional employees. Employees determined to be in the bargaining unit are receiving information from the Labor Relations Administrator (LRA), a neutral third party.
All communications related to the union elections process will come from the LRA and will be directed to employees in the bargaining units that the union seeks to represent. The LRA will notify employees when the union has demonstrated 30% support to go to election, and when and how the election process will take place.Â
Find answers to many commonly asked questions about the election process on the LRA’s Employee Hub page or contact the LRA at LRA@fcps.edu.
FCPS 2025 Budget — What’s Happening Next
The next steps in FCPS’ budget process are:
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Thursday, May 9: Approved budget presented to the School Board.
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Tuesday, May 14: School Board holds a public hearing on the budget. Register to speak by 6:30 p.m., on Monday, May 13.
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Wednesday, May 15: Second day of School Board public hearings, if needed.
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Tuesday, May 21: Budget work session.
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Thursday, May 23: School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.
 For more details on our budget, view FCPS budget documents.
FCPS Staff Celebrate Innovation at AI Share Fair
On Friday, May 3, FCPS facilitated a Share Fair to celebrate the learning and innovations of this year’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovator Cohort. Presentations ranged from using AI tools to help plan events with families to using text-to-image tools to help students build language skills. Read about the Share Fair.Â
The cohort included approximately 200 FCPS staff representing 95 schools and central office. They focused on learning about AI, reflecting on its application in our work, and discovering how to teach students to use it effectively and ethically as we inspire them to imagine careers of tomorrow.
Visit the Artificial Intelligence Hub page for information about the Innovator Cohort, AI teacher resources, and ongoing professional learning opportunities.
Help Raise Awareness of the Dangers of Fentanyl
Tuesday, May 7, is Fentanyl Awareness Day. Watch this video to learn about counterfeit pills, and share the information with teens and young adults in your life. Visit the Fentanyl Awareness Day website for more resources to help raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl including a conversation guide, fast facts, and shareable social media posts.
đź’š Mental Health Support Available to Employees
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Guidance Resources, FCPS’ Employee Assistance Program provider, offers many mental health benefits for all benefit-eligible employees and their household members.Â
Guidance Resources staff can help employees and their household members locate a counselor. The program provides six counseling sessions per issue, per year.Â
Guidance Resources can also provide research and support for child and elder care, estate planning, college planning, and other important decisions. Legal support and resources in areas such as divorce, family law, debt bankruptcy, landlord/tenant issues, real estate transactions, civil and criminal actions, and contracts are available.
Access Guidance Resources by calling 1-855-355-9097 or visit their website. Use organizational ID "FCPS" to create a new account. You may also download the Guidance Resources app, GuidanceNow, for Apple or Android.
KOA Foundations Application for Mental Well-Being
FCPS staff also have access to KOA Foundations, an app designed to support mental well-being. The Foundations app includes content to help deal with stressors such as depression, poor sleep, worry and anxious thoughts, and low self-esteem. Download it by logging into your Guidance Resources account, then select the KOA Foundations tile under Company News, and click “download here.”
Refresh from Stress
It’s not too late to join Refresh from Stress, which Employee Wellness is offering this month. Spend 10 minutes a day learning practical strategies to feel refreshed. For more information on these resources and other wellness opportunities, visit the Employee Wellness Program page on the Employee Hub.
👩‍⚕️ Public Health Nurses Make a Positive Impact in FCPS
Wednesday, May 8, is School Nurse Day! Thank you to all the public health nurses who take care of our students. Read about why Shahenil (Shanie) Grealish, above, became a public health nurse for FCPS.
🙋 Increasing School Attendance, Academic Success, and Belonging
Learn how FCPS is finding creative solutions to reduce chronic absenteeism by inviting students to attend school during a break to foster a sense of connection and provide academic growth opportunities. Watch the video.
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.
Jewish American Heritage Month
May is designated Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize the history of Jewish contributions to American culture and acknowledge the diverse achievements of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Next School Board Meeting Scheduled for May 9 at 7 p.m.
Recognition of Teachers, Paraprofessionals, After-School Professionals, and Related Service Providers
The School Board will recognize teachers, paraprofessionals, after-school professionals, and related service providers with a proclamation during the May 9 School Board Meeting at Jackson Middle School. Staff in these roles are invited to be a part of this recognition in honor of their service, dedication, and incredible commitment to our students and FCPS. Attendees will join School Board members at the dais for an official photo following the reading and approval of the proclamation, which happens as part of the meeting opening section.Â
If you are able to attend, please email Kevin Jackson and let him know if you will be representing a school, office, or department.
Staff Staples
Note: Some links in this email require a connection to the FCPS network. If you have any questions, please visit the FCPS Tech Support Portal to search for self help articles or submit a ticket.
Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!Â
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