Welcome new teachers! More than 1,200 new faces met at the 2024 Great Beginnings Summer Institute, a four-day professional learning opportunity.
Join Our Back to School Countdown!
Thank you to all our employees who are hard at work kicking off another great school year! Are you ready? Join our countdown on the FCPS homepage, Facebook and Instagram!
Since Friday, we’ve encouraged caregivers to register their children, bookmark the school year calendar, update immunization records, and sign up for SIS ParentVUE.
Today’s reminder is to make sure you’re signed up for your school newsletter and following your school on social media.
Follow FCPS on social media to share in the countdown fun and make sure you, too, are ready for #FirstDayFairfax!
📅 First Day of School: August 19
The first day of the school year is Monday, August 19. FCPS staff, caregivers, and students are invited to share their favorite pictures and videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on the FCPS Facebook and Instagram pages.
✍️ Extended Deadlines for Required MyPDE Trainings
Due to technical issues with MyPDE last week, the deadline for required trainings has been extended. Most sessions originally scheduled for completion by Sunday, September 15, will now be due on Monday, October 7.
This adjustment provides teachers the flexibility to use the Friday, October 4, teacher workday for training purposes, if desired. FCPS is continuing to work with the vendor to prevent future disruptions.
These trainings provide information you need to start the year strong. It is part of your professional responsibility and an expectation noted in employee evaluations. Please go to your assigned training page in MyPDE and complete those labeled “Assigned.” For assistance, please email TechSupport@fcps.edu.
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
In FCPS, we are committed to supporting teachers in growing their capacity and leadership skills. Educational specialists in the Office of Professional Learning are offering several upcoming professional development opportunities. Please visit each link to learn more!
Compass Courses: Designed for current and aspiring leaders, each full or half-day course focuses on a topic such as coaching skills, building relationships, managing conflict, and having difficult conversations. These sessions are open to both school-based and operational personnel.
Teacher Leadership Cohorts: This fall, we will be offering two of our teacher leadership cohorts: Facilitation Skills for Leading in a Collaborative Culture and Becoming a Transformational Leader. These courses will be viewable in MyPDE on Tuesday, August 20, and registration begins Tuesday, August 27. Both courses will be held in person.
Instructional Coach Learning Cohort: The ICLC is designed to prepare teacher leaders for the role of an FCPS instructional coach. Teachers interested in becoming an instructional coach for the 2025-26 school year should consider applying. The application deadline is Friday, October 18.
☀️ What Did You Do on Your Summer Vacation?
For many of us, summer includes time to rest, recharge, and get inspired for another school year. How did you recharge this summer? Let us know by emailing EmployeeNews@fcps.edu. And don’t forget to share photos! We’ll compile submissions for the Employee News blog.
📚 Every Teacher Deserves a Great Beginning
The 30th annual Great Beginnings Summer Institute (GBSI) kickoff event last week at Hayfield Secondary School welcomed 1,200 new teachers! The program has grown tremendously since it began in 1995 with 50 participants, two cohorts, and two coaches. This year, the large group consists of 40 cohorts and 78 coaches who were eager to welcome each new face to FCPS! Read more about their experience at GBSI.
✨ Strategic Plan Connection
GBSI is a great example of the important work guided by the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar C: a Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce. GBSI is a four-day professional development and orientation for new FCPS teachers. The program supports teachers who are new to the profession, whether recent graduates or career switchers, as well as experienced teachers who are new to FCPS.
Learn more about FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
💬 Superintendent’s Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid writes about great things that are happening around FCPS in her Weekly Reflections email. Among the activities she participated in last week were attending Great Beginnings and the Multilingual Learners Summit, and visiting several schools, including Braddock Elementary School (pictured above). View Dr. Reid’s latest Weekly Reflections.
📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy
Keeping cell phones off during the school day enhances our school environment and improves student focus and engagement. This school year, we’re asking our families to talk with their children about the importance of putting their cell phones away during instructional time.
We’re also asking teachers not to use cell phones for instructional activities unless approved by a principal or designee. We will be providing teachers and administrators extra support in enforcing FCPS’ cell phone policy, to help create learning spaces where our students are less distracted and more engaged.
Cell Phone Storage Pilot
At the May 9, 2024 School Board meeting, the School Board directed the superintendent to develop a pilot program for cell phone storage. Starting with the 2024-25 school year, select middle schools will be phone-free using personal storage pouches. Select high schools will be phone-free during all instructional times by using cell phone storage units in each classroom. Find more information on our cell phone storage webpage.
✅ Annual Verification for Current National Board Certified Teachers
The Office of Professional Learning is required to confirm the eligibility of all National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and counselors every year. This allows qualified staff to receive the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Incentive Award.
All NBCTs must provide the necessary information by completing the annual verification form by close of business Friday, September 20. The requirements for the stipend can be found on the form. Access the annual verification form.
Current NBCTs who are pursuing Maintenance of Certification are invited to join their NBCT colleagues in an Academy Cohort beginning in September.
Teachers interested in becoming certified can also register for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Candidacy Academy course when the window opens on Tuesday, August 27. Visit the FCPS NBCT website to learn more about the program and how FCPS can support you.
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!
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