Tuition Reimbursement Portal Opens Soon, Internal Promotion Policy Update

teacher throws a large bouncy ball while sitting down


Instructional Assistant Rafaelina Colon works with students at Herndon Middle School.


đź’µ Tuition Reimbursement Request Portal Opens September 1

tuition reimbursement


The portal to apply for reimbursement of summer 2024 courses will be open Sunday, September 1, through Monday, September 30. Contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in tuition reimbursement for one course that ended between May 16 and August 31, 2024.

Tuition reimbursement is available on a first-come, first-served basis using the current priority list. The Tuition Reimbursement page on the Employee Hub provides detailed information on the priority list, how to submit the request and necessary documents. 

Apply through the Tuition Reimbursement Portal (VPN required). You will need your Tuition Paid Receipt and Grade Report to complete the request. Please email TuitionBenefits@fcps.edu for more information.


Change to Internal Promotion Policy

Previously, internal promotions were calculated with a standard 10% salary increase. As of July 1, employees receiving promotions are eligible for either the standard 10% increase or placement based on relevant experience, whichever is higher. 

This updated policy ensures that employees are compensated fairly for their experience and contributions to the division. Visit the Hub for more details on FCPS’ Internal Promotion Policy.  


🎤 Save the Date: Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid

Dr. Reid smiles at employee


Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! This fall, a series of Employee Conversations with Dr. Reid will be held across the school division. Events are planned for the following dates from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.:

Click the date above to register. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s Employee News.

These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. You may reach out to Dr. Reid anytime by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing Superintendent@fcps.edu.


🏅 The Torch has Been Passed to FCPS!

go gold banner


Join FCPS’ Go Gold Challenge, where you can participate individually or in teams of five. Track your physical activities — converted into steps — using a convenient mobile app. Compete for bronze, silver, or gold medals by achieving your weekly and overall step goals.

This challenge is designed to be inclusive and accessible, encouraging everyone to join. It runs from Tuesday, September 3 through Monday, September 30. The deadline to register is Friday, September 13. Register now and start the month of September strong! Email EmployeeWellness@fcps.edu with any questions.


Opportunity to Participate in SR&R Focus Groups

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. 

Each year, FCPS reviews and updates the SR&R to ensure it reflects our commitment to equity and the goals outlined in our 2023-30 Strategic Plan. This year, we are partnering with K12 Insight to host focus groups. 

School-based and central office staff who work directly with students should have received an email from K12 Insight yesterday with information on participating in a focus group. Parents/caregivers and middle and high school students are also being invited to participate.  

Your voice is essential to delivering an SR&R that supports a caring and inclusive climate and culture in every school community. If you have questions, please contact Kathleen Walts, executive director of Equity and Student Relations, at kswalts@fcps.edu. 


🔎 Where in the District Is Superintendent Reid?

staff at Herndon smile for a photo


In this week's Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shares her travels across the district to celebrate the opening of schools for the 2024-25 school year. Her stop at Herndon High School (above) coincided with administrators celebrating Tropical Tuesday. Read Weekly Reflections to see where else Dr. Reid visited.


✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars

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While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:

  • The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
  • The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
  • The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world-class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
  • The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions. 

Visit our Strategic Plan webpage for more information.


🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Labor Day

Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are holidays for all FCPS employees and students in honor of Labor Day. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening before Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. 

We hope everyone uses the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.


Overdose Awareness Day

Saturday, August 31, is Overdose Awareness Day. There are three things you can do now to support student wellness and increase understanding of the dangers of opioids and fentanyl:

  • Talk with children and loved ones in your life about the dangers of drug use, especially opioids. For more information about substance use among youth, tips on how to recognize and prevent substance abuse, and available support services, please watch this webinar.
  • Safely store and dispose of medications, including prescription pain medications, to prevent drug misuse.
  • Sign up for a Virtual REVIVE! training class to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and administer naloxone nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose.

Learn about the dangers of opioids and available resources. Visit our Student Safety and Wellness webpage for more information on topics related to student well-being.


School Board Meeting This Thursday, August 29 at 7 p.m.

School board desk


The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, August 29, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • FY 2024 Year End Review
  • Awarding of Contracts

View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.


Staff Staples

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