Fairfax Pyramid elementary school principals KJ An (Eagle View), Susan Mullen (Daniels Run), and Dylan Taylor (Willow Springs) toss candy to spectators during Fairfax High School’s homecoming parade.
Connect With Others Through FCPS Affinity Groups
The Office of Professional Learning and the Equity and Cultural Responsiveness Team are excited to announce affinity groups to provide educators in FCPS with a safe place to build community, share stories, and find support from educators with similar identities and backgrounds.
There are affinity groups for Asian educators, Black educators, Latino/Hispanic educators, Middle Eastern educators, neurodivergent educators, LGBTQIA+ educators, Aspiring Leaders of Color, Jewish educators, Muslim educators, and Christian educators.
Interested participants should sign up by Friday, September 20. Visit the Affinity Groups Google site for more information. If you have ideas about forming an affinity group, please contact Julia Braxton or Manuel Gomez Portillo.
Educate Fairfax Grants Available for Educators and Staff
FCPS employees with innovative and creative ideas that will positively impact students are invited to apply for Educate Fairfax Grants which provide up to $2,000.
Educate Fairfax is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that builds partnerships and raises funds to support students, families, educators, and schools within FCPS. Educate Fairfax Grants are designed to empower educators to bring innovative ideas, creative projects, and learning experiences to life, and provide access and opportunities for FCPS students.
Find the grant application on Educate Fairfax’s website. The application window is Wednesday, September 18, through Friday, October 18. For more information, please contact Meredith Ayala, manager of Grants and Program Development at Educate Fairfax.
How One School Dropped Absenteeism by 14%
Dranesville Elementary School’s systematized approach to promoting attendance saw chronic absenteeism drop from 20.6% to 6.9% in one year. Read about the strategies they used to help make students — including the kindergartener above — excited to come to school.
Your Voice Matters!
🎤 Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid
Your voice matters and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Employee Conversations are planned for the following days:
Click on the date to register.
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.
🧘 Provide Feedback on Wellness Programs and Services
FCPS’ Employee Wellness Program Evaluation Survey is now available. All staff are invited to provide feedback on last year’s (FY 2023-24) wellness programs and services. Employee feedback will be instrumental in helping identify areas of improvement with the Employee Wellness Program.
The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Staff participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. Email EmployeeWellness@fcps.edu with any questions.
💬 Your Feedback Matters: Schoology Focus Groups
The Instructional Services Department will conduct voluntary, confidential focus groups for instructional staff about their experience using Schoology. There will be nine opportunities to participate in October and November.
If you are interested in participating, please complete this application by Monday, September 30. For more information, contact Michael Cieslak.
Students Taking SEL Screener in October
Students in grades 3-12 will participate in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener in October. School teams and families will use this information to develop positive school cultures and support students academically and personally. Parents/caregivers may opt their child out of taking the SEL screener. Learn more about SEL and signature practices.
Building a Barrier-Free Learning Environment
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) is a new webpage that includes guidance on how (and why!) to create accessible documents, presentations, and resources. Visit the page to learn about the basic elements of accessible resources.
Join the Conversations on Accessible Learning Materials Zoom chat to learn more and share ideas on accessible practices.
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
🏫 Renovations for the Future Uncover FCPS’ Past
In her latest issue of Weekly Reflections Dr. Reid, shared some of the things she discovered this week. One item is the original exterior wall from Louise Archer Elementary School. It first existed as a three-room, wood-framed schoolhouse that was built for African American children in 1939.
The structure, which is located in a restored main lobby, will be preserved as part of the school’s legacy. Learn more about this amazing discovery and Dr. Reid’s activities in Weekly Reflections.
State Accreditation and Accountability Updates
At last week’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented on school accreditation and accountability changes that have been put in place by Virginia in her Academic Matters segment (video).
The Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) has adopted a new Virginia School Performance and Support Framework to report and monitor school performance. The framework involves revisions to the Standards of Accreditation (SOA) and Virginia’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan. It will go into effect in fall 2025.
View the slides for updates to the state accountability framework and school accreditation system.
🎥 Reminder: What to Do if You’re Contacted by Reporters
The Office of Communications has a media relations team dedicated to helping connect news organizations to FCPS. If a member of the media contacts you, notify your principal or program manager before providing information, conducting an interview, answering a reporter’s questions, or agreeing to a visit. Your principal or program manager must notify the Office of Communications as soon as possible.
Please do not initiate contact with the media. If you have a great story to share, reach out to the media relations team. They may be able to help publicize it. Read FCPS Regulation 7004 (PDF) for additional guidance.
FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture
FCPS is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Government’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. Our Trust Policy ensures that our students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn about the policy and regulation.
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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