Teacher Trainee Axel Flores-Cruz helps fourth graders with math at Springfield Estates Elementary School.
📅 Check Out the 2025-26 Employee Calendar
The 2025-26 Employee Calendar is now available. It has been drafted to align with the student calendar.
2024 W-2s Are Now Available in UConnect
W-2s for 2024 are now available to all employees in UConnect. You will need to opt in for W-2 Web Delivery to access the form. See the W-2 page for instructions.
Employees who did not opt in for web delivery by December 31, 2024, will receive their W-2 in the mail.
🏈 Band Director Enjoys Trumpeting Commanders’ Success
Luis Perez, band director at Holmes Middle School (pictured above at left), has been involved with the Washington, D.C., football team for nearly as long as he’s worked at Holmes. He’s in his 29th year with Holmes and 28th as a trumpeter for the Washington Commanders Marching Band. Pictured with him are two former students who are also members of the Commanders marching band. Read more about Perez’ experience as a teacher and band member.
Your FCPS Benefits in the New Year
The Office of Benefit Services would like to remind you of a few benefit changes that went into effect on January 1:
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2025 Benefit Elections – Changes made during open enrollment are in effect. Review your January pay stub to confirm your plan elections and deductions.
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Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket – For employees with Cigna individual coverage, the first $400 of your covered expenses will be applied to fulfill your annual deductible. For employees covering one or more dependents, an $800 Collective (Family) Deductible applies. The amount you and your dependents pay toward the deductible will be combined to reach the overall $800 family deductible. The plan will begin contributing to your health care costs after the deductible is met.
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Health Care FSA Limit for 2025 Increased to $3,300 – A maximum of $660 can be carried from 2025 to 2026. The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) limit remained at $5,000 ($2,500 if married filing separately).
Visit the Employee Hub for more benefits information.
Superintendent to Present Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is scheduled to present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23, at 7 p.m. View the full meeting agenda.
The meeting can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, and the FCPS website. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
Elevate Your Teaching with UDL on January 29
Are you looking for practical strategies to create a more engaging and inclusive classroom for every learner? Attend optional virtual Universal Design for Learning (UDL) learning sessions! These sessions — taking place on the upcoming teacher workday, Wednesday, January 29 — are designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to implement the UDL Framework. Explore session details and register through MyPDE.
✨ Creating a positive, inclusive school climate is part of Goal 2 of FCPS’ Strategic Plan.
IT Mid-Year Virtual Conference: Spotlight on AI
The FCPS DIT Mid-Year Virtual Conference will bring together educators, leaders, and students to explore the transformative power of technology in education, with a spotlight on artificial intelligence (AI). This dynamic half-day event will be held Wednesday, January 29, 9 a.m.-noon. It will kick off with a panel discussion on AI’s evolving impact featuring FCPS leaders and students. Check out the agenda highlights and register today.
❤️ Pump Up Your Heart with Wellbeats
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but the good news is that up to 80% of cases are preventable with healthier habits. Protect your heart health by joining the Pump Up Your Heart Health Challenge with Wellbeats! This two-week challenge is designed to help you build healthy routines and strengthen your cardiovascular health. Stay motivated and accountable — your heart deserves it!
The challenge takes place Monday, February 3, to Friday, February 14. To register, log in to your Wellbeats Wellness account. Look for the yellow banner on the homepage and click Learn More. Click Join This Challenge to start tracking your progress. Join as an individual or team of five.
Weekly prizes will be awarded to the participant who has logged the most activities. For more information, email EmployeeWellness@fcps.edu. Visit the American Heart Association or Centers for Disease Control websites to learn more about heart health.
🏆 Teacher Honored with USA’s Highest Awards for Science and Math Teachers
South Lakes High School Math Teacher Emily Burrell was among 336 teachers and mentors from around the nation honored by former President Joe Biden as recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Read more about the awards.
✨ Helping every student graduate ready to thrive in life after high school and with the skills to navigate, adapt, and innovate for a sustainable future is Goal 5 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
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Intentional Support for Math Students Opens Opportunities
Last Thursday, Dr. Reid visited Poe Middle School and observed several sixth grade math classes. She spoke with teachers and Principal Jason Pannutti about ways the math team is working intentionally to review testing data, identify learning gaps, and provide support to students one-on-one and in small groups to overcome those challenges strategically.
During the visit, Dr. Reid enjoyed working directly with the students and reminding them how important a strong foundation in math can be. Read more about this school visit in the latest issue of Weekly Reflections.
✨ Successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade is Goal 3 of FCPS’ Strategic Plan.
January Is Mentoring Month
Are you interested in inspiring and guiding young people? Learn how adults can become mentors for FCPS students.
📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings are scheduled and will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:
Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Quarter End/Lunar New Year/Teacher Work Day
Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. It is a full school day.
Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.
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 Tuesdays. Thank you!
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