A student high-fives Kindergarten Teacher Ashley Har during a literacy lesson at Union Mill Elementary School.
👋 Your Introduction to Collective Bargaining
Lydia Martinez, director of labor relations for Fairfax County Public Schools, provides an introduction to collective bargaining. Find more information on collective bargaining on the Employee Hub.
☀️ Showcase Your School or Program at the Summer Extravaganza
Help us show the community all the fantastic things that make FCPS a premier school division! The Summer Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
FCPS departments, schools, and teacher groups are invited to participate at the Summer Extravaganza. This dynamic, family-friendly event highlights engaging and innovative learning opportunities. It has been designed to support student well-being, academic growth, and community connections.
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Sign Up to Showcase Your School, Program, or Club
FCPS offices, departments, schools, and teacher-led groups are encouraged to share:
- Summer programs or enrichment opportunities.
- Creative learning games and hands-on learning experiences.
- Health, wellness, or family engagement strategies.
Please complete this exhibitor interest form to sign up for an interactive booth.
Teachers are also invited to sign up for their student groups to perform or showcase talents at the event. Fill out this performance interest form.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage or contact Gracie Mendez.
Superintendent Warns Students of Possible Cuts as Budget Deadline Looms
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid hosted two dozen student journalists at the Gatehouse Administration Center for a roundtable on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget. The discussion comes within weeks of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors finalizing the budget, which currently underfunds FCPS by $150 million. Read more about the roundtable or watch this video summary.
Budget Presentation to the School Board
Dr. Reid also presented the latest facts on the budget to the Fairfax County School Board. Watch her presentation on the budget or view the budget presentation slides.
Fairfax County FY 2026 Budget Public Hearings
Fairfax County is holding public hearings on the Fairfax County FY 2026 Budget at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 24. Visit the county website to view meeting materials, see how to view the meetings, or speak before the board.
Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections
Learn more about Dr. Reid’s work and activities in her latest Weekly Reflections.
How Learning Led Her to Teaching: Mother in Search of Education for Autistic Son Becomes Teacher
Nuril Kingsley, enhanced autism teacher at Fairhill Elementary School, is from Indonesia. When her son was about three years old, she noticed he was not hitting childhood milestones the same way his two older sisters had. She started looking for services to help her son and began learning about autism spectrum disorders for the first time.
In 2005, the family moved to the United States in order to get better support for Danny, who was four. Danny was enrolled in FCPS’ Preschool Autism Class and Enhanced Autism Class. Nuril was inspired by that experience to become a teacher herself. Read more about her journey to teaching.
23 Teachers Earn or Renew Certification from National Board
FCPS congratulates eight newly certified National Board teachers and 15 teachers who renewed their certification. FCPS is ranked in the top five for both new National Board certified teachers and current National Board certification candidates in the state of Virginia. See the list of recently certified teachers.
13 First Class Awards Recognize Inclusion and Positive Impact
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) recognized 13 individuals and teams for excellence in all facets of education related to disability. The organization’s First Class Award celebrates and recognizes individuals who support, implement, or design programs and activities that include students with disabilities and improve outcomes for all students. Read about the First Class Awards.
✨ The work of these winners supports FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered, which fosters student safety and well-being and an inclusive school climate and culture.
FCPS Piloting Weapons Detection System in High Schools
FCPS is piloting a weapons detection system in randomly-selected high schools this spring. This initiative is part of FCPS' ongoing efforts to enhance school safety and security. See Dr. Reid discuss the system with several students. Read the weapons detection system announcement.
🎤 Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! A series of Employee Conversations with Dr. Reid is underway. Events are planned for the following dates:
Click on the date to register. Registration is not required, but is encouraged for planning purposes.
These events are your opportunity to share your thoughts and ask questions. You can also reach out to Dr. Reid anytime by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing Superintendent@fcps.edu.
✨ A diverse, adaptive, and supported workforce is Pillar C of the 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan.
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🌱 At Clearview, Learning Extends Beyond the Classroom
Jeanne Lukas-Ross has been involved with FCPS’ Get2Green and Eco Clubs since she became a teacher at Clearview Elementary School. She enjoys being outdoors and is a certified Virginia master naturalist — a trained volunteer that helps gather data for scientists, restore and maintain habitats, and complete education-related service projects.
A few years ago, Jeanne landed her “dream job” when a resource teacher was switching from full-time to part-time work, and the principal asked Jeanne if she knew anyone who would be able to work as a part-time outdoor learning teacher. She embraced the opportunity eagerly! Read more about Jeanne’s outdoor classroom.
🚌 Going the Extra Mile: Thank You School Bus Drivers!
Today is National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. FCPS employs more than 1,800 drivers and attendants who transport an estimated 131,000 students safely to and from school each day. Our drivers and attendants take pride in being the first FCPS face students see in the morning and the last one they see before heading home for the evening.
Driver Tashima Bradshaw seamlessly transitions between small and large buses, always ready to step in wherever she’s needed. Read more about Tashima and how she helped a student in a difficult situation.
💕 Welcoming Families With Heartfelt Kindness
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Wednesday, April 23, is Administrative Professionals Day. Thank you to all the office support staff who welcome our students and families to schools and support our school leadership.
Read about Amy Yoham, the office assistant at Brookfield Elementary School and one of our 2024 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Finalists.
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Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
Students in grades 3-12 participated in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener last month. School teams and families use this information to develop positive school cultures and support students academically and personally. Families with SIS ParentVUE will be able to access the Parent Report in the Documents tab this week. Families without a ParentVUE account will receive results via mail.
🗳️ Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Visit the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage for additional information and the nomination form.
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🍼 Expectant Parents Workshop
A virtual workshop on Wednesday, April 23, 4-5 p.m., will provide information on the leaves and disability benefits offered by FCPS following the birth (maternity and paternity), adoption, or fostering of a child.
Participants will learn about FCPS leave benefit programs (including paid parental leave), application procedures, and health and wellness resources; and they will review the enrollment process for health insurance and other optional benefits.
The workshop is open to all employees who would like more information on the benefits and resources provided by FCPS. Register for this workshop in MyPDE.
UDL in Action: New Dates for Compass Courses Recently Added
UDL (Universal Design for Learning) is a major initiative in our division, and UDL in Action — Compass Courses offer a deeper dive into its practical application. These sessions are designed for teachers, SBTS, AARTs, school-based leaders, administrators, and central office staff to enhance their UDL expertise and lead implementation in their schools.
There are three parts to the series where participants will dig deeper into each of the three UDL Framework Principles and learn about strategies and practices to use with either student or adult learners for a more universal and accessible design.
View dates and times for April and May sessions and links to register in MyPDE.
Tech Tools That Allow Students to Engage in Reading
How do UDL, inclusive practices, technology, and accessibility connect for students?
Bring lunch and join a bite-sized interactive learning experience. Explore easy tech tools that empower students to engage in reading their way. Increase engagement and reduce frustration. Register now in MyPDE.
Featured tools include Chrome Reading Mode and TextHelp Read&Write. Educators can add the Read&Write extension and get a free educator account prior to the session using their FCPS Google account.
This 30-minute session will be offered during three different lunch times on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2. It is Part 3 of a Lunch and Learn Series: Easy Tech, Big Impact.
🗳️ Elections for Retirement Plan Trustees
Electronic elections will be held from Tuesday, May 27, to Thursday, May 29, for one trustee for both the Fairfax County Employee Retirement System (FCERS) and the Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC).
FCERS
More than 6,000 FCPS employees receive their retirement benefits from FCERS. This includes transportation, food service, trades and maintenance, custodial, and part-time teaching staff. FCPS employees who are FCERS members are eligible to be nominated and to vote for the vacant trustee position. The term for the newly elected trustee is June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. The FCERS petition outlines the election process. It requires 20 electronic nomination petitions and a candidate statement of contribution.
ERFC
Generally, full-time FCPS teachers, educational personnel, instructional assistants, administrators, administrative support staff, and technical staff are automatically enrolled in ERFC. The ERFC Board is the governing body of ERFC and supports the mission to enhance members' financial security through prudent financial stewardship. Interested active ERFC members seeking to be candidates must submit a nomination petition and a statement of contribution. Notice 4771 outlines the election process.
Required materials for both elections must be received by Sherri Burris in the Office of Employee Relations by close of business on Wednesday, May 7.
🎖️ FCPS Works Toward Becoming a Purple Star Division
At the April 10 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid spoke about Purple Star Schools in her Academic Matters update. Watch this video to see why this work matters.
The FCPS Family Academy
In her Strategic Plan Update, Dr. Reid focused on the FCPS Family Academy and how it supports Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships. Watch this video about the Family Academy.
School Board Meeting Thursday, April 24, at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, April 24, at 7 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Topics on the agenda include:
- K-12 School Start Times - Mason District Proposed Pilot
- Awarding of Contracts
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Acceptable Use of FCPS Resources
As a reminder, according to Regulation 6410.17:
- Use of email to advocate the election or defeat of any candidate for any elective office internal or external to FCPS, to advocate the passage or defeat of any referendum question, or to advocate the passage or defeat of any matter pending before the Fairfax County School Board, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Virginia General Assembly, or the Congress of the United States is not permitted.
Further, Policy 1800.6 states:
- All employees are encouraged to exercise their constitutional rights as citizens, but they shall not involve their schools or workplaces in political campaigns and shall not participate in campaign activities during hours of official employment.
FCPS employees should not send political messages via their FCPS email, nor should they send political messages during their working hours, even via personal accounts.
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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