Learning Disabilities Teacher Christien Shehat works with a student at Willow Springs Elementary School.
đź’˛Monthly Employees: Early Payday in December
Monthly employees are paid on the last business day of each month, except for December, when they are paid before winter break. Payday for monthly employees in December will be on Friday, December 19.Â
đź’» Go Paperless: Sign Up to Receive Your W-2 Electronically
It’s almost tax time. Plan for tax season now and opt in by Tuesday, December 30, to receive your W-2 electronically. Going paperless will not only save FCPS money but will also save you time when you prepare your tax return!Â
If you have any questions about pay or W-2s, please contact Payroll Management at 571-423-3500 or PayrollHelp@fcps.edu.
🎠On the Road With Dr. Reid
In her Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shares her activities from the week and celebrations across the school division. Read Dr. Reid’s highlights, including a mention of the Rocky Run Middle School performance of Lion King Jr., pictured above.Â
🎤 Last 2025 Employee Conversation With Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! The last Employee Conversation for 2025 will take place on Wednesday, December 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Bailey's Elementary School. Share your thoughts and ask her questions. Register to attend.
You can also reach out to Dr. Reid by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing superintendent@fcps.edu.
🤝 FCPS Working With OpenAI Through ChatGPT for Teachers
Together with OpenAI, FCPS will be in the first cohort of school divisions across the nation to help guide how ChatGPT for Teachers will roll out across the United States.Â
With ChatGPT for Teachers, OpenAI is delivering strong privacy and security safeguards, ensuring FCPS privacy and security standards are being upheld in these tools. This tool will only be available for staff use. Learn more in Dr. Reid’s announcement of the collaboration.
Computer Science Education Week
Next week is Computer Science Education Week (CS Ed Week). Explore free resources on the FCPS CS Ed Week educator page and continue engaging students in CS learning throughout the school year. Visit the FCPS STEAM and Computer Science page.Â
Please be aware that some digital resources may require parental consent before they can be used. Learn about parental consent for digital resources in the Digital Ecosystem Library or reach out to your school-based technology specialist (SBTS).
We invite you to share stories of students engaging in computer science by emailing cnscaptura@fcps.edu.
Professional Development Opportunities for New-to-FCPS Educators
The Great Beginnings program offers several professional development options for new-to-FCPS educators. In December, offerings include:Â
Did you miss Foundations Modules 1-4? View make-up options on the Great Beginnings website.
Quander Road Special Education Chair Is a Lifelong Advocate for Students
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on December 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. In honor of this day, we celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students.Â
Among them is Raquel Joyner, special education chair at Quander Road, who won Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee last year. Read about Raquel’s impact.
🫶 Counselor CARES, Inspires Falls Church Staff
FCPS CARES allows parents and caregivers, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Among September’s CARES of the Month recipients is Amy Marketos, a counselor at Falls Church High School.Â
“Amy's action towards a student who faces serious health challenges truly showed her compassion and dedication,” her nomination said. “She went above and beyond to make sure the student felt supported and cared for. She motivated other school staff to join her. She visited them at their home and shared an encouraging message. That kind of kindness makes a big difference. It inspires all of us!"
Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:
- Rue De La Bay and Maged Gerges, Facilities and Maintenance Satellite Office.
- Ken Junge, Felecia Allen, and Faye Cofer, Colvin Run Elementary School.Â
- Jae Lemeshewsky, Sandburg Middle School.
- Hope Song, Colin Powell Elementary School.
- Joni Fraundorfer, Franklin Middle School.
- Alicia Fyfe, Forestdale Elementary School.
To recognize an employee with an FCPS CARES, please visit the submission page.
FCPS Budget Supports Fairfax County’s Economy
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, with more than 25,000 full-time employees and thousands more in part-time and substitute roles. Our annual operating budget flows through the local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.Â
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds! Learn more about the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget and how FCPS drives the success of our local economy.Â
Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee MeetingÂ
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors today. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
📍Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee Meeting Update
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met on November 24. If you missed Dr. Reid's message on November 25, please visit FCPS’ website to access key takeaways from the meeting and materials that committee members received.Â
You may also learn more about the comprehensive boundary review and sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter.
School Board Meeting Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:
- Secondary Course Offerings
- 2026 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program
- Boundary Review Phasing and Transportation
- FY 2026 Midyear Budget Review
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Bodhi Day (Observance Day)
Monday, December 8, is a religious and cultural observance day recognizing the Buddhist holiday of Bodhi. There is school on this day; however, specific events that cannot be made up will not be held. See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.
Volunteer FCPS: Find Opportunities and Register as a Volunteer
Through Volunteer FCPS, individuals can register and search for volunteer opportunities in the school division.Â
All volunteers need to register in Volunteer FCPS. This includes FCPS staff who work as student mentors, volunteer at their child’s school, or help in any unpaid capacity in the school system.Â
After registration and employment verification, staff are cleared for opportunities at all levels, as their background check is already on file.
Register and complete a short volunteer orientation. Learn more about Volunteer FCPS.
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. You may also view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
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!Â
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