Kent Gardens Elementary School Teacher Peggy Tuma loves working with her fourth grade students.
How to File for No Tax on Overtime
For information about your W-2 and how to report overtime premium for tax savings, please view the W-2 No Tax on Overtime webpage and the No Tax on Overtime Atlas page.
IRS Form 1095 Arriving in Early March
FCPS employees and retirees who were enrolled in FCPS health plan coverage in 2025 (or who were eligible for coverage but did not enroll) will receive IRS-Form 1095-C in early March. Form 1095 provides information about your health insurance eligibility and enrollment.
While the information on this form may assist with preparing your tax return, the IRS has stated you do not need to submit these forms with your tax return. However, you should keep Form 1095-C for your records with your other important tax documents.
If you have questions regarding how these forms impact your tax return preparation, please check with a tax professional. For benefits questions, please contact the Office of Benefit Services at 571-423-3200 and select Option 3 to speak with a representative.
Voluntary Transfer Window for Instructional Staff
As shared on the Intent to Return form distributed to all school-based staff last month, the FCPS instructional employee voluntary transfer window is open through Monday, March 30.
During this time, instructional staff may schedule interviews with other FCPS schools and accept transfer offers. Â
Find more information on the Instructional Employees’ Voluntary Transfer Window Atlas page.
Show the Love This February: Update Your ERFC Beneficiary
This February, take a moment to protect what matters most by naming or updating your ERFC beneficiary. It’s quick, easy, and gives you peace of mind.
A beneficiary is the person you choose to receive your ERFC contributions should you pass away. Keeping this information current ensures your funds go where you intend and allows your loved ones to access them promptly, without unnecessary legal delays.
To name or update your beneficiary, log in to ERFCDirect and select “Named Beneficiaries” from the left menu. You’ll need your beneficiary’s name and Social Security number.
Note: Updating beneficiaries in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) or FCPS does not update your ERFC designation. This step must be completed separately in ERFCDirect.
Contact ERFCRetirement@fcps.edu or call 703-426-3900, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., if you have questions.
Reid Reflects: Let’s Thaw, FCPS!Â
In her Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shared a photo of FCPS chiefs dressed up in summer wear, trying to warm things up!Â
She encourages all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19, for the #FCPSThaw. Read more in Weekly Reflections.
Virtual Benefits Webinar for CareFirst Members
FCPS CareFirst members are invited to join the Office of Benefit Services, CareFirst, and CVS Pharmacy for a virtual benefits webinar on Tuesday, February 17.
Learn how to understand and use your medical and pharmacy benefits — including updates on member ID cards, costs, network access, and pharmacy coverage. Join via Zoom at either 11 a.m. or 4 p.m.
Visit Benefit Services on Atlas for full webinar details.
Milestone Gifts for FCPS Years of Service
On Tuesday, February 17, employees celebrating a milestone year of employment with FCPS (multiples of five years) will be emailed a unique code from EmployeeAwards@fcps.edu to redeem in the FCPS Milestone Online Store. Milestone-eligible employees will be invited to select a gift of their choice within a two-week window.Â
Gifts will be delivered to principals and supervisors to present at end-of-year celebrations to honor their staff members’ dedication and contributions to the division. Thank you for your continued service!
We Are One Big FCPS Family!Â
From couples to parents and children, and aunts and nieces, the members of Team FCPS make up many different kinds of families. Read this employee blog to learn about the Harmons (pictured), Meridieths, Lovos, Nortons, Vermillions, Abu-Rishs, and Fannons!
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Survey Open for School-Based StaffÂ
Yesterday, school-based staff received an email to participate in FCPS’ voluntary and confidential survey on suggested changes to FCPS’ SR&R for the 2026-27 school year.
These changes include universal discipline matrices, standards for in-school suspensions of students with disabilities, and accommodations for Multilingual Learner student statements. Survey materials are available online.Â
The survey is open to school-based staff, all FCPS parents/caregivers, and middle and high school students until Friday, February 20.
Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence
Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.Â
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
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Virtual Information Sessions on Pathways to Teaching
FCPS will be holding virtual information sessions for employees who want to become teachers but do not have a bachelor’s degree on Tuesday, February 17, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants will learn about pathways to becoming a teacher and meet representatives from James Madison University (JMU) and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).Â
- At 10 a.m., learn about the process for becoming endorsed in Elementary General Education as well as dually endorsed in Special Education (accessing general curriculum and adapted curriculum).
- At 1 p.m., learn about the process for becoming dually endorsed in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education.
Representatives from NOVA will present for anyone just starting their journey to becoming a teacher and who do not yet have an associate's degree or 60 general education credits. Â
JMU representatives will share information about the three accelerated bachelor’s programs that lead to licensure with the State of Virginia: Special Education, Inclusive Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education (pre-K through sixth grade). Candidates interested in JMU programs will need a transferable associate's degree.Â
Register in advance. A Zoom link will be sent one to two hours before the session to your FCPS email. Email Bob Hamell at rjhamell@fcps.edu with any questions.
EdTech Lunch Bytes Learning Series
Empower yourself with new technology skills in EdTech Lunch Bytes Learning Series. These monthly 30-minute sessions are designed to fit your busy schedule. Gain hands-on experience with FCPS-approved tools.
On Tuesday, February 17, at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, or 1:30 p.m., explore Pear Deck’s newest AI feature, Instant Decks, which enables teachers to create intentional, standards-aligned interactive lessons in under 30 seconds. These ready-to-use decks can support whole-class instruction, small groups, interventions, and skill practice across content areas.Â
Also learn about Pear Deck’s latest accessibility features, including built-in read-aloud and translation tools, and discuss how they align with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to remove barriers and support diverse learners. Register in MyPDE.
Leave of Absence Application Due March 1
Employees who intend to request or extend a Leave of Absence (LOA) for the upcoming 2026-27 school year must indicate their intentions by Sunday, March 1. Additional information about LOA eligibility and the application process can be found on the Leaves of Absence (LOA) page on Atlas.Â
Note: If you are expecting a baby or planning to adopt a child, the March 1 due date does not apply to you.Â
For questions and more information, please contact the Disability and Leaves team through FCPS StaffConnect, or call 571-423-3200 and select Option 2.
CARES of the Quarter Recipient Celebrated for Celebrating Others
Sandburg Middle School Instructional Assistant Jae Lemeshewsky, affectionately known as Ms. L, was recently celebrated as the FCPS CARES of the Quarter award recipient.Â
Ms. L, an instructional assistant at Sandburg, is known for greeting every student and colleague with warmth and kindness. Her special welcome tradition for new staff, a potted plant and a $2 bill, has become a beloved part of Sandburg’s culture, symbolizing growth, good fortune, and the lasting impact of small acts of care.Â
Read her CARES nomination.
Math Teacher Provides Students with An Equation for Success
In the Spotlight is a new video series sharing best practices and inspirational moments from across the school division. The first episode features Paige Knisley, a math teacher at Kilmer Middle School. Paige shares how she created a Care Corner in her classroom. Learn more about how Paige supports her students.
Boundary Explorer Tool Updated With Adopted Boundaries
As a reminder, the School Board recently voted to approve recommended boundary changes as part of FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review. These changes will take effect beginning in the 2026-27 school year, with phasing as specified in Policy 8130. Read the boundary news story.Â
FCPS will be reaching out to families who will have a new school assignment in the next few days. In the interim, families may enter their home address in the Boundary Explorer Tool to view their new school assignment for the 2026-27 school year or check street address listings by school level: Elementary | Middle | High.
Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for more information.Â
New Western High School
The boundary review process for the new high school in the western part of the county will begin soon. A final boundary decision for the new school will be made by June, but it will not be implemented until the 2027-28 school year.
Western High School Naming
The School Board is scheduled to vote on a name for FCPS’ new high school, located in the western part of the county, at its Thursday, February 12, meeting.
Proposed Capital Improvement Program from 2027 to 2031
At the same meeting, the board will vote on the divisions’ planned capital projects over the next five years.Â
View the full meeting agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Presidents Day (Holiday)
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, for the Presidents Day holiday.Â
Teacher Workday
Tuesday, February 17, is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students. See the school year calendar or employee calendar.
FCPS ACE Presidents Day Sale: 10% OFF ALL Classes!
Take advantage of presidential savings with FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) on Monday, February 16. Employees can receive 25% off in-person classes and, for one day only, or 10% off any online class, making it easier to learn on a busy schedule. Visit the FCPS ACE Presidents Day Sale webpage for details.
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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