Mosaic Elementary School staff celebrate the recent divisionwide spirit day! Staff includes (from left) Marcy Katzman, office assistant; Heather Brown, librarian; Mahri Aste, principal; Courtney Stevens, reading specialist; and Laura Zinn, counselor.
Transfer Window Extended
The voluntary transfer window has been extended to Friday, April 10.
Teachers who are excessed (formerly known as destaffed) will continue to have until Tuesday, April 21, to secure a preferred placement. Note: FCPS will now be using the term “excessed” as it is the industry standard. While the term used is changing, the process is the same.
More information is available on the Transfer Window Atlas page.
Follow the Budget Process
The School Board is scheduled to vote to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget at the board’s Thursday, February 26, meeting.Â
View the full meeting agenda on BoardDocs, where the budget documents will also be posted prior to the meeting. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Dr. Reid Reflects on the Budget Process
In Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided some context for the budget vote at this week’s upcoming School Board meeting.Â
She shared the link to the video from the School Board Budget Committee Meeting of the Whole. Read more in Weekly Reflections. Visit the Budget webpage to learn more and view upcoming engagement opportunities.
Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! Employee Conversations have been scheduled for:
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Thursday, March 5, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Centreville Elementary School.Â
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Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Lemon Road Elementary School.
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Wednesday, March 25, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Newington Forest Elementary School.
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Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Wolftrap Elementary School.Â
Visit the Superintendent Engagement Atlas page for up-to-date information and details. These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts with and ask questions of Dr. Reid.Â
You can also reach out to her anytime by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing Superintendent@fcps.edu.
Incredible Intent to Return Response!
Thank you to all of our school-based staff who completed the Intent to Return Form. This year, there was an incredible 99.5% response rate, with 97% of staff saying they will return for the 2026-27 school year! Thank you for supporting our students and Team FCPS!
FCPS Retirement Ceremony Scheduled for April 29
After years of hard work and dedication, FCPS celebrates our retirees’ careers, legacies, and accomplishments at our annual retirement ceremony. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The evening begins with a reception followed by a recognition ceremony with the superintendent, Senior Leadership Team, and School Board.
Those planning to retire should submit their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) as soon as possible. Invitations will be mailed during the first week of March to those with a completed HR-2 who retired after the spring 2025 retirement recognition and to those who plan to retire before December 31, 2026. The deadline to RSVP for the ceremony is Tuesday, April 7.Â
Please email questions to RetirementCeremony@fcps.edu.
Happy Public Schools Week!
February 23 through 27 is Public Schools Week, a national celebration honoring educators, support staff, leaders, and partners who work every day to expand opportunity and help every student thrive.
Across FCPS, our employees create welcoming classrooms, build meaningful relationships, and support students in ways that extend far beyond academics. Visit our Public Schools Week celebration page to see how FCPS (and you!) make a difference in our community.Â
Thank you for the dedication, collaboration, and care you bring to our schools each day!
Black History Month Celebration
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.
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Marshall Academy Instructor and Alumnus Named ACTE New Teacher of the Year
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Sean Appleby, a culinary instructor and proud FCPS graduate, has been named the 2026 Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) New Teacher of the Year. This honor recognizes excellence, innovation, and leadership in career and technical education.
Sean is a 2011 graduate of Marshall Academy and Madison High School. Read about his journey and this recognition.
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Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
Safety and security are being enhanced through a new emergency management system. Staff who will be impacted by a new wearable Emergency Response Button (ERB) — which includes all school-based teachers and staff — were assigned mandatory training in MyPDE in January. Staff should complete the 15-minute training as soon as possible.Â
ERBs allow users to discreetly request help and provide location information within the school once activated. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. All FCPS employees will be notified the day before the system goes live and becomes fully operational.
Read Dr. Reid’s January email to all staff on the technology. Learn more about the emergency management system on the Raptor Atlas page. Submit your questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Teacher Shows Math Is Everywhere
Every Monday, Title I Resource Teacher Damien Ettere addresses the Forest Edge Elementary students with a weekly “Where’s the math challenge?” as part of the morning news show.Â
One of the things that excites Damien is “the passionate mathematicians I’m growing.” Find out how he helps students see math. Hear more about his goals.Â
Employees “In the Spotlight”
In the Spotlight is a video series sharing best practices and inspirational moments from across the division. New episodes are released on the FCPS YouTube Channel on Tuesdays on the In the Spotlight playlist.Â
Check out the playlist to hear about how staff are making tangible impacts in the lives of FCPS students, from learning something new to participating in athletics programs.
Milestone Gifts for FCPS Years of Service
Friday, February 27, is the deadline for eligible employees to select their milestone gift. All employees celebrating a milestone year of employment with FCPS (multiples of five years) were emailed a unique redemption code from EmployeeAwards@fcps.edu on Tuesday, February 17.
As a reminder, the selected 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!
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. Find additional information about LOA eligibility and the application process on the Leaves of Absence (LOA) page on Atlas.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.
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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