Third Grade Teacher Olubukunmi Peters gives a hug to a student arriving at Haycock Elementary School.
Celebrating Art and Music in Our Schools
March is National Arts in Our Schools Month, highlighting the importance of arts education in fostering student creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. This wouldn’t be possible without talented educators like Andrew Sharrock, band teacher at Glasgow Middle School, who was named Outstanding Secondary School Teacher at last year’s Honors celebration. Read about Andrew and the Glasgow band program.
Four FCPS Teachers Among Wolf Trap Grant Winners for Performing Arts
Andrew is also one of four FCPS middle and high school teachers who will receive grants from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Wolf Trap’s Grants for Performing Arts Teachers fund music, dance, and theater projects in public school classrooms in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Read about the winners and their projects.
Introducing Students to Classical Music Through Soccer
As part of our Spotlight video series, hear from Brandon Morris, Outstanding Elementary New Teacher finalist, and music teacher at Chesterbrook Elementary School. Brandon explains the link between Georg Frideric Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” and a famous soccer anthem.
Reid Reads Across Fairfax
Wondering how a school superintendent celebrates Read Across America Week? Follow Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s Weekly Reflections!
2028-29 School Year Calendar Posted
Visit the FCPS Calendar webpage to view the 2028-29 School Year Calendar.
Filing Deadline for 2025 FSA Claims Approaching
Just a reminder, if you have claims for 2025 FSA expenses, you have until Tuesday, March 31, to file them. To file your claims:
- Go to my.optum.com/fcps and log in.
- Go to “Payments” and select “Reimburse Myself.”
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to upload your receipts and submit your claim package. Be sure to save a copy of your claim package for your records.
For more information, visit the Employee Insurance & Financial Benefits dashboard on Atlas.
Keep C.A.L.M.: New Atlas Page on PDF Accessibility and Support Hours
Announcing the new Keep C.A.L.M. Atlas page: Using PDFs. Learn when to use the format, when to avoid it, and how to ensure your PDFs are fully accessible.
Accessibility Support Hours
With the updated federal accessibility deadline of April 24, 2026 nearly here, get hands-on help to learn how to make your resources inclusive.
Drop in to Zoom office hours to get help fixing documents, review C.A.L.M. materials, and ask questions. While the main focus is on instructional materials, everyone is welcome as we work toward digital equity as a division.
Sessions will be offered via Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m. on the following Wednesdays:
- March 11
- March 25
- April 8
- April 22
Learn more about accessibility at FCPS on Atlas.
Additional Microcredential Orientation Meetings Added
The Office of Professional Learning, in collaboration with Instructional Services and Special Services, recently announced two microcredential learning opportunities available to all licensed instructional staff this spring.
These flexible, self-directed professional development opportunities are designed to align with two critical FCPS initiatives — Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Empowering Multilingual Learners. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a $600 stipend and one Academy credit per microcredential.
To participate, staff must attend one of the Orientation Meetings via MyPDE. Due to significant interest and both initial sessions reaching maximum capacity, two additional orientation meetings have been added from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, and Monday, March 16.
Visit the Microcredential Atlas page for additional information and registration details.
Special Education and STEM Job Fair: Internal Transfers Welcome
FCPS will be hosting a job fair specifically for special education and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching positions.
This event will provide external candidates — as well as current FCPS teachers seeking internal transfers — an opportunity to connect with principals and school-based teams.
The hiring event will take place on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Register to attend.
Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz (Evening Only Observance Day, Holiday)
Thursday, March 19, is an evening-only observance day for Eid al-Fitr, which begins at sundown. Friday, March 20, is a holiday, and all schools and offices are closed for Eid and Nowruz. See the school year calendar or employee calendar.
Looking for a Ride, a Roommate, or to Sell Your Old Couch? Check Out FCPS Classifieds
Looking to sell your old guitar or share a ride to work? FCPS’ Online Classifieds system is on Atlas and available to employees only. It’s a free way to post ads for personally owned items to buy, sell, or give away. It's also a great tool to find a roommate or rent real estate.
Our online classifieds are self-service and allow employees to post new ads, or update or renew existing ads at any time. View the rules and frequently asked questions. For more information, contact Andy Grunig.
ACE March Madness Sale
Pick your learning bracket and save! From March 14 to 16, you can buy multiple classes from FCPS ACE and save 10%, 15%, or even 20% off your tuition!
Build your bracket with two or more classes and build your savings. FCPS employees can take advantage of this sale for online classes. But please note, our 25% employee discount is only valid for in-person classes. See details and save on learning that won’t bust your wallet!
Tell Our Governor How You Feel About Virginia’s Public Schools
The Virginia Department of Education offers a survey for Virginians to submit feedback on public schools. Let our governor know what a successful school looks like to you, and what challenges or barriers are currently preventing students from thriving. The survey will close on Friday, April 10.
State Seeks Input on Fine Arts Standards of Learning
The Virginia Department of Education has initiated a process to review and revise the K-12 Fine Arts Standards of Learning. It is anticipated that the review will be completed by June 2027.
An important part of the review process for the Fine Arts Standards of Learning is soliciting comments from classroom teachers, students, parents, administrators, curriculum supervisors, fine arts educators, and other groups who have worked with the current standards.
Comments may be submitted via the 2020 Fine Arts SOL Public Comment Form. Public comments will be received for Visual Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, and Dance Arts through Monday, March 30.
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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