Kindergarten Teacher Emma Daw works with students in a small group at Lorton Station Elementary School.
Print Your W-2 Today! Upcoming UConnect Service Interruption
A UConnect service window for system maintenance is scheduled Friday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m., to Sunday, March 29, at 6 p.m. Brief service interruptions may occur.
|
Access to information, such as W-2s, pay advices (pay stubs), and leave balances, will not be possible during this time. If you are planning to file your taxes this weekend, be sure to print or download your W2 before Friday afternoon.
Beginning March 30, users accessing UConnect and Lawson (Infor) will see a new login screen (pictured at right). You will be able to log in with your standard network credentials or use the new SSO (single sign-on) option to simplify logging in.
|
|
 |
FCPS Showcases Quality, Excellence, and Success
Last week, FCPS reached a major milestone after submitting a 50-page application for the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. More than a dozen examiners visited our schools and centers and conducted interviews with employees about their jobs here at FCPS.
The Baldrige Award is the highest level of national recognition that a U.S. organization can receive for demonstrating its performance excellence, resilience, and long-term success. The application process allows us to receive feedback on how we can lean into our strengths, and it identifies opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Read more in Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s Weekly Reflections.
Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! Employee Conversations are scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Newington Forest Elementary School, and Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Wolftrap Elementary School.
Click on the date to register for that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Visit the Superintendent Engagement page on Atlas for up-to-date information.
You can also reach out to Dr. Reid anytime by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing Superintendent@fcps.edu.
Provide Fairfax County With Feedback on Its Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Upcoming Budget Town Hall Meetings include:
You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak.
Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn how community members can share their feedback and provide input on the county’s FY 2027 Budget.
Summer Student Intern Program Applications Open
The FCPS Summer Internship Program is a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for FCPS high school students and recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. The program will run from Monday, July 6, to Friday, August 14. It offers hands-on work experience across central office departments.
Interns will work alongside professionals on projects that help prepare FCPS for the upcoming school year. They will learn about current trends in fields including artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, business and finance, architecture and construction, communications, safety and cybersecurity, and education and advocacy as well as participate in weekly professional development workshops.
Job descriptions, details, and the interest form (which should be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10) are available on the Summer Internship webpage. Watch a video about last year’s Summer Internship Program and follow @FCPSInterns on Instagram.
FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety
At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is one of our highest priorities. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks.
FCPS has several plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Our decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.
Make sure your cell phone number is updated in UConnect to receive alerts and updates from the division. Or you can download the FCPS App and enable push notifications.
‘Walk to Read’ Program Shows Success
In the Academic Matters portion of the March 19 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the Walk to Read Program. This initiative has been piloted among third grade students in Early Literacy Project Momentum schools. These students attend a targeted 30-minute reading intervention block based on their specific needs. Watch a video to hear from the students and teachers.
Between fall 2025 and winter 2026, there have been double-digit decreases in below-grade-level performance on the G3 iReady test. Read more about Walk to Read.
Middle School Performing Arts Is “More Than Just a Class”
In the Strategic Plan Update portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared this inspiring look at theater in FCPS. In the video, students describe how performing arts became more than just a class.
This was part of her presentation on Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. FCPS is one of just a few school divisions across the nation that offer a comprehensive middle school theatre curriculum. Approximately 4,500 students are enrolled in the academic curriculum, and more than 4,000 students participate in comprehensive extracurricular theater programs, including musical productions, short plays, drama clubs, and field trips.
Read more about the importance of performing arts.
ERFC Trustee Election Notification
The Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board of Trustees is the governing body of ERFC and supports its mission to enhance the financial security of members through prudent financial stewardship. The board will elect one person to serve as trustee.
Interested active ERFC members should submit a nomination petition and a statement of contribution. Notice 4771 outlines the election process. Materials must be received by the Office of Employee Relations by the close of business on Tuesday, April 14.
An electronic election will be held from Tuesday, May 12, through Thursday, May 14. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 with any questions.
Filing Deadline for 2025 FSA Claims Approaching
If you have claims for 2025 FSA expenses, you have until Tuesday, March 31, to file them. For more information, visit the Employee Insurance and Financial Benefits dashboard on Atlas.
RSVP for the We Honor You Retirement Ceremony by April 7
After years of hard work and dedication, FCPS celebrates our retirees’ careers, legacies, and accomplishments at our annual retirement ceremony, We Honor You. 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.
Any retirees who have completed their Notification of Resignation-Retirement form (HR-2) have been mailed an invitation. Please contact RetirementCeremony@fcps.edu if you have not received your invitation. The deadline to RSVP for the ceremony is Tuesday, April 7.
Awards Recognizing Special Education Supporters
Nominations are open for the 2026 Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Awards, which recognize educators, staff, volunteers, and community members who go above and beyond to support students receiving special education services.
Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and other community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Nominations are open through Friday, March 27, and can be submitted online.
Calendar Reminders
Quarter End and Early Release
Friday, March 27, is the last day of the third quarter and an early release day for students.
Spring Break
Schools and school offices will be closed from Monday, March 30, to Friday, April 3, for spring break. Monday, April 6, is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students.
See the school year calendar or employee calendar.
New School Board Member Sworn In
Tom Dannan was sworn in as the Braddock District Representative before the March 19 School Board Meeting. Learn more about Dannan.
School Board Meeting Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
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!
|
