Teachers collaborate at the Summer Literacy Symposium.
FCPS Continues to Inspire, Innovate, and Deliver
Yesterday, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid sent an email welcoming staff to the 2026-27 school year and provided a brief update on the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
Discontinuation of Designated Blackout/Critical-Needs Days
Effective immediately, FCPS will no longer designate specific blackout/critical needs days for Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) operational and licensed instructional employees. Instead, supervisors will consider all leave requests on a case-by-case basis.
For requests to convert sick leave to personal leave, every effort will be made to accommodate each request to the extent possible. All personal and annual leave requests will be considered by supervisors consistent with the guidelines on Atlas.
Weekly Reflections: A Great Beginning at FCPS
In her latest Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shared information on her time spent at the Great Beginnings Summer Institute (GBSI).
Now in its 32nd year, GBSI has grown from 50 participants in its first year to more than 726 new, returning, and transferring teachers. It was a week filled with professional development, resource sharing, and networking for the newest members to join Team FCPS.
Read more in Weekly Reflections.
Support the Mission of FCPS
Build your knowledge and skills in core leadership competencies, systems leadership, and improvement science by applying to the 2026-27 Supporting the Mission cohort.
Participants will gain a greater understanding of the interdependence of FCPS departments and their collaborative work in service of the Strategic Plan goals. Groups will identify and use Improvement Science to explore a Problem of Practice (PoP) tied to the Strategic Plan goals.
At the culmination of the program, participants will present their PoP and recommended actions to division leadership, and will have the opportunity to apply to present at the George Mason University/FCPS Learning to Improve Conference.
Interested employees should submit their interest and recommendation form by Thursday, September 3. Eligible employees include teacher leaders, non-principal school-based administrators, and Schedule B and C employees.
Contact Mary-Lynn Robosky, Qia Craig, or Jenny Louangoudom with questions.
Educator Academy Is Open for Registration
Did you know FCPS provides free courses to instructional staff? A diverse range of free courses developed by our own instructional experts are available to meet the evolving needs of our educators.
Whether you are pursuing a local Advanced Academic certification, seeking to implement responsive classroom strategies, or preparing for Praxis exams, these courses offer a pathway to professional mastery.
In addition, successful completion results in salary credit(s) and recertification points. The Fall 2026 Academy Course Catalog is now available and open for registration in MyPDE on August 18 at 5 p.m. Visit the Educator Academy Atlas page to learn how to register or email Academy@fcps.edu for questions.
Join Our Back-to-School Countdown!
Thank you to all our employees who are hard at work preparing for another great school year! Are you ready? The first day of school is Monday, August 24! Follow our countdown on Facebook and Instagram.
Check Out the Employee Handbook
The Employee Handbook is a user-friendly, all-in-one guide that consolidates key information including policies, regulations, web links, and everyday practices to help staff understand and navigate the school division. Be sure to bookmark the handbook so you can refer back to it often!
Reminder: Complete Your MyPDE Trainings
Every FCPS employee is assigned training within MyPDE that provides information you need to start the year strong. It is part of your professional responsibility and an expectation noted in employee evaluations.
Please go to your Assigned Training page in MyPDE and complete or register for those that do not yet say “Attended” in the Status column. Deadlines for each training may vary, so make sure to complete each training ahead of the due date. For assistance, please submit a ticket at support.fcps.edu.
Special Education Call for Presenters and Exhibitors
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Call for Presenters: Share Your Expertise!
Do you have strategies, resources, or expertise that our FCPS families could benefit from? FCPS staff members are invited to lead breakout sessions on topics that inform, support, and empower families. MyPDE credit will be awarded to presenters.
Submit a session proposal by Friday, September 18.
Call for Exhibitors: Showcase Your Program or Resources!
FCPS programs and community partners are invited to host a table in the exhibitor hall and connect our families with valuable services, programs, and resources.
Register to be an exhibitor by Friday, October 30.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener
Students in grades 3-12 will participate in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener in October. School teams and families use this information to strengthen a positive school culture and support students academically and personally.
Read more about SEL and teaching strategies that help students grow and learn at school. Parents are able to opt their child out of taking the SEL screener.
Help Families Connect With the FCPS App
As you connect with families during orientation and back-to-school events, consider pointing them toward the FCPS mobile app. It's the quickest way to check the school year calendar, view lunch and breakfast menus, contact a school, and jump to ParentVUE or Schoology from your phone.
Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Calendar Reminder: 2026 First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year.
View the 2026-27 school year calendar and employee calendar for other important dates.
Staff Staples
Note: Some links in this email may 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, one week in advance. Thank you!
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