Librarian Joanna Taylor high-fives students during dismissal at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School.
Celebrating Your FCPS Milestones
Milestone gifts are back again this year! These gifts are a small token of appreciation for employees celebrating their fifth to 50th FCPS anniversary or any increment of five years.
But first, share how you’re using your 2025 gifts! Email a selfie of you and your gift to EmployeeAwards@fcps.edu or post to social media with #FCPSMilestones.
Thank you to Jessica Navas and Oscar Reyes (above) for sharing photos of them celebrating their milestone gifts for celebrating 20 and five years, respectively, with FCPS!
Weekly Reflections: A Whirlwind Start to a Historic New Year
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted the first day of the 2026-27 school year in her latest Weekly Reflections.
She visited many schools on the first (and second) day of school and saw students eager to dive into new lessons, educators fostering welcoming and engaging environments, and families proud to see their children thriving. Read words of wisdom and encouragement from principals she visited in Weekly Reflections.
Additionally, Dr. Reid shared that as we move into the halfway point of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan, she is looking forward to continuing work guided by our core values — excellence, equity, and opportunity — ensuring each and every student has access to high-quality learning, a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, and the chance to reach their full potential.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show us where we should focus our attention and help us align our efforts.
The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.
See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Fall Back Into Your Benefits
Fall is a great time to review your employee benefits and start preparing for open enrollment. Explore reminders about benefit coverage and costs, wellness and preventative health, and retirement resources to help you stay informed and make confident benefit decisions.
Visit the Benefit Services page on Atlas for important information and reminders.
Committing to Create Resources That Reach Everyone
Whether you are creating lessons for students or communicating with families, all FCPS employees should be committed to creating accessible digital content. Digital accessibility fully aligns with our strategic goals of equitable access and inclusion. In addition, compliance is now mandated at both the federal and state levels of government.
Learn About Accessibility With Us!
FCPS Keep C.A.L.M. and Choose Accessible Learning Materials is a digital accessibility campaign that helps employees learn how to use, choose, and create accessible resources. Weekly tips will focus on small, targeted lessons to help you build habits and work toward universal access for students, staff, and families. You can choose from several ways to learn.
Together we will learn about the elements of digital accessibility, understand why each one matters, share tips, and participate in challenges that make our division a more welcoming place for all.
Verification of National Board Certified Teachers
Those with an active National Board Certification should submit their annual verification to the Office of Professional Learning by Thursday, September 24. This will confirm eligibility for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Incentive Award.
To submit your National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT) documentation, go to StaffConnect and select “NBCT Annual Certification of Eligibility” from the first dropdown list. Be sure to complete all the required fields before clicking the “Submit” button.
The VDOE requirements for this award are:
- An active National Board Professional Teaching Standards Certification.
- An active 10-year renewable license issued by the Virginia Board of Education. Please have your license number ready or retrieve it from Virginia Licensing Online (VALO).
- To be employed by FCPS on September 30, 2026.
These actions are necessary to be considered for the state stipend.
Additional Opportunities for NBCTs and Aspiring NBCTs
If you are interested in becoming an NBCT, the NBPTS Candidacy Academy Course registration window is now open. You are welcome to attend an information night on Wednesday, September 2, from 5 to 6 p.m. If you plan to attend, register in MyPDE. If you are unable to attend, you can view the recording from May 2026.
NBCTs currently pursuing Maintenance of Certification (MOC) are invited to join an Academy Cohort in September. Fees associated with component or MOC submission are reimbursable.
For more information on these programs and other available supports, please visit the FCPS Atlas page or contact Mary Beth Anderson.
Know Before You Post: Regulation on Employee Use of Social Media
Regulation 7004 includes definitions and rules for official, professional, and personal social media accounts of all FCPS employees.
Official social media accounts represent an FCPS school, department, office, building, program, athletic team, leadership position/title (such as principal or superintendent), or other entity.
Professional social media accounts are employee-owned accounts used for official FCPS business, such as sharing photos of students in class, posting school news and stories, or publishing athletic team information.
FCPS official and professional social media accounts:
- ✅ Are only for FCPS business, such as sharing photos or videos of classes or students.
- ❌ Must never post photos featuring students with opt-outs on file (“Comprehensive” or “Option C” opt outs). Blurring or covering a child’s face is NOT acceptable.
Personal social media accounts should not be used to conduct or communicate about FCPS business. These accounts:
- ✅ Must always be kept separate from official and professional accounts.
- ❌ Must never post photos or videos of students or their work without opt-in parent permission.
For additional guidance and examples, see the Social Media Guidelines for FCPS Employees.
Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for students, families, and staff to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First
If you have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security has a safety tip line that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).
If your tip is an emergency and you need immediate assistance, please dial 911.
Staff, students, parents, caregivers, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.
If you have concerns about programs, regulations, policies, or other topics that do not impact the safety of our schools, please contact the FCPS ombuds online, at 571-423-4014 or ombuds@fcps.edu.
Academic Matters: Building Supportive School Communities
In the Academic Matters portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, the topic was Building Supportive School Communities, which is part of Goal 2 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. Every student will experience an equitable school community where student health and well-being are prioritized and student voice is centered.
Dr. Reid shared a video in which students and staff members spoke about the importance of being greeted by name, having trusted adults to turn to, feeling comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, and knowing that their ideas matter. Read more in Weekly Reflections.
Cellphone and Device Policy Reminders
A new School Board requirement prohibits students from using personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy.
Free Online Classifieds for Employees
Looking to sell your old guitar or share a ride to work? The FCPS Online Classifieds system is 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.
FCPS' Online Classifieds system is completely self-service and allows employees to post new ads, or update or renew existing ads at any time. View rules and frequently asked questions. Contact Andy Grunig for more information. You must be logged into the FCPS network to access the online classifieds.
Calendar Reminder: Labor Day (Holiday)
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening before Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately before Labor Day.
Using the FCPS mobile app calendar feature is a great way to stay aware of key district holidays and early dismissals throughout the year.
We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.
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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