Tuition Reimbursement Portal Open, Learn About Retirement

teacher chatting with students


Library Intern Rebecca Horton, a former history and social studies teacher, checks in with students at Key Middle School. 


Tuition Reimbursement Window Open

The portal to apply for reimbursement for Summer 2026 courses is open through Thursday, October 15. Employees may apply for reimbursement for one course that ended between May 16 and August 31, 2026.

Tuition reimbursement is available on a first-come, first-served basis using the current priority list. Apply through the Tuition Reimbursement Portal (VPN required) and provide your Tuition Paid Receipt and Grade Report. 

Please email TuitionBenefits@fcps.edu or view the Tuition Reimbursement Atlas page for more information.


Weekly Reflections: Introducing Favorite Book Friday

video


Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid kicked off Favorite Book Friday last week with 3rd grader Grace on the FCPS Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels. 

Check out Weekly Reflections to learn more. 

Share your favorite book with the community.


Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! Employee Conversations will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on:

These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. You can also reach out to her anytime by emailing Superintendent@fcps.edu.


Understanding Collective Bargaining in FCPS

Collective bargaining gives employees a structured way to work with FCPS on wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment. FCPS employees are assigned to one of three bargaining units: licensed instructional, operational, or administrators and supervisors.

The Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) represents both licensed instructional and operational employees. The Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors, and Administrators (FCFPSA) represents principals, assistant and associate principals, directors of student activities and student services, and other administrators and supervisors.

To find your bargaining unit, log in to UConnect and select Employee Self-Service > Employment > Multiple Jobs/Position. Then, click on your job title and review the Detail section. Your bargaining unit will be listed in the first column.

Joining a union as a dues-paying member is voluntary. However, the exclusive representative negotiates on behalf of everyone in the bargaining unit and must represent all covered employees whether or not they choose to pay union dues. Learn more on the FCPS Collective Bargaining webpage or the collective bargaining frequently asked questions page on Atlas.


Enjoy a Staff Meal: Featuring New Menu Items!

tray of healthy food


Did you know FCPS staff and adults can eat in the cafeteria? For $3, staff can enjoy breakfast with a choice of entree, milk, and fruit. For $5, lunch includes an entree, milk, and unlimited salad bar items.

Try new options like the banh mi burger, southwest fiesta soup, honey chicken biscuit, or roasted apple parfait.

Pay easily by adding funds to your MySchoolBucks account and entering your PIN at the register. Search Atlas for MySchoolBucks or visit MySchoolBucks to set up your account.


Employee Blood Drive

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. 

Register for the upcoming employee blood drive at the Sideburn Support Center on Wednesday, September 30, from 6 to 10 a.m. All who donate (or attempt to donate) will receive free breakfast!


Learn About Retirement at an ERFC Info Session

Whether retirement is just around the corner or years away, these sessions are for you. Learning about your second pension can help you make informed decisions about your future.

Join us for an hour-long session to learn when you can retire, how your pension is calculated, and more. 

Click on the date of an info session to register to attend: 

Dates for 2027 are coming soon. View the schedule. Email ERFCRetirement@fcps.edu with any questions.

Save Even More With Supplemental Retirement Savings Plans

Learn more about your 403(b) and 457(b) supplemental retirement savings plan options and take the next step toward your retirement savings goals! 

These webinars will cover pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) contributions, available investment options, IRS contribution limits, enrollment information, and helpful tools and resources for managing your account.


June FCPS CARES Recipients Offer Child-Centered Care

teachers with awards


FCPS CARES allows families, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Among the CARES of the Month recipients for June are the special education team at Timber Lane Elementary School, including (pictured above, from left) Megan Ney, Alyssa Pope, Breonna Bryer, Sirena Siu, Clara Villalobos Cortes, Sam H. Amey (not pictured), and Benjamin Chiet (not pictured). 

They were nominated by a parent whose child was being reevaluated for services. “They made what can often feel like an overwhelming process into a true example of what reevaluation and IEP meetings are meant to be: parents and educators coming together collaboratively to determine what is best for a student,” the parent said. “Their preparation, thoughtfulness, and genuine commitment to my child’s success were evident at every step.”

Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:

  • Deedre Day, Gatehouse Administration Center
  • Sara James, Herndon High School 
  • Aziz Loza, Mount Eagle Elementary School
  • Tracy Hernandez, Oak View Elementary School
  • Kelsey Seipp, Poplar Tree Elementary School 
  • Stephanie Steigerwalt, Gunston Elementary School

Read about all the recipients.


Every Student, Every Day: Principal Builds Belonging to Improve Attendance

teacher reads to student


At Brookfield Elementary School, every day starts with a warm greeting, a friendly smile, and a high five. Principal Lesley Hassen knows that for students to attend school regularly and thrive academically, they must first feel safe, valued, and connected. 

Read about Lesley and why she was named an Outstanding New Principal finalist last school year.


Have You Registered for Walktober Yet?

walktober banner


Walktober is for every FCPS employee, across all roles and abilities, at every point in their wellness journey! Build healthy habits, reduce stress, connect with colleagues, and enjoy some friendly competition along the way.

Participate individually or in a team of five to 10 colleagues. Track your progress, complete activities, climb the leaderboard, engage with the community board, earn badges, and win prizes.

Register now! Registration closes Friday, October 9. Email EmployeeWellness@fcps.edu with any questions.


students smile with their ID badges

Tap On and Tap Off, It’s Easy!

Please help all our bus riders remember to tap on and tap off the school bus each day. 

We currently have about 70% of students on buses following this process correctly, which is a great start! 

Learn more about student IDs and bus navigation.


2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

students doing a science experiment


The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

This week, we’re focusing on Goal 5: preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.


School Board Meeting on September 24

The School Board will hold a regular business meeting on Thursday, September 24. Items on the agenda include a Motion to Prohibit Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) Systems. 

View the full agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.


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!