Superintendent to Present FY 2026 Proposed Budget, Ratified Collective Bargaining Agreements, Proposed CIP

Employee News5 days 22 hours ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


John Kang, a math teacher at Poe Middle School, rings a bell every time a student gets an answer correct.

Superintendent to Present Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget


Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is scheduled to present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23, at 7 p.m. 

Watch the meeting on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, and the FCPS website.

Stay Informed: Access School Board Meetings Anytime

If you miss a School Board meeting or work session, catch up at your convenience by visiting the FCPS YouTube channel. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

If you would like language interpretation or American Sign Language support for a School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board members and learn how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

School Board Ratifies Two Collective Bargaining Agreements

At its January 9 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously ratified two Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with the Fairfax Education Unions (FEU). This marked a significant step in the collaborative relationship between the school division and its employees. 

These agreements were reached through a collaborative process, reflecting a shared commitment to support high-quality educational environments for all students.

Key terms of the CBAs are: 

  • 7% Market Scale Adjustment (MSA) to salary scales in FY 2026.
  • 3% MSA and step increase in FY 2027 and FY 2028.
  • Additional step at top of all salary scales added in FY 2027 and FY 2028.
  • 30-minute minimum block for teacher planning time.
  • Continuation of extended-day contract for special education teachers.
  • Three days of bereavement leave separate from sick leave
  • Creation of Health Care Advisory Committee to consider affordable healthcare plans

View the full announcement.

📱 SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

On Tuesday, January 21, FCPS staff, middle and high school students, and parents/caregivers will be emailed invitations to participate in a survey that seeks to understand community support for proposed options relating to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage.

The survey will be available from Tuesday, January 21, until Monday, February 3. All staff are encouraged to participate; your voice is essential in shaping policies that reflect and support our community!

🏗️ Proposed Construction, Renovation, and Enhancements Support Students and Sustainability


Fairfax County Public Schools has updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations, as part of FCPS’ proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP is updated annually to reflect changing conditions in our schools and construction costs. The proposed CIP represents a commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality public school environments for all students.

The School Board discussed the proposed CIP at today’s work session. View the presentation slides. A public hearing on the CIP is taking place this evening. The board will vote on whether or not to approve the proposed CIP at their Thursday, February 6, meeting. Visit the CIP webpage.

📚 Readers Reaching Benchmark at Riverside Elementary School


In the latest issue of Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shared a video featuring Rebekah Griffith’s first grade class at Riverside Elementary School. Students moved around the classroom looking for colors that begin with the consonant blends “br” and “bl.” Read more about how Rebekah is implementing Benchmark — FCPS’ new literacy curriculum — in Weekly Reflections.

🌄 A Clear Path to MyPath

FCPS’ new human capital management system, MyPath, is at the midpoint of the first phase of its implementation. MyPath continues to be on track for a full rollout in December 2025. This first phase includes leave, payroll, benefits, and a new employee self-service site.

Throughout 2025, we will share additional progress and details about the employee self-service site that will replace UConnect and MyTime this December. Learn more about the MyPath Project and some of the highlights achieved in 2024 on the Employee Hub.

📓 Great Beginnings Quarterly Learning Series

The Great Beginnings Quarter 2 Learning Series will be offered through Thursday, January 30. Learning Series sessions are designed for new educators but open to any interested educator.  

Topics include student engagement, multilingual and special education student support, family engagement, and social-emotional learning (SEL). All sessions will be presented via Zoom from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. 

Review the Quarter 2 Learning Series session catalog for session titles and important links.

🗓️ Leave of Absence Application Due March 1

Employees who intend to request or extend a leave of absence (LOA) for the upcoming 2025-26 school year must indicate their intentions by Saturday, March 1. An LOA is an approved, unpaid, extended absence from work that exceeds 30 calendar days. Find additional information about leaves of absence and the application process on the FCPS Leaves of Absence webpage. 

Employees currently on an approved LOA will receive a reminder from the Disability and Leaves Office in late January, requesting them to indicate their leave intentions by the March 1 deadline. If you are expecting a baby or planning to adopt a child, the March 1 due date does not apply to you. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Disability and Leaves team through FCPS StaffConnect or by phone at 571-423-3200, Option 2.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings


On Friday, we held our first virtual Community Boundary Review meeting. All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the recent in-person meetings, and the same information will be shared. Registration remains open for the following virtual meetings:

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link.

Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

💲 Maximize Your Dollars With Savings for Staff

Spend smarter on your overall well-being with Savings for Staff through PerkSpot, the FCPS employee discount program.

Put your health, wealth, and lifestyle dreams at the top of your list with access to member-only deals you won’t find elsewhere. With PerkSpot you can:

  • Get movie tickets at a discount.
  • Save up to $70 on Walt Disney World multi-day tickets.
  • Save up to 22% off and have zero fees on tickets to concerts and sporting events. 
  • Access TurboTax discounts.
  • Get travel discounts.

Savings for Staff is available to all FCPS employees.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Inauguration (Holiday)

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and the Presidential Inauguration.

Quarter End/Lunar New Year/Teacher Workday

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

🥫 Help Restock Food Pantries


Stuff the Bus is a partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits. Now in its 14th year, Stuff the Bus continues to support food assistance efforts for families and households. Stuff the Bus has collected more than 220 tons of food to feed people experiencing food insecurity in Fairfax County. 

You can help stuff the bus at select locations beginning Saturday, January 18. Visit the Stuff the Bus webpage for locations and a full list of requested items.

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! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

🏫 Spring Educator Academy Program Catalog Available, SIS ParentVUE Closure, 🍼 Expectant Parents Workshop

Employee News1 week 5 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Food and Nutrition Services staff (from left) Rahul Nooniwal, Sukunya Hamrojananukun, Berta Orellana, Stefan Slavov, Hee Kim, Melissa DeAngelo, Tracie Thomas, and Megan Salyer work on meal kit distribution at Justice High School while school is closed due to snow.

Cigna Health Care Deductibles Reset January 1

Cigna health plan’s annual deductible reset on January 1. The deductible is the amount you pay each year for your covered services before the plan starts to contribute toward your covered health care costs. 

However, there are some exceptions — such as covered preventive care, immunizations, urgent care facility visits, and MD Live — for which there is no deductible before the plan coverage begins.

  • For employees with Cigna individual coverage, the first $400 of your covered expenses will be applied to fulfill your annual deductible.
  • For employees covering one or more dependents, an $800 family deductible applies. The amount you and your dependents pay toward the deductible will be combined to reach the $800 family deductible. Your plan will then begin contributing to your health care cost after the $800 family deductible is met. 

For more details about your Cigna plan and other benefits, please see the 2025 Employee Benefits Briefing, call a Cigna representative at 877-501-7992, or contact the Office of Benefit Services at 571-423-3200 (press option 3, then option 2) or via FCPS StaffConnect.

💯 Quarter End Gradebook/SIS ParentVUE Closure

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE. 

Moving forward, app closure will align with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. The grade book windows for teachers have not changed. 

Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, at 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 at a.m.

🏫 Spring Educator Academy Program Catalog Available

FCPS educators can access free professional development in student engagement, academic content, pedagogy, and classroom management through the Educator Academy Program. Choose from various instructor-led courses or demonstrate your skills through self-paced and self-directed microcredentials. 

Explore more than 40 course options available this spring in the MyPDE course catalog. Academy course and microcredential participants receive Academy credit(s) and recertification points upon successful completion that can be applied toward Virginia teaching licensure renewal and a salary scale increase. 

Course syllabuses, outcomes, and assignments are listed in the Academy course catalog. Registration opens Tuesday, January 14, at 5 p.m. Visit the Academy Hub page to find out how to register. Email [email protected] if you have questions.

✨ Meaningful continuous learning for employees is part of Pillar C in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

🍼 Expectant Parents Workshop

A virtual workshop will be offered Wednesday, January 22, 4-5 p.m. for expectant parents. This workshop will provide information on the leaves and disability benefits FCPS offers for the birth (maternity and paternity), adoption, or fostering of a child. 

Participants will explore FCPS leave benefit programs, including paid parental leave, and learn how to apply for them. The session will also cover health and wellness resources, as well as the process for enrolling in health insurance and other optional benefits. 

All employees who would like more information on FCPS benefits and resources are welcome to attend. Register in MyPDE. A Zoom link will be forwarded to participants within 24 hours of the class.

👩‍🏫 Join Our Teacher Team!


Are you an instructional assistant who is considering becoming a teacher? Know someone who you think would be a good fit for Team FCPS? If so, FCPS will be holding a virtual job fair for teachers and other instructional positions on Saturday, January 11, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Attendees will have the chance to network and interview with representatives from our schools. Employment offers for the current school year may be presented during the fair. 

Registration is required. Register to attend the January 11 job fair no later than Thursday, January 9. Contact the Department of Human Resources through their web portal or call 571-423-3000.

In-person job fairs will be held on Saturday, February 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School, and Saturday, February 22, at a location to be determined.  

📝 Apply for Teach Forward (¡Avanza!) Cohort for Licensure Program

FCPS is offering financial support to 100 FCPS employees to become fully licensed teachers. Participants are only responsible for the $250 enrollment fee and the costs of the required Praxis tests. FCPS will fund the additional program cost of $2,800.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree but not a Virginia teaching license, apply to this self-paced program to become provisionally licensed for the 2025-26 school year (upon completion of the initial requirements). Participants can earn their teaching certification in one of the designated endorsements within 12-24 months. 

Learn more about Teach Forward online or at an information session from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, or Wednesday, January 15. Click the dates to register.

Be Inspired! Follow Us and #FCPSTeacherTuesday


Learn why our teachers join the profession and be inspired by their stories, including this one by Ariana Gallahan-Zarate. Ariana is a teacher at Annandale High School who started her journey with FCPS as an instructional assistant at Fairhill Elementary School. Follow FCPS on Facebook and Instagram.

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Thank you, teachers and principals, for helping keep cell phones off during the school day. FCPS’ cell phone policy is helping create learning spaces where our students are less distracted and more engaged.

This year, we’re asking our families to talk with their children about the importance of putting their cell phones away during instructional time. We’re also asking teachers not to use cell phones for instructional activities unless approved by a principal or designee.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings


If you did not have a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting as part of the first phase of our comprehensive boundary review process, please join one of our virtual meetings:

Click on a date to register. 

To ensure a meaningful experience for participants, each virtual meeting will be limited to 400 participants, and each participant will receive their own unique Zoom link. Language interpretation will be available.

Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn about the boundary review process. Sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

🚗 Buckle Up for the Coast to Coast Spring Wellness Challenge


Have you ever wanted to pack up the car and head across the country? Buckle up for a nostalgic road trip. Discover iconic destinations, from national parks to exciting bucket-list vacation spots. Experience postcard-perfect images and captivating descriptions as you build well-being habits that last long after the journey is over. 

Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, email [email protected] with questions.

Updates From December 19 School Board Meeting ✅ Completion of Algebra 1 by Eighth Grade

In the Academic Matters section of the December 19 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed Algebra 1 — specifically 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence and its measure of successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. 

Completing Algebra 1 by eighth grade is important because it lays a strong foundation for advanced math and STEM subjects in high school and beyond. Early mastery of algebra helps students develop critical problem-solving skills and logical thinking.

The percentage of eighth grade students enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher has increased from 56% in 2021-22 to 70% this school year at 18 schools in FCPS. Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections to learn more about why it is important for students to complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade.

✨ Strategic Plan Update on Goal 2: Safe Supported, Included, and Empowered

Dr. Reid also presented an update on the 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. Goal 2 states that every student will experience an equitable school community where student health and well-being are prioritized and student voice is centered. Dr. Reid addressed chronic absenteeism, discipline disproportionality, and student academic inclusion as well. 

View Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections to see how FCPS is overcoming challenges in these areas. View the full Goal 2 report.

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday)

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. 

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

School Board Meeting Thursday, January 9, at 7 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, January 9, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • Ratification of Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreements Between Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) for the Licensed Instructional and Operational Bargaining Units
  • Awarding of Contracts 

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


Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Capital Improvement Program

The Fairfax County School Board will hear comments on the FY 2026 proposed Capital Improvement Program at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 14.

☎️ See Something, Say Something: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline

FCPS provides a way for employees and the general public to report any suspected wrongdoing related to FCPS’ assets and resources. Reporting will help ensure taxpayers’ money is spent appropriately — on our students’ education. It can also help improve employees’ work environment.

Reports can be made in person, by phone, by email, or online. All reports are taken seriously, and every effort will be made to investigate reports according to the applicable laws, codes, policies, or regulations. Employees can assist with investigations by providing as much information as possible. Please visit the Office of Auditor General webpage to learn more.

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! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

💲 Tuition Reimbursement Window Opening, 🧾 Go Paperless: Opt In for W-2 Web Delivery, 🎁 Give the Gift of Wellness

Employee News1 month ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


A student at Hutchison Elementary School high-fives School Counselor Jessica Wilcox.

💲 Tuition Reimbursement Window Opening

The portal to apply for reimbursement for fall 2024 courses will be open Wednesday, January 1, through Friday, January 31, 2025. Contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in reimbursement for one course that ended between September 1 and December 31, 2024. 

Eligibility to request reimbursement is based on the current priority list and is reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Directions for creating and submitting a request, detailed information on the priority list, and the documents needed for upload are available on the Tuition Reimbursement page on the Employee Hub. 

Apply through the Tuition Reimbursement Portal (VPN required). Have your tuition paid receipt and grade report handy to complete the request. Please email [email protected] for more information.

✨ Providing meaningful continuous learning is part of Strategic Plan Pillar C: Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce.

🎉  Teachers at 100 Schools Receive Educate Fairfax Grants

Educate Fairfax financially supported 107 grants across 100 Fairfax County public schools — including 24 Title 1 schools — totaling an unprecedented $180,273 in funding! These grants will help defray the costs of innovation in our schools, which might otherwise come out of the pockets of our educators and staff or simply not be possible. Nearly 36,000 of our students will be directly impacted by these grants. See the full list of schools and projects that will be funded.

⭐ West Potomac Teacher Honored with CARES of the Quarter Award


Congratulations to Lawrence Cooper, a work awareness and transition (WAT) teacher at West Potomac High School, who is the inaugural recipient of the FCPS CARES of the Quarter Award. 

Educate Fairfax partnered with the Human Resources employee recognition team to create this award and further highlight the incredible stories of our outstanding employees and their meaningful contributions. Lawrence was chosen from all of the CARES of the Month winners so far this year. 

Lawrence received a certificate and a $500 check from Apple Federal Credit Union in recognition of his unwavering commitment to his students and for fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork at West Potomac.

Read more about these awards in Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections.

💻 Go Paperless: Opt in for W-2 Web Delivery

W-2 tax forms will be issued by the end of January. Employees are encouraged to opt in for W-2 web delivery. Paper W-2s will be mailed to the address on file (as of Monday, December 30) for employees who have yet to opt in for web delivery.

To avoid delivery delays, please keep your address up to date in UConnect and submit a forwarding address to the U.S. Postal Service if you move. For assistance with online address changes, please call the Human Resources Welcome Center at 571-423-3000.

🎁 Give the Gift of Wellness to Family and Friends This Holiday

Share the gift of wellness with up to five friends or family members through Wellbeats! Stay healthy together and build a supportive wellness community with your spouse, co-workers, friends, or neighbors and:

  • Cheer each other on, share encouragement, and celebrate successes.
  • Challenge friends to workouts and stay motivated with real-time chats.
  • Cook together virtually with fun demos and healthy recipes.

Make wellness more social and fun this season! In your Wellbeats account, select “Profile” in the drop-down menu and choose “Sub-accounts” to invite others to join Wellbeats.

New to Wellbeats or forgot your login information? Visit the Wellbeats Portal. Log in using your FCPS email address. Click “Next,” then select “Forgot My Password.” Wellbeats will email you a code to reset your password. 

For any account issues, please email [email protected].

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update


The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at the Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials committee members received. 

The final in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting for this first phase of the comprehensive review process is tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m., at Madison High School. Register to attend. Details about our upcoming virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings will be available soon.

Learn about the comprehensive boundary review process and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

School Board Meeting Thursday, December 19, at 7 p.m.


The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, December 19, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • FY 2025 Midyear Budget Review
  • Policy 2418, Reporting Student Progress to Parents and Guardians (renamed to Secondary Grades Assessment and Grading, and Reporting on Progress of Learning)
  • Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered

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

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Winter Break

Winter break will be from Monday, December 23, 2024, to Friday, January 3, 2025. Twelve-month employees are expected to work throughout the break except for Tuesday, December 24, 2024; Wednesday, December 25, 2024; and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. View the employee calendar.

No homework should be assigned during this time to help our families have a restful break. Teachers may assign long-range assignments, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately after the break. 

Classes will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

🎊 See You in January!

This is the last issue of Employee News for 2024. We will resume publishing on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram during winter break as we look back on some of the highlights of 2024.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

❄️ Update Your Info to Get Weather Closings, Opportunities for Current and Aspiring Leaders

Employee News1 month 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Diane Cho, art teacher at Mosaic Elementary School, shares some of her students’ artwork.

❄️ Be Among the First to Learn About Weather Closings!

When FCPS decides to delay the opening of school or close due to winter weather, one of the first ways we communicate that decision is by sending a text message to employees and families. 

Be sure to get that text message! Log in to UConnect and update your contact information today.

🌍 CARES Recipients Coordinate Cultural Exchange

FCPS CARES allows parents/caregivers, 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 October are French teachers Elaine Gonzalez (pictured to the right of Principal Amy Goodloe) from Chantilly High School and Jocelyne Smith from Westfield High School.  

A Chantilly parent nominated them for working to bring 22 exchange students from France to the schools. 

“We loved hosting the students, learning from them, and showing them our lives,” the parent said. “For my child and family to experience this was phenomenal. The teachers went above and beyond to make this an excellent experience.”

Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:

  • Tashima Bradshaw, Stonecroft Transportation
  • Paula Prosper, Cooper Middle School
  • Heather Murphy and Caroline Taylor, Thomas Jefferson Science and Technology High School
  • Lawrence Cooper, West Potomac High School
  • John Tourtellotte, Lake Braddock Secondary School
  • Jessica Gregory, Hayfield Secondary School

Read about all the recipients.

Unlock Your Future With Information Technology’s Mid-Year Conference

The Department of Information Technology (DIT) Mid-Year Virtual Conference 2025 will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Log on for a morning filled with learning, insights, and innovation designed to empower your professional journey. At the conference, you can expect to:

  • Gain exclusive insights during a thought-provoking panel discussion with FCPS leadership, exploring artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact on education and the future of learning.
  • Hear from students who are embracing AI tools to transform their educational experiences.
  • Dive in to practical, hands-on sessions to learn how IT tools can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in your instructional and operational roles.

Register for the DIT conference.

📝 Apply Now to Work Toward Your Teaching License

FCPS is thrilled to announce its financial support for 100 FCPS employees interested in becoming teachers. If you hold a bachelor’s degree but not a Virginia teaching license, you can apply to become fully licensed within 12-24 months through the Teach Forward (¡Avanza!) FCPS cohort. 

Teach Forward is a self-paced online program taught through iteach. Cohort members will become provisionally licensed teachers and be eligible to teach in August 2025 upon completing the initial iteach program requirements. Participants are only responsible for the $250 enrollment fee and the costs of the required Praxis tests. The iteach program cost will be covered by FCPS for Teach Forward participants.

For more details, including virtual information session dates, visit the Teach Forward (¡Avanza!) website.

👩‍🏫 Help Our Teacher Team Grow!


Are you an instructional assistant who is considering becoming a teacher? Know someone who you think would be a good fit for Team FCPS? An in-person job fair for teachers and other instructional positions will be held on Saturday, December 14, at Sandburg Middle School from 9 a.m. to noon. 

There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from FCPS schools. Employment offers for the current school year may be presented during the fair. 

Registration is required. Register to attend no later than Thursday, December 12.

Questions? Contact the Department of Human Resources through their web portal or call 571-423-3000.

✨ Recruiting and retaining a diverse, adaptive, and supported workforce is Pillar C of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

🌴 Plan for Retirement: Book Your ERFC Appointment Today!


It’s about to be ERFC’s busy season. Appointments fill up fast, so don’t wait to schedule an appointment with an ERFC retirement specialist to learn more about your second pension. Specialists are available to meet with you at any stage of your career, but ERFC members retiring within the next six months are given priority when scheduling. 

Please remember, ERFC staff can’t provide advice regarding taxes, estate planning, or retirement date selection. Contact a professional tax or financial advisor to help you with those questions.

Call ERFC at 703-426-3900, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., to book an in-person or virtual meeting. For additional information and resources, visit the ERFC website.

💙 Principal Prioritizes Parent Program

Every Wednesday after school, a special class takes place at Fairfax High School. The students are parents, eager to learn a new language and skills to help them support their children’s education. Principal Georgina Aye is one of the dedicated teachers. 

These classes are the heart of Fairfax High School’s Family Engagement Center, a vibrant space dedicated to empowering families and fostering a strong sense of community. Fairfax’s Family Engagement Center is building a bridge between families and the school, creating a shared space for learning, support, and community. Read more about the English literacy parent program. 

✨ Building trusting partnerships between home and school is Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates


As mentioned in Dr. Reid’s message last night, the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met for the first time last Friday evening. The committee includes two parents/caregivers or community members from each of FCPS’ 24 high school pyramids, school-based and division administrators, teachers, operational staff, and other community representatives. Each committee member’s unique perspective and insight are invaluable as we work together to ensure this process is transparent, includes significant community participation and feedback, and always keeps students at the center of every decision.  

Visit the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee webpage to learn more about the committee and key takeaways from their first meeting.

Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not already, please consider attending one of the remaining community meetings. If you are unable to attend an in-person meeting, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Dr. Reid Reflects on the Comprehensive Boundary Review Process

In her latest Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid wrote about recent Community Boundary Review Meetings and the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee Meeting. She stressed that no boundary changes have been proposed yet; we are only in the first phase of a process that will continue until spring 2026.

Read the latest Weekly Reflections.

Opportunities for Current and Aspiring Leaders


At the December 5 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented an update on FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar C: Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce (PDF). Watch a video to learn more about leadership development at FCPS or visit the Leadership Development webpage.

📣 Every Voice Matters! Inclusive Schools Week

Dr. Reid also spoke at the meeting about inclusive activities at our schools, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and the Family Summit event and resource fair, which will take place on March 15, 2025. View her presentation slides. 

✨ Equitable access and opportunity is Goal 4 of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Winter Break

Winter break will be from Monday, December 23, 2024, to Friday, January 3, 2025. Twelve-month employees are expected to work throughout the break except for Tuesday, December 24, 2024; Wednesday, December 25, 2024; and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. View the employee calendar.

No homework should be assigned during this time to help our families have a restful break. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks before the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately after the break. 

Classes will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

💲 December Pay, 💵 $100 Wellness Incentive, 💻 Receive W-2 Electronically

Employee News1 month 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Fourth Grade Teacher Karen Fitzpatrick works with her class during a literacy lesson at Louise Archer Elementary School.

💲 Monthly Employees: Early Payday in December

Monthly employees are paid on the last business day of each month except for December when they are paid before winter break. Payday in December for monthly employees will be Friday, December 20. If you have any questions, please contact Payroll Management at 571-423-3500 or [email protected].

💵 Need Extra Cash? Earn Your $100 Wellness Incentive!

Employees enrolled in an FCPS health plan as the primary cardholder may earn gift card rewards up to $100 by completing their annual physical and biometric screenings by Sunday, December 31. To redeem your gift card, follow the simple steps on the Wellness Incentive Program Employee Hub page.

💻 Go Paperless; Sign Up to Receive Your W-2 Electronically

It’s almost tax time. Plan for tax season now and opt in to receive your W-2 electronically by Monday, December 30. Going paperless will not only save FCPS money but will also save you time when you prepare your tax return! If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact [email protected].

🎉 Start the New Year with New Skills Educators: Register for North TIER courses

Registration is now open for the winter 2025 semester of North TIER professional development courses. The online courses run Monday, December 16, 2024 through Sunday, February 2, 2025. For more information contact Aron Sterling.

Leadership Skills Program Application Open for Schedule A Operational Employees

Seven Competencies Strong (7CS) — formerly known as Supporting Success — is a 10-session cohort-based professional development program for Schedule A operational employees (non-exempt). It supports budding leadership skills with participants’ strengths in mind. 

Each participant begins their learning journey with the CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment. Participants then align their strengths with the FCPS Operational Competency Framework, applying knowledge to leadership concepts and skills that demand these competencies. Leadership concepts discussed include visibility and belonging, communication, customer focus, and engagement. 

Sessions are three hours (9 a.m. to noon). There will be two cohorts: a Tuesday cohort beginning on February 4, 2025 and a Thursday cohort beginning on February 6, 2025. 

For more information, contact Tyauna Bruce, operational leadership development specialist, at [email protected]. 

2025-26 Accelerated Certification Cohort Information Sessions

The Accelerated Certification Cohort (ACC) is a partnership with the University of Virginia for FCPS instructional employees to obtain the Virginia PreK-12 license in administration and supervision in a one-year cohort setting. Two virtual information sessions are available for the 2025-26 ACC:

  • Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 5-6 p.m.
  • Monday, January 13, 2025, 5-6 p.m.

Register for an info session in MyPDE.

The application for the 2025-26 ACC will be open from Monday, January 13, 2025, to Friday, February 14, 2025. Visit the ACC Google site to access the application and learn about eligibility and requirements. 

Contact Sofia Mora with questions. 

✨Providing meaningful continuous learning is part of Strategic Plan Pillar C: Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce.

New VDOE Accountability and Accreditation System

In her November 24 Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shared some updates on how the state will measure schools and deliver accreditation and performance ratings. Read her Weekly Reflections to learn more.

📍 Boundary Review Update


Boundary Review Community Meetings are well underway. They provide a great opportunity for families, staff, and community members to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process. 

The Region 3 community meeting will be held on Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School in the cafeteria. Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to register or view other community meeting dates. Also, sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

School Board Meeting Thursday, December 5, at 7 p.m.


The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, December 5, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • Strategic Plan Update
  • FY 2025 Midyear Budget Review Presentation
  • Awarding of Contracts

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

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Winter Break

Winter break will be from Monday, December 23, 2024 to Friday, January 3, 2025.

Twelve-month employees are expected to work throughout the break except for Tuesday, December 24, 2024; Wednesday, December 25, 2024; and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. View the employee calendar.

To help make sure our families have a restful break, no homework should be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks before the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately after the break. 

We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

🎁 Give the Gift of Learning for Fairfax County Students


Today, Tuesday, December 3, is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity when people and organizations unite to transform their communities. It’s also the kickoff to the Annual Giving Fund for Educate Fairfax — the only charitable foundation dedicated exclusively to the success of our Fairfax County public schools. 

Please join in the spirit of the holidays so that local students, teachers, and staff have what they need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. Donate today.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide


Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County's website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather, 💻 Sign Up to Receive Digital W2, Employee Resources for Wellness and Savings

Employee News2 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Kindergarten Teacher Julie Kercher works with her students during a phonics lesson at Graham Road Elementary School.

💻 Go Paperless; Sign Up to Receive W-2 Electronically

It’s almost tax time. Plan for tax season now and opt in to receive your W-2 electronically by Monday, December 30. Going paperless will not only save FCPS money but will also save you time when you prepare your tax return!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact [email protected].

School Board Extends Dr. Reid’s Contract

The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to extend the contract of Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid through June 2028. Read more about this decision.

Approved Secondary Course Offerings

At Thursday’s School Board meeting, the board also voted to add and adjust middle and high school course offerings for the 2025-26 school year. View the agenda item to see the changes.

❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather


Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Update your contact information in UConnect to receive text messages regarding weather closings from FCPS. When a weather event is in the forecast, be sure to plan for childcare, if needed.

📣 Your Voice Matters at FCPS!

Thank you to all the employees who participated in the Employee Engagement Survey. Division leaders will review feedback in January, which will help them identify FCPS’ strengths, opportunities, and challenges. Schools and regions will also use targeted data to make informed decisions for the 2024-25 school year.

Visit the Employee Engagement Survey page on the Hub for additional information.

✨ Creating an environment that values staff voice is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar C: Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce. 

Teacher Shares Native American Roots


Many teachers look to inspire the next generation. Tony Gray, a Native American and the Advanced Academics Resource Teacher at Wakefield Forest Elementary School, was raised to think seven generations ahead.

A member of the Haudenosaunee’s (ho-dee-no-show-nee) Bear Clan who grew up on a reservation in upstate New York, Tony didn’t realize at first that his upbringing had perfectly trained him for a future in teaching. Read about how his background inspired him and is inspiring students. 

Native American History Month

November is Native American History Month. It is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples, past and present, and to acknowledge their important contributions. It is also a time to raise general awareness about the unique challenges Native peoples have faced both historically and in the present, and how tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

🥰 FCPS CARES Recipients Offer Caring Support

FCPS CARES allows parents/caregivers, 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 September are Heather Frei (left), Alejandra Navarrete (right), and Michael Symanski (not pictured) from Pulley Career Center. Principal Peter Kelly is pictured in the center. 

A parent of a recent graduate nominated the Pulley Center staff. Even though she is no longer enrolled at Pulley, staff supported her during her transition from the school. 

“With their help and guidance over the last couple of weeks, she has been able to get a job that she is enjoying,” their nomination stated. “Pulley Career Center was a blessing to our daughter throughout her time there and continues to be a blessing."

Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:

  • Jennifer Conner and Felicia Hamilton, Gatehouse Administration Center
  • Kenyatta Momon, Langley High School
  • David Wall, Justice High School
  • Jennifer Quinn, West Springfield Elementary School
  • Hannah Miller and Rebecca Hitchings, Greenbriar East Elementary School
  • Karen Baxter, Island Creek Elementary School

Read about all the recipients.

✨Supported and successful transitions to postsecondary opportunities are part of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.

Learn How to Disconnect, Get Better Sleep, or Both!

The Employee Wellness Program provides all FCPS staff with wellness initiatives, support, and resources to enhance their health and well-being. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit the Employee Wellness Hub page.

📵 Digital Detox

Technology is everywhere and is a constant part of our lives. Explore the impact of digital devices on our health at Digital Detox: Reclaim Your Well-Being on Wednesday, November 20, noon to 1 p.m. The webinar will provide practical tips on how to unplug and allow both mind and body to recharge.

Register for the webinar today. This event is part of Kaiser Permanente’s Well-Being Wednesday series. Other webinars are available on preventative care, flu awareness, breast cancer awareness, and other health topics. You do not have to be a Kaiser member to participate.

💤 Boosting Health by Prioritizing Sleep

Recent studies show Americans are increasingly sleep-deprived, impacting health and well-being. While many focus on diet and exercise, quality sleep — which is crucial — is often overlooked. Are you struggling to get enough rest? Sleep: An Essential Component of Health and Well-Being will be presented on Wednesday, November 20, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Register today.

Liaisons Work to Set Families Up for Success


For many families who move to Fairfax County from other countries, the Dunn Loring Welcome Center is a safe haven. There they find staff, such as Community Liaison Beatriz Bucarey, ready to help them learn everything from how to set up email to what forms are needed for school registration. And, they’re greeted in their own language.

Beatriz has been helping families for more than 20 years. Read about her experience in the Employee Blog.

November Is Family Engagement Month

Parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. More than 35 years of research have shown that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in their children’s education. Family engagement is a shared responsibility between home, school, and the community. 

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships reminds us to empower families through trusting partnerships that sustain a safe, inclusive culture for learning.

📍 Boundary Review Update


Our first set of Boundary Review Community Meetings kicked off Monday evening at Glasgow Middle School. Participants learned more about the boundary review process, asked questions, and shared their thoughts. 

The next meeting will be held Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria (Region 5). Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to register or view other community meeting dates.

Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee

More than 1,600 parents/caregivers applied to participate in the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee! Two parents/caregivers from each of FCPS’ 24 high school pyramids have been invited to join the committee.

Members were chosen randomly from those who confirmed their ability to participate in in-person meetings. Other advisory committee members include school-based administrators, teachers, operational staff, and representatives from community groups. 

The Boundary Review Advisory Committee’s unique perspectives will be invaluable, as we work together to ensure this process is transparent, includes significant community participation and feedback, and always keeps students at the center of every decision.

🎁 Start the Holiday Season by Giving the Gift of Life

The Office of Facilities Management will host a blood drive on Wednesday, December 4, 6-10 a.m. at Sideburn Center. Free breakfast will be available for all who participate. Register to donate blood. 

📖 Advancing Literacy Through Bedtime Stories

In the latest Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shared how Principal Josh Douds and other staff at Centreville Elementary School have been engaging with their community and promoting literacy by reading bedtime stories on Zoom. Learn more about this project and other updates on Dr. Reid’s work throughout the week in Weekly Reflections. 

✨Students reading on level by third grade is part of Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence.

📉 Reducing Chronic Absenteeism to Improve Academic Success

During the Academic Matters section of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid talked about FCPS’ work to reduce chronic absenteeism. View her presentation (pdf). 

Chronic absenteeism in FCPS rose to 17.1% in the 2022-23 school year. Thanks to our multi-tiered system of support, we reduced that to 12.8% in 2023-24. Watch Academic Matters. 

✨Improving absenteeism rates is part of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

🎁 Give More, Stress Less, Spend Less With Savings for Staff

Take advantage of Savings for Staff through PerkSpot to buy gifts, celebrate with family and friends, and enjoy the season with less financial strain. Stay tuned for these exciting savings opportunities coming your way:

  • Early-access deals, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, last-minute gifts, and other savings.
  • Giveaways throughout the season.
  • Deal of the Week.
  • Savings guides to help you find the perfect gift at an affordable cost.

Sign up or log in to PerkSpot to join the holiday fun!

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 27, through Friday, November 29. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

Note: Employee News will not be distributed on Tuesday, November 26.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

🎖️ Thank You, Veterans! 🩺Benefits Open Houses, 📣 Take the Employee Engagement Survey Today!

Employee News2 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Ingrid Sánchez-Seymour, a learning disabilities teacher, helps students plant flags as part of a Veterans Day ceremony at Hayfield Secondary School.

🩺 Open Enrollment and Benefits Open Houses

Open enrollment is underway, and benefits-eligible employees can review and make changes to their benefits through Tuesday, November 19. The Office of Benefit Services (OBS) will host open houses for employees to chat with benefits vendors — including Cigna and Kaiser Permanente — and OBS staff on:

Now is the time to review your medical and dental coverage and make changes. Any benefit elections made during open enrollment will become effective January 1, 2025.

For more information about 2025 FCPS benefits, read the annual Employee Benefits Briefing and view the 2025 Benefit Premium Chart. Visit the Open Enrollment webpage for links to benefits vendors’ websites, plan documents, and additional resources.

Have questions? Call your benefits plan provider or contact OBS by calling 571-423-3200 or emailing [email protected].

Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts

Remember, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for medical or dependent care spending must be set up each year during open enrollment. Current FSA participants are not automatically re-enrolled. Any benefit elections made during open enrollment will become effective January 1, 2025.

📣 Your Voice Matters! Last Chance to Take the Employee Engagement Survey

The Employee Engagement Survey is closing on Monday! If you have not completed the survey, you are likely receiving reminder emails from [email protected]. These emails will continue until the survey closes on Monday, November 18, or until you have completed the survey. K12 Insight automatically generates all reminders. This does not impact the confidentiality of your survey.

The survey is available in multiple languages, takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and can be accessed on any computer, tablet, or smartphone. All responses are confidential. No one at FCPS will know whether you participated or how you responded, so please be candid.

For questions, contact [email protected]. Visit the Employee Engagement Survey page on the Employee Hub for additional information.

🎤 Employee Conversation With Dr. Reid

Employees are invited to join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid on Tuesday, November 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Laurel Ridge Elementary School. Click on the date to register. You may reach out to Dr. Reid anytime by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing [email protected].

✨ Creating an environment that values staff voice is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar C: Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce. 

🎖️ 38 Schools Recognized for Supporting Military-Connected Families


Thirty-eight Fairfax County public schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2024 Purple Star Schools. View the full list of new Purple Star Schools. 

Nearly half of Fairfax County public schools (96) are currently designated as Purple Star Schools. Earlier this fall, Dr. Reid announced a goal for FCPS to achieve Purple Star Division status by 2026-27, with 100% of our schools designated as Purple Star Schools. 

✨ A positive school climate is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Honoring Our Veteran Employees


Can you guess who this midshipman is? 

Let’s say a heartfelt “Thank you” to the many FCPS employees who are also military veterans! Find out who the employee above is and how she journeyed from the U.S. Naval Academy to the education field in this Employee Blog about our FCPS veterans.

School Psychologist Creates Safe and Nurturing Environment

November 11-15 is National School Psychologist Week. We celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive. Read about Cara Fratta, a school psychologist at Kilmer Center School, who was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists.  

✨ Providing access to necessary emotional, behavioral, and mental health services is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

🔓 Unlock the Power of AI in Your Daily Work

Register now for the upcoming IT Hour of Learning for operational staff on Friday, December 6. Dive into practical ways to leverage AI tools to enhance productivity and streamline tasks. This event will feature three targeted sessions:

Each session is designed to equip you with actionable strategies to help you work smarter, not harder. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your workflow and see how AI can support your role in new, impactful ways. Visit MyPDE for more information.

😴 Recharge and Renew with Wellbeats’ Sleep and Movement Program

Sleep is vital to your physical, mental, and emotional health. A lack of quality sleep can increase stress, impacting your mood, productivity, and overall health. Restful sleep and regular movement can boost your energy, sharpen your focus, and improve your overall well-being.

As an FCPS employee, you have access to Wellbeats Wellness, featuring thousands of on-demand classes designed to help you sleep better and feel your best. Complete the Sleep and Movement Program by Saturday, November 30, and enter for a chance to win a Wellbeats Wellness accessories gift card. Email Employee Wellness for more information.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

School staff, parents/caregivers, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance. 

FCPS staff are able to obtain 3.5 credit hours for attending this event. To be eligible, sign up in MyPDE for IEP Palooza. 

✨ Every student having access to resources to support their success is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity.

GMU Special Education Licensure Information Session

Whether you’re a teacher trainee working toward your special education provisional license or a recently provisionally licensed teacher, FCPS has an exciting opportunity for you! 

Tune in to a virtual information session on Wednesday, November 20, at 5 p.m., to learn about Special Education Cohorts in partnership with George Mason University. Learn about cost-saving options like the Grow Your Own program, which provides a supportive and affordable path to completing your special education licensure.

Register for the information session. Contact the FCPS Teacher Pathways Office at [email protected].

👩‍🏫 Help Our Teacher Team Grow!


Are you an instructional assistant who is considering becoming a teacher? Know someone who you think would be a good fit for Team FCPS? In-person job fairs for teachers and other instructional positions will be held on Saturday, November 23, and Saturday, December 14, at Sandburg Middle School from 9 a.m. to noon. 

There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from FCPS schools. Employment offers for the current school year may be presented during the fair. 

Registration is required. Register to attend the November 23 job fair no later than Thursday, November 21. Register to attend the December 14 job fair no later than Thursday, December 12.

Contact the Department of Human Resources through their web portal or call 571-423-3000.

Providing a Safe and Welcoming Space for Everyone


FCPS is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. Our Trust Policy solidifies our commitment. It aligns with Fairfax County’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy to ensure that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. 

Please visit our Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.

If you feel someone has violated the Trust Policy, please email [email protected]. If you are a staff member who receives feedback or reports about these issues, please encourage staff, students, and families to contact the ombudsman at [email protected] or email [email protected].

📐 Pyramid Teachers Solve Math Lessons

In the latest issue of Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid highlights the professional learning she observed last week at Columbia (pictured above) and Annandale Terrace elementary schools. Teachers from the Annandale Pyramid gathered to work together on upcoming math lessons. Read more in Weekly Reflections. 

✨Successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence.

School Board Meeting Thursday, November 14, at 7 p.m.


The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, November 14, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • Consideration of Extension to the Division Superintendent Contract
  • Comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment
  • Secondary Course Offerings

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

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

📰 FCPS Online Classifieds Free for Employees

Looking to sell your old guitar or share a ride to work? The FCPS Online Classifieds system is available to employees only and found on the Hub. 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. 

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. For more information, contact Andy Grunig.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

✅ Open Enrollment, 📣 Employee Engagement Survey, Family Engagement Month

Employee News2 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Custodial staff at Sandburg Middle School accept the Custodial Staff of the Year award for FCPS middle schools. Pictured above (from left) are: Fredys Sorto, Delvon Jones, Issac Kofi, Mary Menshah, Reina Hernandez, Cecelia Acheampong, Lorena Alfaro, and Lawrence Wilson. Sandburg joins Herndon High School and Bucknell Elementary School as countywide winners.

✅ Open Enrollment Is Underway

Open enrollment is underway, and benefits-eligible employees can review and make changes to their benefits through Tuesday, November 19. Any benefit elections made during open enrollment will become effective January 1, 2025. Now is the time to review your medical and dental coverage, make changes to current plan offerings, and re-enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for the next calendar year.

For more information about 2025 FCPS benefits, read the annual Employee Benefits Briefing and view the 2025 Benefit Premium Chart. Visit the Open Enrollment webpage for the most up-to-date information as well as links to benefits vendors’ websites, plan documents, and additional resources.

Benefits Open Houses

The Office of Benefit Services (OBS) will host open houses to discuss 2025 benefits. This is the perfect opportunity to chat with benefits vendors — including Cigna and Kaiser Permanente representatives — and OBS staff to get your questions answered. Open houses will be held:

Questions? Call your benefits plan provider or contact OBS by calling 571-423-3200 or emailing [email protected].

📣 Your Voice Matters! Employee Engagement Survey Is Open

The Employee Engagement survey is now open! Every employee should have received an email from our independent research partner, K12 Insight ([email protected]), with a unique survey link on Thursday, October 31. 

Your feedback provides FCPS with valuable insights into our strengths and areas for improvement. We encourage you to take the time to complete the survey.

If you have any issues accessing or completing the survey, please contact [email protected]. Visit the Employee Engagement Survey page on the Employee Hub for additional information.

🎤 Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid


Employees are invited to share their thoughts with and ask questions of Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid at the following events:

Click on the date to register. You may reach out to Dr. Reid anytime by submitting a question via the superintendent’s webpage or emailing [email protected].

🍂 November Is National Family Engagement Month

This month, we are reminded that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

The FCPS Family Academy was created to ensure the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.

The Family and School Partnerships Office (FSP) has provided suggested activities and resources for schools and families to celebrate Family Engagement Month. Email [email protected] to learn how FSP can support your work in strengthening family and community engagement in your school.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships, reminds us to empower families by working together in ways that sustain a safe, inclusive culture for learning.

Military Veterans Continue Life of Service by Inspiring Students in JROTC Units


At Herndon High School, two veterans remain committed to service, years after retiring from the military. Retired Coast Guard Captain Jim O’Keefe (above, right), is now the senior Naval science instructor for the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) unit at Herndon High. He has 34 years of military experience and oversees a unit of roughly 200 students. His fellow instructor Aaron Smith (above, left) was a U.S. Navy chef for 22 years. 

Learn how they are using their military background to prepare graduates for success.

Honoring Our Veteran Employees

As we approach Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, we would like to say a heartfelt “Thank you” to the many FCPS employees who are also military veterans. 

Find out how a military career has helped shape Angie Brown's approach to her work at FCPS as senior manager of Warehouse Operations.

Are you a military veteran? We would love to share your story! Email us at [email protected] to share photos and tell us what brought you to FCPS and how your military career influenced or impacted the work that you do now. Your story may be shared in a follow-up blog.

Thinking About Retirement: HR-2s Are Now Submitted on StaffConnect


Goodbye paper forms! To initiate the retirement process, ERFC members should go to StaffConnect to electronically submit their Retirement from FCPS (HR-2) form. We encourage you to submit your HR-2 form six months before the requested retirement date. 

Once your submission is approved, you’ll receive an email from ERFC outlining the next steps in the ERFC retirement process. 

Visit ERFC’s Ready to Retire webpage for more details. If you have questions about your ERFC pension, call 703-426-3900, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or email [email protected].

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support our growing student population, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, our first set of boundary review meetings will begin in a few weeks, with a meeting scheduled in each of our six regions. We encourage participants to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS' website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up to receive our School Boundary Review newsletter.

🐈 Advancing Literacy, Purr-fectly!


In the latest Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shared the importance of strong reading and writing skills. Jordan Vachon (center) and her fellow second grade teachers at Beech Tree Elementary School brought their students’ Benchmark unit to life last week, dressing up as the three little kittens who lost their mittens. Read more in Weekly Reflections.

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Veterans Day

Monday, November 11, is a holiday, and schools will be closed. Only 12-month personnel will report to work. See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

The State of Our Schools, Walk for Wellness, Cybersecurity and Disability Awareness

Employee News2 months 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


FCPS staff (from left) Riya Mehta, Sequoyah Cottoms, Alex Hunter, and Chris Tsang smile for a group photo at a two-day Restorative Justice Pathway cohort training.

Community Gathers for State of Our Schools Event


Community leaders heard from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and other FCPS Leadership Team members at the inaugural State of Our Schools. The event, which was hosted by Educate Fairfax, also featured talks by students and performances showcasing their talents. Visit the State of Our Schools webpage to view video highlights.

💪 Sharing Our Success

We invite you to look back at the 2023-24 school year and relive some of our greatest moments. See how our outstanding students and staff excelled last year, and together, contributed to making FCPS a premier school division.

👟 Unlock Happiness, Well-Being, and Self-Expression

As humans, we naturally sync; our heartbeat, breathing, and steps often align with those around us. Moving together builds trust, deepens connections, and goes beyond exercise. Whether in person or virtual, joyful movement strengthens bonds and resilience.

Register now for the Joy of Movement webinar on Wednesday, October 30, 4:30-5:30 p.m. The webinar will explore psychology, neuroscience, and biology to uncover how movement unlocks happiness and well-being, and is a powerful form of self-expression. Don’t miss out! Encourage your colleagues to participate with you.

Discover more Employee Assistance Program (EAP) events by visiting the Hub EAP page.

💻 Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Know Before You Click


October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of cybersecurity and following safe online practices. Data breaches and cyberattacks are on the rise. We all share the responsibility of protecting ourselves and FCPS by preventing cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information. Please remember:

  • Never provide sensitive or confidential data via email.
  • Never share passwords or authenticator codes.
  • Always report suspicious emails sent to your FCPS account by using the PhishAlarm® button at the far right of your Outlook toolbar.

Find more tips to stay safe online on the Employee Hub.

“Avid” Supporters of Student Success

Last week, Dr. Reid visited Centre Ridge Elementary School, where staff from 25 Title I schools participated in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) training. 

This program helps students become college and career-ready by building organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. Dr. Reid says that by next year, FCPS plans to broaden AVID from 28 to 50 Title I schools. Check out some of her other activities in Weekly Reflections.

✅ Accessibility Checkers Create More Inclusive Communications

It's important that documents — whether they are for students or their families — are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This means making them easy to read and understand, no matter whether someone uses a screen reader, easy-to-read fonts, text-to-speech, translations, or other accessibility tools. 

This Disability History and Awareness Month, consider how you can make documents accessible to create more inclusive opportunities. Doing so shows that you care about everyone and want to ensure equal opportunities to learn and understand information. Making your documents easier to use can help you reach a wider audience and improve your communication.

Accessibility Resources

It's important to run an accessibility checker before sharing resources. Grackle for Google Docs and Slides is one option. Others are listed on the Accessible Educational Materials webpage, along with tips for creating accessible resources.

Learn more on the Keep C.A.L.M. and Choose Accessible Learning Materials Hub page.

Youth Survey Reports Lower Substance Use, Fewer Mental Health Challenges

In the Academic Matters section of the October 24 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared the results of the 2023-24 Fairfax County Youth Survey. This survey, which is conducted by the Fairfax County Government, covers topics such as substance abuse, mental health, physical health and nutrition, and bullying and aggressive behavior. 

The survey revealed that most students reported no use of any substances. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use continued to decrease in 2023. This year’s rates were the lowest since 2010 and are lower than those reported nationally for most substances. Students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade also reported lowered levels of mental health challenges (rates of stress, sadness, and markers of mental health crises). Read more about the Youth Survey.

📚 Opportunity to Review Social Studies Basal Resources

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary materials used to support instruction in a given subject. Part of the process for selecting new resources is a public review of the instructional materials under consideration, which is taking place until Thursday, October 31. Get more information on how to view the materials. 

All community feedback will be shared with the School Board before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Quarter End/Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter and a two-hour early release for students.

Friday, November 1, is a holiday for Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

Schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5 (Election Day), for a teacher workday.

Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)

This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time will end. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour! 

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

📜 Make Sure You Receive Your W-2, ✅ Employee Engagement Survey, 💲Claim Your $100 Wellness Reward

Employee News2 months 4 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Teacher Alison Stone leads an all-school assembly at Columbia Elementary School.

📜 Update Your Address to Receive Your W-2

W-2 tax forms are issued by the end of January for earnings in the prior calendar year. Employees are encouraged to opt in for W-2 web delivery. View the Online W-2 Access Guide for details.

Paper W-2s will be mailed to the address on file (as of Monday, December 30) for employees who have not opted in for web delivery.

To avoid delivery delays, please keep your address updated in UConnect. Submit a forwarding address with the U.S. Postal Service if you move. Undeliverable W-2s will be returned to FCPS. If an updated address is on file when the W-2 is returned, it will be re-mailed to the new address.

For assistance with online address changes, please call the Human Resources Welcome Center at 571-423-3000.

✅ Employee Engagement Survey Opens October 28


Starting Monday, October 28, contracted and hourly employees can provide feedback through the Employee Engagement Survey about their jobs, work environment, and FCPS overall. Survey participation offers valuable insight into what FCPS is doing well and areas where improvements might be needed. Watch this video to hear from Dr. Reid why this survey is important. 

All responses are confidential. The survey link will be sent via email from our partner, independent research firm K12 Insight, and is compatible with any computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

Visit the Employee Engagement Survey page on the Employee Hub for more information.  

✨ Supporting a Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce is one of the pillars of the FCPS Strategic Plan. Part of that pillar is creating a safe and culturally responsive environment that values staff voice.

🥰 FCPS CARES Recipient Comforts and Encourages


FCPS CARES allows parents/caregivers, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. One of the CARES of the Month recipients for July/August is Joanne Lyons, an instructional assistant at Herndon Elementary School. Joanne is pictured (above, left) with Herndon Principal Candace Hunstad.

Joanne works in the library at Herndon. “She truly exemplifies what it means to CARE about her students,” her nomination stated. “Each day, she greets all with loving smiles and hugs. When a student needs a little extra TLC, she’s there to comfort and encourage with love. She spends many weekends cheering students on at soccer games. Her selfless and supportive nature is so wonderful, and I, among many others, feel she deserves recognition. Herndon is so lucky to have her. We love you, Mrs. Lyons!"

Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:

  • Matt Bowler, Puthea Chhean, Buck Griffith, and Scott Withee – Herndon Support Center
  • Lyzbeth Monard and Mary Kathryn Thompson – Bailey's Upper Elementary School
  • Iris Stubblefield, Bryant High School
  • Mary DeKanter, Tam Tran, Basilio Carranza, Kk Yeboah, Armando Ramos, Kwabena Asare, Van Trieu, Maria Ortega, Doris Ntriwaa, Dinh Tuong Nguyen, Agnes Mensah, Maria Melara Melara, Edder Lopez Pabon, Rosalina Cruz, Esther Boafoh, Lucy Agyekum, and Evelyn Lizama – South County High School
  • Sandra Gonzales, Rosa Lozano, Bang Nghieu, and Deysi Ayala Rosa – Oak Hill Elementary School
  • Jewad Abdulhadi and Bryan Harris – Annandale High School

Read about all the recipients.

🏆 Employee Recognition — Nominate and Celebrate Your Colleagues


We know FCPS employs some of the best and brightest! To recognize your colleagues, consider nominating them for one of the following:

  • The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. You may submit an FCPS CARES at any time through StaffConnect. 
  • The FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards program celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of exceptional school-based and nonschool-based employees from throughout the division. Nominations are accepted from colleagues, supervisors, students, and parents. The end-of-year celebration for this program is FCPS Honors, which is held every June.
  • Excellence Awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of individual employees and teams whose job performance produces exceptional results aligned with the FCPS Strategic Plan. Nominations for this award are submitted to the employee recognition team and open in the spring. The annual celebration for recipients is held in October. Read about this year’s winners and see photos from the event.

Employees are also honored upon their retirement at the We Honor You ceremony.

More information on all employee recognition programs is available on the Hub.

🗳️ Nominate Your Outstanding Colleagues

School awards liaisons are opening their nominations in the next few weeks for Outstanding Employee Awards. Stay tuned for communication from them as to how to submit nominations for Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Principal, New Principal, Leader, Professional Employee, and Operational Employee.

💲 Prioritize Your Health and Claim a $100 Wellness Reward

Employees enrolled as the primary cardholders in FCPS health plans can earn rewards of up to $100 by completing their annual physical and laboratory screenings.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Take advantage of the Employee Wellness Incentive Program and invest in your well-being today! The annual program is open for participation until Tuesday, December 31. Rewards are available for:

Cigna Members:

  • $50 gift card for completing the Annual Preventive Exam.
  • $50 gift card for completing the Biometric Screening.

Kaiser Permanente Members:

  • $100 gift card for completing both the Total Health Assessment and Biometric Screening.

Please note: You will notice a small amount of tax withheld from your paycheck after you claim this benefit. 

Visit the Wellness Incentive Program Hub page for information on how to claim your reward. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Breaking Down Barriers and Meeting Students Where They Are


Assistive Technology (AT) Student Ambassadors help share why educators should prioritize providing accessible materials and how inaccessible materials can impact student learning. AT Ambassador Dom explains how he feels and reacts when materials are presented to him on paper, rather than digitally. Dom uses a number of digital tools that help him read and understand assignments, which are harder to complete when working on paper. 

Teachers can remove barriers and encourage student engagement, motivation, and understanding by creating and choosing accessible learning materials (C.A.L.M.). This promotes inclusivity in the classroom, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported. 

Learn more:

Join the Conversations on Accessible Learning Materials Zoom channel for regular tips and to engage with a growing community of FCPS employees who ask questions, share news and updates, and provide advice to each other. The channel is managed by Mollie Kropp, education specialist for accessibility in the Office of Special Education Instruction.

🗓️ October Is Disability History and Awareness Month

Learning more about accessible educational materials, assistive technology, and universal design for learning (UDL) is one way that FCPS staff can work toward acknowledging and supporting every member of our community. Read more about Disability Awareness Month.

📚 Opportunity to Review Social Studies Basal Resources

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary materials used to support instruction in a given subject. Part of the process for selecting new resources is a public review of the instructional materials under consideration. This step is underway for the month of October. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with the School Board before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📰 Reflecting on the Week With Dr. Reid


Dr. Reid stopped by Willow Oaks Administrative Center last week to attend the Hispanic Educators affinity group meeting where they celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out some of Dr. Reid’s other activities in her weekly newsletter, Weekly Reflections.

🚌 National School Bus Safety Week


Thank you to our more than 1,700 bus drivers, attendants, and Transportation Services staff who work every day to ensure our students get to and from school safely. 

The FCPS bus fleet is one of the largest in the U.S., transporting approximately 131,000 students on 1,225 buses (including 28 electric buses) each day.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Quarter End/Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter and a two-hour early release for students.

Friday, November 1, is a holiday for Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

Schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

School Board Meeting Thursday, October 24, at 7 p.m.


The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, October 24, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • Exemplar and Blue Ribbon Awards
  • Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report
  • Appointments to the Advisory Committee and the Facilities Planning Advisory Council

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

🏆 Employee Excellence, 📍 Boundary Review, ✨ Strong Start for Our Multilingual Learners

Employee News3 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Thank you to all our Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) staff who help fuel our students for success each day! Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid stopped to thank Sita Siwakoti, FNS staff at Herndon Middle School, who was preparing to hand out breakfast.

🏆 Celebrating Employee Excellence


FCPS Excellence Awards recognize employees who have exhibited extraordinary achievement in one of four areas: Collaboration and Partnerships, Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, Innovation and Improvement, and Student Achievement and Success. Among those honored for innovation and improvement was Eric Underhill (pictured above with Dr. Reid), principal of Sandburg Middle School.

Two hundred fifty employees were nominated. Of those, 18 individuals and 100 employees across 13 teams were selected as recipients. Nineteen schools and 11 central office departments were represented. 

See the full list of Excellence Awards recipients.

🗺️ Congratulations to Our New Global Classroom Project Teachers!


Recently, 20 FCPS teachers completed professional learning to prepare them for the FCPS Global Classroom Project (GCP). These teachers and their students will be participating in a virtual exchange with classrooms around the world, working toward taking collective action on global issues.

The next Global Classroom Project cohort will be held on Thursday, November 7, and Tuesday, November 12. This two-day cohort prepares teachers to implement the GCP and engage their students in authentic learning experiences supporting their content. The GCP is open to all K-12 teachers in any content area. Registration is now available in MyPDE. Space is limited.

✨ A Strong Start for Our Multilingual Learners

At last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strong Start Pre-K-12 was discussed. Dr. Reid shared significant progress that has been seen from our multilingual learners toward English proficiency. Read about the improvements in the Goal 1 report (pdf).

📈 2024 Virginia Accreditation and SAT Outcomes

In the Academic Matters portion of the School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed 2024 Virginia Accreditation and SAT Outcomes. 

As mentioned previously, all 199 FCPS schools have been accredited by the Virginia Department of Education, and the Fairfax County class of 2024 performed well above state and global averages on the SAT. The Fairfax County average score for the class of 2024 (1178) was higher than the state average (1101) and the global average (1024). These results show that the hard work of our students, staff members, and parents is paying off.

✨ Growth and performance on state/national assessments is one of the measures in our Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence.

Dr. Reid provided updates on these topics, and many others, in the latest issue of her Weekly Reflections.

🌎 Bridging Cultures by Building Trust and Relationships


Angie Aldave can remember being intimidated when she first arrived in the United States as a teenager, visiting from Ecuador. She was overwhelmed by the language and the structure and order of systems in the United States. She has been working with FCPS families since 2015 and now serves as interim director of Community Relations.  

Angie is mission-driven to help multicultural families access programs, resources, and opportunities within FCPS that many may find hard to navigate — similar to how she felt when she first arrived in the U.S. 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Angie shared that she wishes people would take more time to learn about all cultures. Angie notes that even within the Hispanic culture, “There’s a rich diversity that often goes unnoticed. It's important to understand that we approach life with deep emotion, and our core values are rooted in our families.” Read more about Angie’s experience on the Employee Blog. 

✨ Building trusting partnerships with families falls under Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships.

📍 Boundary Review Updates

At last Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Thru Consulting provided an overview of the divisionwide boundary project management plan. Their presentation included a review of priorities, timeline, project governance and management, community engagement opportunities, communications, the role of data, and sample maps and analytics.

Watch the work session. For more information about the boundary review process or to provide feedback, visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage.

💰 Access Thousands of Deals

Savings for Staff on PerkSpot is your FCPS discount shopping platform. It is stocked full of unmatched deals in more than 25 categories year-round. From everyday purchases to big-ticket buys, there are endless ways to save with PerkSpot.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Quarter End/Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter and a two-hour early release for students.

Friday, November 1, is a holiday for Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

Schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

📊 Employee Engagement Survey, New Badges for School-Based Employees, 🌽 Literacy Lessons “Pop

Employee News3 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


First Grade Teacher Joe McGuire leads a lesson at Ravensworth Elementary School.

💙 Thank You, Principals, for Inspiring and Supporting Our Communities


October is National School Principals Month. We celebrate our dedicated school leaders who play an essential role in shaping their communities and paving pathways for success for each and every student and staff member in their schools. 

At the 2024 FCPS Honors ceremony, Raven Jones, principal of Luther Jackson Middle School (pictured in the center above) was named Outstanding New Principal. Jamie Gadley, principal of Dranesville Elementary School, was named Outstanding Principal. Read the Employee Blog to learn why these leaders were nominated by their peers for this recognition.

📊 Employee Engagement Survey Opens This Month

Let your voice be heard! On Monday, October 28, contracted and hourly employees will receive an email from K-12 Insight with a link to FCPS’ Employee Engagement Survey. This is your opportunity to share feedback on your job, work environment, and overall opinions about FCPS. Visit the Employee Hub for more information.

New Badges for School-Based Employees

School-based employees will begin receiving new badges in December, by region. To prepare for new badges, employees working in schools should:

Please note that regulations are being updated to require current photos (no older than 10 years) for enhanced security. 

Schools will be notified when their badges are ready to be distributed. Central office staff will receive their new badges by the end of November (except for Dunn Loring and Leis Center staff, who received them in June). 

The new badges will provide more secure access to FCPS schools and buildings and enable employees to access cloud printing services in any FCPS location. Visit the Employee Hub for information about the new badges and resources for site-based badge administrators.

FCPS Ombuds Is Here to Hear You

Office of the Ombuds staff engage with families, students, and staff to offer resources, assist in settling conflicts, and raise concerns to improve the experience of every member of the FCPS community. The team works as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

The ombuds is available to: 

  • Share strategies for parents/caregivers to improve communication with schools and teachers.
  • Help resolve disagreements involving employees in the workplace or disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools.
  • Provide ideas to foster parent/caregiver participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.

Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

🌽 Literacy Lessons “Pop” When Teachers Aren’t Afraid to Be Corny


In the latest issue of Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shares some of her activities from last week, including a highlight of some of the creative and “corny” Benchmark Advance literacy lessons at schools including Bull Run Elementary School. Bull Run’s fifth grade team is pictured above. 

Dr. Reid is looking for more creative ways FCPS teachers are implementing the Benchmark curriculum. Share your innovative approaches with her at [email protected]. 

Read Weekly Reflections for more updates on her week.

📚 Opportunity to Review Social Studies Basal Resources

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary materials used to support instruction in a given subject. Part of the process for selecting new resources is a public review of the instructional materials under consideration. This step is currently underway. Visit the community review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with the School Board before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

Yom Kippur/Evening-Only Observance Day

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur. There are classes that day, but important events will not occur after school.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Staff Development Day

Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

School Board Meeting Thursday, October 10, at 7 p.m.


The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, October 10, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • Strategic Plan Update
  • Advisory Committee Appointments
  • Awarding of Contracts

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

🎉 All Fairfax County Schools Accredited, Celebrating Custodians, New Badge Distribution

Employee News3 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.


Biology Teacher Sahar Agabna smiles after completing a lesson at Stone Middle School.

🎉 All Fairfax County Public Schools Accredited

We are proud to have all Fairfax County public schools accredited by the Virginia Department of Education.

We have seen marked improvement with 191 of our schools improving chronic absenteeism rates. FCPS has a high number of students taking rigorous courses — far higher than the national average. The division also continues to see other state indicators improving, including SOL pass rates and graduation rates. Read more about all our schools receiving accreditation. 

🏆 FCPS Continues to Surpass State and Global SAT Average

Fairfax County seniors in the class of 2024 continued to perform well above state and global averages on the SAT, according to results released by the College Board. 

The Fairfax County average score for the class of 2024 (1178) was higher than the state average (1101) and the global average (1024). Read more about the latest SAT results.

✨ Strategic Plan Connection

These divisionwide successes demonstrate how FCPS is achieving our Strategic Plan:

  • Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered is measured by student attendance and absenteeism rates. 
  • Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence is measured by growth and performance on state, national, and international assessments. 
  • Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity is measured by the availability of and enrollment in advanced, rigorous coursework and programs.
💚 Custodian Goes Above and Beyond for School and Community


Wednesday, October 2, is National Custodian Appreciation Day. Thanks to our colleagues on the custodial team, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work. FCPS employs more than 1,300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors to maintain our more than 28 million square feet of infrastructure.

One of our amazing custodial employees is Jaime Medina Yrhuay, a custodian at Falls Church High School (pictured above). Jaime was a pyramid winner last year for Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee. Read about what makes Jaime outstanding in the Employee Blog. 

Distribution of New Badges

The new employee badge pilot was a success, with staff at Dunn Loring and Leis centers receiving their new badges. The new badges have an updated design, offer enhanced security, and enable PaperCut printing access at all locations. Employees working in other locations will receive new badges by spring 2025. 

Central office employees will be the next group to receive their badges — by the end of November. Employees at schools and centers, please stay tuned for more information regarding the process for your new badges in next week’s Employee News.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect With Others Through FCPS Affinity Groups

The Equity Office is excited to share affinity groups to provide employees from traditionally marginalized backgrounds with a safe place to build community, share stories, and find support from colleagues with similar identities. 

There are affinity groups for Asian educators, Aspiring Leaders of Color, Black educators, Christian educators, Jewish culture, Latino/Hispanic educators, LGBTQIA+ educators, Middle Eastern educators, Muslim educators, and neurodivergent educators.

If you are interested in participating or would like to lead a group, please visit the Affinity Groups website.

Great Beginnings Quarter 1 Learning Series

The Great Beginnings Quarter 1 Learning Series will be offered between Tuesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 17, with different sessions occurring each night. Learning Series sessions are designed for new educators but are open to any interested educator. Sessions include:

  • Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Design for All Learners 
  • Engagement Strategies for Instructional Staff
  • Setting Up Your Students for Success: Effective Classroom and Behavior Management
  • Setting Boundaries for Better Balance
  • Tackling Time Management

All sessions will be presented via Zoom from 5:15 to 6:45 pm. Interested participants should register by Friday, October 11. 

Learn more about the Quarter 1 Learning Series sessions and register on the Great Beginnings Google site.

📚 How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing


During Academic Matters at Thursday’s School Board Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on elementary literacy. Watch this video to learn more about how FCPS is teaching reading and writing. 

Dr. Reid’s presentation included updates on Benchmark Advance Training, the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) Implementation Playbook, topics of Benchmark units, home-school connections of the program, and supports for students — including multilingual learners, special education students, and advanced learners. Watch the presentation.

✨ Strategic Plan Connection

FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence focuses on helping students meet or exceed academic standards and reach their highest academic potential. This includes helping students show growth on reading assessments and read on level by the end of third grade.

✏️ Make an Impact: Become a Special Education Teacher


Virtual information sessions for staff considering becoming special education teachers are held on the second Thursday of every month. The next session will be Thursday, October 10, at 6 p.m. Click the date to register. Learn more about career possibilities in special education.

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


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. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

Educate Fairfax Receives $131,000 to Support Educational Initiatives

Educate Fairfax received a generous donation of $131,056.80 from the now-dissolved Association of Fairfax Professional Educators. The donation will support Educate Fairfax Grants, which provide students across Fairfax County with equitable access to innovative education experiences that align with the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan. Read more about the grant donation.

Educate Fairfax is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that builds partnerships and raises funds to support students, families, educators, and schools within FCPS. Educate Fairfax Grants are designed to empower educators, faculty, and staff to bring innovative ideas, creative projects, and learning experiences to life, and provide equitable access and opportunities for FCPS students.

Educate Fairfax Grants Available for Educators

FCPS employees with innovative and creative ideas that will positively impact students and are aligned with the FCPS Strategic Plan are encouraged to apply for an Educate Fairfax Grant of up to $2,000.  

Find the grant application on the Educate Fairfax website. The application closes Friday, October 18, at 11:59 p.m. For more information, please contact Meredith Ayala, manager of Grants and Program Development at Educate Fairfax.

🏆 Reflecting on a Week of Celebrations


In the latest issue of Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid highlighted celebrations that happened across the county over the last week, including one with the Office of Budget Services (above), which was recognized for excellence. Read more in Weekly Reflections.

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Households can once again order four free COVID-19 tests to be delivered to you.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed for Rosh Hashanah. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students.

Yom Kippur/Evening-Only Observance Day

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Staff Development Day

Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Upcoming School Board Work Session

School Board work sessions are held to examine important subjects in depth, which is usually not possible during regular business meetings. 

The School Board will hold a work session on Tuesday, October 8, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Topics include the Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report and Boundary Review. 

Watch live on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) or the FCPS YouTube Channel.

Sexual Harassment Prohibited in FCPS

Regulation 4950 – Sexual Harassment by Employees states that no person in Fairfax County Public Schools shall be subjected to sexual harassment. It is the intent of the School Board to maintain an environment free from sexual harassment of any kind.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature amounting to or constituting harassment are prohibited. Employees should report complaints of sexual harassment to their supervisors or program managers. Students and their parents/caregivers should bring concerns to their school principals.

If, for any reason, an individual prefers not to address their concerns directly with a principal, supervisor, or program manager, they may consult or file a complaint online (select Discrimination/Bullying/Harassment Complaint).

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 Thursdays. Thank you! 

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

4 minutes 32 seconds ago
FCPS Employees - Recent Updates
http://www.fcps.edu/index.shtml Subscribe to Employee News feed