Partnership Update - February 2022
Reflecting on 42 Years of Supporting FCPS' Science and Engineering Fair
“As a medical doctor, I think I’ve always liked being on my side of the needle.” As a judge at the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, he remains on his side--needling, sensing anxiety, cajoling, and teaching. “I love talking with kids and helping them grow as scientists.” Meet Dr. Chet Kessler, MD, (photo at top of page) who is excitedly entering his 43rd year as a judge with humble pride and retrospect.
If you are interested in being a judge, please register on our website. (Select “Judge’s Main” tab.) Contact Brian Mandel with questions. Registration closes on Friday, March 11.
Messages of Hope and Gratitude for FCPS Employees
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently declared February 8, "We Love FCPS Day." That same day, our friends at Volunteer Fairfax showed their love by delivering over 7,000 personal valentine cards to FCPS staff members in more than 40 schools.
As a part of Volunteer Fairfax’s annual “Valentine Challenge,” they delivered the cards in-person to Brookfield Elementary School in Chantilly where they were warmly received by the principal, teachers, and other staff members.
From Tutor to Teacher
Our partnerships with EduTutorVA are signed! EduTutorVA will be supporting 40-60 students at Westlawn and Mount Vernon Wood Elementary Schools, and at Whitman Middle School with tutors from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College. These tutors are graduate and undergraduate students, and many are studying to become educators. EduTutorVA's mission is to close critical learning gaps in Title I schools through intensive tutoring and to support the future teacher pipeline.
To ensure that the students move from tutoring to teaching, each tutor will be introduced to a recruitment specialist in our Human Resources department. The specialist will walk them through the application process and, hopefully, onto the hiring process and a career with FCPS.
Merchants: Offer Discounts to FCPS Employees and Retirees
Area merchants looking to offer coupons to teachers and other FCPS staff members should meet Annie Ruddy and Kevin Engesser. Annie and Kevin can help you take advantage of our Savings for Staff program as our partner PerkSpot.
Annie is their Client Success Manager in charge of managing the day-to-day needs of clients, while Kevin oversees product/IT updates and implementations. Connect with them via the provided link to post your discounts to over 41,000 engaged FCPS employees and retirees for free. Connecting with PerkSpot’s entire client list is fee-based.
Alumni and the FCPS Hall of Fame
Our partners at Educate Fairfax, the 501c3 non-profit that supports Fairfax County Public Schools, recently announced the FCPS Hall of Fame. For more than 150 years, FCPS has educated students who excel in all aspects of life. Today, thousands of alum are leaders in government and business, arts and entertainment, science and technology, education, and community service.
The inaugural FCPS Hall of Fame will honor these special alumni by creating a community where they are engaged with FCPS, our students, and one another. Nominate a distinguished alumnus today and join Educate Fairfax on May 4, to recognize the winners. Get more information.
Business Leaders to Engage Students at Upcoming Career Expo
Thank you to the business leaders who registered to support the career development of our student’s during our upcoming Career Expo Event. At the event, high school students will learn about career paths and post-secondary options to prepare them for the next chapter of their educational journey.
Business engagement registration is closed, but we encourage all to amplify this message. The virtual Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo will be every night from Monday, February 14, through Thursday, February 17. This event was developed in conjunction with six neighboring Northern Virginia school divisions. Find details and student registration information.
Inclement Weather Decision Process
When bad weather or other emergency situations occur, it’s often necessary for FCPS to cancel, delay, or close schools early. Our weather cancellation procedures take into account a lot of factors and involve people outside FCPS. Watch and learn more about our process and official FCPS information sources.
2022-23 School Year Calendar
“Developing the school year calendar is both art and science, as it involves a careful balance of multiple considerations,” said Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand. “Our staff worked very hard to get this calendar right. We believe it is the best option to serve our families, staff, and students in the coming school year.” View the 2022-23 School Year Calendar and see how community input and data helped create it.
Please note that there has been a date change in the current (2021-22) calendar. The “O” day for Eid-al-Fitr was incorrectly listed as Tuesday, May 3, 2022. The correct date is Monday, May 2. We apologize for the error. View the 2021-22 School Year Calendar.
We’re Open for Business and Community Partners
Businesses and community groups are encouraged to learn more about Business and Community Partnerships including our Ignite Partnerships program. Visitors, mentors, or volunteers may enter FCPS buildings. COVID-19 vaccinations are not required for visitors/volunteers, but it is important to follow the process to volunteer in our school system.
