August 13, 2008

Next Issue: September 3
Deadline for Articles: Wednesday, August 27

Thank you for working to provide a quality education for all children in FCPS.

Superintendent Dale Stresses Turning Vision Into Reality at Leadership Conference; Andrew Cole and Jill Jakulski Named Spillane Leadership Award Winners

Superintendent Dale's address at this year's Leadership Conference stressed Turning Vision Into Reality ... Child by Child. Look for more information in the back-to-school message, which will be videostreamed in late August and will be broadcast on closed Channels 85 and 86 from August 21 to 29. In addition, Andrew Cole and Jill Jakulski were named this year's winners of the Robert R. Spillane Leadership Award. (get details)

School Board Votes to Move to Next Phase on Second Headquarters Building

The School Board voted to allow FCPS staff members to review a purchase and sale agreement for 8111 Gatehouse Road in Falls Church and wants your feedback through an electronic survey before it makes a final decision on September 18. (get details)

2007-08 SchoolScene Bloopers"SchoolScene" Bloopers

Take a look at the lighter side of "SchoolScene" in this collection of bloopers from the 2007-08 school year. (watch video)

People on the Move

Learn who has been promoted, recently hired, or transferred to a new location. (get details)

Tips for Your Health: Save Time and Lower Your Stress Level

Time ManagementAs the start of the new school year approaches, now is a good time to take stock of your time management skills since “lack of time” is often cited as a major contributor to people’s stress levels. If you find that you are always rushing to meet deadlines or appointments but find little time for relaxation, here are some strategies from FCPS wellness specialist Camille Bartus to help keep you in the pilot’s seat when time starts to fly. (get details)

New Feature: Change Your Personal Contact Information Online With UConnect

It’s quick and easy, and it’s paperless. Using the Employee Self-Service portion of UConnect, you can now change your address (and work and home phone numbers) electronically from work or home at any time of day. (get details)

Call for Coaches

The latest position openings are posted. (go)

FCPS Online Classifieds System Free for EmployeesOnline Classifieds

Looking for a roommate to share your house or apartment? Try posting an ad on the FCPS online classifieds system. (get details)

About Our People

Read about your colleagues' accomplishments (go)

SchoolSceneThis Week's "SchoolScene"

To view a promotional clip from this week's show, click here. Or, to view any of this week's stories, go to the SchoolScene web page.

Other News and News of Continuing Interest

  • Principals (or their designees) are required to attend training for the new Keep in Touch (KIT) system before their schools can send site-specific messages. (get details)

  • The deadline for submitting completed applications and statement of interest forms for the fall Support Services Institute is August 18. (get details)

  • In response to the need for affordable workforce housing, Fairfax County government is considering what could be a great opportunity for county government and FCPS employees and wants your input through an online survey. (get details)

  • The Department of Human Resources will mail annual total compensation statements to employees’ homes in August. (get details)

Pony Service Now Offered Every Other Day to Schools and Offices

Effective July 1, pony service to all FCPS schools and offices has been reduced to every other day. This change accommodates ongoing budget constraints. The revised pony run schedules are available on FCPSnet. (get details) 

Communications Corner: Help Prevent Duplicate Deliveries—Double-Check for Publications Before You Call

PublicationsNow that the first day of school is less than three weeks away for traditional calendar schools, many schools are busy preparing their packets of information for the first day of school. Every year, the warehouse receives calls from schools that are missing publications and delivers more, only for school staff members to find the original publications in their buildings a short time later. To avoid unnecessary deliveries and returns, be sure to do a thorough check of your school before calling the warehouse.

FCPS Earns Accolades for Financial Reporting

Fairfax County Public Schools has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. (get details)

Books 24x7 Featured Title: Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There!: Ten Principles for Leading Meetings That Matter

Leading Meetings That MatterBased on over 30 years of experience and extensive research, this practical book shows exactly how to establish a meeting structure that will create conditions for success, efficiency, and productivity.
(get details)

Professional Learning and Training Announces Leading the Learning: A Six-Day Workshop Series for School Leaders

The Department of Professional Learning and Training (PLT) is pleased to announce "Leading the Learning," its new professional development series for second- and third-year principals and assistant principals. (get details)

Register Now for Fall ACE Classes

ACE ClassesRegistration is under way for September-December 2008 classes offered by the Office of Adult and Community Education (ACE). Course offerings may be viewed at www.fcps.edu/aceclasses, and most classes may be registered for online. The course catalog, ACE Classes, has been mailed to residents and is also available at Fairfax County public libraries and ACE registration centers. Take a sneak peak at the special events lined up for fall and mark your calendars.

Discounts on Microsoft Software Available to FCPS Staff Members and Students

Technology at HomeFairfax County Public Schools is partnering with Microsoft to offer its students and staff members discounted Microsoft software. (get details)

Important Notice for Supergram Article Submissions

Article submissions for Supergram should be sent to Andy Grunig at andy.grunig@fcps.edu. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, Grunig can be reached at 571-423-1212. Please Note: The Job Opportunities publication and web pages are provided by the Department of Human Resources.

FCPS by the Numbers

Number of Projected Students The projected number of students who will be enrolled in FCPS schools for the 2008-09 school year. FCPS is the 12th largest school system in the U.S. and the largest in Virginia and in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Quote to Note

"If you wouldn't write it and sign it, don't say it."

Earl Wilson