September 23, 2009

Next Issue: October 7

Deadline for Articles: Wednesday, September 30

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

Dr. Dale to Host First FCPS Online Discussion on September 28

Superintendent Jack Dale will answer questions from employees about the budget for FY 2011, H1N1 swine flu, and other topics of interest as part of his first FCPS online discussion on September 28 at 3 p.m.
(get details)

Spotlight: Construction Update

Construction UpdateLearn about recent renovations at Freedom Hill Elementary and Woodburn Elementary that include the latest environmentally friendly construction practices. (watch video)

TJHSST Named 2009 Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Department of Education

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) has been named a 2009 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. TJHSST is one of 13 Virginia schools honored as either placing in the top 10 percent on state or national assessments or showing dramatic improvement in student performance on state or national assessments. (get details)

FCPS, Fairfax County Government to Hold FY 2011 Budget Community Dialogues

Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County government are teaming up again this year to solicit community input on ways to help meet a significant projected budget deficit for FY 2011. (get details)

Benefits Open Enrollment to Begin October 5

This year's open enrollment period for 2010 benefits will begin on October 5 and end on October 29. Watch your mail for information on this year's benefits choices.
(get details)

Books 24x7 Featured Title: The Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up

The Levity EffectWith interviews, exercises, and case studies, this book reveals how humor in the workplace will help you communicate messages, build camaraderie, and encourage creativity for a better workplace. (get details)

About Our People

Read about your colleagues' accomplishments. (go)

Free Financial Fitness Workshop to Be Held October 6, 8 at Gatehouse

Apple Federal Credit Union is sponsoring a free financial fitness workshop—Psychology of Spending—for FCPS employees on October 6 and 8 at Gatehouse Administration Center I. (get details)

Call for Coaches

The latest position openings are posted. (go)

FCPS Online Classifieds System Free for Employees

Online ClassifiedsThe FCPS Online Classifieds system is a free way for employees to post ads for personally owned items that they are seeking to buy, sell, rent, or give away, to find a roommate, or to share a ride to work. (get details)

People on the Move

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

Other News and News of Continuing Interest

  • This year, in an effort to encourage participation and promote employee wellness, FCPS will assume the cost for eligible employees who receive the seasonal flu immunization at an FCPS-sponsored clinic.
    (get details)

  • Registration is now open for fall Leadership Seminars. (get details)

  • The fall retirement ceremony, We Honor You— Celebrating Your Service to FCPS, will be held October 28 at Robinson Secondary School. The deadline for retirees to RSVP is October 9.
    (get details)

  • Learn about becoming a cued language transliterator in introductory classes that start September 23 at Canterbury Woods Elementary School. (get details)

  • If you’re planning to retire within the next two years, plan now to attend one of the free workshops hosted throughout the school year by ERFC. (get details)

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update

Keep up with the latest information on the H1N1 virus. Check out a continually updated web page on FCPSnet. (get details)

FCPS Wins 2009 Governor's Award

Fairfax County Public Schools has been named a winner of a 2009 Governor’s Award for Innovative Use of Technology in K-12 Education for its eCART (electronic curriculum assessment resource tool) project.
(get details)

Communications Corner: Newswire Provides Content for School, Department, and Office Newsletters

NewswireLooking for stories for your school (including PTA), department, or office newsletter? If so, check out Newswire, which is provided by the Department of Communications and Community Outreach. It is designed for the busy editor, and no downloading is necessary. Simply cut and paste the articles into your document. New content is added monthly. Note: If you would like to be notified when new content has been posted, sign up to receive information from the Keep in Touch (KIT) Plus system and select the PTA/PTSA/PTO information option.

Your Professional Development Feedback Wanted Through Online Survey

The Department of Professional Learning and Accountability wants to hear about the professional development needs of FCPS employees through an online survey. (get details)

ACE ClassesFCPS Employees Now Eligible for Discount on ACE Classes

Adult and Community Education (ACE) is pleased to announce a new employee benefit. As an FCPS staff member you are eligible for a 25 percent tuition discount on ACE classes. (get details)

New Virtual Private Network Service Launched

Last month, the Department of Information Technology launched a more secure and more up-to-date virtual private network (VPN) service to provide employees with secure remote access to the FCPS computer network. (get details)

Nominations Now Open for the FCPS Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards, Deadline Is December 11

Nomination forms for the 2010 FCPS Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards are available online. The deadline for both awards is December 11. (get details)

SchoolSceneThis Week's "SchoolScene"

To view a promotional clip from this week's show, click here. Some of this week's stories include:

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 Career Quest (formerly Job Opportunities) publication and web pages are provided by the Department of Human Resources.

FCPS by the Numbers

Accreditation Percentage
The percentage of FCPS schools to earn full state accreditation, which is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. (get details)

Quote to Note

"We all have ability. The difference is how we use it."

Stevie Wonder