Benefits Open Enrollment Begins Next Week; Three Open Houses Scheduled
This year's open enrollment period for 2008 benefits will begin on October 9 and end on October 30. Three open houses will be held October 16, 23, and 29 for employees who have questions about their benefits choices. (get details)

About Our People
Read about your colleagues' latest accomplishments. (go)

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Best Practices Awards Recognize Web Site Excellence
Each month, Best Practices Awards are given to FCPS web curators by the Office of Community Relations in recognition of specific elements of excellence on their web sites. Awards are announced monthly during the school year. The winner for September 2007 is Aria Gee at Stone Middle School, for presenting a clear and user-friendly design and well-organized links. (get details)

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Tips for Your Health: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the primary component of many plants. Most of the carbohydrates eaten are converted to glucose, which is essential in providing energy and helps the brain and nerves function. Animal tissue has very few carbohydrates. Learn which foods are high in carbohydrates in this tip sheet from the Office of Food and Nutrition Services. (get details)

• Petitions are due by November 7 for a special election for the School Employees’ Benefits Advisory Council. (get details)
  
  
• The fall retirement ceremony will be held October 17 at Robinson Secondary School. (get details)
  
  
• A new travel regulation is now in effect, and the approvals and reimbursement process can now be conducted online. (get details)
  
  
• The Fall Web Curator Conference is scheduled for November 6 at Gatehouse Administration Center I. (get details)

Virginia Energy Star Appliance Sales Tax Holiday Set for October 5-8
Thinking of buying a new appliance for your home this fall? Visit your local retailer from October 5 through 8 and save both state and local sales tax on Energy Star qualified products that cost $2,500 or less. (get details)

Parent-teacher conferences are an important communication tool in establishing positive relationships with parents. They can help your school build a reputation as one that cares for students and addresses the concerns of parents. Learn how to organize your parent-teacher conferences to make them successful in this tip sheet from the Office of Community Relations on FCPSnet. (get details)

Spotlight: Academic Goals
Check out a summary of FCPS' student achievement academic goals, including core subjects, foreign language, technology, and fine and practical arts. (watch video)

Building Asbestos Management Plans Must Be Available for Review
School Board policy and EPA regulations require principals and program managers to notify staff members and parents of the availability of asbestos management plans mandated by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986. These management plans must be available for review in the school or building main administrative office during working hours. Copies of these notifications must be kept with the asbestos management plans. If you have any questions or cannot locate your plan, contact Angel Perez at 703-764-4372.

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