December 17, 2008

Next Issue: January 7

Deadline for Articles: Monday, December 22 (note earlier deadline)

Happy Holidays!

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

Early Payday In December for Monthly Paid Employees; Time to Review Your Tax Information

Employees who are paid monthly will receive their December paychecks on December 23, and electronic pay advices will be e-mailed on December 18. In addition, now is the time to submit a W-2 address change form and to review your tax withholding status.
(get details)

Tuition Reimbursement Program to Change for Spring Semester

The FCPS Tuition Reimbursement program has changed effective with the spring 2009 semester. (get details)

Spotlight: Red, White, and Blue Breakfast at Washington Mill Elementary

Red, White, and Blue BreakfastLearn about the tasty breakfast that principal Tish Howard and her staff served up at Washington Mill Elementary to honor veterans. (watch video)

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Information Meeting to Be Held January 8

An information meeting on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification process will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, in the Instruction and Professional Development room at the Fairfax Education Association office. (get details)

People on the Move

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

Kim Moran Named News Liaison of the Month for November

Kim Moran, office assistant at Churchill Road Elementary School, has been named the News Liaison of the Month for November by the Department of Communications and Community Outreach. (get details)

Coping With Grief and LossTips for Your Health: Helping Others Cope With Grief and Loss During the Holidays

The holidays typically are a time of happy anticipation and celebrations, but for those suffering a loss they can be met with feelings of dread and anxiety. Thinking through some ideas about what you can offer during a friend’s time of loss can help you assume a supportive role. Learn more in this tip sheet from FCPS wellness specialist Camille Bartus. (get details)

About Our People

Read about your colleagues' accomplishments. (go)

Daily Pony Service Restored to Schools and Offices Starting January 5

Effective Monday, January 5, 2009, pony service will be provided to schools and offices every day. Restoration of daily service is possible as a result of outsourcing with Immediate Mailing Services to meter mail to be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. The contract will provide significant cost savings with forwarding of all U.S. mail through the pony on a daily basis. More information is available from Procurement Services on FCPSnet.
(get details)

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. (get details)

Other News and News of Continuing Interest

  • The 2009-10 school year calendars have been posted. (get details)

  • Applications are now being accepted for the spring Custodial Management Training Seminar program. (get details)

  • Effective January 1, 2009, the IRS standard mileage rate for the use of a personal automobile for business miles driven will be 55 cents per mile. (get details)

  • The Educational Employees' Retirement Fund for Fairfax County (ERFC) will host its annual Preretirement Seminar on Monday, January 26, from 8:30 a.m. until noon at West Springfield High School. The deadline to register is January 12. (get details)

  • FCPS uses a virtual private network (VPN) to allow its employees to access school system computer network resources when they are not at an FCPS site. Every FCPS employee now has permission to use VPN, but a small piece of software is needed.
    (get details)

Four FCPS High Schools Make U.S. News and World Report's List of Top 100 High Schools

Four FCPS high schools have been named to the list of top 100 high schools in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) was named the top high school in the country for the second consecutive year. McLean High School was ranked 55th, Langley High School was ranked 76th, and Woodson High School was ranked 90th. Seven other FCPS high schools were also recognized. (get details)

Earlier Article Deadline for Next Issue of Supergram

The next issue of Supergram will have an earlier deadline for submission of articles. The deadline for the January 7 issue will be December 22. (get details)

Spring ACCESS CatalogSpring ACCESS Course Catalog Available Online January 5; Registration Begins January 12

The spring ACCESS (Academy Course Catalog for Employees in Support Services) course catalog will be available online on January 5, 2009. (get details)

Revamped Donations Web Site Does the Work for You

The FCPS web page at which online visitors can donate goods such as computers, formal wear, or furniture has been revamped to provide users with a more efficient donation experience. (get details)

Financial Education Seminar: 2008 Tax Strategies to Be Held January 6, 8 at Gatehouse Administration Center I

Are you up to date on the latest tax law changes and how you can maximize your refund? With tax season right around the corner, it’s time to learn the latest tax information. Join Apple Federal Credit Union's Financial Services team for a seminar being held January 6 and 8 at Gatehouse Administration Center I. (get details)

Call for Coaches

The latest position openings are posted. (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.

Instructional Services Department Blood Drive to Be Held December 22

The Instructional Services Department is sponsoring a blood drive on Monday, December 22, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Leis Center multipurpose room. To schedule your own time, go to the online schedule form and use sponsor code 13900, or contact Tim Harazin at Tim.Harazin@fcps.edu or 703-916-6934.

Volunteer Learning Program Seeks Tutors for Adult Learners

The Volunteer Learning program, sponsored by the Office of Adult and Community Education (ACE), is looking for tutors to help adults who need to improve their reading, writing, or math skills to obtain a high school diploma or GED, prepare for college, or meet a personal goal such as helping their children. (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


FCPS Cost per PupilFCPS cost per pupil for FY 2009, which ranks fifth—about in the middle—among Washington-area school systems. Arlington Public Schools, Alexandria City Schools, Falls Church City Schools, and Montgomery County Public Schools have higher costs and Manassas City Schools, Loudoun County, Prince George's County, and Prince William County have lower costs per pupil than FCPS.
(get details)

Quote to Note

"The only bad thing about a holiday is it is always followed by a nonholiday."

Anonymous