Employee Input Needed on School Division Future

May 7, 2014 printer-friendly version (Editor s Note: The full online version of My FCPS - Employees is available at http://www.fcps.edu/cco/pubs/myfcps/employees/2014_05_07/index.shtml.) Employee Input Needed on School Division Future The Fairfax County School Board and Superintendent Karen Garza are developing a strategic plan for Fairfax County Public Schools. The initial phase of the process included obtaining feedback about the school division through focus groups of students, parents, employees, and the community. An online survey is also being used to gather input from stakeholders about the direction of the district for the future. Employees were e-mailed a link to the survey on May 5. Please take the time to complete the survey. It will remain open through May 19. The results of the survey will help inform the strategic plan, which will be completed this fall. More information about the strategic planning process can be found at http://www.fcps.edu/news/strategic.shtml. ECRA Group Inc., an independent research firm, is conducting the survey. They will analyze responses and prepare a Strategic Plan Report for the division to share with the community. ECRA is an established leader in the areas of educational assessment, research, and strategic planning. Based in Rosemont, Ill., ECRA has over 35 years experience in helping educational organizations across the nation better understand and document their performance, and chart a course for the future. If you have any questions about the survey, contact the Department of Communications and Community Outreach at 571-423-1200. Setting the Record Straight: Value-Added Measurements of Performance By Karen K. Garza, Superintendent of Schools On May 4, the Washington Post published an article titled Fairfax schools chief tied to evaluations under scrutiny which contained some misleading information. To set the record straight, the teacher evaluation system that is now the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by the Houston Federation of Teachers where value-added measurements are used to determine teacher pay raises and promotions was developed after I left the Houston system. I did play a significant role in the design and implementation of the differentiated compensation model in Houston, but it was not tied to performance evaluation during my tenure there. It is important also to note that the Houston school district had both state and federal grants for performance pay that enabled it to award teachers millions of dollars annually. 1

When asked to comment on the lawsuit by the Post, I indicated that five years had passed since my time in Houston and that any comments I would make now would likely no longer be relevant. However, a reader might infer from the article that I was declining to comment on the possible viability of value-added measures for Fairfax. Let me be clear: Value-added analysis is not under consideration here in FCPS. Our focus is to improve compensation for our employees and to create conditions where we are able to keep our great teachers in our classrooms. I encourage all of us to keep our focus and attention on the many important issues here in FCPS, including our budget and achievement gap challenges. Fifty-Two FCPS Schools Earn 2014 Virginia Index of Performance Awards Fifty-two Fairfax County public schools have earned a 2014 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) award for advanced learning and achievement from Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Virginia Board of Education. The awards recognize schools and divisions that exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and the board. Learn more at http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=2519. Join the Community Discussion on Teen Stress, Wellness, and Resiliency on May 17 at Hayfield Secondary Teens, parents, coaches, educators, mental health providers, and community and faithbased organizations that work with teens are invited to participate in a Community Conversation on Teen Stress: Fostering Wellness and Resiliency on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. The summit will feature Dr. Brad Sachs, psychologist and author, as the keynote speaker. Sachs is the author of When No One Understands: Letters to a Teenager on Life, Loss, and the Hard Road to Adulthood and The Good Enough Child: How to Have an Imperfect Family and Be Perfectly Satisfied, which was a best-selling parenting title in 2001. More than 60 breakout sessions will be offered for participants to discuss the many facets of stress that affect today s youth and how wellness and resiliency resources can provide support. Topics include: Conversations with parents to help create a balance for teens with life and school. Communicating with teens about mental health, depression, and suicide. Pressures and the life-school balance. Protecting youth against the dangers of substance abuse. Warning signs in teens and survivors of suicide. Mental health first aid training. 2

Social media and youth. Bullying intervention and prevention. Mindfulness: what is it and how can it help relieve stress. Alcohol and drug education: dealing with depression. Balance and academic expectations. Wellness activities and yoga. Teens and brain development. Surviving the college admissions process. Sleep and its importance for teen success. Several student and alumni-led sessions also will be offered that will include testimonials about dealing with depression and how wellness-focused extracurricular activities such as Active Minds and Fanquest can help build resiliency to find healthy and productive ways to meet life s challenges. FCPS students can receive service hours for attending the summit. This free event is a collaboration between FCPS, Fairfax County government, and the community and will include exhibits on local resources and services available for teens and their families. Vocelli s Pizza will generously provide pizza for attendees. FCPS staff may receive credit by registering for course number 0000517, Community Conversation on Teen Stress: Fostering Wellness and Resiliency, on MyPLT. Learn more at http://www.fcps.edu/dss/summit/index.shtml. Weigh in on Later High School Start Time Options The Fairfax County School Board is now considering four options for later high school start times based on the Blueprint for Change (found at http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/board.nsf/goto?open&id=9j4l8s555ae3), which is a plan created by the Children s National Medical Center and a stakeholder committee. Eight community meetings will be held (one in each cluster) beginning May 19 through June 11 to which employees, parents, students, and residents are invited to review the options and share their thoughts. The School Board adopted a resolution in April 2012 to seek solutions that will establish high school start times at 8 a.m. or later and awarded a contract to Children s National Medical Center (CNMC) to develop a proposal to achieve this goal. Final recommendations will be provided to the School Board in July. For more information, including the four options and dates for the community meetings, visit the Later High School Start Times website, found at http://www.fcps.edu/news/starttimes.shtml. 3

FCPS Schools Recognized for Model School Counseling Programs The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has recognized six Fairfax County school counseling programs as model programs, awarding them the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for 2014 for successfully demonstrating how their comprehensive school counseling programs benefit all students. School counseling programs that received the RAMP designation include Brookfield Elementary School, Langley High School, Madison High School, Poplar Tree Elementary School, South County High School and South Lakes High School. Brookfield, Langley, Poplar Tree and South County earned the RAMP designation for the first time; the other two programs were recertified as RAMP recipients. The schools will be recognized on Tuesday, July 1, at the ASCA national conference in Orlando. Learn more at http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=2503. FCPS Teachers Complete Kennedy Center's CETA Program Twenty-seven Fairfax County Public Schools teachers received a Certificate of Study for their participation in the Kennedy Center s Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA) program on Friday, April 25. The teachers studied with their colleagues in courses and workshops led by expert teaching artists and arts educators to learn ways to integrate the arts in their teaching through a range of programs. Learn more at http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=2500. Books 24x7 Featured Title Making Teams Work Offering suggestions that will help you take advantage of all of the great things that result from working on a team, this concise book shows you how to relate more productively, more efficiently, with less stress, and with greater results, with those you work with. To read this and other titles in Books 24x7, log on to elearnit at http://www.fcps.edu/it/elearnit/. Important Notice for My FCPS Employees Article Submissions Article submissions for My FCPS - Employees should be sent to Andy Grunig at andy.grunig@fcps.edu. The next issue will be posted on May 21. Articles for that issue are due no later than Wednesday, May 14. 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. About Our People Dennis Stephens, third grade teacher at Fairhill, has been named Virginia s 2013-14 National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year by the Veterans 4

of Foreign Wars (VFW). Stephens was selected by local VFW Post 8241 in McLean as its nominee, then was named winner of the Northern Virginia District and Virginia state competitions. He was recognized for promoting citizenship education, civic responsibility, and patriotism in the classroom. The VFW annually recognizes the nation s top classroom teachers who exemplify and teach citizenship education. This year marked the second consecutive nomination of Stephens by McLean Post 8241. Krissy Ronan, librarian at Madison, and Gretchen Hazlin, librarian at Kilmer, presented Inquiry Bursts: Critical Thinking in the Social Studies Classroom at the 111th Middle States Regional Conference for the Social Studies on February 22. Their session aimed to provide social studies educators with quick, easily usable ideas for inserting painless, inquiry-based research into instruction. This and other presentations are available on their website, www.inquirybursts.com, on which they collaborate with two other librarians as well. Cindy Burgett, eighth grade history teacher at Carson, has been named winner of the John Marshall Foundation Teacher of the Year award. Burgett was recognized for her knowledge and enthusiasm for the U.S. Constitution as evidenced through activities inside and outside the classroom. She received her award and a $2,500 prize at the Richmond Bar Association s luncheon on May 1. Ross Bosse, civics teacher at Jackson, was recently named the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2013 District 10 Teacher of the Year, after previously being named the Teacher of the Year by local VFW Post 8469 in Fairfax Station. The VFW honors educators who help students to develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs. Bosse s nomination spoke to his passion for teaching civics at Jackson and his involvement with Virginia s We the People program. Antoinette Lawrence, special education teacher at Clermont, recently published her second children s book, titled, My Dad, My Granddad, and Me. Her book is a story about a child who cherishes memories and lifelong lessons that he has learned and shared with his dad and granddad. Her first children's book, I Remember, was published in August 2011. How Do I Get Mentioned in About Our People? Submit your good news for About Our People to My FCPS - Employees editor Andy Grunig at andy.grunig@fcps.edu. We want to hear from you! What Type of Information Is Used in About Our People? The following categories of items will be published: 5

Employees who publish articles or books. Those who successfully defend doctoral dissertations or receive professional certifications. Employees who receive regional, state, or national awards for their professional accomplishments. Employees elected to serve in regional, state, or national education or professional organizations. Employees who give presentations at regional, state, or national meetings. Those who receive grants or are selected for scholarships that involve travel or the sharing of ideas. Editor s Note: Send your electronic photo along with your good news. Benefits Important Changes to Express Scripts Pharmacy Benefits to Start July 1 In an effort to keep health care costs affordable, Express Scripts continually reviews medications on the formulary (the listing of medications covered by the plan) to ensure members have access to proven medications to treat all conditions. Periodically, changes are made to the formulary to ensure the list of covered medications are clinically sound, high quality, and cost-effective. Effective July 1, Express Scripts, Inc. will be implementing a new formulary*. A select group of medications will no longer be covered after this date because safe and effective alternatives are available. A list of the impacted medications and their preferred alternatives can be found at http://www.fcps.edu/hr/benefits/health/listofexcludedmedswithalternatives_2014.pdf. During April, Express Scripts sent letters to members who are taking a medication that will no longer be covered as of July 1, along with a list of covered alternatives. This information can also be found by logging on to your member account at www.express-scripts.com. If you received a letter from Express Scripts, be sure to talk with your doctor about obtaining a prescription for a safe, effective, and covered alternative. After June 30, if you try to fill a prescription for one of the medications no longer covered, you will pay the full, nondiscounted retail price. If you have any questions, call Express Scripts at 1-866-815-0003. * Note: This formulary change does not affect FCPS Medicare-covered retirees. 6

May Employee Assistance Program Work-Life Webinars Listed below are the FCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) work-life webinars scheduled for the month of May. For your convenience and to maintain anonymity, you may register directly through the associated links (not through MyPLT); participant names will not be shared with FCPS. Each webinar lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Recorded webinars will be available as long as a minimum of five registered guests participate in each live session. Sleep: An Essential Component of Health and Well-being Wednesday, May 21, 4 p.m. Impact of Attitude on Work and Life Friday, May 9, noon. Connecting Mind and Body for Healthy Living Monday, May 12, noon. Wednesday, May 28, 4 p.m. Options for Financing College Wednesday, May 14, 4 p.m. The Successful Single Parent Wednesday, May 14, 5 p.m. Stress: A Way of Life or Fact of Life Monday, May 19, 4 p.m. Thursday, May 22, noon. Planning a Family Vacation Tuesday, May 20, 5 p.m. The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Your Personal Life with the Needs of Your Older Parents Wednesday, May 28, noon. If you are unable to participate in a webinar that interests you, the information shared in the presentation can also be found on the Guidance Resources website, http://www.guidanceresources.com, by using a keyword search on the topic of interest. If you 7

are logging in for the first time, you will need to create a user profile using the organization web ID FCPS. Other EAP services available through Guidance Resources include confidential counseling, financial information and resources, legal support and resources, work-life solutions, and wellness coaching. Employees and their household members may access this free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting the Guidance Resources website or by calling the support center at 1-855-355-9097. For more information or questions about the Employee Assistance Program or to register for a webinar, go to http://www.fcps.edu/hr/benefits/eap.shtml, or send an e-mail to EAPQuestions@fcps.edu. May Is Mental Health Awareness Month During this month of observance take some time for yourself to improve your overall health mentally, physically, and general wellness. Find best practices and techniques for taking steps to a better you by logging on to the website of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, Guidance Resources, and using the keywords everyday health remedies in the search box. Guidance Resources offers assorted articles, assessments, and multimedia resources on topics such as navigating your health care, engaging in hobbies and reflective exercises, and connecting mind and body for improved mood and overall wellness. First time users will need to create a user profile and use the organization web ID FCPS. The Guidance Resources website, www.guidanceresources.com, is available to FCPS employees and their household members. Additional information about the Employee Assistance Program, such as upcoming and previously recorded webinars, can be found on the FCPS EAP website, found at http://www.fcps.edu/hr/benefits/eap.shtml. Did You Know? FCPS Honors Awards Gala to Be Held May 21; Award Finalists Announced FCPS rolls out the red carpet to honor outstanding achievers at the annual FCPS Honors employee awards gala on May 21 at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. This event honors all the nominees for Outstanding First-Year Teacher and Principal, the Spillane Leadership Award, and Support Employee, Teacher, and Principal of the Year. Moosa Shah of Carson Middle School has already been announced as the 2014 Teacher of the Year, and Jay Pearson of Marshall High School has been announced as the 2014 Principal of the Year. Finalists for Outstanding First-Year Principal are: Keesha Jackson-Muir, Braddock Elementary School 8

JoVon Rogers, Gunston Elementary School Finalists for Outstanding First-Year Teacher are: Christie Attanasio, first grade teacher, Dogwood Elementary School. Rose Bottle, special education ninth grade English teacher, Quander Road School. Kathleen Duffy, third grade teacher, Keene Mill Elementary School. Sarah Looney, Spanish teacher, Key Middle School. Lauren Morgan, second grade teacher, Franklin Sherman Elementary School. Finalists for Support Employee of the Yearn are: Dawn Allison, career center specialist, McLean High School. William Cariker, operating engineer, Department of Facilities and Transportation Services. Kenny Carter, warehouse supervisor, Instructional Services Processing Center. Willie Hillary, assistant building supervisor, Quander Road School. Iliana Mena, instructional assistant, Department of Special Services. Sevilay Terkes, instructional assistant, McNair Elementary School. Finalists for the Spillane Leadership Award are: Judy Haas Bowns, theatre arts and dance specialist, Instructional Services Department. Carolyn Bush, second grade teacher, Belle View Elementary. Carol Horn, coordinator, gifted and talented, Instructional Services Department. Edward Tyler, coordinator, data services, Department of Information Technology. Finalists for Teacher of the Year Michelle Gill, fourth grade teacher, Garfield Elementary School. Jennifer Goransson, English teacher, West Springfield High School. Kerry Johanson, fine arts teacher, Westfield High School. Adam Schechter, civics teacher, Twain Middle School. 9

Finalist for Principal of the Year: Mahri Aste, Mosby Woods Elementary School. Winners will be announced live at the event. For more information on finalists and nominees, visit www.fcps.edu/hr/programs/recognition. This event is made possible through a collaboration with the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools, a non-profit educational institution whose mission is to advance the goals of FCPS through resource development and business partnerships. FCPS Honors is generously sponsored by Apple Federal Credit Union, Apple Federal Credit Union Education Foundation, and Northrop Grumman. Becky Hawryluk Named April News Liaison of the Month Becky Hawryluk, instructional assistant at Deer Park Elementary School, has been named the News Liaison of the Month for April by the Department of Communications and Community Outreach (DCCO). This recognition program rewards school news liaisons for submitting newsworthy media tips and creative photographs. In April, Hawryluk submitted news about Deer Park s third grade students doing an experiment on the power of words and photos of Washington Redskin Darryl Young reading to students, baby chicks hatching, a visit by John Jacosbon, third grade students portraying famous Americans, a volunteer luncheon, and heritage dress-up day. Hawryluk has worked for FCPS since 2008, when she was hired as a substitute teacher. In 2010, she secured a long-term substitute job in the preschool autism class at Deer Park, which turned into a full-time position. Since 2012, Hawryluk has been working as a general instructional assistant, mainly supporting students with reading. She helps organize book fairs at Deer Park and also works with the Westfield mentors, volunteers for the S.T.A.R. reading program, and serves as co-chair of the school s social committee. She manages the costume loft for the theater department at Westfield High School and is their Cappies advisor and mentor. She also is active in the children s ministry at her church. Hawryluk received a certificate and a book related to her profession for being named April s News Liaison of the Month. Retirement Ceremony Date and Location Changed; RSVP Date Extended to May 8 Due to a scheduling conflict, the date and location of the spring retirement ceremony, We Honor You Celebrating Your Service to FCPS, have been changed. The ceremony will be now be held on Tuesday, June 24, at 6 p.m. at Oakton High School. The evening will begin with an hors d oeuvre reception, followed by a recognition ceremony where retirement gifts will be presented by the FCPS Leadership Team and School Board. Those planning to retire should submit their Notification of Resignation/Retirement form (HR- 2) as soon as possible. Invitations will be sent to retirees homes in mid-april, and RSVP s will be due by May 8 (new deadline). More information about the retirement ceremony, including retiree testimonials and photos from previous ceremonies, is available at http://www.fcps.edu/hr/programs/retirement/index.shtml. 10

Nancy Hammerer Named ERFC Trustee The election for the Educational Employees Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board of Trustees to fill one three-year term trustee vacancy was electronically conducted as planned on April 22-24. Nancy Hammerer, health and physical education teacher at Twain Middle School, will serve as an ERFC trustee for three years beginning July 1. Volunteer Tutors Wanted for GED, Adult Diploma, and Non-Traditional Schools Programs The Volunteer Learning Program (VLP), Department of Special Services, Office of Intervention and Prevention, Adult High School Completion, needs volunteers age 21 and over to tutor adults in reading, writing, or math skills in order to obtain a high school diploma or GED through FCPS s Adult High School Completion Programs. VLP s volunteer tutors also help adults to achieve important goals such as improved basic skills for the workplace and for post-secondary education, and being more prepared to help their children with schoolwork. Tutors meet adult students for at least one hour a week in a public library close to home or work, on a day and time that are convenient for both. VLP tutors also help teachers individualize instruction in adult high school completion classes and in alternative programs for juveniles. Tutor preparation, materials and ongoing support are provided. The next new tutor orientations will be held on June 3 and 4. For more information on VLP, visit http://www.fcps.edu/adulths/vlp/vlpindex.html. To volunteer, call VLP at 703-503-6412, or send an e-mail to Michele Armstrong at Michele.Armstrong@fcps.edu. Recently Updated School Board Directives Posted Online Recent changes and additions to directives that have been made effective within the last 45 days can be found at http://commweb.fcps.edu/schoolboardapps/recentchanges.cfm. Any citizen who requests a hard copy of a directive has a right to receive it and should be provided the most current version printed from the web page. The School Board office, located at Gatehouse Administration Center, maintains the historical records of all directives. For more information, contact Yvette Braganza, School Board office, at 571-423-1066, or yvette.braganza@fcps.edu. Information for Educators Teacher Summative Evaluation Toolkit Available As the end of the school year approaches, teachers can find information and resources related to summative evaluations in the Teacher Summative Evaluation Toolkit. These include: 11

Preparing for the summative conference PowerPoint. Summative conference example video. Sample notification memo. Completed summative performance evaluation form. Reflection questions to help prepare for the conference. Decision rules to guide the summative rating. Summative checklist to confirm all steps have been completed. The Toolkit also clarifies the responsibilities of the teacher and the evaluator in the Quick Access Guides: Preparing for the summative conference. SMARTR goals. Documentation log. Student opinion survey. Structured interview. The Toolkit is available on the Teacher Evaluation HR Intranet page, found at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/hr/teacherevaluations/index.shtml) as a Hot Topic and under Toolkits in What Teachers Need to Know, found at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/hr/teacherevaluations/resourcesteachers.shtml and What Evaluators Need to Know, found at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/hr/teacherevaluations/resourcesevaluators.shtml. Data-Driven Decision-Making Certificate Cohort Offered in Fall 2014, Information Meeting Set for May 12 at Gatehouse The Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) Certificate program at George Mason University (GMU), in collaboration with FCPS, will be offering an information session to provide an overview of a Data-Driven Decision-Making cohort opportunity with a focus on a graduate certificate for teachers or administrators to unpack and use the multiple types of classroom, school, and state data. The certificate is a 12-credit graduate program that can be applied toward a master's degree while participating in the program. The cohort will begin in fall 2014. Participation in the DDDM cohort provides a variety of benefits including tuition discounts, classes located in the school division, and course scheduling in alignment with the school division calendar. The certificate is a 12-credit graduate program that can be applied toward a master's degree while participating in the program. The assignments are embedded within 12

your job and should be geared toward understanding and solving problems or issues related to learning or instruction at the classroom, grade level, subject area, school, or district level. Representatives from GMU and FCPS will provide further information about the Data-Driven Decision-Making program on Monday, May 12, 5 to 6 p.m., at Gatehouse Administration Center, room 3050-3051. For more information, contact Nicki Conners at nicole.conners@fcps.edu. Intern Development Course Offered This Fall, Registration Begins May 12 The Office of Leadership Development is offering an intern development course for the 2014-15 school year. The intern development course is an opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful school-based administrator. The course will consist of study, reflective discussions, and a capstone project, all based on current FCPS leadership standards. Guest speakers will include experienced principals and leadership team members. Participants must have at least three years teaching experience and must have their administrative endorsement. Participation is limited to 30 participants. The course begins September 16 and meets on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The last day of the course is May 12, 2015. Registration begins May 12 in MyPLT (http://www.fcps.edu/pla/oas/myplt/index.shtml). More information about the intern development course, including the syllabus with specific dates and locations, may be obtained on the PLA intranet website at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/pla/old/intern_dev_course.shtml, or by contacting Tina Lane at tmlane@fcps.edu or 571-423-1373. Registration Deadline Extended to May 12 for 2014 Teacher-Researcher Conference Registration for the 23rd annual Teacher-Researcher Conference hosted by the Department of Professional Learning and Accountability s Office of Professional Practice has been extended to Monday, May 12. The conference will be held on Wednesday, May 14, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Fairfax Ridge. The conference includes a keynote address by Dr. Anthony Pellegrino, who is an assistant professor of history and social studies education in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. He serves as assistant editor for the Journal of Social Studies Research and in 2012, he published his first book titled, Let the Music Play! Harnessing the Power of Music in Social Studies Classrooms. In addition to the keynote, conference participants can choose to attend four workshop sessions. A hors d oeuvre buffet will be served. The cost of the conference is $10. The registration form can be found on the Teacher- Researcher website at http://www.fcps.edu/pla/opp/tr/index.shtml. 13

The form and the $10 registration fee are to be returned to Patricia Worrall, FCPS Teacher Researcher Registration, Department of Professional Learning and Accountability, Fairfax Ridge, 3877 Fairfax Ridge, Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030. If you have any questions, contact Nina Thomas at jathomas1@fcps.edu. Information Session to Be Held May 28 at Fairfax Ridge for Reading Specialist K-12 Endorsement Cohort Program FCPS is planning a reading specialist K-12 endorsement cohort program that will begin in August in collaboration with George Mason University. This program is for teachers who hold a master s degree and are interested in pursuing the reading specialist K-12 endorsement to be added to their Virginia teaching license. Enrollment will be limited to 30 people. Selection criteria include three years of teaching experience with at least one year in FCPS and outstanding teaching ability. Participants will pay tuition and textbook costs. Participants must complete the application process and include two recommendations, a résumé, and prepare a one-page applicant statement focused on K-12 literacy. Representatives from the Instructional Services Department, the Department of Professional Learning and Accountability, and George Mason University will provide information about the program, application and selection process, and coursework at a meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Fairfax Ridge in room C-11A. To register for the information meeting, send an e-mail to Rita Cloutier at rita.cloutier@fcps.edu by May 27. Be sure to include your name, work location, and telephone number in the e-mail. June 2 Is Deadline to Register for 2014-15 Adaptive Schools Cohorts The Department of Professional Learning and Accountability will offer Adaptive Schools cohorts in 2014-15, with the first cohort beginning in July. Adaptive schools cohorts provide a four-day professional learning opportunity for administrators and teacher leaders in FCPS. Participants will explore topics around ideas of effective communication, decision-making, meetings, and collaborative teams. Each session will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fairfax Ridge. Schools will be responsible for providing substitute funding for all of their participants. Principals and program managers are encouraged to send a team to enhance turnaround training in schools or offices. More information, including a schedule of cohorts and dates, is available on FCPSnet at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/pla/old/adaptive_schools/as_main.shtml. Adaptive Schools Cohort 1 will also be offered as an Academy course being in July 2014. Participants who are interested in Cohort 1 should register through MyPLT beginning May 16 at 4 p.m. Class size is limited to 45 participants. 14

Participants interested in Cohorts 2-5 should contact Carmen Sweezey at crsweezey@fcps.edu to reserve your cohort dates. Class size is limited to 45 participants. The deadline to register is Monday, June 2. People on the Move Editor s Note: Information for People on the Move is provided by the Department of Human Resources, Office of Talent Acquisition and Management. Promotions Daniel Boggio from industrial electrical apprentice I/II to appliance and equipment technician I, facilities management, at Sideburn Support Center. Jose Garcia from custodian I at Lees Corner to custodian II at Rocky Run. Michael Lind from HVAC technician I to HVAC technician II, facilities management, at Edison Support Center. Robert Orsinger from HVAC technician I to HVAC technician II, facilities management, at Merrifield Support Center. Latrena Warthen from custodian II at Sunrise Valley to building supervisor I at Greenbriar East. Transfers Laura King from school-based technology specialist at Great Falls school-based technology specialist at Hunters Woods. Fermin Moreno from custodian I at Clearview to custodian I at Herndon High. Soon Park from custodian I at Westfield to custodian I at Centreville High. Staff Development Georgina Kankam from custodian I to custodian II at Cooper. New Hires and Appointments Stacy Bieler to auditor II, School Board Office, at Gatehouse Administration Center. Miguel Gutierrez to custodian I at Lees Corner. Christopher Horton to audit manager, internal audit, at Gatehouse Administration Center. Kimberly O Hara to student information assistant I/II at Daniels Run. 15

FCPS Remembers About FCPS Remembers Information for FCPS Remembers is provided by the Educational Employees Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) for its members and by the Department of Human Resources for members of the Fairfax County Employees Retirement System (FCERS). In the event of the death of any active employee who is now contributing to the ERFC and/or the VRS retirement systems, or any retiree who retired from these systems, notify the ERFC retirement office by calling 703-426-3900. The retirement office will provide the names to My FCPS - Employees with details of the deceased's employment with FCPS. In the event of the death of an active member or retiree of FCERS, notify Benefits Processing at 571-423- 3200. Cathy Harris-Lewis, safety and security assistant at Kilmer, who died on March 15. Chong Kim, custodian at Garfield, who retired May 25, 2007, and who died March 26. Yong Kim, custodian at Edison, who retired July 1, 2001, and who died March 8. Elaine George, food service worker at Lake Braddock, who retired February 4, 2011, and who died March 14. Helen Dove, bus attendant in Transportation, who retired June 17, 1998, and who died March 12. Pauline Borrer, bus driver at Area I Transportation, who retired April 21, 1990, and who died April 5. Helen Apperson, food service manager at Hayfield Secondary, who retired June 13, 1986, and who died February 18. Olivia Tielkemeier, data processor at Belle Willard Administrative Center, who retired December 1, 1993, and who died December 10, 2013. George Whelpley, teacher at Westlawn, who retired July 1, 1992, and who died February 26. Anna White, guidance counselor at Robinson, who retired January 1, 1984, and who died March 11. Leonard Tlusty, teacher at Langley, who retired July 1, 1986 and who died February 20. 16

Winnifred Whipple, instructional aide at Fairfax, who retired January 1, 1983, and who died January 16. Dorothy Smith, teacher at Westbriar, who retired on July 1, 1988, and who died on December 18, 2013. Joyce Clymer, teacher at White Oak, who retired December 1, 2004, and who died on April 18. Elsie O Grady, teacher at Madison, who retired on July 1, 1983, and who died on March 28. Edith Bonfanti, teacher at Herndon High, who retired January 1, 1984, and who died on April 19. James Phillips, Sr., teacher at Oakton High, who retired on July 1, 1983, and who died on September 14, 2013. Sheryl Navarrete, itinerant strings teacher at Springfield Estates, who retired on March 1 and who died on April 8. Carlton Shriver, teacher at Langley, who retired on July 1, 1999, and who died on January 1. Paul Russell, teacher at West Potomac, who retired on July 1, 2013, and who died on February 27. Rennie Coleman, Jr., assistant principal at West Springfield High, who retired on September 1, 1984, and who died on April 8. Joanna Jakober, teacher at Sunrise Valley, who retired December 1, 2002, and who died January 7. Jack Marriott, chemistry and physics teacher at Lee, who retired July 1, 1998, and who died October 5, 2013. 17