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Quick News

APRIL 8 | 2016

AprilSCHOOL QUALITY AND PERCEPTIONS SURVEY RESULTS

Thanks to everyone who participated in Frederick County Public Schools? School Quality and Perceptions Survey. The survey was completed by 79 percent of school-based staff , 77 percent of students in grades 5-12 and 20 percent of parents with students in grades 5-12. Independent research and communications f irm K12 Insight shared that the participation rates were outstanding and align with those typically seen in other school divisions. Preliminary results have been compiled and work is continuing on the f inal report. Once completed, the results will be made available to all students, staff and the public. The survey included questions about educational quality, family involvement, student support, safety and behavior, school leadership, and other crit ical topics. The results will be used to help direct school improvement planning as well as planning at the division level.

FY17 BUDGET UPDATE- 2% SALARY INCREASE UNDER CONSIDERATION

The Frederick County School Board is continuing to work on the FY17 budget as it awaits a f inal decision by the Board of Supervisors regarding the level of local funding the school division will receive in FY17. Based on the budget adopted by the General Assembly and the discussions that occurred during the Board of Supervisors? budget worksession held on March 31, it appears the Board of Supervisors is working on a budget scenario that would result in approximately $4 mill ion in additional local revenue being appropriated for the school division. Dr. Sovine requested an increase of $11.3 mill ion in his proposed budget. At the School Board?s budget worksession held on April 4, two budget scenarios were reviewed based on the anticipated level of local funding. One includes a two percent salary increase, but results in an estimated budget shortfall of approximately $1.2 mill ion. The second includes no salary increase and would result in the School Board having approximately $494,000 to address the school division?s most crit ical needs after accounting for the cost to continue, opening the new Frederick County Middle School and instructional ?have to? needs. April 4 Budget Work Session

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WINNING WITH WELLNESS 5K RUN/WALK

The fourth annual Winning with Wellness 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run will take place on Saturday, May 7 at Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School. Proceeds will benefit the Frederick County Educational Foundation. Please visit wellness5K.fcpsk12.net for more information and to register or volunteer.

REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR PEACHJAR E-FLYERS

The implementation of Peachjar to distribute district-approved e-f lyers to the parents/guardians of student as well as faculty and staff has gone well. Many schools and community organizations are util izing the new system. E-f lyers that are distributed to staff are delivered via e-mail and also can be viewed by clicking on the Peachjar staff button that has been posted under Quick Links on the left of each school?s homepage. Employees need to be logged in to Edline for the Peachjar staff l ink to be visible. Learn more...

NEW FCPS WEBSITES COMING JULY 1

On July 1, FCPS will be launching a new school division website as well as new school websites. The new sites will feature a cleaner, streamlined look and improved navigation. The new website will include an FCPS intranet site that will only be accessible to FCPS employees and will include information that is only of interest to school division staff . Departments and schools are currently working on content inventories which will be util ized to determine what information migrates to the new websites during the f irst phase of this multi-phased project. Information collected as part of the National School Public Relations Association Communications Audit that was done for FCPS in 2014 is being util ized as the websites are being built. Learn more...

TYLER TECHNOLOGIES UPDATE

The Tyler Technologies implementation continues to progress on schedule. The f irst phase of data that was transferred to the new system has been verif ied and work is continuing on the next phase of the transition.  Training for staff who enter student data will begin next week as well as training for all school-based administrators and middle and high school guidance counselors.  Details regarding training for teachers will be announced in early May.  The latest version of the Tyler Technologies student information system software will provide parents and students with access to a variety of information via tablets and phones.  

APRIL 8 | 2016

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Sharing the many positive things happening in Frederick County Public Schools helps to build support for the school division and public education. Here?s some news to share.

NEWS TO SHARE

A New Nat ional Board Cert if ied Teacher

Greenwood Mill Elementary School First Grade Teacher Melinda LeVan has earned National Board Certif ication. National Board Certif ication is the highest credential in the teaching profession. Frederick County Public Schools now employs 16 National Board Certif ied teachers.

Award-Winning Art ists

Frederick County Public Schools has named its winners in the Virginia School Boards Association Art Contest. Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School fourth grade student Gemma Woodcock?s ?Cactus? won at the elementary level. James Wood Middle School seventh grader Isabelle Bateman won the middle school competit ion with her work tit led ?Charcoal Bicycle?. James Wood High School freshman Samantha Buchholz won in the high school category with her project ?Skulls?. The winners will compete in the VSBA Regional Art Competit ion on April 18.

Successful Bright Futures Food Drive

More than two tons of food was collected during the Bright Futures-Frederick County Food Drive and Community Fair on March 19. Apple Pie Ridge, Stonewall, Middletown and Greenwood Mill Elementary Schools; Robert E. Aylor and Frederick County Middle Schools; and James Wood High School held food drives in advance of the event. The food collected is being used to serve about 300 students each week through the Bright Futures-Frederick County Food Pack Program.

Nat ional History Day Regional Winners

50 FCPS students participated in the National History Day Regional Competit ion on March 15 at James Madison University. The students won a total of f ive f irst place awards, six second place awards and an honorable mention. Students who participate in the National History Day competit ion select an individual or event in history they believe is related to the event?s theme then conduct research and create a display. This year?s theme is exploration, encounter and exchange.

APRIL 8 | 2016

VSBA ART WINNERS

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NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

ACCESS TO ANTHEM.COM

In the coming months, Anthem will be upgrading its Internet browser requirements in order to help assure the security of members? information. By the end of the year, anthem.com will no longer support older versions of Internet browsers including Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10; IE Mobile 7, 8 and 9; and Safari 3-6.   Once the change occurs, members using an outdated browser will see a pop-up message when visit ing anthem.com that will guide them to supported browsers that can be used to improve their website experience. By the end of the year, anthem.com will not work for users who haven?t upgraded to a compatible browser and turned on appropriate security features. Compatible browser versions members should consider upgrading to now include Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera.

THE BENEFITS OF AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A wonderful benefit that all FCPS employees may access is the Employee Assistance Program which can provide a variety of supports. Whether seeking guidance for a family problem, resources for assistance with a f inancial or legal concern, t ips on work issues or options for dependent care, the EAP can help. For more information or assistance, visit anthemEAP.com or call 1-800-346-5484.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FCPS offers a variety of professional development opportunities for staff throughout the year. Details are available online at PDExpress.

APRIL 8 | 2016