|
 The BOE has adopted a $472.7 million operating budget for 2007-08, giving top priority to salaries. More than $13 million goes toward a 4.5% cost of living adjustment to employees. This is in addition to a "step" increase for eligible personnel. The budget also provides for:
- increased enrollment
- buses, fuel and drivers to accommodate shorter walking distances and primary school transportation
- technology and textbook replacement cycles
- additional teacher workday
- final phase of full-day kindergarten
- 210 new staff positions
and more: http://www.fcps.org/content/release.cfm?id=569
Back to Top 
Dr. Linda Burgee has reorganized the FCPS Curriculum, Administration and School Improvement (CASI) and deputy superintendent's divisions as follows:
- School Improvement, Instruction and Administration (SIIA): Elementary--Steve Martin
- School Improvement, Instruction and Administration (SIIA): Secondary--Ann Bonitatibus
- Curriculum, Instruction and Evaluation (CIE)--Bonnie Ward
All three division heads are associate superintendents.
"With the recent shift of two key leaders, Dan Cunningham and Hank Bohlander, to new roles outside our system, I saw an opportunity to restructure in a way that will more strategically position us to address the growing demands placed on public schools to improve student performance," said Superintendent Burgee.
The reorganization places all curriculum specialists as well as professional development under the same umbrella, a move intended to make K-12 instruction seamless. The two former CASI divisions are now more concentrated on the progress, performance and administration of individual schools.
Back to Top
 Tuscarora HS lead custodian Tina Garza is a prime example of a person who does first-class work. Tina inventories and orders supplies, sees that equipment runs smoothly, manages staff schedules and ensures that THS is clean and ready for each day. Hers is a particularly big job in summer when custodians systemwide are deep cleaning schools in preparation for August 27th.
Back to Top
 FAR OUT Goddard Space Flight Center scientist and education specialist John Leck has high praise for the FCPS Earth System Science Research course, taught at Catoctin HS by Lisa Bruck and also offered at Urbana HS. A recent graduate earned an American Meteorological Society award and was featured on Weathertalk radio. Other FCPS alums have published scientific papers and completed NASA internships and university field research.
FCAEOP The Frederick County Association of Educational Office Professionals named Green Valley ES administrative secretary Kathleen Wagner Educational Office Professional of the Year. See Kathleen (left) receiving her award from the group's president, Paula Oden: Photo.
THEY'RE POSITIVE The Maryland Department of Education named Lincoln and Parkway ES "exemplars," or model schools, for using positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) to curb problem behavior. Crestwood MS, Urbana MS and Thurmont ES also received recognition for their work with PBIS and data-based decision making.
 SAVE 5% Winning $250 as energy emissaries in the FCPS Save 5% conservation campaign: lead custodian Rick Miller for Hillcrest ES and secretary Linda Wood for Kemptown ES. Students at Liberty ES, Gov. TJ MS and Catoctin HS won each of their schools $500 in Save 5% poster, multimedia and science fair competitions. Photo.
CLEAN SWEEP The Communication Services Division submitted 5 entries in National School Public Relations Association competition and won for all 5. Contributing staff: Peggy Ballew, Steve Blickenstaff, Tim Dean, Kelly Gordon, Jim Hamann, Marita Loose, Dian Nelson, Jose' Rosapepe and Bill Watson.
WE WON! A 5-member team of Walkersville HS students advised by science teacher Sue Faibisch placed first in this year's Maryland Envirothon, surpassing more than 100 challengers from 19 counties. Photo.
Back to Top
 She's Back! Nationally known early-childhood education expert Dr. Jean Feldman will present a free workshop for all who work with young children through grade 2. Invited to this August 11 workshop from 8:30-noon at TJ HS are educators, instructional assistants, student teachers, support staff and childcare providers. Get new strategies for starting the school year. Registration is required: Susan.Alexander@fcps.org
Staff Directory Here's a quick link to the directory pages in the new Calendar Handbook: Directory. There are more comprehensive staff directories on the shared K drive (also under Communication Services on the V drive), available only from FCPS-networked computers.
Calendar Handbook The 2007-08 handbook, slated for delivery to schools and offices starting August 13, is online now: http://www.fcps.org/content/chb.cfm
Back to Top
|
 Structured for Success
First-Class Staff: Thanks to you, public education works in Frederick County
** ACCOLADES **
News to Use
FCPS introduced the 4-day summer workweek four years ago as an energy-saving measure. Now you can share your opinion about the compressed schedule, via an employee survey conducted through August 15. The survey is open to all full-time, 12-month employees and is available online here.
Paper surveys are being delivered to schools and offices for custodians (and other employees) who don't have easy access to computers. Responses are anonymous, and results will be published in the fall. Be sure to weigh in!
If you do not receive your job assignment letter by August and/or have moved without notifying HR, please email Monique.Chase@fcps.org and provide your employee ID number (from your pay stub).
August 13: 5-Day workweeks resume
August 13-17: New-Teacher Workshops
August 16: AL Meeting
August 20: New teachers report to work
August 21: Returning teachers report to work
August 27: School opens for students!
See names of the 51 employees who recently earned First-Class Staff Awards for work exceptionally well done. Watch for more names in our next issue!
Nominate someone.
Q: How many students and staff participate in FCPS summer programs?
A: About 3,000 students and more than 300 employees:
Summer Success--1,800 elementary students
Summer School--115 middle & 230 high school students
Career Camp--470 middle schoolers
Students also attend FCPS summer arts, sports and other programs.
Employees include teachers, bus drivers, food service workers, instructional assistants and more.
View Program Guide:
www.fcps.org/cable18.htm
Submit Bulletin Board items: Dian.Nelson@fcps.org.
The FCPS Communication Services Division welcomes your news and ideas for Inside FCPS: Dian.Nelson@fcps.org. |
