Board Buzz
Shamiah Ford, the Human Resources director of Teacher & Leader Effectiveness, and Jesse Mettille, director of Professional Learning, spotlighted the district's inaugural Focus Forward: Professional Learning Summit, which spanned several hubs across the city. They also recapped the summer's FCPS: YOUniversity two-day orientation for over 400 new hires as well as August's school-based sessions for our staff. "Continuous improvement is always the goal and the focus," Ford said. "We expect professional learning to be engaging, relevant, and ultimately, impactful," Mettille added. They also previewed upcoming efforts to streamline procedures for employees and to personalize their professional learning.
Whitney Stevenson, director of Early Childhood Education, talked about plans to enhance literacy experiences for young children in our community (birth to age 5). Highlights include iPads for families preloaded with the First 5 Lex app, access to an online library of picture books, and the Footsteps2Brilliance app for preschoolers. "We're moving this fall to get these into the hands of our families," Stevenson said. Preschoolers will also have simple devices to use at home. "This supports the whole child and their family and prepares them for success," said board Chair Tyler Murphy.
Operations:
Myron Thompson, the district's chief operating officer, shared the latest on construction of Mary E. Britton Middle School in the Hamburg area and renovation of the former Herald-Leader building for a new Career & Technical Education (CTE) center. Board Vice Chair Amy Green recently toured the CTE location on Midland Avenue and said she is looking forward to its opening. "This is a world-class facility and I am beyond excited," Green said.
Unity, Belonging, & Student Efficacy (UBSE):
Soraya Matthews noted her department's new name speaks to the focus of their upcoming work. For instance, she mentioned 11 mentoring programs for girls and nearly 75 unity leads established on campuses across FCPS. Matthews also touched on Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and this fall's series of student forums.
In addition, Matthews shared updates from the school board's Equity Council Committee and noted that nominations are welcome for the P.G. Peeples Equity Champion Award.