Aspirations 2.0 - Recommended Draft

8/20/2019 Aspirations 2.0 - Recommended Draft

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Draft prepared June 2015

FAUQUIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Recommended Strategic Plan


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Aspirations 2.0 - draft

Aspirations 2.0

Table of Contents

Beliefs ............................................................................1

Mission Statement ..........................................................1

Parameters ......................................................................1

Objectives ......................................................................1

Strategies ........................................................................2

Academic Strategy .........................................................3

Student Support Strategy .............................................13

Environments Strategy .................................................17

Staffing Strategy ..........................................................22

Communication Strategy .............................................34

Resources Strategy .......................................................41

Excellence by Design


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Aspirations 2.0These are the beliefs, mission statement, parameters and objectives

upon which the strategies were built.

BELIEFS

We believe that… Each person is unique and has invaluable intrinsic worth

People learn differently Learning occurs through access and engagement Inspiration and affirmation foster achievement

People seek deep and meaningful connections Effective education maximizes each individual’s potential Each of us has the potential to change

Family is the most formative influence in child development High expectations are the foundation of success Sound relationships, based on civility and mutual respect, are central to community

Recognizing and respecting diversity in our community builds a stronger community A safe, supportive and trusting environment promotes learning We impact the natural environment; therefore, environmental stewardship is our

responsibility

A community’s commitment to public education is essential to the success of both its

schools and the community itself

MISSION STATEMENT

Fauquier County Public Schools, an innovative learning community, is committed to developing

creative, confident, knowledgeable, and responsible world citizens by cultivating the potential ofeach learner.

PARAMETERS

We will treat all people with dignity and respect.We will learn from our past as we build our future.

We will celebrate excellence.

We will use all resources efficiently and wisely.We will promote and support instructional innovation.

OBJECTIVES

Each student will reach his or her academic potential.Each student will have access to a rigorous and engaging curriculum.

Each student will acquire essential qualities of character and integrity and shall demonstrate

respect for self and others.Each student will become a responsible contributor through a personal connection with the

community.

Each student will use what he or she learns to impact the community, the country, and the world positively now and in the future.

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Aspirations 2.0

STRATEGIESFollowing are the six strategies of Aspirations 2.0

Academics

We will meet the academic needs of each learner preK-12 through engaging and relevantinstruction.

Student Support

We will engage our schools and larger community to teach prosocial skills and provide tiered

supports promoting development of responsible practices, social-emotional wellness, and

positive character traits for each student.

Environments

We will provide safe and productive environments that support the physical, emotional,academic and social needs of the school and community and that create a culture ofenvironmental responsibility.

Staff

We will attract, hire, develop, and retain high quality staff.

Communication

We will ensure effective internal and external communication and involvement.

Resources

We will be accountable, system-wide, to manage our resources effectively and to allocate them

wisely to achieve our mission.

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Academics

We will meet the academic needs of each learner preK-12 through engaging and relevant instruction.



Action Plan 1.1

Provide a needs-based

pre-school program using

the Virginia Pre-School

Initiative (VPI).

Recommended Steps

1.

Apply to and acquire funding from the VPI program. (Complete)

2.

Identify potential sites for one central locality or northern/southernlocalities. Create a list of all public schools and buildings forconsideration. (Complete and 3 identified: WGC, CHR, GMES)

3.

Develop a plan that includes: Quality Preschool Education,Parental Involvement, Comprehensive Child Health Services,Comprehensive Social Services, and Transportation.

4.

Hire Staff. (In progress, all staff hired before 15-16 SY)

5.

Develop and carry out recruitment program following VPIguidelines, will recruit eligible (at risk) children.

6.

Expand Needs Based PreK to 3 additional classrooms.

a.

Identify funding ($400,00) b.

Identify locations (available classroom space)

c.

Transportation will be a tangible benefit due to children not being transported out of zone.

d.

By fully funding these 3 classrooms FCPS can develop ownguidelines for program.

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Academics




Action Plan 1.2

Provide on-going

awareness & skill training

of instructional and

administrative staff to

address (1) quality,

rigorous instruction for

all students, (2) a tiered

system of support for

students, and (3)

achievement disparities

among student groups.

Recommended Steps

1.

Update the FCPS instructional framework that emphasizes activelearning and deep understanding for every classroom

2.

Develop a lesson/unit template that corresponds with theframework

3.

Develop a status report, implementation plan, and monitoring planfor Implementation of a tiered systems of support

4.

Develop and implement a 3-year plan of professional developmentoptions and follow-up steps related to fixed vs growth mindsetsand inclusive practices in special education and gifted education(includes ongoing data reviews of inclusive practices.Professional develop options extend to online, independentoptions; data reviews; courageous conversations aboutachievement disparities; generous time for teachers andadministrators to collaborate, research, develop, and assesseffectiveness.

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Academics




Action Plan 1.3

Offer targeted support for

post-secondary education

to all students with

specific attention to

students from

traditionally

underrepresented groups.

Recommended Steps

1.

Develop a program to provide targeted support and structuredguidance in the following areas: academic planning, financial aid

planning, motivation workshops and speakers, test preparation,college visits including virtual tours, and parent involvement.

2.

Hire two additional career and college counselor/advisors(position currently in place at Liberty High School (or this becomea part of the current career coach responsibilities)

a.

Develop job description

b.

Include cost in FCPS budget

3.

Identify underrepresented high school students for inclusion in the program

a.

Develop screening survey for all entering HS students.

b.

Academic planning: Guidance counselors establish smallgroup planning for targeted population.

c.

Career planning: on-site job exploration field trips.

d.

Financial aid planning: enlist cooperation of local banks to provide parent workshops.

e.

Motivation workshops: led by college students from thetargeted population.

f.

Test prep: Explore scholarships for test prep – evaluate howthat program is working.

g.

College visits: Use retired teachers/guidance counselors totake students to local community and four year colleges.

h.

Parent involvement: Provide specific initiatives to families oftargeted populations to attend “intro to college workshops” -include meal and child care and translators.

4.

Develop a mentorship program to pair graduates of Fauquierschools who are now in college with targeted students.

a.

Identify FCPS grads who would want to participate via exitsurvey.

5.

Collaborate with Lord Fairfax Community College to identifycollege-readiness and remediation needs among the targetedstudents

a.

Obtain data from local community colleges about percent ofremedial students from recent FCPS graduates.

b.

Isolate college readiness skills needed for success.

6.

Assign program responsibilities to career and collegecounselor/advisor /coach at each high school.

7.

Explore partnerships/grants with local community colleges tosupport college-readiness skills for targeted unrepresented populations.

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Academics




Action Plan 1.4

Provide teachers and staff

members with current

21st-century classrooms,

libraries, and other

learning spaces equipped

with technology and

training.

Recommended Steps

1.

Develop and implement a comprehensive PreK-12 instructionaltechnology plan.

2.

Develop standards for equipping all instructional spaces(classrooms, libraries, collaborative spaces).

3.

Review school library media programs to insure that we areoptimizing preparation of our students in information literacy.

4.

Develop a refresh plan to replace/update instructional 21st centurytools (hardware, applications, digital resources/subscriptions, AVequipment, other).

5.

Develop and implement a comprehensive survey to assess currenttechnology uses and determine direction for future technologyneeds.

6.

Provide appropriate training to optimize the use of 21st centurytools and spaces.

7.

Plan opportunities for Librarians and ITRTs to collaborate.

8.

Yearly evaluation of plan.

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Academics




Action Plan 1.5

Examine advanced studies

programs K-12 to

determine if they are

meeting the needs of gifted

and advanced learners.

Recommended Steps

1.

Update the advanced programs page of FCPS website to reflectcurrent programming

2.

Establish a committee to examine current advanced programs ateach level. (ES,MS,HS)

a.

Gateways in Elementary

b.

MS Courses

c.

MVGS in HS: AP, DE, Honors

3.

Appoint a committee to investigate advanced academic programs being used in other Region IV school systems.

a.

IB, Cambridge, mentorship, etc.

b.

Drawbacks

c.

Benefits

d.

Cost

e.

Participation

f.

Requirements

4.

Investigate increasing number of DE and AP classes offered.

a.

Who is currently qualified to teach these?

b.

In what areas is there a need?

c.

What are some creative options we might try (e.g.,“teacher of record” implementation with a college)

d.

What cost would be associated with addition of more?

i.

No real tangible cost in exploration stage except for possible mileage to visit other school systems and sub

pay if teachers are included.

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Academics




Action Plan 1.6

Review and refine K-12

World Language and

International Programs.

Recommended Steps

1.

Assess and strengthen middle school foreign language programsand offerings through a program audit

2.

Examine opportunities to expand global awareness andinterdisciplinary connections in all content areas K-12

3.

Use results of middle school review to frame vertical discussionabout elementary and high school program offerings

4.

Develop division-wide FL curriculum and course expectations –common assessments based on the Standards – focus on authenticinstruction and assessment

5.

Continue and enhance international exchange and sister schoolrelationships

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Academics




Action Plan 1.7

Develop a program for

high school seniors to

research, write, and present

an end-of-year capstone

project to include a

volunteer, internship or

career shadowing learning

experience.

Recommended Steps

1.

Define and research what are high schools are already doing thatwould meet these needs?

a.

Skills

b.

Focus

c.

Contact

d.

Goal

2.

Develop timeline (Will implementation be incremental or all atonce?)

3.

Based on timeline, develop a local program guideline to meetFCPS needs/goals which may include the development of acoordinated curriculum unit for both English 12 and U.S.Government to include a research, writing, and presentation

component in conjunction with a volunteer, internship, or careershadowing experience.

4.

Secure volunteers/mentors: a cadre of contacts locally, and in the Northern Virginia area, for volunteer, internship, and careershadowing opportunities for seniors in the capstone project.

5.

Develop a core group of retired teachers to read and help evaluatecapstone projects.

6.

Develop an accountability plan to ensure that students completethe project.

7.

Develop an assessment tool as a follow-up for graduating seniors

to determine strengths and weakness of the senior capstone projectand how the project helped them in college or in their careers.

8.

Pilot/Implement program pilot

a.

Redesign and add to pilot for further implementation

9.

Begin research to determine capstone options for 5th grade and 8th grade

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Academics




Action Plan 1.8

Expand and review

high school electives to

include expansion and a

review that addresses

content integration,

student interest, college

and career readiness,

global relevancy, and

performance-based

opportunities outside the

school walls.

Recommended Steps

1.

Complete the planning and implementation of high-interest coreelective options already underway:

a.

Environmental Studies Academy

b.

iSTEM program (i = integration)

c.

Geospatial Technology Seminar

d.

Government Internships

2.

Complete the planning and implementation of high-interest CTEelective options already underway:

a.

Design, Multimedia and Web Technologies

b.

Computer Network Software Operations (includes units incyber-security)

3.

Examine current program offerings, with specific focus on non-required courses, to determine their relevance and applicable preparation to integrate skills that match needs of the worldmarketplace.

a.

Include in the examination: core electives, CTEcourses/programs, interdisciplinary electives, after/beforeschool program, summer programs, or online opportunities.

b.

Insure the integration across content area of highly sought-after workplace skills in writing, speaking, reading, andtechnology and mathematical literacy.

c.

Use enrollment data, surveys, interviews, data from laborstatistics, etc.

4.

Prepare a plan and timeline for expansion, deletion, or revisions.

5.

Begin an examination of middle and elementary in-school andafter-school “encore” programs and extra/co-curricular options forK-8 students.

6.

Implement a K-8 plan.

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Academics




Action Plan 1.9

Enable all Fauquier

County Public Schools

students to attend one

visual/performing arts

program at each level

(elementary, middle, and

high) and, eventually,

each year.

Recommended Steps

1.

As an initial step, examine, develop, and offer options for providing more visual/performing arts opportunities after-school

and in the summer.

2.

Develop a sequence of visual/performing arts programs thatstudents will attend first at each level of school (e.g., 3rd , 7th, 10th)and then in each grade from K through 12, i.e. a play inkindergarten, a concert in grade 3, a ballet in grade 6, amuseum/art exhibit in grade 10, opera in grade 12.

3.

Develop a curriculum to correspond with the visual/performingarts program sequence to prepare students for the experience.

4.

Collaborate with local and regional arts organizations to identifyvisual/performing arts program opportunities.

5.

Solicit funding from community groups, foundations, and grant programs to support the cost of implementing the program.

6.

Determine transportation plan and cost.

7.

Resolve logistical problems in providing bus transportation forschool field trips by purchasing a tour bus to add to the school busfleet.

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Academics




Action Plan 1.10

Develop a protocol to

evaluate program

effectiveness and monitor

key academic indicators

based on empirical data,

using established statistical

analysis protocols.

Recommended Steps

1.

(Aspirational) Employ a statistician/researcher who will serve as primary accountability lead and who will develop and present

timely analyses of student data, teacher data, and program/intervention effectiveness.

2.

(Immediate [1-2 years]) Obtain assistance on a contractual basisfrom a program evaluation vendor or a statistical methodologist todevelop analyses of student data, teacher data, and/or program/intervention effectiveness.

3.

Other steps (related to #1 or #2) will include:

a.

A selection of programs to evaluate, including newinitiatives from the Strategic Planning process

b.

Development of a standard protocol and schedule forreview of annual data/programs.

c.

Training of staff on how to conduct basic educationalresearch, including correlational analysis and quasi-experimental studies.

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Student Support

We will engage our schools and larger community to teach prosocial skills and provide tiered supports promoting development of responsible practices, social-emotional wellness, and positive character traits foreach student.



Action Plan 2.1

Enact stagedimplementation of

Restorative Justice (RJ)

by providing training and

coaching in Restorative

Practices supports

(Tier One and Two) and

Formal Restorative Circles

(Tier Three) for pilot

schools at each level

(year one); remaining

secondary schools(years two and three),

and remaining elementary

schools (years two, three,

and four).

Recommended Steps

1.

Determine and recruit school-based coordinators for RestorativeJustice (RJ) for pilot schools at each level (year one).

2.

Provide professional development in implementation ofRestorative Justice Practices (Tier One and Tier Two) for pilotschools at each level (year one). This training may be provided byFCPS personnel who have received specialized training in RJ

3.

Provide professional development in implementation of Formal RJRestorative Circles (Tier Three) for pilot schools at each level(year one). This training will be provided in a Train-the trainermodel by persons with professional experience in RestorativeJustice. These professional RJ trainers will also provide coaching

support for schools as they implement during their first year. (Costestimate: $2500-$3500)

4.

Selected FCPS staff participants, who receive formal RJ training atthe pilot schools in year one, will become trainers for school teamsin subsequent years.

5.

The use of RJ interventions will be encouraged as a useful strategyin addressing commonly occurring violations of the Code ofConduct.

6.

The steps above will be repeated for remaining schools, exceptthat training will be provided by FCPS Staff who have beentrained as RJ Instructors.

7.

By 2020, all FCPS schools will implement Restorative Practices(Tier One and Tier Two) and Formal Restorative Circles (TierThree) as part of the options available for discipline procedures.

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Student Support




Action Plan 2.2

Create a division-wideprogram to promote

critical thinking about

and dissemination of the

influence of media to fellow

students, staff and parents,

resulting in an increased

awareness of the role of

media on character

development.

Recommended Steps

1.

Complete development of lessons for ninth graders coveringsimilar topics as found in the middle school course, “My DigitalLife” to include the following:

a.

Understanding the long and short term impact of digitaldecisions

b.

Understanding and applying key technology concepts

c.

Exploring positive communication and collaboration

d.

Using technology responsibly , productively andappropriately

e.

Maintaining a current understanding of the trends intechnology

f.

Understanding the legal implications of social media

2.

Make lessons available to rising ninth grade students inBlackboard for completion upon the beginning of their ninth gradeschool year.

3.

Develop a presentation for parents providing current informationabout trends in the use of social media and tips on how to monitorthe social media use by their children.

4.

Consider collaborating with law enforcement and theCommonwealth Attorney’s Office in developing information onthe legal aspects of social media.

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Student Support




Action Plan 2.3

Implement a system ofevidence-based instruction

and tiered supports to build

interpersonal and self-

management skills in order

to promote social-emotional

wellness, strengthen

character traits, and

address social-emotional

concerns impacting

academic success.

Recommended Steps

1.

Schools participating in Virginia Department of Education’s StateProject for Virginia Tiered System of Supports (VTSS) andPositive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) will usedata collection and analysis tools to identify social-emotionalconcerns and needs for tiered support. These schools will receive professional development for efficient data-driven problem-solving and for utilizing evidence-based tiered interventions toaddress social-emotional concerns.

2.

Schools participating in professional development providedthrough VTSS and PBIS will develop and implement evidence- based supports for addressing social-emotional concerns that willserve as models as we scale-up for implementation of tieredsupports in other Fauquier County Public Schools.

3.

By 2017, all FCPS schools, as a minimum for tiered support forsocial-emotional concerns, will implement evidence-basedstructured coaching with progress monitoring as a tiered supportutilizing an evidence-based model (e.g.: Check-in/Check-Out orCheck-and-Connect).

4.

By 2020, all FCPS schools will implement evidence-based tieredsupports for social skills and self-management.

Social-emotional skills include demonstrating respect, responsibility,

pro-social problem-solving, self-management and self-directedlearning skills. Social-emotional concerns include critical issuesmentioned in character education such as student absenteeism, anxiety,self-harm, negative peer interactions, discipline problems, drug abuse,underdeveloped problem-solving, ineffective conflict resolution, and poor academic performance.

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Student Support




Action Plan 2.4

FCPS School Counselorswill implement evidence-

based supports which align

with the American School

Counselor Association

(ASCA) model, specifically

addressing the four

quadrants of foundation,

delivery, management, and

accountability.

Recommended Steps

1.

School Counselors will read and discuss the ASCA handbook.

2.

School Counselors will assess the current counseling services provided at their schools and analyze ways to improve alignmentwith ASCA model.

3.

School Counselors will create action plans for implementingevidence-based practices that support the ASCA model.

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Environments

We will provide safe and productive environments that support the physical, emotional, academic, and social

needs of the school and community and that create a culture of environmental responsibility.



Action Plan 3.1

Provide balanced food

choices, reasonable accessto competitive foods, and

a consistent message that

optimizes healthy lifestyles.

Recommended Steps

1. Conduct a survey of school administration to assess all

opportunities in which students have access to food throughout theschool day; include parties, food or candy given as reward as wellas the sale of foods for profit, i.e., vending.

2. Monitor competitive food sales for nutrition standards and SmartSnack Rule compliance; non-program foods are planned toencourage healthy choices.

3. Recommend updates to the Student Wellness Policy; cafeterias arestudent-centered learning environments which encourage wellness,model healthy eating habits, and promote a positive social setting.

4. Conduct staff training for all school personnel; develop a training program for ServSafe certification completion for fulltime staff.

5. Identify a nutrition wellness champion at each school. Appoint awellness coordinator (among the nutrition champions) who will

periodically meet with all nutrition champions and will provide anannual progress report.

6. Plan menus to meet USDA guidelines with consideration forstudent preferences; school meals are a model for healthy eating.

7.

Explore expansion opportunities of the breakfast program.

8.

Provide opportunities for community involvement in the schoolnutrition program; engage in wellness activities in the school and

community.

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Environments





Action Plan 3.2

Use local foods in the

school environment tosupport local economy and

provide fresh foods for

improved student wellness.

Recommended Steps

1. Identify individual school gardens; work cooperatively with each

school to promote foods grown in the cafeteria.

2. Identify sources for local foods and include them in the menu;define quality standards, procurement process, and delivery

requirements.

3. Plan promotions centered around Farm to School Week andVirginia Agriculture Month in each school

4. Train staff in Farm to School program, buying local, and foodsafety requirements.

5. Provide training to staff in the preparation of fresh produce (in lieuof canned and frozen)

6.

Partner with the community in promoting fresh fruit and vegetableconsumption through displays, farmer visits, taste testing.

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Environments





Action Plan 3.3

Assess the condition of

school facilities to includemajor systems and

buildings; develop and

maintain a comprehensive

replacement and

renovation plan to use

in capital planning.

Recommended Steps

1. Identify and inventory major systems and buildings to be included

in the facilities assessment process.

2. Develop an assessment tool(s) for all facilities and major systems,which may include a rating system to use in setting priorities for

maintenance, repair, renovation, and/or replacement.

3. Identify assessments that can be done by in-house staff and whichrequire professional assessment and the frequency of the

assessment.

4. Assess facilities, identifying maintenance, project costs and

budget implications.

5. Identify the method of maintaining data for the useful life cycle of

each system/building.

6.

Review progress and update project plan at least annually.

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Environments





Action Plan 3.4

Upgrade facilities for

energy and water efficiencyand environmental

sustainability.

Recommended Steps

1. Develop potential economically and technically feasible projects

to improve energy and water efficiency and environmental impact.

2. Produce specific project descriptions and cost estimates.

3. Include energy and environmental improvement projects in theFCPS Capital Improvement Plans.

4.

Implement and maintain approved and funded projects.

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Environments





Action Plan 3.5

Reduce landfill waste

through source reduction,reuse, and technology.

Recommended Steps

1. Develop and seek school board approval of a policy requiring the

school division to implement a number of waste reduction plansthat would result in the desired percentage of waste reduction.

2. The superintendent will write a regulation requiring each school

principal or designee to conduct a waste audit, thereby producingwaste reduction programs tailored specifically to their school thatwould meet the desired percentage of waste reduction.

3. The principal or designee will implement and monitor the specificwaste reduction programs in their school for the desired wastereduction results.

4. Fauquier County Environmental Services will report school wasteand recycling monthly weight data to the school facilities division

for analysis and progress. Each principal will be given a monthlyreport.

5. Establish waste reduction goals annually for each school.

6. Incentives to recognize progress and to encourage participationwill be generated and presented by the superintendent on anannual basis.

7.

Schools will include incentives for participation.

8.

Train custodians and school recycling designees

9.

Kitchen staff to promote recycling by encouraging students to

recycle (e.g., milk carton project) and promoting Earth Day10. Establish paper reduction initiatives

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Staffing

We will attract, hire, develop, and retain high-quality staff.



Action Plan 4.1

Compensate employees

equitably for work

performed based on a

competitive wage.

Recommended Steps

1.

Set baseline (according to MIT: 1 adult is $13.22; 1 adult/1 childis $24.38 for Fauquier)

2.

Meet with senior staff to determine goals and objectives

3.

Compare actual salaries to baseline; adjust individual wages andscales; project cost for changes

4.

Meet with senior staff to present findings and suggestions; come toconsensus on final recommendations

5.

Finalize and present to School Board

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Staffing




Action Plan 4.2

Create opportunities for

advancement of classified

personnel using career

ladders.

Recommended Steps

1.

Meet with senior staff to identify classifications that would benefitfrom a career ladder and set objectives/overall principles for career

ladders

2.

HR staff develops career ladders; estimates cost ofimplementation; drafts policies for implementation

3.

Meet with senior staff to review ladders and policies; makeadjustments as necessary

4.


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Staffing




Action Plan 4.3

Compensate employees

equitably for supplemental

duties.

Recommended Steps

1.

Conduct market study of surrounding localities

2.

Adjust existing supplements based on market findings3.

Establish new supplements based on market study and needsidentified by senior staff

4.

Present findings to senior staff

5.


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Staffing




Action Plan 4.4

Redesign certified tuition

reimbursement to

encourage continued

education and service

longevity.

Recommended Steps

1.

Research monies available to reinstate tuition reimbursement.Would it be a tiered reimbursement with the expectation to

increase the amount set aside each year for a specific period oftime.

2.

Determine if it should be a “first come first serve” basis or if the program should be reintroduced to initially target high needs areas,such as math, science, or special education.

3.

Determine if it would be beneficial to establish a cohort here.

4.

Develop guidelines for reimbursement for certified staff:

a.

To apply for tuition reimbursement, the certified staffmember would need to meet the following criteria:

i. Tenured staff member

ii.

Consistent overall evaluation rating of 3.0 or higher

iii. Written support of direct administrator

iv. Be enrolled in a certified program that will lead toadditional certification(s)

v. Sign an agreement that if tuition reimbursement isreceived, the staff member must remain with FauquierCounty Public Schools for at least three years afterreimbursement or reimbursement would need to bereturned to FCPS (pro-rated).

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Staffing




Action Plan 4.5

Create classified tuition

reimbursement program

to encourage continued

education and service

longevity.

Recommended Steps

1.

Research monies available to reinstate tuition reimbursement.

2.

Determine if it should be a “first come first serve” basis or if the program should be reintroduced to initially target high needs areas,such as math, science, or special education.

3.

Determine if the timing of implementation should parallel theimplementation for certified staff.

4.

Determine if it would be beneficial to establish a cohort here.

5.

Develop guidelines for reimbursement for certified staff:

a.

To apply for tuition reimbursement, the certified staffmember would need to meet the following criteria:

i.

Have at least three successful years with theschool division

ii.

Written support of direct administrator

iii.

Be enrolled in a degree program that will lead to aBachelor’s Degree

iv.

Sign an agreement that if tuition reimbursement isreceived, the staff member must remain withFauquier County Public Schools for at least threeyears after reimbursement or reimbursementwould need to be returned to FCPS (pro-rated).

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Staffing




Action Plan 4.6

Grow teachers locally.

Recommended Steps

1.

Work with high schools to form club activity.

2.

Stay in contact with individuals from high school program who areinterested in teaching.

3.

Research ways to offer localized scholarships that wouldencourage Fauquier Graduates to return.

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Staffing




Action Plan 4.7

Revitalize the mentoring

program.

Recommended Steps

1.

Using funds from the Apple Federal Credit Union EducationFoundation grant funds to help support this program, a

differentiated level of mentoring support will be introduced basedon level of previous experience.

2.

All new teachers will receive mentoring support; however, theintensity of support will differ for zero year teachers.

3.

We will also implement a modified mentoring program for newinstructional assistants.

4.

Based on survey data from 2014-2015, there will be additionaltraining in place for mentors as well as a systemic manner inwhich mentors are selected.

5.

New teachers will also participate in more extensive division level

training on those items identified in the 2014-2015 survey as areaswhere more support is needed. Those areas include goal setting,understanding the evaluation process, developing lesson plans forunits and planning instruction for children with IEPS’s, handlingchallenging discipline situations and understanding how to handlevarious crisis situations.

6.

Surveys will be conducted in the fall and spring for both mentors

and mentees.

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Staffing




Action Plan 4.8

Hire, develop and retain

high-quality staff.

Recommended Steps

1.

Plan social events for new teachers and instructional assistants.Examples of those events might include a cook-out/trail ride,

dinner and twinkling lights at Airlie, and a family picnic atGoldvein Gold Mine Park.

2.

Develop communications with area businesses and other countydepartments and schools, such as a weekly/monthly “Here’sWhat’s Happenin’,” for employees to feel more connected to thecommunity.

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Action Plan 4.9

Create a rewards

program to encourage

employees to submit

suggestions that will

save FCPS money or

materials.

Recommended Steps

1.

Create a form (hard copy and online) for suggestion submission.

2.

Define a protocol for evaluation and approval of suggestions.3.

Define reward system for ideas used which are effective.

4.

Create a policy and procedure for program.

5.

Evaluate program for effectiveness.

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Action Plan 4.10

Redesign evaluation

systems for classified

employees.

Recommended Steps

1.

Form a steering committee.

2.

Conduct a review of current literature and research for evaluationmethods and instruments, including a search for national norms.

3.

Create/attain a Human Resources system that electronically houses performance evaluation records.

4.

Develop an auditing process of evaluation data to ensureconsistency across schools/environments.

5.

Review current teacher evaluation rubric and design an objectiveevaluation form to document performance.

6.

Create a classified evaluation rubric (specific to position andclassification) and coordinating objective evaluation form todocument performance.

7.

Develop a personal/professional growth timeline template for allemployees to use in planning future growth opportunities.

8.

Create an incentive program to reward performance with pay.

9.

Provide training for managers and employees.

10.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the evaluation process and tools.

11.

Revise process and tools as needed.

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Action Plan 4.11

Succession planning

and leadership.

Recommended Steps

1.

Identify key leadership roles that may be vacant in the next 3-5years.

2.

Offer leadership training programs and opportunities to grow staffto fulfill these future vacancies.

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Action Plan 4.12

Munis system

implementation.

Recommended Steps

1.

Move to electronic timekeeping to replace blue timesheets fornon-exempt employees.

a.

Set-up system with appropriate workflows and business rules

b.

Train employees on time and leave entry

c.

Train time and leave approvers on how to review and approvetime

d.

Define the process of how employees enter time and how it is processed through payroll

2.

Move to electronic leave submission for all employees –integrating Munis ePortal leave requests and maximizing AESOP

a.

Train non-AESOP users on entering leave in Fauquier ePortal

b.

Maximize AESOP by establishing workflow and business

rules for leave entry and approval

3.

Use Munis as the system of record for all other systems the schooldivision uses

a.

Pull employee data from Munis for Notification systems

b.

Pull employee data from Munis for Certification systems

4.

Improve Applicant Tracking in Munis for the end-user

a.

Develop ways that it is functional and user friendly for hiringmanagers to have access to their applications.

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Communication




Action Plan 5.1

Establish an on-line

parent portal for

updating student contact

and medical information

(address, phone numbers,

emails, medical alerts)

for district and school

routine and emergency

communication.

Recommended Steps

1. The Information Technology (IT) Department will definerequirements.

2. IT will review current system’s strengths and weaknesses.

3. IT will identify alternatives.

4. IT will evaluate (pilot test).

5. IT will recommend the appropriate application for purchase.

6. Upon approval, IT will oversee implementation at all schools.

7. The school division will publicize the availability and use of the

parent portal.

8. Identify and finalize requirements from the student information

system.

9. Investigate ways to notify parents in real time of late buses.

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Communication




Action Plan 5.2

Make personal contact

with each student’s family

prior to the first day of

school.

Recommended Steps

1. Prior to the beginning of each new semester, the principal of eachschool will require each teacher with homeroom classes, or first

period when there is no homeroom, to make contact by phone, e-mail, or other written communication with the parent of eachstudent.

2. Teacher will introduce him/herself and ask parent if he/she has anyquestions or concerns about the school year.

3. Consider incorporating principal forums at each school.

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Communication




Action Plan 5.3

Expand the volunteer

program at each school

to include (but not be

limited to) parents,

community members,

retired teachers, senior

citizens, businesses, and

students.

Recommended Steps

1. The Office of Communication will survey other industries andorganizations that already use volunteers successfully and

formulate plans using best practices.

2.

The Office of Communication will work with schools andcommunity organizations to develop projects wherein students

reach out to the community and other schools.

3. The Office of Communication will establish a relationship withlocal and state civic and professional organizations.

4. Schools will identify and establish relationships with local businesses to build partnerships.

5. Schools will invite volunteers as guest speakers in the classroomon curriculum-related topics.

6.

The Human Resource Department will process all volunteersaccording to Fauquier County policies.

7.

Provide information to parents indicating when and where

volunteers are needed.

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Action Plan 5.4

Establish a Parent

Resource Area at each

school.

Recommended Steps

1. Principal determines availability of space and designates a spacefor the distribution of approved materials.

2. Acquire books, brochures, and other resources focused on studentand parenting success.

3. Coordinate with the school’s volunteer program to staff, maintain,and organize the Parent Resource Area (PRA).

4. Assess different models, such as on-line and other virtual models.

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Action Plan 5.5

Establish an approach for

stakeholder involvement

at each school. The intent

is to promote community

advocacy and support,

not fundraising, through

collaborative efforts.

Recommended Steps

1. Each principal is encouraged to form a team (possible membersinclude parents, students, teachers, business representatives and

community leaders) to serve the interest of every child and strivefor meaningful involvement of others.

2. Teams meet on a periodic basis to support a community

involvement plan which best serves the individual school.

3. In turn, community members may offer students mentoring orcareer shadowing experiences.

4. Look for programs that promote parent involvement with schoolsand students.

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Communication




Action Plan 5.6

Implement a virtual

learning community for

students, teachers, and

administrators.

Recommended Steps

1. The IT Department will be guided in this task by an instructional-staff working group of designated cross-discipline and multi-

grade-level participants.

2.

The virtual learning community should maximize ease of internalcommunication among FCPS educators across physical

separations (e.g., different schools) and instructional divides (e.g.,grade levels) so as to recognize and foster cohesion among naturalcohorts of interest and responsibility.

3. Provide opportunity for interaction and mutual benefits from theexpertise that exists from school to school and division to division.

4.

Explore on-line, sharable lesson planning in a learningenvironment that is paperless.

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Communication




Action Plan 5.7

Consider requiring

internships, service hours,

and/or mentoring

opportunities as

requirements for

graduation.

Recommended Steps

1. Identify community partnerships will to host interns and providecommunity service opportunities to students.

2. Develop mentoring programs for students designed for the uniqueneeds of each high school.

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Resources

We will be accountable, system wide, to manage our resources effectively and to allocate them wisely to

achieve our mission



Action Plan 6.1

Establish a full-time

scholarship, financial aid,and career placement

position to assist high

school students.

Recommended Steps

1. Develop a position description and job duties for position.

2. Determine if one position or one for each high school.

3. Identify funding sources.

4. Obtain school board approval, if needed.

5. Advertise and fill the position.

6. Report accomplishments through internal and external sources.

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Resources


achieve our mission



Action Plan 6.2

Streamline the FCPS

procurement process.

Recommended Steps

1. Conduct an audit of current FCPS procurement practices to

identify inefficiencies.

2. Create review team to include County and school division staff todiscuss findings and identify strategies to improve inefficiencies.

3. Implement strategies based on feasibility

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Resources


achieve our mission



Action Plan 6.3

Create a grant coordinator

position to identify andapply for federal, state, and

private grants for program

and material support.

Recommended Steps

1. Develop a position description and job duties for a grant

coordinator position to include, but not be limited to, researchingand applying for federal, state, and private grants and coordinating

business partnerships within the school division.

2. Identify funding sources for the position.

3. Obtain school board approval for the position.

4. Advertise and fill the position.

5. Provide feedback via internal reports, Board reports, and mediareleases concerning effectiveness.

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Resources


achieve our mission


Action Plan 6.4

Facilities use expansion

for after-hours.

Recommended Steps

1. Establish a focus group of stakeholders (e.g. school administrator,

community, county)

2. Develop use case scenarios for how different facilities within aschool might be used (e.g. library for access to Internet)

3. For each scenario develop value proposition. Upon completion,evaluate scenarios for recommend adoption.

4. Review School Board Policies against scenarios for possible

conflicts. Recommend changes to policies if desired.

5. Present to School Board for approval.

6. Communicate new offerings.

Documents

Aspirations 2.0 - Recommended Draft