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“No matter the task, the work is what brings us together, but the sense of community and camaraderie is what keeps us coming back. That’s the FCCPS way.” — Kim Heddings, Director of Assessment and Accountability at FCCPS
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“When I reflect on what sets FCCPS apart from other divisions across the nation, one thing stands out: Its deeply personal and close-knit nature.” — Lindsey Covey, Assistant Principal of Mount Daniel Elementary School
Beyond the schools, FCCPS is interwoven into the community through wonderful events that bring everyone together. we're all heart
“FCCPS Changes the World!” — Mechelle Coppock, Director of Budget and Finance
A great environment is not enough; there needs to be a catalyst. The catalyst in Falls Church City is the conviction that we can make a difference. mind“Excellence, Enthusiasm, Engagement, Connection: ‘Fine’ just isn’t in our vocabulary.” — Steven Pickering
Enter Name mind“During the few months I have been in FCCPS, I have focused on learning the stories of the amazing people who make up this wonderful community. I look to Finding Nemo for guidance.” — Dustin Wright, Chief of Schools
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“The secret sauce truly is the people.” — Timothy Kasik, Principal at Mount Daniel Elementary School
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“Collaboration and shared values turn advocacy into action.” — Kristen Michael, Chief Operating Officer, Falls Church City Public Schools
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“We moved here for the schools!” — Falls Church City Public Schools parent Laura Downs, Former Chair, Falls Church City School Board, Falls Church City Councilwoman (2024-2025)
Just weeks after his commitment to F&M and in the middle of applying for an Army ROTC scholarship, he ruptured his ACL on Senior Night. Coach G jumped into action. we're all heart“A Hierarchy Without Rigid Boundaries” — Jennifer Santiago, Director of Equity and Excellence at Falls Church City Public Schools
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“I am home in The Little City.” — Steven Knight, Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Career and Technical Education, Falls Church City Public Schools
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“We know our kids are in good hands.” — FCCPS parents Brittany and Michael Sakata
When one of our daughters was diagnosed with double-deficit dyslexia in elementary school, her savvy and loving second-grade teacher alerted us to her academic struggles. The consultant said she “would be in good hands.” She still is. we're all heart
“FCCPS is a group of people willing to roll up their sleeves and heed President Kennedy’s famous maxim to always ask what they can do to make their community better.” — Peter Laub, Principal of Meridian High School
FCCPS is a DIY school system. It was created by people willing to work late nights to read and create state code, establish a council and school board, and write policy and zoning regulations. The government was the neighbor, and everything was, and remains, hyper-local. spirit
“At the heart of FCCPS is a commitment to preparing students for the future.” — Dr. William Bates, Chief Academic Officer for the Falls Church City Public Schools
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Ep7 Illuminate Philanthropy Show — Trend 7: AI for Good with Daylight’s founder Dien Yuen
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Ep2: Uprising of Women in Philanthropy Show — Meet 3 more authors of this international social justice playbook who discuss the history of the Women’s Funding Movement
In this episode you'll meet Laura Risimini, Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, and Ana Oliveira mind
“Making a Daily Connection in FCCPS” — John Wesley Brett, Communications Director at the Falls Church City Public Schools
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“Our teachers go beyond teaching calculus or history. They contribute to developing our students into kind people.” — Amy Hall, Director of Human Resources of the Falls Church City Public Schools
Both of my daughters have since graduated from Meridian High School with the knowledge to take them on their continued educational journey and with a genuine attentiveness to the acceptance and well-being of others. spirit
“The title, degree, and experience aren’t the focus of this role. What truly matters is being sincere, understanding others, and offering support in all facets of the day.” — Ann Baleto, PK-12 Literacy Coordinator for Falls Church City Public Schools
Reflecting on the meetings I participate in and the people around the table, I’m in awe of the collaboration and open dialogue. we're all heart
“All hands on deck: There isn’t a single person in our district who is not willing to step in and support our students in ways that go beyond their usual responsibilities” — By Jen Fessenden, PK-12 Mathematics Coordinator, Falls Church City Public Schools
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An interview with Seth Klukoff, Principal of Eoan Strategies, a new consultancy that focuses on thought leadership strategy and communications capacity building
Enter Name mind“Due to our staff’s kindness and genuine caring culture, they embrace each day with lots of enthusiasm and share their joy of teaching with students.” — Marty Gadell, Executive Administrative Assistant and School Board Clerk
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“Our strong commitment to each student’s success from every angle sets our district apart.” — Amie Murphy, Falls Church City School Board
Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) is an excellent, award-winning school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, objective student achievement data alone doesn’t tell the whole story of who we are as a division and community. soul
“What makes this school division sparkle? It reminds me of a family recipe that has special ingredients, traditions, personal connections and shared memories.” — Julie Macrina, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
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Creating Zen Circles: The daily practice that leads to enlightenment, limitless strength, your inner-self
Fine artist Cynthia de Lorenzi soul
Ep6 Illuminate Philanthropy — Trend 6: Wealth Planning 3.0 with Daylight’s Advisor Practice Specialist Rick Peck
"This trend too often has a fear-based approach, includes outdated proverbs, and is preservation-based." mind“The day my life changed.” An interview panelist asked, “Would you accept the position of second-grade teacher with us next fall?” — Gail Bodner, 2nd grade teacher
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Ep6 Illuminate Philanthropy — Trend 6: Wealth Planning 3.0 with Daylight’s Advisor Practice Specialist Rick Peck
Meet Daylight’s Advisor Practice Specialist Rick Peck who shares insights into Trend 6 — Wealth Planning 3.0. "This trend too often has a fear-based approach, includes outdated proverbs, and is preservation-based." mind
About Cynthia de Lorenzi, artist, activist, peacemaker and founder of Success in the City, an international networking group that she launched in 2006 in Washington, DC
Cynthia is also an International Motivational and TEDx Women Speaker, former tech CEO, and art curator living in Las Cruces, NM spirit
About Hope Katz Gibbs, president and founder of Inkandescent® Inc., a national PR firm and publishing company that this award-winning journalist, author, podcast and video producer founded in 2008
With the goal of helping entrepreneurs supersize their small businesses, Hope and her team of 10 publish online magazines (including InkandescentWomen.com and BeInkandescent Health & Wellness: BeInkandescent.com), produce dozens of podcast shows on InkandescentRadio.com, and film, direct, and produce videos featured on Inkandescent.tv soulEp1: Uprising of Women in Philanthropy Show — Meet 3 authors of this international social justice playbook, an urgent call for women’s collective leadership to guide humanity through the gravest of challenges
On today’s podcast you’ll meet: Dr. Chris Grumm, author and consultant Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, author and Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Fund for Women Dr. Jane Sloane, author and Senior Director at the Asia Foundation mind
Ep5 Illuminate Philanthropy — Trend 5: Growing Mistrust with Daylight’s Director of Strategic Impact Crystal Thompkins
The keys to adapting: Cultural dexterity, transparency and ethics. spirit
“Changing Lives and Changing the World, since 1949” — Marybeth Connelly, Director of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Anthropologist Margaret Mead would appreciate the FCCPS Secret Sauce project. spirit
Ndana Bofu-Tawamba, Chief Executive Officer of Urgent Action Fund Africa
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Ruby Bright, Past President and Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis
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Stephanie Clohesy, Former Board Chairman of the Women’s Funding Network
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Chris Grumm, Past President and Chief Executive Officer, Women’s Funding Network
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Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Fund for Women
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Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, founder and president of the HLH Family Foundation
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Ana Oliveira, President and Chief Executive Officer of The New York Women’s Foundation
Ana Oliveira has increased the Foundation’s grantmaking from $1.7 million to $11 million annually. In its 36 years, The Foundation has distributed $125 million to over 350 organizations advancing economic, gender, and racial justice. soul
Jane Sloane, Senior Director of the Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality at The Asia Foundation
Jane’s previous roles include Vice President of Programs at the Global Fund for Women, Vice President of Development at Women’s World Banking, and Executive Director at the International Women’s Development Agency. mind
Laura Risimini, Director of Grants at the Amplify Her Foundation
Laura Risimini runs a private grantmaking foundation supporting women and girls from underserved communities to become transformative changemakers. mind
Jessica Tomlin, Chief Executive Officer of the Equality Fund
Jess leads an effort to resource feminist movements worldwide, working to change systems, shift power, and dismantle barriers. spirit
Ep4 Illuminate Philanthropy — Trend 4: Questioning Norms with Daylight’s Director of Strategic Impact Crystal Thompkins
How to adapt to Trend4: Questioning Norms — Modifying planning assumptions, involving new voices, and goals that are less donor-centric spirit
November 2024: Rhonda Falgie-DiAntonio, a mom, wife, and accountant for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, says, “Be true to yourself and follow your dreams. You will eventually realize them — or get close!”
Enter Name we're all heart“Unshakable Belief” — Rebecca Sharp, Executive Director of Special Services
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Foreword by Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, Falls Church Public Schools Superintendent 1991-1995
Back in the day, we promoted “The Falls Church Way.” Through joyful and challenging experiences, we learned that “process is everything.” If there was a simple “majority of one,” we listened and sought to dignify the voice. mind
Professor Cindi Gilliland, Ph.D., teaches us about “The Power of Love” — Attend, Mend, Ascend
In her latest TEDx Talk, "The Power of Love," Professor Cindi Gilliland, Ph.D., knows love has the power to transform us, others, and the world. spirit
October 2024: Classmate Ron Mahoney and his wife Peggy are the proud owners of the 4th Street Cafe in Bridgeport, PA
Fun fact: Ron met his wife, Margaret Mahoney (Peggy), on his 18th birthday while walking down the street. "I told her it was my birthday and got a kiss from her." They married in 1985. spirit
Why We Love: A tribute to Dr. Helen Fisher, a scholar and a friend
What is love? Why do we pick the people we choose to love, hire, befriend? Is there really love at first sight? How did love evolve? Dr. Helen Fisher explains we're all heart
Ep3 Daylight’s “Illuminate Philanthropy” show — Trend 3: Evolving Vehicles with Daylight’s Advisor Practice Specialist Rick Peck
Meet Daylight’s Advisor Practice Specialist Rick Peck who shares insights into Evolving Vehicles that includes charitable giving, the private sector, public policy, and peer-based giving mind