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The Little City: “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
As the father of three awesome kids, I have seen most of the Pixar movies countless times. My favorite is “Finding Nemo,” my son Emmett always loved “The Incredibles,” my other son Hank is a “Toy Story 3″ kind of guy, and my daughter Charlotte was always mesmerized by “Up.” spirit
The Little City: “Collaboration and shared values turn advocacy into action throughout FCCPS.” — Kristen Michael, Chief Operating Officer, Falls Church City Public Schools
Enter Name spiritEp1: 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
The Little City: “This is where I am home.” — Steven Knight, Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Career and Technical Education, Falls Church City Public Schools
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Teachers Make the Difference: “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
Teachers Make the Difference: “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. spiritTeachers Make the Difference: “A Day in the Park: How my Student Howie Created Inspirational Activism” — Angelina Prestipino, Director of Specialized Instruction and Behavioral Support at FCCPS
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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. we're all heart
Teachers Make the Difference: “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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From Doing to Being: A New Way to Lead
True Power Institute founder Rúna Bouius explains how we can: Rethink Leadership in a Complex World body
Teachers Make the Difference: “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. spiritTeachers Make the Difference: “By empowering students with technology, FCCPS has created a more engaging and effective learning environment.” — Dang Nguyen, Chief Technology Officer, FCCPS
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Teachers Make the Difference: “There isn’t a way to mass market our secret sauce; the addition of all the finest ingredients, prepared at the proper temperature using the best methods, takes us from a series of numerical data to a recipe for success.” — Lisa Eaton, English Collaborative Team Leader Yearbook Adviser Meridian High School, FCCPS
Enter Name spiritTeachers Make the Difference: “Embracing innovation is woven into the division’s core values.” — Eric Duchaj, teacher, Individuals & Societies, PE/Health and Economics and Finance at the Hybrid Learning Center
Enter Name mindTeachers Make the Difference: “The secret sauce lies in each student’s growth, curiosity, resilience, and willingness to engage with the world.” — Miriam Schimmoller, Third Grade Teacher, Oak Street Elementary School
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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 soul
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 heartTeachers Make the Difference: “The Secret to the Sauce is Dr. Noonan himself.” — Brian Fowler, Director of Facilities, Falls Church City Public Schools
Enter Name spiritTeachers Make the Difference: “As amazing as they are, it’s not just the kids that make FCCPS different from other schools. It’s the adults.” — Diane Kidder, second grade teacher at Mount Daniel Elementary, FCCPS
Enter Name we're all heartTeachers Make the Difference: “During my seven years as superintendent, I saw many aspects of the secret sauce at work and play, but the most outstanding ingredient for me was the schools and what they did for my husband, Larry.” — Lois F. Berlin, Ed.D., Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent (2004 – 2011)
Enter Name spiritTeachers Make the Difference: “Unshakable Belief” — Rebecca Sharp, Executive Director of Special Services
Enter Name spiritTeachers Make the Difference: “A (very) personal essay” — Laura McNamara, Kindergarten Teacher
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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 spirit
Congratulations to Award-Winner Tim Trainer and his “The China Connection” Novel About Greed and Trade Competition
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Relationships Matter: “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
Relationships Matter: “Recognizing that there is this standard of excellence and holding ourselves and each other to that standard makes FCCPS the special place it is.” — Josh Singer, IB Diploma Program Coordinator at Meridian High School, FCCPS
Enter Name mindRelationships Matter: “I am part of the Kindergarten team—a team that is like a tree. It changes through the seasons but remains strong and steadfast.” — Karen Bevan, Kindergarten teacher, Mount Daniel Family Literacy Program
Enter Name spiritRelationships Matter: “The reasons behind Falls Church City Public Schools consistently ranking as the number one school district in Virginia are clear: the people make this place extraordinary.” — Sarah Gurgo, Meridian High School Visual Art, IB Visual Art, and Photography teacher
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Relationships Matter: “FCCPS is thriving community where excellence isn’t just an expectation. It’s a way of life.” — Dave Serensits, Assistant Principal, Meridian High School
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Ep2 Daylight’s “Illuminate Philanthropy” show — Trend 2: Evolving Definitions with Daylight’s Director of Advisor Practice Tony Macklin
In this episode about the Evolving Definitions in Philanthropy, Tony explains: "These are all the ways we use our resources to benefit others and achieve impact." The keys to adapting include purpose beyond tax deductions and cross-sector, cross-strategy fluency. bodyRelationships Matter: “Is a “Secret Sauce” tangible? Not always. The innate understanding of meeting students and colleagues where they are is not easily written on a checklist of interview questions.” — Carol Felderman, Literary Specialist FCCPS
Enter Name spiritRelationshpis Matter: “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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Relationships Matter: “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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September 2024: Honoring Jodi Turkin Borkowski with a Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Happiness
PW's Class of 1982 honors our friend who passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023 we're all heartRelationships Matter: “I’m a FCCPS ‘lifer’ who is marrying my fellow high school science teacher this summer, and I wouldn’t want to be any other place than FCCPS.” — Will Stewart, high school science teacher at FCCPS
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Relationships Matter: “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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