💡 President's Message 💡
Hello Innovators,
Can you believe it, February is upon us? With the inclement weather and other unforeseen activities, I am pretty sure January and February have been months to remember. Let me be the one to remind you of a few important dates:
February 15 - Presenter Call for Proposals and Best Practices Due date
March 1 - Nominations and Elections Application Due Date
April 15 - Scholarship and Awards Application Due Date
We are always so consumed with our everyday hustle and bustle of the school year and we forget to think how valuable we are. We must remind ourselves that FCS Educators “Empower Innovation”. Let us share with others as to how valuable WE ARE. There is still time to submit a presenter application, apply for scholarships and awards, and serve in a leadership capacity in the organization. You may think, “I do not have anything to share because everyone does something similar,” or “I do not think I have enough to share.” Someone may think it will be a long shot to be selected for a scholarship or award. However, you never know who is looking. Remind yourself that YOU are the Innovator, which means everyone is always looking to see you Empower yourself and others. You may even think that I am not ready for a leadership position in such a prestigious organization, however, no one is really ready to stretch their underlying skills or capabilities. VATFACS is an organization that supports and highlights the greatness of FCS purpose and mission and is a wonderful place to learn and take on new leadership responsibilities.
VATFACS needs YOU to always remember, FCS “Empowers Innovation”, and YOU are the one who needs to be recognized, honored, and supported as you display “Your Innovation.”
Sincerely,
Catrina Cheek
2024-2025 VATFACS, Inc. President
Sarah Ummen, a well-known VATFACS presenter. She is a middle school FCS teacher in Fairfax County at Poe MS and has conducted hands-on sessions at the VATFACS institutes in Harrisonburg. Sarah will return to the 2025 PDI to present incorporating board games into your instruction. As a member of the hospitality committee, she will also host a two-hour evening event for attendees to Game and Network.
Let’s Welcome Michelle Williams for assuming the role as the Communication Coordinator. Her Innovative skills and talents will be greatly appreciated as she moves through her new position on the VATFACS BOD.
Also, Michelle Williams has been selected as the Virginia New Teacher of the Year by the Virginia ACTE at the annual conference in Richmond earlier this month. She will now compete in Region II next autumn with representatives from 8 states and 3 territories. Michelle is a FCS teacher at Thomas Hunter Middle School in Mathews County where she instructors 6th, 7th & 8th grade Exploratory FCS. Here's how she is a trailblazer..."My class was spotlighted during our Legislative Tour, where representatives from the school board, board of supervisors, State representatives, NAACP, and media were welcomed to tour our facilities. When they arrived in my classroom, I was able to advocate for Family and Consumer Science and other CTE course offerings sharing the importance of relevant life skills even at the middle school level directly with Congressman Rob Wittman and others." Michelle is a member of the VATFACS Hospitality committee and our Communications Coordinator. Congratulations & welcome Michelle.
Congratulations, Chef Cohen!
Chef Jay Cohen, a Johnson & Wales trained instructor, has been chosen as the Teacher of the Year at the Culpeper Technical Education Center in Culpeper County. He teaches Culinary I & II, and provides his students with numerous work-based learning experiences. Chef Jay runs The Blaze kitchen where students assist with fundraising for county groups, provide meals for community organizations and cater a variety of receptions. He was responsible for hosting The Chicken Fabrication Contest at last year's PDI and assisted with many hospitality committee functions. Congrats Chef Cohen on this recognition.
No Fuss Focaccia
Join the Bake for Good program at King Arthur Baking Company and AAFCS for this professional development opportunity!
Registration Link:
https://bfgk.wufoo.com/forms/q1w6cw8k15gy1sr/
When: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM Eastern
Duration: 1.5 hours
In this 90-minute virtual bake-along, BFG Instructors will guide you through a simple yet effective focaccia recipe that uses techniques like vigorous stirring, folding, and time management to build the right gluten structure for a soft, fluffy interior. We’ll discuss gluten development, substituting different flours, and high hydration dough.
Participants will receive the full recipe, a list of tools and ingredients, and suggested timelines to adapt to your class schedule.
What to Expect:
• 90-minute virtual bake-along
• Recipe and ingredient list sent in advance
• Tips for adapting the recipe for the classroom
• A Zoom invite will be sent the Friday before the class
• Cameras on encouraged so we can support you throughout the session
Pilot Testing Available Through February 15
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Credentialing Center are pleased to announce the pilot testing for three (3) professional assessments is now open through February 15, 2025.
Participation in pilot testing is essential in the process of validating the professional assessments used for the Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS) Series. If you have questions about the pilot testing, please contact the Credentialing Center by email at certification@aafcs.org.
