August 4, 2017
Welcome to the first edition of "Inside District 67." We will be communicating important information bi-weekly to our staff via this newsletter.

For your convenience, we will post current and past issues of this newsletter. Look for the Newsletter link in the Staff Portal (D67 Staff Links).
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Staff,
 
Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year!  I am excited to see you and to begin our work together.  One of the best parts of the year is seeing everyone on the first day and hearing their excitement. The theme for the year is "Finding Joy," and I hope you found some this summer to share with others on your return.
 
Hopefully this letter finds you rested and rejuvenated after some time away from school. Having seen many of you over the course of the summer, I know that you've done a wide range of things both at and away from school. All of it is important, and hopefully you return with new ideas and renewed energy.
 
Teacher Institute Days are scheduled for Monday, August 21, and Tuesday, August 22. Students' first full day of attendance will be Wednesday, August 23. I look forward to seeing you at the Deer Path Cafeteria on Monday, August 21 at 7:45 a.m. when we will celebrate the beginning of another school year.

Finally, our building, technology, maintenance, and custodial crews have been working extremely hard through the summer getting things ready for everyone's return. They have worked diligently and are proud of it. Please tell them when you see them that they've done well. 

Please find important updates from our departments below.
 
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
 
Sincerely,


 
Michael Simeck
Human Resources Report  
Throughout the school year, please do not hesitate to contact the Human Resources Department should you have any questions or need any assistance. A few friendly reminders regarding important dates are below:
  • Please submit Lane Change Request in My Learning Plan (MLP) by August 31 (the link to access My Learning Plan can be found in the Staff Portal.
  • All staff should have received their Global Compliance Network (GCN) login and mandated trainings via email. Please have these trainings completed by
    September 30.
Teaching and Learning News 
We had another incredible summer of learning. We offered 19 Workshops/Academies with close to 250 participants. Additionally, staff worked on 31 Curriculum Projects. We continue to be amazed by all the hard work and dedication. We hope you also found time to relax with family and friends and rejuvenate. 2017-18 is going to be a fantastic year filled with amazing experiences for our students and staff. Enjoy your last couple of weeks before it all begins.

Institute Days - Monday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 22
View the District Institute Day Agenda here. We look forward to bringing everyone together on August 21. Your building principals will be sending information related to school events and activities for August 21 and August 22.
Technology and Learning Spaces Update
Summer is a great time to get some technology projects done! Below is information to help as you plan your 're-entry' into school year 2017-2018:
  • We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jordan Salus as the Chief Technology Officer.
  • We will be in touch with teachers who are due for a laptop refresh shortly.
  • Each school has received new black/white copiers. Once building construction is complete, these copiers will need to be installed and configured by the copier company before staff use. District technicians will need to update each computer before the copiers can be used as printers. Teachers can print to a printer and then make copies with the new copiers until their computers have been updated. Color copiers are not affected.
  • We are getting close to filling our two open positions: Assistive Technology Coordinator and Technician. We are scouting for stellar talent to join our team and we will communicate once they have been hired.
  • The Test Classroom and Haskins Projects are progressing on schedule. It will be exciting to see how these spaces come alive once students and staff return.
Facilities Information 
Welcome back! We hope your summer was enjoyable and restful.

As many of you know, there has been a lot of construction and updates happening over the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year. All of our schools will have new vestibules, which will allow for greater safety for students and staff. The Haskins Center at DPMW received a full makeover. Tours will be available on our first institute day. We will have test classrooms in our buildings as we continue to research new and innovative classroom environments. For ALL STAFF, buildings will be open and accessible on Monday, August 14.

While you were gone, the Building & Grounds Department was busy getting your buildings in shape. As you set up your rooms for the new school year, please adhere to the following guidelines to maintain the "fresh and new" look of our buildings:
 
Please ...
  • Use blue tape only (rolls available in the office) on brick face of walls, windows, or wood framing outside of rooms for hanging items.
  • Hang only light-weight items from the ceiling grid. Contact Carol White for the appropriate clips that may be used.
  • Notify your building custodian as soon as there is a spill. We will clean it up immediately. This will keep our floors/carpets "stain free."
  • Use only 1 trash bin and recycle bin for your rooms. This keeps trash liners being used to a minimum.
  • Keep your univents clear of desks, file cabinets or bookcases. When the airflow for these units is blocked, it causes the units to fail and also makes them difficult to service.
  • Note: Life Safety Code requires 20% outside air must be brought into our spaces continually. Please do not turn off your univents.
  • Note: the Fire/Life Safety code requires items must be stored on cabinets or shelves, 18" below ceilings.
  • Note: microwaves, coffee makers and personal refrigerators are not allowed in classrooms.
  • Note: candles, plug-in air fresheners, and sprays are irritants to allergy sufferers. Please do not bring them in to your classrooms or offices.
  • Feel free to adjust your room thermostat to a comfortable level for you. The computer system allows a four-degree variance, which is generally 69F - 73F.
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation in keeping our schools looking their best.