In this Edition
- Message from Dr. Nick Ceglarek
- New Employee Introductions
- Human Resources Updates
- Snow Day Guidelines
- MiMTSS Webinar Series to Support Educators During a Pandemic
- 2020-21 Regional Directory of Schools
- Staff & Community Recognition
- Birthdays, Board Meetings and More!
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Dear TBAISD family,
For many, the Thanksgiving holiday provides a time to gather with family and friends. My absolute favorite tradition started by one of the most amazing and inspirational men in my life, my father-in-law, is this: Before we break bread, we go around the table and share what we are thankful for. Not particularly unique, as many families do the same, but truthfully, every year I am brought to tears when my father-in-law closes by sharing how thankful he is to have another year with his wife of 53 years of marriage. He turns 82 this year.
This year will look different for us and for many. It is likely you have heard the Center for Disease Control is recommending guidance around Thanksgiving gatherings: limit travel, reduce the size of indoor gatherings, wear a mask, and protect the vulnerable. We find our nation, state, and region facing the spread of COVID-19, and while none of us may like the situation, there are concrete ways that we can celebrate the holiday season that will protect us all. Thank you for considering a change in tradition and continuing to practice the mitigation strategies necessary to keep us all safe.
I am so proud of the work that you have done to serve our community of learners. Please know our board of education amended our TBAISD COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan in a special meeting on November 17 and approved our transition to remote instruction beginning November 18 as communicated in a staff email linked below. We are in constant communication with medical professionals and health department officials and will continue to balance our decisions with their guidance. As we pivot to remote learning and follow the MDHHS epidemic order over the next three weeks we will continue to provide timely updates to our staff and school families.
Words can not describe how much I will miss the physical presence of my extended family, our beloved traditions, and the moving reminders of how many blessings there are to be thankful for (this may be a new Zoom experience). I can share, this year, more than usual, I am thankful for our amazing TBAISD team members. In the middle of a pandemic, YOU are making a profound difference in our region. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Respectfully,
Dr. Nick Ceglarek
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Staff Communication - Sent via email November 16, 2020
Dear TBAISD staff,
Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and perseverance during these challenging times. I am amazed at the resilience of our staff to serve students and families during a very uncertain time.
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise and hospitalizations continue to increase, it is important that we take decisive action to control the spread within our community. The increase in positive cases in the state and region has caused state officials to put several additional restrictions on our community and schools with the announcement of a new Emergency Order MCL333.2253 issued on Sunday. This epidemic order calls for a three-week Pause to Save Lives beginning on Wednesday, November 18 through Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Read full letter.....
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Rachele Burfield
Teacher Assistant, LSC
Previous work: Stepping Stones, Highpoint Community Bank
Education: Mesick High School
Interests: Playing volleyball and hiking
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Allison Hayes
Secretary, Early Childhood
Previous work: Black Star Farms Innkeeper
Education: Masters in Social Work, Salem State University
Interests: Exploring big cities and curling up with a good book
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Stacey Partak
Teacher Assistant, Oak Park
Previous work: TCAPS Glenn Loomis Montessori
Interests: Cooking and baking, golf, and family game night
Fun Fact: Embraces the value of laughter and good humor
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Devin Montague
Teacher Assistant
Previous work: Manager, Little Caesars
Education: Glen Lake High School, attending Grand Canyon University
Interests: Electronics, tabletop games, cat lover
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Jen Rainey
GSRP Teacher, Blair Elem
Previous work: Early Childhood Coordinator, Washington
Education: M.A., Northern Arizona University
Hobbies: Dance teacher for over 10 years
Interests: House plant enthusiast and taco fanatic
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Michaela Ross
Teacher Assistant, GSRP
Previous work: Victoria's Secret
Education: TC West, NMC Graduate
Interests: Bowling
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Spencer Triplett
Technology Support Specialist
Previous work: TBAISD intern
Education: Northport Public School, NMC
Interests: Equestrian handling, IT servers and networks
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Barrett Daniel Menig
Born October 18, 2020
7 lbs., 19" long to
Kayli Menig, School Social Worker
Travis Menig, Behavior Support Specialist
Isla Rae Walmer
Born October 30, 2020
7 lbs. 15 oz., 20" long to
Rachel Walmer, CTC Teacher Consultant
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CTC News
Catch up on the latest news* from CTC:
- Front Street Writers Promotes Masking Up
- Construction Trades Teams Up with MSP
- Electrical Occupations Enrollment Expands
- CTC Dates to Remember
- And More!
*Please note this CTC newsletter was published prior to the 11/15/2020 Emergency Order.
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Now Available!
Regional Directory of Schools
The 2020-21 TBAISD Directory of Schools is now available online! Find it linked HERE or on the TBAISD website under the Schools & Programs tab.
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Congratulations to Ben Hanes, a long-time volunteer leader for the Boy Scouts of America, for his outstanding service and dedication to youth. Ben was selected out of 23,000 volunteer leaders in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan to receive the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a local BSA chapter can bestow. Ben is a remarkable role model in our community and continues to make a positive change in the lives of youth in the Traverse Bay Area.
Pictured: Ben's father, Jim Hanes, presents the Silver Beaver Award to Ben, as Jim wears the same award he received from years past.
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Outstanding Leadership
Gerald Sapak, TBAISD Medicaid Services and Caring for Students (C4S) Coordinator, recently led a first-ever statewide meeting designed specifically for Michigan Department of Education 31n-funded School Mental Health and Support Services and Medicaid Coordinators. The effort was established to create an ongoing opportunity to build a professional learning community for providers across the state. Gerald is highly respected for his knowledge of the school Medicaid system and is commended for his outstanding leadership.
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Open Enrollment Dates
MESSA Open Enrollment -
October 26 - November 20
BCBS Open Enrollment -
November 16 - December 11
Open Enrollment is the time to review and compare your current benefits and make elections for the upcoming year. Changes can be made during this time without a life qualifying event and will be effective January 1, 2021.
If you have any questions regarding your current benefits or regarding open enrollment please contact Megan Scheele at mscheele@tbaisd.org.
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Snow Day Procedure for 2020-21
Winter is on its way and below is guidance on a few adjustments for snow day work expectations for the
2020-21 school year:
- When snow causes TCAPS to declare a school closing, TBAISD Special Education and Career & Technical programs will also be closed.
- When TBAISD is open for face-to-face instruction, snow days will continue to function as they have historically for CTC and Special Education programs.
- When TBAISD is closed due to weather, itinerant staff who service other districts that remain open may travel if it is safe, and may report to that district and adjust calendars accordingly.
- Instructional Services, Human Resources, Clerical, Technology, Business Services, Medicaid Office, and Administrators will be allowed to work from home when TBAISD programs are closed for snow days if they have the materials needed to effectively do their job from home.
All TBAISD buildings will remain open on snow days for those who are required to report by the nature of their work, required by a supervisor, or prefer to report to the building they service.
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Protect Yourself from Influenza
Getting a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu and keep you and your family safe. As a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network member, you can receive a flu shot at your doctor’s office or at a participating pharmacy. Protect yourself and others by getting the flu shot. Learn more from the links below.
Helpful Resources:
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Supporting Educators During a Pandemic
Michigan’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MiMTSS) Technical Assistance (TA) center is sponsoring a series of free webinars to support educators during the current pandemic. The webinars focus on four themes:
- Positive and Effective School Climate
- Social and Emotional Well-Being
- High Leverage Instruction
- Family Engagement
Each hour-long webinar will feature a national guest speaker to expand on topics from a previous summer webinar series. More information regarding webinar services can be found at the MiMTSS TA Center COVID-19 Resources webpage.
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NMCCA CARES Program
is Here to Help
NMCAA is utilizing Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus and minimize the impact it has on communities.
What type of assistance is available?
- Utility Assistance - Gas Cards
- Phone Cards - Baby Formula
- Diapers - Laundromat Vouchers
- Bus Passes - Vehicle Repair
- Car Payment/Insurance
- Mortgage/Property Tax
- Rental Assistance
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Be Sure to Get All the News
Gmail "clips" (truncates) an email if the message is too large. If you read our Staff Newsletter from your Gmail inbox, you might miss some important news!
Best Practice:
Click on the "View in Web Browser" link at the top of this newsletter or "view entire message"
if you see [message clipped] at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Transforming Lives,
One Child at a Time
TBAISD Values...
Students/Learners First - We prioritize the needs
of all learners
Relationships - We recognize the power of collaboration
Equity - We strive to meet the varying needs of all
Teamwork by TBAISD physical therapy staff and CTC Construction Trades students resulted in life-changing progress for one very special student in the region. An assist bar was designed and created to meet the specific needs of a child with limited mobility. The outcome supports strength-building for the student and safety for her caregivers. The student's family shares their gratitude below, which is truly valued during these challenging times.
"..[The bar] has truly changed this little girl's world! She is participating and
able to use her arms and legs with transfers and standing at the toilet.
It is also moved into the living room for transfers in/out of her favorite chair.
It has saved the caregiver's back too. This approach worked beautifully. She is
able to step up and assist to turn into position to sit. I cannot thank you enough
for the TBAISD support. You consistently pull through for us and
all of your efforts are appreciated always."
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TBAISD Board of Education Links
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Birthday Spotlight
See who celebrates an DECEMBER birthday!
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TBAISD Quick Links
General Resources:
COVID-19 Resources:
Communication Links:
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We're Hiring
Please help with outreach and awareness by sharing the current TBAISD job opportunities with others in your social circle. All current job openings are listed on the TBAISD website under Employment. Just Click Here and find "Available Jobs" listed on the right side of the page.
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Classified Ads
Have something to sell?
Send your item description, asking price and contact information to hjewell@tbaisd.org and it will appear in the next staff newsletter. Reaching over 500 readers every month!
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TBAISD| 1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, Michigan | 231.922.6200 | www.tbaisd.org |
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