In this Edition
- Message from Dr. Nick Ceglarek & Townhall Meeting Invitation
- New Employee Introductions
- Human Resources Updates
- Home Office Spotlight
- Holiday Cheer Contest
- Health & Wellness Committee Updates
- Technology Matters - Tips to Manage Your Gmail Inbox
- TBAISD & General Interest News
- Birthdays, Board Meetings and More!
|
|
Dear TBAISD family,
We continue to be amazed by the contributions and dedication of our staff members as we work to educate in these transitional times. Your flexibility and adaptability is truly inspiring. As we prepare to enter a new year filled with questions, we need to continue to support one another.
I'd like to share a personal experience that highlights the importance of relying on colleagues and team members during challenging times. One week ago, after consultation with my physician and years of procrastinating, I underwent extensive shoulder surgery. With uncertainty of what to expect after the surgery, we cleared my calendar for the surgery and one day of recovery, thinking things would quickly go back to normal.
As I gather my words now, I'm using Google text to generate this message. Feeling completely helpless is not a familiar emotion for me. Having to rely on others for general care and well-being allows one to truly appreciate the sacrifice, care and compassion of those around us.
As I reflect on my current circumstances, I can clearly visualize how multiple layers of support from our staff converge to aid student learning through this pandemic. Whether in-person or virtually, you have gone above and beyond to support each other and to ensure students feel safe to advance in their learning. With grace, you tolerate constant change, and while the new vaccine brings hope, we all recognize there is a long way to go before we are out of the woods. I am proud of this work we've accomplished together, and in the weeks and months ahead, we will continue our planning and adjust accordingly as we continue our commitment to serve the region.
As we deviate from traditional celebrations this holiday season, I want to thank you for continuing to practice necessary mitigation strategies to ensure we help slow the spread of COVID-19 within our community. Please remember, it's the little things such as wearing masks, washing our hands, and practicing social distancing that make a difference. As difficult as it may be to refrain from large gatherings with extended family members during the holidays, we know by remaining vigilant and following safety measures, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
From my family to yours, we wish you the very best this holiday season. We are grateful to be a part of the TBAISD family.
Respectfully,
Dr. Nick Ceglarek
|
|
Townhall Meeting Invitation
All TBAISD staff are invited to a TBAISD Townhall Webinar
Date: Thursday, December 17
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Ceglarek will address questions about the TBAISD Preparedness and Response Plan and other topics of interest from TBAISD staff members.
Register in advance for this webinar:
Passcode: 562244
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
|
|
Missy Crain
Teacher Assistant, Oak Park
Previous work: Copper Ridge Surgery Center
Education: Standish-Sterling Community Schools
Interests: Repurposing furniture, traveling, and spending time with grandchildren
|
|
Lauren Davison
K-3 Literacy Coach
Previous work: TCAPS Reading Specialist
Education: Northern Arizona University
Interests: Running, mountain biking, tennis, skiing, and playing hockey
|
|
Elena Mosher
Farm to School Coordinator
Previous work: Meadowlark Farm; service member at FoodCorps Detroit
Education: TC West Senior High; University of Michigan - certified English as a Foreign Language teacher
Interests: Certified yoga teacher, outdoors, cooking, theater, singing, and art
Fun fact: Former competitive opera singer
|
|
|
|
Jade Lynn Jenkins
Born November 28, 2020
6 lbs. 9 oz., 20" long to
Laura Jenkins, Early Childhood Teacher
|
|
|
|
Happy Holidays
The TBAISD Social Committee (a SAIL subcommittee) invites you to join in sharing holiday cheer with your colleagues. Since we can't gather in person this year, the celebration has moved online with a Holiday Cheer Contest. Post your holiday photos before noon December 18.
Click the button below to learn more!
|
|
|
|
Newsletter Quick Links
Find the latest news from MOCI & SXI center-based programs in this quarterly outreach for students, parents and community.
|
|
|
|
Learn new tips to support students with Assistive Technology resources.
For more information about assistive technology support, please reach out to the TBAISD Assistive Technology Department:
|
|
CTC Poinsettia Sale
The Agriscience & Natural Resources program greenhouse is in full bloom with holiday poinsettias that are ready to brighten your spirits. Plants are in 6-inch pots and are $10 each.
Place an order by clicking below. Pick-up location:
TBAISD Career-Tech Center
880 Parsons Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
|
|
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 the newsletter seems to end abruptly and you see [message clipped] at the bottom of this newsletter.
|
|
TBAISD Wellness Committee Updates
Given the continued changes in the pandemic and work conditions, the TBAISD Wellness Committee plans to check in regularly to find out how staff are doing. Results of the survey (linked below) will be viewed by a small group of thoughtful team members and utilized for the purpose of planning employee-focused resources and events.
Routine Check-in!
The TBAISD Health and Wellness webpage, located on the TBAISD staff intranet, contains resources and links to a variety of supports. Log into this secure side of the TBAISD website by using your standard network login information. New resources will continually be added, so be sure to check back regularly.
Wellness Activities
|
|
|
|
Webinar Series
The Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center (TBCAC) invites you to spread the word about the Let's Talk! Community Webinar Series.
The next event takes place on December 17 at 4-5 p.m., and will feature TBCAC's very own Deanna Couture who will discuss play therapy and how she helps children heal from trauma.
Register on Eventbrite today!
|
|
|
|
Payroll Reminder
The first pay in January 2021 will reflect any changes to your employee benefit deductions. Please contact Megan Scheele with any benefits questions. Without further action in legislation, the Department of Labor's Family First Coronavirus Relief Act benefits (FFCRA Link) are set to expire December 31, 2020.
|
|
Board Policy Update:
Temporary Remote Work
|
|
|
|
Retirement Planning
Thinking of retiring in the next five years? School employees in the defined benefit pension plan first hired before July 1, 2010, are invited to register for an on-demand workshop designed to aid in your retirement planning. After viewing this workshop, you’ll feel more confident, in control, and ready for the next steps in your retirement journey.
|
|
Snow Day Procedure for 2020-21
Winter is here! Linked here is guidance on a few adjustments for snow day work expectations for the 2020-21 school year:
|
|
Move an email to a new category
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Gmail app
- Open an email
- Tap Move - If you don't see Move, tap More Move to
- Tap a new category
|
Make emails show in Primary
Any emails you mark with a star will show in your Primary category, along with any category they were in before.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Gmail app .
- From your inbox or inside the email, click Star
|
|
Technology Tips
Two-step verification
With the number of remote workers today, cybercriminals have taken the opportunity to increase attacks on schools and businesses of all sizes. To better protect TBAISD and our system we ask our staff to turn on 2-Step Verification using the instructions linked below. The instructions below will walk you through setting up 2-step and it should only take a few minutes.
Gmail Inbox - Primary vs. Promotions
Gmail users have the ability to set up categories to help organize incoming messages. Some common categories include Primary, Promotions, Social, and Forums. If you turned that function on for your Gmail account please be aware that staff newsletters, events and promotions sent from TBAISD Communications through the Constant Contact platform is recognized by Gmail as a promotion. Those important messages will land in the Promotions inbox and not in your Primary inbox. Please follow the information to the left to learn how to manage incoming emails or contact the TBAISD helpdesk for support.
|
|
|
|
Career Exploration in Northwest Michigan
Newton's Road just launched Career Investigator, a new online platform to help youth and parents explore STEM-related careers that are in high demand in northwest Michigan. TBAISD Career-Tech Center programs are linked throughout the website, and the platform identifies a variety of local education opportunities that deliver introductory training that can lead to great-paying careers. Hear more from 9&10 News
|
|
The Story of Digby Webster
International Day of People with Disabilities ~ observed on December 3, 2020
Disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security. It is also central to the promise of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind. The commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice; it is an investment in a common future.
|
|
Home Office Spotlight
In these days of working remotely, our friends from Traverse Heights had fun sharing photos with colleagues of their dedicated home offices. Below are some snapshots of creative workspaces from some of our TBAISD family.
|
|
|
|
TBAISD Board of Education Links
|
|
|
|
Birthday Spotlight
See who celebrates a JANUARY birthday!
|
|
TBAISD Quick Links
General Resources:
COVID-19 Resources:
Communication Links:
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
TBAISD| 1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, Michigan | 231.922.6200 | www.tbaisd.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
