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BCSD Staff Newsletter October 2018
Superintendent Letter to Staff: Together, We Help All Students Succeed


Dear Colleagues,

There is a growing call to action to close the achievement gap. This means we have a community that is engaged with our schools, which in turn benefits the students we serve. The community focus can also be stressful for educators.  On September 21, the Idaho Mountain Express published an editorial on the need to close the achievement gap.  

We have already begun to close the gap, especially as related to graduation.  I am confident we will continue to make huge strides in improving literacy and mathematics outcomes for all students as well. Why am I confident? Because of the incredible talent and dedication of the BCSD staff. Together we are ensuring a bright future for all our students. Please see my response to the editorial.

With gratitude,

GwenCarol
Teaching and Learning

Exciting New Class Being Offered In Our District

Community Resiliency Model (CRM)  for Educators: Building a Community of Resilient Learners -  1 credit class through NNU

Does it appear that our students seem to experience more and more trauma  and stress in their young lives? Are you more aware of the trauma because the students are telling you about their experiences or because their behaviors often demonstrate they are not ready for learning? Often times, exposure to trauma and stress can cause an individual to be overly anxious, edgy and irritable, highly sensitive, prone to angry outbursts. At other times, the other end of the spectrum is observed: depression, sadness, isolation, exhaustion, fatigue and numbness.

In the Community Resiliency Model for Educators class, you will learn:
  • To widen the "Resilient Zone" so one is better able to handle life stressors
  • To reset the nervous system to bring it back into balance after stressful/traumatic events
  • To intercept the hijacking of the Nervous System by learning skills for self-care
  • To integrate the CRM skills into the activities of daily living
  • To transfer these learnings and skills to the classroom setting
Dates of the class:
  • Monday, October 29 from 4:00 - 8:00
  • Monday, November 12 from 4:00 - 8:00
  • Monday November 26 from 4:00 - 5:45
  • Monday, January 21 from 4:00 - 5:45
  • Monday February 11 from 4:00 - 5:45
  • Monday April 1 from 4:00 - 5:45
Location: All classes will be held in the District Office located at 118 W. Bullion Street in Hailey.

Your CRM certified instructors for this class:  
  • Laurie Strand, LCSW and BCSD Mental Health Therapist
  • Debi Gutknecht, Director of Student Services
How do I register for the class?
Technology

Introducing........Veronica Villasenor

Veronica has joined the Technology Department as our new Help Desk Technician. Her background includes 12 years with BCSD in several capacities including ESL and Instructional Technology Specialist at Bellevue Elementary. Due to her experience helping teachers with technology, she understands the needs and will assist over the phone. Veronica is available Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for any and all questions. Call 208-578-5410 or send email to helpdesk@blaineschools.org . Veronica can remotely connect to your computer to see what you see and provide support. She will be like a bloodhound sniffing out answers for you!

Office Hours with Paul

Our resident Google expert and innovative tech wizard, Paul Zimmerman, will be at your school on a regular schedule. Always wanted to discuss technology integration ideas? Need training on specific applications? Maybe it's a quick "How to" question. Paul will be on-site to help. For more immediate assistance, please email helpdesk@blaineschools.org.

First Two Weeks of the Month

Weekday
School
Time
Monday
Bellevue
9-10 am
Tuesday
Alturas
9-10 am
Wednesday
Hailey
9-10 am
Thursday
Carey
9-10 am



Monday
WRMS
9-11 am
Tuesday
WRHS
9-11 am
Wednesday
Hemingway
9-10 am
Thursday
SCHS
9-10 am

Second Two Weeks of the Month

Weekday
School
Time
Monday
Bellevue
2:45-3:35 pm
Tuesday
Alturas
2:45-3:35 pm
Wednesday
Hailey
2:45-3:35 pm
Thursday
Carey
2:45-3:35 pm



Monday
WRMS
3:30-4:30 pm
Tuesday
WRHS
3:30-4:30 pm
Wednesday
Hemingway
2:45-3:35 pm
Thursday
SCHS
3:30-4:30 pm
 

Technology Work Orders

We keep busy in summer months replacing outdated equipment, upgrading computers, moving technology to different rooms, setting up student and teacher accounts, configuring servers and printers and phones. Oh my!  Here is a glimpse at the technology work orders we've completed recently.

Tech Requests
August
September
New
480
408
Completed
393
400

Communications

Who Are the District and Building Translators and what are their roles and responsibilities?  Find out here . How do I borrow the district translation system?  Find out here .

Are you social?  Do you use social media to communicate with parents, students and community?  If so, contact us  so that we can register your social media account and help you learn about the new social media policy .  Why? Registering the social media account for your school, class, team or club enables the district to promote it as an official source of information and it is a required part of the new social media policy.

Meet Some of Our New Staff 

Additional staff bio's will be shared next month.  If you are still interested in writing a bio and introducing yourself, please use this form.

Tammy Peoples-Huling
Special Education Teacher, 8th grade, Wood River Middle School

Tammy graduated from Weber State University in Utah with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. After moving to Idaho she later earned an endorsement in Special Education from Boise State University and then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Special Education. In 2016 she completed her Educational Specialist degree from Northwest Nazarene University for Special Education Director and School Principal K-12. During her summer breaks she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and spending time with her family.  She is excited to be part of the Blaine County School District and looks forward to helping students meet their full potential in their educational experience.
Stephanie Blair
Advisor/ English Teacher for Silver Creek High School

Stephanie graduated from Boise State University with an undergraduate in English teaching. Stephanie has taught in Alaska and Idaho. She has taught junior high, high school, and for specialized programs such as the 'Bridge Program' in Boise. Stephanie received her Masters in Literacy and went on to work in a Child Welfare program improving outcomes for At-Risk youth. Stephanie has coached baseball, swimming and skiing. She is now an avid baseball mom, skier, yogi, and book lover. Stephanie was born in Blaine County and has always dreamed of returning home to teach. Stephanie will start at Silver Creek High School in August of 2018. 
 
Kimber Traue
Art (K-5) Bellevue Elementary

Kimber Traue (pronounced True-uh) is a Michigan native but calls Idaho home since moving here in 1999. She has been fortunate to share her love of visual arts with students of all ages for thirteen years and recently completed graduate work in Literacy at Boise State University. Exploring the connections between art and literacy is her newest passion along with stand-up-paddle-boarding, hiking while identifying birds & wild flowers, ice skating, pursuing her own artwork and spending time with family. She is looking forward to meeting staff and students in Blaine County Schools and having new adventures in the beautiful Wood River Valley.
Stacy O'Leary
Paraprofessional Bellevue Elementary

Stacy graduated from SDSU with a degree in Criminal Justice. She worked for the Department of Justice prior to starting a family and becoming a small business owner with her husband. She worked as a Physical Education Assistant at an elementary school before her move to the Wood River Valley from Fallbrook, California in July 2016. She enjoys hiking, swimming and spending time with family. She loves working with kids and is very excited about becoming a Bellevue Bear! 
Ashley Olsen
Administrative Assistant WRMS

Ashley wrote, "I have some college under my belt, but most of all I have spent a lifetime caring for the children of others, as well as my own. I have ran a childcare business for over 12 years from San Diego California to Hailey, Idaho, and been recognized for the last 5 years as one of the best Childcares in the valley. When not working I love spending time with family, close friends, fitness, camping, and traveling to visit my college volleyball girl. I am super excited to be joining Blaine County School District, and working with some amazing people at the Middle School." 
Camron Newton
Math Teacher, Grade 8, Wood River Middle

Camron graduated from Boise State University with a degree in elementary education. He has worked and lived at Galena Lodge for 6 seasons. He learned he wanted to continue living in the valley and jumped at the opportunity when it came. In 2015 Camron pedaled his bike across the U.S. finishing in St. Augustine FL. Camron also plays for a traveling Ultimate Frisbee team that will travel to Washington, Ohio, and California.    
Colton Metzler
Mechanic at buss barn 

Colton wrote, "I graduated from Carey High School and then went to CSI where I graduated from their Diesel Technology program. When I'm not working I like to spend my time snowmobiling, boating, and enjoying the outdoors. I'm excited to move back home to Blaine County and get back into the mountains."
Aara Zweifel 
French Teacher, Wood River High School  

After 23 years, Aara is thrilled to be returning home to the Wood River Valley where she was born and raised. She has lived and studied in Belgium and Argentina, and earned a master's and PhD in Romance Languages from the University of Oregon. Passionate about language and literature, she has taught French and Spanish at the high school and college levels for over 16 years. In addition to teaching, her interests include international cinema, being in nature with her dog Zed, creating music, and gardening.  
Maria Salomé Tamayo
Custodian

Maria wrote that she is, "Outgoing, kind, loyal, and respectful."
 
Melissa Doramus
3rd grade teacher Hailey Elementary 

Melissa wrote, "I graduated in 2000 with a degree in History and a certification in Elementary Education. I started my career as a 5th grade teacher in Hawthorne, Nevada. My family and I decided to move back to Idaho in 2001. My husband and I were both hired by the Caldwell School District where I was a teacher for 14 years. I was lucky enough to have many experiences in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. In 2015 I decided to move back to my home town where I have taught 4th grade for the last 3 years. I also finished my Masters in Leadership and Administration during the 2015 school year. I'm excited to begin another journey as a 3rd grade teacher in the Blaine County School District.

In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, skiing, and hiking. Living in Idaho allows me to do many of these things on a regular basis!"
Finance
 Valerie Seamons_ Karen Hoffman_ Susan Kniffen and Bryan Fletcher

Comp-time vs Flex-time

We have received questions about the difference between Comp-time and Flex-time.  Below is clarification on both:

Comp-time (short for Compensatory time) is defined and guided by Board policy #409.30, which is:

DEFINITION
Compensatory leave is time off with pay in lieu of overtime pay for irregular or occasional overtime work as so defined in District Policy and Procedure 475 - Working Hours.

ELIGIBILITY
Employees working year-round (246+ days/year) are eligible for compensatory leave.

ACCRUAL AND USE
Compensatory leave is taken in place of overtime pay when an employee works in excess of 40 hours a week. Compensatory leave is calculated using the same method as overtime pay, one and one half (1 1/2) times the hours worked over 40. All compensatory leave must be preapproved by the employee's supervisor and appropriate notations must occur on the employee's time card.

Employees will not be allowed to accrue more than 40 hours of compensatory leave. When practical compensatory leave must be used before sick, personal, or vacation leave can be used. Supervisors will be responsible to monitor employee's accruals and ensure that when compensatory leave reaches more than 20 hours that appropriate accommodations occur for the district and the employee.

When an employee accrues more than 40 hours of compensatory leave or leaves the district with compensatory leave on the books the employee will be paid out at the overtime rate.

Please note that by policy comp-time is not available to any staff whose calendar is less than 246 days. Procedurally we further limit comp-time for use to only the Maintenance Department during times of clearing snow, or emergency repairs.  No other Department has authorization to provide comp-time unless written permission has been pre-approved. Essentially comp-time is very restricted, and not available to school staff at any time.

Flex-time is the flexing of work hours within the standard work week and is a tool available to any school or department.  An example of this is an employee who works two hours over their regularly scheduled work time one day, but then leaves early two hours on another day.  It is important to note that this must take place within the same work week, and may not roll over to the following (or any other) week.  

If flex time is not used to balance the employee's hours within a week, upon the conclusion of the week any hourly overage or shortage will need to be recorded on the employee's timecard.  A shortage of hours will result in a doc in pay, and any over-time will require the employee to complete an additional hours form and be compensated appropriately.

All overtime will be charged to the school or department's budget where the respective employee is assigned.

If you have any questions please feel free to send us an email.      

Important warning - Please read!!!  
This information was provided in the September Newsletter, but is so important it is repeated in this Newsletter edition

The Idaho State Tax Commission requested all Districts to get the word out to our employees about updating their state and federal withholding.  For the latest W-4 information, visit tax.idaho.gov/w4 .  
 
W-4 Changes for Employees - Act NOW!

Recent tax laws have changed the amount of income taxes withheld from employee paychecks. If you don't withhold enough tax, you could have an unexpected tax bill when you file your 2018 income tax return. The Idaho State Tax Commission urges all employees to review and update their Form W-4 withholding allowances for both federal and state taxes.
Make sure you have the right amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck. Act NOW to avoid a tax surprise LATER!

Steps to Take:
  1. Use the withholding calculator at IRS.gov to estimate your federal withholding.
  2. Use the 2018 W-4 Worksheet for Idaho to estimate your Idaho withholding.*
  3. Make any needed changes to Form W-4 and give it to your employer.
  4. Share this information with family and friends.
*Note: Use the federal Form W-4 to update both your state and federal withholding. Idaho doesn't have a separate W-4 form. If you've already updated your federal withholding, you should also update the withholding for Idaho. Using the federal allowance number for Idaho could cause miscalculations for your Idaho withholding.

More Information:

Visit tax.idaho.gov/w4 to find:
  • Recorded video on how to use the 2018 W-4 Worksheet for Idaho
  • Guidance for retirement and other sources of nonwage income
  • Examples on how the law changes affect withholding for a typical family and a single person
For Questions:
Idaho State Tax Commission, Taxpayer Services
taxrep@tax.idaho.gov   (208) 334-7660 in the Boise area or toll-free at (800) 972-7660

I strongly encourage each of you to discuss this with your tax preparer if you have questions about your personal tax situation.  If you would like to read more on this from a source that is in everyday language (NOT IRS-ease) please see the two links below which provide a person on the street perspective of the above information.


Community Campus

Please remember to tell parents about the Community Campus After School Pass.  All students 6th grade and younger need to have a pass and must be registered in an after school program.  Those in the 7th and 8th grades need a pass but are not required to be registered in an after school program.  High school students do not need a pass.

The Community Campus Cafe is now open in the mornings by 8AM and should be open M-Th until 7PM.  Fridays the cafe closes at 1PM.

If you need to reserve space at the Community Campus please contact Teresa Gregory.  To reserve the BCRD gym, fitness rooms or the HUB please contact the BCRD at 208-567-2273.  To reserve CSI classrooms call 208-788-2033.

Please support our Performing Arts Students by planning to attend the WRHS play "Clue" October 9 (dress rehearsal through 13th and attending the Orchestra and Choir benefit performance on October 17th.
Human Resources

Sign-on & referral bonus of up to $1,000 for Bus Drivers
  • School Psychologist
  • Custodian-Building
  • Basketball-HS Head 9th Boys Coach
  • Basketball-HS Head JV Boys Coach
  • Wrestling-MS Asst 7th/8th Coach
  • Guest (Substitute) Positions
  • Guest Bus Driver Guest
  • Custodian Bus Aid/Monitor
  • Bus Driver-Reg Route
Employee Assistance Program - KEPRO
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.
www.eaphelplink.com use company code: eapnow or call 1-800-999-1077

Certified Staff
Your official transcripts for salary movement are due to HR by October 15th.

PERSI offers the National Conference of Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Group Voluntary Life Insurance Plan to active employees of its participating employers.  
Nationally, the NCPERS Life Plan currently insures over 150,000 public employees, retirees and their dependents. It has been offered for nearly 50 years. Last year alone, it paid over $13 Million in life insurance benefits to beneficiaries of public employees. Insured by Prudential, the Plan is financially sound.
We wanted to remind you that the Plan is doing open enrollment from October 1 - November 30th. Please go to https://www.ncpers.org/forms for a brochure and an enrollment form if you are interested. The cost is $16/month.

New Employee Perks
New Financial Wellness Resources for household finances, student loan help, credit building and more. Follow this link to take advantage of several free financial counseling and education programs from a nonprofit community resource in Idaho, as well as exclusive discounts on confidential debt management and other services.


Blaine County School District has registered with Hotelogical to help you provide your employees or members with free access to members-only unpublished rates + other discounts and special offers at 400,000+ 3, 4, and 5 star brand-name, boutique and independent hotels & resorts around the world. Check out incredible member-only, unpublished rates in some of the world's most popular destinations including Las Vegas, Orlando, New York, London, Paris, the Far East and beyond.


As we continue to look for new and innovative ways to show appreciation towards our employees, we are offering this complimentary perk that gives you access to 20 - 60% off on movies, hotels, shows, concerts, sporting events and more. This is just a small token of our appreciation for your hard work. Please take 2 minutes today, and sign up for these complimentary perks.

        1. Go to Tickets at Work
        2. Fill out the information to become a member (use your work email address)
        3. For Company Code, use " BCSD61"

Enjoy these great perks!
Buildings and Grounds

Congratulations to Jeff, Adrian, Principal Sauvageau and all of the Bellevue Elementary staff.  At the conclusion of their safety inspection walk-through, Bellevue Elementary was given a Safety First Award from the State of Idaho Department of Building Safety for their Outstanding Safety Practices.  This commendation comes with a lot of hard work and staff collaboration as we work to provide a clean and safe environment for students and staff.  Great job, Bellevue Bears!