Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District
July 31, 2020
In this Edition  

  • Message from Dr. Nick Ceglarek
  • TBAISD summer program testimonials
  • Seeking Photos for Opening Day
  • HR Update, Stork News, Board Meetings and more!
Superintendent's Message
Dear TBAISD Family,

This summer has truly been outstanding with a number of days delivering soft summer breezes, clear skies, warm sunshine, and glorious sunsets. I trust everyone is enjoying their summer.

In brief, I want to convey that we continue to pay close attention to the Governor's orders and phases of the MI Safe Start Plan At the present time, the Traverse Bay region remains in phase 5 of the Governor’s plan. Each week we continue to engage in meetings with the region's school superintendents, county administrators, and health department officials as we work to safely transition into the new school year.

All school districts across our state are working diligently to develop their own Return to School Roadmap as required by the Governor's Executive Order 2020-142 . Each plan must outline a school's preparedness and response for safety, mental and social-emotional wellbei ng, instruction, and operations during each phase of the MI Safe Start Plan . We owe a debt of gratitude to over 7 5 educators and school personnel from all areas of our organization who are working to develop our TBAISD Return to School Plan which will be brought forward for Board of Education approval on August 11.

For many of us, it feels like answers are few and far between due to the dynamic nature of the ever-changing environment we currently live in. I assure you, we understand the complexity and the challenges ahead, and we will be ready to face those challenges together. We will follow up with more information and provide opportunities for your feedback in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, rest, relax and rejuvenate. We look forward to connecting in September.

Respectfully,
Dr. Nick Ceglarek
Current News
Reminder for Returning Staff


Prior to entering a TBAISD worksite please take the following steps:
  • If you are sick or experiencing symptoms, please stay home.
  • If you have come in contact with a diagnosed case of COVID-19 or have been notified by the health department to self-quarantine, do not enter the building.
  • Follow the on-premises health check prior to entering a building. The current link is above and is posted at each building entrance. *Be aware the screening protocol will change periodically to align with evolving CDC guidelines.
  • Wear a covering over the nose and mouth while in a building and working around others. If you do not have one, a disposable mask will be provided at the main entrance of a building.
  • While on-premises please maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.
man_woman_hiking_help.jpg
We are in this together!

TBAISD summer enrichment programs have broken new ground this month as they welcomed students back amidst the ever-changing environment we are experiencing due to the coronavirus. Thankfully, with the help of county health officials and dedicated TBAISD team members, our classrooms reopened and students and staff are teaching and learning in a productive and safe environment.

As the rest of us gear up for the return to school this fall, we have the great fortune to hear from a few staff members who have participated in summer education services. It is important to note, student numbers are low in the present conditions, but the opportunity to learn from this small scale experience is invaluable to our planning and preparation as we transition to the opening day of the 2020-21 school year.

Summer Program Staff Testimonials

See this TV 9&10 News Story LINK broadcast on July 22, 2020

Shelby Taylor - Speech Pathologist
At the beginning, I wondered how kids would respond to the change, and I worried about how safety precautions would be enforced. There was a substantial amount of training in preparation to returning to the classroom and that included online courses and meeting virtually with the school nurse. I think everyone was torn between being happy to see familiar faces and feeling anxious about keeping safe while doing our best to transition back to in-person instruction. My advice to my school colleagues is that it is important to remember everyone is doing the best they can, and to just take things day-by-day with the intent of using what you have learned to stay safe.

Erin Dixon – Speech Pathologist
There was a lot of training, mostly reinforcing familiar precautions. My first concern was not being able to properly social distance from students, but safety practices and classroom spacing designed to limit the exposure for everyone has definitely been a priority. The school day felt really safe in small numbers, but I know this will look different in every school district I serve. What I want to share with my colleagues is to be patient, and know that it will feel extremely different the next time you step into a school. And for now, that’s OK.

Beth Bedore - Teacher
Honesty, I was extremely apprehensive about returning to in-person instruction. I simply couldn’t picture how we could adhere to CDC guidelines while meeting the needs of our students. Training supported ways to reorganize our instruction, wearing masks/PPE when appropriate, recording and reporting where and when we moved throughout the building, and more. The first day seems like a blur, however I do have a very vivid memory of my excitement and gratitude when I saw one particular student walk off the bus. I knew I missed my students, but didn’t fully understand that until I was in their presence. I still feel nervous, but no longer feel my job is impossible. Our work is built on making adaptations to meet student needs! I am grateful for the people I work with who are helping me adapt, and right now I feel grateful to be back in the classroom with my students.

Sally Lobb – Teacher Assistant
The first day, I was anxious, but it was all very exciting. The training we had was very informative and there was a lot to take in. I wondered how efficient all the new protocols were going to be, but in the end, I learned to just take it one step at a time and just breathe. Don’t hesitate to ask questions over and over until you feel comfortable.

Christopher Farr – Adaptive PE Teacher
Getting back to school has been very good for me. At first, I worried about all the safety and cleaning protocols and not being able to get all my work done with my students, but the training helped me adjust and everything is going well. It is great to see the students and they all seem very happy to be back too! My advice to colleagues: Stay healthy and resilient. We will get through this together.
Seeking Photos for Opening Day
We are making plans for our staff Opening Day scheduled for Wednesday, September 2. Again this year we would like to feature a slideshow of pictures that include staff members and their family taken over the summer. Some examples are individual photos, newborns, pets, family photos, graduation, weddings, reunions, vacations, boating, camping, at the beach or sporting events. If you have one or two photos that you would like to share, please send them to Heather Jewell at  hjewell@tbaisd.org.   Please include the name of the person(s) in the photo and location taken.
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.
Memingwanhs
Medawis-Reyes Sheahan
Born on July 22, 2020
4 lbs. 12 oz., 18 " long to
Elena Reyes, Teacher Assistant
Wellness Tools
Your mental health is important! Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Michigan members have a new resource to support mental wellness and manage stress in times of uncertainty.
  • Strategies to manage stress and overwhelming thoughts
  • Parenting tips in challenging times
  • ideas to manage social isolation
  • tools offering emotional support
MyStrength can help! This is a downloadable app available to BCBS members at no cost through December 2020 .
HUMAN RESOURCES
Looking Ahead to Fall Return to School
Taking time off is important to your health and wellbeing. Year-long full-time employees are encouraged to utilize vacation, personal, non-work and illness days as appropriate. If you need to request leave under the  Families First Coronavirus Response Act  please contact  mscheele@tbaisd.org
As we look ahead, please contact Human Resources Director Emily Quinn at 922-6417 or equinn@tbaisd.org if you have questions or concerns about your return to school in the fall.

In addition, administrative staff monitor the general email address TBAISDstaffConnect@tbaisd.org to provide a timely response to other questions.
Staff Resources
TBAISD Quick Links

Building Access - TBAISD screening process
Get Answers to general TBAISD staff questions - TBAISDstaffConnect@tbaisd.org
Technology Support -
Teacher, Parent & Student Resources - Remote Learning Toolkit
Communication Links -
moneybag_graphic.jpg
Education Discounts on
Tech Devices

Students, staff and families are eligible to receive educational pricing on technology devices offered by Presido, Inacomp and SEHI. Offered through REMC Save employee purchasing, the special bid pricing is available through September 2020. Learn more here.
vintage_birthday_card.jpg

 Birthday Spotlight
See who celebrates an AUGUST birthday!
Save the Date
TBAISD Staff Opening Day - Wednesday, September 2, 2020
We're still working on it... more detail to follow!
Regional Return to Learn Plan
Traverse Bay Area schools are working collaboratively to prepare for a successful return to the 2020-21 school year with a sharp focus on learning and the health and safety of all students, staff, and families. This Return to Learn Plan connects the region’s educational priorities with innovative group energy and resources to inform school leaders as they work to address their district needs. Together, we will be ready to provide a safe, supportive, quality learning environment when we welcome students back in the fall.
SAIL 
Serving, Achieving, Inspiring, Learning

Our Vision
Partnering to serve, learn, and lead to ensure every learner will have pathways to a meaningful life. 

Our Mission
Working together to develop learners with purpose, strong schools, and engaged communities.  
TBAISD| 1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, Michigan | 231.922.6200 | www.tbaisd.org