January 2022 | Monthly news for and about the staff of Northwest Education Services
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Another Step Forward
Dear North Ed Staff,
How to best navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains a moving target, and I want to assure you that we are continuing to carefully watch the trends and stay in close contact (excuse the pun) with our medical community. As the guidance changes, we strive to provide you with as clear of a picture as we can of what’s expected of our students and staff, and we greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the occasional nuances in recommendations coming from our public health leaders.
Countless educators across the country and throughout the world have felt enormous pressure from the pandemic that has manifested in many ways – from the loss of loved ones and personal sickness, to caring for others, job shortages and taking on extra work. The anxieties and taxes placed on our social and emotional well-being are real concerns for many, as well, and it is good to remember that we have the support of our colleagues to help shoulder these burdens.
Considering the additional emotional weight that is often associated with the darkness of winter, it may be a good time to check-in with ourselves. A staff survey has been developed by the North Ed Wellness Committee and we encourage you to share your input. The feedback will provide the committee with data to inform their next steps and allow us to better support each other going forward. There are times when the ground seems to be shifting right under our feet, and I am filled with admiration and reverence when I see my North Ed colleagues push through that uncertainty and adversity to take another step forward. Thank you for providing our students, schools and communities with a steady foundation on which we can continue to build and improve.
Respectfully,
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Dr. Nick Ceglarek
Northwest Education Services Superintendent
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Marching Together
What does Martin Luther King Jr. mean to me? I have always felt that I knew who Martin Luther King Jr. was and what his ideas were. Yes, he fought for equal rights for Black people. (Wow, it was actually hard to write that! Someone/people actually had to fight to have equal rights!) In a time where people of color were being mistreated, beaten and some even murdered, Martin Luther King Jr. was the face of the Civil Rights Movement. As he fought for equality he didn’t “fight” like some – he used his words and nonviolent actions.
About this time every year, I am asked what Martin Luther King Jr. or MLK Day means to me. This year, I decided to present this question to my colleagues, and asked them to write their response in 10 words or less.
- “All have a duty to create righteous change.”—Ryan Maas
- “The importance of treating all people with respect and equality.”—Steve Urbanski
- “We all deserve to be treated fairly so do likewise.”—Yeng Vang
- “MLK Day is about freedom, love and respect for all.”—Ryan Jarvi
- “Martin Luther King Jr. represents an obligation to do better when we know better.”—Brandi Reynolds
- “The beginning of a more public action towards equality for People of Color.” —Cassie Fasel
Although it was very hard for the people I asked to put their thoughts into 10 words or less, it sparked a lot of conversation. All in all, people just want to be respected and treated fairly. Everyone has a unique story, so share your stories, and be open to understanding other people's stories.
Marshall Collins
Instructional Service Specialist for School Health
Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Coordinator
Northwest Education Services
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Keeping the Dream Alive
Dr. King’s message of service, love and respect for all is just as important today as it was when he began speaking it decades ago. To our fellow educators, we appreciate the time and effort you put into the service of others and thank you for your unwavering commitment to our area students and communities. Please feel free to review the resources we’ve gathered here and use them in your classrooms, or join your colleagues, friends and community members at one of the many events happening in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
~North Ed DEIB Committee
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Trivia!
Martin Luther King Jr.'s father was a longtime minister at Ebenezer Baptist Church in what city?
A. Jackson, Mississippi
B. Memphis, Tennessee
C. Selma, Alabama
D. Atlanta, Georgia
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Abigail Grant
Teacher Assistant, Bridgeway
Previous work: YMCA
Education: Kalkaska High School
Interests: Year-round outdoor activities, flamingos, traveling and the color pink
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Meghan Griffiths
Teacher Assistant, Bridgeway
Interests: Hiking, camping, playing volleyball
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Dorothy (Thea) Murray
Adult Education Instructor,
Kalkaska Learning Lab
Previous work: North Central Michigan College adjunct faculty member
Education: University of Wisconsin and University of Akron
Interests: Hiking, sailing, kayaking, cycling, swimming and gardening.
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Chelsie Platz
Teacher Assistant, Bridgeway
Interests: Baking, art and outdoor activities
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Todd Serby
School Social Worker
Previous work: Shawono Center Director
Education: Georgia State University and Michigan State University
Interests: Rock climbing, skiing, biking and traveling
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Jennifer Shimko
Teacher Assistant, Bridgeway
Previous work: Pace North
Interests: Being a mother to four active children and finding free time to kayak
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Sanjay Woolcott
Custodian, Life Skills Center
Previous work: ACE Buyers
Education: Traverse City Central High School
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Lauren Zaparzynski
Occupational Therapist
Previous work: Capital Area Intermediate Unit, Pennsylvania
Education: Hope College
Interests: Playing sports and being outdoors
Fun Fact: 4-year college athlete for Hope College women's basketball team.
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Emerson Patrick Collins
Born Jan. 4, 2022
7 lbs. 10 oz., 20-1/4" long to
Hannah Barraw, School Psychologist
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North Ed Apparel Store Now Open
At long last, North Ed swag is now available for purchase! Order direct from our approved supplier. It's easy! Browse the North Ed online catalog TODAY!
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North Ed Template Gallery
Hey Google Document fans, you can now find North Ed templates for our most current Google Doc letterhead, Google Slides, and North Ed brand & Career Tech Google Forms and Quiz templates in your Google Drive Template Gallery. No need to save a copy to your H or T Drive files! Click the template you want and PRESTO, a copy of the template opens! Name it and create it. As simple as that!
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On your computer, go to Google Docs, Slides, or Forms
- At the top right , click Template Gallery.
- Click the template you want to use.
- A copy of the template opens.
(Alternative route: Go to your Google Drive, click New, select a new Doc, Slide, or Form "from a template" and choose your desired template.)
Using North Ed Google templates ensures you are using the latest and greatest version of our branded assets. Other Microsoft Office branded documents can still be found in the North Ed T Drive via easy links found on the staff intranet. Be sure to submit a Help Desk ticket if you can't find what you are looking for.
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Text Message Opt-in
North Ed shares important and timely information, such as school closures and urgent news alerts, with staff via SMS text messaging. To participate in this service, simply text any one of the following words to the number 67587: subscribe, optin, or yes. Repeat the opt-in process for any wireless phone numbers that you wish to include. You'll know you were successful if you receive the following reply message:
- You’re registered 4 SchoolMessenger notifications. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies.
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North Ed Network News
Learn more about North Ed programs, services, students and colleagues in the quick links below!
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Mileage Rates Increase
The IRS standard mileage rate has increased to 58.5 cents per mile, effective for travel dates on or after Jan. 1, 2022.
The mileage voucher has been updated and is in the staff intranet available for downloading.
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W-2's to be Issued by Jan. 31
W-2's for the 2021 calendar year will be issued by Jan. 31, 2022. Employees with mailboxes at the Arnell Administration building (1101 Red Drive) will receive their W-2's in their school mailboxes. All other employees will receive their W-2 at home via U.S. mail. To ensure your W-2 is delivered to the correct address, please verify that the address listed on your paycheck or direct deposit stub is correct. If the address is not correct, please email your correct address as soon as possible to Tina Martinek, Payroll Manager, at tmartinek@NorthwestEd.org. If you want to pick up your W-2 in person, contact Tina to make arrangements. Employees can access paycheck information online by using the MyInfo - Direct Deposit link found in the "North Ed Bookmarks" folder in the Google Chrome internet browser. |
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Be sure to get ALL the news!
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If you read the newsletter in your email inbox, you may be missing the full story! |
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COVID-19 Update
To align with the advice of public health agencies, North Ed has updated its COVID-19 protocols to allow for shorter isolation and quarantine periods for those who test positive for the virus or who have been identified as close contacts. Local health officials, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all recommend COVID-positive individuals and close contacts should isolate and quarantine for five days, with some exceptions, followed by use of a facial covering. Masks are still required for students, staff and visitors to North Ed facilities whenever in the presence of others and regardless of vaccination status. North Ed has offered staff a total of 10 COVID-19 sick days for the 2021-22 school year that may be used for specific situations. If you have questions on how to access these COVID-19 days, contact Jaime Lewis in Human Resources at jlewis@NorthwestEd.org. |
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REMINDER: Snow Day Expectations
Winter is here and below is guidance for snow day work expectations for the 2021-22 school year:
- When inclement weather causes TCAPS to declare a school closing, Northwest Education Services’ Special Education and Career Tech instructional programs will also be closed.
- When North Ed is closed due to weather, itinerant staff who serve other districts that remain open may travel if it is safe to do so, and may report to that district and adjust calendars accordingly, and communicate with their supervisor and Jaime Lewis (jlewis@NorthwestEd.org) in Human Resources.
- Instructional Services, Human Resources, Clerical, Technology, Business Services, Medicaid Office and Administrators who previously have been required to report to work in person will be allowed to work remotely when North Ed programs are closed for snow days if they have the materials needed to effectively do their job remotely and they have approval from their supervisor.
All North Ed 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. Any questions should be directed to your supervisor.
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$500 Referral Bonus Continues
North Ed staff can earn a $500 bonus for successfully referring someone who joins our team as a teacher assistant. Due to an ongoing need to fill vacant TA positions, this opportunity will remain in place until vacancies are filled. Simply email the name of your referral to HR Generalist Jaime Lewis. If that person is hired, you will get a $500 bonus in your paycheck.
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December SAILOR on Deck!
Career Tech custodian Craig Crawford was recently honored by the Board of Education for his dedication to the value of Relationships as recognized by his North Ed colleagues through the SAIL Organizational Recognition System (ORS).
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Thank you
School Board Members
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January is School Board Recognition month and this year we honor our Northwest Education Services' Board of Education members who, combined, have given 99.5 years of service to our community of schools.
Thank you!
President Joe Fisher
Vice President Jim Scherrer
Treasurer Liz McKellar
Secretary Rachael Birgy
Trustee Jim Carpenter
Trustee Nicki Brown
Trustee Jason Tank
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Let's make the region better and stronger! North Ed staff are invited to donate through automatic payroll deduction in 2022. Learn more about United Way of Northwest Michigan and join them in building a stronger community. Send your Pledge Form linked below to Tina Martinek today and join your North Ed colleagues in contributing to a successful United Way campaign in 2022!
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Happy Birthday!
See who celebrates in February:
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Virtual Gathering: January 27 from 8-9 PM
People who care about children's safety, who own guns or not, are invited to be part of the effort to make discussing gun accessibility and children part of your everyday actions. For more information or to register, please click below.
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How To: Submit Help Desk Ticket Feedback!
After we resolve your technology issues and close the Help Desk ticket, we encourage you to offer comments and notes of appreciation by completing the survey found in the text of the closed ticket, at the top of the SysAid home page and this link.
It is not uncommon for us to receive feedback via email. However, that reopens your Help Desk ticket and requires us to manually close it again. This can cause confusion and takes time that could be used to address other issues.
The best way to thank us is to complete the survey, which should take less than 5 minutes. We review this feedback weekly and adjust our services or communications based on what we hear from you. Feedback provided through the survey is shared with our entire Tech Services team, so it is also a great way to fully appreciate and recognize specific team members for their work!
~Tech Services Department
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TECH HELP
Need help with a technology issue? Try this:
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Research common problems and solutions through North Ed's Help Desk Shared Google Drive.
- Call the Help Desk at 231.922.6307. Leave a message if your call goes unanswered.
- Submit a Help Desk ticket online by clicking the link below.
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Dean Transportation has immediate openings |
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Sign-On Bonus
Paid Training
Guaranteed Hours
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Bus Drivers up to $26/hr
Van Drivers up to $22/hr
Attendants up to $21/hr
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Apply Today at DeanJobs.com or at 880 Parsons Rd, Traverse City
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Essential to our Children's Future
Safely transport children in your community to and from school for in-person learning.
No prior professional driving experience needed for drivers
Dean provides paid training for drivers and attendants and will pay for new drivers to receive their commercial driver's license.
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Limited Time Sign-On Bonus Available
Receive up to a $750 New Hire Sign-On Bonus if hired.
Benefits package available for all positions
Including health insurance, 401k and paid time off. Part-time to full-time hours and flexible schedules by location.
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Questions? Please call or text Carrie at (517) 930-3607
Dean Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Trivia Answer: D. Atlanta, Georgia
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Board of Education Links
General Resources
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COVID-19 Resources
Communication Links
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Northwest Educational Services
(Formerly TBAISD)
1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
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