November 11, 2021
Campus Connection
Your source for EMS ISD Staff news and celebrations!
District Highlights
Happy Veterans Day
Today we honor all of our soldiers, past and present. To all who have served in our #EMScommUNITY, we thank you. Enjoy photos of Veterans Day celebrations across the district on the district website. #EMSproud
Inaugural Ceremony of Remembrance Pays Tribute to EMS ISD Fallen
Outside of Boswell High School stands a reverent memorial to honor individuals across the EMS ISD community who have passed away during their service in district, as first responders, or to our country. On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, the district hosted the inaugural Ceremony of Remembrance to pay tribute to the 116 individuals whose names are memorialized on the stone walls of the USMC Marty Medellin Memorial Plaza. 

More than 100 students, staff, families, and community members gathered in the Boswell High School Fine Arts Center with families and loved ones to honor those lost.  

“This is the first year for the EMS ISD Ceremony of Remembrance and I cannot think of a better time than during the week of Veterans Day to come together to pause for a time of remembrance and to pay tribute to those individuals from across the district who are forever remembered on the Memorial Plaza,” said Steven G. Newcom, Board President. 

The evening was commemorated with Presentation of Colors and special student performances. Brief information of the 17 individuals recently added to the wall since the last engraving were read aloud, followed by the reading of all the names etched on the wall since its dedication in November 2004. 

“Every name on that wall has a story and is a valued member of the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD community,” said Dr. Jim F. Chadwell, Superintendent. “Our intent with this ceremony is to ensure that their memory moves forward from generation to generation, not just on the walls of the Memorial but also in all our hearts.” 

The Memorial Plaza honors Cpl. Marty Medellin and all the EMS ISD military personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, whether in military service or in emergency fire or police duty. The Memorial also honors students and staff members who have died while attending or employed in the district, as well as EMS ISD Board of Education members who have passed while serving on the board. 

Special thanks to the Saginaw Air Force JROTC and the Saginaw High School Band ensemble for the Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem performance, to Boswell HS Senior Emma Delgado for her trumpet solo of TAPS, and to the Chisholm Trail HS Ranger Vocal Band for their closing performance of “Somewhere in My Memory.” 

The district plans to host the Ceremony of Remembrance annually during the week of Veterans Day. The Memorial is open to the public for visitation at any time. Learn more about the Memorial on the district website.
Cindy Peavy named Director of Special Programs
We are pleased to announce Cindy Peavy as the district’s new Director of Special Programs. Peavy, currently serving as a special programs coordinator, brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role.

Peavy received her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and master’s degree from the University of North Texas. She is a state-certified teacher in both special education and general education.

“I believe that establishing rapport with key stakeholders is vital to the success of all students,” Peavy said. The education veteran enjoys providing professional development to both teachers and administrators to help build positive relationships with students and families.

“Cindy brings strong leadership experience to the department,” said Executive Director of Special Programs Dr. Heather Hughes. “Through her passion for education, she will positively impact the success of all our students.”

About Our People
Instructional Technologists co-author Microsoft TEAMS Playbook
Through serving as Instructional Technologists across 29 different schools, Jeni Long and Sallee Clark quickly learned that many teachers have similar questions and needs across the district. The experiences they learned during COVID-19 allowed for hands-on learning as well as trial-and-error opportunities for teachers and students across the district. Jeni and Sallee learned from working closely with remote lessons via Teams and collaborating with educators across the world on how to make the best of a remote situation, hybrid classroom, and in person learning.
 
"The Microsoft Teams Playbook: Your Guide to an Empowered Classroom" is divided into 4 main parts:
  1. Huddle Up and Survey the Field - Meet your coaches and hear their journey as moms of children with dyslexia and hear their suggestions for leveling the playing field in your classroom and ideas to get started with Teams.
  2. Defining the Game Rules: Best Practices - A Teams tour with ideas for best practices from personal experiences.
  3. Learn the Plays - Over 70 lessons for teachers to apply to any content area. The plays include QR codes, videos, templates, blogs, and more.
  4. Practice Makes Perfect - Learn how to connect with companies shared in the book, discover how to build your PLN, and continue to grow in your learning journey.
 
Jeni and Sallee enjoy working with the teachers and students in the district daily. They also thrive on global collaborations and enjoy traveling and presenting across the globe. They are currently enjoying the feedback and stories of how Microsoft tools and partner apps are making a difference in student learning outcomes and teaching practices! If you are interested in a copy of your own, their book can be purchased on Amazon. #EMSproud
We Are Hiring!
The district is looking to hire highly qualified individuals who have a heart for students! Do you know someone interested in joining the EMS ISD team? Take a look at these opportunities and share with anyone you know who may be interested:

Substitute Teachers and Instructional Aides
Benefits include:
  • competitive biweekly pay
  • bonus pay for frequent subbing
  • flexible schedule
  • make an impact with students
  • contribute to the EMS ISD culture of excellence
Those interested may apply online at www.emsid.com/hr. Or, feel free to share this flyer: Become a Sub flyer.

Teacher, Professional, Paraprofessional or Support Staff Member
The district is currently hiring teachers at different grade levels and subjects, librarians, nurses, instructional aides, custodians, lunch monitors and more!

Eligible candidates may apply online today at www.emsid.com/hr or visit this flyer for details: Become an EMS ISD Staff Member.

Do You Know Someone Who Qualifies For the EMS2Teach Program?
Beginning with the graduating class of May 2016, EMS ISD is offering a signing bonus to alumni who return to the district to begin their education career. This is available to graduates May 2016 to present. For more information, download the EMS2Teach flyer.
Employee Perks
All EMS ISD employees are eligible for a Fort Worth Public Library Educator Card. This card will allow holders to check out up to 100 items at a time for up to 42 days and includes books, DVDs, Blu-Rays, CDs, and magazines. To qualify, you must provide proof of valid school ID, district pay stub or letter from a school educator.

Registration is required and is available on the City of Fort Worth website. Happy reading!
EMS ISD Benefits
TRS - Member Rewards
Member Rewards is a valuable benefit available to participants enrolled in TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ plans. With Member Rewards, participants can earn up to $599 in credit per plan year to use toward future medical expenses by choosing lower-cost, quality providers for certain medical treatments.

Recently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas sent all newly eligible participants a postcard with information about Member Rewards. BCBSTX will also email all eligible participants, with information explaining how the Member Rewards program works. Please reach out to Benefit Specialist Jame McNutt-Erwin, jmcnutt-erwin@ems-isd.net, for any questions you may have.
Health and Wellness Corner
Edwards Risk Management, Inc.

3 - Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup of oatmeal
2 medium bananas
1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line sheet pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Add oats and stir until oats and bananas are thoroughly combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
  3. Scoop a tablespoon of dough onto sheet pan (a dozen cookies per sheet) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
More District Highlights

Stay Up-to-Date with Athletic Accomplishments on Campus Athletic Websites: Boswell HS, Chisholm Trail HS, Saginaw HS
Submit Your Story Ideas!
Do you have a great story idea about EMS ISD students and/or staff that you'd like to share? For possible inclusion in the district's EMS PROUD community magazine or on the district's website, please email a short description along with any pictures and videos you may have to info@ems-isd.net.  
Given the volume of submissions, we cannot promise to reply to each one; however, we definitely review and consider every submission.

Upcoming Events

November 11
Veterans Day

November 15
Regular Board Meeting

November 17
Education Support Professionals Day

November 19
Substitute Appreciation Day

November 22-26
Thanksgiving Break

December 8
Holiday Open House at HCTC

December 13
Regular Board Meeting

December 17
Early Release for Students

December 20-31
Winter Break
Click calendar image above to view 2021-2022 school calendar.