December 2023 | Monthly news for and about the staff of Northwest Education Services

Season of Giving

Generosity is a word that has a deep connection to education. I can say that confidently because I am acutely aware of the time and resources our educators and support staff invest in helping students and our local districts daily.

Working in education often demands patience and benevolence, compassion for others and a compulsion to serve. From behind-the-scenes operational support to frontline, in-the-classroom teaching, North Ed staff members exhibit unselfish, generous acts every day during our work.

As we settle into the “season of giving” this time of year, I want to call special attention to one individual in particular: Pat Sigsbey.

Pat is a member of the custodial team at Career Tech. Following a staff meeting there earlier this year, he generously donated $2,000 to be split evenly among the student scholarship fund and the student pantry. He was nominated through the SAILORS program for this tremendous act of kindness and recognized at our September Board of Education meeting.

However, in a testament to his spirit of generosity, Pat took it even further and surprised all of us by showing up at that board meeting with another check for an additional $1,000 to support the student scholarship fund. To say we are grateful for Pat’s gift is an understatement. We are inspired, and his story is just one example of the many generous acts performed by those who make up our North Ed family.

If you are in the spirit of giving, consider making a donation to support our students or to one of the many organizations that support our communities. Below in this newsletter, you’ll find a list of organizations that accept donations and assist families and individuals in our region with various needs. This is not an exhaustive list, and I encourage you to find a cause that speaks to you if you’re in a position to give this year.

We want to thank Pat again for his generosity and for taking the initiative to address the needs of our students. We must also thank each and every one of our North Ed teammates for your service to our students and schools. Your generosity is an investment in a brighter future for learners everywhere.

Please find time to enjoy the company of friends and family this holiday season.

Respectfully,

Photo Above: From left, North Ed Board President Joe Fisher, Career Tech Custodian Pat Sigsbey and Superintendent Nick Ceglarek.

Donations & Assistance

Support Our Students

Northwest Education Services (North Ed) operates a number of food pantries, closets and programs to offer direct support to the students enrolled at our centers. Items collected may include hygiene supplies, clothing, food and other necessities. Click the link below to view current needs at our centers and programs.

We appreciate the generosity of our staff and community in support of our students and their families. If you have any questions, please reach out to the individual contacts listed for each site, or email the North Ed Communications Department at NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org.

Holidays at New Horizons

Each year the New Horizons program adopts families of their attending students, and each year the number of families in need of support grows. Attached is the current list of items we are looking to give to our families to help with the holiday. 

If you choose to participate, please add your name next to any of the items that you plan to purchase. We would like to have wrapped and labeled gifts returned to the New Horizons office by Monday, Dec. 18. Questions can be directed to Lisa Poortenga, 231.933.3561.

Community Resources

Everyone needs a little help once in a while, and some of us are fortunate enough to be in a position to lend a hand. Below are some resource lists and organizations that accept donations and assist families and individuals in our region, both during the holiday season and throughout the entire year.

• Holiday Assistance and Anytime Resources
• Traverse City Community Resource Guide
• Grand Traverse County Health Department: Health and Community Resources
• Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
• Michigan 2-1-1
• Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan: Paper Angels
• United Way of Northwest Michigan

Welcome to North Ed

Julie Brown

High Impact Leadership Facilitator

Previous work: Elk Rapids Public Schools

Education: Elk Rapids High School, Adrian College

Interests: Enjoys sports, reading and spending time with family and grandchildren

Dawn Hankins

Health Sciences Parapro, Career Tech

Previous work: Grand Traverse Industries; CENA and Burns Clinic

Education: North Central Michigan College

Interests: Time with friends and family, cooking, reading mystery and thrillers, camping and fishing in the summer

Cindy Hunt

High Impact Leadership Facilitator

Previous work: Calhoun ISD Implementation Specialist

Education: Cornell University

Interests: Backpacking on great trails in Michigan

Sara Larson

Aviation Maintenance Parapro, Career Tech

Previous work: U.S. Coast Guard AMT/Flight Mechanic

Education: Priest River Lamanna High School

Interests: Softball and Puzzles

SAILORS On Deck!

North Ed Life Skills Center School Job Coach Abby Nielsen was honored by the Board of Education on Nov. 14 for her dedication to the value of Integrity as recognized by her colleagues through the SAIL Organizational Recognition System (SAILORS). Congratulations!

Nominate Someone TODAY!

SAIL(ORS): Serving, Achieving, Inspiring and Learning Organizational Recognition System

Our strategic plan 2.0 (SAIL) continues to support and nurture the positive culture of our organization by recognizing the amazing work of North Ed staff. Use the form linked below to nominate a colleague who has gone above and beyond in their work. That colleague will receive an email copy of your nomination. One person is selected from the pool of nominees each month to be recognized by the North Ed Board of Education. 

Student Spotlight

Jacob Kort dances to "Gangnam Style" by PSY.

Ashley Ott sings "First Cut is the Deepest" as performed by Sheryl Crow.

Above: Issy Stapelton sings "Feed the Birds" by Mary Poppins.

Above right: Jacob Gardzulis performs on a Native American flute.

Right: James Hardesty plays drums to Nickelback's "How You Remind Me".

Attending to Pizza

Career Tech celebrated with a pizza party recently to recognize 295 students who had perfect attendance the first quarter! Combined for both the AM and PM classes, these dedicated pupils make up roughly 26.2% of Career Tech’s student population.

Celebrations

Take Action

Northwest Education Services' DEIB Committee is now the Culturally Responsive Education Group (CREG)!

North Ed values all learners, and we're seeking new membership to help move social justice work forward. Through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), this committee supports North Ed's vision of ensuring every learner -- regardless of ability, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, etc. -- will have pathways to a meaningful life.

If you're interested in serving with us, please complete the survey below by Jan. 1, 2024.

Develop Your Understanding

Educators from throughout the region are encouraged to register for An Introduction to Social Justice for Educators: The Core Course through Unified Talent. Beginning Jan. 16, the course will offer four sessions that engages participants in social justice concepts and personal growth to allow for a more culturally responsive approach to our work in education as well as daily interactions in our personal lives.

Questions? Email us at CREG@NorthwestEd.org.

Photo: North Ed students and staff celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which will take place on Dec. 3.

Human Rights For All

Dec. 10, 2023 marks the 75^th anniversary of one of the world’s “most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” according to the United Nations (UN). The theme for 2023’s Human Rights Day is “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.”

In addition to recognizing Human Rights Day, North Ed is also calling attention to International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3. “This day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life”, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). North Ed joins the WHO and the UN in “observing this day each year, reinforcing the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives,” the WHO states.

Thank you for uplifting the rights of individuals with disabilities EVERYDAY!

Resources

• 36 Young Adult (YA) books showcasing diverse disability representation
• 20 children’s books about disability that shatter stereotypes
• United Nations IDPD
• WHO on International Persons with Disabilities Day
• How to Treat a Person with Disabilities, According to People with Disabilities
• The Truth About Growing Up Disabled | Dylan Alcott | TEDxYouth@Sydney
• Let’s change the way we think about disability | Joel Dembe | TEDxMississauga
• UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Traverse City Human Rights Commission

For Your Awareness Calendar

• Dec. 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
• Dec. 8 - Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day
• Dec. 10 - International Human Rights Day
• Dec. 15 - Bill of Rights Day
• Your Guide to the Bill of Rights and Other Constitutional Amendments

Dinner & Discussion: Creating Community Through Conversation

Special Guest: Dr. Sheldon Eakins | Leading Equity Center

The North Ed Culturally Responsive Education Group (CREG) welcomes you to join Dinner & Discussion: Creating Community Through Conversation beginning at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Filling Station, 642 Railroad Place, Traverse City. These events serve as a time for anyone to join important discussions happening in our schools and communities and learn more about culturally responsive education. Each month will have a designated theme on which discussion will focus. December’s theme is International Human Rights Day. Check out this flier for more information.

During our last Dinner & Discussion as we recognized Native American Heritage Month, we were joined by Holly Bird, a local Native American activist who shared powerful information about challenges Indigenous people across the country are facing. This month, we are excited to welcome Dr. Sheldon Eakins, founder of the Leading Equity Center.

While this is not required, please consider reviewing one or more of the following resources in preparation for the Dinner & Discussion:

• United Nations - Human Rights Day
• Human Rights in the 21st Century | Shami Chakrabarti | TEDxUCL

The questions below may be used to prompt conversation at our Dinner & Discussion on Dec. 14:

• Are there violations of human rights that you notice in the workplace? In your community? In our state, country or world?
• Are there groups of people who don’t have the same human rights as others? Should they?
• Is there a human right identified in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights that is the most important to you?

Be sure to get ALL the news!

Click here to view in a web browser

North Ed NETWORK NEWS

Learn more about North Ed programs, services, students and colleagues in all the latest newsletters linked below!

Link to past Staff Newsletters - Check it Out

REMC 2C Newsletter - November 2023

Assistive Technology Newsletter - November 2023

Farm to School Newsletter - October 2023

Career Tech Newsletter - Fall 2023

Find the 2023-24 School Year Calendar HERE

Snow Day Expectations

Please review the following snow day work expectations for the 2023-2024 school year.

• When snow causes TCAPS to declare a school closing, North Ed’s Special Education and Career & Technical instructional programs will also be closed.
• When North Ed is closed due to weather, Services & Evaluations staff (itinerants) who serve other districts that remain open may travel if it is safe to do so. They may report to that district and adjust calendars accordingly, and must communicate with Human Resources (Jenn Unger) and their supervisor.
• 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.

For more information on School Closings & Alerts, including how we notify our community of school closures, visit our website.

Register for North Ed Text Alerts

Northwest Education Services shares important and timely information, such as school closures and urgent news alerts, with our school community via SMS text messaging. All texts from North Ed will come from the number 67587. 

This service is provided through Intrado SchoolMessenger Solutions. North Ed does not charge you for this service, though data rates and messaging fees may apply. Check with your wireless carrier for possible charges.

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.



NOTE: If your cell phone number is not on file with the school, you will not be able to receive text messages. Texting is limited to contact numbers tied to the district staff and student databases and not available to the general public. Contact HR or your school administrator to ensure your number is on file.

Employee Assistance Available

The holiday season can bring stress and other challenges. Resources are available to North Ed staff through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides staff members with a number of support services, including help with depression, relationship problems, substance abuse, gambling addictions and more. As a North Ed employee, you have access to counselors and consultants to help with many needs related to your health and well-being. For more information on the EAP and other resources, visit the Human Resources page on our staff intranet.

$500 Referral Bonus Continues

North Ed staff can earn a $500 bonus for successfully referring someone who joins our team for any of the following positions:

• Custodial Staff
• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Special Education Teacher
• Teacher Assistant

Due to an ongoing need to fill several positions, this opportunity will remain in place until vacancies are filled. Simply email the name of your referral to Personnel Specialist Vicki Akers. If that person is hired, you will get a $500 bonus in your paycheck.

• Click to see all current job postings (type "North Ed" in search)

Technology Updates

New PowerSchool User Interface

PowerSchool is excited to announce the PowerSchool SIS Enhanced User Interface, which will be enabled during winter break in December. This new interface will greatly simplify everyday use and navigation for administrators, saving time and improving efficiency.

These changes are specifically designed for administrators accessing PowerSchool through the Admin portal. Teacher accounts will not be affected.  

To learn more about the new interface and how it will benefit you, please watch the training video presented by the North Ed team on Nov. 17:

We encourage all administrators to review the training video and familiarize themselves with the new interface before it is enabled in late December. If you have any questions, please contact the PowerSchool support team by emailing PSSupport@northwested.org

Help Prevent Cyberattacks

Multiple school districts in Michigan have experienced cyberattacks in the last month. Help us safeguard North Ed's digital infrastructure and sensitive information by following these key practices so we can provide uninterrupted learning experiences for our students:

• Be Alert to Phishing: Be cautious of emails from unknown sources, especially if asking for personal or district information. Do not click on suspicious links or attachments.
• Create Strong Passwords and Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and opt in for MFA when possible.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any unusual activity on your devices or systems to North Ed Tech Services at 231.922.6307 or helpdesk@NorthwestEd.org.
• Stay Informed: Participate in any cybersecurity training or information sessions the district offers. Staying informed is key to prevention.

North Ed TECH HELP

Need help with a technology issue? Try this:

• 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.
• Provide feedback or offer comments via the Help Desk Survey instead of responding with a final note of appreciation through the system ticket (which re-opens the service request).

General Interest

Professional Development

Regional Staff Development Day (RSDD), held Nov. 7, was not the end of the learning opportunities available to you this school year!

See what is on the docket for DECEMBER!

Regional Directory of Schools

The Northwest Education Services Directory of Schools is updated for 2023-24 and it is available on our website.

It provides information on public and non-public schools in the region including Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. 

North Ed Apparel Store Open 24/7

North Ed swag is available for purchase. Order direct from our approved supplier. It's easy! Browse the North Ed online catalog TODAY!

Website link location:

Intranet/North Ed Brand/Be a Brand Ambassador

Staff Resources