February 2023 | Monthly news for and about the staff of Northwest Education Services | |
|
Career & Technical Education Month
Dear North Ed Staff,
Every February, schools and educators across the country take time to highlight the value and importance of Career & Technical Education.
Our 21 Career Tech programs offer students hands-on learning experiences with support from local industry experts and our dedicated team of educators. Through rigorous academics and time spent in the classroom, along with mentorships, job-shadowing and other in-the-field opportunities, students gain a wealth of knowledge that prepares them for college or a career after graduation.
Every time I visit, I am amazed at the vibrant, energetic and collaborative culture that exists at Career Tech. It is clear to me that the students who attend these programs are passionate about their education. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Check out this video from our Film & New Media program and hear for yourself what some of our students have to say about Career Tech programs.
From business and technology to the arts and human services, students can gain insight into a number of exciting career pathways. In addition, many programs allow students to earn college credits while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements, allowing families and students to save time and money in postsecondary pursuits.
I, for one, know that Career Tech is an incredible place teeming with opportunities, and I am grateful for the work our team has done to open new doors of possibilities for hundreds of students each year.
When you add (former math teacher in me, I guess) the efforts at Career Tech to the incredible work of our Special Education team and the outstanding staff members who support our region’s schools, the result is clear: North Ed is living its vision of ensuring every learner has pathways to a meaningful life.
Respectfully,
|  |
Dr. Nick Ceglarek
Northwest Education Services Superintendent
| |
|
Don't Just 'Put a Bird On It!'
Are you applying the North Ed brand in your work? It’s not as simple as just “putting a bird on it” like they did in “Portlandia”. Making sure our logos and colors are used correctly is part of building a lasting brand and ensuring the North Ed identity is recognized in the community for years to come. Check out these resources to learn more about the guidelines to follow when applying our brand:
These brand resources and more can be found on our website and the staff intranet. Questions? Email us: NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org
| | |
|
SAILORS on Deck!
North Ed Speech Department Administrative Assistant Marysue Lessner was honored by the Board of Education on Jan. 3 for her dedication to the value of Excellence as recognized by her colleagues through the SAIL Organizational Recognition System (ORS).
| |
|
|
SAIL(ORS): Organizational Recognition System
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.
| | |
|
|
Kelci Winchell
Teacher Assistant, Creekside School
Previous work: Restaurant and hospitality industry
Education: NMC; Western Michigan University
Fun Fact: Enjoys traveling, dancing, yoga and learning Spanish
| | |
|
|
Nate Wolfe
Parapro, Graphic Arts, Career Tech
Previous work: North Ed - Parapro and custodian
Education: Traverse City West Senior High
Fun Fact: Outdoor activities, art, comic books and movies
| |
|
Black History Month
“Black Resistance” is the theme for 2023’s Black History Month, as chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme, according to History.com. ASALH has been selecting Black History Month themes since 1928, not to “dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.”
In recognition of Black History Month, here are a few things worth exploring:
-
Google Drive Resources: This folder includes lesson plans, social media content and other resources you can use in your classrooms with students or for your own personal exploration and learning.
-
Community Events: Northwestern Michigan College has a number of events occurring throughout February for Black History Month. More information can be found online here.
| |
|
For Your Awareness Calendar
| |
|
Lunch & Learn
The North Ed DEIB Committee will host two discussions on the Netflix documentary “Amend: The Fight for America”, which looks at the struggle for equal rights in the United States. This session's focus will be on Episode 2 and Episode 3 of the series, available to stream on Netflix and YouTube. Those interested in joining the discussion are encouraged to watch the episode prior to the event, though it is not a requirement. The two discussions will be as follows:
-
5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2 at The Filling Station Microbrewery, 642 Railroad Place, Traverse City. Some food will be provided, with drinks available to purchase.
-
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, Virtual via Google Meet or dial: (US) +1 567-351-1086 PIN: 203 865 973#
Please see the Facebook event page and flyer for more information.
| |
|
MLK Day at
Life Skills Center
North Ed students and staff gathered at the Life Skills Center for a presentation and march on Monday, Jan. 16 to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Advocates from the Disability Network joined us to speak about how Dr. King's message is important for all people, including those with disabilities.
| |
|
Community Resources
Everyone needs a little help once in a while. Below are some resource lists for organizations that offer assistance to families and individuals in our region, both during the holiday season and throughout the entire year.
| | |
|
If you read the newsletter in your email inbox, you may be missing the full story! | |
|
Benefits Summary
Northwest Education Services recently updated its Summary Plan Description for the Group Health and Welfare Benefits Plan. This summary is distributed on an annual basis and serves as an umbrella plan that includes various health and welfare benefits for North Ed employees, along with the terms and conditions outlined by your current health care plans.
Any questions regarding this plan may be directed to Human Resources Director Emily Quinn.
| |
|
Retirement Planning
2023 Pension Seminars
For employees hired before July 1, 2010
Benefit Plan: Basic/MIP/DC Converted
Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 4:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Location: North Ed Conference Center
For employees hired on or after July 1, 2010
Benefit Plan: Pension Plus/Defined Contribution (DC)
Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 4:30 p.m.
Location: North Ed Conference Center
Not sure which seminar you should attend? Contact Holly: holly@marsprps.com
| |
|
Snow Day Expectations
Please review the details linked here for snow day work expectations for the 2022-2023 school year.
All North Ed buildings will remain open on snow days. Any questions should be directed to your supervisor.
| |
|
$500 Referral Bonus Expands
North Ed staff can earn a $500 bonus for successfully referring someone who joins our team as any of the following positions:
- School Psychologist
- School Social Worker
- Speech and Language Pathologist
- Special Education Teacher
- Teacher Assistant
- Paraprofessional
Due to an ongoing need to fill these positions, this opportunity will remain in place until vacancies are filled. Simply email the name of your referral to HR Generalist Jaime Walton. If that person is hired, you will get a $500 bonus in your paycheck.
| |
|
2022 W-2 Reminder
W-2's for the 2022 calendar year were issued in January. If you have any questions, please contact Payroll Manager Sabrina Gunning at sgunning@NorthwestEd.org
| |
|
Windows 11 Update
Microsoft intends to discontinue support for Windows 10 within the next calendar year. To prepare for this, we are updating to Windows 11 beginning Feb. 14, 2023. Many devices were already updated in October and November. If your device did not receive an update in the fall, you will be prompted to begin the update and then restart your computer.
Windows 11 does have a slightly different interface. Below is a screenshot of the Windows 11 interface.
- The Windows Start menu is now moved toward the center of the screen.
- You can search for the app you want to use. For example “Chrome”.
- You can click on “All Apps” and this will show you all the apps that are installed.
| |
|
You can still Right Click on an open app and pin it to your taskbar.
As always, if you have issues or questions, please enter a help ticket via helpdesk@northwested.org or the online ticketing system.
Thank you for your cooperation in updating our organization's devices.
| |
|
North Ed Bytes
Join your colleagues to learn more about the tools and resources available to all Northwest Education Services team members. These "mini-PD" sessions are generally 20-30 minutes and cover topics that extend beyond technology to other tools and helpful tips that you may not be familiar with. Employees may attend as many sessions as desired. We will provide the coffee or tea refill and you can learn with your colleagues at the Arnell Administration building or Career Tech. Contact Brandi Reynolds (breynolds@NorthwestEd.org) for suggestions or questions 231.922.6280. The next session is:
- How to Use the North Ed Brand
- Feb. 10, 8:40-9 a.m., Benzie Room, Arnell
- Learn more about the North Ed brand and how to use the tools and resources available.
| |
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).
| |
|
Spring Retirements!
Is someone from your North Ed building/team retiring this spring? Are you planning an event to recognize their work? Let us know! Email the information to NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org by mid-May to be included in a special communication to North Ed employees.
| | |
|
|
Happy Birthday!
See who celebrates in February
| |
|
Get in the Yoga State of Mind
Rejuvenate your body, mind and inner spirit with weekly yoga classes taught by North Ed nutrition facilitator and certified yoga instructor Marisa Hrbal. All abilities are welcome to these one-hour sessions every Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Bring your own yoga mat and meet at the North Ed Conference Center. No experience necessary. RSVP to Marisa mhrbal@NorthwestEd.org
| |
| |
|
|
Youth Mental Health Summit
The Youth Mental Health Summit for Young Leaders and Those Who Love Them will be held from 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Northwestern Michigan College Innovation Center. For more information and to register, visit: goodworkslab.org/elevate
|
|
|
Community Conversations
Around Education
Grand Valley State University’s Educational Leadership and Counseling Department is hosting an event called “Appetizers, Answers, And Potential Avenues” at 4:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Left Foot Charley in Traverse City. North Ed Superintendent Nick Ceglarek will join the panel to discuss the current state of education in our region and what may come next. For more information and to register for the event, visit GVSU’s website.
Additionally, GVSU staff will be available at the Feb. 8 event to provide more information about the university’s new two-year teacher certification program that will be starting this year. Grant funding is being sought through the state that, if awarded, would cover the cost of tuition for program attendees. More details on the funding will be shared when available. Virtual information sessions are being held TODAY, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to offer more details about the teacher certification program. Visit www.gvsu.edu/tcteach for more information on the program and upcoming information sessions.
| |
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
A new three-digit number – “988” – has been established to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline primarily seeks to offer a sense of hope, and people can call, chat or text the nationwide dialing code if they or a loved one are in a suicidal or mental health-related crisis to connect with someone who can help.
| | |
|
|
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
| |
|
Getting the Lingo Right
As you talk about Northwest Education Services (shortened to North Ed, not Northwest Ed), it is important that we all use the correct words and represent the organization in unified fashion. Brand integrity depends on each of us. If you have brand questions or need logos for an event, document or presentation, contact the Communications Department at NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org.
| |
|
|
Board of Education Links
General Resources
| |
|
COVID-19 Resources
Communication Links
| | |
|
Northwest Education Services
1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
| | | | |
