*If you read our Check it Out staff newsletter from your Gmail inbox, you might miss some important news! To see it all, click "view in web browser" at the top of the email or "view entire message" at the bottom of the email.

This year, virtual Town Hall meetings have been utilized to give in-person updates from Dr. Ceglarek and to provide two-way communication opportunities for TBAISD personnel.

Find past recordings: Staff Intranet COVID Resources web page

In the months ahead the rebrand team will continue to work with Nielsen Design Group on a gradual implementation plan that will establish a standard style and ensure brand consistency across all parts of the organization including business operations, technology systems, documents and forms, website, and signage.

As a staff member, we encourage you to acknowledge the new name as you engage in conversation with schools and community. Simply saying "Northwest Education Services, Formerly TBAISD" will be an adjustment and is the first step we can each take to support the transition. It is important to focus on this full formal name in order to establish strong name recognition as we move through our rebranding transition. View the February 25 staff Town Hall Meeting recording for an overview of the TBAISD rebranding project.

Please continue to use current templates, documents and forms referencing TBAISD as we transition. Implementation of the new name and logo will occur with specific guidance in the coming months as new materials are created. We will continue to keep you informed of other ways you can support the rebrand strategic goal in the months ahead. Thank you for your support as we plan the full launch of the new name and brand for the 2021-22 school year.

New Campus School staff and students are so grateful to be part of such a caring and compassionate school community! The outpouring of love and kindness in the form of donations to our SPIRIT Pantry was overwhelming. 

Assistive Technology resources:

February 2021 Newsletter - NEW!

mzell@tbaisd.org | jdillon@tbaisd.org

March Newsletter 2021 - NEW!

For more information about Farm to School please reach out to our TBAISD Farm to School Coordinator Elena Mosher emosher@tbaisd.org

The Health and Wellness webpage, located on the TBAISD staff intranet, contains resources and links to a variety of supports. Log into this secure side of the TBAISD website by using your standard network login.

The Human Resources Department welcomes Jackie Mode as our new Human Resources Generalist. Jackie joins us with vast experience working for both Grand Traverse County and the city of Traverse City. For questions about your benefits, please contact Jackie at jmode@tbaisd.org or call 231-922-6215.

Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD) has extended the FFCRA benefits through March 31, 2021. Please contact Jackie Mode at jmode@tbaisd.org with any questions. 

COVID-19 Grant - MI Classroom Heroes Eligibility

The State of Michigan Department of Treasury recently announced details of the second round of "hazard pay" called MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 grant as part of Public Act 257 of 2020, section 553. The first round, Teacher and Support Staff COVID-19 (TSSC-19) grants were completed by districts in December 2020 as part of Public Act 166 of 2020, sections 949p and 949q.

Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD) will be distributing additional information and required forms by March 19, 2021 to those deemed eligible by the Department of Treasury. Those individuals must return the required forms according to specific deadlines. If you do not receive an email notifying you as eligible for this grant and you feel you meet the criteria as established by the Michigan Department of Treasury, you can file a written appeal to Emily Quinn, Director of Human Resources equinn@tbaisd.org no later than April 9, 2021.

If you read our Check it Out staff newsletter from your Gmail inbox, you might miss some important news! To see it all, click "view entire message" at the bottom of the email or "view in web browser" at the top of the email.

Also, this newsletter might appear in your "promotions" inbox rather than your "primary" inbox. Learn how to fix this in Tech Tips further down in this newsletter.

MDE sent a reminder to TBAISD to begin the annual review of staff credential expiration dates. Educators with a certificate expiration date of June 30, 2021 are encouraged to log into the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) and begin updating account information. This includes those with teaching certificates and administrator certificates. Read the full memo.

Reminder: TBAISD and TCAPS staff are granted a reduced rate preschool opportunity at Oak Park for the 2021-22 school year. The program is offered Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a cost of $145 per week. Early registration runs through April 9, 2021. Click here for more information or contact Kelly Gignilliat at 231-933-1759.

The nomination window is open for the regional Outstanding Educator Awards program sponsored by Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD), Traverse Connect, and TBA Credit Union. Award criteria and the 2021 nomination form are available on the TBAISD website and nomination packets are due by April 15. Click here for more detail.

The Michigan Education Association (MEA) has a long-standing tradition of honoring members annually with their OPIE award ceremony. This year, nominations will be accepted through March 26 and a virtual celebration will be announced later in the spring. MEA members are eligible for this award program. For more information, contact your union representatives.

The Standard School Award is a long-standing tradition that began in 1986 and is presented annually by the superintendent of Northwest Education Services organization (formerly TBAISD) to one employee who demonstrates outstanding performance pertaining to job-related responsibilities and goes above and beyond job expectations. The term Standard School stems from the legacy of one-room schoolhouses that established public education in Michigan. A commemorative plaque listing past recipients is located in the Arnell Administration Building.

In recognition of National Reading Month TBAISD Traverse Heights students are reading books with the theme of heroes. To celebrate our community heroes, staff and students will host a Parade of Heroes at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 25, in the bus circle at Traverse Heights Elementary School. Guests of honor will include a local fire department, city and state police, EMS, medical professionals, and other community heroes. Each hero will receive a special gift from students as they travel along the parade route. For more information contact MartyAnn Guiney at mguiney@tbaisd.org

Let's Talk Snow - During the month of February, the Great Start Collaborative TBAISD Early Childhood team, in partnership with 5toOne, United Way, and Norte, invited fans of snow and children to join in winter fun activities in their community. Families gathered at various locations throughout the region using Talking is Teaching activities to support play and learning.

Peace Meal Solidarity is a project that engages families with young children in community activities that promote inclusion and appreciation of diversity by providing globally-inspired meals and early literacy materials. Several global cuisine events are scheduled through May 2021.

March 18 - Africa

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Interlochen, 5:30-7:00

April 15 - Japan and Vietnam

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Interlochen, 5:30-7:00

March 28 - India

Kensington Church of Traverse City, noon-1:30

Registration is accepted up to 48 hours in advance. For more information about future events click here or contact Missy Smith, missy@greatstartkids.com

TBAISD is grounded in creating a culture of literacy for the children and the families we serve. Earlier this year, Christina Woods and local illustrator and author Brianne Farley made a large donation of new children's books, spreading the love of reading to many TBAISD Early On families. March is National Reading Month and schools across the nation are encouraging children, parents and communities to strengthen a lifelong love of reading. Thank you to Christina Woods and Brianne Farley for encouraging and celebrating reading.