In this Edition*
- Message from Dr. Nick Ceglarek
- New Employees
- Director of Communications Introduction
- SAIL Strategic Plan Project Updates
- Student Experience - Going LIVE in 3-2-1...
- Tech Matters - MI Security App & School Messenger Opt-in
- Human Resources Update
- Birthdays, Stork News, Board Meetings and More!
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*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.
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Dear Staff,
Thank you very much to all who have volunteered time and effort to work on our strategic plan this year and for staying engaged with our SAIL committees even with the numerous other challenges we’ve had to endure.
Soon, we will provide an update to the Board on the progress our SAIL committees have made this year, and as many of you meet in the coming weeks, please take a moment to revisit your objectives, reflect on your accomplishments and consider your future goals.
Our strategic plan is an ongoing process and work will continue in many areas, including the development of an effective structure of communication. How we communicate is a crucial component in so many operational areas, and ensuring we do so effectively will allow all of us here to function as one cohesive team and better serve our community.
We recently hired a new director of communications to work with our SAIL committee on establishing that structure and improving the way we communicate. I’ll let him tell you more about it (see below), but thank you again for your cooperation and support as we progress through our strategic plan goals. Your contributions and effort are greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
Dr. Nick Ceglarek
Superintendent
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Sara Figgins
Teacher Assistant
Previous work: TCAPS Behavioral Assistance Unit
Education: Walkerville High School
Interests: Kayaking, bowling, hiking
Fun Fact: Lover of coffee (hot, strong, regular or flavored)
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Ryan Jarvi
Director of Communications
Previous work: Press Secretary at Michigan Department of Attorney General, Lansing; City Editor at the Marquette Mining Journal
Education: Negaunee High School; Northern Michigan University, B.S. Psychology; Grand Valley State University, B.S. Journalism
Interests: Hiking and spending time with family
Fun Fact: Adjusting to parenthood and enjoying family life with a 10 month old daughter
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Melissa Johnson
Teacher for EI
Previous work: Baldwin Elementary 3rd Grade teacher
Education: Ferris State University
Interests: Hiking, camping, boating, biking and spending time with two teenage children
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Lindsey Klco
Behavior Support Asst.
Previous work: TCAPS TA
Interests: Pinball, darts, ski/beach bum and hiking with the dog
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Lyn Sumner
Teacher Assistant
Previous work: Great Lakes Therapy, COTA
Education: Rudyard High School, Denver Institute of Technology
Interests: Retro RV camping
Fun Fact: Swam five Great Lakes in one day
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Communications Department |
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Dear Northwest Education Services community,
In case you missed it, we’re in the middle of a multiyear strategic plan and part of that is focused on revamping the way we communicate with each other, our local districts, the families we serve and the rest of the community.
Think of communication as a tool – say, a garden hose, for example. The message is the water, and the audience is whatever you’re hosing down.
You can spray flowers or the dog directly, attach various apparatuses like a sprinkler, poke holes in the hose and let it run, pinch it to change the pressure, put your thumb over the nozzle and so on. All of that can change the way your audience gets the water, and whether they drown in information or don’t get enough to thrive.
I just started at Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD) as director of communications. It’s a new position and we’re still working out the fine details of how our team of three will function as a department, but all of it will revolve around efficient, effective communication that is accurate, straightforward and engaging for our audiences – including our staff.
We want you to absorb the water so we can all thrive here, but we’ll need your help. The big goal is to build a structure of communication that fits our needs, and in the coming weeks, we’ll develop and send out a survey – short and sweet – to gather your perspectives on communications here. I want to know what works for you, what doesn’t and what suggestions you might have on improving our communication system. You can also always reach out to me directly with thoughts and concerns.
This will be a long-term project and there may even be some bad ideas (a few from me, I’ll bet). But hopefully, by pushing through those challenges together – and maintaining some flexibility and willingness to try new things – we can achieve our big goal of effective communication (aka, a fine-tuned garden hose).
Thank you very much,
Ryan Jarvi
Director of Communications
Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD)
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March
- Presentations to staff/primary partners
- Name announcement to all audiences
- Nielsen Design Group (NDG) designs interim collateral
April
- Interim letterhead
- Interim signature
- Develop organization structure specific to department/program name
- Business operations communicate name change to all county/state federal corporate entities
- Technology operations transition network//system/URL name change
May - June
- NDG design of materials for future production
- Communication Dept. initiates production as materials are approved
- Internal documents/forms updates begin
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TBAISD = Northwest Education Services
By now, most of you have seen our new logo and name, Northwest Education Services, but you’re thinking: “When can I get my hands on that cool new lanyard?” – or – “Can’t wait to update my memo templates with this sweet new logo!”
We know – the excitement is palpable. But there’s a method to this process and, frankly, some of the material is still being finalized. As we continue to gradually roll out our new brand identity, you will gain access to these assets in phases, with full launch projected for the start of the 2021-22 school year.
This rebranding is a major undertaking for our institution, but we are making good progress. Here’s some of what we’ve done so far:
- Official name-change with local and state agencies, and professional organizations
- Logo design and kick-off of public awareness campaign
- Updates to various tech systems with new name and logo
- Creation of interim letterheads and memo templates (yep, you can use these now)
- Creation of interim email signature (update yours today!)
In the coming months, we’ll keep you informed of this transition, but check out this link to view a preliminary timeline and updates as they’re available [LINK]. Here, you will also be able to review instructions on how to use the new letterheads and where to find them in our internal network later this month. You’ll also find details on how to update your email signature to the approved interim version. A final standardized version will be available in July when our emails migrate to the new website domain.
For now, please follow the instructions on updating your interim emails exactly (seriously, no inspiring quotes, no self-promotional content, bitmojis or fun little color tweaks). We ask that you refrain from personalizing these signatures to allow our new brand to shine. There may be slight differences varying by your position, department and so on, but the whole concept behind a new brand is to present a unified front as an organization, from color to content.
That goes for the logos and letterheads as well. Please don’t alter these. If you have a need to use the logo in a unique way, please make a request with the Communications Department so we can support you.
As always, thank you for your patience and understanding as we work though this significant project. We hope you are as excited as we are to become Northwest Education Services!
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Promoting Positive Climate and Culture
The SAIL strategic goal to promote a positive work climate and culture has led to the development of some creative and resourceful tools that will enable all members of our staff to be contributors to building a positive culture and climate in the workplace. Health and Wellness tips shared regularly with e-blast newsletters and website resources aim to build healthy habits and improve quality of life. Social Connection has been more challenging as we continue to work through the pandemic and support best practices that keep us socially distant. More recently, Staff Recognition opportunities have been expanded in ways that welcome all members of our organization to lift up the good work of our colleagues through the SAIL(ORS) system of recognition. Learn more about all of these exciting resources by clicking on the corresponding linked web pages above!
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Standard School Award
The Standard School Award is a long-standing tradition that began in 1986 and is presented annually by the superintendent of Northwest Education Services (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.
Information about the Standard School Award nomination process and criteria for eligibility click HERE. Nomination deadline in Friday, April 16.
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Wellness Committee Updates
New wellness challenge coming in May!
The Wellness Committee is putting together a short Wellness Challenge that will occur in May. Watch for the next Wellness E-Blast newsletter to see the details and official registration information.
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Hey YOU.... yes, you....Get All the News!
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.
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COVID-19 Sick Leave Guidelines
FFCRA benefits expired March 31, 2021. Northwest Education Services provided two vaccination clinics to allow for all staff to be vaccinated. All individuals 16 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, please consider this option to protect yourself, our students and fellow staff members. For more information on where to receive a vaccine, please visit https://www.gtcountymi.gov/2394/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information. If you must quarantine due to an exposure, employer paid leave is no longer available. If you must quarantine for a child’s exposure, you may use family illness days. For those of you who are fully vaccinated, at this time, you do not need to quarantine if you are identified as a close contact.
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Workplace Requirements
As of April 12, 2021, MIOSHA has extended their COVID Emergency Rules. As part of these rules, each workplace shall provide a policy regarding their workplace requirements. Northwest Education Services approved policy 4225 Temporary Remote Work Policy in December 2020, which is in alignment with our COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. As a service agency to our local districts in the region and while we are operating all of our programs in-person, all staff should be working in-person. Alternative worksites are only allowed if a supervisor approves them.
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Year-End Schedule: HR Calendar of Dates
Last day of School:
Paraprofessionals: June 3, 2021
Teacher Assistants: June 11, 2021
Professional Staff: June 14, 2021
Summer Hours run from June 15, 2021-- August 31, 2021
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Lorraine Anne Eckenrode
Born April 7, 2021
8 lbs. 12 oz., 21" long to
Melissa Eckenrode, Teacher at Oak Park
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Going LIVE in 3-2-1...
Austin Darga is rapidly checking off items on his "pre-graduation" bucket list and recently encountered an experience of a lifetime. With a likeness to airman Adrien Cronauer (portrayed by actor Robin Williams) belting out that notorious radio introduction "Gooooood Morning Vietnam" in a movie with the same name, Austin took full advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate his radio voice LIVE on air for the WTCM Lunch Time Corner Diner show with Carey Carlson. And boy, did he make an impression!
From a young age Austin has had a fascination with music and radio. From Pop to Oldies, he could name a top pick from any genre. Listen to his calm and confident radio presence as he introduces one of his favorites by American singer-songwriter Jason Aldean.
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CTC Culinary Connects with Peace Meal Solidarity |
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Culinary Arts and Early Childhood Education students have teamed up to support community engagement activities in partnership with 5toOne family outreach Peace Meal Solidarity events. April 15 highlighted a Greek menu and on April 29 the crews will come together again to feature foods inspired by the African culture. Students from both CTC programs use these events to build global awareness, early literacy, STEM skills, and understanding of community resources. |
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Registration is accepted up to 48 hours in advance.
For more information about future events click here or contact Missy Smith, missy@greatstartkids.com
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Globally-inspired Meals
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.
PREPARED MEALS
April 15 - Greece (Lunch)
Northwest Education Services CTC, 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
April 15 - Japan and Vietnam
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Interlochen, 5:30-7 p.m.
April 17 - Italy, Peru and Tahiti
Grow Benzie, 5-7 p.m.
April 29 - Africa (Lunch)
Northwest Education Services Career-Tech Center, 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
May 12
Traverse City Presbyterian Church, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
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Community Heroes Appreciation Parade |
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Following a month of learning about heroes, Traverse Heights students and staff celebrated
by honoring our local heroes with a parade!
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Expanding Gross Motor Skill Activities |
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The talents of our Northwest Education Services friends and staff do not go unrecognized! Thank you to our friend Dave Barresi (Julia Barresi) for lending his woodworking talents to build a new ladder wall, and staff members Jim Laurent and Floyd Valentine for their expert installation of this new device in the gross motor room at Traverse Heights. Our students will be thrilled with this new activity! |
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Mobile Device Security App
The state of Michigan is pleased to announce the release of Michigan Secure, a mobile device security application that warns users when suspicious activity is detected on their mobile device. We are asking for your assistance to share this free application with your communities to help students, teachers, and families remain safe while operating online.
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Opt-in for School Alert Messaging
We are excited to announce the launch of a new text alert service that will enhance communication by allowing Northwest Education Services to deliver important information to school families and staff via SMS text messaging to provide information that is timely and relevant, such as school closures or urgent news alerts. In order to participate in this news alert service you must indicate your willingness to receive text messages to your phone. The process is simple and only takes a few seconds to complete.
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Simply text any one of the following words to the number 67587: subscribe, optin, or yes.
- You’ll want to 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 are registered to receive <3> SchoolMessenger notifications. Txt STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies.
The service is now active, but you will only receive a text message when an alert is activated (no other test message will be sent). If you have questions or need assistance with this operation please submit a Help Desk ticket to the Tech Services team.
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Assistive Technology resources:
For more information about assistive technology support, please reach out to the Assistive Technology Department:
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Farm to School Newsletter
For more information about Farm to School please reach out to our Northwest Education Services Farm to School Coordinator Elena Mosher emosher@tbaisd.org
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Birthday Spotlight
See who celebrates a MAY birthday!
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CTC Cool Tech Camp
Registration is now open through May 17. Click HERE for more detail |
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TBAISD Quick Links
General Resources:
COVID-19 Resources:
Communication Links:
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Northwest Education Services | 1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, Michigan | 231.922.6200
www.tbaisd.org
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