September 2021 | Monthly news for and about the staff of Northwest Education Services
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The only constant in life is change
Dear North Ed Staff,
Due to the recent uptick in positive COVID-19 case numbers in our region, we are now requiring all North Ed staff to wear masks on school grounds when in the presence of others, regardless of vaccination status.
Since we began this school year just last week, the need to further expand the requirement of masks to all employees is shown in the numbers. Our service area is in the “High Transmission” category, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and a growing number of positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in our area.
As always, we prioritize the health and safety of our school community and this small but critical step to expand our mitigation strategies will further protect our students and staff. Your cooperation throughout the pandemic has been outstanding, and I am certain this latest development will be another example of how North Ed employees can adapt and overcome yet another challenge stemming from this pandemic.
Currently, all other operations and protocols will remain the same with respect to COVID-19, but we will inform you of any changes. If you have specific questions, please direct them to your supervisors.
Respectfully,
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Dr. Nick Ceglarek
Northwest Education Services Superintendent
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John Ballew
Auto Body Instructor, CTC
Previous work: Northwestern Michigan College (NMC)
Education: NMC
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Maribeth Condon
Job Coach, LSC
Previous work: Migrant Head Start, WillSub, TC State Park
Education: University of California
Interests: Reading and making jewelry
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Dottie Mepham
Data Support Specialist
Previous work: TCAPS Pupil Accounting/Technology Integration Specialist
Education: Central Michigan University, Mid Michigan Community College
Interests: Knitting, sewing, gardening and camping
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Blake Margaret Rose Zimmerman
Born September 10, 2021
6 lbs. 7oz., 20-1/4" long to
Tara Zimmerman, Occupational Therapist
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Rebranding Tip of the Month
What's in a name?
North Ed is our nickname, and aligns with the belief that shorter is better. A goal for everyone is to avoid the creation of acronyms (For example, NWE, NWES or NES are not acceptable forms of our name). We want to be consistent in use of our name so our community can continue to learn and recognize it. Acronyms confuse people, and it is especially important to be consistent since this is a new "identity" for us, so Northwest Education Services or the shorter "North Ed" nickname is the best approach.
Also, please recognize that with this significant rebranding effort comes change, and our Communications Department is here to assist you through this process. If you have any questions about the rebranding process, the reasoning behind our new name or how you can use our new logo, please reach out to us at NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org.
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North Ed COVID-19 Protocol
As a result of recent data, masks are now required, regardless of vaccination status, for all students and North Ed employees. The decision to require masks was made with support from North Ed’s internal safety committee and aligns with current recommendations from local medical professionals, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Below is a brief summary of protocols. North Ed will be flexible and adjust COVID-19 protocols as recommendations from government agencies change:
- Masks required for students and staff, regardless of vaccination status.
- Staff working in local buildings may follow that district's policy.
- Unvaccinated individuals must wear masks at all times.
- Masks required for anyone riding school buses.
- Social distancing measures in school facilities (3 feet when masked and whenever possible).
- Daily cleaning and sanitation of school facilities and equipment.
- Quarantining, contact tracing and reporting protocols in coordination with local health departments.
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SafeSchools Training Reminder
Each school year all staff members are required to complete essential safety training courses on the online SafeSchools platform. If you have not done so already, please complete your course requirements as soon as possible. |
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Want $500?
There are only a couple of weeks left to earn $500 for successfully referring someone who is hired as a North Ed Teacher Assistant! Simply email the name of your referral to HR Generalist Jaime Lewis. This opportunity ends Sept. 30, 2021, so get moving!
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Are email links opening up in Outlook? Learn how to make Gmail your default HERE |
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Dean Transportation
Dean Transportation needs temporary attendants to assist bus drivers and students for the start of the 2021-22 school year until candidates for those positions can complete Dean’s hiring process.
Any North Ed staff member willing to help cover these temporary shifts should discuss it with their supervisor to determine whether the additional work conflicts with their current job responsibilities. North Ed employees should expect to tend to their normal work duties following or preceding any bus attendant shifts they work.
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Recognizing Hispanic Heritage
Michigan has a Hispanic or Latinx population of 5.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, while that demographic throughout the U.S. is listed at 18.4%.
The five counties that make up North Ed’s service area have Hispanic/Latinx populations (Leelanau, 4.4%; Grand Traverse, 2.9%; Benzie, 2.5%; Antrim, 2.3%; and Kalkaska, 2%), and North Ed plays an important role in serving those students and their families. Among the programs we provide are our vibrant and thriving migrant and English learner programs under the direction of Deb Neddo.
Hispanic Americans have served in our armed forces, they’ve drafted our laws and literature, created art and music, educated our children and so much more. Our world is better because of the rich cultural influences of Hispanic and Latin people, and we’re recognizing that today as we celebrate the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
To learn more about this celebration, follow the links below:
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Be sure to get ALL the news!
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Skills Gap Webinar - Thursday, Sept. 16
Wondering what can be done to address the skills gap in our region? Career & technical education may play a role. Assistant Superintendent of Career & Technical Education Pat Lamb will be a panelist at the Traverse Connect Skills Gap Study webinar at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16. Learn what North Ed’s Career Tech is doing to help regional employers with finding young talent at the webinar.
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Book Study
“How are you feeling?” That’s the first sentence of Marc Brackett’s book “Permission to Feel”. Each year, North Ed selects a book that focuses on a particular theme or topic staff want to learn more about. “Permission to Feel” is this year’s book study subject, as learning to deal with our own emotional needs and feelings can improve our chances of successfully caring for the needs and feelings of others, including students. If you’re interested in joining the book study, email Renee Childers to receive a copy of the book.
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Save the Date - Oct. 7
John Sandula, teacher at the Life Skills Center, has esophageal cancer and is fighting the battle of his life. A benefit to support the Sandula family will be held on Thursday, Oct. 7, from 3:30-6:30 p.m., at Right Brain Brewery, 225 E. Sixteenth St., Traverse City. More information to follow. Questions can be directed to Mimi Kinney at MKinney@northwested.org
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August SAILORS on Deck!
Congratulations to Rick Ankerson and Ryan Rosa who were honored on September 7 for their dedication to Excellence and Service as recognized by their North Ed Colleagues through the SAIL Organizational Recognition System (ORS). Recognize a staff member TODAY!
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Wellness News & Calendar
The North Ed Health & Wellness Committee intends to host social events throughout the year for our staff members. Attendance at these events is optional. The North Ed Wellness Calendar is shared here so you can add it to your account and view upcoming social events and other activities. Learn more in the monthly Health & Wellness e-Blast linked below!
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Team Spirit!
North Ed t-shirts were provided to all staff members on opening day and are encouraged to be worn throughout the school year to show your team spirit and represent our North Ed brand! If you missed out, need to exchange for a different size, or never got your t-shirt please let the Communication Team know and we'll get one coming to you!
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Happy Birthday!
See who celebrates in October:
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Mighty Families, Mighty Kids
Join in this early childhood event!
- Book signing
- Kindermusik
- Just Be Yoga... and more!
Saturday, September 18, 10:00 - Noon
Grand Traverse Civic Center Path, Pavilion & Amphitheater
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Congratulations to these 2021 Regional Outstanding Educators!
In alphabetical order:
- Jessie Houghton - TCAPS
- Kathy Larkin - Alba
- Nancy Martin - GTACS
- Eric Ranke - TCAPS
- Terrie Rawlings - Forest Area
- Becky Westphal - North Ed
- Megan Zell - North Ed
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Cybersecurity Training
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises, and the education sector is in the crosshairs. North Ed is beginning a cybersecurity training campaign using Wizer Training. Staff will use Wizer to build awareness and practice phishing simulations as we approach October, which is Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Each month after October, we will feature a new tip for staying safe online. This cybersecurity program will not only help keep North Ed’s insurance rates down, it will keep YOU safe from falling victim to a personal attack.
You should have received an email from Wizer that looks like the example below. Please complete the training and join our growing team of cybercrime defenders!
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Tech Help
The North Ed Tech Services Department provides a variety of support for our staff in dealing with technical issues, and offers useful resources through the North Ed Help Desk Shared Google Drive. To view the drive, visit the Tech News webpage found on our Staff Intranet (you’ll need your North Ed username and login information).
For assistance with technology issues, contact the North Ed Help Desk at 231.922.6307. If your call goes unanswered, please leave a message for our technicians as they are frequently visiting other North Ed buildings or local districts. You can also submit a Help Desk Ticket online.
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Classified Ads:
MSU Football Tickets for Sale: 2 tickets/game in the upper deck on the 40-yard line. Great seats (Season tickets have been in the family since 1950s). Near concessions and bathrooms with seat backs for comfort. $50/ticket (below face value), sold in pairs for the following games:
Sept. 11 – Youngstown State
Oct. 2 – Western Kentucky
Nov. 27 – Penn State
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Board of Education Links
General Resources
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COVID-19 Resources
Communication Links
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Northwest Educational Services
(Formerly TBAISD)
1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
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