May 2024 | Monthly news for and about the staff of Northwest Education Services | |
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Continuously Improving
Due to the incredible work of so many, we are rounding out Phase 2 of our SAIL 2.0 strategic plan. The SAIL (Serving Achieving Inspiring Learning) committees will provide updates on their work to the North Ed Board of Education at its meeting on May 7, and I encourage anyone interested in learning more about this progress to attend.
Our colleagues are making great strides toward improving our organization. I thank everyone who has served on the SAIL committees and contributed to developing our strategic goals. I would especially like to recognize the committee co-chairs for their leadership and dedication:
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Kristen Deering and Rachel White: Explore, assess and identify workspace needs.
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Scott Schuh and Marianne Swank: Build a system to positively support staff and students through continued focus on climate, culture and wellness.
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Marty Guiney and Lisa Poortenga: Assure fidelity of existing transportation systems, while improving upon existing systems and routines.
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Riley Denison and Leigh Kennedy: Ensure and communicate rigorous instruction in center-based programs.
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Shawn Biddle, Carol Greilick and Brandi Reynolds: Explore, assess, identify and address pupil accounting needs in the region.
North Ed’s strategic plan goals were crafted in response to focus group feedback and survey data from our students, staff and community. In some goals, such as those related to transportation and pupil accounting, we have engaged partners at other school districts and in the community. Taking this collaborative approach toward continuous improvement aligns with both our Vision (Partnering to ensure every learner will have pathways to a meaningful life.) and Mission (Working together to develop learners with purpose, strong schools and engaged communities.). Moreover, these efforts directly reflect many, if not all, of our organizational Values: Students/Learners First, Relationships, Integrity, Listening, Service, Diversity, Equity, Empathy and Excellence.
As we work toward the identified goals, we are making the improvements that will allow us to better serve our communities and meet the needs of our staff members, and I am grateful to be a part of such an exceptional team.
Respectfully,
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Dr. Nick Ceglarek
Northwest Education Services Superintendent
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
May
3 Transition Campus Prom, Hagerty Center, 5 p.m.
7 Staff Appreciation Breakfast, Career Tech, 7-9 a.m.
14 Staff Recognition Night, Historic Barns, 5 p.m.
28 Career Tech Awards Night, Grand Traverse Resort, 6:30 p.m.
31 Life Skills Center Graduation, Life Skills Center, 9 a.m.
June
4 Bridgeway Graduation
5 Outstanding Educator Awards, City Opera House, 6:30 p.m.
13 Adult Education Graduation, Milliken Auditorium
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Emily Borowski
Payroll/Accountant
Previous work: Bon Appetit
Education: Southern New Hampshire University
Interests: Hiking, baking skiing and traveling.
Fun Fact: Traveled to Australia and snorkeled parts of the Great Barrier Reef
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Kelsey Davis
Business Careers Parapro, Career Tech
Previous work: Technician, Traverse City Eye
Education: Kalkaska HS, University of Michigan
Interests: Reading Harry Potter books, going to concerts (Harry Styles fan), and sitting in a hammock and enjoying beautiful scenery.
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Kegan Fernow
Teacher Assistant, East MS
Previous work: Comfort Keepers
Education: TC Central High School
Interests: Online gaming and card games.
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Hannah Johnson
Teacher Assistant, Creekside
Previous work: Summertree Residential Center
Education: East Jordan High School
Interests: Has two daughters and enjoys camping, doing crafts and going on trips.
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Jurnie Shimko
Teacher Assistant, New Horizons/Courtade
Previous work: Kitchen Supervisor
Education: Attending Northwestern Michigan College
Interests: Loves working out at the gym
Fun Fact: Favorite hobby is drag racing and working on cars.
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Nominate Someone TODAY!
SAIL(ORS): Serving, Achieving, Inspiring and Learning Organizational Recognition System.
Congratulations to Mollie Blasius,
North Ed School Psychologist, who was honored by the Board of Education on April 2 for her dedication to the value of Relationships as recognized by her colleagues through SAILORS on Deck.
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 Board of Education.
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Louis (Louie) James Rademacher
Born April 2, 2024
8 lbs. 10 oz., 21.5" long to
Kathryn Rademacher, Autism Program Coordinator
Oscar Dalzell
Born April 5, 2024
10 lbs., 22" long to
Haleigh Dalzell, TA at Life Skills Center
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Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI), a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States and their contribution to American culture and history. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent, the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia), and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
Did you know?
According to research, the month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
As leaders in education, you may be interested to know…
The theme for the May 2024 observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) is Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.
Looking to celebrate AANHPI in your classroom? Check out the links below for some fun activities:
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Dennos Celebrates AAPI Month
Michigan-born author Curtis Chin will discuss his latest book "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant" at 7 p.m., May 16 at Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center, 1410 College Drive, Traverse City. The event is preceded by a screening of "The Blessing" and a Q&A with writer and director Liann Kaye beginning at 6 p.m., with food being offered at 5 p.m. For more information and to reserve FREE tickets, click the link below.
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Dinner & Discussion: Creating Community Through Conversation
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, May 16, 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. May’s theme is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Check out this flyer for more information. Please consider reviewing the following video resources and questions for our Dinner & Discussion:
Questions to consider:
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When looking at the history of systemic racism against people of AAPI Heritage, there are over 230 years of major incidents that have promoted fear, hate and prejudice, and are also used to further some political agendas. What can you do to stop the hate and violence, be an ally and promote systemic change for the better?
- Like Native American culture and history, Hawaiian culture and history has been declining in public awareness since colonization. While Hawaii is a fantastic vacation and tourist location, how might you honor their traditions and culture when visiting?
- What can you do to learn more about and support AANHPI culture? How can we incorporate the stories and perspectives of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders into our curriculum and practices throughout the year, not just during this heritage month? How can we educate ourselves and others about the history and experiences of AANHPI cultures to foster greater understanding and empathy?
- In what ways is AANHPI culture ingrained or visible in American history, culture, art, etc.? What are some key contributions that AANHPI have made to American history and culture?
- What are some ways we can actively advocate for social justice and equity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to foster greater understanding and empathy?
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If you read the newsletter in your email inbox, you may be missing the full story! | | |
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Podcast Highlight
North Ed graduate Austin Darga, in partnership with Grand Traverse Industries, is the voice behind a new podcast where he interviews various guests to share insight, life experiences and perspectives from individuals living with a disability.
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Staff Appreciation Breakfast
Tuesday, May 7
7-9 a.m.
Join your colleagues and friends for the annual staff appreciation breakfast hosted at North Ed Career Tech.
Please RSVP below!
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A Salute to North Ed Staff
Join us as we recognize staff members who are retiring in 2023-24 as well as those who have met significant service milestones.
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5 p.m. | Tuesday, May 14
The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park, 1500 Red Drive, Traverse City
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RSVP by May 6
Please help honor these individuals and reflect on the past year's accomplishments.
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Career Tech Advisory Boards
Twice each school year, instructors from North Ed Career Tech programs meet with local business and industry partners to talk about business trends, technology and best practices that can improve the delivery of practical instruction for each of our 22 career and technical education programs. Invaluable collaboration!
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Career Fair
North Ed Career Tech welcomed over 95 business and industry professionals to the tech center to network with students. The expo-style fair allowed students to talk with professionals working within their career interests, test networking skills and share resumés for current and future job openings. A win-win for all.
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Public Safety Art
Local artist Darin Knupp (center) recently created and donated a piece of his artwork to the Public Safety program at Career Tech. Darin is the father of Andre Knupp, a Traverse City Central senior enrolled in the program taught by instructor Tom Lennox.
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Join the 21-Day Stigma Challenge
Northwest Education Services is supporting the 21-Day Stigma Challenge beginning today to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders. The effort is organized by the Northwest Michigan Behavioral Health Initiative, a part of the Community Health Innovation Regions (CHIR) of Northern Michigan.
You can register for the challenge and find more information by clicking the links below.
A virtual launch of the program will be held from Noon-1 p.m., TODAY. Challenge registrants will receive a calendar invite to the launch, and North Ed employees are encouraged to attend if your schedule permits.
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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 by submitting details on the North Ed Bulletin Board linked below!
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Put it on the Bulletin Board!
This virtual bulletin board is for North Ed staff to share news, events and resources that are informative, create awareness or a caring concern for your colleagues. Click the button below to learn more!
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Latest Bulletin Board Additions
- Donate furnishings for the Creekside School staff lounge. Currently seeking comfy chairs, a couch, tables, lamps, area rugs and decor to brighten up this staff recharging zone.
- Check out the Lost & Found and Free items!
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Certification Reimbursement
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is continuing the Certificate Application Fee Reimbursement program. The program has been designed to retain and incentivize early renewals of educators renewing their certificates for the first time between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 13, 2024. There is no need to apply for this reimbursement. The important thing to know is that this program is available until funds are exhausted. Please visit MDE’s Certificate Application Fee Reimbursement website for more information.
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#Tools4Resilience Series Focuses on Mental Health
On Thursdays and Tuesdays in May, North Country Community Health and Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority are offering a Lunchtime Virtual Education Series that focuses on mental health awareness. Click the link below to learn more and register.
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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 - April 2024
Farm to School Newsletter - April 2024
New Horizons Newsletter - April 2024
Find the 2023-24 School Year Calendar HERE
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North Ed Text Alerts
North Ed shares important and timely information, such as school closures and urgent news alerts, with our school community via SMS text messaging. Click on the School Closings & Alerts button and follow the steps in the section titled "How We Notify Our School Community" under the Phone heading.
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New Payroll Email & Reminders
Effective immediately, all payroll-related documents and correspondence should be sent to Payroll@NorthwestEd.org
A few other Payroll notes/reminders...
For paper timesheets, please remember to:
- Include your first and last name
- Use the correct dates for days being paid
- Record your hours or days
- Total your timesheet
- Submit to your supervisor by Wednesday after payday
Supervisors: UKG Timesheets should be approved by supervisors by noon on Wednesday after payday.
Approved reimbursements are due by Thursday after payday in order to be paid the following Friday.
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School Guidance for Respiratory Illnesses
The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) recently released several resources to help inform and protect our school community. The following resources address new guidance for all respiratory illnesses, including COVID and measles.
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New Employee Assistance Program Available
Feeling stressed or dealing with anxiety? North Ed’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has free resources for staff and their family members. Our new EAP provider offers staff and their family members a number of support services, including help with mental health, relationships, substance abuse and more.
To learn more, view the EAP documents on the Human Resources webpage of the staff intranet.
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$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:
- School Social Workers
- Custodians
- 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.
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North Ed TECH HELP
Need help with a technology issue? Try this:
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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.
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Provide feedback or offer comments via the Help Desk Survey
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Professional Development
Click below to see what is on the docket for May professional learning opportunities!
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Support the Dream Team
Now seeking volunteers for the 2024 season! Opening day is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. at the Grand Traverse Civic Center. Ribbon cutting for four new ADA-compliant dugouts at 10 a.m. JOIN US!
Interested in volunteering?
Email dreamteamNMI@gmail.com
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North Ed SWAG!
The North Ed swag store has been updated and is always open 24/7 for purchases. Order direct from our approved supplier. It's easy! Browse the North Ed online catalog!
Website link location:
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Cool Tech Camp: June 18-20
Cool Tech Camp at North Ed Career Tech is open to students currently enrolled in 5th, 6th or 7th grade. Each program is taught by our highly qualified and skilled Career Tech instructors.
Registration closes May 10. Enroll early! Classes fill quickly and are available on a first-come first-served basis!
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Happy Birthday!
See who celebrates in May
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Board of Education Links
COVID-19 Resources
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Northwest Education Services
1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
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