January 13, 2012                                                            ebulletinboard Archive

To help keep you informed about events, workshops and other matters of interest, ebulletinboard will be e-mailed on pay dates (August 15, 2011 - May 30, 2012) to all employees.  Principals and other location supervisors should post one copy for employees who do not have e-mail.  Editions are archived for reference.

EVENTS/WORKSHOPS

ALL TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS

Graduate Recertification Courses Offered by Lifelong Learning - Lifelong Learning, 206 Wilkins Street, Greenville, is offering three graduate classes:  Developing an Understanding of the Impact of Socio-economics on Student Achievement (starting Jan. 31-May 8), Strategies for Working with At-Risk Boys (starting Jan. 26-May 3) and an on-line class, Bullying in Schools (Jan. 30-April 30).  The Developing an Understanding....and the Strategies for Working with Boys classes will be held at Sullivan Center, (4-7 pm), one night each week.  The Bullying in Schools will be held at Sullivan Center on Jan. 30 (4:30-8 pm) and then on-line using Moodle on our Greenville County School District's home page.  All courses are for recertification, 3 graduate hours, through the College of Charleston.  The cost is $450 for each course.  For more information visit Lifelong Learning’s website or call Terry Culbertson at 355-6095.  Audience: All Teachers and Principals.

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

ING Run for Something Better National School Awards - ING is awarding a minimum of 50 $2,500 grants to schools who wish to start or expand an existing running program for K-8th grade students.  Programs must be offered at least twice a week to all students who wish to participate.  In order to be eligible, the school must have a minimum of 25 students to participate.  The program must be conducted for at least 8 weeks and result in a culminating event.  Click HERE for more information and the application.  Deadline: Registration – May 15, 2012; Notification – September 2012.  Audience: Elementary and Middle School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Siemens “We Can Change the World Challenge” - Siemens is hosting a free, project-based sustainability contest for 9th – 12th grade students.  A team of 2-4 students will identify an environmental issue with local, national or global implications and present a solution.  Each team should have a team teacher or mentor.  1st prize is $50,000 in scholarships, a $5,000 grant for the teacher’s school, conference attendance, and a prize pack.  Click HERE for more information.  Deadline: March 15, 2012; Notification – May 2012.  Audience: High School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

January 13, 2012 Paycheck - Payroll deductions for the increased State health plan rates and open enrollment changes start with the Friday, January 13, 2012 paycheck.  Even if an employee made no changes, his/her health insurance deduction will change because of the premium increase.  Click HERE for the 2012 monthly rates.  All employees should review their deduction information on their online check stub on Friday, January 13.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Benefits, 355-0960 or Payroll, 355-0920.

2011 W-2’s - W-2’s have been mailed to the employee’s address on file.  Please click HERE for specific W-2 form information.  If your mailing address has changed your  W-2 will be forwarded by the US Postal Service unless your forwarding time period has expired.  However, you will need to change your district address on file.  From a district computer, you can change your address using Lawson Employee Self Service (ESS) by using the following instructions.

1. From the District’s website, click on the Employee Portal icon

2. Click on Employee Portal

3. Click on Employee Info (Lawson Self-Service)

4. The Lawson log-in screen will display; enter your log-in information.  For log-in issues, contact the ETS Help Desk.

5. Once you are logged into ESS, click on GCSD Self-Service

6. Click on Employee

7. Click on Personal Information

8. Click on Home Address

The address on file will display.  If any of the information is wrong, change the information and then click UPDATE.  Important Note: SC Retirement System (SCRS), Optional Retirement Plans (ORP) vendors and the Employee Insurance Program (EIP) require separate notification.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Payroll, [email-masked] or 355-0920.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Golden Apple Rewards Discount Directory - The 2011-12 Golden Apple Rewards Discount Directories have been delivered to all schools and locations.  This year’s directory offers discounts from many businesses and services, such as beauty salons, cell phone providers, tax preparation firms, fitness centers, and local restaurants.  These discounts are exclusively for ALL full- and part-time permanent employees of Greenville County Schools.  (Substitutes and temporary employees are not eligible). Be sure to complete the survey on the first page for a chance to win $50! The deadline has been extended until January 20 because of the delay in getting the books out.  If you’re on the go, you can find all the discounts on the Employee Portal under Golden Apple Rewards, or visit www.goldenapplerewards.com to check for businesses that have been recently added to the program. Click HERE for a short video.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Susan Clarke, Communications Department, 355-8874.

BI-LO Center Corporate Discount Rates – The BI-LO Center is offering GCS employees corporate rates for several upcoming events in February and March.  See the Group Discount Flyer for details. You must present your Employee Pass along with the form at the BI-LO Center Box Office to purchase tickets.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Rhonda Ratliff, Group Sales Manager, 250-4952.

Furman University Golf Club – GCS employees can play 18 holes on the Furman University Golf Course for a $35 green fee with cart.  Show your Employee Pass to get the discount.  This offer is valid until December 31, 2012.  Contact: Kevin Dehlinger, Director of Business Development, Furman University, 864-294-2167.

MISCELLANEOUS

ALL EMPLOYEES

The Schools Channel (Charter Channel 99, 24 hours a day, and Channel 14, 5:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m. daily) – Click HERE to learn more about the Schools Channel programs and TV schedule.

Employment Opportunities – Click HERE for our web-site link to GCS Employment Opportunities.

Healthy Living Tips:

· We’re Southerners and we love our sweet tea!  Studies show that (unsweet) tea can boost energy, enhance immunity, prevent cancer, and protect against heart disease, all for zero calories.  Tea is lower in caffeine than coffee, comes in an array of flavors and varieties, and is perfect for cold winter days.  Consider using honey in place of sugar for more positive health benefits.

· Did you know that at least seven hours of restful sleep leads to more calories burned both during the daytime and at night? (On the other side, lack of sleep can lead to weight gain.)  For restful sleep, consider creating a comfortable sleep environment with room temperature and bed comfort; maintain an active lifestyle; take a warm bath or drink a relaxing tea like lavender or chamomile before bedtime, and turn off the TV.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES REMEMBER)

January — School Board Recognition Month

Thursday, January 12 — End 2nd Quarter Grading Period

Friday, January 13 — Professional Development Workday, AM District/PM Schools (Flex), Exchange Day #3

Monday, January 16 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday (12-Month Employee Holiday)

January 18-20 — 5K and 1st Grade Registration for 2012-13

Thursday, January 19 — Report Cards