January 30, 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

Computer Recertification Classes - Lifelong Learning, 206 Wilkins Street, Greenville, is offering several computer classes for recertification: Windows Essentials; Word 2007 I & II; Excel 2007 I & II; Publisher 2007; Internet, Viruses, Spyware and Security 2007; Web Design I & II; and Promethean Board for Educators.  The cost is $110 for district employees/seniors 55+ and $140 for all others.  For more information and registration sheet visit Lifelong Learning’s website or call Grace Pascuiti at 355-6059. Audience: All Teachers and Principals.

Spanish for Adults—Lifelong Learning is offering a Spanish for Adults course at the Mauldin and Pelham Road libraries. Level I class starts Monday, January 30 at Mauldin Library and Level II starts March 27 at Pelham Road Library.  Classes meet for six weeks from 6-8 pm one day a week.  Cost is $80 for library card holders and seniors 55+ and $100 for all others.  Materials are included in this price.  See above website for registration or call Grace Pascuiti at 355-6059.  Audience: All Teachers and Principals.

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

2011 GCS/Pepsi Golf Tournament Scholarships - Proceeds from the 2011 GCS/ Pepsi Golf Tournament will be used to fund 20 $1,200 post-secondary scholarships for 2012 GCS high school graduates.  Half of the scholarships are designated for children of district employees.  Applications must be completed and returned by Friday, February 24, 2012 to the student’s guidance counselor.  Please click HERE for student guidelines and application.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Oby Lyles, Communications Department, 355-8870.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Laurens Electric Cooperative, Washington Youth Tour (For High School Juniors) - Laurens Electric Cooperative is sponsoring the Washington Youth Tour program, which allows high school juniors to compete for an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC.  Winners compete for a $2,500 college scholarship sponsored by the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.  Tour is scheduled for June 16-21, 2012.  Applications are due by Friday, February 17, 2012.  Selected students will be contacted for an interview, after which the winners will be announced.  Click the following links for more information: Overview, About LEC, and Application.  Audience: HS Guidance Counselors, Teachers, Juniors.  Contact: Laurie Riser, Laurens Electric, 1-800-942-3141.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

National School Counseling Week (February 6-10, 2012) - School counselors are an integral part of the entire school community.  National School Counseling Week, celebrated February 6-10, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.  Through collaboration with parents, teachers, administrators, and students, these professionals are actively engaged in helping students identify their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents.  They focus on positive ways to enhance students' social, educational, and career development, and they work with teachers and other educators to provide resources and support so each student can realize his or her potential.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Rob Rhodes, Guidance, 355-3391.

2011 W-2’s REMINDER - W-2’s were 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.  If you need to request a copy, please complete the “Request for W2 Form” found on the Finance Department website.  Copies will be provided beginning Wednesday, February 1, 2011.

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

R & A Tax Service – R & A Tax Service is offering a $100 flat fee personal tax return rate for all Greenville County Schools employees. Every return filed through R & A Tax Service is electronically transmitted and can be direct deposited. There is also a $20 referral program. The offer is available year-round to GCS employees. You must show your Employee Pass to receive the discounted price. Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Rick Curtis, www.rataxservice.com or 864-704-4164.

N-CTRL I.T. Services – N-CTRL is a full service computer repair shop located in Greenville.  They are currently offering GCS employees 40% off the following services for laptop and desktop computers: PC Tune Up - $51 (reg. $85); Virus Removal $84 (reg. $140); and PC Rebuild - $84 to $117 (reg. $140-$195).  The deposit will be $51 and any balance paid when the PC is picked up.  You must show your Employee Pass.  Visit www.mynctrl.com for more information.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Ashley Harris, 297-8602.

United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – The United Way is offering free income tax assistance to families earning $50,000 or less per year.  Get your taxes done free of charge by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers.  VITA Sites are in Greenville, Pickens, Anderson, Spartanburg, and Laurens Counties.  For more information visit www.unitedwaygc.org/vita.  To schedule an appointment, call 2-1-1.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: VITA, 2-1-1.

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:

· Starting the day with a nutritional breakfast is important for everyone.  A glazed doughnut has nearly the same number of calories as a bowl of high-fiber, multigrain cereal with nonfat Greek yogurt and nutritious blueberries.  Which choice is best for your health?  The cereal choice has about a quarter of the fat – and six times the fiber!  Eat the doughnut and expect to feel hungry in less than two hours, while the yogurt/cereal choice for breakfast will help you eat less all day long.

· Add a “seated stomach vacuum” at work!  The seated stomach vacuum activates nearly every stomach muscle.  These exercises can be performed while at your desk, while waiting at a stop light, cheering on your favorite team, or while grading papers.  Sit tall in your chair with good posture in mind.  Then simply pull your belly button towards your spine as far as you can.  Hold for five to 10 seconds, increase holding for longer time as you become stronger.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES REMEMBER)

February 1-3 — 4K Pre-Registration for 2012-13

February 6-10 — National School Counseling Week

Wednesday, February 15 — Interim Progress Reports

Monday, February 20 — Presidents’ Day Holiday (12-Month Employee Holiday)

Friday, February 24 — GCS/Pepsi Golf Tournament Scholarship Applications Due from Students to High School Counselors