August 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, 2012 - May 30, 2013) 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 EMPLOYEES

THIS SATURDAY: GCS All-Star Employee Night at The Drive, Saturday, September 1 — The Greenville Drive will celebrate GCS All-Star Employee Night on Saturday, September 1, 7:05 p.m.  Employees may purchase tickets ($5—$7) by calling Amanda Lavecchia (240-4507) or dropping by the Fluor Field Box Office.  A free ticket will be provided to the first 200 GCS employees requesting a ticket.  School ID or Employee Pass must be presented when picking up tickets.

Also, employees requesting/purchasing tickets will be entered in a drawing to have the option to throw out the first pitch before the game.  The winning employee will be notified Friday afternoon before the game.  GCS accomplishments will be highlighted during the game and the Drive will contribute $2 a ticket to GCS.  Click HERE for more information.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Amanda Lavecchia, Greenville Drive, 240-4507.

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ALL TEACHERS

Kids in Need Foundation - The foundation will award $100-$500 grants to K-12 teachers for creative classroom projects.  Applications are judged according to a rubric that emphasizes innovativeness, merit, clarity of objectives, replication feasibility, suitability of evaluation methods, and cost effectiveness. Visit the foundations website to access the application and view samples of winning projects.  Deadline: – September 30, 2012.  Audience: All Teachers. Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

Champions of the Environment Grant - DHEC is awarding eight $2,000 grants for K-12 classroom projects focused on the prevention or reduction of pollution in the air, water, or land; water or energy efficiency; restoration, preservation, or enhancements of natural areas. Projects should be educational in nature and make a lasting difference in the environment.  Click here for more information or to access the online application.  Deadline: – October 15, 2012; Notification – November 5, 2012.  Audience: All Teachers. Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

NEA Foundation – Nickelodeon Big Help Grants - K-8 educators are encouraged to apply for grants in the amount of $5,000 to implement projects that address one of four areas: environmental awareness, health and wellness, students’ right to a quality public education, or active community involvement.  Funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, technology, or scholars in residence.  Click here for more information or to access the online application.  Deadline: – October 15, 2012.  Audience: Elementary and Middle School Teachers. Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Shell Science Lab Challenge - Shell is awarding science lab makeovers to 18 middle and high school teachers who demonstrate exemplary teaching in science with limited facilities and resources.  Applicants should submit an application (3 pages or less) describing the teaching philosophy, a description of the limited facilities and resources in use, and the ways in which those resources have been implemented in an innovative manner.  Click here for more information or to access the online application.  Deadline: – November 12, 2012.  Audience: Middle and High School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

PARTNERSHIPS

NONE

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Political Dos and Don’ts – The political campaign season is upon us.  Please click HERE to review Political Dos and Don’ts.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Your Supervisor.

Annual Safety/Ethics Training for All Employees Reminder – Employees are required to view designated safety training videos and the District’s ethics video.  All course material should be viewed and each quiz completed.  Employees access the courses through the District’s portal, “SafeSchools.”  After logging in, employees will see the required courses listed with the corresponding completion date; be aware that most courses are scheduled for completion by August 31.  Your location’s designated Safety Administrator is responsible for monitoring progress and notifying employees about incomplete courses.  Audience: Principals, Safety Administrator, All Employees.  Contact: Ginny Allison, Finance, 355-1183.

Lawson Employee Self Service (ESS) Changes - Changes to employee information on Lawson ESS (W4 tax withholding, Direct Deposit, change of address) must be made at least 10 business days before the affected pay date.  ESS is not available for changes during payroll processing.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Payroll, 355-0920.

Insurance Update:

· South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) - The legislature made several changes to the SCRS plans which affect current, active employees and new employees.  For additional information, go to the SCRS website; www.retirement.sc.gov.  The District has scheduled meetings for all district employees on Tuesday, September 4 and Wednesday, October 10, 4:00 p.m., at MT Anderson.  It is not necessary to pre-register to attend one of the meetings.

· Annual Enrollment – Mandatory employee meetings will begin Monday, September 17.  In addition to receiving state and supplemental insurance information, employees will update their district life insurance beneficiary information.

· Dependent Certification Audit – Employees are reminded that the State is continuing to audit dependent eligibility.  To keep dependents insured, it is critical for employees to provide the requested documentation ASAP when notified of their records being audited.

· MidAmerica – The District 403(b) plan administrator is MidAmerica.  All active, contributing employees were recently e-mailed information about MidAmerica’s new website.  Please remember that all enrollment and deduction changes must be submitted to MidAmerica for authorization before the District can make any changes in employee deduction records.

Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Benefits Call Center, 355-0960.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Coop’s Health and Fitness – Coop’s Health and Fitness is providing special rates for GCS employees who join during the week of September 1-7.  Basic membership rate is $46 to start and $30 per month.  Other membership offers are outlined on the FLYER.  Contact: Cory Ann Stanton, Membership Consultant, 864-574-2667.

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:

· Drink plenty of water!  Are you getting enough water each day?  By keeping a water bottle on your desk and taking sips throughout the day of calorie free water you model for students the most important fluid the body can consume.

· Are you yawning after lunch?  Examine your lunch foods and beverages.  A high carbohydrate meal can result in feeling sleepy after consuming.  Lunchtime foods need to fuel you through the afternoon hours of teaching.  Consider nutrient dense fresh/raw fruits and vegetables and lean meat such as turkey.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER)

2012-13 Employee Calendar

2012-13 Student/Parent Calendar

2012-13 Student Calendar (Spanish)

THIS Saturday, September 1 - GCS All-Star Employee Night, 7:05 p.m., Greenville Drive Stadium

Monday, September 3—Labor Day Holiday (Also 12-Month Employee Holiday)

Tuesday, September 4— South Carolina Retirement System Meeting About Plan Changes, 4:00 p.m., MT Anderson Support Center

Monday, September 17—Mandatory Annual Insurance Enrollment Meetings Begin

Monday, September 24—Interim Progress Reports

Friday, September 28—Half Day Attendance for 4K & Preschool Special Education Students (Curriculum Planning for Teachers)

Wednesday, October 10—South Carolina Retirement System Meeting About Plan Changes, 4:00 p.m., MT Anderson Support Center