August 30, 2013                                                 ebulletinboard Archive

To help keep you informed about events, workshops and other matters of interest, ebulletinboard is e-mailed on pay dates (August 15, 2013 - May 30, 2014) 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

Lifelong Learning/College of Charleston is again offering Graduate recertification courses for Fall:

· Strategies for Working with At-Risk Boys (Tues., Sept. 10- Dec. 10)

· Developing an Understanding of the Impact of Socio-economics on Student Achievement (Poverty) (Thurs., Sept. 12-Dec. 12)

· Teaching Instructional Strategies Using Technology (Tues. Sept. 24-Oct. 29, Nov. 5-12) Remaining classes will be completed on line using Moodle.

Sullivan Center, 4-7 p.m. Each class is $500, 3 hour graduate.  For more information visit Lifelong Learning’s website or call Terry Culbertson, 355-6095.  Audience: All Teachers and Principals.

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ALL TEACHERS

Champions of the Environment Grant - DHEC is awarding eight $2,000 grants to K-12 students and teachers conducting environmental projects in one of the following: prevention or reduction of pollution in the air, water, or land; waste reduction; restoration, preservation, or enhancement of natural areas; water or energy efficiency.  Projects must educate the community and have a lasting impact on the environment.  Click here to review all application criteria and to access the online application.  Deadline: October 15, 2013.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

Adoptaclassroom.org - K-12 teachers are encouraged to register on this website to raise funds for classroom resources and materials.  Private and corporate donors have the ability to choose needs and/or projects in which they wish to invest.  Adopted classrooms will have full discretion to purchase items that meet the unique needs of your classroom.  Click here to review requirements and to register.  Deadline: None.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

Whole Kids School Garden Grants - Foundation is offering $2,000-$5,000 grants for the purchase of resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, technology or scholars-in-residence.  Garden must be located on the school campus and include at least one community partner.  Previous grant winners are ineligible.  Click here to access the online application and review grant criteria.  Deadline: September 1 - October 31, 2013.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants - Foundation is offering $2,000 grants to support participation of K-12 educators in professional development.  PD must improve practice, curriculum, and student achievement.  Requests for “one-shot” professional growth experiences (conferences, for example) are discouraged.  Funds may be used for fees, travel expenses, books, or other materials. Recipients are required to share learning with their colleagues.  For more information or to apply, click here.  Deadline: October 15, 2013.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

Lowe’s Toolbox for Education - Lowe’s provides $2,000-$5,000 grants to K-12 schools seeking to implement a project that provides facility and campus enhancements (gardens, playground, nature trails, green spaces, etc.).  For more information, a list of previous winning projects, FAQ’s, or to apply, click here.  Deadline: October 15, 2013.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Click HERE for Human Resources’ Home Page.

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

PEBA Fall 2013 Regional Retirement Seminars - If you are one year or less away from retirement eligibility, the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) wants to help ensure you have the information you need to make the retirement decisions that are best for you.  They offer a one-day retirement seminar designed to answer your questions and more.  Presenters from PEBA Retirement and Insurance Benefits, the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, and the Social Security Administration will provide you with the information needed to successfully navigate the retirement process.  For a list of the fall 2013 regional retirement seminars and to register for one that is near you, click here.

Service Purchase Calculator Added to Member Access - The Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) Retirement Benefits is introducing a new feature to Member Access, the secure online resource through which members may view their retirement account information and make certain changes to that information.  Active members can now calculate an estimate for the cost to purchase certain types of service by using the Service Purchase Cost Estimator Calculator.  Members who want to check out the new calculator or to register for the first time may visit www.retirement.sc.gov and click the Member Login button.  To register, members will need to enter their last name, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address.  Retired members will also need to enter the net or gross amount of one of their most recent monthly annuity payments or deferrals under the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive (TERI) program.  For more information about this program, please contact PEBA Retirement Benefits at 803-737-6800, toll free at 800-868-9002 (within S.C. only), or at www.retirement.sc.gov/contact/email.htm.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Coop’s Health and Fitness – Coop’s Health and Fitness is offering GCS employees a special rate of $16 to start and $30 per month.  Additional details on flyer. Bring the flyer and get a free two-week pass and one free personal training session.  Offer good until September 30, 2013.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Cory Stanton, Coop’s Health and Fitness, 864-288-2667 or 585-615-9804.

MISCELLANEOUS

ALL EMPLOYEES

The Schools Channel (Charter Channel 99, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, 24 hours a day, and Charter 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.

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS:

Counting Calories - Everyone’s calorie needs are different, and it’s important to not go overboard, but not eating enough sends your body into starvation mode and also makes it harder to lose weight.  Figure out how many calories your body needs and strive to eat that amount daily by creating balanced meals and choosing healthy snacks.

Start Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast - Skipping breakfast does nothing but lead to low blood sugar, moodiness and overeating later.  Just remember that you aren’t limited to “traditional” breakfast foods.  Focus on putting together a breakfast with complex carbs, lean protein and healthy fats.  It will increase your metabolism, energy and focus.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER)

2013-14 Calendars—Student (English and Spanish) and Employee

Monday, September 2—Labor Day Holiday (Also 12-Month Employee Holiday)

Monday, September 23—Interim Progress Reports

Friday, September 27—4K Half Day