September 13, 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

NONE

AWARDS/APPLICATIONS/CONTESTS/GRANTS

ALL TEACHERS

Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grants - Foundation is awarding $500 grants to public schools for projects that foster creative expression, working together, and interaction with a diverse community.  Examples of previous projects awarded include murals, pen pal group, theatre production, publications, etc.  Project should be completely and exclusively funded by this foundation.  Click here to review all application criteria and to access the online application.  Deadline: March 15, 2014.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

innOVATION Grants - Foundation is offering $10,000 to help support or grow model K-12 STEAM programs that have already been effectively integrated into the learning environment.  Proposal must include supplementary materials such as a support letter, lesson plans, grading rubrics, photos and/or videos of instruction in practice.  Click here to access the online application and review grant criteria.  Deadline: October 28, 2013.  Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

CVS Caremark Wellness & Prevention Grants - CVS Foundation is offering $1,000 to $5,000 grants for school-based programs that support healthy habits and achieve healthy outcomes.  Simple, online application, as well as other program criteria, is available here.  Deadline: October 31, 2013. Audience: All Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

PetSmart Classroom Grants - Pets in the Classroom grants (K-8) are available for 50% off the purchase of small pets (hamster, guinea pig, fish, bearded dragon, Gecko, rats, snakes, or parakeets) and relevant start up materials and supplies.  Pet projects should be designed to teach children how to bond with and care for pets responsibly.  Teachers should review online pet care guides to assess which pet is most appropriate for their classroom.  Online application and program criteria are available here.  Deadline: June 14, 2014.  Audience: Elementary and Middle School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest - Public middle and high schools are eligible to enter at www.samsung.com/solve.  One school per state will win a technology kit that will be used to produce a video addressing the topic of how STEM can be used to help improve the local community.  Five national winners will be selected to receive $140,000 in technology and prizes, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the celebratory event.  Click the link above for complete contest rules, see samples of previous winners’ videos, and to enter the contest.  Deadline: October 31, 2013.  Audience: Middle and High School Teachers.  Contact: Lisa Finley, Research, Grant Writer, 355-3113.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Click HERE for Human Resources’ Home Page.

NOTICES/REQUESTS

ALL EMPLOYEES

Open Enrollment for Insurance Coverage is September 16 – October 31, 2013 — Please click HERE for the Open Enrollment summary document.  In addition to the summary, employees should read the Insurance Advantage newsletter, and attend their mandatory, individual meeting with a Ward Services counselor.  For additional information, contact your school/work location or the Benefits Department, 355-0960.  Audience:  All Employees.

Benefits Office (Extended Hours) - The Central Office Benefits Department is open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  If employees need help with insurance changes, need to hand-deliver forms/paperwork or have general questions, a Benefits staff member will be available.  Since the Central Office closes at 5:00 p.m., employees planning to visit the Benefits Department after 5:00 p.m. should contact Benefits in advance.  Enter the Central Office from the rear, backside of the building; lower, lobby entrance.  Audience: All Employees.  Contact: Benefits Department, 355-0960.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS

NONE

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:

Limit Processed Foods - Processed foods are almost always packed with sodium, sugar, artificial ingredients and other things your body doesn’t need.  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats like avocado and nut butter.  Experiment in the kitchen and learn to make your own versions of your favorite processed foods like granola bars, crackers, etc.

Drink Plenty of Water - Remember that the calories in your drinks count toward your total calories for the day!  Choose water most of the time and remember that if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.  Take a water bottle with you everywhere to remind you to drink more often.  And use additions like berries, mint or lemon to flavor your water if you don’t like it plain.

CALENDAR (IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER)

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

Monday, September 23—Interim Progress Reports

Friday, September 27—4K Half Day

Thursday, October 17 - Professional Dev. Workday, Schools - Flex

Friday, October 18 - Schools - Parent/Teacher Conferences and MAP Improvement (Exchange Day #1)

Friday, October 25 - End 1st Quarter Grading Period

Thursday, October 31 – Report Cards