Rocket Roundup
April 12, 2023
Employee/Team of the Year Nominations Now Open
Quarter Century Club Celebration Thursday
A group of 12 NJSD employees will be recognized for their 25 years of service to the District at the annual Quarter Century Club induction on Thursday, April 13 at Bridgewood Conference Center. There will be a reception at 3:45 p.m. followed by a presentation at 4:15 p.m. All NJSD employees and the public are welcome to attend.
Those inducted include: Beth Altekruse, Ryan Anderson, Sara Bork, Kim Braunel, Shelley Dorner, Dave Gohlke, Jeff Leopold, Bonnie McClone, Elizabeth Rettler, Scott Schneider, Cheryl White and Tony White.
Optional All-Staff Meeting Scheduled for April 25 at 4 p.m.
State Budget Listening Session Set for Saturday at 11 a.m.
Employee Personal Leave Update
Below are some reminders about District policies in regard to employee personal leave as we approach the end of the school year:
There is a limit of 15 people who need a substitute that may exercise personal leave on the same day. Days that are now closed for the use of personal time are: Friday, May 5 and Friday, May 12.
Days that are close to the cap are: Friday, April 14, Friday, April 21, Friday, April 28, Monday, May 8, Monday, May 15 and Friday, May 19.
Fridays and Mondays are generally challenging days for absences and finding substitute teachers. On all the dates above, it will be more difficult than normal to ensure that classrooms are staffed. Buildings may need to alter teachers' schedules or cancel certain classes in order to accommodate for labor shortages. Please be patient for the next few weeks!
Remember that there are cash incentives available for perfect attendance and not using personal leave!
Non-Certified Job Vacancies for 2023-24
Non-certified job vacancies due to retirements, resignations or changed assignments are in the link below. If you are interested in making a change for next year (or sooner), please complete the form and press "submit," so that we can note your interest. Be sure to indicate the specific job that interests you by checking the box next to each listing. Shortly after this internal posting goes live, the vacancies will be posted on WECAN.
Some things you should take into consideration if you are seeking a transfer:
1. You will only be considered for a transfer for the amount of time a job remains listed on our form, usually just a week.
2. You need to inform your current principal/supervisor that you are considering a transfer.
3. You will only be considered for transfer two times for a given school year.
4. Employees with an in-progress improvement plan on file are not eligible for transfer.
The District appreciates your service!
Click here to view current vacancies. If you have questions, please contact the HR Office.
Certified Job Vacancies for 2023-24 - Updated!
Certified job vacancies due to retirements, resignations or changed assignments are in the link below. If you are interested in making a change for next year, please complete the form and press "submit," so that we can note your interest. Be sure to indicate the job that interests you. Shortly after this internal posting goes live, the vacancies will be posted on WECAN.
Some things you should take into consideration if you are seeking a transfer:
1. You will only be considered for a transfer for the amount of time a job remains listed on our form, usually just over a week.
2. You need to inform your current principal that you are considering a transfer.
3. You will only be considered for transfer two times for a given school year.
4. Teachers with an in-progress improvement plan on file are not eligible for transfer.
Thank you for all you do!
Click here to view current job vacancies. If you have any questions, please contact the HR office.
How to Talk to Kids About Violence
From NJSD Mental Health Coordinator Dr. Mike Altekruse
We have had recent incidents involving violence in the nation that have more than likely reached our students' awareness. It is common for many students to reach out to trusted adults at school for reassurance and support. With that in mind, I want to make you aware of a resource put out by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) entitled Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers.
If you want more information about supporting students when violence occurs, supporting recovery, and planning/preparedness, there are also free Resource Toolkits from Safe and Sound Schools. Finally, we have a link on Classlink for students to report any concerns about potential violence being planned by other students. This link is called Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) and is only for students 13 and above or parents/caregivers and only if they want to make a tip anonymously.
If you would like to talk to me about any of the resources or any students you are concerned about, please reach out to me at maltekruse@neenah.k12.wi.us. Thanks for all you do to keep our students safe!!!
Non-Certified Staff Evaluations Due by April 30
Evaluation forms are now available in FileMaker Pro for non-certified staff. Staff members must add a reflection of their performance in the employee comments section by April 30.
• To access your Non-Certified Staff Annual Performance Evaluation, either add the SSAPE to your ClassLink dashboard by clicking plus sign in the upper left, or start at this web site: https://webd.neenah.k12.wi.us/fmi/webd#
• Click on the "SSAPE" icon and authenticate with your district username (not email) and password.
• Click on the bottom row with the Evaluation Period of 2022-2023:
• If you run into any issues, please submit a help desk ticket for assistance.
TEC Rummage Sale Taking Place April 26-28
If you have been spring cleaning and looking to get rid of stuff, we will continue to collect donations through April 21. Proceeds will go to the NJSD Transition Education program that teaches students with disabilities daily living skills, employment skills and other independence skills in the home and community. All items left after the sale will be donated. Click here for a flyer to share with others in the community.
WRS Annual Statement of Benefits Coming Soon
The Wisconsin Retirement System Annual Statement of Benefits (dated January 1, 2023) will soon be delivered to active employees with WRS contribution balances as of December 31, 2022.
Employees are encouraged to carefully review their statements and the supporting web resources. Click here for more information
Healthy You Update
** Congrats to those that tried in the March Nutrition Bingo - thank you for participating!
**Good luck to the 160 staff members who have created teams for the April Step Challenge!
**April's focus is Physical Health...
**Here are some of the benefits of physical exercise:
• maintains healthy body weight
• lowers blood pressure
• decreases risk of heart disease
• increases muscle strength and function
• prevents cognitive decline
• improves energy level & sleep
**Here are some tips to increase physical activity:
• make it fun
• set realistic goals
• get friends involved
• take short breaks
**Have you ever tried HIIT workouts?
• Click here for some great workouts to try this week!
Celebrate Shattuck's Closing with a Commemorative T-Shirt
Would you like to own a piece of history? Shattuck Middle School is set to close at the end of this school year after being open since 1928! Get your hands on a stylish T-shirt commemorating “The Final Countdown” for Shattuck after 95 epic years based on a design by one of Shattuck’s own students!
This would make a great gift for current students and staff as well as former members of the Shattuck family, community members, and anyone else who wants to share in and wear a reminder of Neenah’s history! All shirts will be delivered to Shattuck Middle School two weeks after the store closes on April 16.
Order Here: https://shattuckfinalcountdown2023.itemorder.com/shop/home/
NJSD Discounts Offered for Fox Cities Marathon Challenge
NJSD employees are eligible for discounts to run or walk any of the September 16 or 17 Fox Cities Marathon events. Employees may participate in the 5k, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon. Be sure to select Neenah Joint School District from the drop down menu under the Business Challenge when registering. NJSD won the Business Challenge in 2021 and finished third in 2022!
Use the following codes at checkout to receive your discount (codes expire June 30):
NJSD5K ($5 off)
NJSD10K ($10 off)
NJSDFULL ($20 off)
NJSDHALF ($15 off)
Fox Cities P.A.C. Educator Appreciation Event April 27
What you do in educating the next generation is important, and we want to recognize your successes and dedication. Come join your peers in an evening that celebrates local educators!
The annual Fox Cities P.A.C. Educator Appreciation Event is set for Thursday, April 27. Doors open at 4 p.m. with a presentation at 4:30 p.m. and a reception from 5-7 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to mingle and network with other teachers in the community while enjoying delicious drinks and food.
Those in attendance will also be treated to the announcement of the 2023-24 Season lineup of the Amcor Education Series and the 2023-24 Season Education Outlet, and be given first access to reserve tickets for the series. We look forward to celebrating you and other educators!
This Week in NJSD Activities
Thursday, April 13
Baseball Home vs. Kimberly, 4:30 p.m.
Softball Home vs. Kimberly, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse Home vs. Kimberly, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 15
Softball Home vs. Marinette, 11 a.m.
Percussion Panorama, 6 p.m. (Cafeteria)
Sunday, April 16
Girls Lacrosse Home vs. Hudson, 9 a.m.
Monday, April 17
Boys and Girls Track, Home vs. Fond du Lac and Oshkosh West, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 18
Boys Tennis Home vs. Oshkosh West, 4 p.m.
Rocket City Jazz Festival, 7:30 p.m. (Shattuck O.J. Gym)