STAFF BULLETIN
AUGUST 2015
Dear District 64 Staff Members,
It seems hard to believe that it was only a week and a half ago that I welcomed all District 64 employees to the beautiful Pickwick Theater to kick-off a new school year. The energy that morning was so positive and that same energy and enthusiasm has been evident in our schools as I visited buildings during these opening days of school. I know a simple thank you doesn’t cover my sincere gratitude for your hard work and commitment to helping get the school year off to a smooth start but I’ll say it anyway -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!
As you know, the 2020 Vision Strategic Plan is underway. The first of a series of three podcasts is available for those interested in a deeper dive into the six Strategic Objectives I previewed on Institute Day. I know many of you viewed the podcast at a building meeting on Wednesday, but if you did not see the video, I have included the link within this newsletter. Podcasts can also be found on the Strategic Planning page within our website.
We are thrilled to welcome Ron DeGeorge as our new Director of Facility Management. Mr. DeGeorge has 18 years of direct experience in school district buildings and grounds: 16 as the supervisor in elementary District 23 Prospect Heights, and 2 as a maintenance foreman in high school District 211. In addition, he has experience in HVAC/electrical contracting work, worked in the trucking industry, worked as a commercial lighting sales engineer, run his own business and has been a licensed electrician for 27 years. He has meet with the Custodial Council and is scheduling school tours with Principals and Building Chiefs. Ron will be instrumental in helping prioritize our Health Life Safety and Master Facility work. Please help me welcome Mr. DeGeorge to District 64.
Payroll Announcement
Beginning with the September 25 payroll, individuals with direct deposit will receive their pay stub via email. If you are currently receiving a paper check and would like to change to direct deposit, please contact Michelle in payroll at mnidea@d64.org. Luann Kolstad will send a reminder email to all staff before the September 25 payroll period.
Have a wonderful weekend. I look forwarding to see you as I begin my Walk and Talks next week.
Warmly,
Laurie Heinz
MetLife Dental - New Carrier effective 9/1/15
Employees currently on the Guardian dental plan will rollover to the new plan beginning 9/1/15. No new paperwork to complete.
Group # 0313571
No ID cards- you will use your ss number as your ID
Metlife Dental customer service: 800-942-0854
Billing information- Claims to P.O.Box 981282, El Paso TX 79998-1282
You will have $1000 in benefit from 9/1-12/31/15
You will have $1000 in benefit from 1/1-12/31/16
SPECIAL REQUESTS FOR PERSONAL DAYS
We all advocate the use of e-mail whenever possible. However, when writing to the Superintendent to request personal days (more than two personal days in a row; days prior to or following 3-day weekend; or days prior to or following extended breaks such as Thanksgiving, Winter Recess, etc.) we would like you to continue the practice of writing a formal letter. There are two reasons for this request; (1) when the Superintendent is out of the district, her e-mail may not be read until she returns; and (2) since this is the copy that is retained for your personnel file, it should be a formal letter.
SENIOR PROGRAM WORKERS
Need an encouraging adult for students practicing their skills or some behind-the-scenes help for easy tasks?
Our unique senior program workers can offer you or your students a helping hand this year --
District 64’s unusual Senior Tax Exchange Program continues to attract new workers who are interested in being of service to our schools. These local residents are available to interact with students (like listening to students read or work on math facts), or to assist you in the classroom or behind-the-scenes in some way. Their time is provided to you at no charge, and students have the benefit of interacting with these interesting older citizens. Seniors are active in all of our schools, taking on easy assignments typically a few hours per week. We are ready and willing to make a "match" for you this year with one or more of our members. Please fill out the simple form available in your school office or download one from the Staff Portal. Questions? Feel free to talk with your principal or senior program coordinator Bernadette Tramm (x4343). Thank you!
CONGRATULATIONS
Erin McCoy (4th Grade Teacher at Roosevelt) and husband, Dean, welcomed their son, Andrew George, on June 9th. He weighed 5 lbs, 15 oz, 18 3/4 inches.
Christy Holtz (Pre-K Teacher at Jefferson) and husband, Chris, welcomed their second son, William Henry, was born June 8th weighing 7 lbs, 2oz. Weston who is very happy to be
the big brother.
FOR SALE
Call, text or email Lynne Bugai 1-847-404-1642
Webkinz for sale. Several that are retired. In great condition, but no codes. $4.00 each. Email me for complete list.
Electronic dartboard in a wood finish cabinet. NEVER BEEN USED. $50.00
Contact Stacy Shub: sshub@d64.org
FREE TO A LOVING HOME
Adorable 3 year old black & white guinea pig looking for a new forever home. Includes cage, travel bag, etc. Free to a good home. Contact Luann Kolstad, lkolstad@d64.org, X-4324.
LOST
Lost "girl" charm with December birthstone as body, most likely at Roosevelt or Washington, but it could be anywhere. Please return to Debbie Graziano at Washington if found. Thank you!
2015-2016 PAY DATES
8/27/15-1st Pay for 10-month staff (2015-2016 school year)
9/10/15 and 9/24/15
10/08/15 and 10/22/15
11/05/15
11/19/15 (Thanksgiving week (11/23/15-11/30/15)
12/03/15
12/17/15 (Christmas Break 12/21/15 to 01/01/16-Returning Monday, 01/04/16)
12/31/15
1/14/16 and 1/28/16
2/11/16 and 2/25/16
3/10/16 and 3/24/16 (Spring Break begins on 3/25/16 to 04/01/16-Returning
Monday, 4/4/16)
4/07/16 and 4/21/16
5/05/16 and 5/19/16
6/02/16, 6/16/15 and 6/30/16
7/14/16 and 7/28/16
8/11/16
NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING - Roosevelt School-North Gym
7:30 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.