In the Know
An Internal Newsletter from the SISD Communications Dept.
Bearcat Returns Home to serve as new Counseling and Student Services Coordinator
For Julie Hill, returning home to Sherman, TX from South Carolina to work seemed a bit far fetched. That was until she stumbled across a job opening at her alma mater that looked like the perfect fit.
“I have been looking for job openings for years with Sherman ISD because this is my hometown,” Hill said. “One day something told me to check the Sherman ISD website, and I saw the right position for me.”
Hill applied for the job and was scheduled for an interview. After about a month long process, she received an offer and accepted the position as the District’s Coordinator of Counseling and Students Services.
“I was excited to get the call,” Hill expressed.
Starting this week, Hill will begin collaborating with SISD counselors with a focus on career development and enhancing student resources. She will also provide direct support for campus nurses and student support services.
Before joining Sherman ISD, Hill worked as a Director of Counselors who specialized in group and academic counseling and 504 requirements in Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree in counseling from Texas A&M Commerce, and she is a proud 1980 graduate of Sherman High School.
“It has been incredible to return to Sherman, TX,” Hill expressed after explaining her excitement of working in her hometown. “Although Sherman High School looks different and many things have changed, a lot remains the same, and I am looking forward to everything.”
Assistant Superintendent of Student Engagement and Support Dr. Tamy Smalskas believes that Hill’s passion for Sherman ISD coupled with her professional experience will be an asset in the development of programs that will help ensure student success.
“Julie and I recently walked the halls of Sherman High School, and it brought back many memories for her,” Smalskas said. “She has a love for our district, an understanding of our students, families, and community, and a clear vision for the direction of our counseling and student services department. We are happy she chose to come home.”
In her new role, Hill will wear many hats. She will collaborate with campus nurses, coordinate health services, lead the counseling department, manage 504 services, and provide leadership with student attendance. She is also looking forward to developing different programs that will directly benefit Sherman ISD students.
“I’m looking forward to helping people be more effective advocates for our kids and getting to work,” she said. “I am happy to be home.”
Spring Retirement Reminder
In accordance to Board Policy DEC (Local), Sherman ISD pays you for a portion of unused local leave at retirement. The Human Resources Department wants to ensure that all employees are aware of the upcoming timelines set out in this policy so that any employee that is planning to retire will not miss out on this opportunity. Please review the important information and dates below:
If a professional contracted employee intends to retire at the end of 2019, he or she must submit a letter of resignation to Human Resources no later than 4:00 pm on the dates listed below:
187 Day Contract Employee- Friday, February 22, 2019
207 Day Contract Employee- Monday, March 4, 2019
226 Day Contract Employee- Monday, March 25, 2019
If a non-contracted employee intends to retire and desires payment for local sick leave, then he or she must submit a letter of resignation to Human Resources no later than two weeks before the last day of employment. If a retiring SISD employee does not meet this requirement, he or she will not be paid for any local sick leave upon retirement as determined by SISD Board Policy. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Executive Director of Human Resources Jill O’Neal at 903-891-6410 or via email at joneal@shermanisd.net.
Reviewing Paycheck Withholdings
A recent article from SHRM offers a good reminder that tax time is a good opportunity for HR departments to advise employees to review and adjust their paycheck withholdings for the next year.
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, which went into effect in 2018, could impact employees in a variety of different ways, with previously popular deductions no longer available and lower tax rates. Employees may find they withheld too much or too little money from their paychecks.
According to the IRS, those most at risk of having too little withheld from their pay include:
- Taxpayers who itemized in the past but now take the increased standard deduction
- Two-wage-earner households
- Employees with nonwage sources of income
- Those with complex tax situations
Don't forget about Teladoc!
Teladoc is a convenient way for employees to receive treatment within minutes for non-emergency, acute general medical needs like the flu, sinus problems, bronchitis and much more. Employees can schedule a visit to occur during their break or lunch hour, at their convenience, by web, phone or through the mobile app.
Teladoc physicians have an average of 15 – 20 years clinical experience and are board-certified physicians. TRS members have reported a 94% satisfaction rate.
Last year, several TRS-ActiveCare participants sought care in the emergency room for non-urgent conditions. About 40% of all emergency room visits were for non-emergency medical needs like sinusitis, upper respiratory infection and the flu. A visit to the emergency room is very costly for the employee. With Teladoc, there is less cost or no cost for TRS-ActiveCare participants.
To make registration even easier for participants, Teladoc started sending a series of three text messages on Feb. 6.
- The audience is participants that are not currently registered.
- The series of three messages will be sent over five weeks.
- Participants can reply “stop” to opt out at any time.
To learn more, visit the TRS website.
Questions?
Email Aetna at trsbainquiries@aetna.com or call 1-877-767-5254 if you need assistance.
Upcoming District Events
Feb. 25 SISD Board Meeting @ 5:00pm
March-Music in our school month
Mar. 2- Band on the Run
Mar. 4-8 - National School Breakfast Week
Mar. 5-6 - Mock STAAR Testing at Elementary
Mar. 7-Career Expo at SHS @ 8:30am
Mar. 7-Big Texas Art Day
Upcoming Community Events
Unplug Texoma Business After Hours at CBC Creative
Join us for our FREE monthly networking event at CBC Creative on Thursday, February 21st from 5:00pm-7:00pm
Main Street Mardi Gras 2019
Saturday, February 23rd from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
All over Downtown Sherman
Click here for more info.
It’s Mardi Gras – Old Iron Post Style!
Saturday, February 23rd
Dixieland Jazz by the BOURBON KNIGHTS @ 7 pm
Home Hospice – Camp Dragonfly Program
March 8th-10th
For more information call 903-868-9315