E.Q.
The Employee Quarterly
Congratulations to our Education Support Professionals!
- Sarah Rowley - Special Education Assistant - Sutton Elementary School
- Beverly Trevino - Special Education Assistant - Palmer High School
- Rhona Taylor - Special Education Assistant - Swanson Elementary School
- Susan Kovalchik - Special Education Assistant - Shaw Elementary School
- Jacqueline Wilhour - Server/Cashier - Shaw Elementary School
- Sheri DelFrate - Payroll Assistant - Payroll Department
- Toni Hartley - Administrative Secretary - Facilities Department
- Gena Chastain - Secretary 1 - Mat-Su Central School
- Stephen Heywood - Customer Support Expeditor - I.T. Department
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all of the Education Support Professionals for the hard work that they do for our district.
DATES TO REMEMBER
December Payroll Reminder
The first paycheck issued in December will be deposited into your account on Thursday, December 13th. The paycheck that would normally be deposited on December 31st will, instead, be deposited on Friday, December 14th.
The next scheduled deposit will happen on Tuesday, January 15th. Please be sure to budget accordingly.
Retirement Notification Deadline
W2 Forms to be Issued
Facebook Live Event
The first Facebook Live event of the 2018-2019 school year was held on Wednesday, November 28th.
MSBSD Superintendent, Dr. Monica Goyette, presented information on enrollment, choice and rising graduation rates.Click on the link below to view the video.
Entering Leave Over Break
3rd Annual Employee Benefit Fair
Congratulations to Tina Audap and Christina Lucas - the two winners of the 25,000 Alaska Airlines miles giveaway!
Tina Audap
I’m absolutely thrilled about winning the extra miles! I have been flying 3 grandchildren up here every summer since I moved here 5 years ago. We have great adventures and that eases the pain of being so far away from them. So this summer you’ve helped me with one of the tickets. That’s a wonderful thing and has me feeling so happy! Thank you ALL!
Congratulations to our winners!
Christina Lucas
My husband and I plan on visiting family in the lower 48 during one of the school breaks this year. Yeah! And thank you!
Substitute Recognition
Here is what people are saying about Katie and Brian:
Katie Bicchinella: Katie continually says yes to subbing for teachers when they have an IEP meeting to attend, when an assistant is only absent for part of the day, or when we can make it work for her to sub before and after recess. She loves the interaction with staff and students and we love her smiling face.
Brian Drumm: Hands Down - Best Sub Ever! On time, follows lesson plans, great classroom management skills, and super flexible. Kids love him!
Congratulations Katie and Brian!
Physical Exam Requirement Changes
Tuberculosis tests and physical and/or psychological exams my be required if deemed neceesary. Please click on the button below to view the updated Board Policy.
Co-Curricular Stipend Payments
Yearlong co-curricular stipends are paid in four quarterly payments and the second payment will be dispersed on the December 13, 2018 payroll. Additional payments will be processed on the March 15th, and May 31st payrolls. Should you have any questions regarding your payment, please contact Amber Allen in Human Resources at amber.allen@matsuk12.us.
Health Insurance Update
Keep in mind that your health insurance deductible requirement starts over with the new calendar year. This is a great opportunity to use your pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions if you currently have an account. If you have questions about which health plan you are on or what your deductible is, please feel free to contact the Payroll Department at 761-HELP (4357).
Updating your W-4 for 2019
TRS Retirement Helpful Hints
If you are starting to think about retirement, below is some helpful information directly from the Division of Retirement and Benefits regarding the process and some additional considerations.
Application Process
• Request a projection of benefits two years prior to your estimated retirement date.
• Request a retirement packet a minimum of 120 days in advance of your estimated retirement date.
• Submit completed application prior to retirement date (preferably 60 days prior).
• Health insurance is reported to the carrier in the month prior to your appointment/retirement date.
• Receipt of Application letter is sent.
· If your application is complete, no further communication is needed until the appointment letter.
• Final salary and termination date are requested from employer.
• Retirement benefits are calculated after termination date and the final salary is received.
• If you have ever been divorced during your service:
· You must submit a court-certified copy of your divorce decree and property settlement.
· Retirement benefits cannot be processed without this information.
Timing of Benefits
• Retirement benefits are effective the first day of the month following termination from employment and receipt of retirement application.
• Retirement benefits are paid once per month, at the end of the month.
• Plan for the first benefit check to come six weeks after your retirement effective date.
• Plan for electronic deposits to begin 60 days after your retirement effective date.
• Plan for health eligibility to be reported timely if you have applied at least six weeks in advance.
Points to Consider
• If buying a house after retirement, retirement income cannot be verified until after benefit has been calculated. This could be up to six weeks after your effective date.
• Claiming service at time of retirement may delay your retirement.
• When paying an indebtedness with pre-tax transfer, request paperwork at least eight weeks prior to retirement date.
Below are links to documents you may want to reference.
You can find more valuable resources pertinent to your retirement on the State of Alaska website: http://doa.alaska.gov/drb/trs/employee/resources/retirementApplication.html#.WjloWE11rFr
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Cigna - Take Steps Toward Financial Wellness
Beginning January 1, 2018, Cigna has made the following changes to the value add programs that come with your Life, Accident, Disability, Critical Illness, Accidental Injury and/or Hospital Care plans:
1. Full Service Financial Wellness
Cigna is replacing the current identity theft and CignaWillCenter.com services with a full-
service financial wellness program called My Secure Advantage that includes:
- 30 days of prepaid money coaching
- Identity theft and fraud resolution services
- Online tools for state-specific will and other legal documents
And more, for you and your household members, with one phone number and one website
to access.
Click on the button below to learn more about My Secure Advantage.
2. Healthy Rewards
-Click on the button below for an updated Cigna Healthy Rewards flyer with information
about how to access gym memberships and nutrition programs
If you call or log in to CignaWillCenter.com on or after January 1, 2019, you will be redirected to Cigna.mysecureadvantage.com.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
If you or your spouse have prepared a will or other legal documents on CignaWillCenter.com, please visit the website to download them by December, 31, 2018.
PERSONAL HEALTH
Dealing with Allergies
Allergies are nothing to sneeze at. They are the sixth-leading cause of
chronic illness in the U.S., with more than 50 million Americans afflicted.
The treatment cost is over $18 billion a year.
If you or someone you know suffers from seasonal or other allergies, you know
how debilitating this condition can be.
Allergies are an overreaction of our immune system to substances that generally
do not affect other people. These substances, called allergens, cause sneezing,
coughing, watery eyes, and itching. Some allergic reactions are life threatening.
Many familiar allergies:
• The most common allergic diseases include hay fever, asthma, conjunctivitis, hives,
eczema, dermatitis and sinusitis.
• Food allergies are most prevalent in young children. Often they outgrow the condition.
• Latex allergies are a reaction to the proteins in latex rubber.
• Bees, hornets, wasps, fire ants and other insects can cause insect sting allergies.
• Allergies to drugs, like penicillin, can affect any tissue or organ in the body.
A severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, causing tingling in the hands, feet or
lips; light-headedness; and chest-tightness. It can progress into seizures, cardiac
arrhythmia, shock, and respiratory distress if not treated. Anaphylaxis can result in
death. Food, latex, insect sting, and drug allergies can all result in anaphylaxis.
Some allergies are seasonal, like hay fever. Allergies are also associated with chronic conditions like asthma, which is a disease
of the bronchial tubes that carry air in and out of our lungs.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, many of the 25 million Americans with asthma also
have allergies, and this is called allergic asthma, which can cause them to also experience coughing, wheezing and chest tightness.
How to avoid reactions to seasonal allergies?
• Close windows in your house and car to keep pollen out;
monitor pollen counts
• Outside, wear a hat and sunglasses so pollen doesn’t get
on your eyes and face
• Shower to wash off pollen when you come in for the day,
and change clothes
• Seek an air-conditioned environment during peak hayfever
season
How can we treat allergies?
• Many nasal sprays and over-the-counter medications
are effective.
• Many doctors recommend allergy shots to treat
symptoms and build immunity.
How does climate impact allergies?
• Tree, grass and other pollens thrive on warm days and
cool nights.
• Molds grow quickly in heat and high humidity.
• Pollen levels tend to peak in the morning hours.
• Rain washes pollen away, but pollen counts can soar after
rainfall.
• When the day is windy and warm, pollen counts surge.
If you have allergies, work to know and avoid the source
with the help of an allergist, who can help find the source
in addition to treating your condition.