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Staff Update 2/23/23

by | Mar 6, 2023 | staff updates

Important Information:
Staff Update:  2/16/23
Dates to Know:

  • 3/14- Board Meeting at William Penn- 7:00PM
  • 3/24- Staff Development day and end of 3rd MP
  • 3/30-31- Conferences for students

Equity ERA: Engage-Reflect-Act

  • Engage: Happy Black History Month! This week’s resources align to this topic: “Celebrating Black Joy and Cultural Family Traditions.” (Ideas borrowed from TNTP)
  • Reflect: What brings you joy? How does your family celebrate different traditions?
  • Act: Check out additional resources in the Equity ERA doc.

Join in our District Wide Equity Expression Through Foods in our Cafes
Every last Tuesday of the month, Colonial Nutrition Services highlights the heritage of global cuisines by offering our students new and diverse foods to explore.
Tuesday,  February 28 we’re presenting our students a “taste of the Mediterranean”, with savory Herb Marinated Meatballs on a bed of rice topped with homemade Tzatziki sauce!
Explore diverse foods and open up conversations beyond the monthly recognition of a particular people with your students!  Try something new in our cafes!

WE Recruit!
You might have noticed information going out about ways to become a teacher, from residency programs to alternative routes to certification. Learn more about all the ways to become a teacher in Colonial on March 2nd on Zoom! We will be sharing about our different partnership programs for those without a teaching certificate, opportunities to become a teacher if you are already certified and opportunities for school psychs, SLPs and more! RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/NaWDKeeXJG58Sgof6

WE Recruit!
The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) is funding Early Childhood Education College Scholarships!

This program is called the “Child Care Scholarship,” however the scholarships are available for anyone who wants to teach in child care or in public prek, K, 1st grade, or 2nd grade.  NOTE: People already enrolled in college in DE with an ECE major are eligible to apply.

  • Children and Families First (CFF) is managing the scholarship application process. Delaware State University will soon takeover management of the scholarship program, but participants will not be required to attend DSU.  CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • If you are seeking a DE certification to teach prek-2nd grade in a DE Public School, you must enroll in courses for a Bachelor’s Degree for a Licensure Program at UD, DSU, or Wilm U. ​
  • The Scholarship pays for up to three courses per semester.  To apply, USE THIS FORM. 
  • Questions?  Email Dawn Alexander at  dawn.alexander@colonial.k12.de.us

2022 Pension Statements Are Available
The 2022 Comprehensive  (Pension) Annual Statement is available to view through My.Delaware.gov for all employees.

The statement is provided to all active employees covered by a plan administered by the Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System. The information on the statement is cumulative through December 31, 2022. Prior year statements beginning in 2018 will continue to be accessible. The Comprehensive Annual Statement includes six (6) separate blocks of information. Each box can be explained by reviewing the https://www.smore.com/jyk10-online-annual-pension-statement newsletter.

Navigation Instructions:

  • Log into My.Delaware.gov
  • Click on Annual Statement
  • Click on Comprehensive Statement
  • Click View

After viewing and/or printing, close the PDF window and sign out of the Annual Statement area.  Failure to sign out properly, will send the system in protective mode which will hinder your ability to log back in later.

As a defined benefit pension plan, your pension is based on your compensation and service history and is not directly impacted by individual investment returns. The System remains strong, and your pension benefits are secure – despite market challenges this past year.

If you need help understanding or interpreting your Pension Statement, please attend one of the “What is this Pension Stuff?”  Zoom Workshop on March 1 at:

  • 3:00 pm – please sign up on DS C using workshop #107734
  • 3:30 pm –  please sign up on DSC using workshop  #107735
  • 4:00 pm – please sign up on DSC using workshop #107736
  • 4:30 pm – please sign up on DSC using workshop #107737

Deldra Gregory-Colvin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: What is this Pension Stuff?

Time: Mar 1, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting

https://colonial-k12-de-us.zoom.us/j/92456100562?pwd=allqbHA1R1lDV2VuaTBjdG1UWFY4QT09
Meeting ID: 924 5610 0562
Passcode: 436753

MERU HEALTH – Online Mental Care
Employees who are enrolled in one of the State of Delaware healthcare plans  now have access, at no cost, to Meru Health, an online mental healthcare provider that takes a holistic approach, combining behavioral science, technology, and human support to meet your mental health needs. Meru Health is a 12-week, app-based therapy program proven to help participants learn how to effectively reduce anxiety, depression, and burnout, all through the convenience of your smartphone.

Members (employees who are enrolled in one of the State of Delaware’s healthcare plans) are able to participate in the program through a self-referral or a provider referral. Once enrolled, participants will take a self-assessment on the Meru Health app and schedule a video call with one of Meru Health’s therapists to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their unique needs and goals. The 12-week program has a different theme each week, and as participants progress from week-to-week, new activities are unlocked, such as educational videos, tools, and practices to help throughout the journey. Meru Health also supplies each member a wearable device to help with biofeedback practices, such as breathing exercises. Participants have access to their assigned therapist as well as a peer support group with individuals on the same journey throughout their 12-week program.

If you are interested, visit the Meru Health webpage, click “sign up,” and enter “State of Delaware” to get started.

Sign up for Voya – your 403b/457b Investment Plans
There are many ways to prepare for retirement.  The State of Delaware Pension Plan is one method.   Another method is through investment.  Voya is another method to save for your retirement. Remember, Voya is an investment plan similar to the 401k.  Later in life, it will help to supplement social security and applicable pension payments.   Please watch this two-minute video to learn more about Voya.

https://voyadelivers.com/delawaredefer/

Please note the HR/Benefits staff cannot enroll you in this plan.  You have three options to enroll:

  1. Online – please see enrollment flyer https://drive.google.com/file/d/12D7S8Wb6p5gw7KP0LXM1TBLYdmxRENer/view?usp=sharing
  2. In-person: To schedule a meeting with a financial advisor  https://go.oncehub.com/Voya_DelawareDeferComp_1on1MtgRequest
  3. Phone – 302-318-8840