Previous Updates
See all previous staff updates at http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/employees/your-employment/staffupdates/
Weekly Words of Wisdom
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
- Irish Blessing
Dates to Know:
- 3/16-18:Penn Players Musical
- 3/24: Staff Development day and end of 3rd MP
- 3/30-31: Conferences for students
WE Recruit … WE Retain 🙂!
In partnership with Delaware Tech, Colonial School District is seeking interest from current and aspiring educators who would like to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program at Delaware Tech. This opportunity is being offered through a grant and would be FREE of charge for qualified participants. If you meet the following criteria and are interested in meeting with an academic advisor to learn more about this opportunity, please complete this brief survey:
https://forms.gle/m8NEGUGFngeRTXEQ9
Interested candidates should:
- Have an associate degree (or earned a number of credits toward a degree) in elementary education or related field.
- Be currently employed as a paraeducator in the district or eligible for employment as a paraeducator in Colonial School District.
- Be prepared to enroll in Delaware Tech’s bachelor’s degree program beginning in fall 2023 as a full-time student while employed as a paraeducator.
Note: This is the initial step to determine interest. The opportunity is contingent upon the award of the grant. Please feel free to share with anyone who may be interested in learning more about this opportunity.
We Promote! … Featured Teacher, Who WE Are, WE are Family
Help us let our Community know just how special WE are by submitting names of students and staff for our various social media campaigns:
- Featured Teacher- An educator who does extra special or out of the ordinary things in his or her classroom for instructional purposes. This teacher may also have received a special award/recogntion, does volunteer work or community service. Let’s celebrate our unsung heroes!
- Who WE Are-students and employees who go above and beyond, are involved in or recognized by the community and/or organizations outside of school. This does NOT include students who make good grades or show good behavior (they are typically recognized by their schools). Let’s showcase students and employees who take on additional responsibilities or projects both at school and in the community.
- WE are Family- Employees/couples who are related and work in CSD because they love Colonial Nation!
Please send your submissions to Public Information Officer Lauren Wilson at Lauren.wilson@colonial.k12.de.us . She will make contact with all students and staff who would be good fits for our campaigns.
Human Resources
2022-2023 DRAFT seniority rosters are in all schools.
All concerns must be in the Human Resources office by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023.
The Final copy of seniority rosters will be in the schools by Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Thinking of Retiring?
If you are planning to retire within the next 2 years, please attend the Pre-Retirement Planning Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 4 pm. Employees can register for this workshop on DSC at 107730. Be sure to have your Annual Pension Statement available for this meeting. If you need assistance accessing this information, please contact Darcel Porter, HR Secretary at Darcel.Porter@colonial.k12.de.us. Register for this workshop prior to March 27, 2023, the HR team will conduct preliminary research for each participant prior to the workshop.
Deldra Gregory-Colvin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Pre-Retirement Meeting scheduled for 4 pm
Time: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://colonial-k12-de-us.zoom.us/j/91887671082?pwd=UWtMVGZ0cml2Y3ZpWFJNanFyUnVFQT09
Meeting ID: 918 8767 1082
Passcode: 775090
Please remember that employees should provide at least 4 months’ notice. Due to changes in Federal Guidelines, employees/spouses who are 65 or older, are strongly encouraged to provide 6 months’ notice.
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.
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:
- Online – please see enrollment flyer https://drive.google.com/file/d/12D7S8Wb6p5gw7KP0LXM1TBLYdmxRENer/view?usp=sharing
- In-person: To schedule a meeting with a financial advisor https://go.oncehub.com/Voya_DelawareDeferComp_1on1MtgRequest
- Phone – 302-318-8840
YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is a free resource available Highmark and Aetna members who meet program eligibility criteria. The DDP is a year-long lifestyle and health behavior change program similar to Weight Watchers but better. In addition to small groups (in-person or virtual) one-hour sessions, this program offers four FREE months of family membership to the YMCA of Delaware.
Pension Plan Description
The Office of Pension released a Pension Booklet to describe the pension plan. Employees can find useful information such as Eligibility, Creditable Service, Benefits Eligibility Requirement and much more. Click here – Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System (DPERS) To learn how to access the Pension Statement, please review this newsletter – https://www.smore.com/jyk10-online-annual-pension-statement.
Extended Learning
WEexceed! Free Tutoring For CSD students grades 3-12.
WEexceed Summer! Summer Learning in Colonial
http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/academics/summer-learning/
WEexceed Afterschool Spotlight!
The Learning Academy at Carrie Downie- Community Collaboration of Delaware
The Learning Academy at Carrie Downie is provided through the Delaware School-Community Learning program in collaboration with Community Collaboration of Delaware (CCD). The Learning Academy at Carrie Downie offers Kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Carrie Downie Elementary School access to a year-round program of activities that promote whole child development; academic, extracurricular, and socio-emotional.
EVENTS
Tickets available at http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/williampenn/penn-players-present-beauty-and-the-beast/
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