A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools
Jan. 12, 2010 (NewsLinks articles are now archived on Docushare)
IN THIS ISSUE – more than a month’s worth of news, information and good work (this is a LONG issue, so click on the links in the list below to jump to the sections that interest you the most)
· National Board Certification celebration, Jan. 29
· Kudos to PTSA Reflections Winners
· Changes of note – absence reporting system, mileage rate and e-mail retention
· The auditors are here – do you know what they review each year?
· Wellness matters – the importance of prevention
· Levy information sessions – still time to hear from Dr. Cohn about ballot issues
· Seniors need YOU or someone you know to be a CE panelist
· News around the district – good things happening everywhere
· Your school board at work – Superintendent Cohn’s comments and board thoughts about impact of AYP
· Opportunities – for students and staff
JOIN THE CELEBRATION TO HONOR NATIONAL BOARD CERTS – Jan. 29 from 4 – 5 p.m. in the Longfellow Annex
The district has 91 nationally board certificated teachers. We will recognize their achievement and all that they do on behalf of students at a special ceremony. Learn more about the program and help congratulate excellence.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PTSA STUDENT REFLECTIONS ART WINNERS – art work on display at the Center until Jan. 4
The list of winners is online, and you have a couple of weeks to come visit the art gallery at the Educational Service Center.
CHANGES IN THE ABSENCE REPORTING SYSTEM – Reminder!
New phone number and Web address after Dec. 21, 2009:
· 1-888-632-6493
· https://everettsd.eschoolsolutions.com/
Your access ID and PIN will remain the same as before.
CHANGE IN THE MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE – As of Jan. 1, 2010
As of the first of the year, the rate of reimbursement will drop from 55 cents per mile to 50 cents per mile as per IRS regulations.
CHANGE IN DISTRICT E-MAIL RETENTION PRACTICE – As of Jan. 1, 2010
Effective Jan. 1, 2010, district e-mail records are being saved for two years
To comply with recent changes in public records requirements, to avoid the potential for lawsuits and in the interest of transparency, the district’s e-mail retention practice changed as of Jan. 1. The change means:
· All district e-mails will be retained electronically for two years.
· District e-mails in your “in” box will be deleted after 30 days, which has been the district practice.
· All e-mails sent or received through the district system are immediately archived and become part of the two-year record. E-mail backup and retention begins the moment a message is sent or received.
· All e-mails sent or received through the district e-mail are public records and are subject to public disclosure upon request unless specifically exempt by law from disclosure. Even if you delete an e-mail from a district mail box, it will be electronically retained on the district server for a period of two years.
These changes are the result of new state regulations which state, in part, electronic records "must be retained in electronic format and remain usable, searchable, retrievable, and authentic for the length of the designated retention period. Printing and retaining a hard copy is not a substitute for the electronic version unless approved by the applicable records committee.” (WAC 424-662-040)
This is a good time to remember that the district’s acceptable use policy for technology governs how technology is to be used by staff and students. Procedure 5225 outlines what is acceptable. The public expects that we will use public resources, including technology and our staff time, prudently. Therefore, we remind staff that technology is a priceless tool for the business of education and learning and not to be used for other purposes.
THE AUDITORS ARE HERE – checking legal compliance for the next two months
Each year the district is visited by a team of state auditors who check district records for accuracy and legality. This year they are conducting three formal audits: the Annual Financial Statement Audit, a Federal Single Audit and a Legal Compliance Accountability Audit. The three- to four-member team will be housed at the Longfellow building for the duration of their work, which can take one to two months. Gina Zeutenhorst is the district liaison to the auditors.
As Dr. Cohn has been pointing out to those who have attended his community meetings and those who have attended staff levy presentation meetings, the district has clean audit reports for the last six years – no small accomplishment when one considers that just $1.00 can trigger a federal audit finding. Kudos to staff at all levels of the organization for ensuring that public funds are well-managed and legally accounted for.
The list below includes SOME of the areas the auditors will investigate:
· Federal grant programs
· Federal special education grant and Fund for Improvement of Education/PEP Grant
· Time and effort reporting for salaries charged to federal programs
· Professional services contracts legal compliance with federal funds
· Bidding and quotes legal compliance
· Cash handling/receipting procedures (especially ASB and cafeteria operations)
· Fundraising and ASB expenditures
· Imprest account uses/expenditure and bank reconciliations
· Inventory of computers and theft sensitive assets
· Travel and other expense reimbursements
· Payroll, timesheets, compensation, benefits system/process/internal controls
· Accounts payable - all funds (general, capital, ASB, trust funds)
· Basic enrollment count reporting for funding purposes
· Transportation bus ridership counts
· Financial statement reporting
Dr. Cohn suggests, “… If you see someone who has responsibility for accounting for or reporting financial transactions in these areas, tell them ‘thank you’ for good work in the past that has maintained public trust in our financial stewardship.”
WELLNESS MATTERS – and prevention is the key to living a healthy, vibrant life!
Most of us probably know that prevention against disease comes from a list of good health habits including regular exercise and a healthy diet, but you probably don’t include health screenings or preventive health exams in that list.
Part of prevention is getting health screening exams on a regular basis, but it’s difficult to know what type of exam and at what age to get the exam if you don’t check in with your doctor regularly. Here are the recommendations from the Mayo Clinic Health Screening Guidelines for your gender and age. If done in a timely manner, preventive exams can detect and treat health problems early before serious health conditions arise. Most everyone has heard of a case in which a life has been saved due to screening exams. Don’t take risks with your health. Do not wait until symptoms arise before getting a checkup. Prevention can lead to a healthier and longer life. Start the new year off right by scheduling a preventive exam with your doctor TODAY!
LEVY INFORMATION SESSIONS – mark your calendar to attend one near you
Feb. 9, 2010 is the date when voters will consider two school district levies. One is a Replacement Levy for Educational Programs and Operations (you may remember this being called the Maintenance and Operations levy in years past) to replace what is expiring in 2010. The second levy is a Building Repair and Technology Levy for computers, software and major facility systems repairs (roofs, heating, ventilation, for example).
Details about each levy are on the district Web site. Dr. Cohn has been presenting information at central locations for staff. A few sessions remain if you’ve not yet been able to attend.
|
Staff |
Date |
Time |
Location |
|
Gateway MS |
January 19 |
3 p.m. |
Library |
|
HM Jackson HS |
January 20 |
2:15 p.m. |
Library |
|
Eisenhower MS |
January 25 |
3 p.m. |
Library |
STILL TIME T0 BE A CULMINATING EXHIBITION PANELIST – or to share this information with someone you know
Below is a list of dates when panelists are needed at each school and how to contact a panelist coordinator.
|
School |
CE Dates |
Times |
Contact |
Phone No. |
|
Cascade High |
1/21/10 |
12:45-4 p.m. |
425-385-6030 | |
|
Everett High |
1/13/10 & 1/14/10 |
2:10-4:30 p.m. |
425-385-4426 | |
|
HM Jackson High |
1/21/10 |
1:00-4:30 p.m. & 5:00-8:30 p.m. |
425-385-703 | |
|
Sequoia High |
2/2/10 |
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |
425-385-5100 |
NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT – great things happening everywhere
Recent news stories published on our district Web site:
01.12.2010 Jefferson student overcomes to earn black belt
01.11.2010 Student Technology & Learning Celebration, Jan. 20,
2010
01.08.2010
European Union speaker to visit CHS and H.M. JHS
01.07.2010 EHS Drama Club presents The
Curse of the Pharaoh Queen
01.06.2010 JHS Run for the
Badge raises more than $9,500
01.04.2010 Super Kid: Gorge Posadas
12.22.2009 United Way free tax preparation centers
12.21.2009 NOSCA selects Becky Ballbach to be on District Director
Team
12.21.2009
EHS Centennial celebration, Jan. 30, 2010
12.21.2009 Forest View students to host Water Pollution Fair, Jan. 28,
2010
12.21.2009
STRIVE: Students Transitioning Responsibly Into Voc.
Experiences
12.21.2009
Jefferson Elementary's walking school bus
12.20.2009 JHS seniors remember Chase Bircher
12.18.2009
Lake Washington School District follows Everett's
lead
12.18.2009
Hawthorne students enjoy story time with County Exec.
Reardon
12.15.2009 CHS awarded Adobe Youth Voices grant
12.14.2009 Goodbyes to board members Sue Cooper and Karen Madsen
12.11.2009 Over 550 staff participate in Walktober campaign
12.08.2009 Coach Nations recognized for sportsmanship
12.03.2009 Princess Kasune Zulu assembly
12.02.2009 The Herald's volleyball player of the year: Emily
Liger
12.01.2009 School board establishes two councils and community
process
11.30.2009
HM Jackson High School to be site of teen safe driving
event
11.26.2009
JHS basketball players Ryan Todd and Brett Kingma
profiled
11.24.2009
Kudos to Jefferson Elementary for mixing learning and
generosity
YOUR SCHOOL BOARD AT WORK – Superintendent’s comments and deep study of school improvement plans
Superintendent’s comments:
Thank a school board member this month
Dr. Cohn presented the board with copies of Governor Gregoire’s proclamation declaring January as School Board Appreciation Month. He thanked board members for their commitment and the countless hours they spend on behalf of students. He acknowledged this district’s long history and reputation as having a high quality and highly-functioning board team, which has set the standard for the district’s well-known level of student achievement.
On behalf of district administrators, principals Cathy Woods and Mark Toland also thanked the board and acknowledged the difference that quality leadership makes for schools. “This board’s leadership has made it possible for us to make impressive student achievements over the years. The entire district is looking forward to that continued work and the leadership to make it possible.”
Congratulations for United Way campaign donations
Dr. Cohn and Everett Public Schools Foundation Executive Director and school board member Kristie Dutton announced the impressive results of this year’s United Way campaign. Although pledges and donations are still coming in, donations so far this year are at $112,000, well above last year’s $94,000. Thirty percent more staff joined the donor ranks this year also.
Students of Color Career Fair is Friday; MLK events happening this week
The altruistic tone of the superintendent’s comments continued as he commented on the upcoming Students of Color Career Fair and the 243 middle and high school students he looks forward to seeing on Friday. Newly elected board member Jessica Olson also plans to attend the Friday career fair to represent the board and learn more about this annual event, hosted by Everett Community College and sponsored in part by this district and Marysville School District.
“I’ve attended two impressive Martin Luther King events today and have been moved by the significance and depth of discussion about social justice that is happening in this community and that is part of the 90-minute presentation about school improvement planning and Adequate Yearly Progress – the major focus of the board meeting tonight,” Dr. Cohn said as he ended his Superintendent Comments during the board meeting.
School improvement planning process review and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
No Child Left Behind – a political agenda compared to a moral imperative
As Dr. Cohn has explained in his community presentations and in meetings with staff, the political agenda of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is similar to that of a high jump contest – the bar is continually raised until no one meets standard. However, in each presentation he carefully emphasizes that the moral imperative of NCLB and AYP is to support each student’s learning and to develop programs and strategies that best meet that imperative.
Studying improvement plans and voicing empathy for staff
To support the learning of each student and the needs of each staff and each school’s improvement efforts, the board reviewed the improvement planning work of Emerson, Garfield, Lowell and Hawthorne.
Following the detailed explanation of each school’s plan and the teams assembled to work on the plans, Board member Jeff Russell expressed concern and empathy for staff and administration at schools facing AYP sanctions. Area Director Jim McNally thanked Jeff for his comment and acknowledged that teachers take personally how well their students learn. “We are in this together,” noted McNally who referred back to the plans and the district support for those plans that is now in place and planned for the future.
When asked for his assessment of district progress to date, Dr. Cohn recognized and praised the district’s past work and success and the need to focus on the next 20% of students who have not yet met standard. As he has emphasized in community and staff presentations, “The district has made incredible progress in many areas. Our work is not to change what has worked for so many students but to learn more about what is necessary for the next 20%. We too are concerned about the impact of negative labeling for AYP schools and the district. At the same time, we recognize the urgent need to launch and support change that will result in improved student achievement.”
Board president Petersen acknowledged the change necessary to achieve this success and the work ahead. “I appreciate the care you are taking to support the change process and the energizing effect that can come from learning what others have done to meet similar challenges.”
OPPORTUNITIES – for students and staff
1. Students of Color Career Conference, Dare to Dream, Friday Jan. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This annual event, presented by Everett Community College in partnership with Everett and Marysville Public Schools and Snohomish County, is open to all local area middle and high school students, providing them with an easy and comfortable forum to meet and ask questions of many of our area’s most prominent professionals of color. Attendees may be eligible for a conference scholarship.
2. Saturday, Jan. 30, SCAEOP (Snohomish County Association of Educational Office Professionals) professional development at Village Restaurant in Marysville from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn to Go with Your Gut, Ask Questions by guest speaker and certified life coach Jen Trulson. Earn one professional development hour and meet other educational office professionals in Snohomish County. Registration deadline is Jan. 27. Questions? E-mail Pam James or call (425) 343-2911.
3. Hands on Diversity 2010 is a series of FREE cultural trainings brought to the community by Everett Diversity Advisory Board in partnership with a number of regional organizations, including the school district. Although many of the sessions are during the school workday, and therefore, difficult for school staff to attend, the entire list appears below – dates during school breaks are noted in green. Please share with others who might be interested.
All training sessions are at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. in downtown Everett. Two sessions each day – one from 9 a.m. to noon, and the second from 1 to 4 p.m. Space is limited to 500 people per session. RSVP to kreardon@ci.everett.wa.us to confirm attendance.
|
Date |
Topic |
|
Jan. 19 |
Middle Eastern |
|
Feb. 16 |
Russian/Ukraine |
|
March 16 |
African American |
|
April 20 |
Native American |
|
May 18 |
Latin American |
|
June 15 |
Asian Pacific |
|
July 20 |
African Refugee |
4. Newly designed FAFSA form speeds up application process for college financial aid – as reported in the Jan. 5, 2010, issue of USAToday. Good news for anyone with students planning to attend college in 2010-11 or for school staff shepherding college applicants through the process of securing financial aid.
5. Washington state PTA essay contest for students K-12 – 650 words or less, describing how a male role model has positively impacted their education.
Judging to be based upon state standards for good writing, including: content, style and conventions. Regional winners will compete at the state level. Grand prize winners will receive four field level tickets to a Mariner’s game, have their essay published in PTA publications and be recognized at the Washington state PTA convention in May.
All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2010, and include the required Entry Form, which is available online with other entry details.
6. The Art of Being a Military Child, sponsored by Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), is collecting entries from U.S. military children from around the world. Artwork, writing, and film/video are the three categories. Entry details on the Web. Entries are due Feb. 26!
7. Census 2010 will become more visible starting in March. The U.S. Census Bureau has created an interactive Web site and compiled thousands of lessons for teachers K-12 to use to help students become familiar with the census and its history in this country. The Snohomish County Complete County Committee is working with district representatives to help the public understand the census process and leverage this historic process into learning experiences for students. Watch for more details, and check out the Web site for lessons and to test your own census knowledge.
8. What schools can do to save energy – an art contest sponsored by Snohomish County PUD. Open to K-12 students in Snohomish County and Camano Island. Entries due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 19. Details and entry forms on the PUD Web site.
OPPORTUNITES IN BRIEF – quick reminders from past issues
1. Get your H1N1 flu shot for FREE at the Snohomish Health District (see Dec. 15 issue of NewsLinks for details) or for $15 at any Safeway.
2. A $100,000 federal grant funds free marine workshops for teachers and field experiences for students, April 17 – 18. For more information call or e-mail Amy Johnson at Edmonds Community College’s Center for Service-Learning at 425-640-1882, or go to www.serviceeducationadventure.org.
3. Create original glass designs – Children 12 and under are invited to create an original design to be turned into a glass object as part of the Kids Design Glass program at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.
4. Essay contest for students in grades fifth through eighth. Sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Application form and rules are online.
5. USA Today's SAMMY Awards mean $7,500 scholarship for scholar athletes – applications due March 5, 2010. Twenty-five students will earn the award and receive a $7,500 scholarship, a chance to be featured in a "milk mustache" ad and a trip to Disney World. A 2008 winner was from Snohomish. The rules, forms and history of winners back to 1999 are online.
6. Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence (AASTE), recognizes and honors extraordinary K-12 science teachers. More information and applications are online. Applications due by Feb. 5. Winners to be announced between April and June.
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POLICY & PROCEDURE INFO – links to all policies and procedures are online
Everett Public Schools complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Officer, ADA District Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator. Affirmative Action Officer, Carol Stolz, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4106, Title IX Officer, Randi Seaberg, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4104, ADA Coordinator, Kristine McDowell, 202 Alder St., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-5250, Section 504 Coordinator, Becky Ballbach, 4730 Colby Ave., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-4086.
Mary Waggoner, APR
Everett Public Schools
Director of Communications
425-385-4049
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