CSD Weekly Staff Update: 5/5/23

Enjoy your professional development day today! We have several exciting events coming up this month so be sure to stay tuned so you can get out and support!

- The CSD Communications Department

See all previous staff updates at http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/employees/your-employment/staffupdates/

Check out some of the newest opportunities to join the Power of We!

• https://www.applitrack.com/colonial/onlineapp/
  

The 2023 Open Enrollment period is May 1 – 17, 2023.

(Plan Year July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)

Unless you experience a qualifying event, Open Enrollment is your only chance to enroll, cancel coverage, or change plans for yourself, an eligible spouse, or dependent children. Participation is mandatory. Here are your first three assignments.

Open Enrollment will take place on May 1 – 17, participation is required. There are plenty of changes, please see What’s Changing Quick Reference Chart. Stay on top of Enrollment by keeping the following schedule:

1. During Week of April 10th – Make sure you can access Employee Self Service via my.delaware.gov. If you cannot access Employee Self-Service please use the 2023 Open Enrollment Help Desk Support Chart; it directs you to the proper group for help.

2. During week of April 17 – review the What’s Changing Quick Reference Chart in addition to July 1, 2023 Rate Changes with Stipend

3. During week of April 24 - Complete any research for any benefits you may want to change via https://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/employees/benefits/2023-open-enrollment/
4. During May 1 – May 17, complete your enrollment process. If you need assistance, please read the Help Is Available Newsletter This newsletter includes information on various workshops, benefits perks and computer assistance.

If you have any questions, please email Deldra.Gregory-Colvin@colonial.k12.de.us us or call 302- 400-7560

Here are a few things that I would not miss out during this Open Enrollment:

1. Free Money - The State will provide a one-time Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan year contribution of $125 for each Fiscal Year 2024 FSA participant.

2. Life Insurance with no health assessment - Although you can enroll and/or make plan changes throughout the year, during Open Enrollment you can enroll and/or increase your coverage in the State Group Universal Life (GUL) Insurance plan without having to provide proof of good health. This is sure to save you money!

3. This is a good time to enroll into the DEFER program. This program is similar to the 401(k) plan. Delaware Defer program offers a 403(b) and 457(b)

If you have any questions, please email Deldra.Gregory-Colvin@colonial.k12.de.us us or call 302- 400-7560

Student Services is excited to announce the fourth cohort of the Special Education Certification Program! In order to be eligible for the program, you must hold a current teacher certification in any area. We are having an interest meeting to share information and learn more about the Colonial School District’s partnership with Wilmington University. Please join us on Tuesday, May 16th at either 3 pm or 4:15 pm. https://colonial-k12-de-us.zoom.us/j/3793050505

If you are not able to attend and want information, please contact Nicole Markey.

(Masters in School Leadership)

Are you interested in earning your Master’s in School Leadership? Colonial School District and Wilmington University have created a Master's of Education in Educational Leadership program tailored to our district. The program is designed to focus on the critical aspects of leadership aligned with the CSD Leadership Framework while ensuring that participants graduate with their M.Ed. and are eligible for certification as a School Leader in Delaware and surrounding states.

If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities of this cohort experience and the costs of participation, please complete this form and join us on Tuesday, May 23th at 4:00PM via Zoom. A link will be shared with those registered prior to the session.

We know many of our staff have requested to purchase CSD apparelsuch as jackets and polos. The Store is LIVE from now until May 4th at https://apexadv.tuosystems.com/stores/colonialschooldistrict .

How it works:

• Place your order and pay at https://apexadv.tuosystems.com/stores/colonialschooldistrict by May 4th.

• Once the ordering window closes (5/4), orders will be processed within 1-2 weeks and delivered to district office.

• Once delivered, we will distribute items to your school for delivery.

We will offer this store again the fall, with new products for each season. If you have suggestions for products you would like to see added, email Gabriel Phillips at gabriel.phillips@colonial.k12.de.us , and we will take your suggestions into consideration. Please note that for now, these are CSD-branded products. School staff stores with school logos may be entertained in the future.

Walking In Honor: Saturday Breakfast Amongst Men
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Colonial School District partnered with Amongst Men Incorporated to provide a thought-provoking and insightful, Walking in HonorTM program to recognize CSD male students in grades fourth through ninth who are attempting to triumph over adversities in their personal and school life. Sixty CSD male students were nominated by their school to participate. Students who attended enjoyed a hearty breakfast, inspirational discussions, coaching sessions, and sports activities with their peers, family, AMI, and Colonial Staff.

Our next Breakfast Amongst Men will be on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at George Read Middle School, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. May 20, 2023, will be the Walking in Honor Awards for all participants and their families. WE look forward to seeing you there!

Are you interested in becoming an Early Childhood Education teacher? If so, the Early Childhood Innovation Center is hosting virtual information sessions on May 8th, 10th, 17th, and 24th to learn more about career advice, scholarships, incentives (such as a free laptop), financial stipend opportunities and much, much more…click here to sign up TODAY!