The Source January 2017

The Source is a newsletter for all Comal ISD employees. The Source brings recognition, timely reminders and beneficial articles to the employees in an effort to provide increased communication and connection regarding human resources and customer service topics.

Employee Perks

Subs for Campus and District Meetings and PD

In The Spotlight- Transportation

HR Contact Information

New Year, New You!- Updating Your Information

FAQs- Click to find answers

Health and Wellness- Cold and Flu Myths

New Year Benefits Information

Prescriptions

Meet Our New UHC Wellness Coach

Customer Service Corner- Welcoming Strategies

Comal ISD is happy to offer the PerkSpot Employee Discount Program to all its employees.

What is PerkSpot?

As an employee, PerkSpot is now your personal online savings resource -- a place to find discounts and rebates on goods and services from many of the best known brand names in the U.S. --online and off, nationally and locally.

Here's all you need to do to put PerkSpot to work for you. From your work or home computer, go to Comal ISD PerkSpot site - http://www.comalisd.perkspot.com - and follow the step-by-step instructions to register. We've got all the discount information ready for you on our site, you've just got to login to have access to all our discounts -- many are updated daily and weekly! Just pick out what you'd like, follow the instructions provided on PerkSpot and check out. PerkSpot's savings are convenient and valuable -- from everyday purchases like groceries to special purchases like family vacations or auto insurance.

It's all possible on PerkSpot.

It's time to review your campus and district meetings and PD schedule for the second semester. Any meetings or PD that require you to be off campus and require a sub should be put into the AESOP system immediately. Planned absences should be entered in the system as soon as possible in order to secure substitutes. Thanks for being pro-active in reporting your need for a substitute. This provides opportunity to increase substitute response and fill rate.

We are proud of the tremendous work our almost 2,500 employees do to make our district exceptional. In order to educate our team about all the unique and vital services provided by our employees, we will highlight Comal ISD team roles in each newsletter. You are encouraged to send your stories and suggestions to mandy.epley@comalisd.org for roles you wish to see highlighted in future newsletters.

This month we are highlighting the work of our Transportation Department.

TRANSPORTATION'S MISSION

Comal ISD Transportation will provide transportation services in a safe, efficient, and effective manner so all students may have access to the extensive learning opportunities provided by our school district.

TRANSPORTATION'S VISION

Comal ISD Transportation is committed to being creative and innovative with technology in ways that will benefit students, parents, teachers and the community.

TRANSPORTATION'S PHILOSOPHY

We, the Transportation employees of Comal Independent School District, wish to preserve those basic values which we believe have made our profession unique and invaluable in the education process. We want to express these values in the form of a Philosophy for all to see and for the benefit of our future drivers, students, parents, and the entire educational staff.

Why our profession exists:

· To begin and end the daily education process.

· To provide safe and reliable transportation for our students.

· To provide an enjoyable and memorable education experience.

Those basic principles in which we believe:

· To treat all students with dignity and fairness.

· To work with parents and faculty in achieving the T.E.A.M. goal.

· To produce a safe and enjoyable transportation experience.

· To manage ourselves through sound planning and decision-making.

· To deliver on commitments we have made to ourselves.

· To help our fellow employees achieve their goals through teamwork.

· To treat others with dignity and fairness in the performance of their duties.

· To never lose our sense of pride in our profession.

We the Transportation Department of Comal Independent School District, hereby state that we will pledge ourselves to uphold the need for safe and reliable transportation of our T.E.A.M.!

T.E.A.M.

Tomorrow’s Educated Adult Minds

Why do our bus drivers always brave the weather to get our kids safely where they need to be? They do it for the future doctors, scientists and astronauts to come. They do it for the teachers, coaches and counselors yet to meet. They do it for the mothers and fathers and for the mothers and fathers to be. They do this for Tomorrow’s Educated Adult Minds.

Did you know?

· More than 8,000 Comal ISD students ride a bus to or from school each day.

· The District’s transportation yellow fleet consists of 222 buses.

· The white fleet consists of 106 vehicles 43 mowers 11 tractors 41 trailers and 32 carts and mules.

· There are two Mechanic shops for the district, one at the Canyon High Station and one at the Smithson Valley Station.

· The maximum speed limit for a school bus is 50 mph, unless they have a DOT inspection, which a bus is then allowed to travel up to 60 mph .

· The district purchases more than 480,000 gallons of fuel each year.

· Comal ISD school buses travel over 20,000 miles per day.

· More than 900 athletic and 1,000 extracurricular trips are made each year

· In order to become a driver for Comal ISD, applicants must complete 40 hours of training that includes classroom and behind the wheel.

· Comal ISD offers paid CDL training for qualified applicants.

· Each month the Transportation employees are required to attend a monthly Safety Meeting.

· There are currently 153 bus routes total for Comal ISD.

· The Transportation Department consist of 164 drivers 31 Bus Assistants 13 Mechanics 24 Support Staff

Smithson Valley Feeder

The Smithson Valley Station runs 59 routes per day.

The Smithson Valley Station services 1 High school, 2 middle schools and 8 elementary schools.

Canyon Lake Feeder

The Canyon Lake Station has two stations, one behind Rebecca Creek area and the other behind Mountain Valley Middle School.

The Canyon Lake Station runs 33 routes per day.

Services 1 High School, 1 Middle School and 3 Elementary Schools.

Canyon High Feeder

The Canyon High Station is located in the Comal ISD Support Services Building.

The Canyon High Station runs 61 routes per day

The Canyon High Station services 1 High school, 2 Middle schools, 7 Elementary schools, 1 early college campus and 1 CDC campus.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015-2016 EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR!

STAFF

Carolyn Benham

BUS ASSISTANT

Joyce Ferguson

BUS DRIVER

Janis Wommack

Have you recently moved? Did your name change?

It is important to make sure we have updated information on record for you.

If you need to update your mailing address, please log on to the intranet and click on Employee Access Pay/Att to access ITCCS Employee Portal. Once logged on, you can update your profile information.

Human Resources and Customer Service FAQs

Where do I send my transcripts to add a new degree?

How do I view my pay information?
How do I get a verification of employment?

Answers to these and many other frequently asked questions are posted in the new Human Resources and Customer Service FAQs. You can access the information on the Comal ISD webpage on the main Human Resources and Customer Service page or under Employee Resources.

If your question is not addressed on the website or you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mandy Epley at 830-221-2026.

INFORMATION ON COLD AND FLU MYTHS CAN BE FOUND AT:

https://www.uhctools.com/assets/M50866%20cold%20and%20flu%20myths.pdf

UNITEDHEALTHCARE MEDICAL AND DENTAL

Please note that the annual medical & dental deductible and the medical out of pocket max started over on 01/01/2017 and will go through 12/31/2017.

PRESCRIPTION PLAN INFORMATION REMINDER

If a medication is not covered under the prescription plan, employees may contact the UHC customer service number at 1-844-637-7500 or call the Optum RX Pharmacy number at 1-888-739-5820 to speak to a pharmacy advocate to see if there are any cheaper alternatives to their medication(s). Employees can also create their own personal login at https://www.myuhc.com/member/prewelcome.do?currentLanguageFromPreCheck where they can do a search on their medication to see if there are any alternatives. Once you login, click Manage My Prescription to access details on the medication. For more information on the UHC prescription plan and procedures, please click on the following link: http://www.comalisd.org/files/_ISIdU_/d7f3abd0e96359393745a49013852ec4/OptumRX_FAQs.pdf

Check out the 2017 Prescription Drug List here:

http://www.comalisd.org/files/_YLLjb_/ed119de2a0f8f8343745a49013852ec4/Prescription_Drug_List_2017.pdf

HEALTH4ME

UnitedHealthcare has made it easy for participants to take greater control of their health through its free mobile app available for the Apple IPhone, IPad, and Android. Health4Me enables millions of UnitedHealthcare employer plan participants to locate a nearby in-network physician, hospital, or other medical facility and gives them access to their personal health benefits information. Users can download their health plan ID card to their smartphone, and email or fax the ID card directly from their mobile device to the physician’s office or hospital. Plan participants can also view information on the status of deductible and out of pocket spending. Please visit the link below for more information on Health4Me

http://www.comalisd.org/files/_JIE3o_/3dac4e3097a73e593745a49013852ec4/UHG10011364-Health4Me.pdf

Our UHC Health Strategies Coach, Karen Ochoa has taken a new role as Onsite Strategies Manager and will be overseeing UHC's Wellness Coordinators/Coaches for Central Texas.

Our new UHC Health Strategies Coach is Jennifer Cavazos. She is eager to meet you and assist with your healthcare coaching needs. Welcome Jennifer!

About Jennifer Cavazos, CHWC

Jenny has a B.S. in Nutrition from Texas State University at San Marcos,

is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches of America, and has completed advanced education in Health Behavior and Nutrition in pursuit of her Master’s in Health Psychology through North Central University. Jenny has over 8 years of experience in health promotion including weight-management counseling, health coaching, health coach management and training, health education, and wellness program design and management. She is passionate about successfully interweaving wellness and professional lives and helping individuals reach personal health goals.

Highlights

Jenny is available to:

Support Onsite Know Your Numbers Biometric Screening events, Health Fairs, weight management classes and other wellness presentations.

• Coordinate in-service sessions to educate employees on SimplyEngaged & Rally Wellness program and other UHC tools and resources.
• Provide 1:1 computer assistance to employees and assist members with UHC Wellness/Rally questions. Help employees understand how to complete their Rally activities.
• Facilitate and implement UHC onsite classes for weight management, stress reduction and other health related topics.
• Screen employees for blood pressure readings, weigh in, measurements & body fat analysis for small events or challenges.
• Educate and coach employees towards healthier lifestyles and to make better healthcare decisions.
• Assist campuses and departments with coordinating their employee wellness related initiatives.

How can I reach my UHC Health Strategies Coach?

Available onsite by appointment

Email: jennifer_cavazos@uhc.com

With the new year, new staff, students and their families enter our fast growth district. Welcoming newcomers to Comal ISD means ensuring our work and learning environments are places that encourage positivity and engagement.

Making our campuses a welcome environment for students, parents and employees can start with something as simple as reviewing the atmosphere of the building. It is important to maintain a welcoming environment without compromising safety and security.

First impressions in schools, classrooms or departments are similar to customer service in retail. Take time to observe how visitors are greeted. What about signs on the campus? Do they exclaim rules? Are they positive?

The quality of an organization is gauged by the satisfaction of engaged customers and measured by the dimensions of care they receive.

The 5 Dimensions of Customer Care:

• reliability
• responsiveness
• feeling valued
• empathy
• competency

First impressions begin when people are welcomed into the building. This task often is the job of front office staff but all team members play a part in making people feel welcome. When visitors walk into a school, if they are not positively greeted by a staff member quickly, it can create a negative and lasting impression for visitors.

It is importance to acknowledge visitors when they come in, even if you can't help with their question. Start by greeting them and then use the time while parents or visitors are waiting to make a good impression.

It all starts with communication. Consistent communication that lets people know they are welcome and needed to be partners in the education of our students. One of your most valuable tools is your website. Use this as the go-to place for information.

With education constantly changing, it is important to help families understand what their children are doing in school. By hosting conferences, meetings and workshops or sending newsletters that give parents insight to the curriculum educators help families engage with campuses.

At meetings and family events, have a greeter at the door that is available to answer questions and make all of your guests feel welcomed. Students can also participate as greeters or tour guides.

Creating or strengthening an existing "newcomer committee" can go a long way to making new employees and families feel welcome to the campus. Work with your school’s administrators to help new employees or families that arrive during the year get connected with your committee.

If you have news, topics, or celebrations you wish to have shared in this newsletter, please send an email to Mandy Epley, Executive Director of Human Resources and Customer Service at mandy.epley@comalisd.org.

Email: mandy.epley@comalisd.org
Website: www.comalisd.org
Location: 1404 Interstate 35 N, New Braunfels, TX, 78130
Phone: (830) 221-2044
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comalisd
Twitter: @CISDNews