The Source January 2016
Comal ISD Human Resources and Customer Service Newsletter
In This Issue:
HR and Customer Service Pledge
In The Spotlight- Meet an SLP
HR Contact Information
New Year, New You!- Updating Your Information
FAQs
Comal is FIT Friendly
Health and Wellness- Tips on Stress Management
New Year Benefits Information
Customer Service Corner- Writing Effective Emails
You Deserve Perks- Welcome to Perkspot!
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.
Comal ISD Employees- We are a R.E.A.L. Team
In Comal ISD each student benefits from a team of dedicated employees working everyday to provide the best possible learning environment. We believe that together, through our commitment to those we serve and our daily actions, we teach students the importance and value of being a Resilient, Engaged, Active, and Life Long learner.
People ask me why working at Comal ISD is so special and I tell them that without a doubt it is our people. Our success comes from our sense of family and commitment to teamwork and the way we selflessly share our talents to do what is best for kids. Comal ISD is made up of quality people who come together as a R.E.A.L. team to make each day in our district productive. Thank you for all you do! Providing excellence is an attitude in Comal and our people make it a priority!
As we start 2016, we reflect on what we learned in 2015 and, with resilience, pledge to make 2016 the best year yet! Some will pledge to be more active but all will engage in providing the highest level of service and support through continued improvement. We model life long learning and together we start the year with a pledge to make our best even better for the students, families and community we serve.
The Department of Human Resources and Customer Service pledges to support all of our R.E.A.L. team members and we hope you will call on us whenever you need our support.
Happy 2016!
-Mandy Epley
Comal ISD
Executive Director of Human Resources and Customer Service
The Comal ISD Human Resources and Customer Service Department, as a strategic partner, resolves to meet the needs of staff and students to help them develop lifelong skills for success in the classroom and in life.
Helping our R.E.A.L. Team
Make R.E.A.L. Excellence Happen
is at the core of everything we do
CUSTOMER SERVICE
We strive to work collaboratively to understand all needs. Through partnering with all stakeholders, we create and implement effective solutions and honor commitments.
INTEGRITY
We value sound moral and ethical principles in relationships with coworkers, customers, and stakeholders. Honesty and trust are central to integrity.
INNOVATION
We believe in utilizing creative, collaborative processes and responsible uses of technology to offer optimal support.
EXCELLENCE
Comal ISD- Where Excellence is an Attitude! We are passionate about providing quality service, enabling others to reach their potential and supporting continuous improvement.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
We take initiative to engage in critical feedback to pursue better processes and seek personal and professional growth and development.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNICATION
We commit to share helpful, transparent and relevant information in a clear, candid, and timely fashion.
SHOWCASING OUR R.E.A.L. TEAM MEMBERS IN ACTION
This month we are highlighting the work of our Speech Language Pathologists.
SLPs plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with special speech, voice, or language needs. SLPs assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students’ ability to derive full benefits from the educational program.
Dr. Judy Murray recommended we highlight the great work of Reyna Hernandez, the SLP at KRES. "She is excellent! She sees our students, walk-ins, bilingual students from other campuses, participates in ARDs, assists with RTI and coordinates evaluations." Lisa Walton, Speech Language Pathologist/AT Specialist for Comal ISD said, "Reyna is a wonderful SLP and was an interpreter for the district before pursuing her bachelors/masters in Speech Language Pathology."
Great Job, Reyna!
We know you and the other fabulous SLPs in the district provide a valuable connection for our students. Thank you, SLPs for your positivity and dedication to our students, parents and community!
Human Resources and Customer Service Starts New Year in New Location
Child Nutrition has moved to the center of the building where Human Resources used to be housed.
We look forward to providing support for all employees in the new location. Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance with human resource questions.
Do you have questions about...
...employee Health Benefits, Worker's Compensation, or Risk
Managment:
Valerie Galan
Employee Benefits/Risk Management Coordinator
Phone: 830.221.2102
Email: valerie.galan@comalisd.org
...general questions related to employment opportunities, department forms or who to contact:
Dickie Guthrie
Senior Associate
Phone: 830-221-2115
Email: dickie.guthrie@comalisd.org
...certifications, new employee orientation or service record requests:
Glenna Miranda
Employment Specialist
Phone: 830-221-2040
Email: glenna.miranda@comalisd.org
...employee paysheets, employee calendars, employment verifications or salary schedules:
Burnita Reininger
Systems Information Specialist
Phone: 830.221.2607
Email: burnita.reininger@comalisd.org
...job postings, application system or observation/intern placements:
Samantha Whitney
Human Resources Specialist
Phone: 830-221-2118
Email: sam.whitney@comalisd.org
...human resources and customer service:
Marie Kuehler
Human Resources and Customer Service Director
Phone: 830.221.2635
Email: marie.kuehler@comalisd.org
Mandy Epley
Executive Director of Human Resources and Customer Service
Phone: 830.221.2026
Email: mandy.epley@comalisd.org
New Year, New You!
Have you recently moved? Did your name change?
It is important to make sure we have updated information on record for you.
Please contact:
Samantha Whitney
Human Resources Specialist
Phone: 830-221-2118
Email: sam.whitney@comalisd.org
Samantha can assist you with updating information.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are Just a Click Away
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.
Quote of the Month
Comal ISD Named a Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite
In January, Comal ISD was recognized as a Gold Level Recipient of the American Heart Association’s Fit-Friendly Worksites Recognition program.
The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change. Worksites throughout the nation can be part of the initiative by making the health and wellness of their employees a priority. Comal ISD was recognized as a Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life. initiative for:
· Offering employees physical activity support.
· Providing/increasing healthy eating options at the worksite.
· Promoting a wellness culture.
· Implementing at least nine criteria as outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.
We are extremely honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life. initiative as a Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite. Physical activity and employee wellness are very important priorities here at Comal ISD and we encourage all of our employees to participate in a variety of Comal Fit activities.
For more information on the Fit-Friendly Worksites initiative, or to find out what you can do to incorporate more physical activity into your day, click the Comal Fit icon on the intranet homepage.
TIPS ON MANAGING STRESS CAN BE FOUND AT:
https://www.uhctools.com/assets/prebuilt_stress.pdf
UNITEDHEALTHCARE MEDICAL AND DENTAL
Please note that the annual medical & dental deductible and the medical out of pocket max started over on 01/01/2016 and will go through 12/31/2016. Please see the link below for the 2015-2016 Health Insurance Summary that lists the annual deductible(s) and out of pocket maximum(s) for each of the four medical plans.
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
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
BLOCK (SUPERIOR) VISION INSURANCE
Our vision insurance plan is with Block(Superior) Vision for the 2015-2016 benefit year. If you need to obtain a new vision card, please contact their customer service department at 1-800-507-3800. You may also set up a login through their website’s member portal. We have included the link that provides instructions on how to register for the member portal:http://www.comalisd.org/files/_FLBbW_/9d2c1c602b8490703745a49013852ec4/MEMBER_PORTAL.pdf
If you have questions about your insurance or benefits, please contact:
VALERIE GALAN
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/RISK MANAGEMENT COORD
1404 IH 35 NORTH
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130
(830) 221-2102 PHONE
(830) 221-2006 FAX
Customer Service Corner
Tips for Writing Effective Emails
Like many forms of communication, email is most effective when you utilize the “Three C's” - Clear, Concise and Courteous.
The etiquette tips below will help you use email to its fullest advantage:
Use a clear subject line
The subject line tells the reader what your email is about. This is especially helpful if the receiver is not the main recipient but is cc’d on the email. Note the need for immediate attention with phrases such as time sensitive, action required or high priority.
Front-load your message
Present the central idea of your email in the first few lines. Your recipient may read only these thoroughly and browse the rest. If you need a response or prompt action, state that information with a timeline at the beginning of the email.
Keep it short
Respect your reader’s time. State your message in the fewest sentences possible, and give details in an attachment.
Attachment?
Using attachments can be helpful when submitting a document for review or exchanging large amounts of information. Give the attachment a title that is helpful to the recipient.
Maintain Protocols
Avoid confusing the chain of command by carefully selecting the main recipient and who is cc’d as a courtesy or to be kept informed.
Only Copy recipients as necessary
Ask yourself, “Does each person cc’d really need to see the message?”
Edit & proofread your email
Keep your emails formal and professional by using correct spelling and grammar.
Be polite & professional
It is easy to be abrupt when in a hurry, but remember that you should always be courteous and respectful. Use neutral language, and leave negative emotions out of your message. Remember that what you write cannot be taken back. If you are angry or frustrated, ask yourself, “Would I say this in person?”, “Am I putting the receiver in an awkward position?,” “How would I feel if I got this email message?” Catching someone by surprise in an emotional message is a quick way to alienate your reader and compromise your communication goal. If it appears that an email dialogue has become heated, suggest that issues be resolved by telephone or in person.
Remember email is public
Keep in mind that as appropriate, designated district employees may review email messages sent or received by Comal ISD employees. In addition, your message may be subject to open records requests.
Use discretion when forwarding emails
There are sensitive subjects that are not appropriate email topics, primarily because misinterpretation could have serious consequences. Some topics that generally should be addressed outside of email include:
• Disciplinary action
• Conflicts about grades
• Personal information
• Concerns about fellow classmates or workmates
• Complaints
If you're unsure whether a topic is too sensitive for email, consult your supervisor.
Respond to emails promptly
As a general rule, Comal ISD employees should read and respond to all email within two business days.
Comal ISD Department of Human Resources and Customer Service
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
