The Source

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.

Happy Holidays from HR and Customer Service

Certification Reminders- Are you up to date?

In the Spotlight-RNs and LVNs

Contact Update- Making Sure Important Information Gets To You

Health and Wellness

UNITED HEALTHCARE MEDICAL AND DENTAL – DEDUCTIBLES AND OUT OF POCKET

CARE24

VIRTUAL VISITS

SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE

Check, Change, Control- Addressing High Blood Pressure

December is Holiday Wellness Month-Reducing Stress

Need Support?-UHC Campus Visits with the UHC Wellness Coordinator

Customer Service Corner-Tips for Rockstar Level Customer Service

HR and Customer Service FAQs

Our team wishes you and yours a happy holiday season! We know you support student success throughout the year and we hope this time allows you the opportunity to celebrate and unwind. Our jobs can be stressful and using this time to get much needed rest, socialize and re-connect with family and friends is a great way to de-stress and re-set for the new year.

Thank you for all you do to support student success. You make a difference!

Here are some tips to regain balance over the holidays:

Stress can have far-ranging negative effects on your health.

When stress grips your body, you know it. Your heart starts pounding, your muscles tense, your stomach feels tied in knots. Sometimes this response can be a good thing. It may help you escape from an attacker or win your tennis game. But if stress doesn't let up, it can have far-ranging negative effects on your physical health.

The stages of stress

Over 50 years ago a scientist named Hans Selye recognized that stress was a major cause of illness. He broke the stress response into three stages, which he called the general adaptation syndrome.

• The alarm stage occurs when you are frightened or under threat. Your body goes on red alert, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These increase strength and concentration. Your heart speeds up, sending more blood and oxygen to your muscles so you can take quick action. This "fight or flight" response can be lifesaving, but if it is prolonged it can take a toll on your body.
• The resistance stage occurs after the initial extreme reaction. Your body tries to adapt to the continued stress. It remains on alert but at a lower level while it tries to resume its normal functions. If the stress passes, you can start to rebuild your defenses. If it becomes long-term, you move to the third stage.
• The exhaustion stage is the "burnout" or overload phase. Continued pounding by stress depletes your body's reserves, which puts you at risk for disease.

This sequence may happen in response to either a physical threat (such as being in a car accident) or an emotional one (such as being laid off from your job). Facing multiple long-term stressors piles extra strain on your system and can quickly lead to exhaustion.

The effects of stress

Stress can have effects throughout your body on both your physical and mental health. It can affect:

• Digestion. Stress hormones slow the release of stomach acid and interfere with how well the stomach can empty itself. This can cause stomachaches. These same hormones cause the colon to work faster and may lead to diarrhea.
• Heart, brain and blood vessels. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol increase your heart rate and your blood pressure. Cortisol can also raise your cholesterol levels. These factors raise your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
• Immune system. Normally, your immune system responds to infections by releasing chemicals that aid in the healing process. The stress response weakens your immune system, slowing wound healing and making you more likely to get colds and infections.
• Weight. Cortisol makes you crave fats and carbohydrates, which can cause you to gain weight. Cortisol also makes you more likely to put on weight in your abdominal area. Weight gain in this area raises your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
• Mental health. Being bombarded with stress hormones creates a constant state of tension and anxiety. Over time this can set you up for depression, headaches or other problems, especially if they run in the family. Also, because your body is in a heightened state of arousal, you may have trouble sleeping.

Regaining your balance

If stress has taken over your life, it's time to regain some control. Your health depends on it. Here are some ideas:

• Make time for regular moderate exercise. It's one of the best stress-busters, and it can improve your mood and help control your weight. Check with your doctor to see what activity level is right for you.
• Spend some time doing things you enjoy. Go to a funny movie, take your kids fishing or have dinner with a dear friend.
• Learn some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Treat yourself well. Make time for healthy meals and getting enough sleep. Avoid smoking, drinking too much and overeating.

If you still cannot get a handle on your stress, talk to your doctor. He or she might recommend a counselor who could help you find other ways to reduce or manage the stress in your life.

Renewing My Standard Certificate

If you hold a standard teaching certificate in Texas you must renew it every five years. Your certification expires the last day of your birth month every five years.

Renewal Application Information

You must apply and pay online to renew your standard certificate. You will be sent an email reminder six months before the expiration date of your certificate. You must log in to your account to apply for renewal. You will be charged a late fee if you apply after your certificate expires. If you have any problems renewing your certification, please contact TEA at 512.936.8400.

Please let the Employment Specialist, Samantha Whitney, know once you have completed this.

The website is linked below. Make sure you use Internet Explorer as your browser. It is currently the only browser compatible with TEA.

https://pryor.tea.state.tx.us/TSP/TEASecurePortal/Access/LogonServlet

Renewal Requirements

Continuing professional education (CPE) is required to renew a standard certificate.

· Classroom teachers must complete 150 CPE hours.

· If you hold a professional certificate you must complete 200 CPE hours.

· Administrative and student services are professional certificates.

· Educational Aides are not required to complete CPE hours.

Frequently asked renewal questions (FAQs)

SHOWCASING OUR R.E.A.L.TEAM MEMBERS IN ACTION

We are proud of the tremendous work our 2,700+ 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 teams and roles you wish to see highlighted in future newsletters.

"Comal ISD has an amazing group of nurses coming from emergency rooms, labor and delivery, ICU, pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant, general pediatrics, military and flight nursing, as well as public health. Presently 31 nurses serve the over 22,000 students in our district with needs ranging from the occasional first aid visit, to complex medical needs that involve tube feedings, respiratory support, and medication administration. They also care for the over 2000 employees in the district when they have emergency health needs at work as well. What else do school nurses do? They are responsible for creating plans of care in collaboration with student’s health care providers for diabetes, severe allergic reactions, heart conditions, asthma, seizures, emotional and psychiatric concerns, orthopedic injuries, and traumatic brain injuries to name a few. State mandated screenings for vision, hearing, acanthosis nigricans (a marker for pre diabetes), height, weight, scoliosis are done to ensure the overall health of Texas children, as well as their readiness to learn. Nurses plan for field trips, reentry into sports after injuries, mass casualty events, disaster management, infectious disease prevention, public health policy creation, interventions for abused and neglected students, referrals and safety plans for mental health needs, case management of family need support, immunization compliance tracking, AND MORE! Educating staff, students, and families about healthy practices, and serving as role models are also priorities in every campus clinic. Comal ISD school nurses make a difference in the lives of staff and students every day, so stop in and say thanks and let them know they are an important part of the educational team!"-Courtney Nesloney, Health Services Coordinator

A special acknowledgement for several nurses who obtained the Emergency Room Nurse Certification this year: Catriona Salter RN (ISES), Crissy Inmon RN (MES), Sharon Voll RN (STZES), Kim Harris RN (CHMS)

Are you moving over the holiday? Did you get a new phone number? Did your name change?

It is important to make sure we have updated information on record for you so important information and documents are sent to your correct address and have your correct name.

If you need to update your mailing address, contact information or name, 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. If you are changing your name, please remember to send a copy of your new Social Security card to Rebekah Thudium in order to complete the official name change.

Please remember that the annual medical & dental deductible and the medical out of pocket max will start over again with the CALENDAR YEAR 01/01/2017 and will go through 12/31/2017. Please see the link below for the 2016-17 Health Insurance Summary that lists the annual deductible(s) and out of pocket maximum(s) for each of the four medical plans.

http://www.comalisd.org/pages/Comal_ISD/About_Us/Departments/HumanResources/Benefits

Care24 services provide a complimentary resource for members and offers you access to a wide range of health and well-being information and support – seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with one free phone call. See below for more information or log on to myuhc.com.

A virtual visit lets you see and talk to a doctor from your mobile device or computer. Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about virtual visits or log on to myuhc.com for information.

Our vision insurance plan is with Superior Vision for the 2016-17 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

We are excited to let you know that Comal ISD is partnering with the American Heart Association to offer an evidence-based wellness and blood pressure management program called Check. Change. Control.™. ALL staff members are encouraged to sign up regardless of whether they have high blood pressure or not! This educational program focuses on simple changes you can make to improve your overall health and wellness! Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks about how you can sign up.

Check.Change.Control Call to Action: In the meantime, follow this link to get your heart health score! This survey takes less than 5 minutes and gives you your personal heart health score on a scale from 1-10 with 10 being “ideal heart health.” Don’t worry if you don’t get a 10, the program also offers suggestions on how to improve your score!

During Heart Month in February, our district will also be going RED to support the mission of the American Heart Association – building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Over the next few weeks, you will continue to see monthly emails on a variety of health topics. Learn the simple ways you can make big changes with your health.

Take a moment to visit www.heart.org/districtheartchallenge and join our team! Search our district, and then find your campus. Through this website you can make a $20 donation for this year’s shirt, or reach out to friends and family via email to share what you are doing and help you raise funds to fight heart disease. You can also earn other thank you gifts from the American Heart Association for raising additional funds!

Together, we will log active minutes, get our blood pressure checked and raise lifesaving funds for the American Heart Association. We also have some great incentives and prizes (sneak peek below) along the way. Log on and sign up today!

We will be asking EVERYONE in our district to go RED on Friday, February 3rd.

Shirts must be ordered by January 12th in order to receive them in time for our GO RED DAY.

Here’s a sneak peek at the 2016-2017 American Heart Association T-Shirts!

Sign up and join our district atwww.heart.org/districtheartchallenge

T-shirts are earned at the $20 donation level and donations must be received by January 11th in order to receive by Wear Red Day.

INFORMATION ON REDUCING HOLIDAY STRESS CAN BE FOUND AT:

https://www.uhctools.com/assets/prebuilt_nl_2013_holiday_wellness.pdf

UHC is providing an on-site wellness coordinator for employee support. During December, campuses are scheduling visits from UHC. This is the perfect time to connect with UHC to ask questions or request support for your wellness goals. Karen Ochoa is an employee of UHC that can assist you as a primary contact. Check with your campus to find out what days UHC will be on campus.

Remaining visits this month:

Canyon Lake High School

12/12/2016 Dennis & Karen 9:00-1:00

Memorial Early College High School

12/13/2016 Karen & Dennis 11:00-1:00

Kinder Ranch Elementary

12/14/2016 Dennis & Karen 10:00-2:00

Oak Creek Elementary

12/15/2016 Dennis & Karen 9:00-1:00

Great customer service is the hallmark of a truly exceptional school district. Creating a relationship with all stakeholders and strengthening communication demonstrates that everyone is valued and important. Don’t allow all of your hard work to go to waste by not engaging with people. Communicating early and often with a positive and intentional message helps everyone feel connected.

Here are some easily implemented communication ideas to provide rockstar level customer service:

Welcome Pack: Do you have a plan in place to give new families or employees a Welcome Kit? It could be something as easy as a handwritten card or an email to show your gratitude and welcome them to Comal ISD. Starting the relationship through positive outreach with a simple welcome and helpful information regarding schedules, campus or department traditions, or upcoming events and contact information can put anxieties to rest and help forge confidence. This simple extra step can set the foundation for a healthy relationship of mutual respect.

Customer Care: Maintain respect and cultivate prompt communication to address questions and concerns by responding to emails and phone calls within 24 hours. Frustration often escalates when people feel that their concerns or questions are not important to you and they may seek an answer by going around you if they do not get a response within 24 hours. Keep frequently asked questions and their answers updated on your webpage with updated information about schedules, events, assignments or important items. If you can't address the concerns expressed within 24 hours, respond via phone or email to share that you have received the concerns and are working on answers.

Gratitude Concierge: Who doesn’t love a surprise? For student progress or a thank you to employees or families, a small gesture of an email, phone call or card can mean the world. People love to feel that their work or student's work is being noticed and acknowledged. Taking the extra time to share the impact a person is making strengthens relationships and encourages a positive rapport.

Social Media: Many people now look to social media — especially Facebook and Twitter — to find answers to questions and to link to a community. By actively managing your social media you can catch questions and send out responses, direct individuals to your webpage, blog posts or assist them as necessary.

Continuing to find ways to connect with people to help communicate and celebrate is the cornerstone of rockstar level customer service. If you have a great customer service technique, please share by sending it to mandy.epley@comalisd.org so we can share it in future newsletters.

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 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 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) 221-2026
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comalisd
Twitter: @CISDNews