BSD Staff Updates

Compiled by Ioanna Cossack, Board Secretary

As Zoom meetings continue, remember: simply go to the BoardDocs website on the day of that meeting, click on the “meeting date,” and a “video” icon will show up that allows you to sign in and be a part of the audience. Each regular meeting will have the opportunity for public input as usual.

Normal district business was included on the Consent Agenda, as well as a revised 2019-20 academic calendar (making May 22 a non-student day and moving the last school day to June 19th), a new agreement with the BPEA amending Vacation Cash Out for the current year, and agreements with the Bremerton Police Department for the SRO, Brecht’s Database Solutions, Olympic ESD, NCS Pearson, and an Interlocal Purchasing Agreement with TIPS USA.

Student Representative to the Board Gabriel O’Rourke-Dela Cruz reported that the Associated Student Body has continued its work through Zoom meetings. Almost all officers are in place for the 2020-21 school year, and their annual review of the Constitution will occur on May 27th with the revisions coming to the School Board for approval in June. He shared that AP exams are in full swing and although they are not exactly what students were preparing for, he felt it was going pretty well. He reported that although students, particularly seniors, are disappointed with how their year ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he shared that they do appreciate all the events that the school has hosted either on YouTube, or the drive-through event for seniors to pick up their “graduation gear.” It was a great time to be able to see so many friends and staff again, although everyone had to stay in their vehicles. Upcoming events include the Senior Signing Assembly, and he thanked his ASB officers and school staff for their work in helping students to remain connected throughout this situation.

The Board reflected on their own experiences viewing some of the events on Knights TV/YouTube, and congratulated Mr. O’Rourke-Dela Cruz for the many honors he received at the Knighting Assembly held on May 8th. The Board briefly discussed graduation requirements and how the emergency grading policies may affect future graduates as they apply to colleges and universities. Director Rotter attended a one-hour online Q&A session with Chris Reykdal, OSPI, hosted by the Equity in Education Coalition of Washington. She recommended a documentary she was able to watch online “The Kids We Lose,” Dr. Ross Green, for staff, and related this to the West Hills Restorative School opening in the fall. Directors Hurley and Rotter shared a little insight from a parent’s perspective on the current online learning.

Superintendent Leavell reported that OSPI has convened a stakeholder workgroup to inform recommendations and guidance for school districts as they plan for reopening schools in the fall. This group consists of more than 100 educators, education leaders, elected officials, community partners and members, parents and students. Work should conclude June 12th, and he expects there will be 5-7 options offered. He updated the Board on the process of creating the graduation video and other upcoming senior events. He reported that a survey through ThoughtExchange has been sent out to gather input about the online learning that is occurring throughout the District. The survey is set to close on Monday. Dr. Leavell also reported that the District has again applied for a $1.5 million DoDEA grant and described areas where this funding would be applied. He also congratulated Gabriel and thanked him for serving on the Board and for being a very positive role model and representative of Bremerton High School.

Assistant Superintendent Steedman presented three financial reports: 1) the usual monthly General Fund Balance Status (ending April 30), 2) a report on 2020/21 Budget Considerations, and 3) a written report outlining 2020-21 Preliminary Draft Minor Budgets.

As is customary each year, the Board approved the one-year extension of Dr. Leavell’s contract, extending the end date to June 30, 2023.

Documents may be found by going to the May 21st Agenda on BoardDocs.

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Employees are encouraged to be proactive in knowing your own leave balances, how much you have used during the school year, and how your balance is affected by your working agreement and District policy.

If you earn Vacation you should ensure your balance on August 31st (June 30th for Administrators) is no more than thirty (30) of your workdays. Any days in excess of thirty (30) days will be forfeited on September 1st (July 1st for Administrators).

Additionally, each employee should review their working agreement regarding their rights associated with Personal leave. If you are allowed to accrue Personal leave, it is accounted for in the “Other Paid Leave” category in the Time Off Section of EA+. Any excess personal leave not used or cashed out (if eligible) by June 30th (August 31st for full-year employees), will be forfeited on September 1st. If you are on a July - June Contract you must use your Personal leave by June 30th. For Personal Leave that qualifies for cash out (please read your specific Collective Bargaining Agreement, located on the District's website), complete a paper leave slip, mark “Other” and write “completed qualifications to receive _(insert number)_ days of Personal leave cash-out”. Your request for cash-out (leave slip) must be approved (signed) by your building administrator and must be submitted to Payroll by June 30, 2020.

Link for Leave Slip

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Greetings,

Every year the Bremerton Council PTSA grants scholarships to Bremerton High School Graduates. The money for these scholarships is raised during the annual Founders Day Dinner and Auction. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 event had to be

cancelled.

Though our event from 2019 helped ensure the scholarships will be available for 2020

graduates of Bremerton High School, we want to make sure the 2021 scholarships can still go on despite our inability to host our fundraiser. That is why Bremerton Council PTSA has

decided to offer an online "Raise the Paddle" fundraiser to help fund our scholarship endeavors. This opportunity will hopefully allow us to continue to fund scholarships in the generous way we have in the past.

If you would like to donate, please follow the link below.

https://bremerton-council-ptsa.square.site/

Thank you for your consideration,

Bremerton Council PTSA

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An update from Greg Raymond

Because of multiple cancellations of scheduled events and meetings, the Bremerton Education Association (BEA) was able to re-allocate $9,200 of their funds to assist thirty-one (31) local businesses during this COVID crisis through member-chosen donations or purchases of gift cards. Their largest donation was for $2,500 to the Bremerton Backpack Brigade, followed by $750 to the Bremerton Foodline, and $500 to both The Boatshed Restaurant and Bar and Noah's Ark Restaurant. Many establishments received at least $250 to help during the closure.

The gift cards are going to the members that chose that particular establishment- so a win-win-win for them. They get a gift card, they get to help the local businesses, and they get to recoup some of their dues dollars! We also purchased some extra cards that will be used as prizes in future BEA functions or for "welcome to the neighborhood" gifts for our new members at orientation.

ALLOCATION OF FUNDS:

• $2500: Bremerton Backpack Brigade
• $750: Bremerton Foodline
• $500: Boatshed Restaurant and Bar
• $500: Noah's Ark Restaurant
• $375: Amy's Decadent Chocolates
• $375: Mandiles Mexican Grill
• $375: Tony's Pizza and Italian Restaurant
• $250: Bay Street Coffee
• $250: Big Apple Diner
• $250: Brother Don's
• $250: Caffe Perfetto
• $250: Cloverleaf Sports Bar and Grill
• $250: The Coffee Oasis
• $250: Family Pancake House
• $250: Hi-Lo's 15th Street Cafe
• $250: Larry & Kristi's Bakery
• $250: McGavin's Bakery
• $250: South Pacific Sports Bar
• $250: Spiro's Pizza and Pasta
• $250: Suzy's Kitchen
• $250: Taqueria Los Cazadores
• $50: Hound and Bottle
• $50: Los Cabos
• $50: Toad House
• $25: Cafe Kai
• $25: Casa Mexico
• $25: CJ's Evergreen General Store
• $25: The Expresso Lane
• $25: Sabaidee Thai and Lao Cuisine
• $25: Silver City Brewery
• $25: Urban Plant Shop

And for more tech help, especially as it relates to this brave new online learning world we're exploring together, visit BSDTeach. There's a whole new section on Digital Teaching and Learning you can find here: https://sites.google.com/bremertonschools.org/bsd-teach/instruction-and-engagement/school-closure-resources-for-teachers

If you need assistance, you can also contact Kati Carthum (360-473-1056).

• View past issues of the Staff Updates newsletter
• Submit ideas or content for the Staff Updates newsletter to: Karen.Bevers@BremertonSchools.org

BSD Staff Updates Newsletter 2019-20 / Issue #19 : 5/27/2020

Website: www.bremertonschools.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BremertonSchools/
Twitter: @BremertonSD