Rocket Roundup
November 6, 2024
All Employees Must Complete Open Enrollment by Nov. 15
All employees must complete a link in Skyward for their 2025 insurance benefits. Employees may log into Skyward and click the 2025 Open Enrollment icon (shown on the right). The deadline to complete the open enrollment is Friday, November 15.
Because we are changing carriers and new options are being presented, this is a mandatory function for all eligible employees. Each employee working a 0.75 FTE assignment or greater is required to log on to Skyward in order to complete this form, even if you plan to waive health or dental insurance coverage.
Recording Available from Wellness Informational Meeting
A virtual meeting for the District's Wellness Incentive Program for 2025 was held on Monday. The meeting covered the 2025 Wellness Program requirements in order to receive or maintain the lower wellness premiums, as well as the optional WellnessWays rewards program that is offered through Network Health. Click here for a recording of the meeting.
More Health Insurance Information -
Insulate Yourself from High Deductibles
As the District offered last year, there are voluntary coverages that all full-time (0.75 FTE or more) employees can purchase. This means that even if you are not taking the District’s health insurance, this protection is available to you! The cost of this coverage will net out somewhere between $10 and $50 per month for a family. These coverages are medically driven, but not medical insurance. What that means is that if you or a dependent gets a disturbing diagnosis, there is a cash payment to you! If one of you has an accident or gets admitted to the hospital, there is likewise a cash payment. Pre-existing condition carve-outs are extremely limited. Please contact Dr. Mike Cyrus (x10112) to learn more about this powerful add-on to your insurance coverage.
Traveling With No Out-of-Network Coverage?
This sounds like a scary proposition! Some of you will be faced with that choice or have made it already. Essentially, what this means is that you promise not to seek primary or specialized healthcare services outside of the Network Health network for anything you plan. Just know that emergency and urgent care services are always considered “in network”. So, if you are traveling out west, get into a car accident and get rushed to the hospital, your in-network healthcare policy will cover you as though that emergency room visit and possible admission to the hospital are all considered “in” the Network Health network.
Board of Education Meeting Recap - November 5
The curriculum additions, deletions and revisions (CADR) proposal for the 2024-25 school year was presented to the Neenah Joint School District Board of Education at its November 5 meeting. The Board will vote on the proposed changes at its next meeting on November 19. Click here to read more
Please Review Your November 8 Paystub
Please take a moment to review your November 8 paystub to ensure that all deduction amounts align with your expectations. You can access your paystub by navigating to the Payroll Check History tile on your Employee Access dashboard. Here's how to do it:
- Click on the upside-down blue triangle.
- Select the Wage Statement link.
- Click on "Run Report."
While reviewing your paystub, please pay special attention to the following items:
- Insurance premiums
- HSA deductions
- 403(b) and 457 deductions
- Insurance Buyout (if applicable) - found in the Pay section.
Please note the distinction between the deductions section and the benefits section on your paystub. The deductions section reflects the amounts deducted from your paycheck each payroll period, while the benefits section shows the amounts the district contributes on your behalf, which are NOT deducted from your paycheck.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your insurance deductions, please contact Becky Frakes. We kindly ask that you examine your paycheck thoroughly and report any discrepancies to Sandi Zartner or Becky Frakes by November 15. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Reimbursement Reminders from the Business Office
* - Overnight accomodations less than 60 miles from the employee's home school are not allowable for reimbursement.
*- The shortest distance on Google Maps will determine distance.
* - Meals will only be reimbursed as part of an overnight stay.
* - Reimbursements will only be processed after attendance. Submit a Request for Reimbursement for payment.
A Request to Attend Meetings, Workshops or Conferences needs to be submitted three weeks prior to conference/workshop attendance. All forms have been updated and are on the district website. Use the most up-to-date form to avoid delays in reimbursement.
*- Payment Voucher - reimbursement for purchases made using personal funds for classroom/school expenses
* - Mileage Record - for in-district mileage reimbursement
* - Sales tax is not reimbursable.
Equity and Inclusion Office Showcases Dia De Los Muertos
This week's Equity and Inclusion office entry is both a celebration of the heritage of Dia De Los Muertos holiday and a celebration of Horace Mann's commitment to equity showcased by the altar created in the main entrance to the school. This demonstrates how they are honoring the lives of their loved ones as well as shares some books and vocabulary visuals to support learning about the cultural celebration. Click here to read more
Health and Wellness Center Explains Cellulitis
From Prevea Nurse Practitioner Sarah Bleier, APNP, FNP-C
Cellulitis is the medical term for a skin infection. It is usually caused by bacteria, so it needs an antibiotic to prevent spread of the infection resulting in worsened outcomes. Most people with cellulitis will note a painful or uncomfortable reddened and/or swollen area on their skin. If the area is ignored or not promptly treated, the redness (and the infection) can expand to the surrounding tissues. In some cases, there will be an area of infection that is walled off underneath the skin. This is called an abscess, and often needs to be opened and drained under sterile conditions by a healthcare provider. Click here to read more
District Fitness Facilities Open Over Thanksgiving Break
The district fitness facilities will be open over Thanksgiving break for our staff with a modified schedule. Staff will have access from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1 from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. A reminder that all staff that plan to use the facilities must watch the video and complete the rules and regulations form at the end of the video before they are given access. Please allow 3-5 business days for fob access to be added.
Food and drink, other than water, are not allowed on fitness equipment or in the fitness rooms. Staff must enter through designated doors and will only have access during the fitness facility hours. Normal hours of use will resume on Monday, December 2. Please see this information below. Normal Fitness Center Hours of Use (outside of Thanksgiving Break): Monday - Friday: 5:00am - 7:00am and 4:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday - Sunday: 5:30am - 9:00pm Doors to Enter: Horace Mann Elementary: Door 10 Neenah Middle School: Door 3 (Main Entrance) or Door 10 Neenah High School: Door 19 (Staff Entrance)
Benefits of Receiving Your W-2 Form Electronically
When you sign into Skyward, you will have the option to choose how you receive your W-2, electronically or a paper copy. On your dashboard there will be a tile called “W2 Mailing Opt Out Form”. If you want to consent to an electronic copy, you will uncheck the box and submit your option.
Benefits of Receiving Form W-2 Electronically:
* Notifications: You will receive an email notification when your W-2 is available. This is usually 7-14 days prior to them being available for pick up or put in the mail for delivery.
* Immediate Access: You can receive your W-2 much faster than the traditional mailing process, which may be delayed due to postal services.
* Ability to Access Anywhere: You can access your W-2 from any device with internet access, making it easy to retrieve your tax information while traveling or away from home.
* Reduced Risk of Loss or Theft: Electronic W-2s eliminate the risk of documents getting lost in the mail or stolen from your mailbox, which can compromise your personal information.
* Ability to Access Anywhere: You can access your W-2 from any device with internet access, making it easy to retrieve your tax information while traveling or away from home.
* Environmentally Friendly: Choosing an electronic format reduces paper waste, making it a more sustainable option. You do not need to print the form on a special type of paper.
Girls Cross Country Team Wins First State Title Since 1983
Neenah's girls cross country team won its fourth state championship and first since 1983 in dominating fashion on Saturday in Wisconsin Rapids. The Rockets totaled 57 points with Wauwatosa East placing second with 123 points.
Mazie Olkowski placed fourth overall and Elsa Gruber was seventh overall. Natalie Schultz added an 18th place finish, Maddie Schoonover was 25th and Eme Olkowski was 42nd. Izzy Malloy and Natalie Willes rounded out the Rockets' day with 69th and 159th place finishes, respectively.
The Rockets won three straight state titles from 1981-83 and had seven runner-up finishes since, including last season.
EFN Grants Accepted Through November 29
The Educational Foundation of Neenah (EFN) is now accepting grant requests for new and innovative programming for NJSD classrooms. Grant requests should use the EFN Grant Request Form and may be sent directly to Dan Goggin at gogginlaw@msn.com by November 29.
NJSD Social Event Set for November 9
The NJSD social committee is hosting a social gathering for all district staff and a guest on Saturday, November 9 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fox Club at the Timber Rattlers Stadium. There is no agenda as this is simply a time to gather, mingle, and enjoy each other's company. Free hors d'oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available. RSVP here for data purposes.
Additionally, mark your calendars for the district golf outing on May 3, 2025. More info to come.
This Week in NJSD Activities
Thursday, November 7
NHS Choir Concert, 7:30 p.m. (NHS Performing Arts Center)
Friday, November 8
Girls Diving - Home, WIAA Sectional Meet, 5:30 p.m. (NMS Pool)
Football - Home, WIAA Sectional Final vs. Muskego, 7 p.m. (Livestream at postcrescent.com)
Saturday, November 9
Girls Swimming - Home, WIAA Sectional Meet, Noon (NMS Pool)