VS 30 - HR and Capital Connections

Vol.1 Issue 4

Sometimes, having to be resourceful when things do not go our way is a great way to be very thankful for the outcome! This is exactly what happened on Wednesday during our EAP meeting as we were having technical difficulties with the link.

We thank you so much for your understanding and quickly shifting gears in what turned out to be a wonderful conversation with our representative from EAP.

As promised, attached is the information that includes all the services we get from EAP. As we explained during the presentation, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.

A few reminders:

• It is free! The program is a service provided by the district to all employees. There is no cost for the employee.

• Any family member living in your household is eligible to receive services regardless of your medical insurance.

• Adult children, through age 25, who live inside or outside the home are also covered under this benefit

Download the app from the app store by searching ‘ESI EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE’ or by scanning the QR Code below!

At the November 21, Valley Stream 30 Board Meeting the Superintendent of School, Dr. Garcia-France, along with the members of the Board of Education and Principals, Erin Malone and Chris Colorassi, celebrated two faculty members who passed through gate.

During the recognition Ms. Sebnem Ozsirkinti, a TESOL Teacher at Shaw Avenue was celebrated for her professionalism, dedication to students, continue engagement and collaboration and contributions to the growth and development of the students at Valley Stream #30.

Ms. Cathy Itri, a Reading teacher at Forest Road School was also celebrated for her professionalism, high ethical standards and engagement not only with students and family but with colleagues and supervisors. She was celebrated by Principal Malone as an outstanding educator, an outstanding teacher, communicator and committed professional to her students.

Congratulations Cathy and Sebnem!

The Office of Teaching Initiatives will be offering monthly trainings on the Registration, Re-registration and CTLE requirements. Important information:

• The training will be presented through Zoom

• Upcoming training dates:

• December 14th at 4:00 pm

• January 18th at 3:00 pm

• Available to district administrators and educators.

• You can register for a training by emailing: CTLEsponsor@nysed.gov

• Include the training date and contact information for the person organizing it from your district. (In this case, Marcela Moran, mmoran@vs30.org)

As we approach the Winter season and the Holidays, we enter the season of family gatherings, celebrations and large crowds. We also enter the dreaded flu and respiratory illness season.

Public health officials keep reminding us to use preventive measures such as washing our hands and sneezing into our sleeves.

As we enter Flu and COVID-19 season we want to remind all staff of the COVID procedures to follow in case you are sick with COVID.

Important Reminders:

• Sick leave under COVID will not exceed 10 consecutive calendar days (Please note, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays are counted when calculating the number of days)

• If you intend to use COVID Leave you must provide documentation (a picture of a home test counts) indicating that you have tested positive for COVID to covidleave@vs30.org
  

If you have any questions, please email me at mmoran@vs30.org or call at (516)434-3600 extension 5010.

As of January 1st, 2023, the NYSHIP Empire Plan will be changing their health insurance plan rates. Health insurance premiums are deducted one month in advance, so the increase will be reflected for the first time in your payroll check on 12/15/2022.

New rates PER PAYCHECK for 2023 coverage are shown below. (*Rates are based on full time employment*)

Individual current 2022 rate: $119.61

Individual NEW 2023 Rate: $134.51

Family current 2022 rate: $276.37

Family NEW 2023 rate: $317.59

If you do not have healthcare coverage and would like to enroll, the enrollment period will be open March 1, 2023 through March 31,2023.

The Aflac enrollment period will begin March 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023.

If you have any questions regarding NYSHIP or AFLAC, please feel free to call Teresa Fergus at 516-434-3614 or email her at TFergus@vs30.org

As the end of this year approaches fast it is important to remind you that all W2's are mailed on January to the address we currently we have on our payroll records.

If you have moved residence and have not updated your address please do so immediately by reaching out to the Business Office. It is very important to keep all of your information current and up to date with them in order for your to receive this important financial information.

Please feel free to call Teresa Fergus at 516-434-3614 or email her at TFergus@vs30.org

Feeling nostalgic? Trying to connect with your colleagues. This is a new activity. Guess who this is:

A few clues:

• A teacher who started to work with the Friendly Schools almost at the beginning of this Century

• Continues to have a beard and mustache - albeit a different color now

• Is a wonderful colleague and dedicated to our students.

Submit your answers here. We will share in our next issue a before and after picture!

Just a side note, if you need a new picture in your ID, please contact my office at 516-434-3600 ext. 5010.

Do you ever wonder what guides the district operations and procedures?

An easy answer is policy! We invite all our staff members to review the district policies to understand how our district operates. Moving forward, every month we will be highlighting one policy.

This month is the we are reviewing policy 5300 DISTRICT CODE OF CONDUCT

Please let me know if you have any questions at mmoran@vs30.org or (516) 434-3600 X 5010.

If you’re looking to make some changes or achieve personal or professional goals in the coming year, here’s a good place to start: Building your resilience. Think of resilience as a psychological competence that allows us to lead authentic, fulfilling, balanced lives. It equips us to adapt to life's misfortunes and setbacks and get back up on our feet. It also helps us to follow our dreams and achieve important life goals.

It’s important that we recognize the vital role that it plays in our lives, and that we work to nurture and grow our personal resilience. Much like a muscle, it benefits by our flexing it, exercising it, and keeping it in shape.

7 ways to build resilience

• Develop and maintain strong relationships. ...
• Change how you respond to situations. ...
• Turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. ...
• Develop a positive outlook. ...
• Maintain a healthy perspective. ...
• Take care of yourself. ...
• Find ways to help others.

12/12/2022 - 7:30 PM - Audit Committee Meeting - Library at Shaw Avenue

12/12/2022 - 8:00 PM - Board Education Work Session Meeting - Library at Shaw Avenue

12/14/2022 - 11:15 AM - Early Dismissal for all Students and Parent Teacher Conferences

12/19/2022 - 8:00 PM - Board Education Regular Business Meeting - Library at Shaw Avenue

12/17/2022 - Breakfast with Santa at Clear Stream Avenue

12/26/2022 - 01/02/2023 - HOLIDAY RECESS ALL SCHOOLS CLOSED

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS