CSD Weekly Staff Update: 5/11/23

The countdown is on! Summer is on it's way and we are very excited to finish this year strong! Have a great weekend!

- The CSD Communications Department

See all previous staff updates at http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/employees/your-employment/staffupdates/

Check out some of the newest opportunities to join the Power of We!

• https://www.applitrack.com/colonial/onlineapp/
  

Plant Sale at WP from TODAY 2:30-5:30

Come out and get your mothers day plants all while supporting our AG program! We have plenty of hanging baskets, geraniums, tomatoes, peppers, succulents and LOTS MORE!!! I have students here ready to help you with all of your needs!

PreK-12 Teachers, paraprofessionals, instructional/support staff and secretaries… we want to hear from you!

Our annual Colonial End of Year Survey is an opportunity to gather feedback from each of you in order to help us to understand and prioritize our needs specific to Colonial School District. The results of this survey will be used in addition to other feedback from staff and local stakeholders to develop and inform our district plans for next year.

We truly appreciate your time in providing us with this feedback!

Please take a few minutes to complete THIS FEEDBACK SURVEY by Friday, May 20th, 11:59pm. We hope to have 100% participation!

The 2023 Open Enrollment period is May 1 – 17, 2023.

(Plan Year July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)

Unless you experience a qualifying event, Open Enrollment is your only chance to enroll, cancel coverage, or change plans for yourself, an eligible spouse, or dependent children. Participation is mandatory. Here are your first three assignments.

Open Enrollment will take place on May 1 – 17, participation is required. There are plenty of changes, please see What’s Changing Quick Reference Chart. Stay on top of Enrollment by keeping the following schedule:

1. During Week of April 10th – Make sure you can access Employee Self Service via my.delaware.gov. If you cannot access Employee Self-Service please use the 2023 Open Enrollment Help Desk Support Chart; it directs you to the proper group for help.

2. During week of April 17 – review the What’s Changing Quick Reference Chart in addition to July 1, 2023 Rate Changes with Stipend

3. During week of April 24 - Complete any research for any benefits you may want to change via https://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/employees/benefits/2023-open-enrollment/
4. During May 1 – May 17, complete your enrollment process. If you need assistance, please read the Help Is Available Newsletter This newsletter includes information on various workshops, benefits perks and computer assistance.

If you have any questions, please email Deldra.Gregory-Colvin@colonial.k12.de.us us or call 302- 400-7560

Here are a few things that I would not miss out during this Open Enrollment:

1. Free Money - The State will provide a one-time Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan year contribution of $125 for each Fiscal Year 2024 FSA participant.

2. Life Insurance with no health assessment - Although you can enroll and/or make plan changes throughout the year, during Open Enrollment you can enroll and/or increase your coverage in the State Group Universal Life (GUL) Insurance plan without having to provide proof of good health. This is sure to save you money!

3. This is a good time to enroll into the DEFER program. This program is similar to the 401(k) plan. Delaware Defer program offers a 403(b) and 457(b)

If you have any questions, please email Deldra.Gregory-Colvin@colonial.k12.de.us us or call 302- 400-7560

1. Yes, all benefit-eligible employees must participate in Open Enrollment. If you have no changes, log onto Employee Self Service and select I have no changes.

2. Yes, if you cover a spouse, you must complete the Online Spousal Form every year to ensure that the enrollment is in compliance with the Spousal Coordination Policy.

3. Flexible Spending Account – yes – there is free money this year. You must enroll and contribute at least $125 to get the free money ($125).

1. Want to know more about FSA – watch this video

2. Here is a list of eligible expenses

4. No – we do not have Delta or Dominion for dental. We have Cigna, Plan A and Plan B.

5. No, we do not have EyeMed for vision. We have VBA. Colonial School District’s plans are better than the plans offered by the State of Delaware.

6. If you are having issues with Employee-Self- Service – please review this chart for the proper place to seek help.

7. Yes, there are plenty of changes – – review the What’s Changing Quick Reference Chart for a snapshot of all changes

8. Need answers regarding benefits plans/changes – attend a help session.

Need step by step instructions for Open Enrollment Self-Service Guide.

1. Logon to Employee Self Service via my.delaware.gov

2. Select Benefits

3. Go to Benefits Website, then on ASIflex enrollment

4. Use this reference guide to help you navigate within the ASI Open Enrollment Portal

Please note that the final EPER payments will be made on the 6/2/23 check. All contracts need to be through all approvals by Thursday, May 18th.

Student Services is excited to announce the fourth cohort of the Special Education Certification Program! In order to be eligible for the program, you must hold a current teacher certification in any area. We are having an interest meeting to share information and learn more about the Colonial School District’s partnership with Wilmington University. Please join us on Tuesday, May 16th at either 3 pm or 4:15 pm. https://colonial-k12-de-us.zoom.us/j/3793050505

If you are not able to attend and want information, please contact Nicole Markey.

(Masters in School Leadership)

Are you interested in earning your Master’s in School Leadership? Colonial School District and Wilmington University have created a Master's of Education in Educational Leadership program tailored to our district. The program is designed to focus on the critical aspects of leadership aligned with the CSD Leadership Framework while ensuring that participants graduate with their M.Ed. and are eligible for certification as a School Leader in Delaware and surrounding states.

If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities of this cohort experience and the costs of participation, please complete this form and join us on Tuesday, May 23th at 4:00PM via Zoom. A link will be shared with those registered prior to the session.

Walking In Honor: Saturday Breakfast Amongst MenOur next Breakfast Amongst Men will be on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at George Read Middle School, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. May 20, 2023, will be the Walking in Honor Awards for all participants and their families. WE look forward to seeing you there!

Are you interested in becoming an Early Childhood Education teacher? If so, the Early Childhood Innovation Center is hosting virtual information sessions on May 17th, and 24th to learn more about career advice, scholarships, incentives (such as a free laptop), financial stipend opportunities and much, much more…click here to sign up TODAY!