Chippewa Chirp
May 2024
Summer Compressed Workweek Schedule
Please click here for the 2024 compressed workweek schedule, beginning the week of June 3rd.
As a reminder, all buildings are closed Thursdays at 4 pm until Mondays at 5:30 am. Staff access to facilities will not be available during those times.
Proration and Inclement Weather Days
Support staff who would like to change their proration for the 24-25 school year, please notify human resources before August 16th.
Reminder that inclement weather days after the first two paid inclement weather days will be deducted from the pay period in which they occur for all support staff.
Any hourly staff members planning to retire, please consider notifying human resources as soon as possible, and no less than two weeks before your retirement.
Click here for a brief presentation that includes information for support staff considering retirement. Click here for details on applying for your WRS retirement benefits.
2024-2025 Contracts
Certified staff contracts will be posted to your Skyward account at the end of April . Contracts must be signed by 4 pm on Saturday, June 15th. If you do not sign your contract, that is considered a resignation from CFAUSD. Please note that if you do not sign your contract we will be in touch to let you know it has not been completed.
Monday, May 6th - Friday, May 17th is the benefits open enrollment period for health, dental, and vision. Please watch your email on Monday, May 6th, for more information. Click here for a detailed benefits information booklet.
All benefit-eligible staff must complete the online open enrollment process in Skyward by Friday, May 17th at 4:00 pm. Click here for instructions on completing this process in Skyward.
Click here to read the Annual Notice Packet.
Skyward Time Off Blackout
The blackout period is the last few student contact days. Skyward does not allow time off entries between May 23th and May 31st, which does include the Friday before Memorial Day.
As a reminder, the first five student contact days in September will not be available for time off as well.
2024-2025 Staff Calendars
The 2024-2025 staff calendars are complete. Click here to view them.
Certified Staff Advance Degree &/or Additional Licensure Request
Are you looking to advance your degree and/or obtain additional licensure beyond Master's in a priority area? Click here to submit a request!
TB Questionnaire
The TB questionnaire has changed to an electronic format in Skyward. Please be sure to complete the online form in Skyward. Click here for instructions.
Thinking of Retiring?
Staff who work nine or ten months a year and plan to retire in the 2025 year may wish to consider (for tax purposes) contacting Human Resources before August 16th to request to be paid in nine months rather than twelve.
What this means for those retiring is that rather than receiving a large lump sum payout in June of 2025 and being taxed differently on this check, you could spread your contract/payout over the nine months you work (September - June). This is completely optional and merely a suggestion for those considering retirement in 2024. Click here for information on applying for your WRS retirement.
Thinking of Resigning?
Review what happens to pay and benefits upon resignation with CFSD. Click Here for more information.
Are you considering your benefit package with CFSD in your total compensation package when comparing your new offer of employment?
A higher pay rate does not always mean a higher paycheck. For example, when calculating your new pay rate, are you factoring in the cost of benefits with the potential new employer? Consider the insurance cost, if the employer is a contributor to your Wisconsin Retirement System, and your post-employment benefits (Sick leave payouts, MidAmerica funds etc...). CFSD health insurance only costs $203 a month for a family plan, offers an HSA contribution of $192.90 a month, and has the Cardinal Healthy Primary Care Clinic to help you avoid paying the deductible.
Be sure you are comparing Apples to Apples.
Have you checked your MidAmerica balance lately? Do you know how much money you would forfeit by leaving?
Call 855-329-0095 or log on at www.mymidamericajourney.com
DPI License Renewal/Application
Employees are responsible for being properly licensed for the age group and content areas they teach. The following resources may be helpful to you:
License Lookup: A quick look at your licenseIf you have questions or need support with the application or renewal process, please get in touch with Jenny Starck ext. 1910.
DPI, Student Loan Forgiveness, and Employment Verifications
Please contact Brooke Zengle (zenglebm@chipfalls.org, 715-738-2660 ext. 1804) for Employment Verifications.
Raptor Technologies Security System for Volunteering
We now have been using Raptor to process volunteers for our schools. Volunteers can submit information to our volunteering page. The Raptor link will be uploaded for use on March 18th to this page. Until then, please continue to use the links that are still in use for the volunteering process.
Why Raptor? Raptor is the system that we will now be using to process our background checks. This will ensure a safer and more reliable check as this system requires the volunteer to submit an image of their driver's license or state issued ID. The driver's license is cross referenced with the information that the volunteer also submit to ensure that the correct information is being provided.
Cost Savings. Raptor will be more cost effective to our district than our previous program. This system will save our district $2,500. At this stage, we are only implementing the Raptor background check system, and in the 25-26 school year we will potentially implement the Kiosk ID check in for volunteers.
Evaluations
Most hourly staff’s evaluation form is linked here. Check with your supervisor if you are unsure which evaluation applies to you.
Reform Medicine May Newsletter
This FREE App focuses on the well-being of the individual. Click here to learn more!
Wisconsin Retirement System - Employee Trust Funds
WRS STATEMENTS HAVE ARRIVED!
You should have received your Annual WRS Statement in the mail. Be sure to save this statement.
This annual statement is the only communication you will receive about your retirement account.
Resources for reviewing your statement:
- Click here for a quick video on how to interpret/read your WRS Statement.
- Click here for a brochure on how to read your WRS Statement.
- Click here for a tutorial on how to Navigate your WRS Statement.
Be sure to look at the following in your statement:
- Who is your beneficiary? If this needs to be updated, click here for the form to complete and mail in. Click here for a video on beneficiary designations. If you are unsure who your current beneficiary is, see your annual statement in the beneficiary section. This may need to be updated if you have had any life changes during the last year, such as marriage, divorce, etc... Click here for a checklist of items to update if you experienced a change.
- Variable Participation - Are you currently participating in the variable? Would you like to participate in the variable? Would you like to opt out of the variable? Click here for the form to complete. Click here for a short video about the variable fund. Click here for a brochure about the variable fund.
- Your Years of Creditable Service. Make sure that they appear to be accurate. Remember that 1,904 hours must be worked to earn one year of creditable service for support staff, and 1,320 hours must be worked to earn one year of creditable service for certified staff. Years of service are based on hours worked during that year. Please note these will be years of service through 2022.
- Additional Contributions - Click here for a quick video on Additional Contributions. Click here for a brochure about contributing additional funds to your WRS account.
Below are more resources to help you learn about your WRS Retirement Benefit:
- Click here for the WRS website, which contains many opportunities to learn about your benefit.
- Your Benefit Handbook &/or Video Overview of WRS &/or Video for New & Mid Career WRS Participants
- Additional Contributions Information
- WRS Members Educational Opportunities
- WRS Recorded Videos for Member Education
New to Wisconsin Retirement System or Unsure What WRS is All About?
WRS - ETF Webinars Learn More About Your Benefits This Summer!
Overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System
Are you new to the Wisconsin Retirement System? We’ll let you know what to expect.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Identify and explain the elements of the Wisconsin Retirement System.
- Explain how the WRS pension works.
- Identify benefits available through the WRS.
- Find resources for more information.
Wed, June 5, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Thu, June 20, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am
To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/223521256812769372
Variable Fund
Does putting money in the Variable Fund make sense for you? You and your employer put money in to your WRS account to save for your future. The money in your account is then invested to increase your savings. By default, your money goes into the Core Fund, but you can choose to put half your money into the Variable Fund.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Define Variable Trust Fund and explain how it works.
- Analyze how the Variable Fund can affect your retirement benefit.
- Elect to join or cancel the Variable Fund.
Thu, June 13, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Tue, June 25, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/704929228895082328
Preparing for Your Retirement
Planning to retire in the next 5 years? Then this webinar is for you. Learn about your WRS benefits and the retirement process.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Explain how the WRS retirement benefit works.
- Recognize eligibility and prepare to apply for benefits.
- Identify the different types of annuity options.
- Prepare for health and life insurance changes in retirement.
- Find additional resources.
Wed, May 8, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu, May 23, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tue, Jun 11, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wed, Jun 26, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wed, Jul 10, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu, Jul 25, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tue, Aug 6, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wed, Aug 21, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thu, Sep 12, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thu, Sep 26, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2203176546143510361
MAY WEBINARS
Additional Contributions
Looking to increase your WRS retirement? Learn how Additional Contributions can increase your WRS retirement benefit.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Define additional contributions.
- Identify how additional contributions increase your retirement fund.
- Arrange to make additional contributions to your WRS account(s).
- Find and use ETF resources to calculate your additional contribution amount.
Wed, May 8, 2024 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Thu, May 16, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Wed, May 22, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3679792077778752346
Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?
Death is never easy to talk about, but it’s important to know where your money is going. Learn what happens to your WRS account when you pass away, why it's important to designate a beneficiary and the importance of keeping your account up-to-date.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Define beneficiary and standard sequence.
- Explain the importance of a beneficiary form.
- Identify who or what could be a beneficiary.
- Select the appropriate beneficiary form.
- Update your beneficiary.
Thu, May 9, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am
To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6640197448751597912
Understanding Your Annual WRS Statement of Benefits
Your annual Statement of Benefits shows you the current state of your WRS account. Not sure about something on your statement? Watch this webinar with your statement in hand. We’ll walk you through each section.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of the Statement of Benefits (ET-7365).
- Analyze the sections of your Statement of Benefits.
- Interpret your retirement benefit calculations.
- Find resources for more information.
Wed, May 1, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/7020051227779112027
WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments
Each year you may see changes to the amount of your retirement payment. We’ll discuss why and how these changes happen.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Define WRS effective rate and annuity adjustment.
- Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated.
- Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated.
Thu, May 2, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Tue, May 14, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Wed, May 22, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am
To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2816230146393650271
Injured At Work? Worker's Compensation Information
If you need non-emergency medical attention, please get in touch with the Cardinal Healthy Primary Care Clinic for treatment options at 715-738-2700.
Purchasing Supplies
All Classroom Supplies must be purchased through our Purchasing Agent Jill Holmlund 715-738-2660 extension 1807.
Purchase Requisition information and directions can be found by visiting the Staff Portal. Please utilize the eCommerce ordering process.
Clinic Hours - 715-738-2700
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Second Saturday of each month: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
**Closed during lunch 1 - 2 pm
Located at 140 W. Elm Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
$1,000 Drawings Continue Into the 2024 - 2025 Plan Year
Chippewa Falls School District Human Resources Department
Nikki Mast - ext 1902
Lauren Abegglen - ext 1901
Brooke Zengle - ext. 1804
Email: humanresources@chipfalls.org
Website: https://staff.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/board/hr2019/default.aspx
Location: 140 West Elm Street, Chippewa Falls, WI, USA
Phone: 715-738-2660
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chippewafallsschool
Twitter: @ChippewaFallsSD