HR Scarsdale Schools Retiree Update

November/December, 2022

HR Scarsdale SchoolsRetiree UpdateNovember/December, 2022

Human Resource Newsletter

Dear Colleagues,


I am so pleased so many of you were able to join Carolyn and me for the presentation focused on healthcare. I have provided below a number of links to the resources we discussed during the presentation. I have also recorded the presentation for those retirees who were unable to join the meeting, as well as the slide deck for any future reference.


You will also see a new feature of our HR newsletter that celebrates the work of staff across the District. I've included the information from our September Learning Walk and hope you enjoy reading about the instructional practices in our classrooms.


Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!


Best,

Carol

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Must Read

Items labeled MUST READ contain information that is highly relevant to all or most staff members, and is either time sensitive, or requires action on your part.
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Should Read

Items labeled SHOULD READ contain information that is really good to know, and might impact you, but likely won’t require any immediate action on your part.
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Could Read

Items labeled COULD READ are general information items, including announcements and “feel good” items related to staff.

ComTon Time of Year

ComTon assists the school district with fulfilling your Medicare premium reimbursements each year. In order to be reimbursed, you must provide documentation. Acceptable documentation for this purpose includes:

2023 Social Security Benefit Verification Letter

or

2023 Medicare Premium Bill (CMS-500)


Submit your documentation via email, fax, or postal mail.

  • Email to claims@comtoninc.com
  • Fax to 585-598-2935
  • New Mailing Address PO Box 827, Penfield, New York 14526


Call ComTon at 585-598-2931 with any questions.


**Note: If you recently turned 65 and have not yet received a welcome packet from ComTon, contact Carolyn Rossetti at 914-721-2415 or crossetti@scarsdaleschools.org.

Retiree Healthcare Benefits

The link below will take you directly to the HR webpage with retiree health information. On this page you will find key plan and contact information for:


  • UMR
  • Rx Benefit
  • Benistart (Prescriptions 65+)
  • Scarsdale CanaRx
  • Teledoc


CLICK HERE FOR RETIREE BENEFITS PAGE

Medicare Primary Retirees (65+)

Click here for a Key Info sheet for Medicare primary retirees. This is a printable resource for you.

Please keep in mind:

  • Your claims should be paid by the Scarsdale Plan at 100% after Medicare.

  • Part A and Part B deductibles are also covered by our plan.


Providers Who Do Not Accept Medicare


  • If you are in the position of having to see a provider who does not accept Medicare, you will need to submit the claim to Medicare yourself. Please use the form linked below, and follow the instructions. It is recommended that you ask the provider to print out a claim form that you can attach to this Medicare form as it will include the procedure codes. Medicare will reject the claim, but will forward it to UMR for processing.

CMS Medicare Claim Form 1490

Submitting Out-of-Network Claims ( Retirees Under 65)

NEWS CLAIMS INCURRED ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2022

  • Download the UMR Member Claim Submission Form, and review the instructions on the second page to complete the form.

  • Be sure to fill in ALL fields, noting in particular who to issue payment to (Member or Provider), and note the Type of Service table (DO NOT submit vision claims, as these are NOT handled by UMR).

  • Gather your receipt(s), itemized statement(s).

  • Submit the claim in one of the following ways:

EMAIL: UMR-ClaimSubmission@umr.com FAX: 855-444-2896

MAIL: UMR, PO Box 90541, Salt Lake City, UT, 84130-0541

Healthcare Recorded Information Session

Click here to access the recorded presentation

How to boost relaxation with mindfulness

Does stress ever get the best of you? We all tend to feel frazzled some days, especially during the hectic holiday season.

Since too much stress can be hard on the body and mind, it’s important to find ways to find comfort and joy. One way that can help: practicing mindfulness.

Simply put, mindfulness involves being present in the moment and conscious of your sensations, thoughts and feelings, according to the American Psychological Association. Mindfulness may help counter stress by helping us achieve a state of relaxation, in which the mind and body are calm.

For anyone wanting to give mindfulness a try, here are some ways to get started:

  • Practice slow breathing. While seated or lying down, gently rest one hand on your stomach. Slowly breathe in through your nose and out your mouth, feeling your stomach rise and fall beneath your hand until you feel relaxed.
  • Progressively relax your muscles. Starting with your feet and moving to your shoulder, tense and then relax one muscle group at a time. Notice how good it feels to release the tension. Be aware of the sensations in your body too. Imagine your breath flowing to your feet, knees, arms and so on.
  • Take a mental vacation. Visualize a scene (real or imagined) that makes you feel calm. Maybe that’s a favorite vacation beach or a mountain lake.
  • Engage in mindful exercise. Take a short walk or bike ride, focusing on the rhythm of your movements and the scenes around you.

Here are links to resources we’ve selected to help promote the benefits of mindfulness.

We’ve chosen articles on using mindfulness for mental health, the benefits of mindfulness, five ways to be mindful for optimal health, and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress or anxiety.

Plus we’ve picked healthy recipes from FoodHero.org for Applesauce French Toast, Butternut Apple Crisp, Leek and Mushroom Orzo, Cranberry Oatmeal Balls, and Wild Rice with Salmon Stew.

Wellness…A Word from UMR

September is Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month, so this is a great time to encourage everyone to make fresh-grown fruits and veggies a big part of their daily diet.

Health experts recommend most children and adults eat 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruits each day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “MyPlate” recommendation is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, and to mix things up with different varieties.

Here are some simple tips to help you up your intake of fruits and vegetables:

  • Keep plenty of frozen vegetables and fruits in your freezer and stock up on dried and canned fruits so they are always available

  • Buy pre-washed salads and pre-cut fruits and veggies to cut down on your prep time

  • Snack on raw carrots, broccoli, cut bell peppers dipped in hummus or salad dressings

  • Top cereal with fresh fruit, or blend frozen fruit with plain yogurt for a breakfast smoothie

  • Add dried fruits to trail mix for a portable snack

Here are links to resources we’ve selected to help you spread the word about fruits and veggies.

We’ve chosen an article from our Health Education Library on clinical nutrition, tips for budget-friendly meal-planning, more tips on buying fruits and veggies on a budget, the health benefits of a plant-rich diet for younger women, information on shopping at farmers markets, and foods that support memory.

Plus, we’ve picked healthy recipes for a Spring Board, “Un-Charcuterie” Dessert Platter, Peanut Butter Banana Brownies, Walnut Mexican Street Corn Tacos, Peanut "Charcuterie" Board, Slow-Cooker Vegetable Minestrone, and Foil Dinners.

September Learning Walks

Welcome back and I hope your school year is off to a great start! I love the month of September and all that it offers…cooler temperature, new school supplies, and most importantly new beginnings for students and staff. September is such a hopeful month. We return to the new school year after a well-rested summer vacation with an eagerness to share stories of our adventures near and far or a “must read book” as we reconnect with students and colleagues. New staff and students bring excitement and an eagerness to learn of all things “Scarsdale” and who we are and what we are about as a school community.


Over the course of the month of September, Drew, Eric, Edgar, Stuart, Jeannie, William, Ray and I have had the opportunity to visit many classrooms across the District and we felt it important to catalog our visits and share the extraordinary work going on across the district in your classrooms. We were certainly struck by the classroom environments you have created. Each of you made conscious decisions as to the physical, intellectual, social and emotional aspect of your classroom, knowing full well how those decisions impact and support student learning.


I am fortunate and privileged to return to Scarsdale for this school year and look forward to spending time in each building to experience first-hand your exceptional work. One of my goals this year is to curate our Central Office visits and share highlights of our learning and discoveries.


Best,

Carol

Staff share their hopes and dreams for the 2022-23 school year for students to read and enjoy!

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Touchstone Texts

Students read and learn about how to make a friend. Books are carefully curated by the teacher to highlight the qualities of what makes a good friend.
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Mission Accomplished

Middle schoolers work together to problem solve using a series of clues to open a locked box. These students were engaged, motivated, and learned about group members along the way. The structure of the activity allowed students to share information and organize it to accomplish a shared goal.
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Relationship Building

Who knew they were both fans of Lord of the Rings! Finding connections to your students pays off in big ways. When students feel known and valued they perform better academically, socially, and emotionally
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Expectations for Interpersonal Behavior

In classrooms around the District our colleagues have signaled to students how they should treat each other and their responsibilities as classroom and school community members.

Fifth graders collaborated on a class promise outlining what is most important for their classroom. In guiding this conversation the teacher gave plenty of thought around what she wanted from her students as community members.

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Communicating Standards

The communication for kindergarten greetings couldn't have been more clear. Students are provided with explicit information given in verbal cues, in writing, and through a visual model.
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Knowing What My Teacher Values

Following a fire drill, this high school class didn't wait to reconvene in the classroom. They gathered on the bleachers at the baseball field to continue with the important work of learning. Moments like this send powerful messages to students that what we are doing is important and we cannot waste a single moment!
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Time in the Garden

First graders are guided in thoughtful conversation to determine the animals who may live or visit the garden. The big question to be thought through...how would we know if an animal was in the garden and we didn't see it?
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I Have to... I Get to...

Students are introduced to growth mindset by shifting their thinking. Fostering a growth-mindset in our students builds their ability to take risks, persevere when challenged, and improve their overall self image.
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Don't Give Up

Students introduce themselves by sharing their best qualities. This child understands effort based achievement and that it is an integral part of learning. In the words of Jon Saphier, "This is Important, you can do it, and I'm not going to give up on you."
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Math is Front and Center

Third graders used their mathematics skills to share information about themselves with classmates.
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Student to Student...Getting to Know You

Community building is an important part of classroom life and plays a foundational role in building relationships of warmth and inclusion.
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Jenga

Early in the school year students play Question Jenga. Each block has a fun question to be answered by the group. Knowing your classmates through a shared experience sends the message...I feel accepted and included here.
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Matching Space to Instruction

A teacher's arrangement of classroom space sends messages about their image of learners and the kind of learning that is associated in each space.
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Establishing a Culture of Risk Taking

In this classroom a student shared her confusion between a vertices and edge. The teacher offered a concrete example and engaged the class in thinking through the differences together. Then circled back to the student with the question to check for her understanding.

This teaching move offered opportunity to build student capacity, confidence, and risk taking. The pattern of teacher responses over time signals to our students what we think is important.

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Preparing Beethoven

This classroom emphasizes effort and persistence over speed. Errors during practice sessions are opportunities for learning. A student's individual psychological needs are meet through a positive relationship with the teacher, enriching experiences, and a rigorous curriculum. These key elements in classroom climate are the keys to successful student learning.