The 411 Your Information Source

The 411 Your information source

August 16, 2012 From the Superintendent On Going for Gold...

If you read the last few issues of The 411, you know what I have been up to this summer and why I am so thrilled to finally be back to work. While I was stuck in the limbo between surgery and recovery (or at least that ability to escape the house for a few hours) I discovered that daytime TV is the stuff of which nightmares are made.

Smart-mouthed judges, show after show of expert panels who are experts on very little, game shows, and mind-numbing reality shows are available in abundance. Just when I was ready to lose my mind—and still awaiting the all-important doctor’s note releasing me for work—the Olympics began and just in the nick of time. I love the Olympics and I always have. Winter or summer, makes no difference to me, I love every minute from beginning to end. I remember seeing Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci in their groundbreaking performances. I saw Bruce Jenner (in his original face) take his victory lap and Carl Lewis win his umpteenth race. I even had the honor of attending the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. I had the privilege of seeing Apolo Ohno win his first gold and Michelle Kwan be disappointed—again. As my “fans” noted in the last 411, I am not one to blubber during sappy holiday movies, but I can’t stop the tears from forming when I hear those Olympic stories. I love the real-life tales of these athletes who have made sacrifices and worked to achieve their goals. Many of these young athletes are still in high school, some as young as 15! They have left their homes, families, and for some even their countries for this one moment to shine. As I watched the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team I could not help but think about the strength of teamwork. With the exception of Aly Raisman, the girls struggled in their individual events in spite of their precise preparation. But as a team, the Fab Five was invincible and all of their tal- ents combined added up to gold. But when one fell, or failed, the rest of the team gave them a hug and encouragement and validation. And, as Gabby Douglas became the first African American woman ever to win the gold in the Women’s All-Around, her teammates were there congratulat- ing her, even if they were still smarting over their own losses. As NBC cut to her ecstatic and sob- bing mother, I sat there with my eyes brimming. This is an example of the stories about which I get so sappy. These young women reminded me of all the great colleagues we have here in the Pasco School Dis- trict. Individually we may feel overwhelmed at times and as though the odds are insurmountable. But together as a team there is nothing we can’t accomplish working together. And like Gabby, some people reach great heights for which they receive awards and accolades, but they know, too, they couldn’t do it without their team around them. I am so ready to be back. I am ready for another exciting year with the best team a person could hope for. And although it is 104 degrees in the shade, we are just a few short days away from launching the 2012-013 school year. I hope this finds you just as excited to start another winning season. Come to the Rally on Mon-

Putting Putting students firstmakelearning to last lifetime. a Celebrating academics, diversity,and innovation. day, August 27 at PHS to greet your PSD teammates. Have some breakfast, visit the benefits providers. We’ll have some laughs and honor some team members. You won’t want to miss it.

Ready to go for team gold!

Pasco School District Employee Newsletter District Employee School Pasco

1 Around the District District Welcomes Returning and New PEAK! Partners for 2012-13 The Pasco School District’s 2012-13 PEAK! activities make a positive impact in students’ lives Partners in Educating All Kids!, or and the school community as a whole. Please help us wel- PEAK! program, got off to a strong start come and support our new and returning PEAK! Aug. 15 as principals met with Partners this year, and help spread the word representatives from their -12 about PEAK!. If you know of a business or schools’ PEAK! Partners organization that may be interested in during a planning Look for the 2011 this innovative program, contact Commu- luncheon at the Booth Building. PEAK! Awards to nity Relations Manager Gracie Valle- be announced at Chimal at (509) 543-6743. This school year begins the fourth year of the Welcome Back the PEAK! Program, which offers local busi- Rally on Aug. 27! nesses and organizations the opportunity to become involved partners in Pasco Schools. Each has two PEAK! Partners.  Each year, PEAK! Partners enter into a contract with the District. Businesses pay $500 which goes directly to their partner school. This money can be used for rewards, awards, parties, prizes for math and science nights, and other activities that cannot be paid for with State funds. More importantly the business also agrees to partici- pate in three activities with their partner school during the school year. These activities range from reading to students during Read Across America Week to large scale organized events including contests, themed math and science nights, and even field trips Twain Principal Valerie Aragon, left, and Assistant Principal Carli McGarrah to local businesses. (right) discuss PEAK! Partner activities with Magaly Esparza of Fiesta Mexi- can Restaurant (center) during the PEAK! kick-off luncheon Aug. 15.

Pasco Educators Get a Jump on New National Common Core Standards Pasco School District is ahead of the curve when it comes to the transi- tion to Common Core Standards, according to Lisa Carter, consultant and author of ” Total Instructional Alignment: From Standards to Stu- dent Success.” Carter was in Pasco August 6-8 working with K-12 teams to develop curriculum docu- ments based on the new national standards which will be imple- mented in 2013-14. “The teachers have done a tremen- dous job,” said Carter. “They hit the ground running and surpassed all expectations. They have been very thoughtful and have enjoyed collab- orating. It is obvious that the teach- Pictured, from left to right, are: Patty Chavez (Chess), Jaime Silva (Longfellow), Neddy Martinez (Emerson), Amy Brown (Angelou), Rosatina Lee (TOSA), Audrey Howard (Markham), and Cathe- ers of the Pasco School District are rine Laws (Chess). focused on students and their achievement.”

2 Around the District Leadership Academy 2012-13: Prepping for TPEP District administrators geared up for the year ahead at the annual Leadership Academy training Aug. 1-3. Instructional administrators gathered in the board room where trainers from the Dan- ielson Group covered an intro- duction to the Danielson Framework for Teaching and provided collaborative and hands-on experiences to support a deeper understanding of the framework’s components. This year, special attention was given to the new TPEP, or Teacher Principal Evaluation Project, which under Legisla- tion E2SSB 6696 and ESSB 5895 requires all districts to adopt and implement new evaluation systems for teachers and principals starting with a phase in approach in 2013-14 with full implementation by 2015-16. The intensive three days provided instructional administrators a firm foundational understanding of the new teaching framework and a true awareness that the work is really just beginning. Non-instructional administrators also took part in a day of training on Aug. 2 covering topics such as budget, benefits, growth and a bond, and school boundaries.

Clockwise from top: Administrators put their heads together during a learning exercise; John Wallwork and Bar- bara Pierce strike a pose; Valerie Ara- gon has her think- ing cap on; and the Pasco High admin team has a laugh together.

3 411 Highlights Hernandez Honored with Leadership Tri-Cities Alumni Award Pasco School District Student award, but doesn’t feel he’s Achievement Coordinator José Her- done anything other than what nandez was presented the 2012 Exem- he’s supposed to do. “It’s sur- plary Leadership Award at the Leader- prises me that I’m being recog- ship Tri-Cities Alumni Associations nized from something we all annual meeting held July 19. should be doing,” he says. “It’s being responsible. The true es- This award was presented for his ex- sence of leadership is develop- ceptional leadership role in establish- ing in others the ability to lead, ing a cohesive community for the resi- to act, and to do.” dents of the Lakewood Mobile Estates. Hernandez collaborated with Rotary The award recognizes his work clubs here and from Mexico to refur- to establish leadership roles for José Hernandez accepts the LTC Alumni Award from bish the Lakeview community center. the community, specifically the LTC Alumni Association President Janelle Harvey. weeklong day camp which Lak- Hernandez says he is humbled by the to develop a lesson plan and curricu- eview leadership students lum for the camp, which served Lake- hosted in July. Hernandez, view’s K-5 age children. along with several Pasco School District student The camp featured a variety of learning achievement specialists, activities and special guests including trained high school students firefighters from Franklin County Fire District, representatives from the Mid- Columbia Reading Foundation, and Tri-Cities Fever football players.

Far left: Lakeview camp participants follow a leadership student into the community center. Left: The student-created agenda outlines the day’s activities at Lakeview’s day camp.

McGraw Appointed Chairman of National CTE Board In July, Sheri McGraw, Pasco School District Career Her appointment to the national board compliments and Technical Education (CTE) secretary, was in- McGraw’s already long list of community and profes- stalled as the 2012-13 High School CTE Council Chair- sional leadership accomplishments. In 2011, McGraw man on the National Association of Educa- was named ESD 123 Regional Classified Em- tional Office Professionals (NAEOP) Board ployee of the Year. She has been a Girl Scout of Directors. leader for many years and is an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. As a board member, McGraw is responsible for retaining and expanding membership In the Pasco School District, McGraw sup- and serves as a resource for high schools ports CTE Director Chris Martinson and 60 and CTE programs across the country. Her teachers and staff members at McLoughlin duties include contributing to the NAEOP Middle School, and New Horizons, Chia- web site and publications, including writ- wana, and Pasco high schools with purchasing features for the national magazine. ing, budgeting, certifications, travel, advisory meetings and three-year plans. She also helps McGraw is currently the Area 2 Director for Sheri McGraw with graduation and student activities in the the Washington Association of Educational Of- CTE programs. fice Professionals (WAEOP), where she has also served as president. She actively seeks new members, For more information about becoming a member of contributes to membership publications, and organiz- WAEOP or NAEOP, please contact McGraw at x6727. es professional development opportunities for members.

4 411 Highlights

Save the Date Look for these and more great PEAK! Part- Important District Events Just Around the Corner! ners, local businesses, and benefits providers at the Welcome Back Rally & Expo! August 22: Bilingual Mini Conference 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Pasco High Assurant Employees Benefits This is a Tier II Day that is open to all certificated employees. There Premera Blue Cross will be a variety of 90-minute sessions for attendees to choose from Group Health throughout the day. Check the Curriculum and Professional Develop- Guardian Life Insurance ment homepage for more information. You must be signed in the Dis- trict website to register. WA. St. DEPT of RETIREMENT SYSTEMS August 27: Welcome Back Rally and Expo PASCO CITIZENS FOR BETTER SCHOOLS 7:30-11 a.m. at Pasco High Parr Lumber Start the school year off right with the annual Welcome Back Rally Country Gentlemen and Expo! Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. in the student mall, where ben- Advanced Pediatric Dentistry efits providers, PEAK! partners, and other local businesses and organizations will be on hand to answer your questions and give away prizes. PEMCO At 8:45 a.m. the Welcome Back Rally will begin in the Auditorium. This John L. Scott PSD tradition offers the perfect blend of inspiration and information, KADLEC Clinic with a good dose of silly and fun to get you motivated for the first day of school. New this year will be the PEAK! Awards. The Rally will also Bullock Eye Care feature the Staff Achievement Awards announcement! AFLAC August 28: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!! KUFFELL, SHEA AND HULTGRENN September 5: Benefits Q&A Numerica Credit Union 2:30-7 p.m. at the Booth Building, Board Room PACIFIC CREST PLANNING Because there are several changes to benefits this year there will be a VALIC second opportunity for you to meet with benefits providers to answer WADDELL AND REED any questions you might have after the Expo. This year employees will have the opportunity to sign up for Voluntary Long Term Care Benefits, PRIMERICA Representatives from for care received when someone needs assistance with normal activities Office Depot of daily living, either at home or in a facility. Medical benefits will NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE change with the elimination of Plan 1 by Premera, as well as the intro- duction of a Qualified High Deductible Health Plan with Health Sav- WEA-RETIRED ings Account. Watch the 411 for more information on these benefits Costco Wholesale #486 changes and plan to attend the Expo, Benefits Q&A or both.

Spread the Word: Event Calendar 2012-13 Plan to take part in these exciting events, and tell your friends too! October 4: VIP Day, Pasco High School Sign Up Today! October 16: VIP Day, Chiawana High School Contact Community Relations Manag- er Gracie Valle-Chimal at 543-6743 or November 1: VIP Day, New Horizons High School [email protected] to reserve your place at November 29: Superintendent’s Bus Tour these exciting events. Visit the Public Affairs webpage for more information. February 14: Superintendent’s Bus Tour Spanish translation is available for all events. Please call ahead for translation March 7: Superintendent’s Bus Tour in other languages. We look forward to March 20: Superintendent’s Bus Tour seeing you soon!

411 Highlights New Voluntary Long Term Care Benefit Announced The Benefits Committee is pleased to announce a new type of voluntary insurance coverage for Pasco School District employees and their families: Long Term Care Quick Facts About Long Term Care (LTC). In March, the Benefits Committee sent out an online survey to PSD employees to see if there was an interest in offering Voluntary Long Term Care. The results showed enough interest, and the Benefits Committee has agreed to offer this insurance to PSD employees through UNUM with a November 1, 2012 effective date. Important Criteria: The important criteria for offering LTC to PSD employees is that at least 10% of District employees need to sign up for the benefit by September 30, 2012. If the 10% threshold is not reached, Voluntary Long Term Care will not go into effect. What is Long Term Care? Long Term Care is the type of care received when someone needs assistance—either at home or in a facility— with normal activities of daily living. The origin of this need can be accidents, illness or advancing age. Long Term Care insurance may help you avoid a far more dif- ficult decision whether to exhaust your savings or liqui- date your assets to pay for a period of long term care. This policy may help you be prepared for the financial Representatives from realities and help you maintain control of important decisions like who would take care of you and where you can choose to receive care. Why should I enroll now? Group LTC premiums are much more affordable than individual policies. No medical questionnaire will be required if existing employees enroll by September 30, 2012. Coverage can be extended to immediate family members including spouses, parents, grandparents, and children. How do I get more information? More information is available at http://w3.unum.com/enroll/ PSD1. A representative from UNUM will also be conducting meetings during the month of September. Representatives will be at the Benefits Q&A on September 5 from 2:30 to 7 Remember to sign up by p.m. in the Board Room located at the Booth Building. If you have questions in the meantime please email Jeannette Bales Sept. 30, 2012! at [email protected].

6 Around the District U P C O M I N G The 411 Prize Giveaway  August 22: Tier II Day— Read The 411 and Win! Bilingual Mini Conference, 8 The 411 Prize Giveaway is back! Check your email for a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pasco High the next prize question for a chance to win a gift basket  August 27: Welcome Back from Office Depot which includes a variety of fun office supplies and accessories valued at over $50. Rally and Expo, 7:30-11 a.m. at Pasco High Student Mall & Auditorium  August 28: First day of school Welcome back students and employees!

 August 28: Board of Directors Proud Sponsor of The 411 Prize Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Booth You’re invited to our School Teacher & Staff Appreciation Breakfast

A Message From When: August 18th from 9:00am to 11:00am Payroll Where: Office Depot –Kennewick & Office Depot-Richland Remember, 6815 W Canal Drive 1717 George WA Way please learn 509.783.5665 509.946.3747 your six- digit ID Office Depot Gift Basket

number, which is located Example of Discount Card We will be offering discount on your paystub. This cards with your new Employee Pricing number will be needed with Office Depot at the to process payroll and breakfast. Just let one of our employees know you are with HR paperwork. Pasco Schools

Board Notes 08-14-12 Read the 411 and win! Look for the prize question in your mailbox soon. Reply to The flag salute was presented by Student Board Representatives Ms. Nallely Centeno and Mr. Ignacio [email protected] to be eligible to win. Bayardo.  Ms. Michelle Whitney gave a TPEP update.  Mr. John Morgan presented Board Input for Tell Us About It! Community Facilities Survey Have an event or story idea you’d like to share with Public  Mr. Howard Roberts, Jr. presented Resolution 844: Affairs? Would you like us to get the word out to the media? 2012-13 Budget Adoption, and Resolution 845: Fill out the School Event Submission Form on the Public Af- Request for Tax Collections Redirection. fairs web page: The consent agenda was approved with the following: Personnel; Warrant Report; Employee Assistance School Event Submission Form Program; Overnight and Out of State Travel—Chiawana High School and Pasco High School Athletics; and Have a story idea for The 411? Let us know! Contact Annie Nutrition Services Interlocal Agreement—Puget Sound Joint Purchasing Cooperative. in Public Affairs at x6774 or email her at [email protected].