An Orange County Public Schools employee publication April 2019 | Vol. 46, Issue 8

Through the years with the Orange Peal pg. 8-9

Day in the life of ...

Schools page 6 benefit by going green pg. 10-13 22921 A Funny Thing Happened

Nancy Milliron | Cypress Springs Elementary

EDITORS Shayla Cannady and I have a group of fourth-grade students in a Alayna G. Riggins Tier 3 group. When we have time, I read them DESIGN & LAYOUT a bit of the first Harry Potter book. Kim Boulnois Today, we heard the word “muggle” for the ADVERTISING first time. I stopped and asked if they knew Adrienne Noel what a muggle was. One girl raised her hand CONTRIBUTORS and said, “Someone from New York…, Kimberly Eisenbise and you know, someone who gets mugged!” Patricia Villane

To submit your story ideas, email I don’t think my New York-born husband or [email protected]. mother will appreciate this definition!

The Orange Peal is a districtwide publication for and about the employees of Orange County Public Schools. The School Board of Orange County, , does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law. Save the Dates

April  No Early Release – April 3  Paraprofessional Appreciation Day – April 3  Earth Day – April 22  National Administrative Professionals Day – April 24  School Library Media Month

2 Best Ideas

Nancy Milliron | Cypress Springs Elementary Share Table Want to reduce food waste and teach students the Leave what importance of sharing and helping others? Join Stone you can, Lakes and Lake George elementary schools (and take what others) in starting a Share Table. This smart and simple you need! approach to sustainability is a win-win for both students and school budgets.

Congrats to our Grads! We want to celebrate all OCPS employees pursuing degrees who have graduated/will graduate during Fall 2018-Summer 2019. Please email your name, work area, photo and degree to orangepeal@ocps. net by April 15 to be included the May Orange Peal.

What’s on your Summer Reading List? 117407 Headed to the beach or on a relaxing trip this summer? Let us know if you’re taking a good book along. Share your submission by April 15 at [email protected] for inclusion in our May issue.

2 3 You’re The Best

CLB

illennia Gardens Elementary Eco Club teachers Dawn Chehab, Joshua Garrett, Erica Roberts, John MMartinez and Nicholas Zebroski are among the winners of the 2019 Florida Agriculture in the Classroom’s Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Awards. They will receive an honorarium and free trip to represent Florida at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference June 18-21 in Little Rock, Ark.

or their expansion of their school’s arts programs while maintaining higher academic Fachievement, the following principals were honored at the 13th Annual Principals Arts Appreciation Award Breakfast: Rob McCloe of Eagle Creek Elementary, John McHale of Cypress Creek High and Suzanne Knight of Dr. Phillips High.

popka High’s Applied Robotics program, ak Ridge High Physical Education headed by Michael Macwithey, took Teacher (and football coach) Baylin three teams to compete in the Lockheed Trujillo was profiled as an A+ teacher A O Martin E-Weeks Robotics competition. The on 13. The segment highlights school swept the awards, winning first, second educators nominated by their and third place. own students.

chool Board Member Johanna Lopez, District 2, received the National Association of Bilingual Education’s 2019 SLeadership Award at the 48th Annual International Bilingual Education Professional Development Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

4 You’re The Best - Sports

ed by head coach Kirwyn Adderley, the Dr. Phillips High Girls Wrestling Team earned L its third consecutive Florida Girls State Championship title.

he Wekiva High Mustangs, led by T Tommie Butts, once again are the Girls Basketball team Class 9A state champions! This is the second time in six years Wekiva has won a state championship.

he Evans Trojans boys basketball team T coached by Lonza Morgan, clinched the Class 9A Region 1 championship.

oth the Girls and Boys Volleyball teams at Maitland Middle are county champions for 2018-19. Coached by Kimberly Musante and Kevin Neff, B respectively, it’s the first time a school has captured both volleyball titles in the same year.

he Winter Park Competition Cheer team led by Head Cheer Coach T Angela Austin competed in the class 2A competition and brought home their ninth state title in 12 years. 4 5 District Dispatches

ith the aid of University of Central Florida, the history of Jones High has Wbeen digitized at https://joneshighschoolhistoricalsociety.org/

CPS received $100,000 from the Central Florida Urban League and the Florida Department of Education to Ohelp fund the Top of the Class Reading Program that provides tutoring assistance for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders who need help passing the FSA in reading.

o celebrate diversity in literature and highlight works written by African-Americans, Chief of Staff Dr. Bridget TWilliams participated in the Orlando Public Library’s 29th Annual African-American Read-In Feb. 24. She read “Dream Variations” by Langston Hughes and an excerpt from “Ladies First” by Queen Latifah. Photo: Amanda Murphy/Orange County Library System

r. Kathy Shuler, Chief Academic Office, was honored by Shingle Creek Elementary for her commitment and leadership in leading Dschool achievement during Black History Month.

ath Teacher Shalanda Cooper (Lockhart Middle), Resource Teacher Lainie Clowers (Dream Lake MElementary), Assistant Principal Dr. David Hardrick (Meadowbrook Middle) and Principal Nicole Jefferson (Robinswood Middle), took students from their schools to the Amazing Shakes Competition in Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 22-24.

Shalanda Cooper and students from Lockhart Middle.

6 hanks to efforts by Engineering teachers Jennifer Kane and Alex Kane, and Bio-Med teachers Anna T Stevens, Wendi Ciesla and Tyler Jette, Timber Creek High was one of three high schools in the state (and first in Orange County) to earn the 2018-19 Distinguished High School Award from Project Lead the Way (PLTW). The recognition is designed to honor districts and schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs.

115064

aitland Middle honored former teacher and basketball coach Dale K. Rider by naming Rider Court after him Mduring a ceremony in early February. Rider taught at the school for more than 30 years.

From left: Kevin Neff, Dale Rider and Andrew Leftakis. Credit: @winterparkobserver

edgefield School took home first, second and third place, two honorable mentions and one Wspecialty awards at the Ying Expo in February. Students, led by Science teachers Stacie Albee, Kathryn Grainger and Dr. Mark Rozmarynowycz, attended the 64th Florida State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland, March 26-28.

o aid Liberty County Public Schools, still recovering from Hurricane Michael last TOctober, OCPS Material Management shipped 24 pallets of surplus items, including bookcases, desks, chairs and café carts for its use.

etting another step closer to opening, three new school locations in District 4 received names at the March 12 School Board meeting. For the 2019-20 school year, GOCPS will welcome: • Castleview Elementary at 9131 Taborfield Avenue in Orlando. It will relieve Bay Lake and Sand Lake elementary schools, and will be led by Principal Julie Helton. • Horizon West Middle at 8200 Tattant Boulevard in Windermere. It will relieve Bridgewater Middle School, and will be led by Principal Michelle Thomas. • Water Spring Elementary at 16000 Water Spring Blvd. in Winter Garden. It will relieve Keene’s Crossing and Independence elementary schools, and will be led by Principal Amy Klaber.

6 7 Peeling back 45YEARS

“County Newsletter Begins Publication”. This was the top headline on the first Orange Peal, in April 1974. The two-page 8.5 x 11 document edited by Barbara Fowler was to be published monthly by the Office of Public Information “for every employee of Orange County Public Schools.” At the time, it included a message from OCPS Superintendent L. Linton Deck, Jr., and the district had 85,000 students. “Inflation has hit the school system as well as those who work for it. We are forced to plan a budget for next year in the face of ubiquitous escalations in price of paper, gasoline, utilities, food, equipment, and supplies. Of course, our primary goal is to provide the best education for the students of Orange County, and we also hope to be able to provide all teachers, administrators, and other employees adequate remuneration for their work in proving quality education for Orange County pupils.” Over the last 45 years, there have been some changes of note to the Orange Peal. What was once a primarily black-and-white, two- plus-page issue produced monthly or bimonthly by one staffer has blossomed into a team effort. Today, the Orange Peal is a 40818 16-plus-page, magazine-style publication by the Marketing & Events department that includes advertising and the Benefits Bulletin from Employee Wellness. To be more green and cost-efficient, issues are now sent electronically via email from September-June, with a few printed issues being delivered to OCPS building locations.* Some of the various Orange Peal looks over the years

8 of the 45YEARS Orange Peal What has not changed, however, is our mission of sharing mine, and that the work that they do helps lead our students important and interesting information about the district and to success.” its now 25,000 employees. And as since the first issue, story Alayna Riggins suggestions and photos “are always welcome,” and can be Co-editor, 2018-present emailed to [email protected]. “Being new to the district, my constant phrase has been, Here are a few memories from past and current Orange Peal ‘I did not know that!’ Each week I learn something new or staffers. meet someone to include in the Orange Peal. As the parent Kim Boulnois of an OCPS middle-school student, being a part of the team Graphic Designer, 1998-present keeps me abreast of school and district events, especially when my son 'forgets.'” “At first, production of the newsletter meant color separations cut by hand with adhesive red film to indicate Jason Smith where the color went in the layout. Now, computers have Co-editor, 2007-2015 revolutionized graphic design. You can be really creative. The “In 2008-09, as a cost-cutting measure, we stopped printing Peal is much easier to design and lay out. Today, there are a majority of the hard copies and instead began distributing themes every month; it is full color. I like the new direction.” primarily online. We continued to print copies for Food Shayla Cannady Service and Transportation. As part of the transition to online Co-editor, 2014-present distribution, we also reformatted the page design moving from an oversized, newspaper style to a typical 8.5 x 11 size.” “Working on the Orange Peal gives me an opportunity to connect employees through storytelling and promote Patty Villane positive work environments across the district. Because of Co-editor and editor, 1989-2007 the Peal, I can honestly say that I’ve never met a stranger “When I started, we would take copy on a disk to Teresa when I’m in the presence of an OCPS employee. The only Sheffer at Mid Florida Tech and she would do the layout by thing better than working with an amazing team is receiving cutting and pasting the type on boards. When PageMaker emails from my mom, a third-grade teacher at Lake Sybelia software came along, we were so excited because we could Elementary, sharing how proud she is of the work I’m doing do the layout! Alas, we didn’t have many design skills so for the district." the Peal was pretty copy-intensive. The greatest impact Adrienne Noel we made was turning over the design of the Peal to Kim Advertising Sales, 2017-present Boulnois. We also introduced advertising to the Peal (Mr. Mobile was our first advertiser) and we decided to include “My favorite issue of the Orange Peal was the March 2018 ‘A Funny Thing Happened’ to add some humor to the issue, where we highlighted women within OCPS for publication.” Women’s History Month. I share the Orange Peal with many people outside of OCPS, so I was really pleased to say that *Log on to the OCPS Intranet to find the current and back these impressive leaders in their fields are colleagues of issues of the Orange Peal.

Did you know? Superintendent L. Linton Deck, Jr., helped name the Orange Peal so “the good news of this school

system will be rung out.” 55788

Left photo: Jason Smith and Patty Villane. Right photo: Adrienne Noel, Kim Boulnois, Alayna Riggins and Shayla Cannady. 8 9 with gardens and outdoor learning areas; incorporating sustainability in the curriculum; and partnering with their communities to develop sustainability initiatives. Since 2014, OCPS schools have been awarded $79,150 through the OCPS Green Schools Recognition Program. Applicants are judged by community partners who support the program due to the sustainability efforts within their organizations. The first-, second- and third- place winners with the top scores are awarded cash prizes: • First Place - $5,000 utdoor classrooms with nature trails and • Second Place - $3,000 gardens. Water bottle filling stations. Walking and biking to school. • Third Place - $1,000 OSuch innovative and resourceful ideas from The enthusiasm and students and teachers are reaping dollars sustainability efforts of for schools that embrace more “green” and the staff and students at sustainable efforts to help care for and protect Millennia Gardens has earned our environment. them multiple recognitions, including first place in On April 30, the 6th annual OCPS Green Schools the 2018 Green Schools Recognition Program Awards Luncheon will Recognition Program. honor and reward schools for conserving energy Through various activities, and water; reducing waste; improving health including its Eco Club, and well-being; enhancing their school grounds partnerships with SeaWorld

1010 Orlando and the Everglades the City of Orlando, which Foundation, its students also supports the program. are learning to care about “It's apparent that the the environment through administration, faculty, staff, conservation projects students and parents are all on school grounds, and working together to reduce contributing to projects the environmental impacts around the city and across of Millennia Gardens, and the state. you can't ask for better “We are extremely proud of participation.” our students and they way Applicants also are eligible they have fully embraced for Incentive Awards 'going green,'” said Eco Club from the OCPS Energy Teacher John Martinez. “It Administration Department is our proudest moments when they reduce energy when we see our students and water consumption take what we have been over the prior-year period. trying to teach them and After review of its utility they fully make it their own.“ bills, schools can be Green schools also can awarded between $100 and receive $750 Judge Choice $900 depending upon the Awards which are sponsored percentage decrease in by community partners who consumption. read each application in “As I visit our schools, I the Sustainability Category see so many amazing that aligns with their sustainability initiatives organization’s mission. The which are improving the 2018-19 sponsors are: environment, making a positive impact in the • Orlando Utility Commission community and saving the for Water Conservation district money,” said Colleen • City of Orlando Green Works Puglisi-Buckley, OCPS for Waste Reduction Sustainability Coordinator. • for “The Green Schools Innovation Recognition Program • SeaWorld for Habitat provides an opportunity Improvement for schools to share their • 4Rivers Foundation for success stories, celebrate School Gardens their efforts and get • Charity Clothing Recyclers rewarded.” for Community Partnerships For information about “I am incredibly impressed implementing any by the scope and impact sustainability program at of these sustainability your school, contact Colleen initiatives in an elementary Puglisi-Buckley at colleen. school,” said Chris Castro, [email protected]. director of Sustainability for

Follow OCPS Sustainability on Twitter (@ocpsgreen) and Facebook (@greenocps).

1010 11 What do our gardens grow? One way Green Schools promote health and wellness is through school gardens. Around OCPS, we have more than 70 various kinds of gardens and greenhouses that inspire student learning. In addition to growing minds through STEM, and

nutrition and agricultural education, many gardens produce flowers, fruits and vegetables that are sampled in the school, given away to community residents or sold in local markets. If you are interested in starting a garden at your school, or for various garden grant opportunities, contact Colleen Puglisi-Buckley at colleen.buckley@ ocps.net.

Clockwise: Ocoee High market; Millennia Gardens Elementary butterfly garden; Orange Center Elementary raised bed garden; Millennia Gardens hydroponic garden; Tildenville Elementary raised bed garden; and Lake George Elementary raised bed garden. 12 Recycling: It pay$ to help save the earth

OCPS staff and students are turning trash to treasure as they recycle and keep waste out of the landfill – and thus helping to save the district funds. Recyclable waste* collected in bins is hauled to a processing center that sells it to manufacturers to make new products. In FY 2017-18, approximately 27,930 tons of waste recycled by students and staff earned the district approximately $129,000. This revenue is then shared with schools as a reward to top recyclers in each Learning Community every quarter. Led by Club S.E.R.V.E. (Students Engaged in Recycling, Volunteering, and the Environment), Arbor Ridge K-8 School received $1,500 as the Recycling Rebate Program’s East Learning Center/Innovation winner last fall. “Arbor Ridge students and staff KNOW it’s important to recycle because our Earth needs all the help it can get,” said Principal Vanessa DeMars. “We know that if we’re going to make an impact on our Earth, young students need to know, starting now, the importance of being responsible for our actions and eliminating waste. It starts with recycling, and it starts with us.” The Recycling Rebate Program’s January-March winners will be announced at the May Principal’s quarterly meeting.

“Every time you throw an item away that’s accepted in our recycling program, you’re potentially throwing money away from the classroom,” said Colleen Puglisi-Buckley, OCPS Sustainability Coordinator. “It costs more to send materials to the landfill than to recycle.” *To learn more about the OCPS recycling program, visit https://intranet.ocps.net/cms/One aspx?portalId= 125187&pageId=126153

By the numbers 2017-2018 District

47M pounds from single-stream recycling from Facilities Maintenance and Transportation

52M+ pounds that construction projects diverted 2017-18 Sustainability Goal Recycling rate 99 M+ pounds of materials achieved 60% 61% 27,930 tons of recycled waste at a cost of over $619,000 23,495 tons of waste sent to the landfill at a cost of $2.5 million+ 2020 State-mandated Goal - 75%

12 1313 AAA Insurance Agency has the Home Insurance Solution for OCPS employees and their families. Contact AAA Insurance and learn about their: • Single policy covering both Home and Auto If you’re considering retirement in the 24 (see below). To reserve your seat, • One payment; one point of contact; one renewal date next five years and are a participant please register at http://catalog.ocps. • Only one deductible when a covered loss in the Florida Retirement System net . You must log in to PDS online in damages both your car and home (FRS) Pension Plan, make sure you order to register. • Many policy discounts that could significantly lower your premium are aware of the Deferred Retirement If you have any questions, you can • AAA Members save up to 7% more Option Plan (DROP). Pension Plan • Potential average annual savings of $802 call 407.317.3227 or email retirement. members can retire their salary/ To learn more please contact [email protected]. Kathleen Wilder at [email protected] service under FRS and continue or call 407.647.1033 Exclusive Gift for working for up to a maximum of Upcoming Workshops OCPS Employees: 60 months. (You may exit DROP request a quote and · Using the FRS to Plan Your receive a free gift! whenever you choose, but you Retirement cannot stay beyond the maximum April 3, 5-6:30 p.m. participation period.) · Taking Control of Your Finances To be eligible for DROP, you must April 10, 5-6:30 p.m. be vested and eligible for normal · Nearing Retirement in the FRS retirement (based on your years of April 17, 5-6:30 p.m. creditable service or age whichever comes first). For complete guidelines · Deferred Retirement Option Plan regarding DROP requirements, refer (DROP) Interest Meeting to FRS Retirement Guides at https:// April 24, 5-7 p.m. www.myfrs.com/FRSPro_Pension All workshops are held at the Ronald OCPS Retirement Services holds a Blocker Educational Leadership DROP Interest Meeting three times a Center, 445 W. Amelia St., Boardroom, year. The next one will be held April Orlando, Fla.

14 Your Special Pay and FICA Alternative Plan specialists have been proudly serving Florida school districts and your employees for more than 25 years. That’s expertise you can trust. BENCOR bencorplans.com 800-264-6889

14 15

BENC-0098 SPONSORSHIP AD v2.indd 1 2/11/19 4:35 PM Really know each student. You know a lot about your students. Let i-Ready provide deeper insights to help guide your next steps for instruction.

For more information, contact your local sales representative: Courtney Claud • [email protected] • (727) 504-7154 Learn more about i-Ready at i-Ready.com/Empower

ocps-superintendent-leadership-ad-2019.indd 1 3/12/19 3:23 PM

16 April 2019

Important news Ready for Annual regarding Annual Enrollment Enrollment! Benefits BulletinMake Change in provider for behavioral/mental health services decisions

issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) this OCPSpast winter for medical, prescription benefit Get questions management and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), answered behavioral/mental health and chemical dependency services. The Selection Committee (comprised of members from CTA, OESPA and OCPS) worked to evaluate the proposals that were Obtain information received. In December, the Selection Committee made a about insurance plans recommendation to the School Board of the top ranked vendors. The Risk Management and Procurement staff was authorized to begin negotiations with the selected vendors in order of priority.

While considerations for the 2019-20 medical plans are the new plan year beginning Oct. 1, 2019. You can read more about ongoing, we do know that Cigna was selected as the new the optional benefits available to you in this edition of the Benefits provider of EAP, behavioral/mental health and chemical Bulletin. dependency services, replacing Orlando Behavioral Healthcare Stay tuned for more information about any changes by email, in and Cigna (medical) and CVS Caremark (pharmacy benefit upcoming editions of the Benefits Bulletin and on the Insurance manager) will continue as OCPS medical plan providers for Benefits intranet page,Enrollment Information.

Discussions about employee medical plan options continue As a result of ongoing discussions regarding medical plan costs and their effect on employees and the district, final benefit offerings and rates were not available at the time of this edition of the Benefits Bulletin. It will be important to stay tuned for more information on this year’s annual insurance enrollment, including the dates when enrollment will be held. Updates will be on the Insurance Benefits Intranet page (http://insurance.ocps.net, select Enrollment Information), sent by email and will be included in upcoming editions of the Benefits Bulletin.

You can read more about the optional benefits available to you in this and upcoming editions of the Benefits Bulletin.

16 17 Plan ahead for these optional benefits Life Insurance: elect coverage, you may purchase a $5,000 or If you choose to see a participating PPO dentist While OCPS pays for $10,000 policy for eligible dependent children. you will receive a higher level of payment for term life insurance Evidence of Insurability may be required for your dental work. You may decide at the PLAN equal to your annual some elections. time you receive services whether or not to use AHEAD salary, with a a participating provider. minimum of $7,500, Dental Insurance: DeltaCare Basic Dental Plan (HMO type) – This there are two optional Vision Insurance: plan is designed for individuals who currently The Humana Specialty Benefits Vision Plan life insurance plans have healthy teeth and gums and focuses on provides benefits for eye examinations, lenses you can purchase. preventive dental maintenance, however, it or frames through participating doctors. You can Dependent Term Life Insurance – You may offers benefits for other more complex dental receive services from a non-network doctor and purchase additional life insurance for your work as well. You must use a participating be reimbursed according to plan allowances. spouse/domestic partner in an amount up general dentist to receive benefits. to $10,000, and for each eligible child up to DeltaCare Comprehensive Dental Plan (HMO Disability Insurance: The disability plan will pay up to 66 2/3 percent $5,000, depending on your annual salary. type) – This plan offers a broader range of of your salary. The duration of benefits is Group Universal Life Insurance – You may benefits including some restorative dental based on your age when the disability occurs. apply for additional life insurance coverage in procedures (fillings) at no charge after a $5 Read more about the disability plan and the amounts from one to five times your annual office visit copayment. It offers a wide range duration of benefits in the Insurance Handbook salary and also have the ability to make of benefits for specialty referrals when you are by clicking here (Open offer this year for contributions to a cash accumulation fund. referred by your participating general dentist. employees.) Your spouse/domestic partner may apply for Delta Dental PPO (Preferred Provider coverage up to three times your annual salary Organization) Dental Plan – With this plan you with the availability of a cash accumulation have the freedom to select any dentist you wish. fund. If you or your spouse/domestic partner

Opportunity for OCPS employees with diabetes to receive help Learn how you can ‘thrive’

in managing diabetes by offering a multi- In addition, participants will receive an disciplinary approach; no two members with enhanced prescription benefit. The cost of diabetes are the same. generic diabetes medications will be waived, Participation in the Thrive Diabetes Care and there will be a reduced copayment for Program is 100 percent voluntary; however, covered Tier 2/ Preferred Brand diabetes those who are interested will not be medications and supplies. Copayment waivers automatically enrolled. Enrollment is and reductions will occur at the next fill once April 1-30, 2019. enrollment requirements have been met and will not be retroactive. Participants who complete program health activities receive additional benefits, including Waived copay/coinsurance for generic diabetes OCPS, AdventHealth and Cigna have joined no out-of-pocket cost for health care medications. forces to offer the next enrollment for Thrive services such as: Tier 2/Preferred Brand diabetes medications - - Diabetes Care Program, beginning in April. • Quarterly appointments with the $20 copayment, retail 30-day prescription. The program is voluntary and available to all Florida Diabetes & Endocrine Center Maintenance drugs are not covered at retail employees, retirees not eligible for Medicare, beginning with the 4th fill of a 30-day supply. their spouses or dependents (18 years or older) • Quarterly lab work to track progress who have a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 • Annual retinal eye exam $40 copayment, mail order or CVS retail 90-day prescription diabetes and are enrolled in one of the three • Lifestyle modification options, including OCPS Cigna medical plans. $60 copayment, retail 90-day prescription o Behavioral health counseling Information packets from AdventHealth with o Exercise consult If you have questions regarding enrollment information were sent in late o Nutrition consult enrollment, please contact AdventHealth at 407.303.2720. March to those in the group described above o Health coaching who might benefit from this program. The o Lifestyle education classes goal of the program is to assist plan members 18 Introducing the Cancer Navigation Program* Providing help when you receive a devastating diagnosis

OCPS is working with the Florida Health Care OCPS benefits and assist you with any coverage resources and programs based on your needs Coalition and the Patient Advocate Foundation issues you may encounter along the way. To learn more about this program or to request a to bring additional resources to OCPS Cigna This program is for OCPS Cigna members who Cancer Navigator – members impacted by cancer. We know that have a diagnosis of cancer, are currently going a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, Visit http://mybenefitnavigator.org, select through treatment for cancer, have received “Request Help” and complete the form complicated and stressful for patients and treatment for cancer within the last six months their families - often creating challenges and OR or will begin treatment in the next 60 days. It’s Call 1.888.720.6899 Monday through Thursday questions that are unfamiliar and unexpected. confidential and free to you and your family. You are not alone, the Cancer Navigation 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.to 4 p.m. The Cancer Navigation Program can help you: Program pairs you with a professional Cancer *OCPS Cigna members continue to have access • Maximize your benefits Navigator who can provide direct, hands- to the Cigna Cancer Support Program. The • Understand annual enrollment benefit on assistance. Your Cancer Navigator will Cancer Navigation Program is meant to provide elections help you effectively maneuver through the additional resources and assistance outside of • Find help for financial and practical needs cancer treatment journey by providing you the medical plan. The Cigna Cancer Support • Understand employment protections with comprehensive benefit evaluation and Program can be reached at 1.800.615.2909. education designed to help maximize your • Connect to a variety of community based Healthy Hero It’s been said that you can’t fight genetics – you’re the recipient of whatever Follow the OCPS employees your mother and father gave you, for better or worse. But you don’t have to settle for a family medical history that you believe is inevitable. Ken Kuczer, who have tried Omada dean for eighth grade at Jackson Middle, shared the story of his coworker who You have nothing to lose but weight! fights to keep healthy: “I would like to nominate our remarkable guidance counselor for eighth grade, Rafael Caballero, as a Healthy Hero! He has lost 30 pounds since June 2018 and has thereby reduced his A1C level to minimize his chances of becoming diabetic. Earlier last year, his older brother in NYC was rushed to the hospital with dangerous blood sugar levels and was diagnosed with diabetes, which is unfortunately not Omada® is a digital lifestyle change program that can help you lose uncommon in his family’s medical history. weight, feel fantastic and develop long-term healthy habits. Since its introduction last year to OCPS, more than 1,200 employees have “Not long after, Rafael and his wife were visiting his enrolled in the program, some experiencing great results. In fact, niece. She and her husband had been dieting and February’s Healthy Hero Michael Pearl (Olympia HS) radically changed were preparing to follow the Ketogenic diet. She his diet because of the Omada program and lost 50 pounds! asked them to take home all of the diet’s forbidden foods. Rafael and his wife accepted the groceries. Participants in Omada will get: During the ride home, however, Rafael reflected on his brother’s health and ■ An interactive program to guide your journey the fact that his niece’s husband, who used to weigh nearly 400 pounds, had ■ A wireless smart scale to monitor your progress already lost 100 pounds. As a result, Rafael told his wife, ‘We should be dieting ■ too!’ And so, they began their weight loss journey. His wife has lost nearly 13 Weekly online lessons to empower you pounds as well. ■ A professional Omada health coach to keep you on track “Rafael refers to his diet plan as the ‘almost Keto.’ He and his wife endeavor ■ Small online group of participants to keep you engaged to conscientiously minimize their carbohydrate intake. When asked for More great news: You'll receive the program at no additional cost a motivational quote, Rafael smiled and replied, ‘Don’t stuff your face! if you or your covered adult dependents are enrolled in the Orange Moderation is the key!’ Thank you for sharing your journey and words of County Public Schools medical plan offered through Cigna, are at risk for wisdom with us, Mr. Caballero!” diabetes and are accepted into the program. We honor Rafael Caballero as April’s Healthy Hero. Rafael recognized that Take a 1-minute risk screener to see if you’re eligible: https:// he was at risk for Type 2 diabetes and took healthy action to keep that from go.omadahealth.com/ocps happening. If you would like to nominate a co-worker as a Healthy Hero, please e-mail [email protected] with the candidate’s name, location and why they deserve 18 the title. 19 Walking Program Workers’ drawing winner! Compensation News Office Ergonomics - Patricia Madison, speech-language Safety Tips pathologist at Shenandoah ES, was the winner of the walking • Avoid excessive extended reaching; organize the desktop and keep program’s second drawing (for all frequently items closet to you. those who had logged at least one • Use a headset to avoid neck and shoulder discomfort. step by March 11) and received a • Keep shoulders relaxed and elbows at a 90 degree angle with your FitBit. forearms resting on the work surface or the chair arm rest. • Keep wrists in a neutral position when typing. • The computer should be 18 -30 inches away and directly in front of you. • Adjust the monitor height so the top line of text is at eye level. • If your chair does not have a lumbar support, try using a rolled up towel. • Sit up straight in your chair with your lower back against the Events backrest and shoulders touching the backrest. • The chair should allow your feet to rest flat on the floor; or use a small foot rest and keep your thighs parallel to the floor with knees at the same level as the hips. Run for the Angels 5k • Do not stay in one static position for extended periods of time; Sat., April 20, 2019 alternate between standing and sitting tasks. 8 a.m.: Start time Workers’ Compensation Contact Information Aviation Authority Telephone 407.317.3904 Community Bldg. Email [email protected] Orlando Executive Airport Fax 407.317.3906 365 Rickenbacker Dr. Website Workers’ Compensation Orlando, FL 32803 For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/ RunfortheAngels5kOrlandoExecutive Paws for Peace Walk Let us know what you think Sat., April 20, 2019 8 a.m.: Start time My suggestions / comments about Blue Jacket Park benefits are: 2501 General Rees Ave. Orlando, FL 32814 For more information and to register, visit https://www.classy.org/event/paws- for-peace-walk-2019/e221620

AIDS Walk Orlando Name (optional) Sat., April 27, 2019 7:30 a.m.: Registration 8:30 a.m.: Start time Walt Disney Amphitheatre Work location Lake Eola Park 512 E. Washington St. Please return to Kimberly Eisenbise, RBELC-3, or email: Orlando, FL 32801 [email protected]. Thank you for your input! The is a publication designed to keep OCPS employees and their families For more information and to informed about available benefit programs. This information is not intended to register, visit replace professional health care. See your health care professional for information relevant to your medical history. All correspondence should be directed to the https://www.aidswalkorlando.org/ Editor, Orange County Public Schools, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801, or through the school system’s courier service. Editors: Kimberly Eisenbise and Patty Villane, Graphic Artist: Kim Boulnois 20