November 20, 2020 at 3:00 PM - District Zoom Meeting: All Staff

Rationale: 
1.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND DEDICATION TO EACH OTHER AND OUR STUDENTS:

Thank you to our staff for picking up and supporting each other as we continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and students.  In our daily meetings with the various health and school groups, schools are still recognized as the safest and healthiest place for our staff and students.

Thank you to the classroom teachers, para-educators, office staff, custodians, food service, and administrators for your work to make sure school buildings are clean, meals are served, temperatures taken, and classrooms are covered and run as normal as possible.  Right now, masks, social distancing, and washing/disinfecting are the most effective ways to reduce the incident of infection spread in our community.  Thank you for doing your part.

Finally, special thank you to the nurses who are tasked with the responsibility of determining required isolation, quarantine, durable health measures (DHM's), return dates, etc... This is extremely important for us to maintain safety for our students and staff.

Each building is developing a plan to prepare our staff and students for a possible remote learning setting in the future.  Each building currently has a draft plan for this preparation.  These plans will be finalized and presented to the board of education to confirm our preparation for this change if ordered by the Governor, Commissioner, State, or local health departments.

2.  Substitute Teachers:  We are working on a plan to improve consistency and availability of substitute teachers in the system.  According to our fill rates, we were an average of 3 teachers short per day in the first semester.  We are working on securing 3 full-time substitute teachers for second semester to be used across the district.  See attached teacher absences and fill rates for first semester.

3.  Do Right, Right Now Media Campaign:  "Do Right, Right Now is a practical call for a unified response to fight COVID-19. As Nebraskans, we pride ourselves on doing the right thing, caring for one another, and working together to address problems and affect change. We can get the good life back when we Do Right, Right Now."  See attached information.

4.  COVID-19 Vaccinations:  "East Central District Health Department is excited to announce that school employees will be vaccinated in Phase IB. COVID-19 Moderna Vaccination schedule for Nebraska.  The vaccinations for Nebraska preliminary schedule for the following groups.
Group 1A:  December/January - Medical Professionals   
Group 1B:  January/February - ALL EDUCATION WORKERS (teachers, para educators, custodians, food service, substitute teachers, public early childhood care givers)
I am forwarding all power points to the school Carol Reha and she will work with Penny and the other school nurses on getting us registered for these vaccinations. 


 

Rationale: 
December 2nd @ 2:30:  Food Service and custodial/Maintenance meeting.  District Office or Zoom Meeting.  Zoom meeting address is:  4023523527

December 4th @ 2:30:  Para Educators/Office Staff/School Nurses:  Zoom meeting address is:  4023523527

December 4th @ 3:15:  SEA Reps. @ District Office
 

Rationale:  The board of education has reached a tentative agreement with the SEA on the 2021-22 Master Agreement.  As a result, the board will be acting on extending the Early Retirement Policy for the next three years.  If you have any questions about the policy or your eligibility, please contact Penny Janousek.  See attachment below. 

Rationale: 
1.  First Thoughtexchange:  Thank you for your feedback on the October Professional Development Week.  As stated in our previous meeting, this is a big commitment from the board of education to our staff and your professional development.  The cost of the workshops along with staff salaries and benefits was a commitment of $500,000.  We need to make sure this investment pays off for you and your students.  See Thoughtexchange information shared below.

2.  Second thoughtexchange:  Thank you for your suggestions for the 2-Day January professional development sessions.  We need to make sure we get the most from these days and your input will help us provide you with sessions that will help you grow your profession. 

3.  2020 Strategic Plan Draft Report:  Attached below is the Final 2020 Report. Congratulations on your many accomplishments and thank you for your continued work on these strategic initiatives.

4.  Third Thoughtexchange:  The third thoughtexchange will open next week and close on Friday, December 18th.  The third Thoughtexchange will be a series of exchanges that will allow you pick areas of greatest interest.  This exchange will be in multiple languages and open to our school board, community leaders, parents and community patrons.  We need your thoughts and ratings in as many areas as you are willing to share.  Please make sure you are thoughtful in your suggestions and ratings.  Your leadership will provide the community with an increased awareness and appreciation for your work.  See attached strategic planning areas and questions to guide your input.

5.  2021 Strategic Plan:  We will schedule several sessions during our January Professional Development Days to finalize your input and prepare the 2021 strategic priorities.  We are planning to have a final plan ready for board adoption at the February school board meeting.  Thanks again for your willingness to participate and provide input on this process.