STAFF MEMO
May 10, 2013

 
Be happy
 
 

  • 2013 Excellence in Mathematics Education Award Winners

    The Washington State Mathematics Council and the Olympic Educational Service District notified the district that Julie LaRue, Bremerton High School and Trude Winters, West Hills STEM Academy have been selected as recipients of the 2013 Excellence in Mathematics Education Award! They are to be commend for their contribution to mathematics education in our region and for making a difference in the lives of their students.

    The awards will be presented during a regional math educator event on Monday, May 13th starting at 5:00 in the Board Room of the North Kitsap School District Administration Building. Congratulations Julie and Trude!  You are both wonderful ambassadors of Bremerton. 
         

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  •  BHS Student Wins State Solo & Ensemble Contest
     

    Shannon O'Brien Congratulations to Shannon O'Brien for winning at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest! He placed first place in the bass soloist category!

    Shannon competed in our regional solo and ensemble contest ( in February ) to qualify for State and then competed against the other students who also won in their region... a total of 21 from all over the State of Washington!
     
     
     
     
     
      
     

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  • MVMS Team Competes at the KidWind Challenge
     

    MVMS Team The Robotics team from MVMS travelled to Ellensburg on Saturday, March 27 to compete in the KidWind Wind Turbine Challenge. The two teams of four had to create a wind turbine that would possibly generate the most currents. The boys spent over a month perfecting their turbines that they made out of PVC pipe with foam core blades. They also had to show their knowledge of how the wind is formed, how the turbines generate electricity and where wind turbines are located.

    The wind turbines were tested in a wind tunnel located at Central Washington University. There were 26 middle school teams that competed in the challenge. Although neither of the MVMS teams placed, they learned a lot and have made plans for next year’s competition.

    The KidWind Wind Turbine Challenge is sponsored by PSE, Central Washington University and the KidWind corporation.

    The members of the competition teams are Layne Wheeler, Dominic Crommett, Matthew Dias, Connor Walker, Ethan Fowler, Joash Smith, KV Le, and Tristan Ducken. Bobbie Busch is the coach.

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  • Bremerton Schools Foundation Grant Application

    What is the Foundation Grant Program?
    This private grant program funds projects and materials for certificated staff that enhance the education of Bremerton students. Grants will be awarded in amounts of $100 up to $1000.  More information can be found at the following link.  Guidelines and Grant Application due by Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

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  • Zoo Hoo Educator Appreciation Day at Woodland Park Zoo - Come Explore the Zoo for a Day

    On Saturday, June 8th we invite educators to visit the zoo for free. We will also be offering half off a second adult admission with each educator. You may bring children but we are not offering a discount on their admission.

     

    Checkin will be in front of the Zoo's South Entrance from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. for your ticket into the zoo (you are welcome to stay until closing time, but check-in will end at 3:00 p.m.). There is no need to pre-register. Please bring ID or other documentation to verify your employment with an education institution. Due to capacity limitations this year’s Educator Appreciation Day is intended for kindergarten - college public or private school teachers and informal educators only.

     

    We would love for you to use this day to not only enjoy the zoo, but explore opportunities to include the zoo in your curriculum. There are multiple events for you to participate in on June 8th, including Bear Affair and Big Howl for Wolves, along with all our summer programming. Please contact the Individual Registration Specialist with any questions (individual.registration@zoo.org or 206.548.2424).


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  • Internet Access and Social Media - Important Reminder

    Did you know that one of the major employee disciplinary issues relates to inappropriate computer use and contacting students via social media, for example, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Please remember there is no pedagogical or academic purpose to communicate with students via personal social media. In addition, please be reminded that computers, servers, email accounts, and internet access are all District resources and open to public disclosure. All Bremerton School District email account holders have been required to sign an Acceptable Use Permit. If you don’t have a copy and would like to refresh your memory, please go online at www.bremertonschools.org. Click on School Board, Policies & Procedures, 2000 Series, Policy 2022. Most importantly, it is imperative that all employees understand that misuse of computers and resources could result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

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  • Armed Forces 5K

     
    Armed Forces 5K

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  • Bridge 2 Bridge Run/Walk


    This year's Bridge 2 Bridge run/walk will be held on June 29. The 5K begins and ends at Evergreen Park. Preregistration is available now for $20 at bhspayitforward.org or on signmeup.com. This is the scholarship group that gives three $14,000 scholarships each year to 3 low income Bremerton High School grads. It is based on their motivation, character and willingness to Pay it Forward, rather on their grades alone. This year's recipients are: Carolyn Hartman, Adrianna Keith and Justin Caswell.
     
    We are hoping for the best turn out ever! This is the time for BSD staff to show their support for this program that only serves BHS!  Register now as race day registrations will be $25. Bring your kids for the kids' 10 & under free kiddie races!
     
    Also, if anyone wants to volunteer to help on June 29, they are welcome to do so! For more information, call Randall at 360-908-8348

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  • Admiral Theatre Summer Camp 2013

    The Admiral Theatre in Bremerton, is giving children and young adults the opportunity to be part of an exciting two week summer theatre camp for 4-18 year olds that offers musical theatre workshops in acting, singing and dance. This year’s summer theatre camp will culminate in live performance musical theatre presentations that are bound to excite. Our theatre camp workshops are a great way to spend two weeks of summer but they also help to build confidence, self-esteem as well as stage and learning skills that will not be forgotten.

    In just two weeks, students experience the discipline of learning lines, songs and dance routines, discover their own individual talents and learn team spirit by working together. It’s hard work but great fun and a wonderful way to spend two weeks in summer!

    Workshops are taught by experienced teaching artists with professional and academic backgrounds as performers, choreographers, directors and musicians. The 2013 Admiral Theatre Summer Camp is open to anyone from 4 to 18 years old who is interested in theatre and performing arts. There is no pressure of an audition as enthusiasm and commitment are all that’s needed!

    Camp Dates are August 12th through to August 24, 2013
    4-5 year olds attend from 9am to 1pm
    6-18 year olds attend from 9am to 4pm


    2013 Summer camp shows to be performed by students will be:

    Circus Circus!
    Disney’s 101 Dalmatians!
    The Music Man Jr.


    For more information on The Admiral Theatre day camp visit our website at www.admiraltheatre.org or call 360.373.6810 or email, Richard Padro, Artistic Director of Education Programs at richard@admiraltheatre.org

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  • Working with Youth Exposed to Trauma

    Key Peninsula Middle School is offering a free workshop June 3, 2013.  Learn More

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  • Office of Civil Rights “Dear Colleague” Letter


    The Office of Civil Rights has stepped up its emphasis on addressing retaliation complaints. Please remember that retaliation against individuals who oppose discriminatory practices or who participate in discrimination complaints or investigations is strictly prohibited and taken very seriously by the District as well as the Office of Civil Rights. If you would like to read the full guidance issued by the U. S. Department of Education, visit their website
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  • Employee Assistance Program

    Here is the latest information from EAP.

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  • Are You Traveling for the District?

     
    If you are planning to travel on district business, please be sure to follow established procedures.

    All District travel is subject to Board Policy 6213 and 6213P
    All out-of-state travel requires Superintendent’s prior approval
    At least FOUR weeks BEFORE you travel:

    YOUR Responsibility:
    · Complete only the entire LEFT side of form in detail.
    · Meal per diem information can be found at www.gsa.gov
    · PRINT 3 COPIES obtaining original signatures on all copies.
    · Forward to Superintendent’s Office with a copy of the conference agenda or announcement.
    · Authorization from your principal/supervisor is required.
    · Once travel has been approved, a substitute can be requested using Substitute Online, if necessary. Employees are responsible to
    request their substitute.

    Requesting Purchase Orders for Registration, Hotel, or Airfare
    Workshop/Conference Registration:
    · Attach to the Travel Request Form a completed Purchase Requisition (available on the District website) including vendor name and address; prices, total, and principal’s signature
    · Attach a completed workshop/conference registration form

    Hotel Accommodations:
    · Attach to the Travel Request form a completed Purchase Requisition (available on the District website) including vendor name and address; prices, (including all taxes) total, and principal’s signature

    Airline Reservations:
    Airline reservations should be made through the department of the Budget Control Manager.

    Requesting Advance Travel Funds
    Funds for meals and/or lodging may be requested in advance if waiting for reimbursement causes an undue hardship. Advance travel funds will be issued no sooner than two working days prior to the departing date. Payment will only be given to the individual listed on this form. Call the Finance and Operations Office at 473.1031 to arrange for advance payment

    Send all documents to applicable Budget Control Manager (e.g., Title, Curriculum, etc.) or to the Business Office if using building funds after all signatures are obtained.

    Travel – Travel Reimbursement
    A copy of the Travel Request Form with original signatures will be sent to you shortly after the date of travel for you to request reimbursement of expenses.

    Your Responsibility:
    · Complete the RIGHT side of one copy with original signatures of the Travel Request Form. Be sure to total all expenses and indicate any  advance funds you received. Attach all required receipts. Original receipts are required. Receipts for meals are not required since any amount over the District allowance will not be reimbursed.
    ·  Sign and date the right side of the Travel Request Form. Return the form to the applicable Budget Control Manager indicated on the form even if no reimbursement is requested.
    · Return completed form within 10 days of completion of travel for reimbursement. Void after 30 days. 
     

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  • BHS Clothing Drive

    Sandra Van Valkenberg’s students at BHS are beginning a two week clothing drive for ARC. ARC is a non-profit organization for the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled Individuals. For every bag of clothes they collect, BHS receives $3.00.  

    They are requesting

    ·       Clothes
    ·       Blankets
    ·       Shoes
    ·       Coats
    ·       bedding
    ·       gloves
    It’s not too late to do your Spring Cleaning of yourclosets, please bring me any of the above mentioned items to BHS c/o Sandra VanValkenberg.  The clothing drive runs through May 15th.

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  • Red Cross
     
     
     

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  • Kid's Art Show

    The Kid's Art Show will be on display at the City of Bremerton, Bremerton Chamber of Commerce and Amy Burnett's Gallery beginning on First Friday Art Walk on June 7th through the end of the month. The awards will be presented at the June 7th Art Walk.
     
    All kindergarten - 5th grade Bermerton students are invited to submit an entry and will get a Certificate of Award for participating. All entries will need to be turned in by May 31 and can be picked up from each school. For more information, contact Julie Cooper at 360.865.1433.

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  • Flex Spending Account Update   

     

    American Fidelity Flex Spending Account Update

    Flex Claim Filing Now Online! American Fidelity is thrilled to announce that Flex (Health FSA and Dependent Daycare) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) participants may now file claims electronically through their secured Online Service Center account. Your employees will no longer need to print a paper claim form and mail or fax it to American Fidelity. With online Flex claim submission, they can also upload receipts to quickly substantiate Flex Debit Card swipes! Help us spread the word that Flex participants can Login or sign up for a secured online account to get access to this great benefit.


    Debit Card PIN Update: As a follow up to our recent email regarding the new Dodd-Frank Act and PINs, American Fidelity Assurance Company shared these commonly asked questions today via email to all debit card participants. If you have any employees who still need assistance or support, please share our phone number with them 800-325-0654. We are here to help!

    Debit Card PIN Q&A:
    Have questions about the Debit Card PIN? Below is a series of common Q&A’s to help!
    Q: Am I required to get a PIN?
    A: No. You are not required to obtain a PIN number to continue to use your debit card.

    Q: What happens if I don’t obtain a PIN?
    A: Merchants can now require a PIN to use your debit card. However, we have not heard of any merchants to date making it mandatory. If asked for a PIN at time of purchase, tell the merchant you do not have one and ask for another option, like processing it as a credit card. In the event they still required a PIN, you would have to use a different form of payment.

    Q: Why did American Fidelity notify all participants about the PIN?
    A: American Fidelity did not want any customers to be caught off guard in the event merchants changed their practices due to the Dodd-Frank Act and required a PIN.

    Q: If I decide I want a PIN, or experience difficulties in obtaining one online, how can I get help?
    A: Our Customer Service team is here to help! Please contact us at 800-325-0654 for assistance. We are happy to answer questions or help expedite assigning a PIN number.

     

     

    American Fidelity Logo

    American Fidelity Assurance Company

    2000 N. Classen Blvd.

    Oklahoma City, OK 73106

    www.americanfidelity.com

    If you prefer not to receive future emails, please click here to unsubscribe.

    ESB-2117-0413


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  • Central WA University Continuing Education

    Central WA University now offers professional development courses for teachers online or via CD-ROM. Learn More


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  • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

     

    Olympic ESD Opportunities
    Click on the title for more information or to register.

     
     


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Last Modified on May 10, 2013