Hello Everyone! It's great to welcome both our existing and our new staff to the 2022-23 school year! As we approach the start of the school year, we are hopeful for a bit more normalcy. The flexibility and resiliency that have been used over the past year or two, will no doubt be called upon again.

I have great pride in working with all of you and know that you are as committed as I am to our diverse group of early learners and encouraging them to grow physically, socially, and emotionally.

The school district's focus for the 2022-23 school year is: Live well. Lead well. Learn well. With that in mind, I challenge each of us to find ways to support ourselves, each other, and our students this year. Think about the ways you live well, so you are better able to lead well, so our students as well as all of us can learn well.

Savor these fleeting days of summer with the things that bring you joy - whether it be relaxing on your deck, going on an adventurous hike, or munching on the many foods at the state fair. I look forward to seeing you at our first all-staff training on September 1 (see details below).

NEW STAFF

There has been a flurry of activity this summer hiring new instructors and assistant instructors. We are so glad to have you join our amazing team! Feel free to reach out to your colleagues or supervisor for any questions you may have. Introductions of new staff will be done at our all-staff training on September 1.

PHOTO ID BADGES

All district staff are required to have a current year photo ID badge. For the 2022-23 school year, if you are in a school building or a building where pictures are taken (i.e., RECC or SECC) you should have your picture taken in that building. Watch for updates on picture day information.

If your work site is at the ESC, you can get your photo taken on Mon., Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you are at an off-site location, (CRFP, Andover Family Place, etc.), you may come to the ESC on Mon., Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. if your schedule allows. If that doesn't work, email Lisa Norling to request a link for you to submit your photo for an ID badge.

NEW staff only - You will be emailed a link to submit photos for an ID badge to start the year. You will still have a photo taken at your site for an ID badge with that photo on it.

REVIEW YOUR SCHEDULE

Your fall schedule has been mailed to your home address earlier this month. Review it carefully and be sure to note the following:

Staff assignments can change year to year, as well as semester to semester, in response to program needs, cancellations, or other circumstances.
Arrival time is important to be ready for when families arrive. Early Childhood Teachers, Parent Educators, and first Assistants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of class. Second Assistants should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of class. All staff will use the 15 minutes after class to debrief and clean up the classroom.
Concerns or changes to schedules must be discussed and approved by your supervisor.

WORK WEEK

The school district's policy is that staff turn in payroll for no more than 40 hours per week. This includes the staff person's current position along with any additional hours such as subbing and/or working in other district programs.

It is your responsibility not to accept any other positions if this will increase your work time beyond 40 hours per week.

Please note per district policy, you are entitled to a 30-minute duty-free break for every 8 hours of work time. This time is unpaid. If you take a duty-free break, your workday will be 8.5 hours. If you choose to take a working lunch, your day will be 8 hours.

REQUESTING TIME OFF

To request time off, other than sick time, you need prior approval from your supervisor. Taking time off during classes is discouraged since it is disruptive to the teaching team. If time off during the school schedule is necessary, request and receive written approval for the time off before committing to travel, purchasing tickets, or scheduling plans. You are responsible to work with your supervisor to find a sub (subs) for pre-planned absences or personal days. Time off is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one staff member on a team may pre-arrange an absence.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

LUNCHES & EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM T-SHIRTS

This year's professional development training sessions were planned considering staff input from the program survey last spring. Be sure to check the Google Calendar for up-to-date information.

Our first all-staff training will be on Thurs., Sept. 1 at Constance Free Church (16150 Crosstown Blvd NW in Andover) - lunch will be provided.

A Google form has been created for you to list any dietary restrictions or food allergies. On this same form, you will share your preferred t-shirt size for your early Learning program t-shirt.

Please complete and submit your responses asap. Be sure to watch for program t-shirt days which will be listed on the Google Calendar.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are required for teachers and assistants. For the 2022-23 school year, PLCs will be site based. The focus for this year will be early literacy.

VOICEMAIL / EMAIL

As you return to your site this fall, be sure to catch up on both voicemail and email messages. During the school year, it is district policy to check messages daily and respond within a day or two. Most communications for the Early Learning programs are done via email.

FALL SITE MEETINGS

The fall site meetings will be held on Friday, September 9. Each site will welcome new team members and discuss site-specific updates. Look for more information from your supervisor regarding the specific meeting time at your site.

EARLY LEARNING SUNSHINE FUND

New this year is a program-wide Early Learning Sunshine Fund. The purpose of the Early Learning Sunshine Fund is to bring a ray of sunshine into the lives of our co-workers for those life events such as weddings, births, illness, or a death in the family. It's a voluntary way to show our colleagues that we care and are thinking of them.

Please consider a contribution a $10 contribution if you are able. Donations should be given to the Early Learning Sunshine Fund organizer, Brandy Mattson.

PHOTOS WANTED

Since we're on the topic of photos, when you take photos during a class, please share them with Mischelle Squire. Families love to see and share photos - 1st day of class, what's going on in the classroom, what children are doing during parent ed, etc.

We share photos from staff on social media as well as use them in our brochures, flyers, etc. It's been great to have our participants on the cover of the Families brochure over the past year. Families have tagged friends in photos or shared them with other family members. It's a great way for people to see and learn more about our programs.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Both Early Learning Programs - Preschool and ECFE are on Facebook and Instagram. If you haven't already done so, check it out and give it a like and start following us.