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STAFF NEWS AND UPDATES
Friday, May 7, 2021
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This week was Teacher Appreciation Week — although, at Options for Learning, we appreciate our teachers every day of the year!
Early Head Start (EHS) celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day by gifting their staff wonderful goodie bags. EHS Director Ruby Sevilla shares, "We have a wonderful community of talented, knowledgeable, caring and committed teachers. They are teaching our youngest of learners and are nurturing, responsive, caring and flexible with children. We see the compassion and commitment to children and families during this challenging time, and we appreciate their focus on health and safety to keep our babies and each other safe."
Surround Care Director Rosemary Olachea-Heaslip shared a note with her staff saying that their teachers' hard work does not go unnoticed and that every day should be Teacher Appreciation Day.
Regardless of which division they are a part of, we hope all of our teachers (and those who support them) know just how much they are valued! Thank you!
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MESSAGE FROM THE COMMITTEE FOR EDUCATING POLICY LEADERS (CEPL)
CEPL would like to acknowledge the efforts and contributions made by each division despite the pandemic to ensure that this year’s Read Across America event was successful. We hope you enjoy this video, which captures some of the memorable moments of the week's activities.
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AGENCY TO USE ONLINE SAFETY TRAINING IN THE FUTURE
The Human Resources Department is pleased to announce that Options for Learning has partnered with ICW Group (the agency's workers' compensation carrier) to offer online learning safety training. In the future, Human Resources plans to email assignments for safety training videos to staff through Safety on Demand – Bridge.
All staff were sent an introduction email last week. Staff can contact ICW's Online Learning Support Center at 800-715-3430 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. if they need online support when assigned a training. (Please note: To date, staff have not yet been assigned any trainings.) Please do not contact the support center unless you are having difficulty with your training module.
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DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT FOR 2020-21 IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING
Options for Learning encourages employees to participate in activities that increase their overall fitness and health. Increased fitness reduces injuries, reduces or eliminates lost time from work, and provides a general sense of well-being. The agency offers a reimbursement of up to $50 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) for the purchase of an approved fitness item. All Options for Learning employees (excluding on-call and temporary employees) are eligible to apply. Learn more and submit your reimbursement request online. Don't forget that the fitness reimbursement information can also be found on the Company section of Paylocity.
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STAFF TRANSITION: PATTI MARQUEZ MOVES FROM SURROUND CARE TO HEAD START SOUTH EL MONTE
Patti Marquez, most recently a family services coordinator for Surround Care (SC) for almost eight years, will begin her new role this Monday as the child and family services manager for Head Start South El Monte. SC Director Rosemary Olachea-Heaslip had this to say: "This will be a professional growth opportunity for Patti within our Options for Learning family. I am beyond happy about her being offered a new challenge with Head Start — and happier that she will stay within the agency. Patti has contributed so much to our division throughout these years. I am very grateful for her dedication, her calm demeanor and supportive manner with staff and parents, and especially her sense of humor that has seen us through many challenges." Best wishes in your new role, Patti!
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DEMYSTIFYING PTO CASHOUTS
Employees may be confused about how personal time off (PTO) cashouts are handled at Options for Learning. We are providing some clarification and information about how it works.
The agency has a policy that includes restrictions regarding cashing out PTO, but we are offering this one-time cashout opportunity for all employees. We are doing so because many staff have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, and this is our way to offer some flexibility and support.
Cashing out PTO:
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Is a taxable occurrence because it is considered income. Just as taxes are taken out when you use your PTO, the same is true for cash-outs.
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Is not added to your regular pay. You are not taxed more, as you would be with overtime or excess hours per week. A separate payment is issued for these funds.
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Can be an excellent way to pay down credit card or student debt, build an emergency fund, or pay for an important life event. Sign up or use your free financial wellness benefit, SmartDollar, to find out what you can do with some extra cash.
- Is a great option for those who are close to hitting their maximum PTO accrual amount.
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May not be for everyone. Always consult your tax preparer/advisor before making decisions.
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REMINDER: DEADLINE FOR FINAL PTO CASHOUT IS MAY 17 |
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Important notes to keep in mind:
- Staff may cash out PTO once during this special opportunity, paid at the current rate of pay.
- Maximum cashout amounts and minimum PTO balances after the payout are available on the proration table below.
- The final deadline to request a payout is Monday, May 17, for a payout on Friday, May 28.
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To request a cashout, please email Jeannie Wu and include the following: number of hours you wish to cash out, your legal name (not nickname), your division/department, and your title/position.
The Payroll Department will calculate PTO balances as of the period ending May 15. Please note: The PTO payout will be subject to all regular payroll withholdings and deductions. For employees who receive a paper paycheck, the PTO cash-out will be paid on the first paycheck of the month following the submission deadline.
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ROSA GUARDADO
Rosa is a family service advocate for Full-day Preschool and celebrated her eighth anniversary at Options for Learning yesterday.
What was the last book you read?
Vicios y Virtudes
What is your favorite movie and why?
Ben-Hur. I like it because it shows values, compassion, forgiveness and love for family.
If you could eat only one food for an entire year, what would it be?
Tacos de Asada
What is something you get wrong almost every time you do it?
Crochet
Would you rather lose the ability to read or the ability to speak?
Probably the ability to speak. If I could still read, I would be able to write, read and communicate with others.
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Should you know of a staff member who recently experienced a loss or is facing a challenging time and would appreciate being acknowledged here, please let us know. We would also like to include births, marriages, and other milestone accomplishments within the Options for Learning community of staff. Please feel free to share your news, along with a photo, by emailing the Communications Department.
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The staff newsletter is emailed semi-monthly on pay dates.
We welcome submissions and feedback. Please feel free to send
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