Newsletter for employees of the Tippecanoe School Corporation
TSC Matters
Transportation safety message
In memory of the students killed and injured at a bus stop near Rochester, the Tippecanoe School Corporation will display black ribbons on school buses, as authorized by the Indiana State Police. Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to all those affected.

Bus with black ribbon
Alert system test
Test of TSC alert system
The TSC will conduct a test of its alert system this week.

We want to make sure everyone is correctly signed up to receive email and/or text notifications if there was a delay or cancellation.

PSFTC grants awarded
The Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County has awarded several Seeds of Excellence grants to local teachers. The winners from TSC include:

  • Jennifer Koning, Burnett Creek Elementary, "Game on with Social Studies"
  • Sara Wright, Wea Ridge Elementary, "Developing an Interactive Playground"
  • Lisa Goodman, Battle Ground Elementary, "Kinder-Garden"
  • Sharita Ware, East Tipp Middle, "A Cut Above the Rest"

The winners will be recognized at a ceremony at 5 pm November 15 at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette.
teachers listening to presentation at workshop
It Takes Two workshop
We all know that it takes a village to raise a child and in our schools it takes special education and general education teachers working together to help all students be successful. About 90 educators attended the It Takes Two workshop to learn strategies to help all students.

New graduation requirement workshop
Join the high school counselors and special education department chairs for a training on the new Indiana graduation requirements. The session will cover diploma track options, how to prepare students and plan with parents.

When:  Thursday, November 29 from 4:30-5:30 pm
Where:  McCutcheon High School, Auditorium Lecture Rooms
Who:  All elementary, middle and high school special education teachers and GLASS specialists

Please RSVP by completing this  Google form  by November 20. 

PERSONNEL MATTERS
Benefit open enrollment
Open enrollment #2 is now through November 16 for plan changes effective January 1, 2019. 

Click here for the 2019 health plan information and rate sheets.


keyboard-sm.jpg
Tax reform changes
As the IRS implements tax reforms, check this page for updates and resources to learn how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) affects you.

The amount of income tax that is withheld from your pay depends on the amount you earn and the information you give on your Form W-4.

Use the Withholding Calculator to estimate if you need to make changes.
Contribution limit changes
In 2019, 403(b) and 457 maximum limit on contributions increase to $19,000. Please read other highlights as released from the IRS .

Keep your info current
Please remember to log in to the Payroll Portal before the end of the year to review your address information. If updates are needed, you can request an update through the portal or complete the change of information form .

HEALTH MATTERS
INtegrate
November

A healthier lifestyle with nutrition

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s a good time to consider the facts about type 2 diabetes. Click  here  for tips to prevent type 2 diabetes and other health problems like heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.

group stretching on Dayton gym floor
How do you INtegrate?
Be sure to use   #TSCINtegrate   to encourage others when you tweet/post pictures and of how you are integrating movement into your daily routine. Check out this group from Dayton getting stretched out for a day of learning.

Personal coaching program
NuStart's personal coaching program can help you live healthier and feel better. Don't just take our word for it. Hear from actual participants.

"I have lost 50 pounds and have created a healthy and balanced lifestyle focused on making healthier choices. My coaches at NuStart have made all the difference and have helped me every step of the way." Hallie K.

Click here if you are ready to get started with a personal coach.

Mindfulness Matters
Focused attention practice
Focused attention practice is a term adopted as part of the TSC’s Educational Neuroscience Common Language . By definition, it is an exercise to quiet the thousands of thoughts that distract each of us daily. Synonyms include: quiet, calm, predictable, routine, mindfulness. Benefits include: Helping to control behavior, thinking through problems, weighing right and wrong, considering consequences, helping in organization. 
What is mindfulness? Check out this clip to learn more. 
TECHNOLOGY TIP
Google Slides: Automatically transcribe speech into captions
When you present slides, you can now enable automatic captions of your voice to display in real time at the bottom of the screen. In presentation mode, click the "CC Captions" option in the presenter toolbar, then allow the site to use the microphone on your computer. Once you complete these steps, you'll see the real time captions of your voice displayed beneath your slides. More information about this feature can be found here .
INSPIRATION MATTERS
With Kathy Nimmer
Kathy and Nacho
On a recent speaking trip to Eau Claire, WI, I visited Carson Park, a huge swath of land in the middle of the city, set aside for recreation and nature. There, I sat on a wooden dock jutting out into a lake. In the distance, I heard traffic, but near me, there was nothing but the soft splash of waves and the flutter of wind against my jacket. It was serene. I believe I enjoyed that half hour more than any other during the trip, yet there were no spotlights, microphones, standing-room-only audiences, book signings, or reporters. It was what I needed and didn't even know I needed. I challenge you to find such serenity yourself somewhere in your own world. You won't regret it.

EMPLOYEES MATTER
Deb Arihood
Employee Name: Deb Arihood
Years with TSC: 23
Position: Title I paraprofessional, Dayton Elementary School
Why is TSC a great place to work : We have such a talented and caring staff at Dayton and we all work together to give our students the best possible days. I am lucky to be able to work with students who touch our hearts every day. I can't imagine a better place to spend my time helping and encouraging children as they learn.
Lisa Hatke
Employee Name: Lisa Hatke
Years with TSC: 4
Position: Clerical aide, Student Services, Harrison High School
Why this employee makes TSC great: Mrs. Hatke greets students and guests to our student services department every day with professionalism and a smile. She makes the student services department at Harrison great because she clearly loves her job and she is wonderful at interacting with our students.
TSC CALENDAR

November 21-23 - No school, Thanksgiving
December 21 - End of second nine weeks and end of first semester
December 24 - No school, winter break begins
January 7 - Professional day - staff only
January 8 - Students return to school