Dear Saginaw ISD,
On Tuesday evening, October 17, 2023, at our regularly scheduled Saginaw Intermediate School District school board meeting, I was recognized as the 2024 Michigan Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA) www.sisd.cc/article/1296661.
My recognition represents the first time in Michigan that an ISD Superintendent has ever won this statewide award, dating back to 1988, and only the second time this award has been recognized in Saginaw County (Foster B. Gibbs, 1989, Saginaw Public School District).
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I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. But, more importantly, this acknowledgment represents a reflective testament to the fantastic school systems, educational leadership, and servant leaders that we have all collaboratively helped to establish and support throughout Saginaw County. As a positive indicator for our “SAGINAWesome” community, this recognition acts as a hallmark tribute to our vision and the enriching work we are all doing together. This truly is an “All of Us” award.
Yours in Education,
Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier
@JeffreyJCollier
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"Dr. Collier's Compass Reflections" features a variety of content providing an insight into my leadership philosophies that may include: wisdom tales, enlightening podcasts, thoughtful memes, inspiring leadership quotes, motivating videos, etc., all aimed at providing leadership reflections and opportunities to challenge our collaborative growth to serve, innovate, and empower.
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A PODCAST THAT IS BLOWING MY MIND: |
In the podcast titled “First Interview in the MetaVerse with Lex Friedman and Mark Zuckerberg,” we get a deep reveal into the possible future of communication with mixed and extended realities in the metaverse and the evolving role of technology in shaping human interactions and experiences. The future is here for a more immersive and interconnected digital world, and my mind is racing with creative ideas for the potential positive implementation and impact for education. |
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A QUOTE I REFLECT UPON EVERY DAY: |
"One day or day one. You decide." This reflective quote by Paulo Coelho conveys the idea that you have a choice to either procrastinate and wait for the future or take action and start working on your goals today. It encourages a proactive mindset, emphasizing that every day is an opportunity to begin your journey toward achieving your ambitions. Ultimately, it's a call to make a decision and take the first step towards your aspirations rather than deferring them indefinitely. |
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A VIDEO THAT HAS ME INSPIRED: |
In this video, Jacob Collier (not related, but seems very cool 🙂) invites a live audience to participate in a spontaneous choir performance. I love the magic moments of this captured experience as a powerful example of “commUNITY” when beautiful harmonies and melodies are created in real-time by a collective group of people collaborating for a common purpose. |
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"DID YOU KNOW" with Deputy Superintendent Scott Sawyer
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DID YOU KNOW: that all Saginaw ISD employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System (MPSERS)?
In this month's "Did You Know" column, we want to remind you of an essential aspect of your employment with Saginaw Intermediate School District. Your future retirement and benefits are an integral part of your employment, and we want to ensure you have all the tools and resources you need to manage them effectively.
The Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) is your go-to resource for all matters related to your MPSERS retirement benefits. This includes managing your retirement account, calculating your future pension, and handling other important benefits information. Whether you're a seasoned veteran in the education system or just starting your career, ORS provides a user-friendly online platform that allows you to stay informed and take control of your retirement planning.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN GET STARTED:
1. Create or Login to Your ORS Account:
To begin managing your retirement benefits, you can create a new account if you haven't already done so. Simply visit the ORS website and follow the instructions to set up your miAccount. If you already have an account, you can log in to access your information.
2. Access Valuable Resources:
Once logged in, you'll have access to a treasure trove of resources and tools to help you understand your retirement benefits better. These resources include retirement plan details, pension calculators, and guidance on planning for your future.
3. Stay Informed:
Regularly log in to your account to keep track of your benefit statements, ensure your beneficiary information is up-to-date, and explore other features that ORS offers to help you make informed decisions about your retirement.
Your retirement is a significant part of your financial future, and being informed and proactive is key. The ORS platform is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to plan for your retirement with confidence. If you have any questions or need assistance, the ORS customer service team is ready to help. You can reach out to them through the contact information provided on their website or at (800) 381-5111.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work at Saginaw ISD. Your well-being and financial security matter to us, and we want to support you in every way we can. Take advantage of the resources provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services and make the most of your MPSERS benefits.
Stay tuned for more "Did You Know" updates in the future, and have a fantastic month!
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"HOW TO" with Chief of Staff Coty Kuschinsky
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HOW TO: use Saginaw ISD branded templates for Google Suite.
In this month's "How To" let's talk about Saginaw ISD branded templates that you can use for Google Slides, Google Meet, Google Docs, and Google Forms.
- Please navigate to our website at sisd.cc and click on the "STAFF QUICKLINKS"
- Next, click on "Brand Guidelines" underneath the "CULTURE" column.
- Scroll to the "Misc. Communications" section and click on the buttons of resources that you may need to use (pictured below).
The resources have step-by-step directions on how to install the templates and options to download Zoom/Google Meet backgrounds as well as Google Form headers.
NOTE: Please try your best to delete any old templates that have our old green logo, the Venn Diagram logo, or past board members and addresses.
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As we reflect on the past month's activities, it's captivating to see the stories that resonated deeply within our community. Through our collective authorship initiative, Our Story, our dedicated staff members have shared compelling narratives, moments, and milestones from across Saginaw ISD. We are thrilled to highlight the top three highest engaged media content from our platforms – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – that garnered significant attention. These posts not only celebrate our district's achievements but also emphasize the strength of our unified voice. Read on to discover which moments captured our community's heart. |
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FACEBOOK HIGHLIGHTED POST |
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Author: Brigette Uhrich
The SOAR students in Mrs. McCommon's craft classes knitted these cute little hats to donate to Covenant Healthcare’s NICU. #SaginawISD #sisdtransitionscenter #SOARing #OurStory
Reach: 34,620 Reactions/Likes: 645
Comments: 32 Shares: 22
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Author: Scott Sawyer
Deputy Superintendent @ScottNSawyer had a great time getting to know his new colleague Robert Craig who works to build independence skills for students at the Transitions Center. #OurStory #SaginawISD
Impressions: 131 Engagements: 18
Engagement Rate: 13.7%
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INSTAGRAM HIGHLIGHTED POST |
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Author: Coty Kuschinsky
Chief of Staff Coty Kuschinsky visited Ojibway Island this morning for the unveiling of a new Native American Land Acknowledgment Marker! #IndigenousPeoplesDay
Reach: 149 Likes: 18 Impressions: 194
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TOTAL STORIES SHARED SINCE JANUARY 2023: 1,600+
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Beneath the Our Story umbrella, our Celebrating Leadership initiative shines a light on the myriad of achievements of Saginaw ISD team members, from certificates and degree advancements to board service and awards. Anyone within our organization can nominate a colleague, equitably ensuring every act of leadership is recognized. Nominees are celebrated through a dedicated article and honored at our monthly board of education meetings. Join us in applauding the diverse ways our members contribute to and enrich our community. |
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We have randomly pulled our winner for the month of October and have the surprise scheduled! In the meantime (enjoy this photo of Spark, the Orange Frog, dressed up as Batman), please make sure you are participating in nominating your co-workers for an Orange Spot!
WHAT IS IT?
At Saginaw ISD, the Orange Spot program is a recognition initiative underneath the "Our Story" umbrella that celebrates staff members who demonstrate positive behavior in the workplace. Similar to an employee of the month program, Orange Spot winners are chosen once a month from nominations submitted through our Thrillshare platform using the "Our Story" authorship program. Staff members who exhibit "orange" behavior, such as going above and beyond in their work, demonstrating kindness and respect to others, and embodying the district's core values, are eligible for the award. The Orange Spot program is a way for the district to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of its staff members and to encourage a positive and supportive work environment.
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