September 16, 2016


Calendar of Events
2016-17 Calendar
2016-17 Key Dates
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD Campus Connection
We are pleased to bring you the first installment in our new video series, I Carry the Torch! 

This week's spotlight is on Boswell High School AP teacher Casey Gause. Gause was named EMS Secondary Teacher of the Year and Boswell High School Teacher of the Year for 2016. 

"Mr. Gause is an incredible asset to our students," said Nika Davis, Boswell High School Principal. "He has an incredible heart for students and a true passion for learning that inspires everyone. Many choose to take both of his AP classes and fulfill the 'Gause Experience.' We are truly blessed to have Mr. Gause teach, inspire, and serve as a role model to our students."

 Casey Gause, Carrying the Torch for EMS ISD 
Click image above to play video. 

Gause has spent his entire 15-year teaching career at BHS. Thank you Casey for Carrying the Torch for EMS ISD!

*All "I Carry the Torch" participants are nominated by their immediate supervisor. 
Nominate your favorite educator for HEB's Excellence in Education Award

Do you know a teacher, principal, or other educator who deserves recognition for all the time and dedication they put into their role in and out of the classroom? Now's your chance to show your appreciation for their hard work by nominating a hardworking EMS ISD educator for HEB's Excellence in Education Award. Nominations are available 
here through October 23, 2016. 

The nomination process only takes a matter of minutes. The winning teachers receive $5,000-$10,000 for themselves as well as another $5,000-$10,000 in campus grants that benefit EMS ISD students and staff. Help show your appreciation with this simple nomination!
Compliance Training 2016 - Deadline approaching soon! 
 
All EMS ISD employees are required to complete state mandated trainings each year. Compliance training for the 2016-17 school year is available online through September 29. 

Professional Compliance Bundle 2016
The professional learning compliance  
bundle for teachers, administrators, and other certified staff includes sections for counseling, human resources, health services, technology, special education, and professional learning. Please respond to the practice quizzes at the end of each section. To receive credit, all sections must be complete and a score of 100 percent earned on the final assessment. 

Basic Compliance Bundle 2016
The basic compliance bundle for paraprofessionals, auxiliary, and administrative non-instructional staff includes sections for counseling, human resources, and health services. Please respond to the practice quizzes at the end of each section. To receive credit, all sections must be complete and a score of 100 percent earned on the final assessment. 

*Upon completion, staff members will receive a certificate to print and provide to their immediate supervisor.  

Click here here for instructions on how to access the compliance bundles.
It's that time of year again!

Employee scholarship applications are available online now through October 11. You can apply online at: www.emsef.org/for-employees.

Scholarships support employees in pursuing college degrees or certifications that will enhance their skills to ultimately benefit the students of the EMS ISD.
State Fair tickets - Coming Soon!
Enjoy FREE admission to the Fried Food Capital of Texas®!
    
The State Fair of Texas has donated complimentary admission tickets to all EMS ISD students and employees for the 2016 State Fair of Texas. 
 
The 2016 Texas State Fair is September 30 through October 23 at Fair Park in Dallas. 

Each EMS ISD student and employee will receive one ticket. Tickets will be distributed to all campuses soon. 

Click here to visit the official State Fair of Texas website. 
Important news about TRS-ActiveCare ID Cards

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the new TRS-ActiveCare ID cards. Please contact your Aetna BA Advocate for additional questions or concerns at 1-877-767-5254 or email them at TRSbainquiries@aetna.com.
 
Will employees enrolled in the TRS-ActiveCare plan receive new ID cards? No, an employee will not receive a new ID card if the employee did not:
  • Make changes during annual enrollment.
  • Change his/her plan (for example, from ActiveCare 2 to ActiveCare 1-HD), or add dependents.
ID cards are only generated when there are status changes on the electronic enrollment file or if processed in the Mesa enrollment portal.
 
When does Aetna send a new ID card? A new ID card is sent when an employee:
  • Changes his/her plan (for example, from ActiveCare 2 to Select), or adds new dependents
  • Has a change in address such as adding or removing an apartment number
  • Changes his/her name or a dependent's name such as adding or deleting a middle initial.
  •  Enrolls in the plan for the first time.
What should the employee do if they receive more than one set of ID cards? Typically, the last ID card the employee receives is the most current. However, the employee should look at the ID to be sure it includes the correct dependent, plan name, and information. Once confirmed, you may dispose of the inaccurate ID card.
 
Other Important Tips:
  • Employees can use the Aetna Mobile App to access their ID card or print one from their secure Navigator portal.
  • Customer service is available for new card requests (1-800-222-9205). Cards take 7-10 business days to arrive.  
  • ActiveCare Select Whole Health ID cards are gold.
Health, wellness, and safety opportunities 

Mammogram Screenings 

The district has partnered with Texas Health to provide digital mammogram screenings for current and retired EMS ISD employees. Screenings will be offered at the Hafley Development Center on Thursday, October 6. 

To schedule your screening, please call: 1-855-318-7696, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. 

Eligibility for Mammogram Screening: 
-Women 35 years of age and older
-Have no personal history of breast cancer 
-Do not have breast implants 
-Have no known breast lumps or other breast problems 
-Are not pregnant or haven't breastfed in the last 6 months
-Have not received a mammogram in the past 12 months

Please bring your insurance card and drivers license or state issued ID to your appointment.

Please click here for additional information. 


Fall wellness challenge: Start a new healthy habits!

This year's fall wellness challenge will begin on Monday, September 19, and end on Monday, October 10. The three-week challenge encourages participants to choose and practice one healthy habit a day, which in turn, will create a lasting change and support a healthier lifestyle. 

Click here for additional information and here to sign up. 

All participants will receive a prize at the end of the three-week challenge. 

Contact Evette Bluitt, Risk Management Coordinator, with questions: ebluitt@ems-isd.net


'Safety Snippets'
The district's risk management service provides regular tips to help employees stay safe in the workplace. The current "Safety Snippets, "What should you do about safety? S.L.A.M. It!" focuses on the importance of stopping, looking, assessing, and managing unsafe environments. Click here to learn more. 
Every vote counts 

EMS ISD will serve as a polling location for this year's early voters. Early voting is Monday, October 24, through Friday, November 4, in Building Six (training room) at the Administration Complex. 

The General Election is Tuesday, November 8. The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, October 11. 

Click here for voter registration information and here for voter ID information.
Coming Soon!
Celebrating strong history, culture, tradition, and future!

EMS ISD is excited to announce the new 2016-2017 video series, "Did You Know," celebrating the long history and proud tradition of EMS ISD and the communities we serve, and to embrace the district's innovative growth and culture of excellence.
 
"Did You Know" is a 30-second video that will provide fun and interesting facts, stories, and trivia. Each video will feature archived material from both EMS ISD and city records. Stay tuned! 
Employee Perk of the Week

The Saginaw UPS store is this week's Perk Spotlight of the Week. The store is located at 1209 N Saginaw Blvd., in the same shopping center as Albertsons. A valued community partner with EMS ISD, the UPS Store in Saginaw offers a local one-stop shop for printing, copying, packaging, and mailing services. Click here to visit their website for additional services.  

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD has partnered with businesses around the area to offer employee discounts on products and services including: medical, car repair, phone service, flower arrangements, cosmetics, and more. 

Click here to view additional employee perks. Be sure to check back periodically, as discounts and partnerships may change. 
About Our People 

Brent Barker, Athletic Director

EMS Athletic Director Brent Barker was inducted into the Faulkner University Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 10, in Montgomery, Ala. 

Barker previously worked at Faulkner University, serving as the athletic director and head football, baseball, and golf coach. Barker is credited for bringing football to Faulkner University more than 10 years ago. 

"My 14 years at Faulkner University were very rewarding both, personally and professionally," said Brent Barker, EMS Athletic Director. "The countless memories experienced in Montgomery will always hold a special place in my heart." 

Congratulations Coach Barker. We are #emsproud of you!  

About Our People 

How do I get mentioned in "About Our People"?
  
We want to hear from you! Submit your good news for "About Our People" to Megan Carradine in the Communications Department at mcarradine@ems-isd.net. 
  
Examples of items to submit for About Our People:
  • Employees who receive awards for their professional accomplishments
  • Employees elected to serve in professional organizations
  • Employees who give presentations at meetings/conferences
  • Employees who publish articles or books
  • Those who receive grants or are selected for scholarships  
  • Showcasing a department, campus, teacher, program, coach, etc.
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD | info@ems-isd.net | http://www.emsisd.com
1200 Old Decatur Road
Fort Worth, TX 76179
Fostering a Culture of Excellence!

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