2015-16 OAISD Interworkings, Issue1 by Ottawa Area Intermediate Sch. Dist.

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

on the

Cover Maranda Park Party Kollen Park, Holland July 16, 2015

Contents fall

2015

table of

3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent’s Message 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newsbits

5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ottawa Area Schools Doing More. Together. 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annual Celebration Breakfast: Enjoy the Ride! 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet Pete 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CTC Career Camp Continues to Grow 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REMC7 Wins State Award 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OAC Summer Session 14-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet Your Colleague 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer—A Time to Get futurePREP’d 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pet Parade 18-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Building Pride 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Welcome New Employees 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IT’s Cool

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Superintendent’s Message

Enjoy the Ride As We Define Our Collective Purpose As I sat down to compose my first written message to nearly 500 of the newest people in my life, I began reflecting on my first weeks at OAISD, and the term that consistently came to mind was “new.” There is much to be said about learning a new role, while meeting so many new people at the same time. It suffices to say, while I have much to learn and many to get to know, it is clear to me there is a great deal to appreciate about this remarkable new opportunity. And, like Steve Gilliland said at the annual Celebration Breakfast event, I plan to enjoy the ride.

word “disability” is a pet peeve of mine, I then talk about how excited I am to be a part of providing services to students with all different types of learning needs, and at a much broader age range than those I served in a local district. I have some work to do to complete each of those conversations. It’s important work, and I embrace the opportunity. If we could only eliminate the term “disability” from the English language.

In the spirit of that idea and all things new, I’d like to propose a new entry in Webster’s next edition. I propose a term that represents our efforts to I thought you might enjoy some respond to individual learning needs and insight into my transition which to provide opportunities that celebrate included a move of residence. My the unique talents of each child. This [dif-ey-buh-ld] family and I are now settled into term describes the way we seek to noun a new home on the “quieter” identify what is unique about each 1. combination of “differently enabled.” side of the bridge in Spring child we serve before we prescribe adjective Lake Township, but in the for his or her instructional needs. It Grand Haven School District describes how we serve the “differently 2. to identify what is unique about each child served, before determining their - frankly, closer to Ferrysburg enabled.” I propose we squeeze that instructional needs. than anywhere else. And, for into a new term: DIFFABLED. This the first time we have neighbors… term is not meant to be used as a label much closer than we could have ever rather one that celebrates the fact that imagined, but all is well! all human beings are differently enabled. I know, it might sound corny… but doesn’t it more One of the most intriguing rituals I’ve accurately reflect our passion for providing the best encountered while meeting new people in the area is possible educational experience for each child? telling them what I do “for a living.” I always begin by saying, “I work in the public schools, for Ottawa Area ISD.” Almost I like it. Although, I notice it has a squiggly line underneath on without exception, I am greeted with a puzzled look that’s often my Word document. My next letter is to Microsoft! followed by the question, “What is an ISD?” I’m certain many Thank you for the warm welcome to the OAISD neighborhood! of you have had the same experience. Some people actually ask I look forward to meeting each and every one of you as we move the question, but others just have it written on their face. So I forward together on this journey to inspire and cultivate the go on to explain that we provide highly specialized instructional potential of the students we serve, working collectively to fulfill services for a variety of student populations and follow with a a common purpose. list of core services we provide beyond direct instruction.

diffabled

Invariably their response is, “Oh, you work with children with disabilities.” Yeah, they didn’t hear me, or maybe I need to refine my explanation. While trying to hide the fact that the

Pete Haines

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Newsbits

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

. . . things that are good to know

Professional Development

Did you know OAISD offers free Professional Development for its employees? Classes are offered both online and in person. Weekday sessions start after 4:00. Saturday sessions end before noon. Learn more here, including dates and times.

Health$hares Fitness Library Relocates

Tech

Over the summer, every ESB conference room received a new audio/visual (AV) system. To help you navigate this new system, the Technology Services team created and posted detailed instructions next to the AV touch panel in every conference room. If you would like help using the system for an upcoming conference or meeting, please create a work order for assistance prior to the event. As always, contact the Help Desk at ext. 3000 if you have questions.

United for a Cause

Cooler temps bring football games, tailgating, and the kick-off of fundraising efforts for United Way! At the annual Indoor Tailgate in October, ESB employees supported their favorite college football team and raised $270 for United Way. In November, the ever-popular Chili Cook-off rustled up $214 with a new twist when CBI students and staff visited and did the cooking. The annual Online Auction where employees donate handmade items, service gifts, or delicious baskets of goodies is on deck for December so keep an eye out for more information on how to donate and buy. And kicking off the new year will be French Toast Friday’s. Yum! With everyone’s participation, we can make this school year’s fundraising our best ever.

Health$hares Fitness Library is now located just inside the door of the west end of the Instructional Services department across from Stacey Sills in the ESB. Check out information on healthier living or borrow a workout video to try out at home. All are provided free of charge.

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DMTnews Doing More. Together. DMT Partner Update

Ottawa Area Schools Doing More. Together. initiative is proud to partner with 29 local businesses and community organizations including the newest partners: • Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce • Ottawa County Deputy Sheriff ’s Association • Sweet Temptations Rose Zainea-Wieten, executive director of the Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce, says she sees a great deal of value to a program such as this.

Employees Participate in Maranda Park Party to Build Community Awareness of Education Services Representatives from OAISD and Holland and Zeeland Public Schools participated in the promotion of the Doing More. Together. initiative at the Maranda Park Party at Kollen Park in Holland in July. A recordbreaking crowd of over 8,000 families came out to enjoy the fun and free family-centered activities, and many had the opportunity to learn more about the excellent educational options in the region. Holland Public Schools Communications Coordinator Tom Page who helped with the DMT tent shared his appreciation for the coordinated effort to promote area schools. “The OAISD group had everything set up perfectly,” Page said. “We took advantage of Maranda’s ability to bring big crowds of young families together and were able to represent the wonderful schools in our area well. Chalk another one up for Doing More. Together.” A team from OAISD’s Early Childhood Education department also attended the park party to inform community members of the resources available to them and their children through OAISD.

“Ottawa area schools think ‘outside the box’ to provide unique educational experiences for their students which in turn helps Coopersville and the greater region remain a vibrant, active place to live, work and play,” Zainea-Wieten said. “This partnership initiative offers a much needed outlet to celebrate the high-quality education Ottawa area schools provide as they prepare area youth to be the savvy business leaders of tomorrow.”

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We are continually looking for OAISD employees to contribute DMT story ideas and appreciate your help to promote the initiative with family, friends and other community groups!

“It is always a good time getting out and talking with families with young children,” Kathy Peppin, early childhood coordinator, said about the event. “They are especially excited when we tell them about the potential for free Great Start Readiness Preschool, Early Childhood resources and upcoming events in our community!”

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Enjoy the Ri

OAISD Celebration

Over 450 OAISD employees took over the Doubletree Inn & Resort in Holland on September 3 for the annual Celebration Breakfast and enjoyed catching up with familiar colleagues, meeting new co-workers, eating a delicious breakfast, and getting “Ready, Set, Go!” – the event theme - to officially launch the 2015-16 school year. “I always look forward to the excitement in the air surrounding the new school year,” Denise Dhuse, human resources specialist, said. “It’s nice to see people reconnecting after time off and having the entire group together in one setting.”

(L-R): Nate Vandam, Josh Bourdon, Mike Mummert, and Ryan Crockford 6

Dawn Hoffman, administrative assistant for the Ottawa Area Center, shared her positive feelings about the event. “It’s nice to see staff members from other buildings who we may speak/work with all year, but rarely get to see in person,” Dawn said. OAISD employees happily welcomed back Hall of Fame speaker Steve Gilliland as the Celebration Breakfast keynote, and laughed aloud to his humorous yet inspirational message, “Enjoy the Ride.” Telling funny anecdotes sandwiched between thoughtprovoking statements, Gilliland’s takeaway for the group was if you want to achieve true success and fulfillment, discover an enthusiasm for your work and personal life and, “Enjoy the Ride!”

(L-R): Tracy Burklow, Heather Hester, Maggie Whal

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

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This annual breakfast event also serves as a great opportunity to introduce new employees to the culture of the organization. This year, one of those new employees was our new superintendent, Pete Haines.

(L-R): Pam Fodrocy, Denise Callaghan, Board VP Jose Gomez, Cheryl King, Jill Landman, Amanda Schuster, Nicole Gitler, and Ben Gitler

“I was left a bit speechless by not only the message from our speaker, but the reaction in the room,” said Pete. “I am eager to have opportunities for more personal connections to the members of this great family.” Along with Gilliland, Pete is encouraging all employees to “Enjoy the Ride!”

ey, Rachel Brunink-Morlock, Amanda Meengs, and Kim Tufer.

(L-R): Diane Graf, Kathleen Niemerowicz, Brie Floyd, Lucas Bultema, Lynette Brown, Connie Mitchel, Missy Meekhof, and Pat Oosterhouse.

(L-R): Jack Terhaar, John Holdmann, Bill Campbell, Will Tenter, Rock Ruthsatz, Terry Kraker, Scott Hale, Jonathan Yonker, and Steve VanDyke.

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

Meet Pete You Asked, Pete Answered! Thank you everyone for your question submissions for Meet Pete. We received nearly 20 questions. Pete randomly drew and answered the 10 questions below, and will answer the rest throughout the year via email updates or other communication. Remember, the opinions expressed here are purely for fun, any disagreements on hockey teams and favorite places to travel must be taken up with the man himself.

OAISD: What is your favorite NHL team?

Pete: Sorry, this one is too obvious. I’m all about the Redwings. I don’t keep a lot of sports memorabilia, but the Justin Abdelkader autographed Redwings hat is in my office today.

What is your favorite restaurant in Ottawa County so far?

We have many yet to visit, but I will say we really enjoyed the Piper. Its recent closure is a terrible loss to the community. Incredible salmon!

If you could personally witness anything that has ever happened, what would you want to have seen?

I’d have been happy to have cheap seats in a stable in Bethlehem, a little over 2,000 years ago.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school and why?

Mr. (Tom) Maurer. Mr. Maurer made me think like no other in my time in school. He taught me math…but so much more about people.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Truly, anywhere, so long as both daughters can join. That gets more difficult as they grow up.

If you could repeat one vacation that you’ve taken in your life, which would it be and why?

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We traveled to South Dako ta as a family. We were moved by the simplicity. It wasn’t so much about being tourists, as engaging in a part of our country we didn’t know. My daughters Olivia and Rachel panned for gold, participated in a dinosaur dig, and we were able to to keep four small rocks from the carvings at Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse to place in our home landscaping. Those four rocks stood out oddly on our real estate listing as property to be retained by the seller.

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

ier

ld o S n o i t c A g n i k l a G.I. Joe T How long have you been married?

I had to bite my tongue to avoid a smart response to this one. J I married my high school sweetheart, now 26 years ago. But, she says she gets credit for 32, as we dated for six years prior. No parole in sight.

Crazy Horse

If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?

Geez. This one ought to be easy. I loved Saturday mornings and even Batman after school. But, I can’t imagine any of them I’d really want to be. That’s a ton of pressure! And, who wants all that attention? Not to mention unflattering attire.

What is the most surprising thing we don’t know about you?

I think you’d be surprised about my diverse and eclectic interests. Serving children is what I do for a career, because it seems so much more meaningful than other opportunities. But, I enjoy working with my hands. As a child, I was easily distracted, typically by opportunities to draw or make things from any material available. I enjoy cars, not for the flash, but for the cultural significance the automobile has in our world. I’ve restored classics, raced sports cars, but mostly celebrate the story each one would tell, if able.

What was your favorite toy growing up?

That’s an easy one, my favorite toy was the GI Joe Talking Action Soldier. When you pulled the red string, he would say “GI Joe, US Army, reporting for duty.”

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

CTC Career Camp

Breaks Attendance Record This summer, Career Camp—a one-week program held at CTC for middle school students—provided a record number of students with the chance to explore future career options in a safe, fun and hands-on learning environment. Since the program was reinstated in 2012, attendance at the annual camp has increased each year growing from 250 students the first year to 600 this summer. “Middle school is the perfect time for students to gain exposure to CTC so they can begin to think about how it might fit into their high school experience,” said Val Putnam, assistant superintendent for career and technical education and adult learning. “In addition to gaining real world experience and skills employers are looking for, with the right planning CTC programming can offset the high cost of college by allowing students to earn a significant amount of college credit before they graduate from high school.” The program offered twenty-two different career fields for students to explore including engineering, construction, culinary skills,

marketing and teaching, to name a few. A new addition to the programming this year was CSI Tech Center. Kristen Bunn, marketing and college liaison for CTC said, “Students in CSI Tech Center learned about working on a crime scene from a retired Ottawa County Deputy Sheriff who brought real-life experience to the classroom. The class filled up quickly so I’m sure it will be back next year!” “Career Camp is a fantastic way for middle school students to get to learn about CTC and themselves,” said Dave Searles, director for Careerline Tech Center. “Watching this program grow year after year tells us we are providing a needed service for OAISD students which makes us extremely proud.”

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

REMC7 Wins State Award The Regional Educational Media Center (REMC7) housed at the Educational Services Building and serving Ottawa and Allegan County schools, led the state for the greatest increase in cost savings on purchases made by non-profits in the state of Michigan with $1,653,759 through the REMC Association of Michigan $AVE Bid Project for the 2014/15 school year. The $AVE Bid Project allows ISDs and local districts to purchase everything from paper and pencils to computers, software, and hardware from approved REMC vendors at discounted prices through their local REMC. The Regional Educational Media Center Association of Michigan (REMCAM) $AVE Bid staff put all vendors who apply for the approved vendor list through a vigorous vetting process to ensure the quality of their goods and services.

One such program is the Blended Learning in the Classroom Project, co-authored and managed by Thorp, that prepares instructors to implement their own blended learning environment which combines both online and in-person learning experiences. The four-year-old and approximately half million-dollar project has benefited over 1,000 teachers statewide to date and is still in operation. Each REMC in the state is also awarded $2,000 to put toward their own professional development sessions or conferences thanks to the $AVE Bid savings. “We inform our affiliates and constituents about the $AVE Bids at meetings, and I introduce it at every PD offering,” said Thorp. “It’s rewarding to see our hard work pay off which in turn saves our districts money, but ultimately students throughout the region are the true benefactors of this great cost-saving program.”

“Our sales increased 40.3% over our past year in REMC7, which is Ottawa and Allegan counties,” said Anne Thorp, OAISD instructional technologist and REMC7 director. “Needless to say, we are pretty excited.” Thorp said qualifying orders can be made by one teacher, a building, or by an entire district. “Even hospitals can make purchases through this resource and REMC7 receives credit,” said Thorp. “Essentially, any non-profit in Ottawa and Allegan counties is eligible to use this service.” The money saved by districts is put back into the REMCAM budget and used to create statewide programs that impact all Michigan schools, educators and students.

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

OAC Summer Fun Bridging the Gap with Summer Services

For many Ottawa Area Center (OAC) The summer sessions allow students and instructors, the school year doesn’t end staff to focus on goals and objectives in in June. Summer school services for the classroom along with swimming, OAC students in the Severe Multiple working in the sensory room, and music. Impairment (SXI) and Severe With the warmer weather students also Cognitive Impairment (SCI) enjoy playing outside on the playground, programs along with students walking on the nature trail, or going on a who have moderate wagon rides. cognitive impairments or autism spectrum Another yearly summer activity disorder participate in for students involved in the educational programs 28-day program is a trip to These summer services provide through August. the Grand Haven Coast a bridge between the end of the Guard Festival downtown “Many students school year and the start of school carnival. Staff and students require consistency attended the annual allowing students to maintain their and struggle with “Special Needs Day” as skill level to be more successful.” transitions,” OAC guests of Skerbeck Family Director Brian Carnival and the Coast Brian Pianosi Pianosi, said. “These Guard Festival Committee. OAC Director summer services provide a bridge between “Most of our students wouldn’t the end of the school year have a chance to attend the and the start of school allowing carnival without this day set students to maintain their skill level aside just for them,” said Debbie to be more successful.” OAC offers both a Yonker, occupational therapist for 12-day program ending in July and a OAC. “Our kids may have mental 28-day program that runs through most impairments but they are kids first of August. and they still like to have fun.” Through contributions by a generous donor, Skerbeck Family Carnival and the Coast Guard Festival Committee an unlimited ride wristband, lunch, and even a stuffed animal were provided free of charge to all OAC students.

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Covenant Life Church generously offered their space to students and staff free of charge to use as a “home base” for eating, restrooms and cool shelter. With nearly 200 students attending, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) from Baker College-Muskegon volunteered their time to help with the students as a service learning project. Nearly 40 Baker students helped OAC students get on and off carnival rides and return to their transportation at the end of the day. “I enjoy giving the students something fun to look forward to,” said John Baker, Baker College PTA student. “I’m happy to help give them the opportunity to get out of their classrooms and enjoy the Coast Guard Festival carnival.”

Photo Credit: Grand Haven Tribune 13

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

Meet Your Colleague

Julia Plaggemeyer While many of us are trying to hang on to the last days of warmer weather, our new Human Resources Generalist Julia Plaggemeyer is already getting plans together for winter. “I’m looking forward to running in the winter,” she said. “I really like doing the Yankee Springs Winter Challenge, Frostbite Marathon Relay and training for my favorite race, the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon.” Julia attended Hope College for undergrad and has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. In Ann Arbor, she worked as a career services coordinator at Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living helping adults with disabilities get back into the workforce. While she and her husband, Bryce, loved living in Ann Arbor with their two young daughters, Olivia and Nora, she is excited their kids can grow up in the beautiful town of Holland.

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

zelle “We enjoy what West Michigan has to Girl Half offer like going to the beach, farmers’ market, Mar atho n the street performer series, and spending time with friends and family,” Julia said. “It’s so easy to take for granted that we only live a quarter mile from the beach when people drive for hours to enjoy our town.”

When asked about her favorite part of her job since starting at the end of June, she said the best thing so far is how everyone is so warm, welcoming and easy to work with. She also said that everyone who works here honestly likes it. So take a minute to stop by Julia’s office at the ESB. If you aren’t sure where it is, just look for maize and blue during football season. You can take the girl out of Ann Arbor, but you can’t take the Ann Arbor out of the girl.

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

Summer—A Time to Get futurePREP’d This summer, five ISD instructors participated in futurePREP’d programming—IChallengeU, IChallengeUth, Sundae School, and Unite4Insight—along with 105 other instructors from OAISD member schools. They learned new skills to bring back to their classrooms for more effective student engagement. Teachers who apply and are selected to work in the futurePREP’d programs participate in Project Based Learning (PBL) training through the Buck Institute for Education (BIE), a recognized leader in PBL training. This intense training which occurs prior to the program kick-offs focuses on bringing students into the learning experience through “driving questions” designed to make learning more meaningful and engaging for students. “Through PBL training, teachers are able to lead students to learn through real-life, connected experiences,” said Jason Pasatta, career and technical education development director. “Connecting classroom lessons to real-world careers and jobs enhances students’ learning experiences and helps to form critical thinking skills that will last a lifetime.”

Careerline Tech Center Teacher Academy Instructor Gwen Luban worked with Kids’ Food Basket (KFB), a nonprofit organization focused solely on childhood hunger.

“With the connections I made through Unite4Insight, my students will create an inaugural awareness campaign for staff and other CTC students to highlight the link between brain development/child “The IChallengeU program development and good nutrition,” Luban said. “By working directly with KFB, our education was a great experience. It students can see firsthand the impact that gave me a new way to look at project-based learning has on students so content and how I present it to they better understand the role they will move my classroom.” into as teachers.” Bill Wolbrink CTC Media Communications Instructor

“The IChallengeU program was a great experience. It gave me a new way to look at content and how I present it to my classroom,” said Bill Wolbrink, media communications instructor at CTC. “I really enjoyed interacting and working side-by-side with other OAISD teachers with different backgrounds and talents.”

Another summer program, Unite4Insight, which is offered in partnership with The Chamber- Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, gives teachers the opportunity to bring real-world learning back to OAISD classrooms. The program pairs veteran futurePREP’d educators with local businesses, June through August, to observe day-to-day business operations and get upto-speed on the real-world skills their students need in today’s workforce.

Luban also said she enjoyed working with and learning from other teachers from throughout the region. A connection made with a local elementary teacher who created a physical fitness calendar for his students seemed like a perfect pairing to benefit KFB for the long-term. “We plan to work together to create a tool for KFB coupling his fitness calendar with our nutrition information,” Luban said.

(L-R): Bill Wolbrink, Ken Toth, James Larsen and Gwen Luban. Not pictured-Nicole Gitler

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Parade Woodson and Pockets are the sun-loving felines who Cindy Carlson, instructor at Ottawa Area Center, and her family are proud to call their own. Woodson, who turned 18 in August, likes to spend his day drinking water out of faucets, playing with catnip and relaxing on laps—either Cindy’s or one belonging to a stuffed animal pig on her son’s dresser. Pockets, 13, is quite social and enjoys having Cindy’s husband, Ron, scratch her ears and watching birds and squirrels at the feeders outside their family room window. In fact, she is there so often the birds don’t even leave the feeder when she jumps on the back of the couch to observe. Sounds like a win-win.

Building Pride

Kudos Galore for Facilities and Tech Serv Staff in the Educational Services Building was literally “on the move” this summer as they transitioned to new workspace locations around the facility. It went so smoothly that it seemed as though it was no big deal. In reality, the smooth transition was due to excellent coordination, customer service, positive attitudes and patience. Many ESB employees expressed a desire to pass along special praise and thanks to members of the two departments that had a hand in moving everyone that relocated.

“The facilities staff was wonderful! They went out of their way to make the move as painless as possible. A lot of planning went into the move and it really paid off.”

“We moved ... who knew, it was so smooth! Thanks to our amazing staff!” “There are not enough positive things I can say about the I.T. and the Facilities team but I will try. From the flawless game plan (thank you Coach Angela Brown and Team Captain John Wujcik) to the seamless execution (thanks to Quarterback John, Running Backs: Adam Le and Ryan Crockford, and Receivers: Scott Hale, Bill Campbell and Phil Durek) the move went off without a fumble. Their agility, flexibility and willingness to serve, no matter the change of game plan, trick play or audible that was thrown at them, was amazing! They were the MVPs for our winning Super Move!”

“Technology and Facilities made the move possible. Both departments are always willing to do anything and they do it with a smile on their faces! Seamless and structured move with hard working awesome attitudes! Love our peeps!” “Big shout out to Bill Campbell and Scott Hale for double checking and triple checking to make sure I had enough boxes and always offering to help with the heavy stuff. Thank you for all you do—and the pleasant way you do those things. I appreciate their over-thetop customer service!”

John Wujc

“Adam and Mark from Tech Team totally rock and provided superior customer service as they had me up and running as soon as I moved in to my new digs. (I’m thinking Bill and Scott must have trained them!?)” “Did I mention Bill Campbell and Scott Hale? They put Two Men and a Truck to Shame!”

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“Our entire technology team is awesome! Wendy Beamer had her staff ready to hit the floor running. Adam Le (I.T.) and Ryan Crockford (Phone) met with me the day before my move to go over where I was moving. I came in the next morning at 7:30 a.m. and everything was already moved and working! No down time—I’ve never experienced anything like this. Impressive! That is what you call exceptional planning. Kudos to all!” “Scott Hale, with his upbeat attitude, was awesome in finding additional boxes for us—we let him know what we needed and empty boxes would show up in our space. He said to leave the empties outside our space and they would be taken. The boxes were removed promptly, too! Thank you, Scott!” 18

FACILITIES: Angela Brown John Wujcik Scott Hale Bill Campbell Steve VanDyke Brad Westhouse Phil Durek Jonathan Yonker

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“A big shout out to Phil Durek, who normally works at CTC but filled in for a vacationing employee at the ESB during one week of the move. Phil was helping someone else and noticed all of my boxes stacked inside my office. He stopped and asked if I was ready for the boxes to be moved, and where they needed to go... several trips later all were moved to my new digs. Thanks Phil! You rock!” “Hats off to Angela Brown for her detailed game plan that was shared with all ahead of time so we knew what to expect and when it was happening. It’s impressive that 47 staff relocations and two office expansions were done so quickly and maintained on schedule. Way to go Angela!”

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“The ‘Relocation of 2015’ should go down in history as the most organized move ever. The facilities crew was moving boxes and furniture out and cleaning offices/desks in order to be ready for the next tenant. When entering my new space, there wasn’t a trace of the prior tenant—even the drawers were wiped out clean.” “Special thanks to John Wujcik who was ever so helpful with the expected hiccups that occur with moving. His prompt attention and cheerful disposition made any minor inconvenience quickly forgotten.”

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“One of my filing cabinets wouldn’t close properly after being moved, and I brought it to Scott Hale’s attention. I told him it was no hurry as I knew they had bigger issues on hand with the move than fixing my drawer. Within minutes, Scott & John Wujcik were swapping my unit out with another one making sure I had a functioning cabinet. Facilities and Tech went above & beyond in customer service,! Way to go!” “I was most impressed with the upbeat and positive attitudes of everyone involved in the move—from facilities, to I.T., those being uprooted, and even the ones who were moved to temporary spots. There was joking, laughter, compliments, lending hands . . . makes me proud to be a part of the OAISD team!”

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Building Pride Terri Hop, Administrative Assistant for Special Needs Services Nominated by Nannette DeCook, Teacher Consultant for Visually Impaired Students

Terri Hop is the gal I’d choose. It’s not just cause she wears awesome shoes. She rocks it when welcoming new staff. Since joining in July she’s made me laugh. Her emails are positive, warm and friendly. Emoji’s ;) plastered with many exclamaties!!! I feel like the only one she serves, But she treats everyone with positive words. She eased my way learning the OAISD And now I’m ready to work for free. . . Not really!

Lyndsey Fleser, Controller and Chris Lamer, Director of Finance Nominated by Melissa Anderson, Payroll Coordinator They are super knowledgeable and super helpful! They are always willing to help me with questions and tackle tough problems. They are supportive, innovative, and fun to work with!

Don’t forget to keep an eye on your email for your opportunity to tell everyone about your amazing coworkers when you nominate them for Building Pride. With school back in session, we look forward to hearing from many of you for the next issue! Send entries to: abusse@oaisd.org

Phil Rowley, Technology Services Systems Engineer Nominated by Phil Calgaro, Networks Operations Manager Phil Rowley rocks it... Customer focused/result driven...

Heidi Kiss and Heidi Householder, Administrative Assistants for the Superintendent and Human Resources, respectively. Nominated Anonymously Shout out to our two Heidis—Heidi Householder and Heidi Kiss, Administrative Assistants at the ESB. Here is an acrostic poem of our two Heidi’s… there must be something about their names that make them so special! Helpful Encouraging Inspiring Delightful a gIft

The two Heidis are a positive part of the ISD and so many of us would be lost without them. If you have ever had a problem/need you know they are a great resource, always willing to Help. They greet everyone with a smile, always willing to share a word of Encouragement. They are kind, light hearted and fun, an Inspiration and Delight to us all! They give their very best in all they do and we want them to know that they are a gIft and we appreciate them!

Heidi Kiss (L) and Heidi Householder (R)

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

Welcome New Employees from May to November, 2015

Employee Department/Building

Melissa Brown Jaime Downing Erica Alderink David Blakely Steven NyKamp Mario Provenzano Colin Wujcik Nannette DeCook Julie Lensink Katherine Oster Sophia D’Agostino Grace Jourdan Melisa Phonthipsavath Julia Plaggemeyer Theresa Boeve Lindsey Johnson Bridget Peters Alyssa Wolffis Mike Fine Cheyne LeVesseur

Nick Beukema Bryce Boonstra Daniel Brown Christoper Chronister Adam Colburn Dane Machiela Taylor Nellis Bill Smith Tyler Vredeveld Rhonda Russell Jena Cook Marcia Haslick Kimberly Masterton Julie Powers Mary Schaeff-Pickelman Paul Anderson Maggie DeMichieli Krystal Draveling Christopher Farrar Cindy Kamphuis Emily Krajewski Cortney Lowney Ashleigh Pippel Mitzi Rietman Brittany Sheffield Kristen TerHorst Amy VanderSlik Maggie Whaley Peter Haines

Business Services/ESB Business Services/ESB Communications/ESB CTC CTC CTC CTC District Services/ESB District Services/ESB District Services/ESB Early Childhood/ESB Early Childhood/ESB Early Childhood/ESB Human Resources/ESB Infant/ESB Infant/ESB Infant/ESB Infant/ESB Instructional Services/ESB MiBLSi/ESB

OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB OAITC/ESB Sheldon Pines Special Education/CBI Special Education/CBI Special Education/CBI Special Education/CBI Special Education/CBI Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Special Education/OAC Superintendent’s Office/ESB

CBI Community Based Instruction CTC Careerline Tech Center ESB Educational Services Building M-TEC Thompson M-TEC MiBLSi Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative OAC Ottawa Area Center OAITC Ottawa Area Information Technology Consortium 22

INTERWORKINGS 2015–16•Issue No. 1

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

IT’s Cool!

Tips for Creating a Secure Password Ah, that dreaded pop-up reminder---“Time to Change Your Password.” With so much of our time spent online, passwords are needed seemingly everywhere for work, healthcare accounts, banking, online stores, etc. With internet security frequently in the news, the phrase “secure password” is also. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly is a secure password and how do I create one, OAISD IT is here to help! This quick list of tips will guide you in selecting a secure password and help keep your internet accounts safe. • Your password should never contain your username, real name (children’s/ grandchildren’s), company name. • Passwords should be a minimum of eight characters, but many online sources now recommend 12 characters or more. • Never use your birthdate in your password. • When asked to change your current password, make it significantly different from your previous password • Passwords should contain uppercase letters (A, B, C), lowercase letters (a, b, c), numbers (1, 2, 3) and symbols (<, &, %, *) on the keyboard While it’s never suggested to use a word or name, if you must pick a name or word, find numbers/characters that closely resemble the letters in that word to give your new password security. For example, if you know you will remember Spartans#1, change it to 5p@r+@n5#1. Or instead of kidssamandsusie change to k!Ds5@m&Su5!3. Still worried your password isn’t secure? These sites below provide free, secure password tests: http://www.passwordmeter.com https://www.microsoft.com/es-xl/security/pc-security/password-checker.aspx