Inter-workings Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Employee News and Information
Inside this issue: • Changes • Health$hares Is Rocking! • ISD Rallies for United Way • Proud of Our Co-Workers • Doing More. Together. and much, much more
Photo: Anna Harms, Packed and ready to move.
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
IN THIS ISSUE
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The Audacity of Potential
Interim superintendent’s message
4-5 Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes Changes around the OAISD 6-7 Health$hares Is Rocking! Fun activities keep employees active 8 TEDx Macatawa Jason Pasatta presents at TEDx Macatawa
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New Employees
Welcome to the OAISD
0-11 Meet Your Colleague 1 George Pulos loves being back in Michigan 12 Parapros Create Scholarships CTC parapros reward and encourage students 13 Students Bridging Relationships OAC and Allendale High School students learn and grow together 14 ISD Rallies for United Way Highlights from the FUNdraising around the ISD 15
Pet Parade
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IT’s Cool
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OAISD Celebration
Rocky, a very photogenic pup Microsoft program offer Happy retirement
18 Doing More. Together. DMT Highlights 19 JSC Students Artistic Outlet Incarcerated youth learn safe ways to express emotions 18-22 Building Pride – Celebrating You!
Recognizing colleagues who go above and beyond
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
The Audacity of Potential Spring is my favorite season. I love the change of scenery, and frankly the lack of extreme temperatures (generally speaking). Spring is also the season of growth and transition. We see it in the myriad events and celebrations….awards ceremonies, graduations, and even retirement. So many of these accomplishments began as tiny interests or inclinations, or some form of exploration. With nurturing and a belief in possibilities, they grow to reach their potential. It reminds me of the time my son decided that he wanted to grow a tree from a seed that he squeezed out of a lemon. I cautioned him that it likely wouldn’t grow, that we live in a less than ideal climate for lemon trees, etc., etc. Undeterred by my apparently dream-killing parenting style, he planted the seed in some soil and waited….and waited….and waited. Many months later, a small tree began to grow, defying all my predictions. Two years later, it began to blossom. Five years later, it bore the first lemon. Ten years later, my son is now grown up and guess who still has that lemon tree? Yes, me. My son moved on to bigger and more exciting endeavors, and claims he doesn’t have room for the lemon tree, which now stands about five feet tall. It regularly bears two to
three lemons at a time and smells wonderful, so I don’t mind the extended caretaker role. Plus, it serves as a tangible reminder to me of the potential of seemingly small things. As we come together to celebrate and recognize our loved ones, our colleagues and our students, I hope you will remember the lemon tree story, and the ability that we all have to help others achieve their dreams, however large and impossible they may seem. After all, that lemon tree wasn’t supposed to grow…it also wasn’t supposed to bear fruit without some form of pollination (I suspect some errant bumble bees). But, it has defied all of my skepticism and disbelief to become the potential of that one amazing little seed powered by an undeterred youth. Something quite extraordinary.
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OAISD CHANGES
Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes... As Julie mentioned in the opening article of Interworkings, Spring is a season of growth and transition and our organization is definitely following suit. With office relocations, renovations, and a new superintendent declaration, to quote one of David Bowie’s best-known songs, the OAISD is going through some exciting ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. The beginning of June, Peter Haines accepted the position of OAISD superintendent. Haines comes to the ISD after three years as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and human resources for Greenville Public Schools and eight years as superintendent. The employment offer was extended to Pete after a daylong site visit to Greenville where a team of OAISD Board members and administrative staff met with a variety of stakeholders in the Greenville school district. Julie Gillespie, OAISD interim superintendent, said the feedback from those who were interviewed was overwhelmingly positive regarding Haines’ leadership and accomplishments. “We appreciate all of the guidance and feedback we received from staff members across the organization who attended the input sessions and interviews,” said Gillespie. “This important input was very valuable to the Board of Education as they made decisions about candidate interviews throughout the process.” “We are confident that Pete will provide exceptional and forwardthinking leadership for our organization,” Eric Packer, OAISD Board of Education President, said. While Pete’s official start date is yet to be determined, it will likely be in July and just in time for the completion of some ESB changes! While staff moves started the end of May kicking-off the ESB office reconfiguration, conversations regarding the need to relocate departments have taken place over the past couple of years. 4
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
OAISD CHANGES
“The change in the Business Services department structure over the last year was the final ‘push’ to get the project started,” Angela Brown, director of facilities for OAISD, said. “The new work space assignments will enhance individuals’ ability to effectively and efficiently perform their jobs.” The ESB Office Project includes minor construction to expand two offices and 47 staff relocations throughout the month of June. Key improvements include: • Departments with the highest likelihood of growth are positioned in the areas where that will be easiest to accommodate • Promotes collaboration by placing instructional groups (Instructional Services and Special Needs) and business groups (Accounting, Human Resources and Payroll) together • Creates more flexible work space for Business Services and Technology consortium members • Unifies departments/teams that are currently spread out in the building • Provides the west end of the building with a conference/project room, and several drop-in/collaborative work areas throughout the building Thanks to a detailed calendar and many individuals with happy-to help attitudes, the office moves have remained on schedule and with few, if any, glitches. “ESB staff members overall have shown a great deal of excitement about the changes and have been very accommodating,” Angela said. “It has really been interesting to see how something as simple as a change of scenery can recharge staff.” The project should be complete early July.
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
HEALTH$HARES
Health$hares is Rocking! The OAISD Health$hares committee is focused on making healthy living fun for employees. Through the Health$hares program, OAISD employees have access to educational information about ways to live a healthier lifestyle and may participate in a variety of events that help turn healthy living into reality. Below is a list of program offerings, and if you haven’t yet joined the Health$hares Facebook group, send a request to join right now to www.facebook.com/groups/ healthshares/ or search for OAISD Healthshares. Walking competitions (Bingo, Poker and Traverse City)
What better way to get ready for summer than heading to Traverse City! Since the start of the competition in early May, 47 employees from throughout the ISD have joined the challenge to take 10,000 walking steps a day through June 7. Past competitions have included Walking Bingo and Step Poker. No one knows what the next challenge will be, but it’s sure to bring camaraderie, competition and fun! Chair massages You may already know massage is a great stress reliever, but it can be expensive. So when Health Zone Chiropractic and Balanced Health Chiropractic Center of West Michigan offered to provide free chair massages for OAISD employees, the answer 6
was a resounding “YES!” Nearly 100 employees enjoyed a free 10-minute escape from life’s stress thanks to these in-house massages. Biometric screening In April, over 50 OAISD employees took a few minutes out of their day to monitor changes in their health through a complimentary biometric screening. This quick and easy test helps monitor blood pressure, body composition, cholesterol and blood glucose so employees know what types of lifestyle changes to consider and possibly identify small problems before they turn into a larger ones. Library of health materials Take a (walking) break and head to the Health Materials Library in Instructional Services. Check out information on healthier living or borrow a workout video and keep moving at home. All are provided free of charge. Keep an eye out for an updated library location after the ESB moves are complete. Complimentary fruit Besides beaches in the summer and gorgeous trees in the fall, another reason to love Michigan is the fresh produce. Keep an eye out in the fall for the return of locally grown, fresh fruit delivered to your building from Health$hares Tuesday exercises Join your co-workers at the ESB on Tuesdays at 4:45 p.m. for some after-work fitness fun. The routine frequently changes, but the goal is always the sames—fitness and fun!
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
HEALTH$HARES
Health$hares fall 5K A 5K run/walk will be organized in the fall. Keep your summer fitness momentum going and get ready to run or walk for fun! Lunch ‘n Learn Health$hares hosted two Lunch ‘n Learn series this year to help keep employees up-to-date on healthy living. In March, Registered Dietician Madelynn Valu visited three times to discuss Whole Foods, Stress and Comfort Eating, and Fast Food Healthy Eating. Participants were treated to taste-testing new and healthy foods while enjoying their own lunches. More recently, MVP Sports Clubs of Holland Fitness Manager David Nykerk visited to discuss how to start an exercise program and remain injuryfree. Attendees also learned hip stretches to do while at work and sampled healthy smoothies. Another series will take place next school year. Foam rolling class MVP visited the ESB June 1 to help employees learn how to use a foam roller and their own bodyweight for myofascial release, a bodywork technique which can relieve muscle pain and improve flexibility. Thirteen employees attended and walked away with new skills allowing them to experience many of the same benefits as a sports massage, in the comfort of their own home and without the price tag. Anne Thorp, PhD, instructional technologist for OAISD and REMC 7 director, said it was not only very informative, it was one of the best classes she has ever attended. Look for another foam rolling class in fall!
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
CAREER & TECHNICAL ED
TEDx Macatawa Jason Pasatta, OAISD development director for Career and Technical Education, was one of only fourteen speakers selected to present at TEDx Macatawa, held March 12 at the Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland. TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events, such as TEDx Macatawa, help share ideas in communities around the world. “I was honored to be asked to speak at TEDx Macatawa about the work we are doing within futurePREP’d,” Jason said. “The feedback from the talk has been tremendous. It has created even more connections and collaborations between what we are doing within futurePREP’d and businesses and organizations that we have not worked with in the past.” Check out Jason’s presentation Educational Innovation through Collaboration which focused on the futurePREP’d Connections program for the Design by Collaboration themed event.
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEW EMPLOYEES
WELCOME New Employees as of October 2014
Employee
Building
Tracy Garrett Kim Klaasen Tom Lagone Joyce Robrahn Sara DeVoogd Ashley Nederveld Chrisje Stam Heather Nelson Breeana Milani Linnea Petzke Ben Woiwode Laura Zwiers George Pulos Marianne Luyk Duane Veldheer
Business Services Business Services Business Services
Candace Brook Jenna Lawson Jocelyn Solomon Josh Bourdon Adam Le Isaac Schutter Mike Mummert
Special Education-OAC Special Education-OAC Special Education-OAC
Coopersville Hub (Pupil Auditing) CTC Early Childhood Early Childhood Facilities Management Infant Infant Infant Infant M-TEC Special Education Special Education-CBI
Technology Technology Technology Technology CBI = Community Based Instruction CTC = Careerline Tech Center M-TEC = Thompson M-TEC OAC = Ottawa Area Center 9
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
MEET YOUR COLLEAGUE
MEET YOUR COLLEAGUE:
GEORGE PULOS George Pulos, solutions development coordinator for Thompson M-TEC, may be new to the OAISD, but West Michigan is his old “stomping grounds” and he’s happy to be back. George, a Grand Haven High School alumnus, moved to the “Windy City,” Chicago, after graduating from Hope College. He enjoyed working for medical-based companies including over 25 years with Upjohn Pharmaceutical, along Lake Michigan’s other lakeshore. When his mother’s health started declining, George and his wife, Debbie, found themselves traveling to West Michigan frequently and enjoying it more and more. In 2007, they officially made the move back to Michigan’s West Coast. Upon their move, Debbie began working at Hortech, Inc. in Nunica in the HR/Accounting department, and George became employed at Michigan Works!, a Thompson M-TEC partner. George became acquainted with the M-TEC team and says the driving force to apply for the
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
THOMPSON M-TEC
Solutions Development Coordinator opening was the camaraderie and passion among the people that work there. Debbie and George enjoy their home in Fruitport complete with a boat dock. They’ve discussed getting a boat to fill the dock space, but it might
“West Michigan is probably one of those places you should never leave, and if you do leave you should probably come back.” -George Pulos
not leave room for golfing in Whitehall at Hickory Knoll, reading and general enjoyment of the West Michigan lifestyle. One of George’s four children, Catie, still lives at home, but that will change spring of 2016 when the Spring Lake High School senior heads to East Lansing to attend Michigan State University. She will join siblings Maggie and Alex who also reside in East Lansing and Lansing respectively. Eldest brother, Nick, currently lives and works in Chicago. When asked how he likes being back in West Michigan, George said, “West Michigan is probably one of those places you should never leave, and if you do leave you should probably come back.” Sounds like a great phrase for a new bumper sticker.
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
CAREERLINE TECH CENTER
Parapros Create Scholarships Last year, Careerline Tech Center began awarding a new scholarship to students who want to attend college and are looking for financial support. This scholarship, the CTC Parapro Scholarship, awards two CTC students annually with $500 each. This year, the awards were given out at the Parapro Awards Night on May 5. The scholarship is funded through a variety of sources and was born out of a staff member’s award that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the area of special population and career/technical education programs. Culinary and Pastry Arts Parapro Jill Landman received this special recognition in 2013 from the State of Michigan Occupational Special Populations Association. “After winning the award. I wanted a tangible way to shine light back on the students for whom all of the hardworking paraprofessionals dedicate themselves to on a daily basis,” Landman said. Jill had an idea that would potentially allow the scholarship to become an annual award that would be self-funded. Jill’s relationship with a Spring Lake area donor resulted in a large donation to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation for an endowed fund providing two $500 awards yearly for the first three years. The scholarship was offered for a second year this year, and after next year the awards will be self-funded. Donations received through Taco Tuesday and a raspberry picking day at DeLang Berry Farm have raised nearly $2500.00 to invest into the fund. Students apply for the scholarship through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. A 10-member CTC scholarship committee selects recipients based on submitted essays, attendance, leadership qualities, community service, letters of recommendation and financial need. While a student’s grade point average (GPA) is not a qualification, the committee does factor in if a student’s grades improve at their sending school after starting classes at CTC. “We hope they have found a direction and passion at Tech,” Landman said. “Maybe their grades weren’t great before arriving and their GPA reflects this, but many students improve through working in this three dimensional environment, and that is who we want to reward and encourage through the scholarship.” 12
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
OTTAWA AREA CENTER
Students Bridging Relationships Through a new program named BRIDGE (Building Relationships, Integrating Diverse and Great Experiences) students with special needs who attend the Ottawa Area Center (OAC) are partnered with students from Allendale High School (AHS) in a way that enables both groups to personally grow through peer-to-peer relationships. It all started fall, 2013 when a group of teachers and support staff from OAC attended training to learn best practices in teaching students with autism. The OAC group was inspired by a session on peer-to-peer programs and wondered what a similar program might look like for their students. After much discussion and planning, the BRIDGE program started to take shape spring, 2014. The goal of the program is to provide OAC students with experiences that develop independence, and social and communication skills while building authentic relationships through attending weekly general education classes alongside a peer mentor. The OAC group presented their proposal to staff at Allendale High School – just 6 miles away - and the program was born. In October of 2014, the OAC team presented the idea and lesson plans to students in the Leadership Class at Allendale High School. Forty students applied to become mentors to thirteen OAC students who have moderate cognitive impairments.
(L to R) Jan VanderWal , Classroom Teacher; Chelsea Green, Speech & Language Pathologist; Missy Meekhof, Classroom Teacher; Stacey deVries, Classroom Teacher; and Ken Pierson, Behavior Interventionist
“The independence and communication skills OAC students gain impacts the growth of both student groups,” said Jan VanderWal, special education instructor for OAC. “Through the BRIDGE program, OAC students learn to communicate with their peers and adults outside of the OAC, work in a group, and navigate making choices such as choosing food in the cafeteria when there is more than one choice, just to name a few.”
The OAC students look forward to going to Allendale High School and spending lunch and third hour with their Allendale student mentors. Interest in participation among students from both schools is growing.
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
UNITED WAY
ISD Rallies for United Way From counting steps to eating chili, our enthusiastic staff always puts the “fun” in fundraising. This year we had a whole lot of fun raising over $20,000 for United Way. New activities were introduced this year including an inside tailgate lunch and a tasty chili cook-off luncheon. OAISD favorites such as Penny Wars, walking team donations and other special building luncheons also contributed to the success. “We had a great time this year raising funds for United Way, “said Human Resources Specialist Denise Dhuse. “The Football Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off were new this year and a huge hit, so look for them next year! While our overall pledge numbers were down from last year, the activities helped to increase the total financial donation.” And, by the way, there is still time to contribute.
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Chili cook-off winners (L to R): Lyndsey Fleser (3rd place), Marcus Leon (2nd place), and LeAnn Szymanski (1st place).
United Way—Tailgate for your favorite team
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
PET PARADE
Meet Rocky, the “sweet baby” of Heidi Householder, Human Resource Representative at the ESB and her husband Rick. Rocky is a nearly seven-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux, AKA French Mastiff. Yes, he is “Hooch” from the 1989 Tom Hanks movie. The Householders were “gifted” Rocky nearly four years ago after friends rescued him. At the time, he was in the second of four stages of heartworm and underweight at 119 lbs. It was love at first sight for Heidi and Rick, and they quickly gave him a loving home. He is now a healthy and happy 130-pound bundle of love and drool who enjoys going for walks, playing, eating and just relaxing.
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
IT’S COOL
Microsoft Program Offer Did you know that as an OAISD employee you are eligible to participate in Microsoft’s Software Assurance Home Use Program (HUP)? This program enables you to get a licensed copy of most Microsoft® Office desktop PC applications to install and use on your home computer for $9.99. This includes Windows and Mac! Through the Home Use Program, you may continue using HUP software while you are under our employment and as long as the corresponding software you use at work has active Software Assurance coverage. Please note that some product and language versions may not be available at the time you place an order. For up-to-date information on the availability of Home Use Program software, please visit http://microsoft. com/licensing. To access the Microsoft Home Use Program website: 1. Go to http://hup.microsoft.com/. 2. Select the country to which you want your order to be shipped to and choose the language for viewing the order website. Enter your OAISD e-mail address and insert the following program code 3C990E55E4 (Note: This program code is assigned to OAISD for our sole use in accessing this site. You may not share this number with anyone outside our organization.)
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
OAISD CELEBRATION
Happy Retirement On Thursday, May 28 2015 at the ESB the OAISD honored the retirement of: Careerline Tech Center Michael Breen Paraprofessional, 7 Years Mike Wyckoff Instructor, 27 Years Educational Services Building Nancy Quinn Visually Impaired Consultant, 6 Years Infant Program Rebekah Derrick Infant Teacher, 37 Years Lisa Overacker Occupational Therapist, 26 Years Cindy Sommerfeld Infant Teacher, 11 Years Thompson M-TEC Joni Rosema Coordinator, 35 Years Ottawa Area Center Sheila Goodman Teacher, 21 Years Sandra Headley Teacher Aide, 29 Years Gerald Thorsen Custodian, 14 Years Noreen VanBuren Teacher Aide, 25 Years
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
DOING MORE. TOGETHER.
DMT Highlights
WOTV4 Maranda featuring Darlene VanKamepn, OAISD Early Childhood Specialist, sharing information about free preschool opportunities this summer.
Welcome New DMT Partners:
Sweet Temptations Ottawa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association WGHN 92.1, Country 93.1, & Sports Radio 1370 Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Look for DMT at Kollen Park
for the Maranda Park Party, Thursday, July 16 noon to 2:00 p.m.
doingmoretogether.org
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
JUVENILE SERVICES CENTER
JSC Students Artistic Outlet Incarcerated youth at the OAISD Juvenile Services Center are given new tools to help them express their emotions through a variety of art experiences facilitated by Instructor Angie Briggs-Johnson. The education program at JSC is a partnership between OAISD and Ottawa County 20th Circuit Court. While residents at the Center, students have many opportunities to express themselves in creative ways through time spent in BriggsJohnson classroom. Student assignments include creating artwork for ArtPrize competitions, nonprofit organizations dedicated to support struggling teens, local civic facilities and more with a goal of giving them a new way to safely work through their sometimes turbulent emotions. “Many of our students at JSC are very artistic and looking for ways to express themselves appropriately,” Angie said. “The art program gives them a creative outlet, helps them give back to the community, and teaches them art and business skills in the process.” Most recently, Holland 58th District Court Judge Susan Jonas requested to have JSC students create art for the 20th Circuit Courthouse in Holland after seeing a mural the students created for a past ArtPrize competition. Over a period of about five months, more than 100 students worked cooperatively to create three 30x40 canvas panels titled: Community Culture Care, based on the theme “What Community Means to Me.” The images reflect what the students connect with personally that make-up the community as a whole. Students were asked to think what they would miss most if they couldn’t leave home. “Students started mentioning things like the library, the beach and skate parks,” Angie said. “And this leads to greater appreciation for where they live and their community, which also grows their pride and self-worth.” She further noted that art is such an important part of their time spent in JSC, giving them an outlet for their creativity and also learning how to work as part of a team. An art dedication ceremony took place early May at the courthouse.
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
CELEBRATI BUILDING PRIDE
Bill Campbell and Scott Hale, ESB custodians nominated by Becky Staal on behalf of the United Way Getting Connected Reinvented Committee Dear Angela, On Monday, April 27 a county-wide event was held at the Educational Service Building. Over 37 health and human services agencies were present, and the event was a huge success! We are so grateful for two of your team members: Bill Campbell and Scott Hale. Both gentlemen were so helpful and willing to serve our committee. Since this was a new event, it is always nice to have others who demonstrate flexibility in the midst of setting up and tearing down the venue. As well as a positive attitude! Again, we appreciate how the OAISD continues to support the county with the use of the wonderful facilities and staff. Best Regards, Becky Staal (on behalf of the Getting Connected Reinvented Committee) Candi Gajdos-Drake MiBLSi Support Staff nominated by Anna Harms MiBLSi Evaluation & Research Coordinator Candi Gajdos-Drake has been supporting the work of Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative (MiBLSi) since 2013. In addition to serving in a support role for 6 MiBLSi staff housed at the OAISD, Candi also plays a key role in managing the statewide project’s Google apps account, Lifesize distance learning technology, maintenance of project data and records, website maintenance, organization of local and statewide training events, logging of technology and project equipment, and video editing. She is the pulse of the MiBLSi team at OAISD. In addition to being a colleague whom we rely on and admire for her professional skills, she is a friend and we deeply appreciate her.
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ING YOU! BUILDING PRIDE
Mike Rohrer as forwarded by Wendy Beamer Mike Rohwer received the Merit Award for Community Building from Merit Network, Inc. in May. Merit Network is a nonprofit, member-owned organization formed in 1966 to design and implement a computer network between public universities in Michigan. The award recognizes organizations and individuals that build communities to help enhance networking, technology and collaboration. Per the Merit websiteMike Rohwer was selected for this award to recognize his work in collaborating with other Ottawa County organizations to better leverage fiber connections, to share resources, save money, and provide redundancy between County users. He also helped establish FOG-Net and is leading the effort to build a network to achieve the community’s goals. FOG-Net is a high-speed, fiberoptic network to interconnect governmental agencies, schools, and libraries for the purpose of sharing services, expanding capacities, and gaining efficiencies of operation. It is being designed to accommodate voice over IP (VoIP) telephone services, business continuity/disaster recovery solutions, shared technical support, and much more. Mike has also joined the West Michigan Cyber Security Consortia to bring back cutting-edge information for his networks and users. Congratulations Mike! Pam Fodrocy, Accounting Support Staff nominated by Denise Dhuse, HR Specialist I nominate Pam Fodrocy, Accounting Support Staff. Her customer service skills are excellent. Not only is she a dedicated employee and a hard worker, but Pam also has a wonderful sense of humor! She enjoys little pranks, most of them aimed at Chris Lamer! OAISD District Services Team nominated by Krista Krefeld-Freier, OAISD Transition Coordinator Let’s hear it for the dynamic OAISD District Services Team!! These talented, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals are out working in the local districts and various school buildings each day, serving students, families, and staff. On Friday, February 6th, they set aside time in their schedules to complete a service project with the Hand 2 Hand Ministry located at Grace Memorial Church. Hand 2 Hand Ministry provides healthy food to children over the weekend so they have a greater opportunity to succeed academically, emotionally, and physically. Thanks to everyone who contributed food or funds to this cause. The District Services Staff spent the morning delivering 575 bags of food to students at Holland High School, VR Tech, Holland West, and Escape CONTINUED 21
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
CELEBRATIN BUILDING PRIDE
Ministries. In addition, they packed over 1,150 bags of food for subsequent weeks. It was a lot of work, but they managed to make it fun! Needless to say, they were tired by the end, but had smiles on their faces! Thanks for making the difference each and every day! The District Services Team from left to right back row: Jennifer VerHelst, Anne Fox, Carrie Ashba, Barb Buteyn, Willie Wallis, Nancy Quinn, Mark King, Krista Krefeld, Heather DeFer Left to right front row: Kamie Fortier, Krista Brouer, Whitney Krusniak, Rick Ullmer Brandie Navarro, Social Worker/Behavior Specialist at Sheldon Pines School submitted by Heather DeFer, Behavior Specialist at Sheldon Pine I would love to recognize Brandie Navarro, the Social Worker/Behavior Specialist at Sheldon Pines. She has a challenging job, yet has a bright smile, and shows students and staff that she cares about them every day. Brandie thinks creatively to come up with ways to help students change their behavior, and has a knack for collaboration that has served students at Sheldon Pines well as they work toward transitioning back to their local districts. She genuinely cares for students’ wellbeing and is a strong advocate for their success. Brandie has a fantastic sense of humor and is a pleasure to work with! Kaarina Raffenaud, Elementary Teacher at Sheldon Pines School nominated by Brandie Navarro, Social Worker/Behavior Specialist at Sheldon Pines School I’d like to represent Sheldon Pines School by nominating our Elementary Teacher, Kaarina Raffenaud! Kaarina teaches grades 1-5 (all subject areas, I might add, including social skills!) She keeps her classes interesting, fun and most importantly, a place where students with emotional/behavioral impairments feel safe to make mistakes while learning new coping skills to help them transition back to their local district. Many of her kids have shown such success, academically and behaviorally, that they are transitioning back to their home district school. For many of her students, hers is the first classroom where they’ve ever experienced success at school. This is a life-changer for many of our kids, and their parents. She is so kind-hearted, funny and shows up every day ready to give 100%.
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NG YOU! BUILDING PRIDE
Nancy Charles and Deb McAlpine, Receptionists at ESB nominated by Heidi Householder, Human Resource Representative I would like to nominate Deb and Nancy at the front desk. Whoever walks through the ESB doors is always greeted with beautiful smiles and helpful attitudes by one of these two ladies. They are both willing to help with anything and everything and always ready to learn something new! So positive and bright... always.
If you would like to nominate a co-worker for going above and beyond–let us know! Drop a few lines about their accomplishments to abusse@oaisd.org. Pictures are always appreciated. If you do not have a picture we will gladly take one for you!
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
IN THIS ISSUE
ESB
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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 2
OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
IN THIS ISSUE
Moving Day
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