Interworkings 2014-15 Issue 1

Inter-workings Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Employee News and Information

Inside: • Maranda Park Party • Sundae School Rocks!

• Walking to the Gulf • Building Pride • Google Docs and much, much more!

Photo: Maranda Park Party, Kollen Park, Holland

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

IN THIS ISSUE

3

Superintendent’s Message

55 Thousand Students Counting on Us

4 OAISD Celebration

Hip Hip Hooray for Karen McPhee 5 Doing More. Together

DMT Highlights 6-9 Health$hares

Spring Into Health!

Walking Towards Healthy Habits

0-11 Meet Your Colleague 1

Terry Goldberg--Working the Dream 12

Early Childhood

13

New Employees

S-U-C-C-E-S-S-!

Welcome New OAISD Hires

14 Instructional Services

Edfinity—New Flexibility in PD 15 United Way

Thank Your for Your Support!

16 OAISD Celebration

Happy Retirement 17

Pet Parade

Peanut Gallery

18-21 Building Pride – Celebrating You!

Recognizing Colleagues Who Go Above and Beyond

22-25 futurePREP

A Double Scoop of Yum! 26-27 Maranda Park Party

DMT & Early Childhood Party On with Maranda

28 Good To Know

Smart911 & Barnes & Noble Discount 29

IT’s Cool

Google Docs: How to Access OAITC Files From Anywhere 2

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

55 Thousand Students are Counting on Us The start of a school year is an amazing beat in the rhythm of life. In one way or another, all of us experience a certain “reset” when school starts; honed during 13 years or more of “back to school” rituals. Shopping for school supplies, finding out who our teacher was, the start of athletic practices in 90 degree heat, freshmen orientation, the glee on parents’ faces, getting on your first school bus…they’re all pieces of what makes the start of a new school year such a memorable part of our shared experience.

We are fortunate to be integral to that experience for the 55,000 students we serve in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.

We have the privilege and responsibility to make “school” worth coming back to each fall.

Our political headaches, financial challenges, or day-to-day bumps in the road can never take precedent over our mission to build a world class educational system for our students and schools.

Each of us…all 450 of us…at the OAISD play an integral role in delivering on that mission. If we make each decision based on what’s in the best interest of the students we serve, we will be doing our jobs.

So, let’s get started. It’s a new school year.

55,000 students are counting on us.

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

OAISD CELEBRATION

Hip Hip Hooray!

This June, the Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) named OAISD Superintendent Karen McPhee one of two “Outstanding Superintendent Communicators.”

She received the honor for her consistent and continued communication practices and support of clear communication as a strategy for community problem solving and collaboration.

“It’s an honor to be chosen for this award,” said McPhee “As a superintendent, I think it’s paramount that you build public trust through open and honest dialogue, a steady flow of transparent information, and a commitment to fostering positive relationships for the district through communication.”

David Sipka from Muskegon Area ISD also received the award.

Karen was surprised by the “Tooting-Your-Horn” Committee who bestowed upon her celebratory jewels from the Dollar Store.

“For the first time in the history of this award, MSPRA is honoring two superintendents who exemplify excellence in school communication,” said MSPRA President Allison Kaufman. “Both are deserving of this prestigious award for doing school communication right.”

Karen McPhee (center) receives the Michigan School Public Relations Association Outstanding Superintendent Communicator Award.

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

DOING MORE. TOGETHER.

DMT Highlights Maranda Where You Live recently aired two Doing More. Together. segments featuring Careerline Tech Center. Take a look!

WOTV4 Maranda featuring Careerline Tech Center Career Camp 2014: (L-R) Michelle Ready, Communications Manager; Kim Schrader CTC Instructor; Dave Searles, CTC Director.

WOTV 4 Maranda featuring Careerline Tech Center: (L-R) Media Communications students Jessie Garcia, Shelby Ayers and Media Communications instructor Bill Wolbrink.

DMT Billboard at US 31 and Port Sheldon

doingmoretogether.org

Doing More Together. was on display again at the Maranda Park Party in Kollen Park.

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

HEALTH$HARES

Spring Into Health!

The Health$hares Health Fair in April accomplished exactly what the Health$hares committee was formed to do: provide the education, opportunities and support for employees and their families to live a healthier lifestyle.

With over 30 vendors, nearly 25 prizes, healthy snacks, and fun games that required putting the body in motion, the Health$hares Health Fair successfully drew over 300 visitors.

“The health fair was a resounding success,” Denise Dhuse, human resources generalist and Health$hares co-chair said. “It was wonderful to see so many children having a good time and learning more about how to stay healthy alongside their parents.”

From a scavenger hunt to weighted hulahoops and even exercise classes, there were options for everyone to get involved and get moving.

“The goal of the Health$hares Health Fair was to bring all OAISD buildings together to learn more about healthy living and of course have fun,” Stacey Sills, wellness coordinator and Health$hares co-chair, said.

“By providing child care for the younger ones and lots of kid friendly activities, we were able to get the whole family involved in learning about living a healthier lifestyle.”

One OAISD employee commented that she has attended many health fairs and was 6

very impressed there were new vendors in the area she hadn’t seen before. Another said the information was helpful, the vendors were knowledgeable, and even the pick-up trinkets were great.

Overall, the Health$hares Health Fair provided a “healthy” dose of health-related resources and inspiration to all who attended.

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

HEALTH$HARES

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

H I NE ATLHT IHS$ H I SASRUEES

Walking Towards Healthy Habits How do you walk to Gulf Shores, AL from Holland, MI without ever leaving the state? Over 50 employees throughout the OAISD can tell you how…just keep walking.

In March, 15 teams competed in the inaugural Educational Services Building Wellness Challenge coordinated by the Health$hares Committee - walk the approximate 1,000 miles to Gulf Shores, AL in 10 weeks. While that might seem daunting, all 15 teams completed the challenge with seven teams logging enough miles to return to Holland!

“The Health$hares group discussed having a ‘weight loss’ event and decided upon walking hoping participation would be high,” Stacey Sills said. “Gulf Shores seems like the place to be for people in West Michigan and it is almost 1,000 miles from Holland making it a great destination.”

“A goal of Health$hares is to provide opportunities for employees to live a healthier lifestyle,” Sills said. “By keeping track of miles for our employees and encouraging a little healthy competition, participants were able to have fun and create a healthy habit of walking.”

LeAnn Szymanski, application/integration specialist and member of the Walkie Talkies, said the competition was a win-win. Team members added more steps to their day, felt they were able to focus better and were more productive at their jobs after their 10-minute “walkie talkie” breaks.

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Winning Team: Shown (L to R): Anne Thorp, Roxanne Kloosterm and Kerri Davis.

Missing: Matt Jager and Ly

1 ST

PLACE

Walking benefits both the body and the mind, and improves breathing and oxygen flow to the brain. Simply walking three hours or more per week reduces the risk of a heart attack or other coronary event by 35% versus not walking at all for exercise.

TEA Ma Ann Lyn Rox Ker

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

HEALTHSHARES

Matt Jager, district tech and team captain for first place team the Sleep Walkers, took advantage of the competition to walk around on adventures around the county.”

“I liked to walk at night and look up at the stars in the sky,” Jager said. “I had a goal to beat a team of five with my steps alone. In the end, I beat two teams of five and walked 2,448,618 steps in the 10 weeks or roughly 1,224.31 miles.”

A goal of Health$hares is

to provide opportunities for employees to live a healthier lifestyle.

Since competitors were allowed to calculate all forms of exercise into steps, it wasn’t necessary for them to change their preferred form of exercise.

From seasoned runners to those just getting their feet wet with exercise, the competition empowered OAISD employees to improve their health.

- Stacey Sills health & prevention consultant

According to Doug Greer, school improvement/instructional data consultant and member of team How the ESB Was Run, Robyn Decker, mathematics consultant, catapulted their team to second place through her training to run 40 miles for her 40th birthday! While team member Mike Klavon, mathematics consultant, increased his activity level from dormant prior to the competition to gradual weekly step increases while walking his dog.

Lynn Potter, REMC7/instructional services secretary and member of the Walkie-Talkies and co-organizer of the event, said their group is continuing walking breaks even though the competition is complete.

man,

“Personally speaking, I lost a few pounds and inches, have more stamina and continue to try and make my personal goal of five miles or more every day,” Potter said.

yn Wehrmeyer.

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Robyn Decker Mike Klavon Kyle Mayer Joe McKenzie

3

TEAM: Bad Assets

RD Meredith Kucharczyk (Team Captain)

PLACE

2

How the ESB Was Run ND TEAM: Doug Greer (Team Captain)

PLACE

AM: Sleep Walkers att Jager (Team Captain) ne Thorp n Wehrmeyer xanne Kloosterman rri Davis

Darcie Birkett Pam Fodrocy Ali Greene Chris Lamer

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

MEET YOUR COLLEAGUE

MEET YOUR COLLEAGUE:

TERRY GOLDBERG It’s common to hear OAISD employees say they are working in their dream job, but how many can say they are working in the job they’ve always dreamed of? Ottawa Area Center (OAC) Community Based Instruction (CBI) teacher Terry Goldberg can.

Growing up in Grand Haven, Terry’s life goal was to work as a young adult teacher at Ottawa Area Center. As a senior in high school, Terry volunteered at OAC and 32 years later is still going strong.

Terry and his wife, Sue, have the quintessential “cute meet” story. They met 28 years ago working in downtown Grand Haven-she worked at a gift shop and he worked at Fortino’s. Their first date was at the Coast Guard Festival in Summer 1985 and by April, they were married. They have two sons - 25-year-old Michael who lives in Dallas and 20-year-old Jake who lives at home.

After graduating from Grand Haven High School, Terry attended Muskegon Community College and finished his undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University. He earned a master’s degree in master’s in school and community leadership from Michigan State University and completed internships with the Grand Haven Area Chamber of Commerce and Ottawa County Community Mental Health as part of his coursework.

After teaching Special Education in Custer then Pittsford, Michigan, Terry began his career at OAC. His co-worker Kit Young brought the CBI idea with him from Jackson

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

MEET YOUR COLLEAGUE

County. Working together, they started own,” he said. “We started with a drama class the first Ottawa County CBI program in which brought our students out of their shells and Holland with 12 students, two teachers and gave them the ability to talk in front of people. three paraprofessionals. The 24-year-old Students learned to follow directions of teaching program now boasts nearly 130 students, eight artists for example. You can learn while having teachers, and fun!” Terry added. programs in Grand . . . I’ve been really lucky Terry said he seldom wakes Haven, Holland, at the ISD to be able to up not wanting to come to Hudsonville and think out of the box, and be work after 32 years at OAC Zeeland. encouraged and supported and 40 years of teaching. to try out my ideas.

“I am so fortunate to “I learn as much from the have the people that - Terry Goldberg students as they I work with and for learn from me. Every day in my life,” Terry is a new experience and said. “I’ve been really lucky at the ISD to be able to think out of the box, and be encouraged never dull. And when it is dull, someone throws a wrench in it to make it more and supported to try out my ideas.” exciting,” he said.

Some of Terry’s “ideas” besides the CBI “Working at OAC allows program include OAC Prom, recreation and me to live out one of leisure activities, OAC involvement in Special my passions for people Olympics, and keeping students active in local with special needs,” downtown areas.

Terry said. “Our Although Terry was pleased with the number of students have the ideas of his that were implemented, he noticed same needs, wants there was a piece of programming that was still and desires as we do. missing. That piece was the arts.

We are all on the same continuumWith support from Juli Lepley, retired OAC just in a different Assistant Director/CBI Supervisor, they spot.” expanded CBI to include Papermaking, Artists Creating Together, the chorale competition and During off-work drama classes. hours, Terry enjoys reading and not doing “Our students have gone far and beyond yard work in his new condo. expectations of what they were capable of doing with the arts. They’ve come into their 11

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

EARLY CHILDHOOD

S-U-C-C-E-S-S-!

The Success and My Child program strives to reach parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5 to increase preschool enrollment in the Ottawa area.

OAISD Early Childhood Services staff members along with representatives from more than 10 other agencies and organizations, including Head Start, Tri-Cities College Access Network and Ottawa County Great Start Readiness Program, formed the Success Council of Ottawa County last year with a goal to increase preschool enrollment - and it’s working!

The initiative launched May of 2013 at the Challenge of Children conference with banners and posters heralding the benefits of preschool. This spring, the group mailed nearly 10,000 “That’s Success!” postcards to Ottawa area families with information on local preschool programs. This summer, other informational materials such as bookmarks, posters, coloring sheets and handouts are being placed in pediatrician offices, stores, restaurants and other family-friendly locations in an effort to create public awareness about the benefits and accessibility of preschool for all families in local communities.

“Recent enrollment studies done in the Ottawa area show a 35% increase in four-year-old preschool enrollment in the fall of 2013,” said Tami Mannes, director of early childhood services.

“Preschool enrollment for four-yearolds increased 10% and the total number of children enrolled in preschool increased 17%.”

“We are excited to see preschool enrollments grow due to this campaign,” said Veronica Pechumer, Ottawa County Great Start coordinator. “To borrow from our campaign slogan, ‘That’s Success!’”

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

WELCOME

NEW EMPLOYEES

New Employees as of February 2014

Employee

Building

Employee

Building

Tracy Garrett Susan Pawlak Kate Wilmore

Shayna Carlson Katie Hill Lee Hoeksema Jaquie Johr Valerie Leegwater Rock Ruthsatz Steve Stegeman Will Tenter

Business Services Business Services Business Services

Brittany Boom Ashley Firestone Mary Gauthier Patty Krzywos Mary Beth Rogers Erin Wing

Special Education–CBI Special Education–CBI Special Education–CBI Special Education–CBI Special Education–CBI Special Education–CBI

Mike Stock

Lindsay Sichta Leslie Smies

Tracy Burklow Dan VanMalsen

Nancy Charles

Colleen Loc

Michelle Woudenberg

Shari Gillette

Communications

Paul Batt Elizabeth Becksvoort Mindy Burza Rebecca Donker Mary Gauthier Ali Hassevoort Heather Hester Alyssa Hollemans Patty Krzywos Cassie Machen Robin Medendorp Rebecca Donker Jerri Moll Mark Parker Ken Pierson Ashley R eidel Jesse Sutherland Katyln Sweet Karen Vess

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 Special Education–OAC Special Education–OAC Special Education–OAC Special Education–OAC Special Education–OAC Special Education–OAC

Corey Wolters Amy Kestner

Pete Johnson Amy Silsbe Jessica Woodard-Robbert Angela Morrison

Sheldon Pines School Sheldon Pines School

Ryan Crockford Kyle Kingsley

Technology Technology

CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC

Early Childhood Early Childhood Facilities Management Facilities Management Guest Services Human Resources JJI MTEC

Special Education Special Education Special Education Special Education CBI = Community Based Instruction CTC = Careerline Tech Center JJI = Juvenile Justice Institute OAC = Ottawa Area Center 13

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES

Edfinity–New Flexibility in PD The fresh new look of OAISD Professional Development for educators is here….and it rocks!

The redesign and new name Edfinity represent limitless possibilities in the support of educators regarding “what” OAISD Instructional Services (IS) offers and “how” they deliver PD services.

The Edfinity branding matches the efforts the OAISD IS team is making to increase flexibility in the delivery of professional development, and it’s only the beginning of a sustained effort to increase awareness and participation in the service and expertise the IS team offers.

“I’m really ‘geeked’ about the impact this effort will have as we move forward,” said Kyle Mayer, PhD, assistant superintendent for instructional services. “Our goal is for every teacher in the OAISD to have an understanding of who we are and what we can do for them. Edfinity helps us achieve that goal.”

Feedback from curriculum directors and high school principals has included statements such as:

“This is exactly the right direction to be going in.”

“Love the look!”

“The word Edfinity makes sense with what our teachers need.”

So check out the new look and help spread the word on Edfinity-the program that provides maximum flexibility for busy educators.

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

UNITED WAY

Thank You for Your Support!

Another great year of United Way contributions is on the books for OAISD. “Our philosophy at OAISD is to support agencies that support us and our students,” Julie Gillespie, assistant superintendent of operations. “We are proud to have an ongoing tradition of contributing to United Way and the work they do.”

OAISD employees look forward to fundraising activities such as French Toast Friday and Candy-grams to support United Way, but it’s fun to shake things up every once in a while.

“Each year we have so much fun thinking of new ways to raise money for United Way,” Denise Dhuse said. “New this year was a Popcorn Sale and Ugly Sweater Contest. Every little bit helps!”

The one-day popcorn sale raised over $50 in one afternoon thanks to Denise Dhuse generously donating the popcornmaking necessities.

The Ugly Sweater Contest was a hit as well. For a donation of only $2.00, ESB employees were “able” to wear their fanciest ugly sweater and subject themselves to a panel of judges for the esteemed title of “Ugliest Sweater” at the annual Holiday Luncheon. This year’s winner, Jannette Bole set the standard quite high. Start hunting for your sweater now!

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

OAISD CELEBRATION

Happy Retirement On Thursday, May 29, 2014 at the ESB the OAISD honored the retirement of: Kathy Breen Pupil Accounting Membership Manager, 17 years Larry Cannon, Jr. CTC Instructor, 9 years Meredith Dinger M-TEC Secretary, 13 years Mark Jacobson OAC Psychologist, 24 years Juli Lepley OAC Assistant Director, 10 years Ruth Marotti OAC Teacher Infant Program, 11 years Julie McMahon OAC Teacher, 28 years Barb Morgan OAC Teacher Aide, 25 years Rita Reimbold ESB ELA Consultant, 7 years

CTC = Careerline Tech Center ESB = Educational Services Building OAC = Ottawa Area Center 16

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

PET PARADE

Peanut Gallery This edition of Pet Parade truly lives up to its name. Peanut is an adorable bundle of selfproclaimed “fabulosity” who went to live with Val Putnam, assistant superintendent of career/ technical education and adult learning, in 2008 after his people parents had to go to a nursing home. Peanut made himself right at home with Val and her Yorkie, Bella. He filled his days with swimming in Lake Michigan, playing with friends, begging for treats and enjoying the company of Julie Gillespie when she visited.

He and Julie formed a special bond. So special in fact, he recently moved into the Gillespie household. A lover of toy rabbits who does not love thunderstorms, Peanut spends his days soaking up undivided attention and posing for plenty of photo sessions. And so Peanut’s parade of owners ends happily ever after.

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

CELEBRATI BUILDING PRIDE

CAREERLINE TECH CENTER I want to share the heart that Rich Riolo, automotive services assistant program instructor, has for our students. He teaches in a manner that accommodates the needs of every student while giving them tools to be successful. He builds our students’ confidence to the point of them leaving with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Rich’s heart is touched by the growth of our students and he is proud of their successes. I would like to give Rich the acknowledgment he would never ask for, but truly deserves.

– submitted by Renee Kolean, learning support specialist, Automotive Services Assistant Program

Rich Riolo with his Automotive Services students.

If you wou a co-work and bey Drop a fe accomplis oaisd.org. apprecia have a pi take

THOMPSON M-TEC

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At Thompson M-TEC, Meredith Dinger has built a great relationship over the past 14 years with Michigan Works! and its’ clients. Meredith was a student of the M-TEC Office Certificate Program and has a special empathy and understanding for students as she helps them along their education path. Her knowledge of the M-TEC programs inside and out allows her to offer accurate and timely information to current and potential students. She is also the go-to person for Work Keys assessments and maintains the Thompson M-TEC Career Education Consumer Report. Thank you Meredith for your steadfast devotion to Thompson M-TEC and for all you do to make this a great place to work and serve the community!

–submitted by Val Putnam, assistant superintendent of career/technical education and adult learning

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

ING YOU! BUILDING PRIDE

OTTAWA AREA CENTER We would like to acknowledge our Jobs/University Engineering Committee for their work with the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) engineering students.

This year they are working on three projects to enhance student experiences including a pool walker support, swing motor assembly and swing stabilizer. Taking leadership in this endeavor were Mary Beth Jonkman and Sean Conroe with Cheryl Compaan, Sue Ensing, Brenda Glerum, Phil Stevens, Jill TenBrink, Noreen VanBuren and Eric VandenBerg providing much needed and appreciated support. Thank you!

–submitted by Brian Pianosi, director at Ottawa Area Center

uld like to nominate ker for going above yond–let us know! ew lines about their shments to abusse@ . Pictures are always ated–if you do not icture we will gladly e one for you!

Pictured: Mary Beth Jonkman and Sean Conroe.

CONTINUED 19

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

CELEBRATI BUILDING PRIDE

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES BUILDING The ESB Human Resources team would like to let Mark Wiegerink (Technology) know we appreciate his dedication and hard work.

He always makes sure we are supported with positive action, positive energy and positive results! He is always willing to drop whatever he is doing to help us out with a smile, a great attitude and a wonderful sense of humor.

Thanks Mark, for all you do.

–submitted by Educational Services Building Human Resources team Mark Wiegerink, who recently married. Congrats!

I would like to brag about Mark King (Special Education). Mark has many job responsibilities, tasks and duties, and performs all of them with excellence. Regardless of his busy schedule, Mark maintains an “open door” policy and makes himself available to assist others offering advice, wisdom, encouragement, support as well as opportunities for professional growth. Mark always remains calm and has a joke to share to lighten any difficult situation. It is a privilege to know him and even better to work with him!

–submitted by Krista Krefeld-Frier, learning support specialist, Automotive Services Assistant Program

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

ING YOU! BUILDING PRIDE

I would also like to brag about Sherry Patterson (Guest Services). She has been instrumental in making sure catering needs are met and exceeded in all my meetings. She is always upbeat and positive, greeting each person with a smile and an encouraging word. She is also quite accommodating and flexible, making last minute changes or special requests seem like “no big deal.” I often receive compliments and accolades on the quality and items that are served at OAISD meetings. Sherry certainly is an integral part of making OAISD the professional and outstanding organization it is!

–submitted by Krista Krefeld-Frier, learning support specialist, Automotive Services Assistant Program Terri Drooger (Instructional Services/REMC7) is exceptional in her work and manages REMC7 efficiently; serving all educators and students and ensuring their needs are met. Terri makes my job run smoothly by keeping up with administrative details that make sure I’m at the right place at the right time. If you have any questions about REMC7, Terri will give you a tour and happily answer them. Thank you Terri!

–submitted by Anne Thorp, instructional technologist/ REMC7 director Lynn Potter (Instructional Services/REMC7) is finishing her first year in REMC/IS and has been a wonderful addition to our staff. She completes tasks quickly and efficiently as well as checking in with us to see if anything else needs to be done. Her foresight for tasks and planning helps keep all of us successful. Thank you Lynn!

–submitted by Anne Thorp, instructional technologist/ REMC7 director

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

futurePREP

A Double Scoop of Yum! This summer marked the launch of Sundae School, a new futurePREP program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The week long program placed students at local ice cream businesses around the OAISD where they conducted market research and created a communications plan through brainstorming and teamwork.

The kindergarten group `Team Get the Scoop’ received top honors in two categories of the competition. Their Secret Oreo Explosion swept both adult and kid votes alike with their winning combination of vanilla ice cream, deep-fried Oreos, cookie dough pieces, waffle cone pieces, caramel sauce, whipped cream and cherries.

(L-R) futurePREP Team (C Jason Pasatta, Kyle Dann intern).

“Sundae School allowed elementary students to explore local businesses and get a taste of what it’s like to be a real entrepreneur,” said Jason Passata, OAISD development director for career and technical education. “Using problem solving skills and working as a group, teams produced a researched based product and had a great time doing it.”

“Sampling all the sundae’s was a pregnant lady’s dream,” Stephanie DeDoes, human resources assistant, said. “You could tell the students were excited and took pride in their work. It was a great experience for them and everyone involved.”

(L-R): Tyler DeBruler (Tech and Blake Webster (Tech

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

futurePREP

Career Ed/Tech) (L-R): Kathy Steinbach, nenberg, and Bailey Coval (summer

hnology), Stephanie DeDoes (HR), hnology)

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

futurePREP

The winning trophies will be on display at Get the Scoop Ice Cream Shop until the title is up for grabs again during Sundae School 2015.

Special thanks to all the teachers, sponsors Hudsonville Ice Cream and Sweet Temptations for providing ice cream for the program, and participating shops Sweet Temptations, Captain Sundae, Get the Scoop, Skoops Ice Cream, The Front Porch, The Hawk’s Nest and The Soft Spot for helping to make the inaugural Sundae School yummy cool.

Learn more about the program and see the students at work in the Maranda segment below.

Special Sundae School

Kids learn about businesses at Sundae School

http://wotv4women.com/2014/08/07/ get-the-scoop-at-sundae-school/

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

futurePREP

(L-R) Tim Loiselle (Technology), Matt Wind (Technology), Michelle Ready (Communications), Wendy Beamer (Technology), and Christine Zeeryp (Technology).

The winning sundae “Secret Oreo Explosion” was created by Team Get the Scoop.

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

MARANDA PARK PARTY

OAISD Parties in the Park with Mara Early July, employees from two departments – Communications and Integrated Marketing representing Doing More. Together. (DMT) and Early Childhood - joined WOTV4 for Women personality Maranda at the second of five parties celebrating 20 years of free family fun in West Michigan.

An estimated 5,800 people of all ages came out to enjoy the picture-perfect weather, great activities and learn more about Doing More.

Together. and Early Childhood programs provided through OAISD. “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to tell the community about the Doing More.

Together. partnership and encourage them to tell their stories about the great work going on in Ottawa area schools,” Michelle Ready, communications manager, said. “It was so much fun passing out DMT beach balls and stick-on tattoos to all of the children and seeing their

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

MARANDA PARK PARTY

faces light up. They are at the heart of what we do…they are the people we serve.”

Kathy Peppin, Parents As Teachers literacy playgroup coordinator, Dar VanKampen, early childhood specialist and Lori Bryant, Play ‘n Learn coordinator, set up shop next to DMT representing Early Childhood for a one-two OAISD informational punch.

“We had a beach themed table where children could dig in buckets of beach sand to find beach-y treasure including pencils, flip flop key chains, notepads or a free children’s book,” said Kathy Peppin. “While children were digging we talked to parents and caregivers about free educational opportunities for children ages birth through 5 years old in Ottawa County including Great Start Readiness Program, Early Head Start/Head Start and our OAISD Play ‘n Learn groups.”

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INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

GOOD TO KNOW

Ottawa County and the city of Holland recently signed on to a free service called Smart911 that can help make an emergency situation a little less stressful for you and improve response time by police and fire departments. When a 9-1-1 emergency occurs, sometimes the confusion and lack of accurate information can slow the response time from emergency personnel.

Smart911 allows you to create a Safety Profile for you and your family, which takes only a few minutes. The Safety Profile includes any information about yourself and your household that 9-1-1 needs to have in an emergency. The Safety Profile displays immediately to the 9-1-1 call-taker resulting in far greater emergency response and saved lives.

Standard information such as number of residents and allergies of anyone in the house is part of the Safety Profile as well as the color of your house and information about pets at the residence.

“Uploading a photo of your child/children is especially effective in case of an Amber Alert,” said an Ottawa County Central Dispatch employee. “While no one wants to have to issue such an alert, if your child’s photo is in the Smart911 system, it is instantly broadcast to all emergency personnel allowing them to begin searching that much faster.”

So take a moment, sign up today at www.smart911.com and complete your free Safety Profile.

Barnes & Noble Discount

Are you interested in saving money on work supplies? Barnes & Noble offers a 20% discount off publisher’s list price to those involved in education on most hardcover and paperback books, toys, and games. But wait-it gets better! During Educator Appreciation Days, October 11-19, they are increasing the discount to 25%.

To enroll in this free program, simply fill out the application form (electronic link at right) and bring to any Barnes and Noble store. Once enrolled in the program, you can use your discount in store and for online purchases as well.

Visit www.bn.com/educator to learn more. Happy (discounted) shopping! http://images.barnesandnoble.com/ pImages/resources/pdf/educatorapplication-form.pdf

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERWORKINGS 2014–15 Issue No. 1

IT’s COOL

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