An Orange County Public Schools employee publication May 2019 | Vol. 46, Issue 9
A Day in
the life of Nursing Pgs. 6 & 7
2018-19
Cabinet
Superlatives Pgs. 10 & 11
A Funny T hing Happened
EDITORS
Shayla Cannady and Alayna G. Riggins
DESIGN & LAYOUT Kim Boulnois
ADVERTISING
During
Adrienne Noel
Sean P. Rainey Robins wood M iddle
a test, a studen t took o his cell ut phone and said , “Hey, S iri.”
CONTRIBUTORS Kimberly Eisenbise and Patricia Villane
To submit your story ideas, email orangepeal@ocps.net. The Orange Peal is a districtwide publication for and about the employees of Orange County Public Schools. The School Board of Orange County, Florida, does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law.
Best Ideas
Making safety simple for substitutes
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fter a recent Active Assailant Drill at Bay Meadows Elementary, School Resource Officer Deputy Mike Parmenter reminded the team of the importance for substitutes who come into the school to know procedures as well. For greater convenience, Parmenter and the
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school team drew up safety instructions that are now placed in the back of the key cards substitutes get when they work at Bay Meadows. They are reminded to review these instructions, now right at their fingertips, to help promote a safe learning and working environment!
No Early Release – May 1, 8, 15 National School Nurse Day – May 8
Memorial Day – May 27. All schools and offices closed. Four-day work week – June 13 - July 31 Independence Day – July 4. All schools and offices closed. Summer Break – The June issue of the Orange Peal will celebrate OCPS retirees. Check your email by May 24, as this issue will only be distributed electronically. The Orange Peal will resume printing with our September issue. 2
You’re The Best Led by Orange Technical College Digital Video Production Teacher Michele Washington-Gerber, Winter Park High won seven times in C-SPAN’s 2019 StudentCam competition, including the firstplace and Fan-Favorite prizes. Held annually, the video documentary competition encourages students in grades 6-12 to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation.
The Freedom High Boys Wrestling team, coached by David Bush, won its fifth consecutive Metro Conference championship earlier this year.
The Titans of Olympia High are district champions in the following: Boys and Girls Water Polo and Boys Varsity Tennis. Congratulations to Water Polo Coach Stephanie Johnson-Possell and Tennis Coach Harvey "Bubba" James.
Congratulations to Freedom High Boys volleyball coach Gina McFerren (top photo) and Boone High baseball coach Pete Post for earning their 500th career wins. McFerren, a physical education teacher, is the first female coach with OCPS to reach this achievement. Post, a math teacher, is the second coach in OCPS history to achieve this milestone.
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The Timber Creek High Programming team, led by Kyle Dencker, recently won both divisions of the High School Programming Contest hosted by the Florida International University School of Computer and Information Sciences.
District Dispatches
Evans and Jones high schools have earned the first College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science courses.
OCPS celebrated its 2018-19 ADDitions School Volunteers and Partners in Education March 29 at SeaWorld Orlando. Approximately 80 community partners and individuals were recognized for being outstanding superheroes for our students.
Schools receiving the award have either 50 % or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science examinees meet or exceed that of the school’s female population.
OCPS’ Mental Health Services Helpline at 407-317-9111 is fully active. Mental health department counselors, psychologists and social workers respond to calls from school personnel seeking assistance with the threat response process.
Susan Dean Maguire, Social Studies teacher at BETA, was selected to participate in the Florida Supreme Court Teacher’s Institute held in Tallahassee in February. Maguire was one of 20 teachers chosen from around the state, and the only one selected from OCPS.
Jackson Middle has been recertified as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) National Demonstration School. AVID is a data-driven program proven to close the achievement gap in education, primarily with students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and prepare them for post-secondary education.
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OCPS recently received a $20,000 donation from the 2019 Windermere Wine & Dine committee for four Title I schools.
OCPS Media Relations is planning to launch a new instructional-based podcast, Appetite for Instruction! The podcast, driven by interviews with OCPS teachers from across the district, aims to inspire educators by sharing innovative practices in the classroom.
OCPS has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for our outstanding commitment to music education. The award goes to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
At its April national conference in Baltimore, Md., Magnet Schools of America (MSA) awarded Howard Middle School Academy of Arts its national certification for having an outstanding magnet program. Howard Middle is the only OCPS magnet to earn this four-year certification, and one of 22 schools nationwide to earn this honor for the 2018-19 school year. MSA National Merit Awards also were presented to the following schools: • Lakeview Middle received a Magnet School of Excellence Award for demonstrating the highest level of excellence in all areas of the application. • Hunter’s Creek Elementary, Jackson Middle, and Boone, Dr. Phillips, Oak Ridge and University high schools earned Magnet School of Distinction Awards for fulfilling all of the scoring rubric requirements.
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A Day in the Life of … NURSING It’s just an hour into the school day and Licensed Practical Nurse Marianne Woodruff has been visited by 15 of the 70 students she’ll see on this day.
From requests for ice packs and adhesive bandages to addressing health issues to dispensing medication, at times there are three to four students needing her attention at once in the Wekiva High clinic. This particular Friday morning has been “mild,” she says of her 2,000plus student population.
What might appear quite busy to most doesn’t seem to faze Woodruff. With agility and skill, she assesses and attends to the health concerns and questions from Wekiva students and administrators, interspersed with calls and texts to parents and guardians. An OCPS graduate of Winter Park High, Woodruff says she always wanted to be a nurse. That passion had her study nursing at Orlando Vocational (now Orlando Technical College) and Valencia Community College. Afterward, she ventured into the field, working for dermatology and obstetrician/gynecology offices across the country. Along the way, she served 15 years as a medic reservist with the U.S. Army.
Name: Marianne Woodruff Role: Licensed Practical Nurse Wekiva High Years with OCPS: 6
“I think the military helped me prepare for this. I have to go with the flow,” said Woodfuff, who earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Stetson University.
Hometown: Orlando
To help triage certain requests, at the beginning of the year Woodruff supplied Wekiva teachers with packs of clinic passes and bandages, which, she says has decreased student excuses and visits. She keeps a cabinet full of snacks and water to combat student hunger. The clinic also is chock full of health education pamphlets and fliers listing free health centers throughout the county.
“My goal is to make a difference with these kids, so they know there is someone who cares.” It’s all in a day’s work for Woodruff, on the front line helping students stay healthy and achieve success at Wekiva High.
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is called to come pick him up. He waits in the clinic nearly two hours to be picked up. 9:14 a.m.: Female student comes in complaining of a recurrent UTI. Woodruff tells her she needs to see a urologist and offers her water. After she calls family members to take her to the doctor that day, she goes back to class. 9:17 a.m.: Administrator brings in a female ESE student with blisters on her feet. Woodruff cleans the areas and applies bandages.
Below is a synopsis of a day shadowing Woodruff at Wekiva High. 7:24 a.m.: Male students asks for eye drops.
7:31 a.m.: Female ESE student, escorted by an administrator, comes in complaining of a headache. After checking for a fever, Woodruff calls her mother, who tells the student to drink water and go back to class. 7:46 a.m.: Female student asks to use a nail clipper. 8:08 a.m.: Woodruff sorts paperwork and inputs information into new SMS system; catching up on paperwork from when a virus infected the school‘s computer system. 8:16 a.m.: Female student comes in complaining of chest heaviness and coughing; says she thinks she caught strep throat from another student in class. After taking her temperature and blood pressure, this student calls her parent to go home. 8:19 a.m.: Male student presents with a swollen, infected arm. Woodruff assesses and wraps it up with bandage, telling him he needs to go get his arm seen by a doctor. She calls his mom, who tries to find transportation to pick him up. He goes back to class and then returns before he is picked up via a rideshare driver. 8:37 a.m.: Female student asks for a ice pack for pain from an artificial nail pulling the cuticle off. Woodruff tells her to keep it clean with soap and water and not peroxide, so it can heal faster. 8:43 a.m.: Woodruff takes a bathroom break. 9:02 a.m.: Male student complains of throat hurting when he swallows. Woodruff takes his temperature, says he’s not running a fever but looks down throat, which is red. She has him gargle with salt water and then gives him a sheet with free clinics on it; he goes back to class. 9:14 a.m.: Male student says he's not feeling well and that he ate French fries and gummies for breakfast; thinks he has food poisoning. His mother
9:20 a.m.: Female student asks for a bandage and buys a feminine product from the clinic wall dispenser. 9:32 a.m.: Female student complains about pain in her mouth, says she has seen dentist and that her wisdom teeth are not coming in correctly. Woodruff gives her an ice pack and form for her parents to fill out so they can send over-the-counter medication in for Woodruff to dispense. 10:05 a.m.: Male student asks to use the clinic bathroom. 10:15 a.m.: Male student limps in, says he has shin splints and can hardly walk. He lays down on a cot and calls his parent to come pick him up. Woodruff prints out Nemours information from the internet about shin splints that his mother gets when she picks him up within 25 minutes. 10:27 a.m.: Female student requests ice pack for a bruised ankle. 10:41 a.m.: Male student comes to get a snack to hold him over til lunch. 11:11 a.m.: Female student comes to get asthma inhaler medicine from Woodruff. 11:20 a.m.: Female student complains of stomach cramps and not feeling well. Woodruff takes her temperature; no fever. Student calls her mom to go home; mother says to wait til school is over. She rests in the clinic for a spell. 11:33 a.m.: Female administrator comes in to get her blood pressure checked and temperature taken. 11:34 a.m.: Male student comes in for Woodruff to administer diabetes medication. 12:24 p.m.: Male student comes in, says he’s not feeling well. He calls home to get picked up. Parent comes within 15 minutes. 12:28 p.m.: Woodruff eats microwaved lunch at her desk. 12:30 p.m.: Woodruff calls an administrator to see if a student is in school today for his medicine treatment; he is not. 7
12:33 p.m.: Female student requests heating pad. Lays down on cot for about 10 minutes before going back to class. 12:36-1:14 p.m.: Male student rushes in, says he’s having a reaction to someone spraying a liquid on his face, says his mouth is burning. - He is assessed and given baby wash to calm his face down before being sent to an administrator. Woodruff also calls the student’s mother. - Afterward, he comes back and is given an ice pack as he is questioned by the SROs. - Woodruff calls two additional students to the clinic for questioning by the SROs. - SROs determine that the student picked up pepper gel and rubbed his face before dropping it. SROs walk two students to the area to see where it was discarded but cannot find it. - Mother arrives to take student home. 1:10 p.m.: Female student asks for glue to repair shoe. 1:49 p.m.: Female student comes in to get a jacket to wear. 1:53 p.m.: Woodruff leaves the office to make copies of fliers about OCPS health center locations. 2:09 p.m.: Male student comes to have his blood pressure checked. Woodruff comments that he has lost weight and is getting taller. Want your Classified area highlighted? Email orangepeal@ocps.net.
National School Nurse Day
is celebrated Wednesday, May 8, during National Nurse Week. Take a moment and show your school’s nurse how much you value and appreciate the care they provide to help students stay healthy and in school.
High School Hits
Come. Sit. Stay. Play. It’s roughly 7 a.m. at Timber Creek
High, and students begin making their way to their first-period class. Among the “pack” (wolverine pun intended), it’s hard not to notice the sets of paws (and by paws, we mean dog paws) scattered amongst the crowd.
Thanks to the direction and leadership of Agriculture Teacher Zuleika Hubble, for two years, staff have been able to bring their dogs – up to two days a week – to the Timber Creek Vet Clinic as part of its Vet Assisting Program. Inspired by the veterinary program at University High, Hubble convinced Timber Creek’s former principal to establish the program in
fall 2010. As the Vet Assisting Program grew in popularity, current Principal Kelly Paduano fully supported and pushed for the clinic Timber Creek has today.
“[Bringing dogs to work] is definitely an amazing part of our program,” said Hubble. [University High] had a doggy daycare, and so I was able to incorporate that into our Vet Assisting program. It really helps students out by having those hands-on experiences with the live animals.”
Similar to our 211,000-plus students, the pooches can expect to have a full day of rigor while at “doggy daycare.” Instead of FSA tests, these four-legged students have agility tests. In addition to the occasional timeouts that arise due to personality conflicts, they participate in birthday parties, spirit
weeks and even weddings.
On any given school day, four to six dogs are checked in by a student veterinary assistant. Each has its own cubby, leash, treats and special care instructions (i.e. grooming, training,etc.). “Running a vet clinic is a lot of work,” said Hubble. “A lot of agriculture programs are trying to have the program, but you really need a vet assisting class to be able to make it work. [By having this], students are able to apply what they learn in class, at the clinic.”
There are approximately 130 students who work in the veterinary clinic. Last school year, a second teacher was added to the program, and theteam hopes to grow the program to offer more opportunities for staff to bring in their furry friends.
Customer Testimonials
Belle and Timber Creek Media Specialist Melanie Mahaffey.
“Belle was a rescue, and where we live is kind of secluded. She was the most nervous dog. Anytime she met anybody new, she was super shaky. I really thought we were going to come here one day and it wasn’t gonna work out for us; but it’s been the best thing for her. She sees all the kids, and she’s just so much more comfortable around other people and other dogs. She just loves it. I can’t touch [her school leash] in the morning until we’ve done all of our business because she’s at the door, ready to go.”
Oliver and Guidance Counselor Allison Howard.
Doctor Henry Indiana Jones, Jr. and Geometry Teacher Stephen Schaeffer.
“My favorite part is just how much [Oliver] loves coming here. When I say, “Do you want to go to school,” his eyes light up and he gets really excited. He’s so social, loves to be around people and other dogs. He gets to come here and be active, and he’s so tired afterwards… . [The vet clinic] brings us together like a community…, being able to meet other teachers who have other dogs here. Our school is so big that we don’t really get a chance to get to know each other a little bit. We are just getting connected in a different way.”
Lu n a
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Ze k e
“I know when I take him home, he’s dead tired. That’s how I feel about it; he goes home and goes to sleep. He knows in the morning when he’s coming to school with me; he gets excited. He knows he’s getting picked up. He does a lot better with other dogs. He never has any problem [with other people or other dogs] because he’s so socialized.”
Ze r o
Started in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the U.S. government administers the social insurance program Social Security. It helps citizens and their eligible family members receive retirement, disability and survivor’s benefits.
If you are thinking about retiring from OCPS soon, take the time find out if you qualify, how and when you should apply and more. Retirement Services will offer its next Social Security Planning Workshop this July focusing on estimating, collecting and maximizing Social Security benefits to help you retire securely.
Belle
Upcoming workshops Estate Planning for Busy People May 8, 5-6:30 p.m. Medicare Planning Workshop July 10, 5-6:30 p.m. Social Security Planning Workshop July 17, 5-6:30 p.m. Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) Interest Meeting July 24, 5-7 p.m. Planning for Your Retirement July 31, 5-7 p.m. Seating for all workshops is limited, so please register for a course at http://catalog.ocps.net
For additional information, email retirement.services@ocps.net or call 407.317.3227.
Lilli
All workshops are held at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center, 445 W. Amelia St., Boardroom, Orlando, Fla.
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2018-19
Cabinet Superlatives
Barbara M. Jenkins
Michael Armbruster
Christopher Bernier Associate Superintendent School Choice Services
Associate Superintendent Curriculum and Digital Learning
Most likely to win a Nobel Prize
Most likely to arrive early
Fastest Driver
Most quotable
Most Spirited Best Laugh Funniest
Harold Border
Leighanne Bradshaw
Tashonda Brown-Cannon
Robert Curran
Best Hair Most likely to be Golfing
Best Wardrobe (Female) – Tie Highest Heels Most likely to have been Prom Queen
Best Voice Best Smile
Most Tech Savvy
Patricia Fritzler
Scott D. Howat
Rahim Jones
Dale Kelly
Best Celebrity Look-alike
Superintendent
Chief of High Schools
Associate Superintendent Career & Technical Education
Area Superintendent East Learning Community
Associate Superintendent School Transformation Office
Area Superintendent Southeast Learning Community
Chief Communications Officer
Area Superintendent North Learning Community
Most likely to travel the world Best Wardrobe (Female) - Tie
Most likely to have been Prom King
Best Wardrobe (Male)
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Rob Bixler
Chief Information Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Ever wonder what our OCPS Cabinet thinks of themselves?
As we close out the 2018-19 school year, we asked them to award superlatives, and good sports they were!
James Larsen
James Lawson
Area Superintendent Southwest Learning Community
Minority Achievement Officer
Most likely to be on a Reality Show
Best Facial Expression Most likely to win a Pulitzer
Roberto Pacheco
James Preusser
Chief Operations Officer
Senior Executive Director Human Resources
Gregory Moody
John Morris
Area Superintendent West Learning Community
Chief Facilities Officer
Quietest
Diego “Woody” Rodriguez-
Jennifer Sasser
General Counsel
Associate Superintendent Research, Accountability and Grants
Most likely to win “Jeopardy” Best Singer - Tie
Most Environmentally Conscious Most Friendly - Tie Most likely to be mistaken as a student
John Wright
Kathryn Shuler
Maria Vazquez
Bridget Williams Chief of Staff
Associate Superintendent Innovation Office
Most Athletic Most likely to have a new hair style
Best Car Most emails sent
Most Friendly - Tie Best Singer - Tie
Most Friendly - Tie Most Artistic Most Empathetic
Chief Academic Officer
Deputy Superintendent
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is out …,
but we’re still in School may be out in May for students and teachers, but many OCPS departments and team members will continue to provide services to schools and educators in preparation for the upcoming school year. • OCPS is eager to see where books will take students through the Summer Reading Challenge, "A Universe of Stories ... What's Your Story?" Educators, parents and students can find books by grade level, literary events and more at SummerReading.ocps.net. Students (age 13 and older) and parents can post pictures and hashtag #OCPSReads on social media. Students also can log their daily minutes as part of the 5 million minutes summer reading program on the Beanstack app on LaunchPad. • Teachers have the opportunity to attend voluntary professional learning courses June 1-27. View summer offerings at http://summerpd.ocps.net or visit the Canvas PD Catalog for dates, times and courses offered. • Custodial Services will hold its annual Safety Stand-Down, June 3, at Oak Ridge High. This event allows 1,200 custodians to train on safe usage and
equipment maintenance processes, and stay abreast of on-the-job cleaning and best work practices. Experts in the field will provide product demonstrations along with opportunities to answer questions. In addition, employees can look forward to enjoying lunch, entertainment as well as an opportunity for prizes and giveaways. Feeding the body as well as mind this summer, June 3-Aug.2, Food & Nutrition Services will offer free lunch (for children age 18 and under) on its Mobile Lunch Vehicles. Children can come to one of seven Orange County Library locations Monday-Friday for a meal. (No lunch will be offered July 4.) • Teachers with fewer than four years of experience who have not completed induction with OCPS are invited to attend Great Beginnings, July 22-23, and July 24-25 at Orange Technical College –
Four - Day Work Week
All district offices and schools are closed Fridays, beginning June 14. Work locations will be on 10-hour work days, Monday—Thursday, through July 31.. 12
Orlando Campus. Click here for registration information and who should attend. Newly hired teachers, mentors and school administrators will be celebrated at the New Teacher Extravaganza, Aug. 1 at Edgewater High. School teams and the district office will welcome and motivate OCPS’ new team members with entertainment and snacks. Transportation Services will hold its mandatory annual Fall Conference with training for drivers, monitors and staff Aug. 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse. To start the 2019-20 school year off right, all children are encouraged to be in school on Aug. 12. Parents and guardians can register students age 5 on or before Sept. 1 now through Aug. 9 at their zoned Orange County schools. School enrollment information can be found here.
Summer Reading List Students won’t be the only ones reading this summer. Below is a list of 10 books we compiled from employee submissions. Thank you to everyone who submitted titles. Happy reading!
“The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin Ispa Iadanza | Winter Park High
“Arc of a Scythe” series by Neal Shusterman Jennifer Capitano | Vista Lakes Elementary
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas Diane Carter | Glenridge Middle
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama Sharon Leonard | Pinewood Elementary
“Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany” by Jane Mount Beth Scanlon | Cypress Creek High
“Dread Nation” by Justina Ireland Shana Call | Cypress Creek High
“The Girls at 17 Swann Street” by Yara Zgheib Christen Van Allen | SunRidge Middle
“Jazz” by Toni Morisson Cassia Hinds | Edgewater High
“Teach like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator” by Dave Burgess Charlene Barbieri | West Creek Elementary “The Power of Full Engagement” by Jim Loehr & Toy Schwartz Matthew Turner | Westridge Middle
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We are delighted to recognize the following high-performing team members who are furthering their educational goals!
Fall 2018
AIMEE CAREY
Instructional Coach, Waterford Elementary Master of Education in Educational Leadership University of Central Florida
ABIGAIL CHOWDHURY
Art Teacher, Discovery Middle Bachelor of Science in Art Education University of Central Florida
MARTENNA GATES
Teacher, Maitland Middle Master of Education in Educational Leadership University of Central Florida
Spring 2019 KAREN HALL
Instructional Coach, Clay Springs Elementary Master of Education in Educational Leadership Stetson University
DEBBIE LABAIRE
Media Clerk, Wheatley Elementary Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Nova Southeastern University
TAYLOR PRESHA
Anatomy and Physiology Instructor, Oak Ridge High Master of Arts in Counseling Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling University of Central Florida
SARAH WHITE
ESE Paraprofessional, Winter Park High Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Brain & Cognitive Sciences) Eastern Kentucky University
Summer 2019 TAYLER BRAY
Assistant Principal, Boone High Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership – Executive University of Central Florida
ANGELITA BROWN
School Food Services Manager, Food and Nutrition Services Master of Arts in Teaching Columbia College - Orlando
SYLVIA REVANGILE
Parent Engagement Liaison, Tildenville Elementary Master of Social Work University of Central Florida
BRIAN K. SANCHEZ CORONA
Assistant Principal, Oak Ridge High Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership University of Central Florida
MATTHEW TURNER
Principal, Westridge Middle Juris Doctorate Florida A&M University College of Law
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MAY 2019
Time for an Insurance Update
Discussions about employee medical plan options continue
A
s a result of ongoing discussions regarding medical plan costs and their effect on employees and the district, final benefit offerings and rates were not available at the time of this edition of the Benefits Bulletin. It will be important to stay tuned for more information on this year’s annual insurance enrollment, including the dates when enrollment will be held. Updates will be on the Insurance Benefits Intranet page (http://insurance.ocps.net, select Enrollment Information), and sent by email. You can read more about the optional benefits available to you in the April edition of the Benefits Bulletin.
Great time out during Corporate 5k
OCPS had a strong presence at the IOA Corporate 5K held April 18 in downtown Orlando. More than 550 employees participated in 63 district and school teams.
Arbor Ridge K-8
Corner Lake M.S.
R.B.E.L.C.
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Lakemont E.S.
Oakshire E.S.
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MotivateMe – Year 5 rewards coming in May/June Employees can earn a maximum incentive of $100
The insurance plan year started Oct. 1 and that means Year 5 of MotivateMe began as well (time period for Year 5 is 10/1/2018 – 9/30/2019). If you completed some or all of the steps below after 10/1/2018 and your claims were submitted to Cigna during the first three months of 2019, you will see your reward in upcoming paychecks in May and June. Look for the MotivateMe reward on the left side of your paystub under “Summary of Earnings and Deductions” – it will be a separate line that reads, “Health Incentive.” Depending on what you have completed so far in Year 5, your reward will either be $50, $75 or $100 (maximum amount). If you haven’t earned the maximum reward of $100, see what you can complete before Year 5 ends on 9/30/2019. If this is the first you are hearing about MotivateMe, see the details of how you can “cash in on wellness.”
Annual physical by your Primary Care Physician (not Well Woman visit)
OCPS employee covered by Cigna medical plan
+
= $50
Health Assessment completed on myCigna.com
*via payroll deposit
You can earn an additional $25 or $50 ONLY if you have completed the annual physical and the health assessment online. Select 2 of the following for $25 each (MAXIMUM 2)
q
flu shot
q
mammogram
q
colon cancer screening
q
work with a Cigna Health Coach
q
cervical cancer screening
q
PAP SMEAR
2
options from above (between 10/1/18 and 9/30/19)
use a Cigna designated Center of Excellence
x $25 = $50 *via payroll deposit
As you take healthy actions during Year 5 and would like to check on your progress toward the next cash disbursement in November 2019, you can visit myCigna.com or contact the onsite Cigna representative with OCPS, 407.317.3200, Ext. 2002487. *Rewards are disbursed twice a year (May 2019 and November 2019) and are considered taxable income. Should you receive a reward in error, the recovery of this overpayment will occur on your next regularly scheduled check. The incentive will be forfeited if termination of employment occurs prior to the scheduled reward disbursement. Maximum payroll deposit is $100. The health assessment and annual physical must be completed in order to be eligible for the additional $25 rewards.
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You have time to set up a Primary Care Physician Information provided by Cigna
Love YOUR Colon Make time to screen for colon cancer Your doctor can help you find the right option Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What if we told you a colon cancer screening may not involve a colonoscopy? Although it may be the gold standard, the colonoscopy is not the only option to check for colorectal cancer, which is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. There’s no better time than the summer break to establish a relationship with a Primary Care Physician (PCP). Your OCPS Cigna insurance plans don’t require you to choose a PCP, but it is highly encouraged. Why? Because your PCP is your personal health advocate who coordinates all of your medical care. That includes things like routine physicals, immunizations, medical advice and specialist referrals. He or she knows you and your medical history – and that can be very valuable. How do I choose a PCP? You and each covered family member can select your own PCP. You can choose from providers practicing in: › Internal medicine › Family medicine › General practice › Pediatrics
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults age 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. The benefits and risks of these screening methods vary. Discuss with your doctor which test is best for you. Your doctor may recommend an option that requires anesthesia, or one in which you go home with a kit. You can log onto myCigna.com (“Find Care & Costs”) to see which tests are covered by your insurance plan and how much you will have to pay.
Here are some questions to ask your doctor: Do I need to get a screening test for colorectal cancer?
• What screening test(s) do you recommend for me?
• How do I prepare? Do I need to change my diet or my usual medication schedule?
• What’s involved in the test? Will it be uncomfortable or painful?
One way to find a PCP is to ask your friends and coworkers if they would recommend their doctors or medical groups. With that information, you can visit myCigna.com to see if the medical practice is in your network and accepting new patients.
• Is there any risk involved?
• When and from whom will I get results?
When you log onto myCigna.com, click on “Find a Doctor of Facility.” The Cigna directory lets you research providers in your area. You can find information about office locations and special services, such as languages spoken. If you have questions or need help, call the number on your ID card.
If you’re having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, you will want to know —
Can I meet with my PCP before I have an exam with him or her? It’s a good idea to meet your PCP before you’re sick or injured. They can learn more about you and set up your medical history without waiting for an urgent care situation. If you’re due for your annual physical, that’s a good first meeting with your PCP. And with the OCPS Cigna medical plans, many in-network preventive care services are covered at 100%.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are 50 or older, getting a colorectal cancer screening test could save your life – so make time to do it!
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• Who will do the exam?
• Will I need someone with me?
Having elective surgery this summer? Now is the time to prepare
Some OCPS employees, especially those who work 10 months, choose the summer as the time to undergo elective surgery. Since it is elective, you have time to prepare by conducting research and asking questions. Here are practical tips if you plan to have surgery during the break: 1. Anyone considering an elective surgery should review their coverage requirements with their health insurance carrier before scheduling the procedure. Precertification by Cigna is required for all inpatient admissions. 2. If possible, opt for a minimally invasive procedure. Minimally invasive procedures often offer shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, less pain and less scarring over traditional “open”procedures for a number of different operations. 3. Make sure all of your providers (surgeons, assistants and anesthesiologist) are in the plan’s network. Plan A: Cigna Local Plus OAP In-Network and Plan C: Cigna OAP In-Network (formerly Network Premium) will not cover services provided outside of the network. Plan B: Cigna HRA has out-of-network benefits;however, covered services will cost more. 4.
Ask the surgeon how long you will be in the hospital. Until recently, most patients who had surgery stayed in the hospital overnight for one or more days. Today, many patients have surgery done as an outpatient procedure in a doctor’s office, a special surgical center or a day surgery unit of a hospital. These patients have an operation and go home the same day. Typically, outpatient surgery is less expensive than inpatient hospitalizations.
5. Did you know that Cigna designates some hospitals and medical centers as Centers of Excellence based on positive patient outcomes and cost efficiency in treatments in 19 different categories? Go online to myCigna.com or call 1.800.244.6224 to see if your hospital or medical center is recognized as a Center of Excellence (this is also an option for the MotivateMe reward for Year 5). 6. If you do have surgery in a hospital, look for its Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade here. The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. health system, issues the grades as a public service. The grade represents a hospital’s overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors.
Healthy Hero Do you ever think about those seemingly random choices you make that change your life dramatically? Our Healthy Hero for May, nominated by Kelly Tourné, instructional coach/CRT at Conway ES, accepted a friend’s invitation to attend a Zumba class and never expected what happened next. “I would like to tell you about Liza Medina, our VE-PreK teacher here at Conway. Over the last several years, Liza has had a total transformation. Here is her story… “‘Seven years ago, I found myself sitting on my walk-in closet floor crying inconsolably. While getting ready for a trip to the beach, I looked at myself in the mirror and became unhappy at my appearance. Honestly, I thought I looked like a meatball and that moment became my saddest yet. I have to admit that not everything was unhappiness, but my health started to take a toll due to my eating habits. “‘A week later, a friend invited me to a Zumba class instructed by Tony Soto. After visiting countless gyms and signing up for all the cardio courses you can imagine,
my life was changed due to his charismatic attitude and dedication to his followers. “‘I took the reins, and I began a diet regimen. Every step I made had a goal attached to it. Little by little my health improved and I no longer needed medications. I set reachable goals and passed them with determination and even certified as a Zumba instructor. “‘My goal was to be a motivation to others. My passion for Zumba fitness is such that, at times, I forget that I'm working out. Now, 120 pounds lighter, I could say it was the best decision I have ever made as far as my health. I continue living my life by eating healthy and teaching others how to accomplish their goals.’” We honor Liza Medina as May’s Healthy Hero. Liza took a chance on a friend’s invitation to a Zumba class and found her passion for staying fit. If you would like to nominate a co-worker as a Healthy Hero, please e-mail wellness@ocps.net with the
candidate’s name, location and why they deserve the title. 22
Time to celebrate!
OCPS walking warriors made it to the moon – and beyond!
No rocket was needed as OCPS employees traveled the distance from the earth to the moon – 238,900 miles plus 49,863 miles beyond! This milestone was achieved by those who participated in the10,000 Steps-a-Day Program that took place from Feb. 1 to March 29. That translates to a total of 289,067 miles, or about 628 million steps! Congratulations to all OCPS employees who joined the challenge to just walk 10,000 steps a day, which equates to about five miles daily for most people. More than 2,200 employees registered for the walking challenge, indicating they needed a pedometer (provided by OCPS Employee Wellness) or would use their own tracking device. Of those who registered, 1,484 employees (an increase of 700 from last year) actually entered at least one step. Participants burned nearly 26 million calories and had an average weight loss of 1.7 pounds.
Although the 10,000 Steps-a-Day Program was not a competition but a way to encourage employees to move, team members did become competitive and issued challenges to each other. The top five teams in OCPS in terms of total number of steps were: Olympia HS (#1 last year), Endeavor ES, Lake Nona HS, Wedgefield School and Palm Lake ES. In terms of average steps per member, the top schools were: Keene’s Crossing ES, Ocoee ES, Wyndham Lakes ES, Liberty MS, and Ventura ES.
Active walkers (those who entered at least one step) were entered for drawings of gift cards and FitBits throughout the program. The winner of the final drawing is below, along with team captains of the top two schools.
Amy Brown, Ocoee MS, $50 Gift Card winner
Stephanie Manny, team captain for Olympia HS, #1 total number of steps
Lisa Ellis, team captain for Endeavor ES, with her team, #2 total number of steps
#1 Reason to use Cigna Telehealth Connection Your time is important! Summer, like every other season, brings many activities for families. It’s time for visiting theme parks, taking beach trips and taking part in summer camps – not waiting to be seen at a doctor’s office for a minor acute illness.
Now you can get access to care for non-life-threatening conditions without leaving the comfort of your home. You can receive the care you need – including most prescriptions – by connecting with a boardcertified doctor via video chat or phone.
Telehealth gives you all this for a $10 copay! That’s right, even those employees enrolled in Plan A, Cigna Local Plus In-Network! Previously, you had to pay 100% of the cost of the visit until the deductible was met. Now, however, using the Cigna Telehealth Connection costs a $10 copay for members enrolled in Plan A, Plan B, Cigna Health Reimbursement Account and Plan C, Cigna OAP In-Network.
Use Cigna Telehealth Connection to connect with a doctor about: • sore throats • headaches • stomachaches • fevers • colds and flu
• allergies • rashes • acne • UTIs and more
Register for one or both today so you’ll be ready to use a telehealth service when and where you need it.
AmwellforCigna.com, 855.667.9722 MDLIVEforCigna.com, 888.726.3171 23
Workers’ Compensation News Step Up to Ladder Safety
Don’t forget about the Cancer Navigation Program!
• Select the right ladder for the job. Never use a metal ladder near power lines or electrical equipment. • Take time to inspect the ladder for damage, loose parts or wet surfaces before use. • Place the ladder on a flat, level surface and not in front of an entryway or doorway.
In last month’s issue, we told you about the Cancer Navigation Program. OCPS is working with the Florida Health Care Coalition and the Patient Advocate Foundation to bring additional resources to OCPS Cigna members impacted by cancer.
• Use three points of contact with the ladder (two feet/one hand or two hands/one foot) at all times. Face the ladder when climbing up or down. • Your belt buckle should not pass the side of the ladder when leaning left or right to perform work.
To learn more about this program or to request a Cancer Navigator –
• Properly reposition the ladder for your work: don’t overextend your reach.
Visit http://mybenefitnavigator.org, select “Request Help” and complete the form
• Never jump from a ladder. Always walk down to the bottom rung and step off.
or
Safety Tip: While on a ladder, never step back to inspect your work. It is the employee’s responsibility to immediately report a work-related injury to a supervisor. Then it is the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure the claim is reported to their workers’ compensation contact immediately.
Call 1.888.720.6899 Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.to 4 p.m.
Workers’ Compensation Contact Information Telephone 407.317.3904 Email WorkersComp@ocps.net Fax 407.317.3906 Website Workers’ Compensation
Let us know what you think My suggestions / comments about benefits are:
Name (optional)
Work location Please return to Kimberly Eisenbise RBELC-3, or email: wellness@ocps.net. Thank you for your input! This is a publication designed to keep OCPS employees and their families informed about available benefit programs. This information is not intended to replace professional health care. See your health care professional for information relevant to your medical history. All correspondence should be directed to the Editor, Orange County Public Schools, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801, or through the school system’s courier service. Editors: Kimberly Eisenbise and Patty Villane, Graphic Artist: Kim Boulnois
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