Free State High School CONGRATULATIONS!
Evaluating and hiring individuals based on their skills and qualifications, not solely their disabilities, promotes accessibility, inclusivity, and fosters a more positive, welcoming, and supportive work environment.
The JobLink team squeezed in a few hours this month for some reflection and planning at the Wetlands Discovery Center
Mekenna, Keri, Joel, Sharmini, Mary, Delilah, Kelsey, KH, Eric, Jane, Penny & Phil
HOT POTATO WITH THE
WELCOME!
1. At completion of the long application - $10
2. At hire + orientation + satisfying background check - $100
3. Upon first 90 days + completed initial trainings - $200
If the referring employee quits during the above process, rewards stop immediately.
Only one referring employee can get credit for an applicant: however, each referring employee can get credit for an unlimited number of applicants.
Supervisors are not eligible to receive any rewards on applicants they directly supervise.
The Human Resources Department will be responsible for carrying out this program and for answering any questions that may arise.
Snow days call for extra cheese and 25th Ct. loved it!
Thank You for showering us with flowers!
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
If colorectal cancer is highly preventable with screening and highly treatable when caught early, then why is colorectal cancer the second deadliest cancer in the U.S.?
It’s a great question with a complicated answer. A lack of knowledge about prevention and limited access to screening has a lot to do with it, and a third of people who could get checked don’t. A missed or delayed screening gives colorectal cancer a chance to grow and become more dangerous long before symptoms appear.
To raise the profile of this disease and encourage screening, President Clinton designated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in February 2000. Since then, it has grown to be a rallying point for the colorectal cancer community where thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates join together to spread colorectal cancer awareness.
Getting checked can’t wait. This March, join the Alliance in saving lives through prevention awareness.
Fast Facts for Colorectal Cancer
We get it, it’s hard to talk about butt stuff – especially with your doctor. But this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to discuss your risks of colon cancer, what to do to prevent it, and how to speak with a gastroenterologist about your GI concerns.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal Cancer, sometimes shortened to colon cancer, is a type of cancer caused by cell overgrowth in the colon or rectum. These abnormal growths are called polyps. If polyps are not removed, they can become cancerous and spread to other organs in the body. Colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer and the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women.
Who is at risk?
Age is one of the most important risk factors for colorectal cancer, with colon cancer rates increasing with age. Nearly 94% of new cases of colorectal cancer occur in adults 45 years or older. Additionally, people with a family history and other personal risk factors (such as obesity, diabetes, long -term smoking, or alcohol use) also see a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
How do you screen for colorectal cancer?
Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Colorectal screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. There are three types of screening options for colorectal cancer:
Please note that all positive results on non -colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
What age is the screening recommended?
Colorectal cancer rates are increasingly found at younger ages. That is why the new guideline suggests that anyone turning 45 schedules a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer or any growing polyps. It is also recommended to schedule a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you choose another type of screening, it is important to follow testing guidelines for each as some of them require more frequent screenings.
News from Human Resources:
There were 57 individuals hired during the course of 2024. This is a 9% increase from the previous year. A total of 485 valid applications and résumés were received. 32% of all of our hires were sourced from referrals from current staff at Cottonwood and from friends and relatives. This was the most productive source for hires. Our employees continue to be a strong resource and recruiting tool. This recruiting activity resulted in staff earning cash awards totaling $4,199.00 paid for referrals.
Our Recruitment and Retention Awards program provides an opportunity for all our employees to make a contribution to the quality of the staff at Cottonwood. We would anticipate that those referred would have the qualities necessary to serve our population, be outstanding employees, and generally make you proud to have them working here. During 2024, awards averaging $349.92 were distributed each month to those who participated in the program. In order to participate, the applicant needs to provide the name of the Cottonwood staff responsible for referring them here.
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We are approaching the time of year that the annual KPERS statements are available for partici-pants. Traditionally that has been late March or early April. As a reminder, KPERS has moved to an electronic delivery of member annual statements. Each employee can access his or her statement through their online account. This year, in response to feedback from members, the format of the statements has been shortened. Watch for an email telling you when the statements are ready. A history of your statements is also available from your online account. This allows you to see how your retirement funds are growing from year to year.
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If you would like to attend an in-person pre-retirement seminar, the next opportunity nearby is scheduled to be in Topeka on March 5th at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library in Marvin Auditorium 101 B &C at 1515 SW 10 th Street in Topeka from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Or, you can go to www.kpers.org, and on the landing page under Member Resources, click on Retire Ready. Then, under Pre-Retirement Help, click on Webinars. Scroll the page to see the links for the Pre-Retirement Webinars. The information is most helpful for those anticipating retiring within the next five years.
