Barb's Corner

“Your energy flows where your attention goes ” is a message shared in one of my yoga classes If your attention is focused on something negative or a negative thought, then that is where your energy is spent. If you are like me, you’ll want to cherish all the energy you have! It is empowering to think that I get to choose where my energy flows. Remember, I am imperfect, so I am consistently working on myself and reflecting. I want my energy to flow toward the positive and give energy to positive thoughts and actions as that energy spreads joy. I try and control my energy flow through my breath (inhale) and acknowledge what maybe steering my energy away from the positive Once I acknowledge it, I breathe (exhale) and redirect my energy back to the present and something positive. So remember no matter what, you will always have your breath to help ground you.

I can “ see ” the sun and feel the “thaw” that is coming our way! Be gentle with yourself.

Hand Book Updates

The Support Staff handbook committee has met 3 times so far and we have reviewed the support staff feedback for themes and trends. We discussed holidays, time off, and other post-employment benefits (retirement benefits). The committee meets again on February 20th from 2-4pm at the DOC. We will be focusing on vacation days, a catastrophic leave bank, and leaves of absences

The Certified Staff handbook committee has had two meetings so far and during the first meeting we reviewed feedback from the certified staff and the teacher roundtable The group identified themes and trends as well We meet on Wednesday evenings (4:15-5:45pm) through February and March. Our 2nd meeting focused on sections 4 & 7 of the certified handbook. We have also outlined the rest of the meetings with the areas of the handbook that will be discussed. Again, these meetings are open to the public

Teacher Roundtables

The teacher Roundtable met on February 16th That meeting focused on summer or future PD opportunities, as well, as engaging our current employees in our recruiting efforts.

Congratulations to MCPASD Certified Retirees!

Congratulations to the 15 teachers who are retiring at the end of this school year. We are so grateful for over 464 years of collective service to education! Retirees will be recognized at the Inaugural 2023 Retirement Recognition Dinner on April 26, 2023, at the Holiday Inn Express.

Educator Licensing

It’s that time of the year! Thank you to staff who have maintained their DPI educator licensing! If you are wondering when your DPI educator license expires, please go to License Look-Up to check your license status.

If your license expired 6/30/2022, you should have received an email from me and your attention to remedy your license is critical If your license expires 6/30/2023, then please put a ticker on your calendar for in April 2023 to apply for your license renewal.

For Employment Verification form PI-1613, please complete the top portion of the form and email that to Lee Wilson and she will get that completed and sent back to you.

If you are enrolled in a Wisconsin approved certification program and have a one-year provisional license with stipulations, then please review the renewal tip sheet for more documentation details, such as a PI-1624-PROG form from a program certification officer if renewing with approved program coursework

If you have specific questions about your license renewal, please contact Educator Licensing and have your Entity number ready as that has proven to be a faster turnaround time from DPI.

Once you receive your updated license, please email it to the Employee Services mailbox and they will get your Skyward profile updated.