Chatterbox September 2018

INSIDE:






New Employee


Welcome







Safety Corner






Meet Sheriff



Liaison Officer


Captain


Josette Rivas






Mark Smith,


A Principal



of Character






CHATTERBOX















D
District chatter for staff that mattersistrict chatter for staff that matters





SEPTEMBER 2018

Save the Dates











































































Standards-Based Grading Live Chats

2nd Grade: Oct. 1, Dec. 11, Feb. 20
3rd Grade: Sept. 25, Dec. 6, Feb. 27
4th Grade: Sept. 26, Nov. 28, Feb. 21
The Curriculum and Instruction team will be hosting Standards-Based Grading live chats
for 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade teachers for the 2018-2019 school year. During these chats,
teachers will be able to log in, ask questions, and participate in the discussion. Teachers
are encouraged to log in together and participate as a team. There will also be Q&A time
at the end of the live chats. More information and details to come.

Jennifer Aber JenniferBaker Jennifer Best Karl Buenger
Nancy Abernathy Edwin Bamberg Kimberly Bettis Patricia Bujnoch
Stacey Adian Anthony Barcio Richard Bills Cristena Bullard
Devin Aegerter Elaine Barclay Kim Blockmon Elda Burroughs
Megan Agol Wayde Barksdale Kristi Blundetto Payton Burrows
Maria Aguirre Keely Barnes Tomeka Bolden Drew Byrd
Bryanna Alcala Valerie Barr Gilberto Bonet Alexandra Caballero
Ryan Alder Jasmine Barton Carrie Boone Carlos Cabrera
Bethany Alexander Debra Bartro Angelina Bouchard Laura Cabrera
Amy Alston Laura Basye Maria Boyle Allie Caldwell
Tania Alvarado Sheaann Baughman-Morgenthaler Charlene Bradford Nicolas Camacho
Anna Alves Jacob Beecher Vera Brank Corinne Cantu
Samuel Ames Margaret Belcher Rebecca Bravo Desiree Capuchino
Michael Ammons Erin Bendele Amber Brending Jesse Carns
Roy Anderson Jennifer Bennett Tisha Bronikowski Jazymin Carter
Martin Andrada Morgan Bennett Maygen Brooks Patricia Carver-Forey
Remus Anduiza Andrew Benson Amy Brown Kimberly Cathey
Lisa Arthur Pamela Bentley Deborah Brown Laura Cayon
Erica Ashley Jessie Bergamini Marie Browne Laci Cedeno
Richard Asta Renee Berriman Tamara Browne Heidi Cepeda
Amy Aten Brooke Bertles Brian Brownson Kelsey Chambers
Mishelle Azbell Sarah Bertram Darian Bubenik Sharonda Champion



Click here to view the full list

For Your Benefits


















It's time to get vaccinated! Influenza
vaccinations will be offered again this year
during the months of September and October.
All CCISD employees and their eligible
dependents, ages 4 and above, are welcome
to participate in this year’s clinic. Well Now
Health, the vendor overseeing our clinics,
accepts the CCISD TRS ActiveCare 1-HD
and ActiveCare 2 medical plans. Due to the Professional Learning
limited Kelsey Seybold and Memorial
Hermann networks on ActiveCare Select, The Professional Learning Department is excited
they are not a contracted provider on this about this school year and we hope everyone has
gotten off to a great start! Pretty soon, you will be
plan. Vaccinations are covered as a attending some type of off campus professional
preventive service on most medical plans and learning in our district. Here are a few reminders to
are therefore covered at 100%. The cash get you off to a successful year of professional
learning:
price for the vaccine is $25.00 for those who
do not wish to utilize medical insurance. Please register for professional learning in
Eduphoria. If you do not register, your name
will not appear on the sign-in sheet and there
Check your CCISD email for more details on may not be enough supplies or handouts for
clinic dates and locations! you to participate successfully.
Be sure to always sign-in upon arrival. This is
the only way to ensure you will receive credit
for the learning.
If for some reason, you need to drop the
New Benefit This Year for All CCISD course, please be sure to un-enroll yourself
Employees Enrolled in the CCISD in Eduphoria.
Medical Plan! Here’s to a happy year of learning!


So, you’ve completed Open Enrollment and signed up for one
of the district’s medical plans. Now, how do you make the most
of your medical coverage?

CCISD has enrolled all employees participating in one of the district’s three medical plans in a
Health Advocate Program. This new, FREE service is designed to offer assistance with making the
best use of our medical plans. Health Advocates are able to assist employees and their family
members, including parents, with all things medical related, including locating doctors, scheduling
appointments, clarifying benefit questions, comparing the cost of services, and assisting with billing
questions and concerns. A quick toll free phone call connects the
employee with an advocate who will follow the issue from start to
finish, taking the burden off of you!

Look out for more information to come in the mail to your
home address soon!

Emergency Call Button (Panic Button) Protocol



The Clear Creek d. Depending on the nature of your emergency,
Independent the emergency dispatcher may ask one or two
School District clarifying questions:

School Safety 1. Do you need an ambulance or Sheriff Safety Corner
Committee Liaison Officer?
recommended 2. Can you provide a brief description of the
thirty-nine actions suspect?
to improve the e. If for some reason you are unable to speak, the
school safety. One dispatcher will be able to listen to sounds in the
recommendation room to determine if you are in in trouble or if an
is to increase intruder is in the room.
employee access
to panic buttons 3. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the
and develop strict protocols for their use. Safe and Secure Schools dispatch will call 9-1-1,
and/or take other life protecting measures.
Effective this academic year, all CCISD desk phones
will have a button designated as “Emergency X40911.” 4. In the event a LOCKDOWN is needed, the
This button should only be used in a situation where dispatcher will immediately activate a LOCKDOWN
you or others feel threatened or are in immediate of your school or worksite, virtually. The entire
danger. This button, when used, will launch a school will hear the special LOCKDOWN message
significant response to your campus site or support “LOCKDOWN…LOCKS, LIGHTS, OUT OF
center. SIGHT!” loud and clear throughout the building.

The dispatch center will be staffed from 7 a.m. – 5 5. The dispatcher will dispatch all Galveston County
p.m. on school days. After 5:00 p.m. and before 7:00 Sheriff Liaison officers to the location and call 911.
a.m. on school days and on weekends, panic button
calls will be directed to the on-call Sheriff Liaison 6. The emergency operations team will begin live
Officer. The officer will assess the situation and make monitoring of the video cameras at the building.
the appropriate calls to 911 or district/campus
administration as the situation dictates. When should I use the Emergency Call Button?
This button is to be used when you need an
What happens when I hit the Emergency Call emergency response and your life or the lives of
Button? others are in danger. Examples include an armed
intruder, possible shots fired in the building, or there
1. A CCISD Safe & Secure Schools dispatch member are visible or verbal cues from students or staff that
will answer, “Emergency Dispatch. State the nature of there is a threat to you or others.
your emergency.” The staff member(s) will know the
room and campus/site the call is coming from. If you have any questions about this new system,
please contact Craig Straw, Director of Safe and
2. The dispatcher will ask you the following questions: Secure Schools at 281-284-0054 or by email
a. What is your name? [email protected].
b. Can you confirm your location?
c. The dispatcher will repeat the nature of your
emergency.





NEW!!! CCISD Alerts Emergency App
Students, parents, staff and community members are now

able to download and utilize the new CCISD Alerts
Emergency App. Search for “Clear Creek ISD” in the app
stores to download!

JOSETTE RIVAS
JOSETTE RIVAS
Meet SLO Division Commander Captain
Meet SLO Division Commander Captain






As a Sheriff Liaison Officer (SLO), Captain Josette Rivas helps maintain a safe learning environment
for Clear Creek ISD students and staff. Through a partnership with the Galveston County Sheriff's
Department, Rivas and other SLOs work diligently to ensure that district campuses are secure
by providing a visible and protective presence. Let's get to know Captain Rivas!


What exactly does a Sheriff Liaison Lieutenant for 5 years in The Office of they always say I was a good and fair
Officer do? Professional Standards (Internal officer. Also, I have enjoyed the
In my position, I oversee the daily Affairs). In 2015, I returned to the friendships that I developed over the
operations of the Sheriff Liaison District as Lieutenant and was years with administration and staff.
Division. An SLO's main responsibility promoted to the rank of Captain.
is the safety of the students and staff. What do you like doing on your
We are vigilant on the campuses, How did you decide to become an time off?
build rapport with student, staff, SLO? I don’t have much fun time off, but I do
parents, and surrounding law I was working in our Mental Health enjoy traveling and spending time with
enforcement agencies in an attempt to Division and the Sheriff called me in my family. My home is a gathering
have a safe learning environment. and asked me to switch with another house, and I enjoy every moment of it.
We are proactive in explaining to all deputy. I was excited to move in a My family and friends have always
new SLOs that we set the first and last different aspect of law been so supportive of me and my
impression of what kids are going to enforcement. But when I decided to career. I am also active in church.
think and believe about law return, it was because my time at the
enforcement officers. district was rewarding and I wanted to
mentor some of the new upcoming Know a CCISD employee who should
How long have you worked for SLOs. be profiled? Email
CCISD? [email protected].
I was assigned to campuses from What is your favorite part about
1997-2010. I left with the rank of your job?
Sergeant. I returned to the Sheriff’s Building relationships with students
Office and was appointed the rank of over the years. When they see me,

Advertisement

Mark Smith, A Principal of Character


By Ceresa Nichols, Goforth Elementary Teacher


I am happy to share the great news about the community of character (most specifically
my principal) at Goforth Elementary. Last August, when so many homes were affected
by Hurricane Harvey, I felt helpless. It seemed there was much to do, but I had no idea
how to find out who in our school community needed help. I set up the “Goforth
Friends” page on Facebook, thinking people could share needs or offer support of
different types. My goal was to connect those in need with others who truly wanted to
help. Little did I know that I would find myself on the receiving end of an incredible
community of Goforth friends.

I was a single mom, living in a 30-year-old house with my 18-year-old daughter. I didn’t
have financial resources to share, but I had some time off work. I knew I had to pitch
in. Our home had water damage, but it hadn’t gotten deep. So many people were
worse off than we were. I had flood insurance, and I knew we would be okay. I was
stunned when our insurance adjuster told me water had wicked into the walls, and our
home had to be gutted. I didn’t even know where to start. I called my best friend, and
coworker, Jenny Wasko to cry. She showed up with ice and Diet Coke. I had the rest.
We made a plan. My home had to be emptied before the demolition could begin. Jenny,
and two of my closest friends, Christina Surber and Ashley Johnston (both former
Goforth family) came to help me sort and pack our home. They arrived early that day,
and difficult decisions of “toss” or “pack” were made through tears. I posted on the
“Goforth Friends” Facebook page to ask if anyone was available to help with demo at
4:00 that afternoon. I was very humbled when 35 people – colleagues, administrators,
parents, former students, and friends - showed up with shovels, masks, trash bags,
water bottles and food. My principal, Mark Smith, was on my demo crew. It was a long
day, but I was surrounded by good friends who helped me get through it.

We bleached the walls and lived in our home for several months. We could see daylight
through the bricks, but we had all the necessary essentials. I was too depressed and
overwhelmed to make the decisions necessary to begin rebuilding. I really believe I
went to school to find a bit of normalcy. It’s easy to have a good day when surrounded
by fourth graders.

One day, my daughter called me at work to let me know we had a major plumbing
malfunction and water was shooting across the bathroom. I went to my principal, Mark
Smith, to let him know I needed to leave. I was crying hysterically. The thought of more
water rushing into my home was too much to bear. Mark offered to take me home and
find a way to shut off the water. I was frozen in place. Mark pulled his truck up to the
entrance of the school and came in to get me. He walked me to his truck, reassuring
me the whole way. I couldn’t stop crying, so he put his hand on my back and said a
prayer for me. We got to my house to find that my daughter had the city shut the water
off. Mark inspected the leak and reassured me that it wouldn’t be an expensive
repair. He even offered to come back and fix the problem.

Four months later, when the septic system stopped working, we had to move into a
rental home. My principal offered to help us move. Can you imagine? We have
wonderful people in CCISD, and I have been blessed with amazing administrators.

Mark would step in whenever one of his faculty had a need, and his door was always
open. He showed his heart for children when dealing with some who truly required
extra grace. I’ve never heard him say an unkind word to or about anyone. I came to
like and respect Mark. I recently told a coworker that Mark Smith is the best man I
know. Still, I never would have imagined him pitching in when life got so difficult after
Hurricane Harvey. There are many people in our district who show outstanding
character, but I believe Mark Smith is a true example of the heart of CCISD. I am
honored to work with him. Clear Creek ISD truly has a wonderful man working for us
here at Goforth Elementary.

Advertisement

Back-to-School Message



In case you missed it, here's a Back-to-School message
from Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith.

Click here to watch the video.









Employee Salary Increases



Your wallet might soon be a little heavier! The CCISD Board of Trustees
has unanimously approved across the board salary increases for 2018-

2019:
Two percent (2%) salary increase to the Teacher Salary Schedule with
additional increases at the 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35-year
experience levels.
Two percent (2%) salary increase for all professional, paraprofessional,
auxiliary and administrative employees.
Various academic and athletic stipend adjustments.

Increase in the hourly rate of pay grade 1 Child Nutrition employees to
stay in line with market rates.





Awards & Accomplishments



Congratulations to Clear Creek High School English teacher Charles Moore.
He received a classroom library grant from The Book Love Foundation.

Moore was one of 60 teachers selected among hundreds of applications.









Notable Notes




Kathy Harper, 5th grade teacher at Weber Elementary, celebrated the
marriage of son Donald Harper to Ashley Pond, Lead Human Resources

Specialist on Saturday, May 26. Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

Check out new offers in Discounts & Deals for Sugarland Skeeters and Profile Healthy Living Coaching



How to Submit Stuff


Got Questions? Call 8 - 84-



You can submit news about yourself and/or fellow employees through Eduphoria. Click on Help Desk, then
click Create a New Request in the bottom left corner. Once there, click Office of Communications, then click

Employee Newsletter to find the submittal form.


Notable Notes
Copy and paste text below into the description box, edit, proofread facts then submit. You may also attach a
photo as a .jpg.


Marriage: (name of employee), (school and title), became the bride/groom of (name of bride/groom) on (date).

Birth (Parent): (name of employee), (school and title), and his/her wife/husband (first name) became the proud

grandparents of a son/daughter (name of baby), (weight of baby), on (date).

Birth (Grandparent): (name of employee), (school and title), and his/her wife/husband (first name) became the

proud grandparents of a grandson/granddaughter (name of baby), (weight of baby), on (date). Proud parents
are (ex: Suzy and John Smith) of (city, state).


Death: Sympathy is extended to (name of employee), (school and title), whose (relation: ex: father) (name of
relation) died on (date). Retirement: After (number) of years in CCISD working as a (job title) at (campus or
campuses), (name), is retiring in (month).


News Features & Photos: Check the box by Award, Achievement, or Photo Worthy, and in the description box
add details such as who, what, when, and where. Attach a photo as a .jpg and hit submit.


Collaboration Corner: Send us your contact information and information about a community service project or
other idea suitable for collaboration with other teachers or employees around CCISD.