December 2020 | Vol. 47, Issue 4
An Orange County Public Schools Employee Publication
STRATEGICALLY
SPEAKING OCPS 2025 pg. 10
DISTRICT
DISPATCHES
pg. 4
YOU'RE THE
BEST
pg. 6
AROUND
OCPS
pg. 8
EDITORS Shayla Cannady Alayna G. Riggins
DESIGN & LAYOUT Eric Mateer Ashley Marrotte
ADVERTISING Adrienne Noel
CONTRIBUTORS Kimberly Eisenbise To submit your story ideas, email orangepeal@ocps.net.
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SAVE THE DATE Dec. 18, 2020
End of Second Marking Period
Dec. 21, 2020Jan. 1, 2021
Winter Break (Schools closed) (District Offices closed Dec. 28-31)
Jan. 4, 2021
Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday
Jan. 5, 2021
Begin Third Marking Period/ Second Semester
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. The following individuals at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, attend to compliance matters: Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer & Title IX Officer: Keshara Cowans; ADA Coordinator: Michael D. Graf; Section 504 Coordinator: Tajuana LeeWenze. (407.317.3200) Š2020
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8 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
District Dispatches
6
You're the Best
8
Around OCPS
10
Strategically Speaking
13
Best Idea
14
Retirement Corner
16
Benefits Bulletin
Some photos used in this publication were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and do not refelct the current state of the world or the face mask mandates and social distancing guidelines currently required by Orange County Public Schools at the time of publication.
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New OCPS Magnet Programs School Choice Services will add two new high school magnet programs for the 2021-2022 school year. The Wekiva High School Academy of Culinary Arts is a progressive, four-year career and technical culinary education program where students learn and master, in a real-world, commercial environment, the business and practical skills industry professionals have identified as critical to post-graduation success in the rapidly growing food, beverage, and hospitality sector while gaining employability skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism and time management.
District Dispatc 59444
The East River High School First Responders Academy will focus on Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement) and Fire Science Technology (Firefighting). The goal of the First Responders Academy is to prepare students to enter postsecondary institutions with a solid high school foundation in first responder fields. Students will receive mentorship through collegiate and industry professionals. Applications are now open for 2021-2022 magnet school placement through Feb. 15, 2021, at https://orangepeal.pub/Dec20_1.
The Wekiva High School Academy of Culinary Arts
Food and Nutrition Services Introduces Birthday Bites OCPS Food and Nutrition Services now is providing elementary parents the opportunity to celebrate their child's birthday in his or her classroom. Healthy, individually-wrapped treats, including muffins and brownies, and beverages can be ordered through the school’s Food Service manager. For more information, visit https://orangepeal.pub/Dec20_2.
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t ches New School Name Next school year, the combined Gateway and Cherokee schools will be named Silver Pines Academy K-12 Learning Center. The new facility will merge the current two schools into a single building, separated by grade level. The new campus will be custombuilt to promote better student behavior and includes new, state-of-the art access to career and technical education, and electives for the secondary students. The campus merger also allows for the more efficient allocation of resources and access to specialized staff.
Students, staff and families who attend the schools participated in a school name survey in early October. Superintendent Jenkins then submitted three names to the School Board in November for final approval. The Silver Pines name is a tribute to the former Silver Pines Golf Course and Silver Pines Country Club, which were located nearby off of Silver Star Road.
Free Lunch for Students The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline to allow all children (18 years or younger) to receive meals at no charge until August 2021. OCPS Food and Nutrition Services will continue to offer breakfast, lunch and supper at no charge for the remainder of the year for all of our students.
Face-to-face students receive their meals* at school and LaunchED@Home students can pick up curbside meal distribution at these locations and times: • Elementary and K-8: (3:30-5 p.m.) • Middle Schools: (4:30-6 p.m.) • High Schools: (2:50-4:20 p.m.)
*Students attending face-to-face may eat breakfast and lunch on campus and may either eat supper on campus or take off campus. Weekend meals are given to students on Fridays.
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You're the Best Awards
Lora Gilbert, senior director of OCPS Food and Nutrition Services
Lora Gilbert, senior director of OCPS Food and Nutrition Services, received the Jane Wynn School Nutrition Excellence Award virtually Oct. 19, from the Florida School Nutrition Association. The award recognizes an individual’s exceptional work or deeds inspires excellence in the school nutrition program in Florida, thereby improving the quality of life of children. Jillian Sutton, athletic trainer at Windermere High, was awarded the High School Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida. The award is given to a high school athletic trainer who has displayed throughout that year a high level of professionalism and whose actions have improved the profession and the association. At its virtual conference on Nov. 8, the Florida Arts Education Association recognized Abigail Callaway of Dr. Phillips High School and Kris Finn of Howard Middle School, for their dedication to their craft and service to others Callaway received the Local Art Education Association Leader Award for her advocacy for arts education. Finn received the June Hinckley Art Educator Award of Excellence for providing students a growth opportunity and chance to be part of a larger community. Abigail Callaway of Dr. Phillips High
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Jillian Sutton of Windermere High
Kris Finn of Howard Middle
Boone High Girls Bowling
Recognition The Licensed Practical Nursing program at the Orange Technical College – Orlando Campus has been ranked No. 1 in the state by www.PracticalNursing.org. Of the 89 schools analyzed from across Florida that offer this program, 30 schools were ranked, with OTC taking the top spot. Orlando represents one of the largest markets for LPN employment, and OTC has worked closely with the area hospital systems for decades to ensure a sustainable, highly-trained workforce.
Sports Champions Congratulations to the following for winning Florida High School Athletic Association district titles: The Licensed Practical Nursing program at the Orange Technical College – Orlando Campus
• Apopka High Boys Bowling (1A District 8) coached by Doug Campbell • Boone High Girls Bowling (1A District 9) coached by Daniel Tringali • Dr. Phillips Men’s Cross Country (4A District 8) coached by Laura Kirkikis • Dr. Phillips Women’s Cross Country (4A District 8) coached by Laura Kirkikis
Apopka High Boys Bowling
• Winter Park High Girls Bowling (1A District 8) coached by Cindy Allison • Winter Park High Boys Golf (3A District 4) coached by Rob Robison • Winter Park High Girls Golf (3A District 4) coached by Joe Difrancesco • Winter Park High Girls Volleyball (7A District 8) coached by Stephanie Gibson Winter Park High Girls Bowling
Dr. Phillips Women’s and Men's Cross Country
Winter Park High Girls Golf
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UND
AR
OC PS O
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The Nike Vineland outlet has outfitted Evans High students with clothing and shoes.
Guang Ming Temple/Buddha's Light International donated gift cards, school supplies and canned food to Rock Lake Elementary.
Oak Ridge High received sanitizing and wellness products from Premium Properties.
Sonny’s BBQ has provided several employee recognitions and lunch celebrations, including this one at Discovery Middle.
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HopeNow Foundation, Community Connections and their partners, Gold Key Roofing, Fun Spot and Stanley Steamer collected backpack and supply donations for Southwood and Mollie Ray elementaries, and Apopka Middle.
Walmart provided water bottles to Lovell Elementary.
Thanks to the Million Mask Project, face-to-face students and staff members at Oak Hill Elementary have additional masks to wear.
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Lake Silver Elementary was gifted with iPad and laptop sleeves from St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
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I ____
student success
This issue of the Orange Peal marks the first anniversary of the district’s adoption of its new strategic plan. Recognized as OCPS 2025, this plan serves as a roadmap for actions made on behalf of OCPS students and employees.
“When your values are clear, making decisions becomes easier.”
The vision of our district is to ensure that every student has a promising and successful future. Our mission further explains how we will achieve this goal: With the support of families and the community, we create enriching and diverse pathways to lead our students to success. While this shared vision and mission serve as the focal point of the strategic plan, our organizational values of Equity; Integrity; Inclusion; Collaboration; Respect; and Innovation exemplify how we, as employees, should conduct ourselves and the business of Orange County Public Schools.
- Roy E. Disney
Since its approval during a December 2019 School Board meeting, the Public Relations team has worked diligently to launch a strategic campaign to educate internal and external audiences about our goals and initiatives for the next five years. Given the unexpected and untimely effects of COVID-19,
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the district delayed strategic plan-related communication efforts to allow an intense focus on the health and safety of the OCPS community. As we look forward to the new year, the district will introduce the campaign – “Our Promise. Your Support. Their Success.” – internally first. The beginning phase will focus on YOU – our 25,000 employees – recognizing your importance in leading our students to success. Various job classifications make up our workforce at 200 sites, including transportation; grounds; maintenance; student service; school support; instructional; administrative; among so many others. Our bus operators “drive student success.”
Our food service workers “nourish student success.” Our safety and security team members “protect student success.” These examples are just a few of the many others that exist within our organization. The late Elvis Presley once said, “Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the same, but you leave ’em all over everything you do.” Our upbringing and lived experiences help give meaning to each of these core values, but it also shapes how we choose to exemplify them in when performing duties in our respective roles. Our values help us present the best version of ourselves, as individuals, with our colleagues and with our students and families.
Regardless of your specific title, knowing how the OCPS values impact your role in achieving our vision and mission is critical to the district’s success.
As we continue to share employees' stories in the Orange Peal, if there is an OCPS value of special significance to you, or you have witnessed a “Value in Action,” we’d like to hear about it! Share your story at http://bit.ly/ocpsvaluessurvey. If selected to be featured in a future Orange Peal issue, you will receive one of our prize packs.
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Equal Housing Lender
BEST IDEA #SELFCARE CHALLENGE
During these stressful times, the staff at Windy Ridge K-8 is encouraging a positive environment and offering social-emotional support with its own fun #SelfCare Challenge BINGO. Adapted by Resource Teacher Rachel Schrimsher, BINGO cards have self-care challenges assigned to do per number. A number is called live each morning on the school’s morning announcements.
BINGO
Numbers drawn are displayed outside of Schrimsher’s office in case someone missed that day’s announcements. Teachers and staff playing at the school can pick up cards, and those working from home can get in on the fun by receiving a card via email. As staff get BINGO, turned-in winning cards (with photo proof of the completed challenges) are eligible for a monetary gift card.
Laughter is good for the soul!
We've missed reading your comical sayings and stories. If you have any to share, send your "A Funny Thing Happened" submissions our way via email to orangepeal@ocps.net. Orange Peal
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the registration information at the bottom of the fliers.
*Books, supplies,and andother otherfees feesmay may apply. apply. *Books, supplies,
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Email orangepeal@ocps.net if you find your personnel ID* in this issue to claim your prize.
Accreditations: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditations: Capella University is accredited by the Higher800.621.7440 Learning Commission. Higher Learning Commission: https://www.hlcommission.org, Higher Learning Commission: https://www.hlcommission.org, 800.621.7440 Capella University: Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, Capella University: Capella Tower, 225 South SixthCapella Street,University Ninth Floor,20-2145 Minneapolis, MN 55402 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) © 2020 MN 55402 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) © 2020 Capella University 20-2145
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CHANCE TO WIN January 27, 2021 | StellarAwards.ocps.net 14 | Orange Peal
Still Time to Add to Contributions
Upcoming Workshops1
As the year comes to a close, there is still time to add to your voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) supplemental retirement plans. Also, know that for 2021, the Internal Revenue Service will keep the maximum allowable contribution employees can make to these plans the same. See the chart below for contribution amounts.*
Dec. 2, 5-6 p.m.
New Hire workshop – Pension vs. Investment
Jan. 6, 2021, 5-6 p.m.
Understanding the FRS Investment Plan
Jan. 13, 2021, 5-6:30 p.m.
Investment Planning
Jan. 27, 2021, 5-6:30 p.m.
Income Tax Planning: Smart Planning For Your Taxes
MAC Contributions 2020/2021 Total
Basic Plan
Additional Service Based+
Additional Age Based++
403(b)
$29,000
$19,500
$3,000
$6,500
457(b)
$26,000
$19,500
$6,500
Note: Traditional and Roth accounts have a combined year-to-date 403(b) and 457(b) calendar limit. Please call the Retirement Services office at 407.317.3447, or email retirement.services@ocps.net to verify your individualized MAC amount if you are not certain. + (15 or more years with current employer) ++ (age 50 or older by Dec. 31) *There is no matching contribution made by OCPS.
1 To register for the virtual WebEx, please follow the instructions on the bottom of the fliers at http://www.ocps.net >> Departments >> Retirement Services >> Retirement Workshops, or visit http://catalog.ocps.net.
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Insurance Benefits Closed for the Holidays The Insurance Benefits department will be closed during the winter break. The closure will begin Monday, Dec. 21 through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. It will be important for you to keep the contact information in this Benefits Bulletin should you need assistance during the winter holidays. Remember, you can reach Insurance Benefits at 407.317.3245 now through Friday, Dec. 18, and again beginning Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
Easy Reference Guide for Insurance Benefits Keep this chart handy when you have questions about your insurance benefits.
MEDICAL PLANS, MENTAL HEALTH/CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY Cigna www.mycigna.com
• For CVS Caremark Clinical Services (for formulary Exceptions/Appeals), call 1.877.203.1681. • For CVS Caremark Specialty Pharmacy, call 1.800.237.2767.
• For claims information, eligibility or benefits verification, call Cigna HealthCare member services at 1.800.CIGNA 24 (1.800.244.6224).
DENTAL DeltaCare USA Basic and Comprehensive
• For precertification or hospital admission due to an emergency, call Cigna HealthCare member services at 1.800.CIGNA 24 (1.800.244.6224).
www.deltadentalins.com • Call DeltaCare at 1.800.422.4234.
• For the Employee Assistance Program call 1.877.622.4327.
DENTAL Delta Dental PPO
PHARMACY CVS Caremark
• Call Delta Dental PPO at 1.800.616.3629.
www.caremark.com
www.deltadentalins.com
• For CVS Caremark customer service, call 1.800.378.9264.
VISION Humana
• For CVS Caremark Clinical Services (for prior authorization), call 1.800.294.5979.
• Call Humana Specialty Benefits Vision Plan at 1.800.865.3676.
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www.compbenefits.com
DISABILITY Lincoln Financial Group • Call Lincoln Financial Group Disability Plan at 1.800.423.2765.
GROUP UNIVERSAL LIFE Minnesota Life Insurance (Securian) • Call Minnesota Life Insurance (Securian) GUL at 1.800.843.8358.
FSAs (FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS) TASC www.tasconline.com • Call Total Administration Services Corporation at 1.800.422.4661.
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Save Time and Money with Virtual Care Life is demanding. It’s hard to find time to take care of yourself and your family members as it is, never mind when one of you isn’t feeling well. That’s why our medical plans through Cigna include access to medical virtual care with MDLIVE. Whether it’s late at night and your doctor isn’t available, or you just don’t have the time or energy to leave the house, you can: • Access care from anywhere via video or phone. • Get medical virtual care 24/7/365 – even on weekends and holidays. • Connect with quality, boardcertified doctors and pediatricians.
• Have a prescription sent directly to your local pharmacy, if appropriate.
Use virtual care for minor conditions, such as:
• Save money. Medical virtual care through Cigna’s relationship with MDLIVE is provided at a $10 copay outside of your deductible in ALL of the OCPS Cigna medical plans. That means, you don’t have to meet your deductible first, you just pay the $10 copay.
• Allergies
Cigna is strengthening its virtual care relationship with MDLIVE. Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, MDLIVE will be the only virtual care vendor for Cigna members. Virtual care services through Amwell for Cigna will be phased out by Dec. 31.
• Stomach issues
• Sore throats • Cold and flu • Headaches • Earaches • Pink eye • Rashes/skin issues • Urinary tract infections
OCPS Cigna members can access virtual care through MDLIVE at www.myCigna.com or by calling 888.726.3171.
Holiday Planning During COVID-19 Are you making holiday plans this fall and winter? Please take some time to review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resources on holiday travel and social gatherings. You can visit www.cdc. gov/coronavirus for the most up-todate information, or you can visit our site at http://insurance.ocps.net and select Employee Wellness. There you will find CDC resources on the right side of the page.
Follow these tips to protect yourself and others: • Wash your hands often – if soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol • Avoid close contact with others • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
• Cover coughs and sneezes • Clean and disinfect frequently- touched surfaces daily • Monitor your health – be alert for symptoms and take your temperature • Talk to your doctor about getting the flu vaccine
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Flexible Spending Account Deadline is Here The plan year for our Flexible Spending Accounts is Sept. 1 through Aug. 31. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS permitted an extended grace period in both the Medical Expense and Dependent Care FSAs. This extended grace period ends Dec. 31. This means you are able to incur eligible expenses and submit reimbursement requests against the 2019-20 FSA plans through Dec. 31.
Qualifying Family Status Changes Deadline to Change Plan In an effort to assist employees in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, the district is maximizing the flexibility provided temporarily by the Internal Revenue Service by allowing our employee members who have a qualifying family status change to not only add or drop dependents (based on the family status change) but to change their insurance plan selection as well. The option to change plans
based on a qualifying family status change is available for events between Sept. 26 and Dec. 31. In order to make the change you must contact the Insurance Benefits office, provide documented proof of the status change and complete the add/drop process in Employee SelfService on www.ocps.net. Proof of the status change must be provided
within 30 days of the qualifying event that caused the family status change. If you’ve had a qualifying family status change and need to make changes to your current plans, please contact Insurance Benefit at 407.317.3245. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Webcasts Are Ready When You Are Cigna’s Employee Assistance Program provides seminars each month designed to reduce stress, find balance and help us be our best at work and in our personal lives. You can sign up for a live webcast or listen to an on-demand replay webcast at your convenience. There are currently more than 80 wellness topics, including:
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• Emotionally Healthy Holidays • A Fresh Look at Healthy Eating • Beating Burnout • Living with a Chronic Condition • Understanding Depression • Family Conflict: Keeping the Peace • Planning for College • Dreaming of Retirement
Registration information, live webcasts and on-demand replays can be accessed at www.Cigna.com/ EAPwebcasts.
Benefits Bulletin is 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.
Orange Peal 2020-21 Editorial Calendar
January: New School Board Stellar Special Edition
February: Career & Technical Education March: Procurement Services April: OCPS Siblings May: Food and Nutrition Services June: Retirement If you have story ideas for these issues, as well as submissions for A Funny Thing Happened and/or Best Ideas, email orangepeal@ocps.net.
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