Human Resources Monthly Newsletter

New Emotional Wellbeing & Work-Life Balance Resources Now Available

Balancing work and home life isn’t always easy. That’s why DCSD is excited to announce the launch of SupportLinc, a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering emotional wellbeing and work-life balance support—free of charge to you and your family.

SupportLinc provides guidance and resources to help you manage life’s everyday challenges and take care of your mental health.

In-the-Moment Support

Speak with a licensed clinician 24/7/365 by phone for assistance with:

• Stress, depression, anxiety, grief

• Relationship challenges

• Substance use concerns

• Work-related pressures and more

Confidential, Free, and Available Anytime

Get Started Today

Call: 1-888-881-5462

Visit: www.supportlinc.com

Group Code: dcsd

Take care of yourself—you deserve it!

The Staff Wellness team invites you to complete the 2025–2026 Staff Wellness Interest & Well-being Survey! Your anonymous feedback will help us support a positive, thriving work culture by celebrating and enhancing the quality of life for all employees, both at your site and across the district.

Please complete the survey (linked here) by Friday, September 5, 2025. And don’t forget, once you finish, click the link provided to enter our fun wellness prize drawing!

Journey to Wellness is a no-cost (thanks to a Health Grant), year-long lifestyle change group-based program that will give you the tools you need to lose weight and become a healthier you. Find out more and register here.

Upcoming Classes:

• Tuesdays, beginning August 19, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Virtual Classes

• Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 3, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Virtual Classes

August Ergonomics Tip: Ergonomics is Self-Care

Feeling stiff after summer break? Your body may be telling you something about your workstation. Ergonomics is more than just chairs; it's about comfort, alignment, and small daily habits. This year, we'll be sharing monthly ergonomic tips to support physical wellness in the workplace. Whether you spend hours at a desk or alternate between classrooms, maintaining proper ergonomic positioning can help reduce discomfort, boost energy, and protect your long-term health.

🎓 TAP is back!

Douglas County School District encourages employees to continue their educational pursuits to develop professionally and increase their knowledge and expertise in order to provide the best possible educational experience to our students.

The application window opens in Workday on August 1st.

✅ Up to $2,000 in tuition reimbursement
✅ Summer courses may qualify
✅ First come, first served – apply early!

📌 Program Information and Instructions are available on the DCSD Compensation Page.

📩 Questions? Compensation@dcsdk12.org.

The Colorado Department of Education recently changed the licensure coverage for secondary subjects to include grades 6-12. Elementary licenses continue to be K-6. Current 6th grade teachers holding an elementary license can continue to teach 6th grade in Douglas County Middle Schools. These same 6th grade teachers also have an opportunity to add a secondary endorsement to allow them to teach specific subjects at the 7th and 8th grade levels.

Current DCSD 6th grade teachers holding an initial or professional license can pursue additional secondary level endorsements in:

• Science (grades 6-12);

• Social Studies (grades 6-12);

• English Language Arts (grades 6-12);

• Health (grades K-12); and

• Middle School Mathematics (grades 6-8).

Elementary teachers can add one or more of these endorsements by meeting one of the following criteria:

• possessing a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific subject (or related fields for Social Studies) or

• completing 24 semester hours of relevant coursework as outlined in the corresponding endorsement worksheet or

• achieving a passing score on the designated PRAXIS exam (specific codes and, in some cases, validity periods apply, such as PRAXIS 5436 for Science, with 5435 accepted under certain conditions until August 31, 2028).