Human Resources Monthly Newsletter
April 16th, 2025
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!
Walktober is Coming! Registrations Opens September 15th
It is that time of year to get out and get moving. Join a team or complete it on your own; it’s all about making movement a priority. Registration will open on September 15th at 11 pm, so start getting your team together today. The first 5 teams to register will win wellness prizes! Each week we will give away fun prizes! Also, the school in each feeder area with the most participants will win a fruit basket for your staff AND, of course, bragging rights! Bookmark this Walktober registration link to register.
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On-Site Flu Vaccinations Start in September!
Stay well this cold and flu season. Find onsite flu vaccination clinics for UnitedHealthcare AND Kaiser Permanente members (along with all other major insurance providers).
- Check out all of our DCSD on-site Flu Vaccination Clinics here.
- Or find a CVS pharmacy offering vaccinations here.
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You're Invited: Staff Wellness Interest & Wellbeing Survey
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!
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Join a Journey to Wellness Class: Starting in August or September.
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 Class:
Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 3, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Virtual Classes
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August Ergonomics Tip: Sit Less, Move More: Microbreaks Matter
Staying in one position, even with good posture, can lead to stiffness and fatigue. Set reminders to stretch or stand every 30-60 minutes. Microbreaks promote blood flow and reduce strain on muscles and joints. A quick shoulder roll, neck stretch, or short walk can do wonders. Consistency is key. Little movements throughout the day keep the body happier.
Starting August 25th
You will use this single task to submit requests for both
general time off (sick, personal, vacation) and leaves of absence
(FMLA, Non-FMLA, etc.). (Licensed employees will continue to use Red Rover for all general time off requests.)
This update also includes a new, improved time off calendar that is now consistent across both the desktop and mobile platforms, making it easier to request and view your time off no matter how you access the system.
Click HERE to see a preview of this new feature. Updated job aids can be found on the Workday at DCSD Google site to walk you through common time off tasks using this new feature.
If you have any questions, please contact Payroll (payroll@dcsdk12.org), Leave of Absence (leaveofabsence_ADA@dcsdk12.org) or Workday (workday_help@dcsdk12.org) teams.
Request Time Off Classified
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_6SnEXEoM83_ro_JOZBD-0daM9EDVBr-o8edlmafNwA/edit?tab=t.0
Request Time Off Admin/Pro/Tech
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N6M-_gDyLV590qyBTL5XxjluiXs8AZkqe5lrXhgiE8Q/edit?tab=t.0
View Time off Balances
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zmGMN6aKm8uQ2D0hbmNwxn5h6H4uQKNHrUYeGmz88_I/edit?tab=t.0
Modify Approved Time Off
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xokiqwZxwbnxqa3AF6F7T2FZh3CTM34eiRSqhEKYAkk/edit?tab=t.0
Request Leave of Absence
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18GmX3R_30WXLGxDkQQjfQsrZHTc_FP4insi6FNdUSQo/edit?tab=t.0
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).