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Human Resources Newsletter

January 2024

Human ResourcesNewsletterJanuary 2024

The WCSD HR newsletter strives to celebrate the valuable staff members of the WCSD, inform employees of important HR processes and upcoming dates, and provide useful links and resources to support all employees of the Walnut Creek School District.

January's Top Stories January's Top Stories

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Employee Assistance Program

The Contra Costa County Schools Insurance Group (CCCSIG) offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) open to all employees and household members. EAPs assist with everyday situations, as well as more serious emotional issues. Information on accessing EAP can be found on the WCSD Staff Employee Resources website.


Service is available 24 hours a day/7 days per week.

Call 1-866-248-4096 for confidential help anytime.


Common reasons to reach out to an EAP include:

  • Managing stress
  • Overcoming depression
  • Coping with grief and loss
  • Tackling alcohol and substance abuse
  • Addressing family and relationship issues
  • Solving legal problems and getting finances in order
  • Achieving a better work-life balance
  • Client service such as management consultations, job performance referrals, and critical incident stress management in the event of traumatic incidents at the workplace.
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Update to Staff Covid Guidance

There have been updates to the COVID "infectious period" as defined by CalOSHA. You can read more about this change in the link below. Please continue to report any personal positive COVID cases to your supervisor, who will put you in touch with our district nurse. She will provide personalized return to work guidance.


Infectious period” for the purpose of cases the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards, is now defined as:

  • For COVID-19 cases with symptoms, it is a minimum of 24 hours from the day of symptom onset: COVID-19 cases may return if 24 hours have passed with no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND Their symptoms are mild and improving.
  • For COVID-19 cases with no symptoms, there is no infectious period for the purpose of isolation or exclusion. If symptoms develop, the criteria above will apply.

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/Non-Emergency-regs-summary.pdf

launch dir.ca.gov
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Classifed Employee Assistance Form Reminder

As a reminder the WCSD will be participating in the Classified School Employee Summer Assistance Program (CSESAP) in the school year 2024-25 which is administered by the California Department of Education. The deadline to sign up for the California State Classified School Employee Summer Assistance Program for the 2024-25 school year is MARCH 1, 2024. The form must be submitted and received by HR no later than 4PM March 1st. This year we will only be accepting digital forms via the link above.


Please visit the Employee Resources page here for more information regarding the program and to determine if you qualify. Please note: 12 month employees are not eligible for this program.

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Important Employment Timelines 2024

January 31st: Last day for employees on leave to disclose employment intent for 2024-25.

January 31st: All W-2's should be recieved by employees.

February 1st: Last day to request a new or continuing job share. Please send a letter to HR detailing your job share proposal.

March 1st: Any employee who wishes to participate in the ERIP must submit a letter of intent or fill out the separation form and send to the Human Resources Department no later than March 1st prior to his/her intended retirement.

January 1st - March 1st: Enrollment in the CSESAP for the 2024-25 school year (see above).

Welcome New Employees! Welcome New Employees!

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Emily Fanning, Elementary Teacher, MW

Family: My dad, mom, brother, two cats and horse make up my family.

Pets: I have two cats (Boots and Kitty) and a horse (Jezy).

Education: Saint Marys College of CA with a major in Justice, Community, and Leadership.

Favorite Fun Fact: My favorite snack is Dill Pickles.

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Food: Sushi

Why are you excited about working for WCSD? I am excited to work for WCSD because I have already met so many incredible, kind, and helpful educators within my school site and I cannot wait to be apart of this community!

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Brian Prentiss, Elementary Teacher, PM

Family: My wife's name is Rachel and my 14 month old son is Archer

Pets: Yes, an old dog named Kobe.

Education: Cal State East Bay, Masters in Ed

Fun Fact: I am a photographer

Favorite Food: Hamburgers.

Why are you excited about working for WCSD? I am excited to start my new journey at Parkmead as a 4th grade teacher. It seems like a great community so far and am looking forward to getting to know my co-workers and class.

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Selina Havener, Resource Teacher, IV

Family: Husband Jimmy, Stepson Trey, Daughter Gigi and a baby boy on the way!

Education: Bachelors from NDNU and Master of Ed in Special Education from Grand Canyon University

Pets: 3 dogs - Zipper, Raylee and Brutus

Fun Fact: I played D2 college volleyball

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Color: My favorite color is pink.

Why are you excited about working for WCSD? I'm excited to be part of a small and supportive district.

If you are a new employee and have not filled out the new employee survey please fill it out HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I apply for the Early Retirement Program?

Please fill out the separation form. Many employees also send an email to HR and their supervisor. All applications must be received by March 1st 2024.

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What should I do if I have not received my W-2 by 1/31?

All check stubs and tax documents, such as a W-2 are available on ESS. Please reach out to Griselda Barazza if you cannot access ESS and need a copy. Here is the link to the HR staff website with directions to log in. Here is a link directly to the ESS page.

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When will negotiations begin for the 2024-25 school year?

WCTA, WCSEA and the District team will present sunshined articles at the February 5th board meeting. The first negotiations date is scheduled for February 13th.
Kelly Eagan
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