December 2016

From the Desk of Dr. Cotton

December is a whirlwind of activity in our schools. If you're not already planning to attend a concert or celebration this month, put one on your calendar. The busy-ness of testing and activities can make the three weeks before winter break go by in a blur...I challenge you to slow down and enjoy time with your colleagues, our students, and their families. As you transition from the first semester to a holiday break, be sure to participate in events that allow you to experience the talents of our students. Your presence will be a gift to you both!


Computer Science in Your Class

Computer Science Education Week is December 5-11. An initiative of Computer Science for All, the Hour of Code is a nationwide time to integrate coding - an important skill of the future for students - into every content area. Have questions about how to integrate coding into your class? Talk with your ITRT for innovative ideas. Be sure to share your photos and coding activities via social media using #HCPSpride!


Are You Ready?

The January 6 Teaching and Learning Conference will again focus on best practices in our classrooms. We will hear from HCPS alum Natalie Hodge, author of The Biggest BUT in the World, and collaborate with colleagues to ensure that the spring semester is our best yet! Plan to enjoy lunch from local restaurants who will have booths set up around the school. The conference program and session information will be shared prior to winter break...we're looking forward to another great conference day at Bassett High School!


Important Benefits Information

Hybrid employees should have received a mailer from VRS describing the Auto-Escalation set to take place January 1, 2017. This is a reminder that all employees who were hired between January 1, 2014 and September 1, 2016, are hybridmembers, and are not currently contributing the maximum 4.0% will be AUTOMATICALLY escalated 0.5% on January 1, 2017.

This is an effort by VRS to help members maximize their Deferred Comp Plan. Increasing voluntary contributions helps to build your retirement account by allowing you to save more. Henry County Public Schools will match your contributions up to 2.5%. The Auto-Escalation process will increase your contributions by 0.5% every 3 years, until you are contributing the full 4.0%. You can also choose to change your contributions at anytime through your online account. If you choose to manually increase your contributions between now and December 15, 2016, you will be exempt from the auto-escalation on January 1, 2017. 

This is not mandatory and you do have the option to opt-out of the escalation. To do so, you will need to either go online to www.varetire.org/hybrid or call Investor Services at 1-877-327-5261 and select option 1. **HUMAN RESOURCES DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCES** Changes need to be made with VRS by December 15, 2016.

Feedback Wanted

A draft 2017-2018 school year calendar has been created based on input from parents, students, and staff members who serve on Superintendent's Cabinets. Suggestions from those groups included mid-week start of school, regular breaks and professional development time, ensuring that the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving break remains a student/teacher holiday, ending the first semester prior to winter break, and ending the spring semester prior to Memorial Day. Flex days and unassigned contract days are currently planned to operate in the same manner as those in 2016-2017. Please take a few moments to review the draft calendar for the 2017-2018 school year and provide suggestions for improvement by December 20, 2016 by completing this form. If you have questions regarding the calendar, please email mhatchet@henry.k12.va.us

DRAFT

Interested in Earning an Advanced Degree?

If you are operating with a provisional license or are seeking an advanced degree in the field of education you can complete your master’s degree to increase your salary and other benefits. Earning your Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) as part of the online program at Bluefield College will add remarkable breadth, depth and value to your services as a professional educator.

The Bluefield College School of Education builds its reputation on the success of its graduates, who are highly sought after throughout the region and country. Indeed, they are some of the finest principals, school superintendents, teachers, assistant principals, librarians, and administrators in education today.

The 30-hour program is fully online and based on an Engage-Apply-Reflect philosophy. At $460 per credit hour, the program is designed to fit your life and your budget. Click here for more information about the MAEd program.

If you plan to start work on your degree this Spring, it’s time to start the application process.  It can take a few weeks to receive and evaluate your transcripts, process your application, and get you registered for classes. Click here to apply now.

                                 

The Spring registration deadline is January 3^rd and classes begin on January 9^th. 

Professional Development Opportunities

Looking for good PD on a flexible schedule? Check out this month's free webinar offerings from EdWeb! Save your certificates from each webinar and send them to mhatchet@henry.k12.va.us to earn recertification points.

ETC