Recognizing Outstanding Service – MIEM Crystal Awards
Online Learning Opportunities with MSBO
Michigan ASCD Experienced Instructional Leaders Series
November-December Events...Register Now!
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Being Thankful

Being thankful is something that is special at this time of year. I try to thank those on our MIEM team the year round, but it is important as we approach the holiday of Thanksgiving that we take the time to appreciate all those we work with and those on the home front that support us. We are in the midst of that short work week that is jammed with enough for a full week. I know, at times, the “To Do” list seems endless.

Also, with this time of year comes that tough Michigan weather. Wouldn’t this be a great time to check out the online learning opportunities that MIEM is providing?

Have a wonderful holiday!

Dan Pappas
Executive Director, MIEM
Associate Executive Director, MASA

This is MIEM’s 10th year honoring the achievements of the professional support staff in school districts throughout Michigan.

We know that the most successful schools include dedicated professionals serving in all positions in a district. The Crystal Awards acknowledges the dedications and efforts of those professionals. At this year’s award ceremony, Dan Pappas, MIEM’s Executive Director provided a snapshot of the accomplishments of the award winners who have made such outstanding contributions to their school districts.

There were two Customer Service Award Recipients this year. The “Customer Service” Award recognizes outstanding service to internal and external customers, which might include teachers, administrators, parents, or other groups or individuals.

Holly Bender, Administrative Assistant at Patterson Elementary in Tecumseh Public Schools District and Kathy Spackman, Program Secretary/Transportation Coordinator for Kalamazoo RESA.

Holly Bender, Administrative Assistant at Patterson Elementary, Tecumseh Public Schools District (In the picture above on right)
According to Holly’s nominator, she has exhibited the highest level of professionalism he has seen in 17 years as a professional educator. She is known to be kind hearted and displays an even disposition during the most stressful times. She has mentored other staff members, displays a high level of customer service to students, staff, community members, guest teachers and other administrators in the district. She is always present to assist and help.

Holly exemplifies Patterson Elementary vision statement: “We believe all children can learn” by consistently displaying this with her own actions.

Kathy Spackman, Program Secretary/Transportation Coordinator, Kalamazoo RESA (In the picture above on left)
The public school districts in the Kalamazoo RESA district desired to create a shared transportation system. After several years of floundering, it was decided that this project needed a point person to head up all the communication, facilitate joint planning, and be the face and voice of the system to parents, students, and school staff. Kathy assumed the role of Transportation Coordinator.

According to her nominators, Kathy has been instrumental in the efficient and effective operation of the system. She takes a hands-on approach to ensure all transportation issues are resolved with students getting to their courses in a safe, timely manner and has handled the new responsibilities with a high degree of diplomacy, creativity, focus and a high level of customer service.

Congratulations to this year’s Crystal Award winners! Thank you to Office Depot for their sponsorship of MIEM’s Crystal Awards

For more photographs taken at MIEM's Support Staff Conference for Administrative Professionals, visit MIEM's Facebook page.

Online Learning Opportunities with MSBO

Technology for the Business Manager Webinar • November 30, 2011 • 8:45 am-noon
Cost: $70 member/$100 nonmember
This session focuses on developing long-range technology planning, while assigning appropriate specifications for technology purchasing. Other discussion topics include: technology infrastructure contracting for the school district, evaluating the cost benefits of producing information in relation to organizational value, and ensuring that appropriate security is maintained.
R=Chief Financial Officer and Business Office Manager E=all others

Payroll and Related Personnel Issues Webinar • December 6, 2011 • 8:45 am-noon
Presenters: Chris Frank, Saginaw ISD and Kristi Krafft-Bellsky, Yeo & Yeo, P.C.
Cost: $70 member and $100 nonmember
Know the laws and regulations related to the payroll function, including state and federal payroll laws and regulations, pertinent tax regulations, employee retirement plans, practical aspects of completing a payroll, and electronic check deposits.
R=Chief Financial Officer, Business Office Manager E=all others

Purchasing Webinar • December 8, 2011 • 8:45 am-noon
Presenters: Dana Abrahams, Clark Hill, PC and Katrina Brunette, Oakland Schools
Cost: $70 member/$100 nonmember
Learn the basics of performing the purchasing function, including: related Michigan laws, the structure of a purchasing operation, electronic and cooperative purchasing, bidding, reviewing contracts, lease-purchase options, and “partnerships.”
R=Chief Financial Officer, Facilities Director, and Business Office Manager E=all others

Michigan ASCD Experienced Instructional Leaders Series

Regional Data Initiatives Research Symposium
November 28, 2011; 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Location: Lansing Center, Lansing
Get “real time” access to student data that will help you with effective instructional decision-making. The Regional Data Initiatives Research Symposium culminates two years of collaboration between the RDI Awardees and Michigan’s Institutions of Higher Education. Breakout Sessions include: Examining the Long Term Impact of Early Learning Experiences on School Readiness and Later Achievement on Local and State Assessments, Using Data to improve ACT Reading Achievement, Data Driven Decision Making and Teacher Collaboration and Connecting Teacher Data Use to Student Achievement in Early
Literacy.

Fall School Improvement Conference
November 28-29, 2011
Location: Lansing Center, Lansing

Technology For The Business Manager Webinar
November 30, 2011; 8:45 am-Noon
Location: At Your Desk
This session focuses on developing long-range technology planning, while assigning appropriate specifications for technology purchasing. Other discussion topics include: technology infrastructure contracting for the school district, evaluating the cost benefits of producing information in relation to organizational value, and ensuring that appropriate security is maintained.

Payroll And Related Personnel Issues Webinar
December 6, 2011; 8:45 am-Noon
Location: At Your Desk
Know the laws and regulations related to the payroll function, including state and federal payroll laws and regulations, pertinent tax regulations, employee retirement plans, practical aspects of completing a payroll, and electronic check deposits.

Effective Communications – Only 12 spots left!
December 7, 2011; 8:45 am-Noon
Location: MELG Building, Lansing
Learn tips and tools to express yourself more effectively, have more influence with your colleagues and appear more confident in front of others. This is a highly practical and interactive course. You’ll learn techniques and strategies to: send clear messages, create credibility, use body language effectively, and listen for understanding.


Performance Evaluation For Personnel – Only 12 spots left!
December 7, 2011; 12:45-4:00 pm
Location: MELG Building, Lansing
Learn how and when to evaluate employees, what documentation should be placed in the employee’s file and what type of follow-up should be completed. This session will also discuss discipline, discharge and the probationary employee.

Purchasing Webinar
December 8, 2011; 8:45 am-Noon
Location: At Your Desk
Learn the basics of performing the purchasing function, including: related Michigan laws, the structure of a purchasing operation, electronic and cooperative purchasing, bidding, reviewing contracts, lease-purchase options, and “partnerships.”