Mar 2007 - The Clark County Education Association

Vol. 7, Issue 7
March 2007
Important Dates
Member Benefit Fairs
March 2, 2007
CCEA Night with the Wranglers
CCEA to host fairs throughout district
March 2, 2007
Read Across America
March 13, 2007
CCEA Executive Board Meeting
March 17, 2007
ESEA Picnic @ Sunset Park
March 23-24, 2007
NSEA Board of Directors Meeting
March 27, 2007
CCEA Rep Council Meeting
April 2-6, 2007
CCSD Spring Break
April 6, 2007
CCEA Offices Closed
April 10, 2007
CCEA Executive Board Meeting
April 16, 2007
THT’s Domestic Partner
Verification Information Mailed
April 24, 2007
CCEA Rep Council Meeting
April 26-27, 2007
NSEA Diversity Conference
April 27, 2007
NSEA Board of Directors Meeting
April 27-29, 2007
NSEA Delegate Assembly
Inside This Issue
Pg 2 • Frequently Asked Questions
Pg 3 • Legal Corner
Pg 4 • Study Sessions Offered
Pg 5 • Physics in the Park
Pg 6 • Considering Retirement?
Pg 7 • Membership PAY$
Pg 9 • Pride, Power, and Participation
Pg 10 • Grant Opportunities
Pg 11 • 2007 Drop Everything And Read
Pg 12 • Discounted Attraction Tickets
The Clark County Education Association will be holding regional fairs
throughout the Clark County School District this month.
These fairs are offered to provide you, our members, an
additional opportunity to:
• Meet with Association leaders to learn about the many
programs and issues the Association is pursuing.
• Learn about CCEA’s Committees and their work.
• Find out about the benefits of CCEA membership.
• Visit with CCEA endorsed vendors and other partners to see how you can
take advantage of the many benefits offered through CCEA.
• An opportunity to win a $200 Southwest Airlines gift card or one of the
many prizes to be raffled at every fair.
* Fair Schedule *
Mark your calendar for the fair that best works for you!
Sites will be open from 3:00-6:00 p.m., so stop by the cafeteria at your convenience.
Mon., 3/5
Wed., 3/7
Mon., 3/12
Wed., 3/14
Tue., 3/20
Cimarron-Memorial HS • 2301 N. Tenaya Way, Las Vegas 89128
Canyon Springs HS • 350 E. Alexander Rd., N. Las Vegas 89032
Green Valley HS • 460 Arroyo Grande Blvd., Henderson 89014
Spring Valley HS • 3750 S. Buffalo Dr., Las Vegas 89147
Chaparral HS • 3850 Annie Oakley Dr., Las Vegas 89121
Door Prizes *
Raffles * Light Refreshments
American Fidelity
Continues Its Support
STEP UP Class Benefits from Commitment
Last year American
PROUD STEP UP
Fidelity “adopted” the
SPONSOR — Donna
seniors enrolled in
Sciulara, American Fidelity
the STEP UP program
Educational Services
at Mojave High
Sales Manager - Arizona
School. This year
and Nevada, proudly
those students have
displays the adopted STEP
graduated from
UP class picture in their
Mojave and are
Las Vegas office.
attending college full
Photo by Andrew Page
time on their way to a
STEP UP—the Student to Teacher
teaching degree and employment with
Enlistment Project Undergraduate
the Clark County School District
Program was created to identify CCSD
(CCSD). American Fidelity continues
high school students, largely minority
their support by once again donating
students, who would like to become
$12,000 to pay for this year’s tuition
(continues on page 3)
and books for these students.
R
E
D
N
I
M
RE
The 2007 Teaching
& Learning
Conditions Survey
Is Coming!
In February 2006, more than 8,000
teachers and administrators responded to
the Teaching and Learning Conditions survey.
Those results led to the creation of the Teaching and
Learning Conditions Team — now commonly known as
the TLC Team — and to an organized effort to improve
the teaching and learning climate in CCSD schools. In
addition, data and documentation generated assisted in
narrowing down the specific areas that were in need of
change. This information was given to CCEA and CCSD
to help create collaborative plans to retain teachers,
improve their working conditions, and improve school
climates.
You now have an opportunity to continue and
improve these efforts. If every teacher and administrator
completes the upcoming survey, we will have more
accurate and powerful data to fuel our efforts for the next
school year.
Help us improve! Take part in the next on-line
Teaching and Learning Conditions Survey from March
26, 2007 to April 20, 2007. Anonymity is guaranteed.
For additional information, call the TLC Team at
387-0645.
ESEA is hosting the event
of the season…
Frequently
Asked
Questions
By Kathy Foresythe
CCEA Deputy Executive Director
Legal Services
Topic:
Considering Retirement?
Is there currently a negotiated Early Retirement
Program?
Yes, Article 18-8 of the Negotiated
Agreement provides for an Early Retirement
Incentive Program.
How do I qualify?
✔ You must have twenty-nine (29) years but
less than 30 years of accumulated
service time in the Public Employees’
Retirement System of Nevada (PERS).
✔ You must have been employed as a
teacher for at least fifteen (15) years with
the Clark County School District.
✔ You must terminate employment with the
District at the conclusion of the current
contract year.
✔ You must have one hundred (100) days of
accumulated unused sick leave.
What is the incentive?
If you meet all four criteria, the District will
purchase up to one year of PERS service
credit, total service including such
purchase not to exceed thirty (30) years.
Where can I learn more?
CCEA, CCSD and PERS will be holding two
informational meetings regarding the
Article 18 Early Retirement Incentive
Program.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunset Park - Section F
(Picnic area on south Eastern, north of the railroad tracks)
Members, bring your family and enjoy a fun day
of music, food, face painting, games, prizes and much more!
Joining us at this fun-filled day will be special guest
NEA President Reg Weaver.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet him.
CCEA members RSVP by calling 733-3063 by March 13th.
Page 2 • CCEA Express
When:
Times:
Where:
Monday, March 19, 2007
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Clark County School District
Edward A. Greer Boardroom
2832 East Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89121
If you have any questions or concerns,
please call the CCEA office at 733-3063 and
ask to speak with a UniServ Director.
www.ccea-nv.org
American Fidelity
Continues Its
Support of STEP UP
(continued from front page)
What to Know About
MySpace.com
The Internet has certainly changed many aspects of
our way of life. It has most certainly impacted
education as well. One of the most commonly used
sites on the World Wide Web is MySpace.com. This site allows
participants to post a profile about themselves. A profile allows users to
include personal information such as age, gender, marital status, address,
hobbies, etc. Users can also post pictures, videos and are able to blog
with their friends. The site is public. A user can set their profile to private,
but their photo, gender, city and state are still available for everyone to
see. While MySpace.com is a convenient
means of communication and expression, it
does not come without consequences.
”…one must use
Nationwide there are examples of both
teachers and students being disciplined for
good judgment as to
what has been posted on MySpace.com.
what information is
Although a teacher has the right to have a
MySpace.com profile, one must use good
posted in such a
judgment as to what information is posted
public, easily
in such a public, easily accessible setting.
Issues arise because students, parents, etc.
accessible setting.”
have access to the teacher’s profile. Some
tips to remember are:
• Do not identify which school you teach at.
• Do not post pictures of students.
• Refrain from communicating with students and/or parents via
MySpace.com.
• Avoid posting anything that is inappropriate or might embarrass you
in the future.
There have also been cases in which students have created fake
profiles of teachers and other school staff. Because this is a common
problem, MySpace.com has included the question, “How do we remove an
imposter profile for a teacher/faculty member?” on the Frequently Asked
Questions page. MySpace.com has also created a School Administrator’s
Guide. While this guide is not available to the public, schools who do not
already have one can request the guide by visiting MySpace.com and
requesting a guide through the Contact MySpace page. While this article
focuses on MySpace.com, many of the tips can be used for any site that is
open to the public and in which there is no expectation of privacy.
2007 Legislative Session
As the session picks up a faster pace, we will
update you on the issues that will impact
educators and public education in Nevada.
Let us know what is important to you.
Complete the Make The Difference—Get
Involved online survey by visiting the 2007
Legislature page on the CCEA website
at www.ccea-nv.org.
www.ccea-nv.org
teachers. The CCEA Community
Foundation pays for their tuition and books
in exchange for their commitment to return
to CCSD upon receiving their degree—this
time as teachers. It’s a “Grow Your Own”
program that will give our upcoming
students more teachers who grew up in our
community and share similar experiences.
American Fidelity Assurance
Company is a family-owned organization
that offers insurance products and
financial services to education employees
at CCSD, as well as, throughout the United
States. American Fidelity is perhaps best
known to CCSD employees as the
administrator of Section 125 or Flexible
Spending Accounts. Section 125 allows
CCSD employees to set aside money on a
pre-tax basis for out-of-pocket medical,
dental, vision and dependent care
expenses. If you would like more
information about Section 125 or any of the
products American Fidelity offers including
disability insurance, accident only
insurance, long term care insurance,
cancer insurance or portable life insurance,
contact them at (702) 433-5333.
The Foundation thanks American
Fidelity and its staff for their continuing
commitment to the STEP UP program.
Only through the caring and commitment
of businesses such as American Fidelity,
Horace Mann, Martin & Allison Ltd., Nevada
Power, Citibank, The Legend Group, Bloom
Financial and others is the STEP UP
program possible.
STEP UP
Needs Your Help
The CCEA Community Foundation is a 501(c)3
non-profit organization and donations are tax
deductible as a charitable contribution.
Contributions to the STEP UP program will be
used to pay for tuition and books for students
in exchange for their commitment to teach in
Clark County’s public schools for four years
after receiving their degree. To make a
donation, please contact Christine Page at
(702) 287-4695.
CCEA Express • Page 3
The Las Vegas Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa &
The Clark County Education Association
invite you to
“School Restructuring with an
Empowerment Model”
This program will introduce attendees to one method of school
restructuring—an empowerment model. Principals from all four
Clark County School District empowerment schools will
introduce their unique programs. In addition, district personnel,
a CCEA representative, and UNLV faculty will discuss the
research and partnerships surrounding these programs.
Members Only
Free
Study
Session
Nevada School Law Exam
Nevada Constitution Exam
U.S. Constitution Exam
Attendees will leave with:
* Knowledge of the empowerment school model within the Clark County
School District
* Examples of how principals and their staffs are creating schools using
the empowerment model
* Examples of methods for partnering with community agencies to
support improved student achievement
* Lessons learned during the first empowerment school projects
Wednesday, March 7, 2007 ~ 4:30 PM
Mack Middle School
4250 Karen Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89121
RSVP to Chris Merriweather at [email protected]
Refreshments will be available and the meeting
will conclude with door prizes.
Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK) is a worldwide association of professional educators at all
levels, nursery school through the university. The purpose of PDK is “To promote quality
education, in particular publicly supported education, as essential to the development and
maintenance of a democratic way of life. This purpose shall be accomplished through research,
service, and leadership in education.”
Date: Wednesday, April 18
Place: Teachers Health Trust
Marvin Sedway Room
2950 E. Rochelle Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Seating is limited to 100
participants. To reserve your
seat, call CCEA at 733-3063 or you
may register by e-mailing
[email protected].
Nevada Law booklets may be
purchased for $10.00 at the study
session.
•• Exam Information ••
Spring 2007 Schedule
No pre-registration. Exams are
given on a first-come, first-serve
basis.
Date: Saturday, March 10
OR
Saturday, May 5
Place: Keller M.S. — Cafeteria
301 N. Fogg Street
(off East Charleston Blvd.)
Time: 11:00 a.m.
(doors open at 10:00 a.m.)
AND
1:30 p.m.
(doors open at 1:15 p.m.)
Page 4 • CCEA Express
www.ccea-nv.org
PHYSICS IN THE PARK
What is Physics In The Park?
Physics In The Park is the one time where elementary, middle
and high school students are provided the opportunity to
discover how their classroom experiences apply in the real
world. Depending on their grade level, they may apply their
scientific and or mathematical principles on rides and
attractions at the Adventuredome Theme Park.
The Adventuredome offers the only Physics In The Park
in Nevada. For more than 10 years The Adventuredome has
teamed up with Clark County School Districts Physical
Science Departments to create hands on learning; bringing
the concepts of the classroom to light in the 5-acre Theme
Park. Students see first hand potential and kinetic energy
and they eagerly record their data as they perform
experiments and solve problems.
Students and teachers alike from all over the Las Vegas
valley have benefited from this unique program. To obtain
your Free Educator-designed support materials, please
contact the Adventuredome Theme Park’s Group Educational
Department at (702) 794-3906 or (702) 691-5861.
ATTENTION
New Members:
Does your educator kit have a
lucky number this month?
The Clark County Education Association and the
Horace Mann Insurance Company have been
working together during the 2006-2007 school
year to award gift certificates to newly hired
educators in Clark County. Each educator
receives a kit from Horace Mann when they join
CCEA. The kits have a randomly generated
number listed on them.
Each month in the CCEA Express a series of
randomly generated numbers are listed. If a
number matches a number listed on a member’s
kit, they are awarded a $25 gift certificate. The
gift cards are given out at the CCEA Rep Council
meeting.
However, for each newly hired member who
has a winning number there is also another
winner. The CCEA member who signed the
application of the educator with the winning
number also wins a gift certificate. If the
application was signed by a CCEA staff member,
then an alternate name is randomly chosen.
The newly hired CCEA member who received a
certificate at the January 23rd CCEA Rep Council
meeting is Tarena Zake. James Masden’s name
www.ccea-nv.org
was randomly
LUCKY WINNERS — James
drawn as the coMasden and Tarena Zake receive
winner.
their certificates from Horace Mann
Congratulations
representative Josh Lamers (center)
to the winners!
at the January Rep Council meeting.
The randomly
generated numbers for this issue are:
39
235
280
308
551
656
699
782
810
832
854
887
889
961
1083
1106
1303
1316
1333
1336
1455
1591
1604
1872
1941
2065
2092
2178
2382
2623
2627
2653
2748
2750
2775
2867
2896
2897
2959
2969
Check to see if your number is listed. If you have
one of the lucky numbers, please contact CCEA
Membership Specialist Michael D. Soden by
calling 866-6170 or by e-mailing through
Interact.
CCEA Express • Page 5
2008 Presidential Candidate
Hillary Clinton Visits with
Clark County Educators
CLINTON SHARES HER
VIEWS ON EDUCATION—
On February 21, Del Sol H.S.
served as the gathering site
for ‘08 Presidential Candidate
Hillary Clinton’s address to
more than 600 Clark County
educators. Members enjoyed
the opportunity to ask
specific questions of the
candidate and hear about
her views and goals for
public education.
NSEA/CCEA HOST VIP
RECEPTION—CCSD
Superintendent Walt Rulffes and
CCEA Executive Director John
Jasonek “meet and greet” Sen.
Clinton during the 70-person event.
Pre-Retirement Workshops
March 5 - March 8, 2007
The Clark Retired Education Association (CREA) will be hosting preretirement workshop sessions to assist you in this process.
Representatives from the following organizations will be attending to
answer your questions:
March 5
PERS
March 6
Public Employees Benefit Program
March 7
Social Security
March 8
Association Day
To accommodate your schedule, two sessions will offered:
Session 1 — 3:30-4:30 p.m. • Session 2 — 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The workshops will be held at the NSEA Offices
@ 3511 E. Harmon Avenue, Las Vegas 89121 (one block east of Pecos).
To RSVP and to obtain detailed session information, call CREA
President Judi Hamblin at 565-7671.
IMPORTANT
2006 Tax Information
If you were a dues paying member of CCEA for the calendar
year January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, the itemized
miscellaneous dues deduction that you may be able to deduct
on your 2006 tax return is $624.40. For more information,
see page A-6 of the instructions for IRS form 1040, schedule A
itemized deductions, line 20, or consult with your tax adviser
for specific tax questions and advice.
Page 6 • CCEA Express
CONSIDERING
RETIREMENT??
Your earned unused sick leave may make you
eligible for one or all three of these negotiated
benefits.
1) ONE YEAR OF PERS SERVICE CREDIT:
Under Article 18 of the Negotiated
Agreement, the Early Retirement Incentive
Program (ERIP) allows you to use 100 days
of earned unused sick leave to buy up to
one year of PERS service credit. If you meet
all the criteria (as described on page 2,
which includes that “You have at least 29
years but less than 30 years of service
credit in the Nevada Public Employees
Retirement System (PERS)”) by August 31,
2007, you will qualify for the ERIP.
OR
CCSD Regulation 4370 provides you with an
option to buy one year of PERS service
credit if you meet the stipulated criteria and
procedures. The criteria includes:
• Employee must have completed a
minimum of fifteen (15) years of tenure
with CCSD and a maximum of twenty-nine
(29) years of service.
You may choose only one of the options,
either the ERIP or the CCSD Regulation
4370 provision—you cannot use them both.
2) A FUND TO PAY FUTURE HEALTHCARE
PREMIUMS: Career Plan or Healthcare
Reimbursement Account (HRA). Under
Article 28 of the Negotiated Agreement, the
HRA allows you to use from 150 to 300 days
of earned unused sick leave to access a
fund that can be used to pay future
healthcare premiums. You must also have
been employed with CCSD for a minimum of
15 years. The same 100 days that you use
to participate in the ERIP can also be used
to participate in this program. The HRA
uses a formula to determine how much
money will be placed in your account.
3) CASH BUY OUT: Under Article 18, this
program allows you to cash out up to 100
days of earned unused sick leave. The cash
out fund has $150,000 that is divided evenly
among each year’s retirees based upon the
number of days submitted. You can cash in
the same 100 days that you used to
participate in the ERIP and HRA programs.
It is important to remember that you can
use the same sick leave days for each of
these programs. For more information,
contact CCEA at 733-3063.
www.ccea-nv.org
Membership doesn’t cost,
IT PAY$
A Brief Guide to CCEA, NSEA and NEA Member Benefits
As a member of the Clark County Education Association, the Nevada State Education Association, and the
National Education Association you are entitled to many benefits and services. Our tri-level organization takes
pride in what we do for our members and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the additional
economic benefits and special services we have secured. We encourage you to become familiar with each
item and start saving today!
Insurance Products
CCEA Member
Services, Discounts
& Promotions
Visit the Member Resources
section of our website
(www.ccea-nv.org) for the most upto-date information on the many
services and promotions available
to CCEA members.
Retirement & Financial Planning
Advantage Financial offers
financial planning and retirement
strategies. They are also the
administrators of the “Career
Plan” or Healthcare
Reimbursement Account.
(702-733-7890)
Section 125
American Fidelity offers short and
long-term disability protection and
the Section 125.
(702-433-5333)
Horace Mann offers auto,
homeowners & renters insurance,
plus other financial services.
Their auto insurance rates are
very competitive because they
know that “Educators make good
drivers.”
(702-220-8250)
Banking Services
Silver State Schools Credit Union
offers savings and checking
accounts, credit card services and
loans.
(800-357-9654)
Education
Touro University offers Graduate
degrees and endorsements.
(702-777-8687)
Pre-Retirement Seminars
Information sessions are offered
by the Clark Retired Education
Association (CREA) to assist
members with the retirement
process. For information, contact
CREA President Judi Hamblin at
702-565-7671.
$1,000 Signing Bonus Advance
provided to new hires
Tax Preparation & Planning
Local Business Discounts
Bloom Financial Services offers
expert tax preparation to educators
and their families. They also offer
a 457(b) program—a pre-tax
savings account that allows
members to shelter a part of their
salary into a savings plan directly
through payroll deduction.
(702-791-0581)
Local business discounts available
to CCEA members on products
and services include: cleaning
services, beauty products,
nurseries, heating & air
conditioning service, cellular
phone service, and many more.
Visit the Member Resources page
at www.ccea-nv.org for the most
current listing as discounts and
offers are frequently added.
www.ccea-nv.org
Discount tickets available yearround for:
• Movies at any United Artist,
Regal Entertainment Group or
Edwards Theatres
• Disneyland & California
Adventure Parks
• Legoland
• Six Flags Magic Mountain &
Hurricane Harbor Water Park
• Universal Studios
• Sea World
• San Diego Zoo
• San Diego Wild Animal Park
• Knott’s Berry Farm
• Knott’s Berry Farm Soak City Water Park (3 locations)
• Adventuredome Theme Park @
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
• Tournament of Kings @ Excalibur
Hotel & Casino
Discount tickets to seasonal events
such as:
• Disney On Ice
• CCEA Night with the Wranglers
Hockey Game
• Las Vegas College Football Bowl
• Knott’s Berry Farm Halloween
Haunt
• Universal Studios Hollywood
Halloween Horror Nights
• Las Vegas 51’s Baseball Game &
Tailgate Zone
• Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey Circus
Unique Discounts/Promotions from
businesses like:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
AAA Travel – Educator Cruises
Borders & Waldenbooks
Tropicana Las Vegas
LeReve @ Wynn Las Vegas
Office Depot
Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Nevada Crystal Premium Water
COSTCO
CCEA Express • Page 7
Member Mall
Take advantage of the discounts
and promotions offered in this
Internet mall by more than 65
stores. Many categories for your
shopping pleasure—they include
bookstores, clothing, food, gifts,
health & beauty, home, jewelry,
luggage, maternity, music,
outdoor, pets, specialty stores,
superstores, technology, toys and
travel.
Educators’ Business Guide
This quarterly publication mailed
to your home brings you
discounts and special offers from
businesses throughout Clark
County.
Car Buying
Have the best car buying
experience and enjoy a low, no
hassle fleet price directly from the
fleet manager at Chapman Dodge
and Chapman Chrysler • Jeep
DOVE (Discounts on Vehicles for
Educators)
Fleet discount prices on new
automobiles—it saves you time
and paperwork.
Attorney Referral Program
* Two half-hour legal consults
per year
Two free one-half hour legal
consultations a year with
selected attorneys for personal
matters.
* Legal services at discounted
rates
For your personal needs, this
program offers reduced legal
costs on five core areas—wills,
trusts, guardianships and
estates, real estate, domestic
relations, traffic violations, and
consumer protection.
United Pet Care
Health care insurance plan for
your pets—get your vet to join the
program so you can save.
Professional Development Courses
Many PDE Classes offered
throughout the year.
AIG Valic
Opportunity Grants
American Fidelity Group
Grants of up to $500 can be
obtained through the CCEA
Community Foundation.
Section 125—Deduction for certain
fees and services before taxes are
taken out.
Study Sessions
Horace Mann
CCEA offers free study sessions to
prepare members for the Nevada
School Law, the Nevada
Constitution and the U.S.
Constitution exams.
Auto insurance plans for members
TSA (Tax Deferred Annuities)
Life Insurance Programs (cont.)
• NEA Level Premium Term Life
Insurance Plan
• NEA Home Protection® Plan
• NEA Group Life
• $1 Million Educators Liability
Protection Plan (automatic—no
cost to members)
Health & Disability Insurance
Programs
• NEA MemberCare® Critical
Illness Benefit
• NEA MemberCare® Long-Term
Care Insurance
• NEA MemberCare® Medicare
Supplement
• NEA MemberCare® In-Hospital
Plan
• NEA Income Protection® Plan
Casualty Insurance Programs
• NEA Members Auto & Home
Insurance
• NEA Homeowners® Insurance
Savings, Deposit and Investment
Programs
• NEA-Sponsored FDIC-Insured
Money Market Account
• NEA-Sponsored GoldCertificate®
Certificate of Deposit (CD)
• NEA Valuebuilder Variable
Annuity TSA
• NEA Valuebuilder Mutual Fund
TSA
• NEA Valuebuilder Mutual Fund
457
• NEA Valuebuilder Mutual Fund
IRA
• Credit Programs
• NEA Credit Card Program
• NEA Line of Credit®
Loan & Mortgage Programs
Member Benefits
Member Benefits
Visit the NSEA website at
www.nsea-nv.org/benefits.htm or
call 1-800-248-6732 for more
information on the following
programs:
NSEA ACCESS Discount Program
Discounts nationwide and locally
on a wide variety of products and
services.
Page 8 • CCEA Express
Visit the NEA Member Benefits
website at www.neamb.com or call
800-637-4636 for detailed
information on the many programs
available to association members.
• NEA Personal Loan
• NEA Home Financing Program®
• NEA National Board Certification
Loan
Special Discount Programs
• NEA Car Rental Program®
• NEA Magazine Service®
Life Insurance Programs
• NEA DUES-TAB® Insurance (no
cost to members)
• NEA Preferred Term Life Plan
• NEA Term Life Insurance Plan
• NEA AD&D Insurance Plan
• NEA AD&D Plus Insurance Plan
• NEA Guaranteed Issue Life Plan
www.ccea-nv.org
The Clark County Education Association is an organization
made up of hard working, committed professionals. They
work everyday to improve the educational lives of tens of
thousands of students. However, their efforts also reach
PRIDE, POWER &
beyond the school sites where they work as they deal with
PARTICIPATION AWARD
parents and the community in general to make the Clark County School
WINNERS — (l to r) Sheryl
District a great place to learn!
Slakey, Mike Wiatt, Colette
CCEA, in cooperation with Mitchell Klein, General Manager of CCEA’s
Hayes and Jimmie Powell are
endorsed vendor Advantage Financial, takes great satisfaction each month in
accompanied by Advantage
presenting the Pride, Power, and Participation award to deserving educators.
Financial’s General Manager
At the January 23rd CCEA Rep Council meeting four awards were presented to
Mitchell S. Klein who
educators for their exceptional work. Pride, Power, and Participation were
presented the prizes at the
clearly demonstrated by the recipients.
Jan. 23rd Rep Council meeting.
Sheryl Slakey, a counselor at Jim Thorpe ES, was nominated for her work
with students, parents, and staff. Jimmie Powell, a Special Education teacher at Sierra Vista HS, was
nominated for his exceptional work with students. Mike Wiatt, a Special Education teacher at Jim
Thorpe ES, was nominated for the dedication, patience, and kindness that he demonstrates towards his
students. Finally, Colette Hayes, a teacher at Jim Thorpe ES, was nominated for her work with students
and staff on the “Shout Out Loud” project.
The Pride, Power, and Participation award includes a certificate of appreciation and a cash prize.
Every member is encouraged to nominate a deserving educator. You may nominate someone by going to
the CCEA website at www.ccea-nv.org/awards.cfm or by contacting CCEA Membership Specialist Michael
D. Soden through Interact or by calling 866-6170. Let the nominating continue!
www.ccea-nv.org
CCEA Express • Page 9
Opportunity
Grants
The CCEA Community Foundation Opportunity Grants Program
stimulates innovation by providing teachers and the community
with resources to develop creative ideas. The competitive
grants allow teachers and community groups throughout Clark
County opportunities to experiment with new materials, new
approaches to learning, and new ways to bring energy and
excitement into their school and neighborhood.
Opportunity Grants are awarded throughout the year.
Emphasis is put on activities that support Clark County youth so
they may access school and community resources (regardless
of ability to pay) as they grow into healthy and productive adults.
Recent grants awarded by the CCEA Community Foundation
include:
Grant Winners:
Tricia Crowley – Grant amount $500.00. Amazing
Adaptations. This project will take students to the San Diego Zoo
where they will focus on the adaptations that animals have and how
the animals survive in their environment with them. The trip will aid
in language and vocabulary development for students. The
instructor will be tying the literacy expectancies with the large
number of animal standards that the 3rd grade students have this
year. This project encompasses all areas of the curriculum.
Kimberley Ernst – Grant amount $500.00. The Life Cycles
of Butterflies and Chickens. By observing and participating in all
the stages of life, this project gives kindergarten students a “hands
on” experience with two different animals.
James A. Shoop – Grant amount $486.25. Adding Reading
Counts Books to Classroom Library. Novels to bridge the gap for
lower level readers will be purchased to enhance this classroom
library.
Nancy Crenshaw – Grant amount $500.00. Purchasing a
Solar Energy Foss Kit. Students will have the opportunity to
conduct experiments that meet CEF science standards which will
increase their knowledge and aid them in successfully passing the
science portion of the CRT.
Judith Reid – Grant amount $220.00. The Las Vegas
Wetlands. Fifth graders will spend the morning at the Clark County
wetlands to study ecosystems, monocultures, riparian cultures, and
the Las Vegas area watershed and changes impacting each
dynamic system.
Community Foundation Business Buddy
Jennifer Newman-Cornell – Grant amount $359.00.
Spanish Language AP Reading Library. Subscriptions to Spanish
magazines will provide two additional resources to expose students
to diverse and varied readings. They will serve as discussion
points, vocabulary builders, and reading activities.
Applying for a CCEA Community Foundation
Opportunity Grant online is easy. Just visit
www.ccea-nv.org/grant_application.cfm.
Page 10 • CCEA Express
www.ccea-nv.org
A
World of Thanks
The CCEA Community Foundation and the Teacher’s Aide
Warehouse Store extend a special thanks to these businesses
for the generous item donations to the free store for teachers.
~ Office Depot (Craig & Martin Luther King)
~ Pottery Barn (Rampart Commons @ Rampart & Charleston)
~ Talbots Petites (Rampart Commons @ Rampart & Charleston)
~ West Elm (District at Green Valley Ranch)
~ Williams-Sonoma (Rampart Commons @ Rampart & Charleston)
April 12, 2007
National Drop Everything
and Read Day
What is National D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and
Read. National D.E.A.R. Day is a special
reading celebration to remind and
encourage families to make reading
together on a daily basis a family priority.
Who is leading the National D.E.A.R.
Day Celebration?
The National Education Association
(NEA); Parent Teacher Association (PTA);
HarperCollins Children’s Books; the
Association for Library Service to
Children (ALSC), a division of the
American Library Association; Reading
Rockets; First Book; the Newspaper
Association of America Foundation
(NAAF) and Ramona Quimby.
Why is National D.E.A.R. Day
celebrated on Beverly Cleary’s
birthday?
Beverly Cleary receives thousands of
letters a year from young readers, many
who have participated in D.E.A.R. at
school. Their interest in and enthusiasm
for this special reading activity inspired
Mrs. Cleary to give the same experience to
Ramona Quimby, who gets to enjoy
D.E.A.R. time with the rest of her class in
Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
How can I participate?
Schools, libraries, bookstores and other
organizations are being asked to host
Drop Everything and Read events on April
12. You can attend an event in your
community or participate right in your
own home by reading for 30 minutes!
www.ccea-nv.org
CCEA Community Foundation STEP UP Class Sponsor
When is National D.E.A.R. Day?
The National D.E.A.R. Day partners are
marking the birthday of beloved author
Beverly Cleary as the official event date,
April 12th. Ramona Quimby is the
program’s spokesperson.
CCEA Express • Page 11
*
Spring
Break…
is just around the corner
And sunny California sounds quite appealing, doesn’t it? Whether your travels take you
to Southern California or you decide to stay in town, let CCEA save you money on these popular
attractions! Just stop by the CCEA office or call Sharon Whalum at 866-6145.
ATTRACTION
Disneyland & California Adventure Parks
2 Day Hopper - Expires January 2, 2008
Legoland
ADULT
CHILD
GATE PRICE
$AVING$
$110.00
$95.00
(ages 10+)
(ages 3 to 9)
$122.00 Adult
$102.00 Child
$12.00 Adult
$7.00 Child
$57.00 Adult
$44.00 Child
$18.00 Adult
$5.00 Child
$42.00 Adult
$16.95 Child
$18.00 Adult
$1.95 Child
$56.00 Adult
$46.00 Child
$12.00 Adult
$11.00 Child
$33.00 Adult
$22.00 Child
$5.00 Adult
$6.00 Child
$28.50 Adult
$17.50 Child
$3.50 Adult
$3.50 Child
(under 48 inches)
$55.00 Adult
$30.00 Child
$28.00 Adult
$15.00 Child
$46.00
$61.00
$22.00
$22.95 Adult
$15.00 Child
$9.00 Adult
$6.00 Child
$39.00
2nd Day for $1.00 at Legoland • 2nd day ticket valid for 7 days
Knott’s Berry Farm
$24.00
1 Day - Expires March 31, 2008
Sea World
$44.00
$28.00
$16.00
(ages 3 to 11)
$25.00
Expires January 31, 2008
Six Flags Magic Mountain
$35.00
(ages 3 to 9)
Expires January 31, 2008
San Diego Wild Animal Park
$15.00
(ages 3 to 11 OR 62+)
2 Day - Expires January 31, 2008
1st and 2nd visit must occur before expiration date
San Diego Zoo
$39.00
(ages 3 to 12)
$14.00
(ages 3 to 11)
$27.00
Expires December 31, 2008
$15.00
Hurricane Harbor Water Park
Free weekday admission • Valid only Monday - Friday, from
May 28 through September 3, 2007
Universal Studios
$46.00
Buy 1 Day, Get 2nd and 3rd Day FREE (2nd and 3rd day must be
used within 7 days of initial visit) Expires January 31, 2008
Adventuredome Theme Park
(same as adult)
$14.00
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino On the Las Vegas Strip
Movie Tickets
Regal Entertainment Group - United Artist - Edwards Theatres
$9.00
(under 48 inches to 33 inches
tall - the average height
of a 2nd grader)
$7.00
No Restrictions • No Expiration
Tickets are valid throughout the U.S.
For show times and locations, visit www.REGmovies.com.
TAX TIME COMETH
Clark County Education Association
Bloom Financial, CCEA’s endorsed vendor,
is here to help you with the everincreasing complexities of filling out your
tax return.
• More than 25 years tax experience
helping Las Vegas educators and their
families.
• Year-round tax planning plus audit
help available.
Avoid the hassles of preparing your own
tax returns - call Bloom Financial to set
up your tax appointment today!
791-0581
4230 McLeod Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89121
www.ccea-nv.org
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Las Vegas, NV
Permit No. 57