Start your planning . . . calendars through 2017-18 approved

It is safe to start planning.

Last night the Governing Board approved calendars for the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 school years. The calendars essentially mirror those used for the past three years with one notable exception: the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving was added as a day off.

 

You can view all the calendars here.

The committee met approximately six times since October and studied a variety of calendar options for the District.  In all, nine calendars eventually made the cut, and were shared with staff and parents for feedback through a survey. That survey opened in mid-November and stayed open over the winter break. The committee received 395 responses — more than 200 from certified staff and more than 100 from parents.  The remaining responses came from classified and administrative staff. The calendar committee made its recommendation The recommendation was based in part on the feedback received from the survey, but also from members of the committee looping out to the various group whom they represented.

SmartSchoolsplus meetings set for Feb. 5, Feb. 11

GESD employees considering retirement may wish to attend a meeting with representatives from SmartSchoolsplus. Two meetings have been scheduled: Thursday Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. in Room 18, and Wednesday Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the West Board Room, both at the District Office.

Individual counseling sessions will be scheduled at the meetings for those who plan to enter the program in 2015-16.

To reserve you spot contact Jodi Finnesy at 623-237-7149. Click here for more information, or contact SmartSchoolsplus at 480-839-8747.

Free Tax preparation available for eligible GESD employees

Any individual or family who made less than $53,000 in 2014 is eligible to have their taxes done free by VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers.

Tax preparation will be offered ever Wednesday from Feb. 4 through April 15 at the District Office in Room 18. Volunteers will be on hand from 4p.m. -7 p.m. each Wednesday. If you are an employee or know someone who makes less than $53,000, VITA will assist you with your taxes. 

GESD employees will can secure priority appointments by contacting Wellness Program Specialist Davita Solter through email or at 623-237-7231. Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

What you should bring


To have your tax return(s) prepared at a VITA site, you need to bring the following information with you:

• ‪Proof of identification – Picture ID
• ‪Social Security Cards or IRS ITIN card or ITIN letter for all household members ‪Individual Taxpayer
• Picture ID for taxpayer and spouse
• Name, address and tax ID number of child care provider
• Amount of money paid to child care provider in 2014
• Account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Copy of last year’s tax return (if available)
• If married and filing jointly, both adults must be present to sign the required forms

If you or anyone in your household enrolled in a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2014 you’ll get a new Form 1095 A — Insurance Marketplace Statement. You should receive this by early February, and you will need it to file you 2014 federal income tax return.

It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number. The most accurate information is usually located on your original Social Security card. If you do not have an Social Security number for you or a dependent, you should complete Form SS-5, Social Security Number Application. This form should be submitted to the nearest Social Security Administration Office.

For more information, click here.

Take a hike . . . no . . . really

We want you to take a hike. Really.

The Wellness program has planned another group hike for Saturday Feb. 7 starting at 9 a.m. You’ll be hiking the Deem Hills Circumfence Trail. This is a moderate hike that should take about two hours to complete. Bring water, and be prepared with hiking shoes and appropriate clothes.

The hike counts towards your Health Savings Account and Wellness Program. Click here for more information and to save your spot on the hike.

Wet n Wild water park offering discount season passes

Wet n Wild water park in Phoenix is offering discounted season for GESD employees — but only until Feb. 28. Click here for more information.

In the meantime, you might also want to mark your calendar for Saturday May 30 for the Second Annual GESD Picnic at the Park. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.