Staff News

Whether exotic or more traditional, pets bring joy and brightness into the lives of Dallas ISD staff, who are sharing their love for dogs, cats and even spiders.

Thinking of starting a fitness program? One of the best ways to start is to evaluate yourself physically and mentally, then decide what kind of workouts you want to have. One of the things you should consider is mixing some weight exercises along with any cardio you might do.

Coach Demetrius Glenn, a recognized fitness expert, provides some information about different weight exercises so you can see which one seems more appealing to your capabilities and preferences.

What are free weights and weight machines?

Free weights and weight machines work to help you increase strength and power. Free weights are barbells, dumbbells and kettlebells you can pick up while weight machines are stationary and can be easier to use for those who have not done weight training in the past. Which one is best for you?

Pros of free weights and weight machines:

• Free weights are safe as long as you’re using proper form and technique and they are something you can easily have in a home gym.
• Weight machines are more commonly found in fitness clubs and exercise studios
• Free weights can help to simulate real life lifting scenarios, so this directly helps with improving total body stabilization.
• Both options offer many physical benefits, such as increased bone density, improved body composition and easier weight maintenance (or faster weight loss).

Something to keep in mind:

• Even free weights require space.
• Using weight machines, you’re not able to complete natural body movements as you can with free weights.
• To get a full workout with both, you typically will need multiple machines or lots of different equipment.
• Weight machines can be expensive if you decide to buy one for your home.

What is a body weight workout?

Body weight workouts are strength training exercises, where you use your own body weight as resistance. It helps you enhance strength, power, endurance, speed and flexibility, as well as improve coordination and balance. You can do simple exercises, such as pushups, pull-ups and planks just to get the body moving. Movements like, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, twisting and balance are all exercises that use body weight as resistance instead of actual weights.

Pros of body weight workouts:

• No equipment required—you can do it anywhere even in small places.
• You can do it on the go—traveling for work, on holidays or whenever you’re away from home.
• Body weight exercises are ideal if one is older or has physical issues that might make using weights difficult.
• Since these exercises typically mimic actions that we do daily, it’s easier to see results faster than the typical weight machines.
• Using your body weight is easier, free and there’s plenty of body weight workout videos and resources out there, so you won’t get bored.

Cons of body weight workouts:

• Some exercises can be anatomically difficult, especially by those who are just starting, because they require a lot of upper body strength.
• Some exercises might be challenging at first, but they are ideal for those who are not already used to machines and free weights.
• Since the exercises use your own body weight, you might not see the same results in muscle development as you would using weights.

When deciding which type of weight exercise is best for you, keep in mind what you want to accomplish. Either method you choose, the ideal is that you do weight exercises at least twice a week to really see some results. As always, it’s good to contact your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

The W2 form will be available for viewing Jan. 20, 2021 for all the employees who have set up to receive them online.

To access the form:

1. Inside the district network, go to Oracle Self-Service, choose Payroll Information and Employee W2
2. From the district’s main web page, click on Staff from the district’s main page and choose Oracle Login. Once logged in, go to Employee Self-Service, choose Payroll Information and Employee W2.
3. Outside the district’s network, go to https://disdportal.dallasisd.org, go to Apps Logon Links into Oracle, go to Employee Self-Service, Payroll Information and Employee W2.

If you have any problems, please send an email to notifypayroll@dallasisd.org and include your employee ID number, name and the issue or question you might have to receive prompt assistance.

For employees who are not setup to receive their W2 online, the forms will be mailed to the employee’s address as it appears in Oracle. W2s should be received by Jan. 31, 2021.

The safety and well-being of all Dallas ISD employees is a top priority, which is why the district is working with Dallas County Health and Human Services, Parkland Hospital and other organizations in the community to secure vaccines for staff. To prepare, the district has created a form for employees to register their interest in receiving vaccines through Dallas ISD as they become available. The state has begun phase 1B of vaccinations, which, according to the state and county, is focused on people 65+ and those with specific underlying conditions.

The district is working to secure vaccines for staff who meet the conditions of the 1B phase of the state’s vaccination schedule. Employees who meet the conditions should register so the district can send them information on how to obtain the vaccine when doses are available; however, the vaccine can also be obtained through Dallas County Health and Human Services and private physicians.

If you meet the Phase 1B conditions, please, complete and submit the form to let us know you are interested in receiving the vaccine from Dallas ISD, and you will be contacted as it becomes available.

If you have any questions, please contact us by sending an email to covid19@dallasisd.org.

COVID-19 vaccine registration form

Empleados de Dallas ISD se pueden registrar para la fase 1B para recibir las vacunas para COVID-19 

La seguridad y bienestar de los empleados de Dallas ISD es una gran prioridad, por lo que el distrito ha estado trabajando con Dallas County Health and Human Services, Parkland Hospital y otras organizaciones en la comunidad para obtener vacunas para los empleados. Para prepararnos, el distrito ha creado una forma para que los empleados registren su interés en recibir la vacuna a través de Dallas ISD conforme estas estén disponibles. El estado ha comenzado la fase 1B de vacunación, la cual según el estado y el condado, se enfoca en las personas de por lo menos 65 años de edad y aquellos que tengan ciertas condiciones médicas crónica serias.

El distrito continúa trabajando para obtener vacunas para el personal que tiene las condiciones de la fase 1B del plan de vacunación del estado. Los empleados que llenen los requisitos deben registrarse para que el distrito les proporcione información cuando las dosis estén disponibles; sin embargo, la vacuna también se puede obtener a través del Dallas County Health and Human Services y médicos privados.

Si llena los requisitos de la fase 1B, por favor, complete y entregue la forma para indicar que está interesado en recibir la vacuna y el distrito lo contactará cuando esté disponible.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contáctenos mandando un correo electrónico covid19@dallasisd.org.

Forma de registro para la vacuna del COVID-19

The past few months have been challenging for many, and yesterday’s events at the Capitol may have caused additional stress. Dallas ISD has resources to guide staff who feel they need assistance to handle stress, anxiety and feelings of depression.

Recognizing that you are stressed is the first step. Stress can escalate until your neck is sore, your heart is racing, and you feel overwhelmed. On an average day, more than half of the workforce leaves work with painful symptoms. Many take the stress home, vent with family or friends, and then have trouble sleeping. To stop the stress cycle, try these 10 tips from LifeWorks.

Another resource is the Employee Assistance Program, a confidential service provided by the district that offers help with personal and work-related issues. Professionally trained advisors are available to help with family problems, marital concerns, financial and legal matters, stress, depression, and other issues affecting your personal or work life.

The EAP is free and confidential. Advisors are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For more information on how to access the EAP, download this  brochure.

Whether it’s love at first-sight or it takes a few tries, rescues and pets adopted from shelters and community organizations have proven to be blessings for many in Dallas ISD. Some pets have come from more unusual places like Dallas ISD’s Environmental Education Center.

The board approved daily incentive for substitutes went into effect Jan. 4. The additional $20 daily incentive is designed to increase fill rates and provide support to campuses during the spring semester and address lower substitute fill rates that are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $20-per-day incentive will be paid on top of any other incentives for substitutes. Substitutes will continue to receive the additional incentive of $5 for working on Mondays and $10 for working on Fridays. Substitutes working a full day of service at an ACE campus will also continue to receive the ACE $10-per-day incentive.

The cost of the daily incentive will be funded from existing substitute cost savings that resulted from the time the district was conducting all virtual classes and the decrease in fill rates up to Dec. 17.  This incentive will become effective Jan. 4, 2021, and remain in place until the end of the 2020-2021 school year.  The substitute compensation rates remain the same and the $20-per-day incentive will be paid on top of that rate.

Physical activity can make daily life better, so get moving. An increase in daily activity can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, reduce your stress, improve your sleep and have many other benefits.

It is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health. And no matter who you are, you can find safe, fun ways to get a little more active.

Just getting started? Build up to 150 minutes per week over time. Even five minutes of physical activity has health benefits—and it all adds up. It’s important that if you are going to start a new fitness routine you consult with your doctor to discuss any limitations.

Pregnant or postpartum? It’s safe and healthy to be active during and after pregnancy and getting active can make it less likely that you’ll develop health problems. Listen to your body and your doctor and do activities that feel right for you.

Have a disability or ongoing health problem? You can adapt activities to fit your abilities, and you may find that physical activity makes everyday life easier. If you have an ongoing health problem, it may even improve your symptoms.

Not feeling steady on your feet? Mix in activities to improve your balance and lower your risk of falls like tai chi or swimming.

Already get 150 minutes a week? Push yourself harder to get even more health benefits. Go for at least 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity). The more you move, the better!

Don’t forget to work your muscles! At least two days a week, do activities that build muscle strength, like lifting weights or using resistance bands.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

All staff who want to receive COVID-19 tests now have access to free tests with results available in 15 minutes. Most campus nurses are equipped to conduct tests on campus. Central staff (and employees on campuses still working to secure supplies) can now schedule an appointment to be tested at the new district testing site located in a portable adjacent to the William Cotton Service Center at 3701 S. Lamar. The test location officially opens Monday, Jan. 11; hours of operation are 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., and appointments are required. The portable is only accessible from Lamar St., and the entrance will be identified by signage. To request a test appointment, fill out the form that can be found at www.dallasisd.org/educationevolution.

Prueba gratis del Covid-19 disponible para empleados

Empleados del distrito que deseen realizarse la prueba del COVID-19 pueden tener acceso a pruebas gratis con resultados disponibles en 15 minutos. La mayoría de las enfermeras escolares están preparadas para realizar la prueba a personal de las escuelas.  Ahora, empleados de las oficinas administrativas (y empleados de escuelas que aún no han recibido suministros) pueden programar citas para realizarse la prueba en un nuevo lugar en el distrito localizado en un salón portátil al lado del William Cotton Service Center en 3701 S. Lamar St. El sitio abrirá oficialmente el lunes, 11 de enero, en un horario de 7:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. y se requiere pedir cita. El salón portátil se puede acceder solo por Lamar St. y habrá señalización para identificar la entrada. Para solicitar una cita, llene la forma que se puede encontrar en www.dallasisd.org/educationevolution.

While the district may be closed, if you need assistance with your benefits, a number of resources are available.

District schools and administrative offices will be closed for Winter break from Monday, Dec. 21, through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, but the benefits call center will be open regular hours during that time to provide assistance, with the following exceptions:

• Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 – Closed Half Day
• Christmas Day, Dec. 25 – Closed
• Day After Christmas, Dec. 28 – Closed
• New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 – Closed Half Day
• New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 – Closed

For those non-emergency health concerns such as cold and flu, TRS ActiveCare participants can utilize Teladoc at a reduced cost.  Call 1-855-Teladoc (835-2362) or visit their main page.

If you have questions regarding your FSA, you can contact Connect Your Care at 877-528-9876 or visit www.connectyourcare.com.  Connect Your Care is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You may reach the benefits call center at 972-925-4000 or email benefits@dallasisd.org.  For questions regarding leaves of absence, email benefitsleaves@dallasisd.org.  During the periods in which the district is closed, the email boxes will be monitored periodically to ensure any critical issues are resolved in a timely manner.