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Last week, Susan Lathrop joined OSPI as our Assistant Superintendent of Educator Growth & Development. Susan has served as a classroom teacher, principal, central office leader, and educational service district (ESD) leader within our state, and she most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at the Olympic ESD.
Please join us in welcoming Susan to the OSPI team!
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Congratulations to Jody Hess, Program Supervisor, Highly Capable Student Program, on receiving the WAETAG Lifetime Achievement Award!
In the realm of education, there are those who teach, and then there are those who inspire, lead, and drive transformative change. Jody Hess, a founding member of WAETAG (Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted) in 1982 and a former President of the organization, undoubtedly belongs to the latter category. For over four decades, she has been an unwavering advocate for gifted education in Washington state, leaving an indelible mark on the field, and this year, WAETAG proudly recognized her remarkable contributions with the prestigious Kari DeMarco Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jody Hess is more than a dedicated educator; she is a beacon of hope for gifted students and a guiding light for educators across Washington state. Her lifetime of dedication, advocacy, and mentorship has laid a strong foundation for gifted education, and her impact continues to reverberate. As she receives the Kari DeMarco Lifetime Achievement Award, it is a testament to her unwavering commitment to a cause that enriches the lives of countless students and strengthens the educational fabric of our state.
We not only celebrate her achievements, but also the promise of a brighter future for gifted education in Washington. Her journey is an inspiration for all, a reminder that with dedication, passion, and a genuine desire to make a difference, we can change the lives of those who need it most.
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The Employee Engagement Survey closes on Tuesday, October 31.
We’d like to hear from all of you! As of now, 73% of you all have completed the Employee Engagement Survey. Our goal is to reach 100% and beat our highest record of 94%. We can do it and help make change happen within our agency. Please take 5 minutes and Take the Employee Engagement Survey!
The winning team will be announced the week of November 6.
Our Public Records Office has updated our Agency Destruction Form and created a guide to assist staff with completing the form. A destruction log is required to document any disposal of agency records that occurs outside of a established and written process (i.e., outside the process established by your program’s written work instructions/desk manual). Please use this new form moving forward to document the destruction of your records.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, contact the Public Records Office.
Recent events across the globe and in the U.S. have weighed heavily on many of us, and you may be looking for support. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential program available to you as a state employee that intends to support your wellness and well-being. Please reach out to the EAP if you would like assistance in getting connected to support. The EAP has also compiled a list of resources and suggestions to consider to support your well-being over the coming days and weeks.
As a reminder, employees may also use sick leave if they need to step away in order to care for their well-being, including spending time with their support community, faith community, and/or loved ones.
You are invited to pull together a team to sponsor a table for a Trunk or Treat style event in the Second Floor Hallway. We'll provide the table and trick-or-treaters; you provide the candy and table decor if you wish. Kids are welcome!
 In addition to our Halloween celebration, we invite you to participate in another OSPI Spirit Week!
There will be no contracts approval meeting the week of November 20. Please plan accordingly!
Newsletter Submissions
Do you have any news, events, announcements, or facts to share in the employee newsletter? Email the Comm Team!
Pet of the Week
Do you have a pet who deserves the spotlight on the internal TVs? Contact the Comm Team with a picture of your animal, along with fun facts, good stories, or other details!
Agency Intranet Calendar
Share what's happening in your department, division, or office! Everyone is able to add items to the agency calendar. See here for more information.
SEL Smartsheet
Please share your SEL-related work with us! SEL-related Initiative Submission Form. Request access to see what your colleagues are working on: SEL WORK-OSPI WIDE - Smartsheet.com. If you have questions, reach out to Debra Parker.
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