One-Time Stipends Boost Employee Paychecks This December | FWISD Passes Landmark Agreement with Grand Canyon University | District Issues Kronos Outage Update | FWISD Observes Winter Break Dec. 20-Dec. 31: Staff Return Jan. 3 & 4; Classes Resume Jan. 5 | FWISD Announces New CFO | Paying It Forward: FWISD Customer Service Winner Feeds People with Love | Wrapped With Care : Volunteers Make About 275 Blankets for FWISD Students | FWISD To Participate In Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Events | Photo of the Week | Video of the Week |  View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog

One-Time Stipends Boost Employee Paychecks This December

Fort Worth ISD employees will notice additional money on their paychecks this December.

By close of business day Friday, Dec. 17, eligible full-time and part-time FWISD employees will receive a one-time take-home stipend ranging from $500 to $1,000, acknowledging their work, courage, and sacrifice throughout the pandemic. The stipend is separate from the regular payroll check, which was deposited today to staff paid monthly and Wednesday to employees paid semi-monthly.

One-time $500 stipend deposits began appearing in eligible full-time and part-time employees’ bank accounts last week for District staff who voluntarily provided FWISD with proof by Nov. 15, 2021, affirming that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The federal withholding, in accordance with IRS guidelines, is deducted from the vaccine incentive stipend. Employees with additional questions about the employee vaccination stipend are encouraged to submit their inquiry to FWISD's Let’s Talk application.

This is the second year eligible District employees receive a one-time stipend for their work throughout the pandemic. Approved by the FWISD Board of Education during a special meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 10, the stipend acknowledges employees’ “ability to go above and beyond to ensure the success of District operations,” according to the adopted resolution.

The following stipends are being deposited by end of business Friday:

• A one-time, take-home stipend of $1,000 for all eligible full-time employees including 180-day substitutes
• A one-time, take-home stipend of $500 for all eligible part-time employees
• A one-time, take-home stipend of $500 for all eligible non-180-day substitutes
• Eligible full-time and part-time employees must be working for the District from Sept. 1, 2021, to Dec. 10, 2021, to obtain the stipend.

Additional stipend eligibility specifics include:

• Full-time employees designated as 180-day substitutes and substitutes who work at least 20 days between Sept. 1, 2021, to Dec. 10, 2021, qualify
• Part-time employees who work at least 80 hours from Sept. 1, 2021, to Dec. 10, 2021, qualify

View the Board-approved resolutions for the one-time take-home stipend and the vaccine incentive stipend below.

FWISD passes landmark agreement with Grand Canyon University

The Fort Worth ISD school board passed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Grand Canyon University this week that offers scholarships, tuition discounts and awards to District students and their parents, as well as employees and spouses.

The agreement, approved Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the Participants in Learning, Leading, and Serving (PLLS) program, allows District students, their parents, employees, and their spouses access to opportunities to further their college education with GCU.

“Grand Canyon University has stepped up to the plate to provide significant benefits for all members of the Fort Worth ISD community,” said Dr. Raúl Peña, FWISD Chief Talent Officer. “The vast array of options to engage students, parents, staff, and their spouses in continuing their education is a win for everyone involved.”

GCU representatives will be on four campuses around the District Jan. 3 and 4, 2022. District employees are invited to visit with a development counselor. If employees have existing credit hours from another institution, the GCU team can provide on-the-spot transcript reviews outlining the most expedient and cost-effective path to degree completion.

The sessions will take place at the following campuses:

Monday, Jan. 3

8 – 11 a.m.: Benbrook Middle-High School Library, O.D Wyatt High School Cafeteria

1 – 4 p.m.: Eastern Hills High School Library, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Library

Tuesday, Jan. 4

8 – 11 a.m.: Dunbar High School Library, North Side High School Cafeteria

2 – 5 p.m.: Arlington Heights High School Library/Patio, Rosemont Middle School (New Building) Library

A Career Advancement Fair at FWISD’s Teaching and Learning Center Jan. 22 will feature hiring opportunities for teachers, career development counselors from GCU, and information sessions about the Campus Administrator Talent Pool process.

FWISD’s agreement with GCU also gives the District the ability to post employment opportunities on the GCU online jobs board and search for applicants.

“We anticipate receiving responses from applicants in various stages of the higher education journey,” Dr. Peña said. “As a top employer, we offer a variety of opportunities for teaching, auxiliary, operations, business, and other professional careers.

“Given our positive relationship with GCU and powerful hiring incentives being offered for some of the most commonly-filled positions, we anticipate a positive result in filling current vacancies.”

The overriding agreement goal of increasing student achievement comes with no cost to the District. GCU also offers multiple pathways to obtain initial teacher licensure, which further supports future students of the District with highly-qualified classroom teachers.

Graduating FWISD high school students will receive a minimum award package of $3,050 per academic year at GCU. As a result, effective tuition rates will not exceed $13,250 per academic year. This puts a private education within reach and expenses on par with in-state university options.

Grand Canyon University also offers Destination GCU – an exciting opportunity for potential students to travel to Phoenix, Arizona to experience GCU, visit the campus, and prepare for their academic journey ahead. The all-expense-paid, one-day round trip includes airfare transportation, meals and GCU giveaways.

For more information on Destination GCU, students can contact Joanna Truong at 602-247-4561, Joanna.Truong@gcu.edu and www.gcu.edu/c/joanna.truong.

Parents are also eligible for a 10% scholarship when entering an online bachelor’s program through the College of Education, a Secondary Education Emphasis degree program or a graduate degree program that leads to initial teacher licensure. A 5% scholarship is available for all other masters and doctoral degree programs related to the field of education through the university’s College of Education.

FWISD faculty and staff will have access to a 10% scholarship providing savings toward tuition and fees for online undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree programs. Spouses will receive a 5% scholarship.

Paraprofessional and classified employees are eligible for additional savings with a 15% scholarship when entering an online bachelor’s program through the College of Education, a Secondary Education Emphasis degree program or the Bachelor of Science in Applied Management degree.

“Access to these opportunities provides individuals with an affordable path to advance their careers and achieve their personal goals,” Dr. Peña said. “We hope it serves as a way to open the door to additional career possibilities within our District.”

GCU is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. The university offers a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels on campus and online. For more information on GCU, visit: gcu.edu.

District Issues Kronos Outage Update

Editor's Note: The following memorandum from Chief Financial Officer Michael Ball is about the use of the Kronos timekeeping system and instructions to be completed before leaving for Winter Break.

DATE: December 15, 2021

TO: All Kronos End-Users

FROM: Michael Ball, Chief Financial Officer

SUBJECT: Kronos Outage Update

Thank you for your patience as we work to implement the District’s time capture contingency plan due to the Kronos nationwide outage. We recognize that the last week before the winter break is a busy time of year for district employees. To best honor your time, please find an update (and additional information) to the instructions provided on Monday, December 13, 2021, below:

• Employees that normally record their time in Kronos are asked to complete a paper timecard for any time worked between December 1, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
• Employees must sign, date and turn the paper timecard(s) in to either their payroll timekeeper or supervisor before leaving for winter break.
• The payroll timekeepers or supervisors should store the paper timecard(s) in a secure place over the break.
• Employees will receive further instructions on January 3, 2022 regarding next steps.

Again, thank you for your patience and best wishes for a restful winter break.

Michael Ball, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

FWISD Observes Winter Break Dec. 20-Dec. 31

Teachers Return for Staff Days, Jan. 3 & 4; Classes Resume Jan. 5

The Fort Worth ISD winter break officially begins at the close of day, Friday, Dec. 17. District facilities are closed throughout the break, which ends Friday, Dec. 31.

FWISD employees return to work for two staff-only days, Jan. 3 and 4, 2022. The District welcomes students back to classes on Wednesday, Jan. 5.

Prior to leaving for the break, FWISD school-based employees are reminded to review and complete items on the 2021 Winter Break-Energy Setback Checklist. Campus employees must submit the electronic checklist prior to the break.

During the winter break, FWISD energy specialists will conduct audits at FWISD schools and verify checklist participation. At 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, HVAC systems modes will be set to either 55 degrees for heating or 85 for air conditioning inside buildings. A work order must be submitted a minimum of 48 hours in advance via SchoolDude for any events scheduled at a District campus during the break. Employees with any questions are encouraged to contact their campus energy specialist.

The Fort Worth ISD wishes you and your loved ones happy holidays, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022.

FWISD Announces New CFO

The Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees has named a new District chief financial officer.

Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria will succeed Michael Ball, who retires from the District on Friday, Dec. 17.

Ms. Arrieta-Candelaria, a certified public accountant, currently serves as the deputy superintendent for finance and operations with El Paso ISD. Previously, she served as the CFO for the City of El Paso. Ms. Arrieta-Candelaria earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from New Mexico State University.

“I look forward to working with Dr. Scribner, Ms. Molinar, the rest of the team, and of course the Board and just continue the level of excellence that I know Fort Worth ISD to be,” she said. “I look forward to that.”

Ms. Arrieta-Candelaria will start work with the District in early January 2022.

Following the Board’s motion approving Ms. Arrieta-Candelaria as the new CFO on Tuesday, Dec. 14, trustees showed appreciation and offered well wishes for outgoing CFO, Mr. Ball.

“He entered Fort Worth ISD when we had quite a few challenges, and he is exiting us with a very stable organization. He’s done an excellent job,” Board President Tobi Jackson said. “Thank you, Mr. Ball … you never dropped the ball.”

Mr. Ball joined the District in early 2020. He retires from FWISD after a career that includes more than three decades in public school finance.

“He started here in Fort Worth ISD the week that we had a malware attack and a global pandemic and the stay-at-home order, and he came needing to keep our ship afloat, and he did that,” Superintendent Kent P. Scribner said. “He did that with a very steady hand. He is a professional of the highest order.”

Mr. Ball expressed gratitude for his time with the District and shared a few words about his successor.

“It is a great privilege to have had this opportunity, and I wish the District well,” he said. “I had the great privilege to spend the last two days with Ms. Candelaria, and I can tell you that she’s very competent and she’s a great catch for the District.”

Also at Tuesday’s Board meeting:

• Trustees approved authorization for the superintendent or a designee to enter a contract with PROCEDEO Group JV for program management services of the 2021 bond Proposition A approved by voters in November.
• Trustees approved a resolution extending the District’s COVID Leave benefit through the 2021-2022 spring semester (Jan. 2-June 30, 2022). The leave applies to employees who are unable to work because they’ve either tested positive for COVID-19 or must quarantine after having direct exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The resolution authorizes up to 80 hours paid leave for full-time employees and the equivalent of 10 days for employees working fewer than 40 hours per week.
• Trustees recognized the Fort Worth ISD Visual Arts Department, led by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Marcey Sorensen, Executive Director of Visual and Performing Arts Christina Avila, and Art Director Tiffany Frohm, for earning the District of Distinction Award. Presented in Georgetown by the Texas Art Education Association in November, the award recognizes school districts for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social-emotional learning that connects learners to their community and beyond. FWISD is among approximately 40 schools, the top 4% of art education programs statewide, that met the high standards for receiving this award.

View a recording of Tuesday’s Board meeting on the Fort Worth ISD LIVE YouTube channel.

Paying It Forward

FWISD Customer Service Winner Feeds People with Love

Showing you care makes a world of difference. It’s what gets Fort Worth ISD bus driver Ronald Smith up in the morning and keeps him going all hours of the day.

Standing 6 feet 5 1/2 inches tall and wearing a size 17 shoe, Mr. Smith, nicknamed “Bigfoot,” has a heart to match his stature. Whether it is serving someone a hot meal or a warm coat, Mr. Smith is all about helping others.

“My thing is very simple. It’s not about showing off but taking what God has blessed us with,” he said. “The man above is working with me. It’s not about me. It’s about seeing things out here and really making a difference. We can’t save every student, we can’t save everybody here in Fort Worth, but if we can get one and get him or her back in school, that person, that student, can take their testimony and try to help another student that’s going through that.”

It’s all this and more that makes Mr. Smith FWISD’s Customer Service Award winner for December.

This month, the District received a record number of nominations, with nearly 140 names submitted, for the award recognizing employees for stellar customer service. Each nominee received a certificate of appreciation and was entered into a drawing to win a larger token of gratitude. Mr. Smith was this month’s winner, and recently received a custom paperweight in recognition of his hard work and leadership.

An anonymous nomination for Mr. Smith described him as someone who builds relationships with students and goes above and beyond to make sure those on his route have what they need to be successful. He’s never missed a day of work and each day wears a tie to set an example for students.

“He has even been known to provide shoes, coats, and food for students, families [and even coworkers] in need,” the nomination reads. “He does not seek credit for the help he offers, and many times the recipient does not even know where the assistance came from.

“Ron is an angel in the Transportation Department and is worthy of the FWISD Customer Service Award!”

Mr. Smith has worked in FWISD’s Transportation Department 16 years. Each day, he transports more than 100 students in the morning and again in the afternoon to and from five FWISD schools. In his nearly 20 years with the District he said he’s helped save 10 students from suicide attempts, and he’s helped more than 200 students who were either in gangs or without a home get back in school after dropping out.

Bus drivers and attendants are typically the first and last people to see a student daily, and how they treat students can determine the outcomes of their day.

“We all make a paycheck, but when I look at mine, I’m always thinking how much I can put aside in case there’s a student that’s hungry or on my bus with holes in their shoes,” he said.

A military veteran and certified chef, Mr. Smith “feeds people with love,” literally and figuratively. Outside of work, he operates the Big Foot-Lil Foot Foundation, which serves hot meals every third Saturday to people without permanent homes, provides hygiene packs and other necessities, and supports battered women and people in nursing homes.

During the holidays, students from Trimble Tech High School Culinary Arts program assist the foundation in serving.

This weekend, the foundation will feed hundreds of people in need and distribute hats, gloves and other necessities to people without homes. The foundation has also adopted six to eight children who it will support with gifts this Christmas.

“I need them to know Christmas is every day. It’s not about receiving, it’s about giving,” Mr. Smith said. “My Christmas is being a blessing to people.

“Love is kind, but most of all, love can be shared. All you have to do is put a little love in your heart.”

If you’ve encountered an employee like Mr. Smith with amazing customer service, please let us know about it.

To leave a comment or recognition: Go to fwisd.org/feedback

>>Select GENERAL FEEDBACK >>Select CUSTOMER SERVICE KUDOS.

REMEMBER TO PROVIDE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE.

Each month, District staff will reach out to these employees “Caught in the Act” of kindness and customer service, and we’ll celebrate them.

Click here for a complete listing of all the recipients honored.

For more information on the Kudos Customer Service Program, contact the Family and Community Outreach and Marketing Department at 817-814-2970.

Wrapped with Care

Volunteers Make About 275 Blankets for FWISD Students

Approximately 275 Fort Worth ISD students have a warm blanket to cuddle up with this holiday season, thanks to 50 current and former District employees and local volunteers.

For the second year, a blanket drive was organized to create double-sided fleece blankets for children in need.

Undra Semple, a specialist for FWISD’s O.P.E.N. Doors Homeless Education program, said the blankets will go to FWISD students living in shelters, transitional housing and who’ve recently experienced house fires and evictions. Shortly after the Thanksgiving break, the program partnered with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club at LVT Rise, FWISD’s American Indian Education Program, Catholic Charities, Presbyterian Night Shelter and the Salvation Army to distribute the blankets to FWISD students, she said.

“For me, blankets are just a way of making a student feel special in addition to a level of comfort … and something that they can take with them wherever they go,” Ms. Semple said. “The love and compassion of the people that take time to do it, I’m appreciative that they took the time to do this for us.”

Blanket drive organizer Belinda Anderson said she put a post on the Nextdoor application in Benbrook requesting help with the project this year. The message was shared throughout Benbrook, Fort Worth and North Richland Hills, and the responses to help kept coming, she said.

People donated fabric, thread, and money and volunteered to sew to ensure children had blankets. Quilters ranging in age from 8 to 87 pitched in to stitch the coverings together.

The blanket prints cover the spectrum of the rainbow and then some.

“They’re made with love,” Ms. Anderson said. “They’re not made perfectly, but each one is made with lots of love.

“I’m just happy that the people are so giving out there.”

Vulillie Williams heard about the blanket drive at church and said that she was more than happy to donate her time and effort to help children in need. Ms. Williams said that her mother taught her to make quilts as a child, and she relied on her nearly 70 years of experience sewing to create two blankets for children this holiday season.

“I was very happy to know I could help someone. I enjoy helping other people and making people happy,” Ms. Williams said.

Kathleen MacNaughton, a retired FWISD educator, made four blankets with bright-colored owls, penguins, trucks and star prints for children this year. Ms. MacNaughton, who also learned to quilt as a child, has previously made quilts for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. She said that it was important to her to participate in an effort to help FWISD students.

“I think it’s important to give back,” Ms. MacNaughton said. “That’s why we do it – to give nice things to kids that wouldn’t have another way of getting it.”

Volunteers are already gearing up to make blankets throughout next year, and Ms. Anderson said she’s already accepting donated materials. To contribute, contact Ms. Anderson at Belinda.anderson@fwisd.org.

FWISD To Participate in Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Events

Fort Worth ISD is once again participating in Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl festivities.

Senior Jaise Richardson of Arlington Heights High School is scheduled to sing the national anthem at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Kickoff Luncheon, Tuesday, Dec. 21 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

The Junior ROTC Joint Services Color Guard will present the U.S. and armed forces service flags at the luncheon.

Led by retired 1st Sgt. Judith Atkinson, JROTC instructor at Trimble Tech High School, FWISD’s Joint Color Guard members are:

• Eastern Hills High School: Cadet Lt. Col. Jennifer Juarez - Right Guard
• Trimble Tech High School: Cadet Sgt. Luis Ramos - U.S. flag
• Southwest High School: Cadet 1st Sgt. Emily Cortez - Texas flag
• Polytechnic High School: Cadet Cpl. Alan Hinojosa – Army flag
• Arlington Heights High School: Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Kennedy Edwards – Marine Corps flag
• Arlington Heights High School: Cadet Chief Petty Officer Jacob Rodriguez – Navy flag
• Western Hills High School: Cadet Tech. Sgt. Jose Mendieta-Rubio - Air Force flag
• South Hills High School: Cadet 1st Sgt. Edward Pozos - Coast Guard flag
• Trimble Tech High School: Cadet Cpl. Lizeth Alaniz – Prisoners of War (POW)/ Missing in Action (MIA) flag
• Trimble Tech High School: Cadet Sgt. Jasmine Macias - Left Guard

Approximately 700 FWISD JROTC cadets are expected to experience the Army West Point Black Knights (8-3) and the University of Missouri Tigers (6-6, 3-5 SEC) face off in the 19th Armed Forces Bowl game at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22 at Texas Christian University’s Amon G. Carter Stadium. FWISD JROTC members will also assist on game day as needed.

Fans attending the event are encouraged to look out for a 30-second video promoting FWISD’s JROTC program on the big screen during the game.

The Fort Worth ISD is a proud sponsor of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. For more bowl game details, visit www.armedforcesbowl.com.

Photo of the Week

The Fort Worth ISD Family Action Center, District staff and approximately 40 volunteers distributed fresh produce, dairy and meat to approximately 200 families, Thursday, December 9 at the New Life Christian Fellowship Church of God in Chris. On the second Thursday of each month, the Family Action Center partners with Tarrant Area Food Bank, the FWISD Adult Education Department and the New Life Christian Fellowship Church of God in Christ to give away food to the community. 

Video of the Week

Share your story ideas, successes, calendar items, photos, questions and feedback with us at Inside@FWISD.org. Content submissions are due no later than 10 a.m. Fridays for the next edition. Check the Inside FWISD blog, www.fwisd.org/insidefwisd, regularly updated throughout the week with additional content and features.