Auxiliary Adviser

"Providing Services That Power Education"
Volume 3, Issue 9
June 2003

In This Issue
Safety First
Second Chance (Blood Drive)
Mark Your Calendar
Training Schedule
Congratulations (Frank Koontz)
Child Nutrition Annual Awards Program
Tobacco-Free Environment
Defibrillator
Support Advisory Committee

Safety First
Facilities Safety Officer Doug Burd reported a 43 percent decrease in the number of workers' compensation claims for the Auxiliary Services Division in 2002-03, as compared to the previous year; illustrating the importance of putting safety first. During the first eight months of this year, the division reported 31 claims. Based on that figure, Burd projected that the division will have a total of 64 cases this year, compared to the 150 cases reported in 2001-02.

Burd said Child Nutrition Services' efforts had a lot to do with the total reduction of accidents; their workers' compensation claims dropped by 80 percent (50 claims), from the previous year. Marilyn Moody, CNS assistant director, led the department's effort to put safety first.

"We're really glad the number of incidents has dropped dramatically," said Moody. The group started the year with a focus on reducing the numbers of cuts and burns. CNS found a company that provides safety gloves, made of stainless steel, and put them in each school kitchen.

The department also formed safety committees, which included one manager from each region. Those managers, in turn, shared safety information and issues at their monthly regional meetings. Moody said they received PERT safety manuals this year, and incorporated weekly "toolbox talks" as well.

The next step, said Moody, is to find appropriate oven mitts to cut down on the number of burns. CNS safety committees will pilot different lengths and types of oven mitts in the fall.

"They made a 180° turnaround," Burd said of CNS. "It's a proven fact that if you start paying attention to safety, and have weekly safety meetings, the number of reported accounts will decrease. Accident prevention is key."

For 2002-03, the top five reasons for accidents in auxiliary services involved slips, trips and falls; lifts, twists and strains; cuts; being struck by something or someone; and burns. Slips, trips and falls account for 32 percent (the majority) of the claims.

For more information, please contact Doug Burd at 664-7776 or e-mail dburd@wcpss.net.

Second Chance
For those of you who were unable to attend the blood drive at Rock Quarry in April, you get a second chance. The Wake County Public School System and Rex Blood Services will hold another blood drive Thurs., June 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A bloodmobile will be set up in front of the Harriet Webster Center on Atlantic Avenue.

If you gave blood at the last drive, please consider June 12 another opportunity to help those in need. Anyone who is 17 years old or older, in good health, weighs at least 110 pounds, and donated blood at least eight weeks prior to June 12, is eligible to give. Remember, each unit of blood can potentially save three lives.

Before giving blood, you should get a good night's sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a good breakfast or lunch. During the donation process, you will need to list any medications you are taking, answer some questions about health and lifestyle choices, and receive a mini-physical. After donating, you should sit and enjoy refreshments for at least 10 minutes, leave the arm bandage on for three to five hours, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

For more information, or to register, please contact Sherry Murray (431-8005 or smurray@wcpss.net) or Shirley Hill (850-1841 or sghill@wcpss.net).

Mark Your Calendar
Four-Day Workweek
June 9 - July 18

Father's Day
June 15

Independence Day (Holiday)
July 4

First Day of School (Traditional Calendar)
August 11

Congratulations
Frank Koontz, director of environmental health and safety, was elected to the Environmental Information Association's national board of directors at its annual conference in Savannah, Georgia. His new three-year term became effective in March.

Koontz will keep his role as vice president of EIA's North Carolina chapter.

EIA is a non-profit organization that shares information on various environmental issues, such as asbestos, lead-based paint, indoor air quality, and health and safety.

Child Nutrition Awards Program
Child Nutrition Services held its annual awards program on May 13 to honor child nutrition employees for outstanding service. Over 400 child nutrition employees and 50 principals attended the event at the McKimmon Center.

"The annual program gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and service of our employees, said Elaine Hunt, senior director for CNS. "It was an exciting evening enjoyed by all."

Receiving the prestigious Manager of the Year Award were Joy Wellons at Baucom Elementary, Pat Zimmers of Wilburn Elementary and Sue Smith of Fuquay-Varina Middle. Frank Hunter was awarded Driver of the Year.

CNS recognized 101 employees for perfect attendance, 14 for completing a management-training course, 69 employees for having between five and 35 years of service, and 12 employees were awarded certificates for recruiting employees that had been with CNS at least six months.

Sixteen employees attended four certified School Food Service Association meetings and were honored for their professional development. Hodge Road and Oak Grove elementary schools received Awards for Excellence from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Twenty-nine schools and staffs were recognized for maintaining a 100 percent sanitation score each time they were inspected this school year.

Timber Drive was the elementary school with the most improved financial status; Durant and Southeast Raleigh were named at the middle and high school levels. Wilburn Elementary, West Millbrook Middle and Wakefield High received awards for the Highest Financial Status. Schools with the highest increased participation in percentage of lunches served were Wiley Elementary, East Garner Middle and Athens High.

Tobacco-Free Environment
The Wake County Board of Education voted Tuesday, June 3 to ban the use or display of all tobacco products on school property that is used to educate students.

As of July 1 - when the new tobacco policy goes into effect - smoking will only be allowed in certain, designated areas around the exterior of Central Office on Wake Forest Road and the Central Services Complex at Rock Quarry Road.

Please go to http://www.wcpss.net/policy-files/series/policies/2308-bp.html and read the complete tobacco-free environment policy (2308, 3008, and 4008).

Defibrillator
The Environmental Health and Safety Department recently purchased a defibrillator, which reestablishes normal contractions of the heart by applying electric shock. Located in the EHAS offices at Rock Quarry Road, the defibrillator is easy to use and even talks you through activation. Also, the defibrillator is diagnostic, meaning it will not shock an individual with a heartbeat.

Operating the piece of equipment involves four steps. First, push the green on/off button to turn on the power. Next, apply the defibrillation pads to either the individual's bare chest or wipe or shave it as necessary, and plug the pads connector into the FR2. Do not touch the patient - allow the FR2 to analyze the heart rhythms. If prompted, clear the patient and push the orange shock button.

To learn more about the division's new piece of safety equipment, contact Facilities Safety Officer Doug Burd at 664-7776 or e-mail dburd@wcpss.net.

Support Advisory Committee
Do you recognize the names of Mazie Smith, director of organizational development, auxiliary services; George Cameron, receiving clerk, central office; Ricky Casey, mechanic team leader, operational services; and Cecilia Bass, cafeteria manager, auxiliary services? Did you know that they are also representatives on the Support Advisory Committee? SAC meets monthly to encourage communications among support staff and develop additional recognition programs that promote positive morale in our workplace.

To learn more about SAC, please contact one of the representatives above or visit SAC's website on the intranet (http://www2.wcpss.net/support_advisory_committee/index.htm).

If you have concerns or questions about being a WCPSS support staff employee, please think of SAC and remember that its committee members are your representatives. They will gladly help you in any way they can. A list of their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses is also at the above website.

Stay Informed
The Auxiliary Adviser is e-mailed to subscribers in the school system; and posted on the intranet, Internet and Auxiliary Services Tao bulletin board. A hard copy of the Adviser is also posted on bulletin boards in the Maintenance and Facilities Buildings, placed in each maintenance shop's box, and one is sent to the head custodian and child nutrition staff at each school.

To have the newsletter e-mailed to you directly, simply send an e-mail with "subscribe" in the subject line, to kwood@wcpss.net.

Auxiliary Services Division
Vision
Providing Services That Power Education

Mission Statement
Provide quality facilities and support services to ensure safe, healthy, inviting and optimal learning environments.

Goals
1) Recruit, develop and retain a qualified and high quality workforce.
2) Provide and maintain quality facilities and support services that result in a safe and healthy learning environment.
3) Effectively communicate successes, challenges and needs.