DoDEA Connects

DoDEA Connects is the agency’s internal news source providing the latest on organizational initiatives, inspiring stories from your DoDEA colleagues, updates on education programs, and important information from human resources. The content is targeted for DoDEA employees worldwide — at all levels.

You can access DoDEA Connects directly at https://service.dodea.edu/connects/ or use the “DoCo” shortcut available on your desktop.

CAC LOGIN IS REQUIRED. Network or VPN access is not required, so employees with a CAC reader can access DoDEA Connects.

For more information, email ConnectsMagazine@dodea.edu.

Recent Connects Articles

Weekly Packet: May 21, 2020

May 21, 2020 The Weekly Packet for May 21, 2020 includes information on AAPS, procurement of instructional resources for preschool, implementation of a reading proficiency tool, and a policies update.

DoDEA grants enable distance learning, PPE for military communities

May 20, 2020 DoDEA's grant program is making a difference in the lives of military-connected students and their local communities. Read some of the amazing stories.

Fun joke Friday, mobile library part of digital learning

May 20, 2020 Shannon Blakely, third grade teacher at Kaiserslautern Elementary School, shares her experience transitioning to digital learning.

DoDEA Pacific releases SUN 46 — a collection of student art and literary work

May 20, 2020 DoDEA Pacific releases this year's edition of the SUN, a collection of literary works, musical compositions, photography, and visual art work.

Lachanda Garrison selected as DoDEA's 2021 Teacher of the Year

May 19, 2020 Congratulations to Bahrain Elementary School's second grade teacher Lachanda Garrison for being selected as the 2021 DoDEA Teacher of the Year.

Overseas music teachers form virtual jazz ensemble, performs 'Come Fly With Me'

May 18, 2020 DoDEA music teachers from around the world got together to form a virtual jazz ensemble to perform 'Come Fly With Me.'

Weekly Packet: May 15, 2020

May 15, 2020 The Weekly Packet for May 15, 2020 includes information on the implementation of a reading proficiency tool for school year 2020-21 for grades K-5 in Americas.

Recent changes to the Google environment and student account access

May 15, 2020 Learn about the recent changes that enhance the safety and access to the DoDEA Google environment.

New 'digital timeout' offers tool for handling student misconduct

May 15, 2020 Digital timeout is a new tool for administrators that temporarily removes student access to some apps due to inappropriate behavior.

2020 update: contact information for DoDEA's human resources

May 14, 2020 A comprehensive list of contact information for DoDEA's human resources, including CHRA, with names and phone numbers.

Americas Mid-Atlantic virtual learning summit — 1 day, 43 sessions, 69 presenters

May 14, 2020 The Americas Mid-Atlantic District hosted its very first one-day Virtual Learning Summit May 13 for educators by educators. Recorded sessions available.

Travel guidance for summer recess, 2020-21 school year opening

May 12, 2020 DoDEA provides travel guidance for summer recess relating to RAT and expectations for returning to your permanent duty station in time for the start of the new school year.

Chanelle Reese selected for inaugural educator of promise award

May 12, 2020 Chanelle Reese, a fifth-grade teacher at Tarawa Terrace Elementary School, has been selected as the 2020 Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise.

Camp Zama teacher Mari Jones selected for CDC fellowship

May 12, 2020 Mari Jones, a teacher at Zama American Middle High School in Japan, has been selected for the CDC Science Ambassador Fellowship.

What it's like living and teaching at Guantanamo Bay

May 11, 2020 DoDEA teachers at W.T. Sampson School shares what it's like living and teaching at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Authorized Departure travel voucher instructions

May 08, 2020 Once the Authorized Departure is terminated by the Department of State, it is mandatory that each traveler reconcile their travel.

Mental Health Awareness Month, stamp out stigma

May 06, 2020 May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Individuals are often afraid to talk about their experiences or to seek help. Learn about ways to stamp out stigma.

'Antoine Goes to Washington' — virtual edition honoring DoDEA's 2020 Teacher of the Year

May 06, 2020 The DoDEA State TOY family shares a funny and heartfelt video honoring Antoine Sharpe, DoDEA's 2020 TOY.

Quarter 4: Expectations for course grades

May 05, 2020 DoDEA provides expectations for course grades in quarter 4 of school year 2019-20 in light of DoDEA school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Build leaders using Centers for Instructional Leadership

May 05, 2020 DoDEA's Centers for Instructional Leadership and coaching model explained.

What school looks like now — photos of online teaching and learning, part 1

May 05, 2020 With all DoDEA school buildings closed, teachers and students have transitioned to online teaching and learning. Check out photos of what school looks like now.

Thanking our heroes on School Nurse Day

May 04, 2020 DoDEA Director Tom Brady thanks school nurses for their unwavering dedication and commitment to keeping students healthy and safe during an extraordinary time.

Kadena High School senior clocked flight hours at Air Force Flight Academy

May 01, 2020 Kadena High School senior Josh Sawyer attended the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy as part of a scholarship program.

Teacher Appreciation Week, a special thanks

May 01, 2020 DoDEA Director Tom Brady, and fellow educators, thank teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week for their innovation and dedication under extraordinary circumstances.

DoDEA school buildings closed for remainder of school year

May 01, 2020 DoDEA school buildings closed for remainder of school year.

Guidance on new sick leave entitlements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

April 30, 2020 The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act provides up to two weeks of paid sick leave to federal employees for qualifying reasons related to COVID-19.

Learning continues for DODEA students despite COVID-19 restrictions

April 29, 2020 Due to health concerns from COVID-19, DoDEA schools transitioned from brick-and-mortar to a virtual environment.

DoDDS Reunion XXXII: July 15-19, 2020

March 26, 2020 The event is still on at this time. Event organizers will continue to monitor the situation and put out additional information as necessary.

Annette Backlar uses multimodality learning with young students

February 10, 2020 Pre-K Teacher Annette Backlar focuses on language and social skills as important foundations for learning.

Message from the Director: The new Office of the Inspector General

February 07, 2020 DoDEA Director Tom Brady describes the agency's new Office of the Inspector General.

DoDEA Americas leaders participate in Yellow Belt training

February 07, 2020 DoDEA Americas hosted a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training for its senior leadership Jan. 13 at Fort Benning, Georgia as part of its commitment to organizational excellence.

DoDEA provides English language training to Japanese teachers in Okinawa

February 07, 2020 DoDEA hosted an English language program for Japanese elementary school teachers in Okinawa, Japan.

People of DoDEA: Stacy Daniels teaches students about goals and how to achieve them

February 06, 2020 Stacy Daniels, guidance counselor with Fort Campbell High School, shares her DoDEA story.

Through interactive conferences, Smithsonian shares its collection with DODEA students around the world

February 05, 2020 DoDEA's partnership with the Smithsonian American Art Museum provides videoconferences for students and professional development seminars for teachers.

Investing in talent excellence: 2020 Americas Teacher Leadership Academy

February 04, 2020 DoDEA Americas hosted its Teacher Leadership Academy at Fort Benning, Georgia Jan. 30-31.

How do I update my beneficiary designations?

February 04, 2020 Updating your beneficiary designations is a proactive approach to ensure the right people get everything that you left for them once you pass.

View and update education, training, certifications in MyBiz+

February 04, 2020 To keep an official record of your professional development, DoDEA employees are encouraged to view and update their education, training, and certification information directly on MyBiz+.

myPay offers employees 24/7 information on pay, tax, travel

February 04, 2020 myPay eliminates the need to call, email, or fill out forms by allowing users to make account changes immediately through user-friendly technology.

Educator qualification requirements

February 04, 2020 If an educator receives supervisory approval and requests to have endorsements removed because of lack of qualification, he or she must meet the existing qualification requirements when the request is made to have the endorsements reinstated.

Voluntary Leave Transfer Program aids employees with sudden medical emergency

February 04, 2020 Find out how to become a leave recipient and a leave donor with the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP).

TSP contribution limits increase for 2020

February 04, 2020 The total contribution limit for traditional and Roth accounts has increased to $19,500. The TSP catch-up contribution limit for 2020 has increased to $6,500.

HR Advisor: February 2020 edition

February 04, 2020 The DoDEA Human Resources Division released the second edition of the HR Advisor for school year 2019-2020.

Understand what counselors do during National School Counseling Week Feb. 3-7

February 03, 2020 Get a better understanding of what counselors do and join DoDEA in celebrating its counselors during National School Counseling Week.

DoDEA Americas first all-hands of the decade

January 31, 2020 Dr. Judith Minor, the director of student excellence for DoDEA Americas, hosted her first all-hands of the decade Jan. 29.

Brady releases Director's Focus 2021

January 30, 2020 DoDEA Director Tom Brady shares his top priorities for fiscal year 2021.

Coronavirus — how to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick

January 29, 2020 Download these tips on how to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick with the coronavirus.

Follow these steps to reduce email spam

January 29, 2020 DoDEA's IT Division has noticed an increase in spam emails. Follow these steps to reduce spam in your inbox.

Citibank scam warning

January 29, 2020 A new Citibank phishing scam discovered Jan. 21 has potential impact for government charge card holders.

Update: 3 ways to request a retirement estimate

January 28, 2020 Requesting an estimate of your retirement annuity is an important step in preparing for retirement. If you are within five years of eligibility for a voluntary optional retirement, you should request an estimate.

Updated: Contact information for DoDEA's human resources

January 28, 2020 A comprehensive list of contact information for DoDEA's human resources with contact names and phone numbers.

Introducing the Office of the Ombudsman — an employee resource

January 23, 2020 The Office of the Ombudsman acts as a neutral and impartial dispute resolution center whose primary function is to provide confidential and informal assistance to internal and external constituents with concerns or complaints about DoDEA.

Director's all-hands focuses on developing people, improving culture

January 23, 2020 DoDEA Director Tom Brady led an All-Hands meeting where he discussed programs and initiatives focused on developing people and building a culture of feedback and transparency.

Are you ready to retire? Find out at a pre-retirement information session.

January 22, 2020 The Army Benefits Center - Civilian (ABC-C) is hosting pre-retirement information sessions for DoDEA employees who are under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Nominations accepted for prestigious PAEMST award for math and science

January 22, 2020 Nominations for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are accepted now until March 1.

DoDEA awards nearly $25M in grants to public school districts in support of military-connected students

January 21, 2020 The agency's Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for Academic and Support Program manages a robust grant program to help military-connected students be college and career ready.

National education resources to support military-connected students

January 17, 2020 Download and share the one-page job aid containing national education resources to support K-12 transitions for military-connected students.

McAfee VirusScan home use not available

January 16, 2020 The DoD Antivirus Home Use Program — that offered DoD employees free antivirus software for home use — is currently not available.

Gordon Harmon named new human resources director

January 14, 2020 Congratulations to Gordon Harmon for being selected as DoDEA's director of human resources (HR). Harmon assumes the new position after serving as the acting HR director since July 2019.

Cyber Tips: Staying safe on social media

January 14, 2020 The DoDEA Information Technology Division shares monthly cyber tips with the workforce and their families to ensure a safe and secure online experience.

REAL ID: Consider getting a new driver's license the next time you are home.

January 10, 2020 Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant license or other acceptable form of identification will not be permitted through the airport security checkpoint.

TSP transaction rejected? Call ABC-C.

January 08, 2020 If you recently submitted a transaction to change your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution, it may have been rejected. Call ABC-C to make your election manually.

Excellence happening at all levels of DoDEA

January 08, 2020 The agency's vision, mission, and core values are the foundation of everything we do. This month, DoDEA is focusing on the core value of excellence with educator Sarah Loomis.

Parents Magazine bullying article written by former DoDEA NDSP student

January 08, 2020 Former DoDEA Non-DoD Schools Program (NDSP) student, who attended school in Singapore, is now a writer for Parents Magazine's "Teen Talk" column and shares her insight on high school bullying.

DoDEA officially establishes Office of Inspector General

January 06, 2020 Effective Jan. 6, DoDEA Investigations and Internal Review (IIR) Division transitions to the DoDEA Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Ansbach Middle High School teachers, also DoD school graduates, discuss being a military kid

January 02, 2020 As products of DoD schools themselves, three Ansbach Middle High School teachers are very familiar with the sacrifices and changes that students experience.

Jim Ausenbaugh retires from Fort Campbell Schools after 20 years of service

December 20, 2019 Jim Ausenbaugh, an administrative technologist with the DoDEA Americas IT Division, retired from the Fort Campbell Schools after 20 years of service.

Don't get locked out – update your CAC's Personal Identity Verification-Authentication certificate

December 20, 2019 DoD CACs must align with the federal Personal Identity-Authentication (PIV-Auth) certificate, which ensures strong authentication. DoDEA employees with CACs issued before Feb. 24, 2018 may need to activate their PIV-Auth certificate.

Donate school yearbooks for historical preservation

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