bulletin.09

Boston Teachers Union

Boston Teachers Union
e-Bulletin

#09
(2009-10), 10/26/09

Greetings. We hope all is well.

We are in the process of upgrading the server at the BTU and our email has been had its ups and downs, especially over this last weekend. All should be corrected (famous last words) today. Please continue to be patient. Thank you.

As we have mentioned, the BTU will be gathering collective bargaining items over the next few weeks. The items, once gathered, will be vetted by the Collective Bargaining Committee (see below) and put together in a packet for approval by the BTU membership. To submit an item, please do the following:

keep your item to 100 words or less
be as specific as possible
send it in electronically here by November 15
type 'Collective Bargaining Item' in the subject line
identify yourself by name, school, and job function
All items are subject to approval and modification

Groups (e.g., the Special Ed Faculty Senate, Art teachers) are asked to submit no more than three items in priority order. Thank you.

The next BTU membership meeting is on November 18th, the 3rd Wednesday in November. November 11 is a holiday

Last week a letter went out to b reps seeking BTU members who wish to work the polls on election day, November 3rd, in support of our endorsed candidates. Please see below announcement.

Each year hundreds of our students leave our schools for charter schools . And each year hundreds return. We lose students for a variety of reasons, one of which is that many have a lack of familiarity with our programs. Every student who leaves our schools for a charter school takes about $10,000 with him or her to pay for charter school tuition . That money comes out of our school system. This year, our schools sent $49.5 million to charter schools.

For the last three years the BTU and the BPS have worked together on a campaign to 'get the word out' to better publicize what our schools offer, with the hope of attracting our students to remain in our schools. We invite elementary schools to a meeting to listen to the programs that middle and k-8 schools offer. And we do a similar activity with the high schools to expose their programs to our 6 and 8th graders. This year's events will be at the BTU on December 1. More information will be forthcoming.

Speaking of getting the word out, the school department has scheduled family information sessions that explain all one needs to know about the student assignment process. The first student registration period runs from 1/4 to 2/5. Informational meetings are scheduled on the following days or see here :

11/10 at 6 PM, English HS
11/16 at 6 PM at Lilla Frederick
11/19 at 6 at Umana
12/7 at 5 at the Boston Chinatown Nghbd Center, 885 Wash St., Boston

We are announcing the setting of the Open Enrollment period for the Flexible Spending Program . See announcement following. Simply, the program allows our members to set aside pre-tax dollars for use on dependent care, medical out-of-pocket expenses, and certain transportation expenses. This is a great program, used by hundreds of our members, who save annually thousands of tax dollars per year. There is an explanatory meeting at the BTU on Monday 11/2, from 2:30 to 4. If you cannot make the meeting, call 1-800-544-2340 by 11/30 and/or see here . See more below.

Seeking Members for the Collective Bargaining Committee

We are looking to receive nominations for our collective bargaining committee . The collective bargaining committee will meet after school four to six times in the months of November and December. Members chosen are expected to be able to attend all meetings, to the extent possible. The committee will vet and approve our collective bargaining package. We will attempt to choose a 30-40 member committee balanced by grade level and interests, teacher, para, and so on. Members not chosen may be asked to join a sub committee(s). To apply for consideration, please send in an application electronically with Collective Bargaining Nomination in the subject line. State briefly why you wish to be considered, what you will add to the team, and what ideas you might have as to the nature of the upcoming process. Thank you. The deadline for application is Friday, November 6th.

Charter School Postcards: Keep Them Coming

Thank you to everyone who submitted the postcards on the charter school issue . Congratulations to Patsy Martin Harrell, who won the Celtic tickets, in a drawing this past week. Congrats, too, to Cheryl Kelley, who won the drawing at the BTU membership meeting. Keep the postcards coming if you still have them . You can also help , even if you have already done a post card ,by going to the "TAKE ACTION" button on the aftma.net web site or through the link in this bulletin. This will allow you to e-mail your representatives on the same issue. The more pressure we, as voters, put on our elected, endorsed representatives; the better.

Flexible Spending Plan Open Enrollment Begins 11/2.
Plan Allows Tremendous Tax-Saving Opportunity for Day Care, Medical Expenses and Transportation
Meeting at BTU on 11/2

The Flexible Spending Account and the Pre-Tax Transportation plan are a tremendous opportunity for you to enhance your benefits package. Most employees pay for expenses such as dependent care expenses, out-of-pocket medical/dental expenses, parking fees, and mass transit expenses on an after tax-basis. These programs allow you to set aside a portion of your paycheck tax free to pay for those expenses. The result is a reduction in Federal, State and Social Security taxes, which will give you an increase in your take home pay. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save between 28-34% in taxes. Hundreds of our employees use this program to their advantage, with more joining each year.

To learn more about these exciting benefits, please attend a session with a representative from CPA at one of the informational meetings listed below. If you would like to hear more about this benefit today please call Cafeteria Plan Advisors, Inc. at 1-800-544-2340 or visit their website .

MEETING TO LEARN ABOUT All OF THE ABOVE : November 2, 2009, at the Boston Teachers Union 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm. If you cannot make it to the mtg., please follow the procedures below:

You can call CPA, Inc. @ 1-800-544-2340
Download a form; print form dedicated to the City of Boston. Mail the form back to CPA, Inc. by 11/30.

BTU Seeks Poll Workers

The membership voted to ask members to spend 1-2 hours at the polls on November 3rd in support of our endorsed candidates. If you have some time to spend on November 3rd, please email Pat O'Donnell . A letter has been sent to all BTU Building Reps with a list of school polling sites. Although it would be preferable to have a teacher or a para from the school leaflet at the school where he/she works, it is not essential.

BTU Seeks Members to Host House Parties for Legislators

We will set up meetings in the near future with every Boston state representative and senator. Patricia Armstrong will be coordinating these efforts. Once we have identified a 'host/member' sponsor, we will invite the legislator, set a date, and gather a dozen or so BTU constituents to a meeting at the host's house. The BTU will sponsor the event, do most of the heavy lifting, and pay for the refreshments. We are looking for Boston-resident hosts, who will open their house or apartment to 12-15 or so members. Please contact Patricia Armstrong if you would like to volunteer.

NBPTS Meeting

Monday 10/26
New Candidate Information Meeting BTU 4:30-6:30
Reminder same day NB Candidates 2010 Cohort group meeting BTU 4:30-6:30 pm
preregister

Spanish Teacher (Evening position)

The Department of Adult Education is looking for a teacher for it's new Conversational Spanish course for BPS staff. Sponsored by the Center for Leadership Development and the Achievement Gap Office, Conversational Spanish is designed especially for BPS school secretaries and other support staff who provide direct service to families and students. The content of the course will draw from typical transactions in school and central offices.

Conversational Spanish is an intensive introduction to Spanish. Course participants will develop language skills that they can immediately apply to their interactions with families and students. Participants will receive 90 hours on instruction in 30 classes. Classes will meet on the Madison Park campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, beginning Dec. 1, 2009.

For more information about this position, please contact Adult Education at 635-9827. Applications can be faxed to 617-635-9045 or emailed .

Retirement Party

Retirement Party for the following Condon School teachers:
Elaine Christo, David Freeman, Barbara Hart, John Koutrobis, Nancy Maguire

Dec. 9, 2009 from 6 - 10 PM
The Common Market, 97 Willard St., Quincy, MA.
Cost $40
Please send checks made out to The Condon School by Nov. 30th.
JF Condon School (attn. Ann McLaughlin), 200 D St., So. Boston, Ma. 02127

Teach Plus

Teach Plus is pleased to announce two opportunities designed to promote the retention of excellent teachers in urban schools and give them a voice in policy.Teach Plus was created in response to growing evidence that promising, early-career teachers are leaving the profession- and particularly urban schools- in ever-increasing numbers. The mission of Teach Plus is to improve outcomes for urban children by ensuring that a greater proportion of students have access to high-quality, experienced teachers. To that end, Teach Plus supports the retention of strong teachers in urban schools by expanding leadership opportunities and rewards for those who demonstrate success with students. We work with teachers to help them improve their profession and amplify their voice in policy, and we work with districts and schools to implement the reforms that will aid the retention of effective teachers.

Teaching Policy Fellows

Selective 2-year fellowship for 20 outstanding teachers
Urban Greater Boston teachers in years 3-10 eligible
Two-year commitment; $3000 stipend
Monthly sessions with coursework and expert speakers
Address the question: What would retain you?
Application deadline November 16, 2009

T+ Network Seminar

Open to all teachers
Professional networking reception
Interactive teacher-led discussion with policy experts
First event: November 5, 2009
Teaching 2.0: A Profession that Retains Top Performers
Speaker Brad Jupp, US Department of Education

Questions

Manny Delcarmen Benefit; Proceeds to go to BPS

Oct. 31 will mark the 3rd straight year of the fundraising event, Manny's Bow lin' Strikes for Schools . The event will be held at Kings in Boston's Back Bay.

Camp Fatima Fundraiser

Comedy Night to benefit Exceptional Citizen's Week at Camp Fatima. Saturday, November 7th (7-midnight) at Mosley's on the Charles in Dedham. $35 per person. Advance sales preferred. Email Michael McLaughlin .

MDSC 6th Annual Educators Forum

"Working Together - Developing Best Practices for Including Students with Down Syndrome in General Education" will be held at The College of the Holy Cross - Hogan Campus Center on Thursday, November 12, 2009, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. The keynote speaker is Mara Sapon-Shevin, Professor of Inclusive Education, Teaching and Leadership Department, School of Education, Syracuse University. The Educators Forum is designed for Educators across Massachusetts to spend a "school day" together at a local university to share best practices and to learn from one-another about inclusion in the classroom for students with Down syndrome. Sessions for all levels of teachers. Attendees eligible to receive 6 PDP's. To register and view the complete program agenda . For more information contact :

Fundraiser for former Snowden Teacher's Family

We received this from Robert Herman, son of deceased Snowden HS teacher, Eddie Herman. We wish to publicize this worthy event.

"On August 4th my older brother and best friend Eddie passed away very suddenly after suffering a heart attack while at work in Florida. He was only 39. Unfortunately Eddie died much like our father who had passed thirteen years previous while out for his daily jog. Eddie's death has created a void that will never be filled and my sister-in-law Carolyn alone to raise my two nephews ages 6 & 3. On Friday, November 6th from 7p to midnight our family will host a celebration of Eddie's life at the Florian Hall in Dorchester with all proceeds to benefit the scholarship fund created in both of my nephew's names. At the event, we will have both a silent auction and the raffling of items generously donated by various local companies, as well as other like organizations."

Obituaries

The Boston Teachers Unionregrets to announce the passing of Mr. David MacDonald, a teacher at the Channing, and a long-time BTU Building Representative. As one teacher said: "He was so loved by everyone here at the Channing and we miss him dearly." We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues. A notice from the Globe follows:

MacDONALD, David R. Formerly of Revere in Lynn unexpectedly, September 19 at 49 years. Cherished father of Kendall M. & Kaitlin E. MacDonald of Revere. Devoted son of Gloria (DeLena) MacDonald of Lynn & the late Frank "Mac" MacDonald. Dear brother of Steven R. MacDonald (Revere High School Teacher) & wife Wendy of Lynn & Lt Col Charles R. MacDonald US Army & wife Stephanie of Ft. Monroe, VA. Also lovingly survived by his former wife Karen M. (DiSciscio) MacDonald of Revere & several aunts, uncles and cousins. Beloved uncle of Meredith N. MacDonald of Lynn, Nicholas & Elizabeth MacDonald of Ft. Monroe, VA...David was a 16 year veteran with the Boston School System & formerly taught within the Revere School System. Member of the American Federation of Teachers. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to your favorite charity.

We also regret to announce the passing of Ms. Joan K. Barron, the wife of Fifield teacher, Francis Barron. We extend our deepest condolences to Frank, his family and friends. A notice from the Globe follows:

BARRON, Joan K. (Cheverie) Of West Roxbury, October 20th. Beloved wife of Francis R. Barron. Loving mother of Deborah Zinke and her husband Jon of South Yarmouth, Donna Jones and her husband Fred of Milford, Ronald Barron and his wife Michelle of West Roxbury and the late David D'Allesandro. Also survived by 4 grandchildren. The family will receive relatives and friends at the family home, 71 Stearns Rd., West Roxbury on Sunday, October 25th from 3-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Joan's memory to the Leukemia Lymphona Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. P.E. Murray-George F. Doherty & Sons West Roxbury 617-325-2000.

Sincerely,

Richard Stutman
BTU President

richardstutman@comcast.net (home)
rstutman@btu.org (work)
617-288-2000

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