TONIGHT- Haitian Educators Meeting: April 28, 4:30PM
The next Haitian Educators meeting will be on Tuesday, April 28th, 4:30 pm. Please contact Bianca Pierre to RSVP. The Haitian Educators Committee is ready to assist any BTU educator who is trying to reach a family and is struggling due to a language barrier. The members of our Committee want to help!
TONIGHT- Inclusion Done Right Meeting: April 28, 4:30PM
We will have a conversation about how to continue our advocacy during this time of school closure and physical distancing. Please RSVP here and we will send you a link to the zoom meeting.
NEW – Health Insurance Double Deductions
The Health Benefits Office has notified BPS the double deduction for health insurance premiums will begin with this Friday’s paycheck 5/1/2020. This is an annual process for employees who are paid 10 months to have during May and June double deduction to cover the health insurance premiums for July and August. This will affect all employees who are paid 10 months and have health insurance through the City of Boston/Boston Public Schools. For BTU that would be Paras and Substitutes and the 22 paycheck teachers. The check dates for the double deductions are:
Pay Period Ending Check Dated
4/24/20 5/1/20
5/8/20 5/15/20
5/22/20 5/29/20
6/5/20 6/12/20
6/19/20 6/26/20
NEW- BPS Accelerated Community to Teacher Program: Deadline April 30
The Accelerated Community to Teacher (ACTT) Program is a part of an overarching strategy to increase the diversity of exemplary educators in the district’s teacher pipeline. The 2021 ACTT Program application is open and the deadline is April 30.
Telescope Network “Connect and Share Series”: April 30 & May 1
Join us for a chance to connect with colleagues and share ideas about what’s working so far with remote learning. Please RSVP here.
NEW- BTU Scholarships for BPS Students: Deadline May 8
Calling all Building Reps – please submit your recommendations for BTU scholarship recipients. The application form must be filled out and returned to Jeannie Turner by May 8.
NEW- Virtual Student Debt Clinic: May 12, 4:30PM – 6:30PM
Please join us for a Virtual Student Debt Clinic.
NEW- Take Action for Emergency Paid Sick Time
Massachusetts needs to pass Emergency Paid Sick Time legislation to ensure that all workers can take paid sick time during this crisis. Visit Raise Up MA to learn more and take action!
NEW – From Social Distancing to Social Safety: Community Responses to COVID-19, May 1, 12 PM
On May Day the Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Alliance will host From Social Distancing to Social Safety as part of a national May 1st celebration. Register here.
NEW- FirstBook Registration Form Link
Register here.
Teacher Leadership Fund COVID-19 Response Grants
The Teacher Leadership Fund will allocate half ($150,000) of next year’s grant pool to projects which specifically address issues arising from the COVID-19 related closure period. Up to thirty $5,000 grants available for projects running between July and September. Applications are due May 15th. Regular TLF Program deadline remains May 1st.
NEW- Virtual Volunteer Opportunity
MatchUS is a community-driven educator/related service provider and family response to support our students with disabilities/IEPs/support needs and their families during this time of social distancing. MatchUS is working with families and educators to support 1:1 conversations about how best to support our students at home. See here for more information.
Updated Clever (BPS Digital Backpack)
Clever now has new apps and websites listed across all content areas. Check out the new portal!
Virtual Learning Offerings for BPS Staff
Want to learn how to use Google Classroom, Clever, Zoom, and differentiate using technology tools? Choose your own adventure with on-demand webinars, live webinars, and self-paced courses.
Apply for 2020-21 School Year!
Hiring teams are moving forward in getting schools staffed for SY2021. Please apply to positions for which you are qualified and prepare for virtual interviews, demo lessons, and other remote hiring practices!
NEW- LINCSpring Platform for Required Five Hours
BPS has engaged LINCSpring a national organization that supports the shift to remote and blended learning to provide professional development supports through the beginning of next year. This will be used for the five required hours in our remote learning MOU. Your principal will share information about getting started on the platform as soon as today. The platform has a wide variety of content which should enable you to find something relevant to your practice.
NEW- Tools for Distance Learning for Parents
Share My Lesson is giving access to lessons, online tools, resources, and more.
Updates on Interviews for Teacher Bargaining Units
Interviews for teacher bargaining unit members must be conducted utilizing the SSC/Governing Board Personnel Subcommittees. All interviews must occur as mandated in the Personnel Subcommittee superintendent’s circular and are to be conducted virtually during social distancing mandates. Please see the BPS OHC protocols for doing so. If your school is not following this protocol, please contact Caren Carew with the details.
Updates from the BPS/BTU Telescope Network
Sign up for trivia, professional development, and suggest topics on our form. Check out our website for recordings of events, new events as they are scheduled, and more!