Published On: February 2, 2021

We hope you all have been able to safely brave the snowstorm thus far! Please remember that when BPS buildings are closed, so is the BTU office. During inclement whether, it is always best to call ahead to be sure you don’t go to the office when it is closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.  

If you missed the Special Bulletin we sent out on Sunday night, please take the time to review it in detail. We are asking that Building Reps fill out the checklist by the end of the day Thursday ideally, Friday at the latest. The follow-up Executive Board meeting to review the data from the checklists was postponed from yesterday to next Monday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m. 

Due to the remote snow days, the staff COVID testing schedule has been updated. BPS has also provided a few answersregarding staff COVID testing, including questions about coverage being provided at the school sites. Below are additional clarifications based on questions we’ve been asked about opting in to in-person teaching:

  1. When rates are above 5% and schools are making staffing plans for HIPP students, Principals must begin by asking for members to opt-in to working in person.

  2. If there are not enough staff who opt in to meet the staffing needs, the school may develop a “creative scheduling plan”
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  3. If a creative plan cannot be created with everyone agreeing to it, the principal may create a plan which directs some members in despite their preferences or necessities.
 This plan must be presented to the Reopening Task Force for a “problem-solving” conversation.
  4. As a condition of employment, there is no right to opt to remain working remotely only. Members who are directed in despite their preference or necessity may choose to take a leave, according to all applicable policies. Please contact your field rep with questions about this process.
A list of schools that failed to conduct steps 1 and 2 identified by Building Reps have been sent to the district for remediation and follow up steps. If you haven’t already done so, please email specific violations of this process to Matt Bouvier if your school did not follow the correct process.  
Our next BTU Family Forum will take place on Tuesday, February 9, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Please share these flyers – English, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creöle, Haitian-Creöle, Chinese and Vietnamese – with the families in your school community.
The 2/9 Forum is primarily for families. However, if as an educator you are inviting families and want to attend with them, we very much welcome your presence. Register now! The 2/9 Forum program will include listening to families’ needs and concerns, identifying issues to advocate for together, and getting an update on school reopening. For more information, please contact Ilene Carver.Our next membership meeting will be next week, Wednesday, February 10 at 4:30 p.m. As usual, please register in advance. Quick reminders for registering:

  • Please remember that you must register at least one hour in advance, or you will not receive a link.
  • Each link is unique and cannot be shared.
  • You only need to sign up once per meeting.
  • Links are sent after your registration and membership status are verified – please do not register multiple times if you do not immediately receive a link.
  • Remember to include your exact BPS ID# in order to expedite approvals. If you are retired or don’t have an ID# for another reason, please enter “000000.”
  • Please make sure that you have updated your Zoom account with the latest update before the meeting in order to avoid complications with your link. 

The Acceptable Use Policy or “AUP” lists the rules and policies every student must follow when using BPS devices, computers, and networks. Given that remote learning and device use will continue to play a growing role within BPS, BPS Technology has developed the following videos breaking down these rules for different grade bands and audiences.

What should the BTU ask candidates for Mayor and City Council? What are your political priorities for the 2021 municipal election cycle? We want to hear from you! Please take 5 minutes to fill out the BTU Political Priorities Survey. This year we will have many important municipal and state-wide elections. Hearing from you is very important to our endorsement process!

The National Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action has officially begun! We are reaffirming our commitment to undoing racism and lifting up and celebrating Black lives. This is the fourth year that we have taken part of the movement dedicated to fighting racism and anti-Black violence. Please read the full statement on our participation. BTU members at schools across Boston are organizing school-based actions and events to participate in. You can also mark you calendar for the following BTU-wide events:
  • Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 4:30 p.m. Testimony Prep Night: Learn about the BLM at School demands and how to turn your story into testimony for school committee or other governing body. BPS students are welcome and encouraged to attend! Register here. 
  • Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 5:00 p.m. Tune into watch people testify about the week of action demands at the Boston School Committee meeting or sign up to testify yourself. More info here. 
  • Thursday, Feb. 4 at 5:00 p.m. Ethnic Studies Now Committee open meeting. Registration link coming soon.
  • Friday, Feb 5 at 4:30 p.m. Year of Purpose Showcase! Join us to celebrate the 2021 BLM Week of Action. Register here.
All this information and more can be found at btu.org/blm.

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