As we close out March, we also close out Women’s History Month, and we’ve been celebrating all month long with the AFT! Our friends at ShareMyLesson have plenty of resources to incorporate into your lesson plans and teach your students about women’s contributions to science, politics, civil rights, and more.
We’re also wishing a very blessed Ramadan to those that are observing. Many Muslim students fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan and learning about ways to support them can help to create a more inclusive learning environment. ShareMyLesson also has many lessons and information for educators about Ramadan.
Tomorrow, we’re excited to co-host Educators of Color Night tomorrow, which is an opportunity to reconnect and meet other educators of color in BPS. In addition to resource tables and refreshments, the evening will feature keynote speaker Dr. Shaun Woodley, who is an educator, author and motivator. This event is co-sponsored by the BTU and the BPS Office of Recruitment, Cultivation & Diversity Programs, and we are also partnering with many other organizations that are all committed to attracting, supporting and retaining educators of color.
We’ll also be holding a BTU/AFT Para/PSRP Conference this weekend, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The conference is a day of collaboration and learning with fellow paraprofessionals from not just the BTU, but all around the state, and we are always thrilled to host the event. The deadline for registration is March 30. For any questions about the conference, please contact Field Rep Colleen Hart.
From the Election Committee: There will be a primary election for the Office of Secretary/Treasurer. The candidates are:
Trevour Smith
Karen Cross
Nora Paul-Schultz
Ballots will be mailed out April 10 and must be received at the post office by May 2. In-person voting will take place on May 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the BTU for anyone who did not vote by mail. Candidates for this position have been invited to participate in a 15-minute program held during the April 12 membership meeting. Come and hear them speak! Note – candidates for all positions except delegate will receive an email on April 14 regarding creating and posting a 2-minute video to introduce themselves.
Last Chance for Red Sox tickets! The Educator Appreciation Game against the Orioles is coming up this Sunday, April 2! We still have a couple dozen tickets left – please purchase them today before they run out! Payment is acceptable in cash, check or via PayPal. Tickets are $32 each and are e-tickets only. Once paid, you will receive your tickets by email within 48 hours. Please see Michelle Frank at the office or email her for questions.