VOTE-COPE Campaign to Begin: Now more than ever, NYSUT is lobbying to legislators to urge them not to eliminate funding for our most important asset, our children.  This spring, when you are asked to contribute, please consider increasing your contribution to VOTE-COPE.  This is perhaps the most important donation you can make on behalf of your colleagues in education.  This spring there will be thousands of jobs cut, with a number in our own district.  NYSUT, with your help, has launched a campaign to educate people about the devastation that will ensue with these cuts. If you have not increased your donation in a few years, now is the time to consider doing it...the job you save may be your own.  If you have any questions regarding VOTE-COPE, contact Joann Lasky at the Middle School or Lori DeMeo at Jefferson. (VOTE-COPE is a non-partisan organization and represents the interests of all of us in education.

Contact Your Legislators to Save Jobs- As the U.S. Senate moves forward with its own jobs package, NYSUT is launching a big push to make sure the final Jobs for Main Street Act includes the Education Jobs Fund and an extension of the Federal Medicaid Assistance Program. Under the House plan passed in December, these funds would provide New York with more than $4 billion in federal help - and represent our best hope for restorations in the governor's devastating budget plan. The governor's plan would reduce K-12 aid by $1.4 billion and higher education by hundreds of millions in the coming year.

Last year, the federal stimulus fund helped save or create more than 18,600 education jobs in New York. Without similar federal help this year, thousands of New Yorkers will lose their jobs and our students will pay the price.

Click below to send a letter today to Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, urging them to push hard for these vital aid programs.

CLICK HERE TO SEND A FREE FAX IMMEDIATELY:

(reprinted from NYSUT Action Alert)
 

"Hoops for Haiti" Recognition in New York Teacher: Schalmont TA was mentioned in an article in the February 18, 2010 issue of the New York Teacher, recognizing the efforts of Jefferson teacher, Stephanie Bush, who organized the Hoops for Haiti Faculty/Staff Basketball game.  It is located on the back cover in the center column.  Check it out!

STA Website and STATIC Earn NYSUT Recognition Again:  NYSUT  has announced that the Schalmont Teachers' Association website and newsletter (STATIC) have each earned the "Award of Merit" in the 2009 Journalism Contest.  This is the 2nd year in a row that STA has been recognized for their efforts.  Congratulations to Kelly Healy and Carol Carelli, STATIC Editors and to Carol Carelli as webmaster!  Carol will be attending the NYSUT Journalism Conference and awards ceremony on March 27, 2010, accepting the recognition on STA's behalf.

Early Retirement Option Needs a "Push": STA member are encouraged to contact your legislators to advocate for the Early Retirement option to help avert layoffs! NYSUT is encouraging all members to contact their legislators to move forward with the 55/25 early retirement option ( S.6274 by Senator Savino).  Immediate enactment is necessary for our members to make informed decisions regarding retirement options and for districts to reflect anticipated salary cost savings in upcoming school budget proposals.  Many districts have a window for retirement incentives and NYSUT is pressing to get this bill done ASAP so no one misses the opportunity.  This initiative is being called an "option" rather than an "incentive" because it would be an opportunity to retire earlier without penalty; it is not a sweetened retirement package.  Unlike past retirement incentives that left participation up to the districts, this early retirement option would be offered through all districts. (NYSUT Leader Briefing, February 9, 2010)

Click on the link, fill in the required information and send out a fax today.  It only takes a minute.

"Hoops For Haiti" Basketball Game - 30 members of the Schalmont Teachers' Association joined forces with administrators and staff to play basketball in an effort to raise money for the people of Haiti, whose country was devastated by an earthquake in January. It was a close game, with the Red team outscoring the Blue, but it was a lot of fun for the packed gym.  We raised over $5,000 for the cause.  Kudos go to Stephanie Bush, a Jefferson Elementary teacher, who organized the event. 

Would you like to make a donation to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti?  Click here to be directed to the NYSUT site.  All moneys will be donated to the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund.  If you prefer, mail a contribution (tax deductible) to: NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund, NYSUT, Attention: Jeff Lockwood, 800 Troy -Schenectady Road, Latham, New York  12110.   Indicate "Haiti Relief" on the memo line.

High School Teachers Earn National Board Teacher Certification

STA Sponsors District-Wide 5 or $5.00 Food Drive - The STA sponsored a district-wide food drive which collected more than 30 boxes and bags of food and over $350 for the Schenectady City Mission.  Many thanks to all who supported the effort.  A special thanks to Chris Bailey, Mike Libertucci and Jeff VanHoesen for assisting in the delivery of the food. More photos

 

 

 

STA Member Featured in Daily Gazette - Lorinda Gandrow, Middle School Math teacher was recently featured in the Schenectady Daily Gazette for her "Game of Life" lesson. The lesson focused on students using their math skills in "real-life" situations such as buying a house and earning a salary in their "chosen" field (determined by drawing out of a hat), budgeting for taxes and other expenses.  Lorinda is a National Board Certified Teacher and has been teaching in the middle school for 9 years.  See article..

STA Members Attend Leadership Conference-Eight STA members attended the NYSUT Leadership Conference which was held November 6-8 at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing.  Workshops were presented on a variety of topics including: Basic Negotiations, Basic Grievance Processing, Technology and Union Issues, Teachers Retirement, Communicable Diseases in the Schools,  Educational Issues and many more.  Members also heard from a representative from Congressman Scott Murphy's (20th Congressional District) Office and Lee Cutler, NYSUT Secretary/Treasurer.  On Saturday evening, members purchased tickets supporting " Making Strides for  Breast Cancer" and prizes donated by individual locals were raffled off.  Our STA donated a nice gift basket and our own Joann Lasky was one of the raffle winners! Congratulations, Joann! (Alisha Couse, STA Treasurer and MaryBeth Flatley, STA President, pictured at left with STA donation to the raffle) See more pictures.

Due to the Faculty Hoops for Haiti Basketball game, the February 1, 2010 STA Executive Board meeting has been cancelled.  The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.  The meeting will be in Room 109 of the Middle School at 3:30 P.M.

Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk - Schalmont teachers joined members of the high school cheerleaders, football, girls basketball and volleyball teams as they participated in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Walk held on Sunday, October 18, 2009. Together we raised over $2600 as we honored the STA members and other Schalmont family who have been affected by this disease.  Special thanks to Lorinda Gandrow and Melissa West for organizing the event. More photos

Congratulations to STA members who received tenure:  Roberta Albrecht, Jefferson; Lisa Audette, HS; Bonnie Barner, Jefferson; Don Brandt, Middle School; Courtney Deming, Middle School; Melissa West, Jefferson; Betsy Wright, Jefferson; Mary Zanta, Jefferson.  Each was presented with an STA bookbag for their accomplishment.