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Reimbursement Forms
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Retiree Connection

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"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

Congratulations to Tracy Pontin and Sarah Mattice, Schalmont High School English teachers, for achieving National Board Teacher Certification.

National Board Certification signifies that a teacher is accomplished, having met challenging professional standards as evidenced by performance-based assessments. It is a year-long process designed to examine the teaching techniques and classroom practices of a teacher leading to improved student learning.

They join more than 20 other Schalmont teachers who have achieved this recognition.

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.

STA Executive Board for 2009-10

Officers	High School	Middle School
President - Mary Beth Flatley 1st Vice President - Kelly Healy 2nd Vice President - Pete Rings Secretary - Carol Carelli Treasurer - Alisha Couse	Chris Bailey Kevin Meachem Fred Orlando Carol Russell	Bob Anderson Deborah D'Arcangelis Joann Lasky Mike Libertucci
Jefferson	Mariaville	NYSUT Delegates
Lori Bittner Kathy Cathell Carol Walker Mary Zanta	Kim Knapik	Alisha Couse Michele Williams Lori DeMeo, Alternate
	Woestina
	Corinne Kinns

The Fall 2009 issue of the STATIC is now available. Check out other issues.

Sad News from STA

- Elizabeth Dorothy "Dot" Karl died on August 30, 2009 at the age of 94. She was a teacher-librarian at Woestina Elementary School and retired in 1976.
- Gertrude Suits, former Pine Grove Teacher, passed away on April 11, 2009 at the age of 95. Sandra Suits, retired Physical Education teacher at the HS, is her daughter.
- Former Physical Education teacher, longtime STA President and Board of Education member, Ed Martin, died Sunday, March 15, 2009. Ed is the father of high school teacher, Carol Russell and husband of Helen Martin, former Woestina Principal.

The Retiree Connection is Now Available - This new link is dedicated to the retired STA members who may need "one - stop" shopping for information regarding their colleagues. Need an address or email? Can't find that phone number? This is the place to check out what retirement holds for those of us still teaching. Suggestions are always welcome. Simply email Carol Carelli at ccarelli@nycap.rr.com. All retired STA members are invited to share their experiences and thoughts. Simply click on the Retiree Connection link on the left sidebar or click here.

New form for STA reimbursement - In an effort to streamline the process for getting reimbursed for expenses incurred by members on behalf of STA, we have created a new form, which must be submitted with any receipts for payment. Checks will be processed STA Treasurer, Alisha Couse, at the middle and at the end of each month. Receipts which are submitted without the form will be returned to the member without payment. Extra forms are available from Alisha Couse or may be downloaded here.

Are you still confused about 403(b) accounts? Check out www.403bwise.com for almost all of the answers to your questions. It also has tips for new investors.

Are you thinking of retiring next year? Just want to know more about your options for the future? The New York State Teachers' Retirement System will be conducting their Fall 2009 Pre-Retirement Seminars. This is a good time for anyone over 45 who would like more information about retirement and benefits to hear from the experts what your option are.