As I sat down to write a welcome to all of you, I searched for a word to describe where we have been since leaving in June. Where have we been? Persisting!The MTA’s work this summer did not stop and we continued to work on behalf of our members to resolve lingering concerns, handle questions that arose, follow-through on building and district level issues, attend Board of Education meetings, conduct MTA meetings, participate in district meetings, greet our new teachers and keep a watchful eye on anything affecting us contractually.

The pace didn’t slow very much this summer, and it was clear to see how we have become a year-round organization. Three major concerns handled this summer were:

• Maple Hill and Truman Moon had the additional 15 minutes placed at the end of their school day rather than the beginning as requested by the MTA since last spring. This would have resulted in an end time of 4:10! We were able to get this matter resolved and have the time moved to the beginning of the day.
• Opening Day for the first time in over 30 years was restructured at the request of the MTA. As detailed in a letter mailed to the membership, there were far too many over-riding concerns affecting the majority of our teachers. The MTA Executive Board made this decision in support of our member’s best interests.
• The High School construction project was toured bi-weekly for the entire summer by your MTA president. Additionally, the MTA vice-president and treasurer joined in on various tours. Although the MTA’s view of the building’s readiness did not match that of the district’s, and we had many questions and concerns regarding the completion of this project, this was clearly the district’s initiative and we needed to see if the timelines for completion would be met. The reported state of the building on September 5th led me to tour the high school the following day and it was shockingly evident this building could not be allowed to open. A subsequent meeting with the superintendent ended with his informing me that the high school opening would be postponed until Monday, September 11th. Please know that numerous on-going concerns exist (classrooms not ready, materials/supplies missing, schedules and class lists not printed prior to the re-scheduled opening day) and the MTA will be closely involved with monitoring and reporting them. A clear system of communication between MTA building representatives and building administration has been established in order to prioritize and handle items of concern.

In addition to the major concerns detailed above, there were numerous other matters that needed attention and the MTA office was open every day to aid and support its members.Another component of the summer was planning for the upcoming year. A number of functions are already in place as you will read in this edition. It is our hope to see many of you at your union’s office this year. It is vital to have the participation of our members as we continue to face numerous challenges. Our strength comes from unity. While allowing for differences of opinion, we can, and must maintain a unity of purpose.

Certainly, we have faced numerous difficulties and opposition. However, despite the issues, obstacles, and challenges that we have faced (and will continue to face) the MTA will continue to exercise its tenacious determination to protect our members, uphold our contract, and effect change that is both purposeful and beneficial to our members. In a word–persist!

The MTA has a long and rich history. We have persisted through the years and that has taught us who we are-strong, opinionated, professional, resilient, determined and united.

I urge all of you to take part in your union. Please remember: It is our persistence that creates our accomplishments. I am very, very proud to represent all of you, and I welcome you back to this new school year.

I did not use all of my personal days last year. Do I carry them over to this year? Yes, your personal days are carried over in September and 3 additional personal days are added to your carry-over amount. Should this new total exceed 5 days, the days in excess of 5 are transferred over to your personal illness days.

What is the number I need to call to get a vision voucher? There is no need to call as we now have a voucherless system. Just make your appointment at the provider and they will contact Davis Vision to determine your eligibility.

I want to meet with a TRS rep but am unable to travel to Albany. How can I get retirement information? TRS holds video consultations year round in many locations, including Central Valley. You will be able to hold a conference just as if you had traveled to Albany. To make a reservation you can contact TRS at 800-348-7298, Ext. 6100.

Has it been determined if the health insurance declination will be 50%? No, that determination cannot be made until early June 2007. In order for the declination to go from 25% to 50% there will have to be a +22 in the number of declinations for the full year.

Any questions regarding retirement, salary, or the Benefit Fund, may be e-mailed to: questions@middletownteachers.org. All questions will receive a reply; some may appear in future newsletters. Visit our archives at: middletownteachers.org!

LOIS SAMSEL-CRONK
“Count Me In!” was the theme for this year’s AFT convention in Boston. It was an event that spotlighted the contributions of individual union activists, who are very passionate in their convictions.Delegates reacted with tears and warm applause Friday afternoon as Katrina, Rita and Wilma survivors told their personal stories of how they were affected by the storm.

Senator Edward Kennedy made it evident, Friday afternoon that he is with the AFT’s fight for America. He promised to continue his fight for a minimum wage that doesn’t leave Americans living in poverty, decent healthcare, and better schools.

The AFT will continue to demand that the Chinese government “extend to all Chinese citizens their basic human rights under a  new resolution delegates adopted. Another resolution that was approved puts the union in opposition to the war in Iraq and urges the AFT to call on national leaders “to withdraw all troops, bases and military operations in a rapid and timely manner.”

This was the first time I attended an AFT convention and I found it a politically moving experience. Many times throughout the convention I was reminded that a union is only as strong as its members. It was a privilege to represent the MTA.

ROBIN GEIGER
The MTA welcomed 56 teachers and three Teacher Assistants at the MTA offices Monday, August 28th as part of their orientation. At approximately 10:45 AM the group arrived (by Mid-City Transit) and were cordially greeted, given handouts, folders and forms. Sheila Esposito, MTA President, was unable to attend; therefore, Robin Geiger, Vice President, after offering Sheila’s warmest welcome and sincerest apologies for her absence, began the orientation by introducing her fellow officer, Gary Day, and Senior Building Representatives Kathy Bellars, Lois Samsel-Cronk, Lynann Day, Greg Farina, Kristine Hanington, and Angela Urbina, as well as Teaching Assistant President Wendy Bartocci and VP, Denise Knebel.In her opening remarks, Robin gave an overview of the union’s role and importance to its members, and encouraged the new members to visit the MTA office often for assistance, for support, or just to chat. The group then took a brief but much appreciated break for refreshments.

When they reconvened, the TAs went to an adjourning office for their meeting. Kristine Hanington, New Teacher Chairperson, was introduced and gave the new teachers a packet with relevant and important information including the names of key union and district people and how to contact them, websites, important dates, and helpful checklists. They were given folders to hold all of their important papers, and were reminded to make copies of all official documents or forms they submit. The members were surprised to find new teacher “goody bags” under their seats filled with useful and sweet items.

Gary Day then addressed the paperwork, and all of the necessary union forms were filled out. He continued the meeting by explaining the Benefit Fund (vision plan, legal plan, accidental death and dismemberment benefit, and Assist America). Lois Samsel-Cronk contributed information about retirement (it’s never too early to start planning). Lynann Day gave a brief overview of our Political Action division. And last but certainly not least, Gary explained the importance of VOTE/COPE, and distributed forms for those who wished to contribute.By then, it was time for lunch. All 56 boarded the buses for a short trip to the Monhagen Middle School cafeteria for a delicious and relaxing meal catered by Nonna Lucia’s Ristorante, courtesy of the MTA. There was no shortage of good food and good conversation! Four members won NYSUT tote bags – our traditional door prize. By 1:45 the new members were off to the next part of their orientation, but not before they expressed their thanks and appreciation.

The MTA wishes all of its new members a productive and professionally rewarding school year. And, remember, the MTA is always here for you.

GREGORY FARINA
As we begin our 51st year as a school, we have many reasons to celebrate at Truman Moon. There have been several monumental events in the lives of our staff that we’d like to share with the rest of our MTA members. Art Dawe, Terese Linton (Conklin) and Tenise Wall (Cole) got married this year. We’ve also celebrated the births of Mason (Stacey Atlas), Tristan (Brian McDevitt) and Max (Barbara Reimer). If you have a moment, take the time to send your congratulations on these joyous occasions.

GARY DAY
A retirement workshop for newer members of the New York State Teachers Retirement System will be held on October 23rd at the MTA office. Sheila Salenger, NYSTRS board member, is scheduled to be the presenter for the 1 hour workshop.

The presentation will be specifically geared to teachers and teaching assistants who have been members of the retirement system for 5 years or less.

Be sure to reserve your seat because planning for retirement early in your career will significantly improve your nest egg for those golden years.

LYNANN DAY
A large number of MTA members have already registered to be part of Team MTA for the October 15th “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.A large number of MTA members have already registered to be part of Team MTA for the October 15th “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.If you are not yet registered, it is not too late to become part of our team. Just contact your building team leader and get a registration form. Return the form and your sponsors’ contributions to the registration tent on the morning of the event. On October 15th the registration tent opens at 7:30 am and the walk begins at 9:00am. The official Team MTA photo will be taken between 8:30 and 8:45 in the area near the Van Heusen store.

Join your colleagues in the walk and perhaps even partake of some shopping at the outlets. Many of the stores will be offering discounts for registered walkers.

Register……Walk……Shop……Have Fun……Support a Great Cause!

THE BIG PICTURE - Robin Geiger
NYSUT’s Elmsford Regional Office held its annual Summer Leadership Conference this past August 16th – 18th at the Doubletree Hotel and Confer-ence Center in Somerset, New Jersey. The MTA sent four participants – Brenda Beato, Lois Samsel-Cronk, Denise Woolsey, and me. This was my first time attending the conference and it was an extremely positive experience. I arrived Wednesday morning (despite an accident that slowed traffic so much that a significant number of people arrived late, delaying the general session), early enough to register, partake of the generous refreshments (coffee, juice, baked goods) and get settled in the ballroom in time for the opening program.

Kathleen Donahue, NYSUT second Vice President started the events with a welcoming speech. She was followed by Thomas Hey (from the Special Olympics) and then Lillian Jones (American Cancer Society) who both gave presentations about their respective organizations. NYSUT has shown particular interest and support for these two causes. The last speaker was Larry Samuel, General Counsel of the United Teachers of New Orleans and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Unfortunately, because of a restricted time limit due to the delayed start, Mr. Samuels had to annotate his speech but his message was loud and clear – the New Orleans school system has been disassembled due to a corrupt and ruthless government. Of the original 128 schools that existed prior to Hurricane Katrina, only 23 have reopened. Of approximately 4,500 teachers employed by the Orleans Parish School Board before Hurricane Katrina, there are only approximately now 200. His message: be careful – it can happen to anyone; it can happen to us.

The rest of the day (after an incredible lunch) was spent at the first of my chosen workshops – Building Effective Locals. This was a 2 day workshop and was expertly presented by Daniel Esakoff (Organizer, NYC R.O.) and Barbara Johnson (LRS, Elmsford R.O.). This workshop focused on strategies, programs and ideas to implement that could help to build your local. As this is one of the MTA’s goals this year, I hoped to come away with many new ideas, and, although I did find a few strategies we could use, what I really discovered at this workshop is that we have an extremely well organized and well run local that already implements almost all of the ideas presented. I was very proud to be asked to explain some of our various endeavors (the MTA scholarship, our infrastructure [committees, constitution, etc.], meet the candidate’s night, etc.). I also enjoyed meeting with members from other districts and talking about our shared concerns and similar problems. I exchanged email addresses with 2 of the other participants and we plan to continue discussions.

Friday morning, after a brief presentation from John Hall (candidate for Congress) and Marc Laffer (regional Staff Director) at breakfast, it was off to my last workshop- Union Ethics presented by Pat Leonetti and Harry Wilson (LRS from the Elmsford R.O.). I truly enjoyed this exceptionally well prepared workshop and received some good ideas to bring back to our local. As this was only a morning workshop, we did not cover all of the material planned – too many interesting and passionate discussions! I am hoping this workshop will be an offering next year. And, once again, I was impressed and proud of the integrity of our local!

The conference was time well spent. I would be remiss if I did not mention what an outstanding job the Elmsford R.O. did in organizing and implementing this conference. In spite of the hotel being under construction (construction seems to follow me everywhere), the food, accommodations and service were exceptional! I highly recommend that all of our members consider attending this conference at some time in the future. Think about this for next summer – you will be reminded some time next spring. After all, we need to build our local (see, I learned something).

BETTER PREPARED - Brenda Beato
For the last two summers, I have attended the New York State United Teachers Leadership Conference. Each time, I have left the conference grateful to have been part of the gathering. It was amazing to meet, in one place, teachers from throughout our region congregating for one common objective: to better serve their members. Moreover, I realized that the Middletown Teachers Association is in the vanguard of protecting the rights of its teachers by providing the necessary training of its building representatives.

The workshops were intensive studies of union organization and representation facilitated by the legal unit of NYSUT. The information provided at the workshops empowers union representatives to make informed decisions according to the contract and law. The single most important lesson that I have learned is the importance of reading and understanding our contract. A teacher who has read the contract and understands it language is better prepared to function effectively within the workplace.

Finally, I left the conference knowing that I am better prepared to help my colleagues. Hopefully, next year many more of our members will attend the conference. It is worth the time and effort because the experiences are invaluable.

KEEP UP THE FIGHT - Denise Woolsey

“Unions are the folks who brought you the weekends”. How true is that? At the Summer Leadership Confer-ence I attended the Emerging Voices seminar. It was two days of union history, association structure, leadership styles, and external and internal organizing. This was a lot of information to squeeze into two days, but now I have a large binder as a resource.

The convention’s main message was a reminder that we have fought for a lot of privileges, and an encouragement to work hard to hold onto them. Did you know labor history started back in the 1640’s and it took until 1938 to establish a forty-hour week and a minimum wage? Did you know in the 1980’s elementary teachers in OUR district did NOT have a prep period? That was not too long ago — we need to continue to fight for all of our rights.

COMPARING CONTRACTS - Lois Samsel Cronk

I would like to thank the MTA for sending me to this year’s NYSUT Summer Leadership Conference. The workshop I attended for two days was “Advanced Grievance”. Both days were spent looking very closely at our contracts and examining how the sections are worded. I found ours to be very well written and not ambiguous, as were many others. The other districts that were represented at this workshop are those with which we often compare salaries. Although they may earn more money they are not protected by their contracts as well as we are at this time. Many asked to see how parts of our contract are written. There is a lot to be said about how hard our negotiation committees, past and present, have worked to get our members what they deserve.

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