My plan for this newsletter was to sit down on Saturday morning, October 7th, and in the quiet of the early morning hours, compose my thoughts and get them on paper for the October 9th deadline. The best laid plans, however, can abruptly be changed by life’s unexpected events.

When I received the news that Patty Truex, one of our veteran special education teachers from the high school, had died the night before in a car accident, everything came to a halt. Suddenly, everything that had seemed so important to say was insignificant in comparison to the news of such an untimely and devastating loss.

Patty was a steadfast MTA member with a “can do” attitude that will not be forgotten. Her loyalty to her union was evident through her participation in MTA events and committees as well as her many years as a high school representative on Teacher Center, where she also served as treasurer. Of most importance was Patty’s incredible devotion as a special education teacher. Her professionalism was always evident and it was well known that she made a difference in the lives of her students.

Although Patty left us at far too young an age, her legacy will continue to endure. For those who did not have the good fortune to know Patty, take the time to find someone who did, and ask to hear a bit more about our devoted colleague. For those of us who knew Patty, let’s treasure and share with each other the fond memories and stories.

When I think of Patty, I see her infectious smile—a smile so large and genuine that it would just light up a room. What a wonderful memory to treasure; what a wonderful gift for Patty to leave for others.

(The following are the comments originally planned for the monthly message.)

At the October 5th Board of Education meeting, I spoke on behalf of the membership regarding the following concerns:

District-wide Needs

• A revised Code of Conduct
• Adequate notice regarding teacher training sessions
• Fewer pull-outs from valuable classroom instruction time
• Clear and consistent communication regarding test administration
• Textbooks and materials for all students
• Class sizes conducive to sound educational practice
• Available and operational computers and printers

Specific Issues Relative to the HS

• After five weeks of school there are still rooms without operating phones and/or call buttons
• Science rooms are without the electricity, gas and water needed for required lab work
• The lack of functional computers is impeding classroom instruction
• Cross Pointe concerns are still affecting the master schedule, transcripts and grade point averages

It was also pointed out to the Board of Education that although the MTA Executive Board issued yet another invitation to meet (at the September 21st meeting), there was no response—something we viewed as extremely disappointing. I expressed to the board members that my monthly meetings with the superintendent will continue with the goal of working toward resolutions to the pressing needs of our membership and our students.

Can you imagine if the situation was reversed and we were issued an invitation to meet and we never responded? I view responding to an invitation, whether it be a yes or a no, as simple courtesy — good manners at the most basic of levels. I don’t think I need to say more.

In my closing comments, I re-stated that although extremely disappointed in the lack of a response from the Board of Education regarding a meeting date, the MTA will “continue to be an advocate for open communication and we will continue to speak out on behalf of our members and our students.”

[As we go Around the Building this month, Greg Farina tells us about how some of our art teachers have recently been recognized for leadership.]

Art Teachers Wendy Enoch (Maple Hill), Gregg Farina (Truman Moon), Missy Perna (Chorley) and Danielle Strommer (Mechanicstown) were recognized for outstanding leadership in arts education by Artsonia.com. Artsonia is an online children’s art museum providing free educational resources for students, families and teachers. Each school has an online gallery where teachers share lesson plans and showcase their student’s artwork. Students and their families can log-on to the site, view the artwork, leave positive messages and even purchase keepsakes bearing their creations.

The Artsonia Annual Leadership Award, received by our teachers, honors educators who go beyond the classroom walls to encourage family and community in Arts Education. The award also recognizes significant achievement in the area of technology integration within the school art program. Participation in the program clearly shows the teacher’s initiative and dedication to not only arts education, but to cultivating family involvement and enhancing the learning experience of children.

Please take the time to congratulate your colleagues and visit their online galleries to view the many achievements of their students.

Maple Hill:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/maple1
Truman Moon:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/truman1
Chorley:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/chorley1
Mechanicstown:
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/mechanicstown1

I am now receiving my pay via the 26-pay option. If I leave the district mid-year how will I receive my final paycheck? As soon as the date of your separation from the district has passed, you will be paid the balance of the salary that you have earned.

I am a Teaching Assistant and tried to use the vision plan but was told by my optical provider that I am not covered. How is this so? You either are among the few TA’s who have never completed your Benefit Fund enrollment form or you have yet to complete the 3 month waiting period prior to becoming eligible to enroll in the plan.

Am I receiving payment for my Master’s degree in the paycheck line called “earned credits”? No, you are entitled to a separate Master’s degree stipend provided that you have sent a transcript to the personnel office that shows completion of the degree program.

The recent memo regarding Omni and the 403(b) program has me confused. Am I no longer able to have my TDA through Aetna and Citistreet? Omni is only a group that oversees TDA compliance issues. You can continue to fund your 403(b) through any insurance / investment firm as long as they are on the current list of providers that has entered into an agreement with the district. The Omni form that you received must be completed if you currently contribute to a TDA and wish to continue, increase, decrease or discontinue your current contribution.

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!

(Submitted by Peggy Fellows)

Your first paycheck of this school year should have contained updated information on how many days of sick and personal leave you have.

You should have received 3 personal days.  You may accumulate up to 5 days.  Any more and they go into your sick leave. You should have also received 14 sick days.

We did not have to give back any days to replenish the sick bank this year, BUT we are getting close.  If the number of days goes below 4,000 everyone will donate a sick day to the bank.  This is a legacy of older members who gave two days back for many years until a cap was won in negotiations. Younger members have not given as many days.

This is an excellent benefit for all of us.  If you have any questions on the sick bank please see a rep.

(Submitted by Lois Samsel-Cronk, Grievance Committee Chairperson)

We were able to settle a Stage 1b grievance very quickly.  This involved a teacher not receiving the correct amount of money for class coverage.  There was a misunderstanding with the definition of a class period.

Currently we are working on a grievance involving the late arrival of buses.  The late arrival is extending teacher’s contact time with students.

On Thursday October 5th approximately 24 new and returning reps gathered at the MTA office on Beattie Avenue for the first annual rep training by MTA.

The miniworkshop was presented by Executive Board members Peggy Fellows (secretary), Robin Geiger (vice-president) and Kris Hanington (Mechanicstown). Topics such as grievance procedure, the contract, and general rep information were covered. Each rep received a new binder to keep as long as they are reps. Included in the binder were the grievance procedures, important telephone numbers through out the district, the MTA constitution, general rep duties and a contract quiz. When the new contract is printed they will receive a copy of that also. Reps unable to attend will receive their binders at the next rep council meeting.

Refreshments and beverages were served and reps learned new information or just had their memories jogged. Thanks to Peggy, Robin and Kris for their hard work on this workshop.

Don’t miss out!!

The MTA Seventh Annual
Bus Trip to NYC

2007 Union Plus Scholarship

Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship has awarded more than $2 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their higher education. All AFT members (as well as their spouses and dependent children) are eligible to apply for scholarships, and can take advantage of the wide variety of AFT + benefits. (You are not required to have the AFT credit card to apply for the scholarship.)

The Union Plus scholarship awards are presented annually. The children of 10 AFT families were selected to receive the 2006 scholarship awards. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $3,000.

Applications for the 2007 Union Plus Scholarship program are now available. The deadline for the 2007 awards is January 31, 2007. To obtain more information about the scholarship and to download an application, click here.

The scholarship application is an Adobe Acrobat PDF file.