Sheila Esposito — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:25:26 +0000

“Real clout comes from being
empathetic, cooperative and communicative.”
From Greater Good by Dacher Keltner

At this time of year it is quite natural to look back over the past year and reflect upon its ups and downs. The interesting thing about the low points–the times of feeling stress and worry, experiencing the contentiousness of others, fielding implied accusations, and viewing maliciously written letters (anonymously sent)–all pale in comparison to the good that has been experienced this year.

We are ending the school year with no outstanding grievances; we had successful collaboration on the District’s PDP committee; we made significant progress with the implementation of the new APPR documents; we have a committee of teachers ready to re-vamp the elementary PALS testing this summer; we have many new teachers joining School Improvement Teams for next year; we have newly elected building representatives coming on board in the fall; and we have twelve members going to the NYSUT Summer Leadership Training.

Our MTA committees that run throughout the year had many new participants—a very good sign of strength and involvement for the future, and we are especially proud to have established what we hope will become a long-standing tradition of recognizing “MTA Members of the Year.”

The MTA has been vigilant in protecting the rights of its members (just one of many examples: “No, we don’t write our own job descriptions!”) and equally vigilant in revealing varied concerns occurring across the district (e.g., over-lapping testing schedules, plagiarism, health and safety issues and attendance policy interpretation).

I have been buoyed by the number of members who have taken the time to come in this year and talk about concerns and ask how to best solve a problem. I have been very grateful for the e-mails and comments from colleagues saying they appreciate the balance I use when directly expressing the truth but without a negative or confrontational tone. Recently, one comment was shared with me that perhaps meant the most. A colleague expressed thanks for the vision the MTA had when negotiating the last contract and although she didn’t see it at the time, she now realizes the benefits of what we did and why. That one conversation solidified for me the reason why the positives will always outweigh the negatives. The MTA is member-oriented. We are here to protect the rights of our members, not just in a given moment or circumstance, but also for the years ahead. It is extremely difficult to represent over 500 members; the reality is that not everyone will agree or sometimes understand why certain decisions have to be made. However, as president, it has always been my intent to act ethically, treat members fairly and with respect, be mindful of members’ best interests and act in accordance for the good of all. That is the path that I have taken for the past five years and will continue to follow as I complete my last term of office as your president.

The quote I selected for this month came from an article (on-line at Utne.com) entitled “The Power of Kindness and Emotional Intelligence.” Professor Dacher Keltner (UC Berkeley), the author of the article, through scientific research, challenges the Machiavellian viewpoint of power in favor of what he calls a “more socially intelligent model of power.” I urge you to make time this summer to read this short and very interesting article. Words I often find myself using such as “respect” and “camaraderie” are found in Dr. Keltner’s work, and on a personal level, it was encouraging to read that research is supporting the benefits of leaders utilizing a model of social intelligence.

As we wind down to the final days before leaving, I would like to wish all of our retirees many happy years ahead. May all of you treasure new paths and fond memories!

Enjoy the summer everyone—travel safely, have fun, relax and refresh!!!

Sheila

Question Corner

Gary Day — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:23:10 +0000

Am I required to complete the beneficiary card for the $10,000 Accidental Death Policy provided through the MTA Benefit Fund? No, you are not required to complete the beneficiary card but you should be aware that if your card was not completed and your family members need to make a claim, UNUM Provident will send the payment to your estate, not any individual family member.

I was unable to attend the most recent Will Day. Do I need to wait until the next Will Day? There is no need to wait until October 30th. You can get a Legal Security Package from the MTA Benefit Fund office. Just complete the form and submit it to the Legal Plan office. If you need help in completing the form just contact the Legal Fund office at 800-832-5182.

If I don’t use all of my personal days prior to the end of the year do I carry them over to next 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.

I am expecting my first child and am wondering how to apply for a Child Care Leave. Teachers who are considering a CCLV should first contact the MTA office and speak with Sheila Esposito. Each member has unique situations concerning personal health, date of delivery, time for return and the need for carrying health coverage for their family.

Tenure 2008

staff — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:14:10 +0000

Congratulations to the following colleagues who were granted tenure at the June 5th Board of Education meeting.

Chorley
Marie Frank
Anne Ketcham
Stacie Lanspery
Raquel Parker
Paul Saladino
Yolanda Wright

Maple Hill
MegAnn Baisley
Karen Conklin
Christopher Galloway
Laura Mullane
Julie Nolan

Mechanicstown
Erin Andersen

Middletown High School
Elisa Correa-Soto
Marie Deckinger
David DiBlanca
Linda Fiedler
Lindsay Hammer
Janet Langlitz
Mary Pellegriti
Daniel Pollock

Monhagen
Renee Alvarez
Ryan Carlozzi
Melissa Kane
Andrea Simmons-Murray

Truman Moon
Anne Longo

Twin Towers
Katherine Crawford
Sylvia Cruz
Lauren Cutler
Ruth Figueroa
Dena Johnson
Robbyn McCauley

A Visit from Truman Moon

staff — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:07:44 +0000

Ms. Yegidis and Mrs. Byrne’s first grade classes went to Southwinds Retirement Home in May to visit with the residents and entertain them with songs and poetry. The classes brought baked goods and the students made flowers to share with the residents. Each child formally introduced themselves to the senior citizens. Many parents joined us for this visit. The trip was very enjoyable for the students as well as the residents. Many thanks to Mid-City Transit Company for donating a bus for our use.

MTA Scholarship 2008

staff — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:58:19 +0000

On June 5, 2008 the MTA Scholarship Selection Committee met at the MTA office to select the scholarship recipients for 2008. The selection is based upon—GPA, sibling consideration, parental income, employment, high school and community activities, parental NYSUT and MTA membership and essays.

Recipient & Parent

Jillian Bergus - Sherrie Bergus (Mech)

Ann Reynolds - Catherine Reynolds (TM)

Ashley Witt - Patricia Witt (CH)

Joseph Petrossi - Arlene Petrossi (MHS)

Sean Hodgkiss - Stephanie Hodgkiss (MHS)

Amelia Fish - Anne Igoe (CH)

William Hluchan - Elizabeth Hluchan (MMS)

Rebecca Sgandurra - Gail Sgandurra (MH)

Thank you to the following MTA members who graciously volunteered to help with the selection process.

Andrea Baker (Mech)
Debi McGowen (TM)
Jimmy Moffett (TM)
Rhonda Perrett (MHS)
Lori Poveromo (MMS)
Jennifer Wentworth (MMS)
Pat Scali (TTMS)
Katherine Crawford (TTMS)
Denise Woolsey (TTMS)
Lorraine Pagliocca (CH)
Sally Huffman (CH)
Ruthann Galvin (MH)
Matt Wentworth (MH)

APPRs and a Special Thanks

staff — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:44:13 +0000

The committee would like all those who participated to know that we greatly appreciate your help as well as your comments and suggestions. Twenty-four members spread across all grade levels participated in alternatives this year. The alternatives included professional portfolios, technology-media portfolios and peer reviews.

Participants experienced many different things on their journey, many positive and also a few learning experiences. All these experiences are being reviewed and considered by the committee to continue to update and improve our APPR document.

For those who will be “on cycle” next school year, you may want to begin thinking about what you would like to embark on yourself. Good luck and enjoy your summer.

MTA Volunteers at the 2008 Classic

staff — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:37:25 +0000

A good time was had by all on Sunday, June 8th and the efforts of the MTA were recognized by many shouts of thanks as runners went by our West Main Street location.

Thank you to the following for staffing the MTA water table at this year’s Classic 10k:

JoAnne Aumann
Gina Churns
David and Shannon Craig
Katie Crawford
Gloria and Greg Cortez
Lynann and Gary Day
Sheila and Forty Esposito
Robin Geiger
Jean Parrella
LeighAnn Polenski
Lois Samsel-Cronk
Rochelle Weiler
Karen Yegidis

Pre-Retirement Planning Seminars

staff — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:28:54 +0000

NYSTRS Pre-Retirement Planning Seminars will be held throughout the state during the summer months. Seminars are scheduled in Middletown on August 6th and in Fishkill on August 7th as well as many other cities across the state.

The seminars are designed for members age 45 and older. To reserve a seat at the seminar just call TRS at 800-356-3128 ext 6180. When calling you will need to provide the following information: social security number or TRS membership number, date of birth, home address and home phone number.

Vote COPE 2008

staff — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:19:11 +0000

(Submitted by Janet Myruski-Vote/Cope Coordinator)
The Spring 2008 Vote-Cope drive has come to a successful end. This year many people have increased their payroll contributions. Many people contributed for the first time and many more of you have contributed consistently throughout the years.

Thanks to each and everyone one of you!

Special thanks go out to the chairperson in each building.
Their efforts are truly appreciated.

Chorley-Patty Witt
Truman Moon-Frank Lentino
Monhagen-Andrea Simmons-Murray
Twin Towers-Lois Samsel-Cronk
Mechanicstown-Kathi Decker
Maple Hill-Nancy Healy
High School-Wendy Bartocci

A very special thanks to Frank Lentino
who came very, very close to getting
100% participation at Truman Moon.

Let’s strive for 100% participation in all buildings in the coming years. Contributing to Vote-Cope allows NYSUT to work on our behalf for the issues which are important to education and to our profession.

Best wishes to our retirees!
Have a wonderful summer everyone!!

Will Day Scheduled

staff — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:17:23 +0000

Last month’s Will Day was one of the most successful ever. Fifty-two members and spouses or domestic partners had wills written or signed. To meet the demands of benefit fund participants, fund chairperson Becky Osczepinski recently announce that the next Will Day has been scheduled for Thursday, October 30th. Reservation forms for this next session will be distributed throughout the schools in mid-September.