http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:27:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en “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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/27/264/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/27/question-corner-9/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/27/tenure-2008/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/27/a-visit-from-truman-moon/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/27/mta-scholarship-2008/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/22/apprs-and-a-special-thanks/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/22/mta-volunteers-at-the-2008-classic/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/22/pre-retirement-planning-seminars/ (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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/22/vote-cope-2008/ 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 ... http://www.middletownteachers.org/mta-online/2008/06/22/will-day-scheduled/