April 27, 2009

PARKING
We STILL have a few members who consistently refuse to play by the rules. You may NOT keep the parking passes overnight, or for a few days for ANY reason. You may NOT use them at other schools that you may be assigned to. They are school-specific and you will be ticketed. They belong to the UFT staff of our school. We will now have to exclude those who refuse to play by the rules.

Several months ago I appealed the DOT’s rejection of my request for more parking permits, and requested that the signs on Suydam Street be changed to reflect our early start time. The good news is that they have finally changed the signs to 7 AM - 4 PM. As far as additional parking permits are concerned, I haven’t received word one way or another from the DOT.

PREFERENCE SHEETS
You have received a preference sheet for the 2009-2010 school year. List three grade choices in order of preference. The choice is strictly up to you. Special education teachers may choose the age range of special education classes and education program designation (e.g. staffing ratio, collaborative team teaching, SETSS, etc.) with the understanding that, where advisable and possible, such preferences will be honored. You must receive one of your choices. After two school years without your first choice, you must receive your first choice. Photocopy your preference sheet.

SBOs
We will consider whether to change the school schedule from the current seven-period day to an eight-period day. Mrs. Sharko will be in shortly to discuss this with the membership. We will discusss all of the SBO options at a chapter meeting in the near future.

SWINE FLU
For staff and students, here are the best ways to avoid getting or spreading swine influenza:

• Encourage all people to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

TERMINATIONS/VALID STATE CERTIFICATE
If you received a letter stating that you will be terminated because you do not have a valid state certificate, call Ann Rosen at the Brooklyn UFT office IMMEDIATELY at (718) 852-4900. Otherwise, you will not be on this fall’s organization sheet in any way, shape or form.

Summer Positions
Summer applications are due on May 13. Print out everything. Don’t forget to claim retention rights if you are eligible. Be sure to give your correct email address, as you will not get a position if it is mistyped. That is because they can not contact you.

https://www.nycenet.edu/summerjobs/

OPEN MARKET TRANSFERS
If you want to switch schools, the Open Market Transfer Plan period has begun. ANY pedagogue may transfer to another DOE school without the principal’s release through August 7. After that, you may only transfer if she releases you. For more information, visit:

http://www.uft.org/news/teacher/qa/open_mkt_plan/

To apply, go to:

https://www.nycenet.edu/offices/dhr/transferplane/

MENTOR PROGRAM
If you are being mentored, you will be or already have received a mentoring verification letter. If not, let me know.

EXCESSING LIST
I will soon post a copy of the excessing list in room 251. I need time to white out your file numbers to ensure privacy. The Paraprofessional seniority list has been corrected.

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Contract negotiations have not started yet. However, it was the hot topic of discussion at the last Delegate Assembly. Chapter leaders and delegates from all over the city gave our union president an earful. Many of us strongly expressed our wishes to regain grievance rights, gain back the two days before Labor Day, not have any more extended time, have relief from paperwork, TC, AUSSIE, etc. Also demanded was the right to teach lessons using the methodology WE choose, rather than being forced to do the “Workshop Model,” or any other dictated format.

SPRING CLEANING
Remember to make an appointment to check your file. You may remove negative material more than three years old.