Schalmont Teachers’ Association Union Newsletter

June 2012

HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET?

“Control your own destiny or someone else will.” ~Jack Welch

Common Core APPR SLOs

Assessments Observations

Learning Objectives Evidence

HEDI Criteria TIP

Teachscape

2

Send news, ideas, comments, questions or suggestions to:

Sarah Mattice, STATIC Editor

1 Sabre Drive, Schenectady, NY 12306

(518) 355-6110 X3546

mattice.sarah@gmail.com

STA PRESIDENT Mary Beth Flatley

Middle School

mflatley@nycap.rr.com

Chris Bailey 2nd Vice President

High School

Peter Rings Treasurer

Middle School prings@nycap.rr.com

Alisha Couse 1st Vice President

Jefferson alisha@nycap.rr.com

Carol Carelli STA Secretary Middle School

ccarelli@nycap.rr.com

Be sure to visit the STA website for helpful information and updates:

www.schalmontta.org

Executive Board

The STATIC is the official publication of

the Schalmont Teachers’ Association and is

published during the school year.

The STA is affiliated with the New York

State United Teachers and the American

Federation of Teachers.

NEXT STATIC SUBMISSION

DEADLINE

IS

Wednesday,

September 26, 2012

High School

Adam Dolan

Sarah Mattice

Kevin Meachem

Kathryn Sargent

Jefferson

Kathy Cathell

Amy Glick

Sue Hennessy

Kim Knapkik

Middle School

Bob Anderson

Mike Libertucci

Laurie Macken

Karen Passino

NYSUT Delegates

Alisha Couse

Mary Beth Flatley

Mike Libertucci

(Alternate)

Building Representatives

3

President’s Report

Bernice Johnson Reagon, once an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement said,

“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they’re supposed to help you discover who

you are.” This year our union and community endured hardship that ultimately illustrated our

true character.

In the face of adversity and hardship, we helped our own STA members, students and

community. We collaborated with the community after the aftermath and destruction from

Hurricane Irene and Lee and distributed over $10,000 in donations for flood victims and their

families. Our negotiating team worked tirelessly to settle a 900+ day expired contract that

provided our teachers with fair and equitable wages. Teachers stood up for what they

believed, but still remained cognizant and sensitive to the economic crisis. Teachers

collaborated, researched, and implemented a new APPR process, and facilitated building

discussions about the new mandates for next September. We restructured our classroom

instruction and curriculum to meet the new 21st century Common Core Learning Standards and

APPR process and we continued to persevere despite state and federal budget cuts. Easily,

challenges like these can paralyze us. We, however, confronted these challenges with a

professional and thoughtful work ethic, which captures our membership’s strength and

character.

Our continuous efforts and our ability to professionally collaborate in the spirit and

optimism of solidarity have not been unrecognized. This year NYSUT awarded the STA with

five journalism awards for excellence on our website and in our STATIC issues. We also

received the Albert Shanker Award, recognizing our membership’s contributions to

VOTE-COPE, NYSUT's non-partisan political action fund that coordinates the voluntary

contributions of members and supports NYSUT-endorsed candidates and campaign

committees that are pro-public education and pro-labor. Many STA members even attended

and participated in rallies around the state regarding budget cuts and mandates to our

schools. Miraculously, these endeavors all occurred while we continued to provide students

with dedicated classroom instruction.

Schalmont teachers continue to rise to the occasion, both personally and professionally.

Change and adversity can paralyze us or make us a stronger more united group of people. I am

confident in our ability to continue to endure any future obstacles we face as public

educators.

May you and your families enjoy a well-deserved summer! In solidarity, Mary Beth

Mary Beth’s Message

4

The APPR Committee continues to work diligently to bring our

plan to completion before the July 1 deadline. As a committee

we have looked at the issues from multiple perspectives, asked

hard questions and worked to develop a plan that meets the

needs of students and teachers while also meeting the letter of

the law. We have accomplished our work while remaining

philosophically united on what our APPR Plan should represent.

The processes we have negotiated so far reflect our beliefs

that teachers need to be in control of their own destiny as

much as possible wherever possible in the APPR regulations.

We also believe teachers need to have input regarding the

assessments used to measure their effectiveness. As such we have negotiated the use of

district-developed assessments for much of the 20% growth and 20% locally selected

measures. We do realize developing district assessments involves a greater commitment of

time from teachers and a greater financial commitment from the District but we know that

you, as teams of teachers, are the individuals best able to create these assessments.

On the May 29 Staff Development Day, we shared the negotiated processes related to the

60% multiple measures section, the components for the 20% growth section and the 20%

locally selected measures section. We shared this information with you pending SED approval

because the team was adamant that teachers have a working understanding of the components

before the end of the year. Time is a precious commodity in the frenzied pace of the APPR

implementation set by the State and we wanted to give teachers as much time possible to

understand the components, reflect and prepare before the plan goes into effect.

If you were unable to attend the May 29 Staff Development Day, please let me know so

that I can get copies of the materials to you. Please remember that any member of the APPR

Committee is also a resource to you. Committee members are:

Jefferson – Alisha Couse and Jason Thompson

Middle School – Nadine Toma and Matt Morgan

High School – Becky Remis and Jackie Gordon

Mary Beth Flatley can also answer questions as STA President and Valerie Kelsey can

answer questions as Superintendent.

Also, remember to check the STI Website for answers to the many SLO questions

teachers raised during their work sessions. We are working to get the answers you need.

Where are we at with APPR?

By: Alisha Couse, 1st Vice President

5

This past school year has been one of great turmoil and anxiety

for educators across our state. We have seen changes forced

upon us, great cuts to our schools, and attacks on our pension and

retirement systems. Teachers have been vilified, and made the

scapegoats for an economic crisis that was created by greedy

Wall Street bankers and hedge fund managers.

However, in the face of all of these gray clouds, a silver lining does

exist. It is our union—national, statewide, and local—that has helped forge a direction that is

determined not by government and the wealthy, but by collective bargaining, and the rights of

the working class. When Governor Cuomo unilaterally tried to install a system where 40% of

teachers’ evaluations were based on standardized test scores, our union immediately filed an

appeal, and won. The resolve of our collective union has been seen in the fight for 80% local

control in the new teacher evaluation system. This is something that is unprecedented in states

that received federal Race to the Top funding.

We have also seen Governor Cuomo try to strip the benefits of future public employees

through a tier 6 pension plan. The plan originally contained a privatized 401K piece that would

put the retirement of all new hires in the hands of the same Wall Street bankers who allowed

the market to collapse in the first place. Our union stood up for workers’ rights, and the rights

of the middle class, and urged our representatives to remove this part of the bill. We were

heard, and much to Governor Cuomo’s chagrin, the 401K piece was not included in the final bill.

Finally, Governor Cuomo’s original budget included $250,000,000 for competitive grants.

Instead of creating an environment in our state where educators worked together for the

betterment of our students, Governor Cuomo tried to divide our schools and make them

compete against each other. For some districts, this money was a determining factor in

whether or not they could stay afloat. Through our work as a union, we convinced our represen-

tatives to put this money into schools, not as a competition, but as aid that they are entitled to

acquire.

Currently, there are several issues that affect all of us that are still unresolved. Gover-

nor Cuomo believes that a parent’s right to know is more important than a teacher’s right to

privacy. He is pushing an agenda that will allow newspapers to print the results of teacher

evaluations. This happened in New York City, and was disastrous. The practice pitted teachers

against each other, and created an extreme amount of tension between professionals. All

teachers know that collaboration is the key to success in the classroom. This practice would

eliminate the likelihood of that happening.

Our faxes, emails, letters, and lobbying help persuade our representatives to support

our positions. Our union works tirelessly to continuously ensure the rights of its members.

This task is OUR task. We must stay informed, we must stay vigilant, and we must stay united.

Although strong, the voice of one person is not as powerful as the voice of 600,000.

Political Action Report By: Mike Libertucci,

STA Political Action Co-Chair

6

STA Awards Scholarships for Graduating Seniors

The Class of 2011-12

The Schalmont Teachers’ Association annually awards three $1000 scholarships to students in

the graduating class. The Class of 2012’s recipients are: Shannon Curtis, Tyler Emigh, and

Corinne Skala.

Shannon Curtis received the STA scholarship awarded to a student who

will be pursuing an education leading to a teaching certificate. Shannon

has been a member of the Marching Band and GSA (President in Grade 12)

for 4 years, was on the School Beautification Committee, and participated

in Writer’s Boot Camp and the Travel Writing Workshop. In addition, she

is active in Archery. Shannon was the winner of the “America Through My

Eyes” Art contest at the Schenectady Library and was also a winner in the

Library of Congress Poetry Contest.

Tyler Emigh received the STA scholarship for outstanding students who

exemplify good citizenship. Tyler’s strengths are in his community

experiences. He has volunteered at the Rotterdam Elks Haunted House

for autism, worked at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Festa, served meals at

the Schenectady City Mission and also volunteers at the Rotterdam Chal-

lenger Baseball League. In addition, he has been on the Varsity Cross

Country team for 4 years (Captain in Grade 12) and is active in the History

Movie Club, Masterminds, and River Watch. His essay was a very moving

piece about the relationship he has with his disabled brother. Tyler described the impact his

brother had on his own life, how he has learned the meaning of the word “courage” and how

one can accomplish more things than ever thought possible. Tyler will be attending Western

New England University as a student in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program.

Corinne Skala received the STA Memorial Scholarship honoring those

Schalmont teachers who have died in service. Corinne has been a member

of both the Varsity Cross Country Team (Captain in Grade 12) and Key Club

for 4 years, International Club, and she participated in Track and Field.

She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Honor

Society, the Art Honor Society and has taken numerous advanced and

college courses. Corinne will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

in September.

Congratulations!

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STA Awards for Middle School Students

The Moving-Up Ceremony 2011-12

STA awarded $100 to the middle school “Students of the Year.” Teachers also awarded

$50 for the “Geraldine Corrigan Award.”

India Donofrio and Shaheed Hasan were selected Students of the Year by middle school

faculty. This recognition is given to a middle school student who is considered outstanding in

the following areas: academic performance, attitude, cooperation, attendance, participation,

service to the school and conduct.

Marisa Cioffi was awarded the “Geraldine Corrigan Award” and this award is given on behalf

of Miss Corrigan who was a Middle School music teacher. The award is presented to the

student who exemplifies the qualities that Miss Corrigan demanded of her students:

cooperation, willingness to help others, service to the school, and an overall good attitude

toward education.

The Paula Selkis Math Award was presented to Megan Hyde and Kera Hamilton in memory

of Mrs. Selkis, who was a long-time math teacher in the middle school before her death. The

award is given to the student who possesses the qualities of positive attitude, enthusiasm,

honesty and responsibility – characteristics that Mrs. Selkis valued in her students. Both

students received $100.

The James E. Scott Award was presented to Olivia Mallozzi, in honor of Mr. Scott who is a

retired guidance counselor in the district. The award was given to the student who

demonstrates qualities that Mr. Scott values in his own life: excellent attendance, willingness

to help those in need, showing kindness to all, and good moral and ethical values. This student

is always willing to reach out to those in need and who may need a friend and is generally an all

-around “good kid.”

Congratulations!

8

9

The Schalmont Teachers’ Association (STA)

has been honored by its statewide affiliate, New

York State United Teachers, for outstanding

work in labor journalism.

The local won two first place awards for best

editorial design and best publication and three

awards of merit for solidarity, best opinion writ-

ing, and best website in NYSUT’s annual journal-

ism competition. In all, NYSUT recognized more

than 50 local unions and retiree groups with

awards in 15 categories in print and electronic

communications. In total, 142 awards were given

this year.

Carol Carelli, Webmaster and Sarah Mattice,

Editor of the STATIC collaborated in order to earn STA these awards. The newsletters and

website serve as a forum to celebrate the many positive activities and practices of the dis-

trict’s teachers, while also highlighting local, state and federal concerns about education. The

200-member union is led by President Mary Beth Flatley. All of the district’s newsletters and

the website earning these five awards can be viewed at www.schalmontta.org.

The awards were presented during an all-day con-

ference held at NYSUT’s Albany headquarters on

Saturday, June 9. In addition to the awards presenta-

tion and luncheon, the labor journalists — most of

them volunteers — took part in a number of workshops

applicable to their communications work. Topics

included newsletter production, photography, website

management and more.

Participants also heard from NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, who reminded them that

they are in a unique position to set the record straight about public education: “You’re not only

teachers and school-related professionals and higher ed faculty and caregivers; you are also

writers, editors, photographers, bloggers and webmasters who can tell your story – tell our

story – so that the public and the policymakers in your communities understand the struggles

that we overcome and the good work we do.”

Citing recent reports and rankings that show New York’s schools excelling, Neira concluded:

“Because of what you and your colleagues back home do day in and day out, New York’s

students and their schools are a success story you can tell, and tell proudly.”

STA wins NYSUT Journalism Awards By: Mary Beth Flatley, STA President

Carol Carelli (L), STA Webmaster, and

Sarah Mattice (R), STATIC Editor, earned

five awards from NYSUT for outstanding

labor journalism.

10

HUMOR HELPS happy people

are more productive

people

Question on second-grade math quiz:

"Tony drank 1/6 of a glass of juice. Emily

drank 1/4 of a glass of juice. Emily drank

more. Explain." My grandson’s answer:

"She was more thirsty."

*****

When my summer teaching post in the

Czech Republic came to an end, I told my

students my next teaching destination

would be in Australia, "the land down un-

der." On my final day, they presented me

with a card. The carefully worded note

read "Good luck, and happy journey to the

underworld."

*****

At a planning meeting at my college, I con-

gratulated a colleague on producing some

superb student-guidance notes explaining

how to combat plagiarism.

"How long did it take you to write them?"

I asked.

"Not long," he said. "I copied them from

another university’s website."

*****

There was a typo on a test I was taking.

Instead of "(D) none of the above," it said

"(D) one of the above." So I circled it.

As we all begin to revise our curriculum in order to implement the new Common Core State Standards, it may be helpful to direct your attention to the following link. Our Schalmont Teachers’ Institute webpage provides us with the actual common core stan-dards, resources for implementing the new stan-dards, and answers to our questions that we have about the entire APPR process.

CLICK ON IT! TEACHER TECH TOOLS

http://mail.sabrenet.net/

~schalmont%20institute/

From http://www.rd.com/laughs/easy-math-joke/

“A laugh is a

smile that bursts.” ~Mary H. Waldrip

11

STA member, Sue Hennessy, along

with two members of Christ Church

Capital District and 15 other locals

from Albany returned to Guatemala to

finish and continue their long-term

project. Volunteering their time and

efforts, these individuals install stoves

and water filtration systems for

impoverished families in the village of

Cruz Blanca.

Sue chronicles her experience:

“Our team of nine men and women arrived on a Sunday and enjoyed getting to know one another over dinner in a restaurant in Antigua. Our host team

joined us there and the overall plan for the week was reviewed. Our goal was to install 70 stoves and water filtration systems. In addition, we hoped to broaden our base of connections with the families that send their children to the Vision Trust after school programs. Each day began with a one-hour bus ride out to the rural village of Cruz Blanc where we loaded our wheelbarrows with the necessary parts to complete the jobs. Our interpreters connected with the families while we assembled the stoves and water systems. Each team of three to four people was able to finish five to six units a day. All went well and by the end of the week, we installed 67 stoves and water filtration units. That brings the total number of stoves in the village to about 225 with 75 more to accomplish for our long-term goal of 300. In addition, several storage units for the school were constructed and finished, previous stove units were inspected and cleaned, and teachers were observed and assisted with their techniques.” Hennessy added that there were no injuries or sickness during the project and tasks and

that everyone worked together in order to touch the lives of those in need. Due to these

individuals’ selfless efforts, 67 families in Guatemala are leading healthier and more productive

lives as a result of this service project.

STA member volunteers in Guatemala

STA member, Sue Hennessy (middle) explains the water filtration

system to a family through an interpreter in Guatemala. Hennessy,

through a several-year volunteer effort plans to install 300 stoves and

water filtration systems in the village of Cruz Blanca.

(Left): Volunteers install a stove and ex-

plain its usage to a local mother.

(Right): Hennessy works with local vil-

lage children building bookcases for their

classrooms.

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to

others will be the beginning of a happier

life for ourselves.” ~Helen Keller

12

~Engagements~

STA CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations to Ben Beliveau (middle school) and Brittney Bald-

win on their recent engagement. Ben is a MS Technology teacher and

Brittney works for Child Protective Services in Hudson.

Congratulations to Kim and Mark Woodrow (Middle School)

who welcomed their son, Gabriel Tyler into this world on

Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Gabriel weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and

was 18.5 inches long.

Congratulations to Natalie Casalinuovo (high school math) and her

husband, Matthew on the birth of their daughter, Brynn Madison on

March 8, 2012. Brynn weighed 6lbs. 12 oz. and joins her bigger sister,

Mia who is five.

Congratulations to the following teachers who recently earned tenure:

Chase Campbell (HS TA) Stephanie Carter (HS Social Work)

Justin Godlewski ( MS Band )

~Births~

~Announcements~

Congratulations to Greg Loiacono (Guidance) on his recent engage-

ment to Meeka Margreno. A March 2013 wedding is planned.

13

KOOKY CARTOON

Cartoon obtained from: http://www.kulfoto.com/funny-pictures/22594/our-education-system.

A Message from the STI Policy Board

We are pleased to announce funding for the teacher

center which will allow us to continue operations as

the Schalmont Teachers' Institute. While the fund-

ing amount was reduced to $20,000, we understand

that educators will need support as we implement new

teacher evaluations and continue our work with the Common Core

Learning Standards. With reduced funding will come reduced services

and we have had to make some changes. We will no longer have a

Technology Program Specialist, but rather a Technology Manager who

will primarily oversee the loaner pool. This job will be posted in

September with a stipend of $1,200 and a start date of October 1st

through June 30th, 2013. If you have questions related to this posting

please direct them to Co-Chairs Joby Gifford or Eileen Scheffer. Have a great summer!

See you in September!