LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

J U N E

2 0 1 7

Schalmont Teachers' Association’s Tabloid for Informative Communication

~Original photography by Sarah Mattice

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

The STATIC is the official publication of the Schalmont Teachers’ Association and is published during the school year.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jefferson Elementary: Kathy Cathell, Amy Glick, Kim Knapik, Jessica Zupan Middle School: Krista Bondi, Kirsten VanDyk, Carol Walker, Tiffany Wood High School: Jason Beck, Kevin Curtin, Michael Libertucci, Karen Ryder

Political Action Coordinator/VOTE COPE………………………….Michael Libertucci Webmaster………………………………………………………………………...……Sarah Mattice STATIC Newsletter Editor………………………………..….………….Sarah Mattice

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...2

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

“Can we take on tasks or meet outside of the day without always seeking

compensation?” -Dr. Carol Pallas Schalmont Superintendent Carol’s Corner, Budget Edition Letter to Teachers & Staff May 2017

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...3

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Mary Beth’s Message President’s Report

~Original photography by Sarah Mattice

Unions make a difference. Too often in today’s media, “union” has become a bad word. Public school unions are under fierce attack by opponents. What are these opponents fighting? Is it the union’s ability to organize and work together as a collective group? Is it that dedicated professionals are working together to improve education and working conditions, which holds those in power to certain standards? Is it that teachers in the union demand excellence and competence from administrators? Is it that unions require fair treatment for employees over nepotism? Or, maybe is it that unions earn a bad reputation because they demand a responsible compensation for important professional work?

Regardless of what the fight is for, unions are not a public enemy. The members of unions work tirelessly to provide for the public. Teachers in unions work tirelessly to provide for their students. People should not be angry at the fact that some employees are part of a union; they should be angry that they do not have the opportunity to be part of a union. They should not blame poor fiscal management on union worker salaries and benefits. All workers have benefited from the work of unions and they all will continue to do so unless the attack against labor is successful. Our union battle for preserving our contract and its language must always continue. At the local level, we need to advocate for our members and our contract. Since 1967, we have had the right to collectively bargain, to advocate for our working conditions, and to educate students as we have been trained. This happened because members before us stood strong against poor working conditions and board members telling teachers what and how to teach. Nationally and in our own state, a change is occurring to take us back to the place where teachers were treated as second-class citizens. Our jobs, our working conditions, our benefits and our pensions are all in jeopardy. Do you want this to happen to you? Each one of us is important and we must stand TOGETHER to advocate for all. We must remain strong, especially during contract negotiations. We will begin our contract negotiations again and as we work to do so, I cannot stress the importance of vigilance and unity. We must consider the short-term and long-term ramifications when people try to change and attack what we are entitled to, rightfully and legally. I know the depth of our talent and the collective wisdom and dedication our members possess. The hard work of our past crisis committees, negotiation teams, and membership shows our solidarity and will continue to demonstrate how strong we are when we stand together. As you look through this issue, please take the time to remember how through the years, despite obstacles and hardship, the STA has professionally collaborated in the spirit of optimism and solidarity. 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. We are teachers; teachers are always a wise investment. May you have a wonderful summer!

In solidarity,

Mary Beth

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...4

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Final Reflections after Seven Years as STATIC Editor-in-Chief By: Sarah Mattice Dear STA Members, There is a feeling of accomplishment about making it to the end of the school year. Of course, as educators, we know that we really don’t have the “summers off” as others think we do. A vast majority of us pick up summer jobs for extra income, teach summer school, tutor, attend professional development activities, and revise our curriculum for the following academic year. Regardless of what any outside source suggests, those of us in our field have a silent understanding as to what our job entails. Our STA members possess a steadfast passion, dedication, and pride for the teaching profession. We go above and beyond honing our lessons, improving our craft, and working to meet our students’ needs. Most of the extra work occurs outside of our classroom contractual hours—time spent that in any other profession would become billable hours. For the last seven years as the STATIC Editor-in-Chief I have chronicled the passion, commitment, and extra time and effort all of you have contributed to our school and community. In my interviews and conversations with you, I have been both inspired and compelled to share all you do regularly. Thank you for allowing me to get to know you as teachers and people. I have genuinely worked hard to ensure that our STATIC issues illustrate your amazing accomplishments. As you look through this issue, I want you to notice the many contributions you have made as educators. I am in awe at how many of them prove just how much time we all spend outside of our contractual hours working to make our school and community great. I am humbled by the selfless acts of dedication we all silently embody without demanding any extra compensation or recognition. Your dedication and contributions to our students, school and community are what makes me most proud to be a teacher and a member of the STA. We have been bombarded with toxic propaganda and attacks about our teaching profession for years; the negativity easily eats away at our spirits like a cancerous growth. However, with your help and contributions, the STATIC serves as a forum to celebrate the many positive activities and teaching practices in which our colleagues throughout our district are engaged. The issues have

highlighted our members’ numerous strengths

and achievements, while also providing union-related news. Let us continue to have our voices heard so that we are valued, appreciated, and respected. Even if those outside of our union are unable to notice what we do, isn’t there some value left it supporting and acknowledging the successes of each other? Let us continue to strive to share the diverse activities we do in our classrooms on a regular basis in order to encourage each other and to remind ourselves why it is that we chose teaching as our profession. I hope that you will continue to submit editorials, classroom news, achievements, and any other pertinent information regarding our profession to the STATIC so that our future issues may remain strong. Tracy Pontin will become the new STATIC Editor-in-Chief starting in September as I take a break to focus more on professional development in my classroom and quality time with my own children. Tracy’s attention to detail, her work ethic, her professionalism and her experience in journalism and writing make her a perfect candidate. This is your arena and your opportunity to have your voice heard. What you would like to see appear in the STATIC, we will print. Please be sure to send Tracy your ideas, stories, and editorials. I know I will be doing that too! It has been a pleasure working with so many of you.

In solidarity,

Sarah STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...5

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

STA Members Earn Awards for Excellence in NYSUT Journalism The Schalmont Teachers’ Association has been honored by its statewide affiliate, New York State United Teachers, for outstanding work in labor journalism. Sponsored by NYSUT United, the NYSUT Communications Awards recognize outstanding NYSUT local union and chapter publications, websites and social media. Congratulations to the 2017 winners!

BEST ARTICLE ABOUT A LOCAL OR CHAPTER ISSUE FIRST PLACE: “Mary Beth’s Message” by Mary Beth Flatley

BEST ARTICLE ABOUT SOLIDARITY FIRST PLACE: “Throwback Thursday” by Carol Carelli AWARD OF DISTINCTION: “Throwback Thursday” by Rick Pepe

CREATIVITY & UNIQUE PERFORMANCE FIRST PLACE: “The Haggard Bunch” by Jefferson Elementary Teachers

GENERAL EXCELLENCE OVERALL FOR QUALITY WRITING, GRAPHIC DESIGN & EXECUTION FIRST PLACE: STATIC, Summer 2016 Issue by Sarah Mattice

THE STATIC HAS EARNED 30 NYSUT COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS!

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...6

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2010 “Take a Look; It’s In a Nook”: 21st Century Learning Sparks Student Excitement Behind every great classroom task or project is a visionary, a teacher who strives for excellence, who introspectively examines what he/she does on a regular basis in order to foster a hands-on curriculum where students can grow, think, and feel inspired. We often hear about implementing 21st century methodologies into our classroom practice, but for many of us, such tasks seem overwhelming, or even unfamiliar. Embracing technology students crave takes initiative, effort and time to ignite a classroom of excitement and innovation. Last spring, high school teachers proposed new 21 st century courses. Social studies teacher, Adam Dolan, like many of his colleagues, embraced the opportunity. Current Affairs in the 21st Century is a new course that has sparked student interest and excitement. Dolan applied for and received an IDEA grant, enabling him to purchase 25 Nooks and e-Readers for his students’ use. “Learning needs to be accessible for students today,” Dolan said. “In order to understand society and culture, students need modern tools to make things come alive.” Dolan spent hours researching, designing, planning, and implementing a year-long syllabus focusing on ten relevant, monthly units. Students completed a unit on September 11th and the War on Terrorism. Most recently, students engaged in a unit on the social impact of Facebook. They read Kirkpatrick’s The Facebook Effect on their e-Readers and attended the film, The Social Network. Other units include: American Exceptionalism: What Makes America Great?; The Decline of American Culture and Values; and an ideological evaluation of the history of family television from Leave it to Beaver to Jersey Shore. Students contemplate Where have we come from and we are we going? Second semester, Dolan plans to discuss the impact of news and broadcasting on the audience with scheduled visits to WRGB and NBC Studios. Other units include: Global Warming, Oil and the BP Oil Spill, and United States Illegal Immigration and the Arizona Immigration Bill.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...7

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2010

Pinwheels for Peace: Art Teacher Raises International Awareness As teachers we often look for methods to generate awareness, social acceptance and tolerance in our classrooms. Teachers, however, often have to go above and beyond to make such powerful issues possible for students to reflect upon. Geralyn Zink, high school art teacher, strives to implement projects into her classroom that enable students to make a statement through their artwork. She began a small national project last year along with elementary art teachers, Bobbi Albrecht and Krista Gillis. Together these STA members collaborated, organized and encouraged their students to participate in the “Fundred” Dollar project, which involved raising awareness about soil contamination conditions in New Orleans. Students completed their own designs of one-hundred dollar bills. This was a national project, but this year Zink decided to reach beyond her previous year’s goal with an international project—“Pinwheels for Peace.” Originally the project was created by two art teachers, Ann Myers and Ellen McMillan, who teach at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Florida. “Pinwheels for Peace” allows students a creative and artistic outlet to express their feelings and thoughts about peace, tolerance, war, cooperation, and harmony. Metaphorically, as the wind blows the pinwheels, students are also spreading their thoughts and words to reach others. On September 21st, the International Day of Peace, known as World Peace Day, Zink’s students proudly displayed their complex, colorful, and insightful pinwheels around the high school lawn. Students and community members drove up to the school to see a plethora of pinwheels lightly blowing in the breeze. Throughout the day, students, teachers, administrators, and parents stopped to appreciate and read the pinwheels. “I want students to know they can make a statement or raise awareness through their art,” Zink says.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...8

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2011

STA UNITES FOR HOPE

Many of our own members have battled breast cancer—several even losing their battle after long, courageous fighting. It is both powerful and uplifting when a group of teachers gather together to show support and strength in numbers. Such is the case each year when the crisp fall air calls our names to gather our pink shirts, raise money, and celebrate life, hope, and strength. This year many STA members joined together again to walk for a cure. Some walk in honor of those currently battling cancer; others walk in memory of family and friends who lost their battle. And then, there are those who walk to support and honor the cause in general. Over thirty STA members participated in the 2011 "Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk" in October, an event very close to many members’ hearts. STA collected over $2500 for the cause, which is organized and coordinated each year by Lorinda Gandrow and Melissa West.

“Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without

the words and never stops... at all.” ~Emily Dickinson

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...9

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2010-17

Since 2010, STA has raised almost

$20,000 for

Breast Cancer Research

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...10

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2010

Our Kindergarten Holiday Project By: Erika Minehardt-Quick, Woestina Elementary During this holiday season, I feel so blessed to be working with our young Schalmont children. Their smiling faces bring joy to my heart each and every day! In our classroom we often talk about helping each other and being kind to one another. I strive to implement a strong Character Education program into my curriculum. This year, we voted as a class and decided that instead of doing a “grab bag” or book exchange for the holidays, we would like to help other children, especially those who are not as healthy or happy as we are in our own room. A children’s charity that is near and dear to my heart is the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. In 2009, my daughter, Emily, was diagnosed with Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis—a rare disease involving clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells, abnormal cells deriving from bone marrow capable of migrating from skin to lymph nodes. Emily underwent chemotherapy treatments for more than a year, and still visits the hospital monthly for port maintenance, exams and blood work.

For any person who has endured watching a loved one suffer, we recognize how imperative it is to receive help from others. The care and concern that the nurses, social workers, child life specialists and doctors provide to the ill children and their families is absolutely amazing. I have spoken to one of the Child Life Specialists, and she told me they are always in need of new, unused medium-sized teddy bears, new board games, craft supplies, (especially fabric markers and small plain white pillows that they can decorate), etc. Trust me, I know first-hand how important it is to keep the children busy with crafts as they lay helpless in a hospital bed. It keeps their minds occupied, and there is a very therapeutic component to creating something they can be proud of—something to show off to their doctors and nurses. It doesn’t matter what our personal beliefs are or our political preferences. What does matter, especially at this time of year, is that we teach our children and students what it means to possess compassion for others. On the inside, we are all the same in many ways. We have feelings; we hurt. We all want to make this world a better place. It would mean the world to these sick children knowing that other children—children that don’t

even know them—care so much about them and want them to get home to their families and to heal as they continue to undergo various treatment plans. Unfortunately, going home to their families doesn’t happen for many of these beautiful children. The gift of giving is always a great way to teach our students an important component of life, and it is sometimes the smallest act of kindness that can make the largest difference in others’ lives.

“Unless someone like yoU cares a whole awfUl lot, nothing is going to get better. it’s not.”

-Dr. Seuss

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...11

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

VOTE-COPE: Why Should I Contribute?

2010

VOTE-COPE is an acronym representing

SUPPORT VOTE COPE

the Voice Of Teachers in Education, the Committee On Political Education which is the non-partisan political action arm of New York State United Teachers. Funded entirely by voluntary contributions from members, VOTE-COPE is used to help elect unionbacked candidates and campaign committees that support education and labor. VOTECOPE helps strengthen political action programs on all levels―national, state and local. Both Democrats and Republicans have

DON’T

been endorsed in the state legislature and in Congress. NYSUT's membership represents a

BE

wide spectrum of political views and to only

THE

liberal or more conservative view would be

WEAK LINK!

endorse candidates representing a more

divisive and counterproductive. You may be asking, “Why should I contribute to VOTE-COPE?” I contribute because my profession is under attack by the private sector, the legislators who are

determining policy for the profession, the general public who feels that we “have it made” and are determined to change our pension system, our health benefits, our contracts, and current laws protecting us (tenure, Taylor Law, Triborough Act). I contribute because I am worried that those entering the profession are entering the field whose future is controlled by politicians and big businesses, who

forget about the children whose lives we impact regularly. Those of us who have been around for awhile have seen the changes in education, both positively and negatively. While many of the changes are good (better technology in schools, more services to special education students, pre-school education, etc.), I am seeing a trend that trained teachers and administrators are being coerced to succumb to public opinion and move their schools in a direction that is not productive or conducive to what we were hired to do…that is, teach. For example, too much emphasis is placed on testing, with one-shot scores determining the fate of not only students and their progress in school, but also determining the fate of the teachers and administrators. (continued on next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...12

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND Our profession is fortunate to have lobbyists who are paid to represent our best interests of the

children and families that we teach every day. We are not a “special interest group”. We are teachers, many of whom live in the communities in which we work. We pay our taxes, we spend our money in our communities, and we work hard to give our families good educations, inside and outside of the school walls. Your VOTE-COPE contribution helps us elect legislators and local leaders who support education. As a profession, we have much more clout when we have the strength of many people working on our behalf. We encourage STA members to donate $3.00 per paycheck or $1.50 per week to VOTE-COPE. Some donate more ($10.00/paycheck or $5.00 per week); many donate less ($1.00/paycheck…50¢ per

week). This year, my goal is to ask members to increase their donation to support our cause. If you are donating $1.00/paycheck, consider raising it to $3.00/paycheck. Increasing the donation by $1.00 a week would only mean getting a medium Starbuck’s coffee one day per week instead of a large. It would mean getting a cheeseburger at McDonald’s instead of a Big Mac once a week. Besides, you would also get a great STA sweatshirt for contributing $3.00 per paycheck! If you are already donating $3.00 per paycheck, consider increasing your contribution to $5.00. That is also only a $1.00 per week increase. All of us can find an extra $1.00 within our budget to support the teaching profession. It is the price of one pack of gum, or a candy bar, or a small soda. For those who do not already contribute to VOTE-COPE, this is the time to join your colleagues!

Our state and federal legislators, including the new governor and Congress are preparing to make major changes in our benefits, our tenure system and our pensions. Do not be fooled into thinking it will not happen to you or someone you know. Tier 5 is already a reality and Tier 6 may be right down the pike. A NYS Constitutional Convention, if convened, will give the state the power to change existing benefits, no matter what tier you are on! This is the reality. We need to stand together to fight for decent salaries and benefits, which every American deserves. We must ensure that teaching remains a profession, which puts the needs of our students ahead of profits and tax cuts for

the rich. It has taken over 40 years for the country to recognize the strength that we can collectively have, if we stand together. I encourage all of our members to join together...to take a stand for our profession and to contribute or increase your contribution to VOTE-COPE. Together we can make a difference, and the power to implement change must begin now.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...13

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2010

Inquiry-Based Teaching Inspires Student Participation

How often are we asked genuine questions by students? Sometimes it takes a special set of circumstances to foster inquiry in the classroom. First, it takes the question—a truly authentic expression from a student. Then, it takes an open mind to listen. Finally, it takes time. This summer I attended the Literacy Institute at Farnsworth Middle School. Mary Jeanne Dicker, a librarian,

facilitated a

discussion about inquiry- based teaching. Initially, I thought I had a good grasp of inquiry -based teaching and I knew I could use more ideas for some of my current units. The workshop, however, focused on year-long inquiry projects. Rather than guiding students with essential questions and even vocabulary as I have done in the past, Mary Jeanne suggested that, in certain subjects/topics, we release a bit more control to the class. Through examples, she showed how classes of students could work throughout the year on “pet” projects based on their collective or individual interests. Projects can last a single unit or may even last for the entire year. I struggled to visualize how this could be implemented in my class. How could I release even more control? How would we possibly have time for an inquiry project? I had such a hard time with the concept that I barely noticed when one of my students came up to me the second week of school and asked, “Why doesn’t the school recycle water bottles at lunch?” Even though I agreed with her concern, I kind of ignored the question and brushed it off by saying, “Maybe you could write a letter to Mr. Thompson, since Mr. Thompson is in charge of your lunch period.” With most students, it probably would have ended there, but a week or so later, Mr. Thompson commented to me that it was nice to receive a letter from my students. “What students?” I asked, completely forgetting the conversation. Mr. Thompson showed me the well-composed letter written by my student, plus three others from my class. Our inquiry project had been chosen. As the year progresses, we continue to develop this idea of an inquiry project. My students have taken on roles as recyclers in their lunch period. They’ve designed a set-up for recycling and a routine. We have found that there are not a lot of bottles handed in each day during their lunch period so my students are looking into expanding our recycling efforts to include other lunch periods. (continued on next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...14

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND A recent discussion occurred over how we can expand, while not missing recess or other class time. Students are working out answers to these issues and are learning how to communicate with authorities (i.e. custodial staff, principal, teacher & parents). They are also learning how to solve problems with little intervention from me, their teacher. For example, students noticed that many of the signs we had already hung around the school said “4 th Grade Lunch” on them and decided that if we expanded operations, these would need to be taken down and replaced. During a few in-days at recess, students made new signs and replaced the old ones. Over the past couple of years, I adopted some ideas from Responsive Classroom including the use of Morning Meeting as an opportunity to greet one another, and to share and enjoy a brief activity together. Many of our discussions about recycling have taken place during Morning Meeting. It’s been very important for me to keep the students ultimately accountable for this project. They have been the ones making the signs, cleaning the bottles, writing the letters asking for parent volunteers (to redeem bottles), etc… As our year-long inquiry project, we will be continuing to hold class discussions to make changes to the recycling program. For example, discussions have been and/or could be about any of the following topics: 

Is this worth doing? (for only 3 bottles a day)



Why did I find a water bottle in our classroom garbage can?



What about the water spilling on the floor near the faucet?



What about the soap?



What to do with the money? Will there even be any $ to do anything with?



How much responsibility should the teacher take on in this project?

Ultimately, I think our goal should be independence. Since this project was started as an inquiry project for my class, it would be incorrect to assume that it would be continued with my classes for the next several years. This project was dreamed up and implemented by these students; therefore, it is their responsibility for this year. Towards the end of the school year, my class will discuss the viability of this project in coming years. Will there be a way to sustain our efforts? Is this something other classes could continue? Was the program successful enough as a pilot to be adopted by the school and/or combined with paper recycling projects? Inquiring minds want to know. They want to learn more about their world and see how they can make an impact on their small community. Next year’s inquiry project could be entirely different, or quite similar. It will depend on the interests of my students and their efforts towards solving a problem. Perhaps next year another inquiry project will simply fall into my lap, as this one did. On the other hand, it may be necessary to host a discussion about possible projects based on students’

interests. Whatever the challenges, I’ve found that students are

eager to participate and work collaboratively on a common goal. I have found that they are interested in

making a difference. Most importantly, however, I have found that students, even at this young age, are capable of taking initiative to solve problems, especially when they are given the opportunity to do so.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...15

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND Fundraiser Raises Hope and Awareness

2010

By: Stephanie Lazzari

Schalmont is back at it again. Faculty, staff, administrators, students and families are joining forces to raise money for The Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Thursday, February 3 rd at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Gymnasium. The idea of a district-wide charity event transpired after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. We hear about natural disasters often, but it seemed that Haiti tugged at many peoples’ hearts. The night of the earthquake, my husband, then fiancé, was deployed to Haiti with the FDNY. While he was there we had a few opportunities to speak. After hearing the horrible stories about young children running through the streets searching for their parents and bodies trapped under rubble, I felt a strong desire to help. It was a discussion I had with my students one day that planted the seed of a district-wide charity event for Haiti. “Hoops for Haiti” came together in only a few weeks. Our Schalmont family was excited and eager to help. Many faculty and staff volunteered to play basketball while others helped with raffles, selling tickets, tying ribbons and making posters. The STA designed and purchased t-shirts for the basketball players. The high school concession stand donated all of their proceeds. Local businesses gave generous donations for our raffles and the Jefferson PTO held a bake sale outside of the gymnasium. I can’t begin to explain to you the feeling I got when I saw the line out the door and the bleachers packed with teachers, students, parents and grandparents! “Hoops for Haiti” raised more than $5,500 and proved that Schalmont is truly a family. The event was such a success that we have decided to make this an annual event for our district. This year we are teaming up with The Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. “Students Care for Kids,” is a program that focuses on students helping sick children. My ultimate goal is to encourage faculty, staff, administrators and parents to model the importance of coming together for a greater cause. We can talk about the importance of charities in our classrooms and at home, but if our children do not see us doing anything about it, then why should they? This year, we will be gearing up for the event a few weeks in advance. Hospital heart icons will be sent home for students to sign and return for $1.00. This is a great way to encourage children to donate their own money toward a charity. We are also teaming up with even more local businesses to help support our cause. STA members pose during last year’s fundraiser, “Hoops for Haiti.” This year’s proceeds go to The Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM 7 pm

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...16

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2011

Basketball Event Raises $2578 for Local Hospital

On Thursday, February 3, faculty, staff, administrators and parents came together for a fundraising charity basketball event. Organized by STA member, Stephanie Lazzari, the initial event began after her husband, then fiancé, was deployed to Haiti with the FDNY. After hearing the horrible stories about young children running through the streets searching for their parents and bodies trapped under rubble, Lazzari felt a strong desire to help. Lazzari's heart-felt desire has transferred to her students and the Schalmont staff and community. This year, Lazzari's efforts in organizing a district-wide faculty/staff basketball game raised $2578 for The Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center’s program “Students Care for Kids.” The money will enable students to help sick children in their recovery process. Lazzari said, “My ultimate goal is to encourage faculty, staff, administrators and parents to model the importance of coming together for a greater cause.”

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...17

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2011

Woestina Elementary Teacher Collaborates with Local Radio Station to Encourage Reading and Writing

Third grade Woestina teacher and STA member, Jamie Pink, recently had her class participate in the Reading, Writing and Rhyming Tour sponsored by Hannaford and the Sean and Richie show on WGNA 107.7 FM radio. This program encourages teachers to engage in the reading and writing process in a collaborative demeanor. As a class, Pink’s students worked together to write a song. Choos-

Woestina’s Got a Feeling! Third Grade 2011 We’ve got a feeling. Today’s going to be a great day. We’re gonna respect each other. Even our father and mother.

ing the popular Black Eyes Peas as their inspiration, Pink’s students created a new song entitled, “Woestina’s Got a Feeling!” Students

Today’s the day.

reworked the lyrics, made revisions and refined their performance to

Let’s do it right!

prepare for a live recording of it for WGNA 107.7 FM radio. On Wednesday, February 8, Rhymin’ Richie Phillips from WGNA 107.7 visited Pink’s class. The students proudly performed their song and also sang Woestina’s Alma Mater for Phillips. Pink’s class’s song and recording will be played on WGNA 107.7 FM during the Sean and Richie Show Wednesday, February 9 th. The song

We’ve got compassion. We never fight. We are responsible. We persevere. If you want honesty, we’ve got it here.

will also appear on www.wgna.com under Richie’s blog page with a little write up about the visit to Woestina.

Monday, Tuesday, Be fair everyday. Thursday, Friday, self-control is the way. (Pause) We’re from Woestina. Today’s going to be a great day. Character rules the way. Cause we are on WGNA. - Hey!

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...18

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

NYSUT RALLY FOR EDUCATION 2011

The NYSUT Rally for Public Education was a huge success! Many thanks to those STA members who joined almost 1000 other educators on March 16, 2011 to protest the governor's budget proposal which includes the loss of millions of dollars in state aid to our schools, but at the same time, maintains enormous tax cuts for millionaires. The event, which was held at Hackett Middle School in Albany, demonstrated our commitment to education and to the children who will be most affected by these cuts, as essential programs and teachers are slashed from local budgets. Our delegation was vocal and united in spirit and demonstrated that the strength that we have in our membership, locally and state-wide, can be a powerful force as the budget season continues.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...19

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Spotlight on Dedicated Teachers

Gandrow Featured in

The Daily Gazette Lorinda Gandrow, middle school math teacher,

2011

Stearns’ Civil Engineering Work Published in New Textbook

was feaPhoto from The Daily Gazette

tured in

The Daily

Gazette in February for an ongoing series spotlighting teachers in the Capital

Wendy Stearns, high school Project Lead the Way teacher, recently had her curriculum ideas, lessons and innovations published in the new 2012 nationwide classroom textbook Civil Engineering & Architecture edited by Matteson, Kennedy and Baur. The dynamic new text is designed to prepare students for college and career success in

Region. Gandrow was featured and praised for her innovative use of technology in the classroom as well as her ability to make math relevant for the 21st century learner.

Dolan Named Top Teacher

engineering, science, math, and technology. Fur-

Adam Dolan, high

thermore, the text provides a richly illustrated

school social studies

compilation of architectural styles and engineer-

teacher, was recent-

ing achievements so students can understand the

ly nominated by

principles and aspects used to build and create in any environment. Credit is

News Channel 13 as

provided to Stearns in the textbook’s acknowledgments, primarily for her

the Top Teacher.

entire contribution and development for the book’s third chapter regarding

Dolan’s students,

residential, commercial and architectural style. Many of Stearns’ visuals and examples from her own classroom projects are showcased for other teachers to implement into their instruction and for students to use in order to guide

parents, and other faculty members submitted nominations

their own learning. Stearns worked on completing the endeavors in a summer

in his honor regarding his success with

training program at RIT.

his newly created course, Current Affairs in the 21st Century. Reporter Elaine Houston visited Dolan’s class and videotaped a segment that aired on the 5:30 pm news. The video segment can be viewed by going to www.schalmontta.org. Mr. Dolan will be recognized in the spring at a special dinner event with the other educators.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...20

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Over 200 Attend Java Jive Coffeehouse Event 2011

The History of the Java Jive Event By: Ed Dignum and Heather Cohen

For the past ten years, Schalmont High School has hosted a unique artistic event each February. Java Jive is a night that is dedicated to students getting in front of a

microphone (often for

the first time) in a coffeehouse-style atmosphere where they read their poems (or a favorite poem written by someone else), sing their songs (or one of their favorites), tell their stories, or play their instruments (acoustics only - no electric!). This is an event that came to Schalmont when Heather Cohen was inspired to create a forum for students who don’t often glow in the limelight of playing a sport or singing in the choir or

cheerleading. Her in-

spiration came from a conference she attended for English teachers across New York State. At the conference, fellow educators spoke of ideas and creations that they used in their own schools. Java Jive harkens back to the days of the Beat poets in the late 1940s and 50s who gathered in dark, smoke-filled coffeehouses in Greenwich Village and the Haight-Ashbury section of San Francisco to read their poems and share their ideas on politics, the ills of society and their shared literature. Heather teamed up with Ed Dignum and Carrie (Croke) Brennan (former Schalmont English teacher) to make her idea come to reality. In the early years, Heather and Carrie handled the selection of students and material and the organizing of the food, coffee and mugs for the coffeehouse while Ed handled the technical end (lights, stage, sound, tables, chairs etc). Since Carrie left in 2003, Sarah Mattice pitched in for a few years and most recently, Deb McCloskey has lent a hand in the productions. In the early years, Java Jive was held in the library, then the cafeteria and the old gymnasium. It has lately established itself on the auditorium stage which is transformed with round tables, a platform for a stage and low lighting to simulate one of those dark coffeehouses of New York and San Francisco in the 1950s. Java Jive has become very popular for students to perform and for audiences to watch. This past year over two hundred audience members packed the stage to enjoy the performers, drink coffee, eat treats and bask in the glory of the days of the Beat poets.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...21

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

The water is wide; they could not cross o’er — 2011

Tropical Storm Floods Rotterdam Junction Photos taken on August 30th in Rotterdam Junction by Erin Jankowski, daughter of STA Member, Marie Jankowski.

During times of devastation and hardship, we must “PULL TOGETHER.” In solidarity, we will persevere. The following few pages tell our story of how, as a community and union, we picked up the pieces after a horribly devastating storm.

Only in the Movies Movies like Armageddon, War of the Worlds, The Day After Tomorrow and Deep Impact capture the cinematic destruction of towns, cities and the world from outside alien forces or from some ecological disaster of our own making. Directors and production agents spend millions of dollars creating sets that purposely look like the aftermath of an eco-disaster in order to make us feel as if we are experiencing the devastation too. But, it’s only a movie. Something like this would never happen to us, right? Wrong.

Like a Set in a Movie In August, Tropical Storm Irene’s aftermath caused the Mohawk River to rage through Rotterdam Junction and Pattersonville. Cars floated down the river. Sheds flipped upside down. Homes’ foundations cracked. Basements flooded. Animals became displaced. Swing sets with children once playing on them sat in the middle of the street, covered in thick mud; their original locations unknown. Thick water lines reached the second floors of homes. Seven-foot piles of soaked family furniture, mattresses, and toys lined the streets for removal. The scent of gasoline, mud, and must permeated the air. Mud and dust surround everything like frosting on a cake. The impact from this storm painted a horrific picture of what looked like a warzone created for the set of a movie. Over 100 district families were impacted by this storm. There aren’t any Hollywood funds to perfectly fix this mess; instead, a small, shattered community must work together to clean up and to rebuild. (continued on the next page)

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” ~Helen Keller

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...22

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

A River Runs Through Us; STA Organizes Tropical Storm Relief Efforts

NYSUT United newsletter showcases STA’s efforts in their ability to pull together after the storm destruction. Schalmont TA President Mary Beth Flatley, far right, stands with teaching, retired and support staff members of her local, from left, Dee Ann Coniglio, Ben Gerardo, Donna Wolbert, Bev Haringa, Debbie Massaroni, Cori Kinns. The local was instrumental in helping respond to flooding victims' needs. Photo from NYSUT United October newsletter; taken by El-Wise Noisette.

Coming Out of the Dark “We Pull Together” is not only STA’s tee shirt logo, but a statement of what can happen when individuals come together to support not only our fellow members, but the Rotterdam community in general. Nowhere was that more evident than in the first two weeks after Tropical Storms Irene and Lee devastated our community. But, out of that destruction emerged goodness from strangers and families—those who worked together to help the victims begin the re-building of their homes, their communities, and their lives. Schalmont teachers were there as an organization and as community members to aid in the cleaning efforts. Within days of the devastation, Jefferson Elementary School was the site of a huge clothing drive. School supplies were donated by businesses and STA members aided in the distribution of backpacks and other materials for children so they could be ready for their first day of school. STA coordinated a gift card drive and together, with the community, we raised over $10,000 for the victims. The massive attempt at cleanup was evident in the community, where volunteers delivered lunches to workers and pitched in to help each other. STA members did what we are trained to do: We gave of ourselves for the benefit of others—something teachers do every day. We “pulled” together. (See pictures of our union’s efforts on the next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...23

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Coming Out From the Dark to Finally See the Light: STA Relief Efforts

OUR

Students, STA members, and Schalmont community rally together in order to sort and organize donations for the

GYM

OF

STA Members donated brand new school supplies and backpacks for victims. They set up an entire office like a store and students came in and freely shopped for what they DONATIONS!

(final article to “We Pull Together” Story on next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...24

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

We are Schalmont: STA and Community Raise

Over $10,000 for flood victims Many STA Members and community members banded together in order to help the victims in Rotterdam Junction and Pattersonville who suffered severe damage to their homes after Tropical Storm Irene’s aftermath flooded the towns with over ten feet of water. In a collection, we all raised over $10, 000!Thank you to all who donated gift cards or cash to our community in order to help them rebuild. The cards were presented to Reggie Wydronkowski, Commissioner Chairman on September 29. The Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department will disperse the cards to the victims. May we all continue to volunteer and help in any small way we can in order to help our community members to feel some hope and support during From Left to Right: Carol Carelli, STA Secretary; this difficult time.

Reggie Wydronkowski, Commissioner Chairman; Mary

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The power of teachers’ unions across the area and our ability to reach out to others in the time of need was certainly felt and appreciated. Members of the Guilderland Teachers' Association sponsored a food drive and collected over $1,000 in donations for our students and families in the Rotterdam Junction/ Pattersonville area. The donations, which were taken to the Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department were warmly accepted by the volunteers assisting our families.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...25

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

The Spirit of Christmas is Alive in Rotterdam Junction Teachers and Community Rally Together

2011 On Sunday, December 11, STA had the pleasure of participating in the tree light ceremony at the Rotterdam Junction Fire Department. Members donated hundreds of dollars of toys and gift cards for the victims of Tropical Storm Irene, which devastated the community in late August. Schalmont teachers, including some retirees, were also instrumental in providing refreshments and hot chocolate for the people of the community. It was a wonderful evening! The spirit of Christmas was very evident as neighbors and families gathered around their small tree whose lights shone brightly, exemplifying the brightness of the community as it begins the huge task of re -building not only their homes, but their lives. There were tears and smiles…all symbols of what can hap-

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” ~Seneca

pen when a community truly “pulls together.” We heard many comments about how great the Schalmont teachers have been to these communities and STA should be proud of what we can accomplish when we work together. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated in this effort to give the families of our students a little joy in the spirit of the holidays. The community appreciated your time and donations and was very grateful for our involvement.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...26

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND Their Carts Runneth Over: Current Affairs Students Raise More Than $2,000 to Purchase Toys for Flood Victims Taking a Stand Students in high school teacher Adam Dolan’s Current Affairs class knew they had to do something to help the local children in Rotterdam Junction who were impacted by Hurricane Irene’s devastation. So, as part of their lesson on hurricanes, students organized a fundraiser and decided to raise money to purchase holiday gifts for their community members. As a class, the students individually decided on a goal and then they looked for people to sponsor them in a bowling event. By the end of their bowling fundraiser, the 23 students raised a remarkable $2,263. Supermarket Sweep! As a class, Mr. Dolan and his students met at the local Toys ‘R Us to spend the money they raised. They planned their shopping lists carefully, and clipped coupons for extra savings in order to purchase as many toys as they could. The class divided into teams and shopped for the items on their lists. The toys were donated and distributed on Woestina Community Day’s event on December 10, 2011 which was sponsored by the National Association of Social Workers and numerous other community agencies. Thanks to the generosity and care of a classroom teacher and his students, many children were able to have a little spirit added back into their lives.

OVER

$35,000 raised since 2011!

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...27

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Chemistry teachers implement environmentally safe labs The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received a grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Pro2012 tection Agency, Region 2, New York City to pilot a new “green chemistry” program in schools. Schalmont was chosen as one of only four high schools statewide to participate in this program. Teachers’ enthusiasm and commitment to environmental protection primarily served as the basis for selection. Rose Hochmuth (L), Adam Labuda (C), and Lynn Gemmiti (R) have been collaborating to implement this program into their classroom instruction. Their endeavors have already been recognized locally by the Daily Gazette and nationally through the website SMELLS LIKE GREEN SPIRIT! educationspeaks.org. This program improves the impact of disFrom Left to Right: Rose Hochmuth, Adam Labuda, and Lynn Gemmiti implement environmentally safe labs into trict operations on the environment and teaches their chemistry curriculum. high school students about the growing scientific sector. High school science teacher, Adam Labuda, provides his own reflection about this opportunity: “Promoting and using nontoxic or green chemistry only makes sense. Being environmentally conscious is something I try to foster with my students. What better way to promote environmentalism than to model it at school! This project allows us that opportunity by incorporating new green chemistry labs and demonstrations into our curriculum. It also provides us with safe chemical storage skills which is advantageous to us as teachers and to our students’ safety. I am most looking forward to implementing new labs in the classroom. I think the students will benefit from these labs too as they are aligned with the current NYS Chemistry curriculum. They will also express to our students Schalmont’s environmental commitment. As many institutions of higher learning move towards green chemistry, this is a great opportunity to prepare our students for life after high school. Besides the above mentioned benefits, this program will benefit our districts effluent water. As we have a septic system, anything down the drain must be filtered naturally, on site. This program should help protect the long term quality of our water, one of our most important natural resources.”

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead

Lynn Gemmiti works with students during Chemistry lab.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...28

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2012

Jefferson Elementary Teachers and Students Organize Holiday Decoration Collection By: Jessica Melchior

This summer I had the opportunity to help out with a great cause. I got to know colleagues and community members in a time of great need by working in our collection site at Jefferson Elementary to help flood victims in Rotterdam Junction & Pattersonville. Cori Kinns was an inspiration as were countless other STA members who stopped by to volunteer and donate! After some time, I began to think about others ways we could help our neighbors. The holiday season came to mind when I thought about how many families must have lost all of their holiday decorations due to flooding. Usually I ask my class to participate in a charity at this time of year. In the past, we have donated to UNICEF through their Inspired Gifts program. This year I decided to take the opportunity to help out local families. My class agreed and we set out to collect Christmas decorations for the home and tree. Several other classes decided to join in including Mrs. Miller’s & Mrs. Williams’ Kindergarten classes and Mrs. Barner’s 1 st grade class. Many teachers and aides donated even more decorations! Donations included many gently used and brand new items. When the collection was over, my class organized everything into piles- our classroom library was taken over by candles, figurines and snow globes. My aide’s desk was covered in placemats and stockings, our guided reading table was covered with glass ornaments, tinsel and an angel to top the tree. We even got a life-sized Santa head! Chloe Conners from Mrs. Barner's 1st Several students tested out lights to make sure that they worked. After school Barbara O’Gorman, Bonnie Barner and I all worked to divvy up the items into boxes for each family to pick up. Each family got a tree, ornaments, lights, decorative items, stockings, an extension cord, garland and more! Thank you once again to the Jefferson community for participating in this collection to help make Christmas a reality in the homes of three of our families!

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~Leo Buscaglia

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...29

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2012

Little pockets full of sunshine: Woestina Community Day Brings Smiles to District’s Children By: Sarah Mattice Walk into the gym for Woestina’s Community Day held on December th

10 and the sound of laughing children echoes through the elementary school. Radio station, B95.5, plays some upbeat music. Scan the gym and numerous activity stations provide children with free activities of fun in the middle of what has been a devastating start to the school year. Numerous teachers, students, and community members volunteer to work at the various activity centers. It’s as if a free fair and carnival planted itself in the middle of a small community. A snow cone machine, bags of popcorn, pizza, and platters of food donations align the tables for the guests of honor: the flood victims of Rotterdam Junction and Pattersonville. Stephanie Carter, STA social worker, as well as many others joined forces to organize a Woestina Community Day full of free fun-filled activities. The initial idea surfaced when Carter’s close friend, who is also the Director of Policy The table of prizes for children at the Woestina Community Day. Gifts were acquired via donations and fundraising.

at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), attended the flood victims’ community forums. At that time,

Carter’s friend expressed concern for local children of families and wanted to help. These children were suddenly forced to take on more grown up responsibilities where their hearts were heavy and burdened with apprehension and fear. Carter spoke to Kathy McKeon, high school guidance secretary, who lost everything in the flood as well. “We came up with the idea to have a fun-filled day for the families since the holidays were most likely going to be difficult. With numerous expenses for cleaning up and rebuilding homes, as well as replacing mostly everything in the homes, families may not have been able to afford much for Christmas. So, we thought to have an event where kids can focus on being kids and families could acquire gain some needed resources,” Carter stated. Several events and endeavors occurred to make this event successful. (continued on next page)

High school math teacher, Ben Gerardo (L) and Kathy McKeon (R), high school guidance secretary, share words of encouragement at the Woestina Community Day. Both individuals lost their homes in the flooding.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...30

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND Carter helped coordinate a game station where children could win family games as prizes. Carter stated, “Many families lost these items during the floods and they may not be a top priority to replace with the focus being on necessities and rebuilding at this time.” Carter and McKeon also thought that games would be great for families to have at the holidays—those that inspire family-time together. Other STA members also participated. High school social studies teacher, Adam Dolan, who teaches the Current Affairs class, rallied his students together for a fundraising bowl-a-thon. Students in his class raised over $2,200 to purchase toys for the kids. The Middle School Sabre Service Club also contributed over 50 games and individual staff members also provided games and monetary donations too. Staff at the NASW shopped with some of the donated money and purchased additional items. The event also included other activity stations including: gaming, face painting, craft creating, cookie decorating, and Jell-O eating. There was even a Book Buddy Corner where teen members of the Alliance collected over 200 books and supplied student volunteers to facilitate with reading them to the kids. The event, while mainly considering the children, also wanted to provide a unified location for families to seek information of support services readily available to them in our community. The ‘bee’ mascot Several exhibitors set up tables with information for parents and adults including: CAP, St for radio station Margaret’s of Cortona Church, Families Together of NY State, B 95.5 greeted NYS Disaster Case Management Program, Samaritan Counseling kids. Center, Catholic Charities Senior Services of Schenectady and Project Hope. At the event, children played games and won tickets. With those tickets, they could pick out items that they wanted. “It was so exciting to see the looks on their faces when they walked in and saw everything going on,” Carter said. “But nothing was as priceless as the excitement the kids expressed when they learned that these items were for them to take home and to keep.”

From left to right: STA Members Stephanie Carter, Amy Glick, and Deb Falcone interact with kids at the cookie decorating station.

A special thank you to the following agencies for your support: National Association of Social Workers New York State Psychiatric Association Alliance of the Medical Society of the State of New York Families Together Ellis Hospital Foundation The Boys and Girls Club Capital Region BOCES Schalmont School District Schalmont Teachers’ Association Cookie Factory B 95.5

Children work to decorate their own holiday ornament at this painting station.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...31

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Ryder’s SUPA Class Receives Worldwide Recognition 2012 Karen Ryder, high school teacher and adjunct professor for Syracuse University Public Affairs Course, received worldwide recognition recently for her students’ efforts. Her class service project was published in the 2011 Syracuse University Project Advance NOVA journal, which is distributed to SUPA instructors worldwide to illustrate exemplary classroom service projects lead by teachers and students. Ryder explained that in 2010, her class conducted a survey at the request of the Town of Rotterdam Supervisor, Francis Del Gallo. The class worked to gauge residents’ attitudes on a proposal to create a special tax district that would keep Rotterdam’s Emergency Medical Services afloat. Not only did Ryder’s students create and distribute the survey, but they also collaborated and analyzed the results. Once they assessed their discoveries, the class drafted an official report and forKaren Ryder, teacher of SUPA mally presented their information to the town board. Public Affairs, recently earned The NOVA journal only seeks to include exemplary essays and proworld-wide recognition for her jects that are cogent in their responses and that thoroughly execute students’ service project. the rigor and prestige of the course’s learning objectives. Only seven essays and projects were selected for the journal. Ryder’s work as a SUPA instructor requires a steadfast commitment to service projects, consistent organizational and managerial skills, and the ability to encourage and enthuse students to actively engage in their coursework. More importantly, projects such as the ones Ryder oversees annually, illustrate just how beneficial it can be when students take active ownserhip of their work and are held accountable for it. Theses projects create a learning environment where students become active members of their community and commit to communicating, writing, speaking, and collaborating with their peers—all which are important skills for adolescents to acquire for life outside of high school. "Only stellar student work from Syracuse University high school courses around the world is published in this journal," said Ryder. "This just goes to show that hard work pays off."

Students in Karen Ryder's 2010 Syracuse University Public Affairs 101 class are pictured presenting the results of a survey they conducting to the Rotterdam Town Board in December 2010. An essay about the class project was published in the 2011 Syracuse University Project Advance NOVA journal.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...32

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2012

STA Raises $1,025 for Superstorm Sandy Relief Efforts

SOLIDARITY

When our own town and students were devastated from the impact of Hurricane Irene’s aftermath, STA members united to raise money to help our students and community members. Once again, a devastating hurricane destroyed many areas of New York. In an effort to show our commitment to students and families across New York State, STA decided to band together to raise money. On Friday, November 9, 2012, members of the Schalmont Teachers’ Association participated in a campaign called “Wear New York for New York.” The goal of the campaign was to wear anything with a New York logo on it to show support for the victims of Superstorm Sandy. The membership was also asked to donate money towards the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Members placed money in collection containers throughout the day. After all was said and done, the STA raised $1,025.00! The generosity of the Schalmont Teachers’ Association truly is amazing. When we unite for a common cause, it truly is remarkable what we can accomplish.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...33

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2012

STA “Wears Red for ED” to Support Chicago Teachers In September, Chicago teachers began to strike over

many of the same issues we fight for continuously here in New York. Their goals include: to preserve fair pay, strong health benefits, and job security; to demand the needed resources for students; to establish a fair

evaluation system that uses

standardized tests appropriately, and does not punish dedicated and highly-skilled teachers for factors beyond their control. In an effort to show solidarity with the Chicago teachers, STA members participated in a day where we decided to “Wear Red for ED.” Chicago teachers are fighting the same fight we all have as educators—our students. In a blog post on Diane Ravitch’s web page one writer says, “The Chicago Teachers’ Union is fighting against high stakes testing, against the

closing of public schools, against privatization via charter schools and virtual learning, against funneling public tax dollars to corporations…and against blaming teachers for everything wrong with our schools.”

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...34

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2012

Let’s Get It Started! STA Members’ Initiative Sparks Literacy Pro-

Two STA Members’ Vision for Literacy A pair of STA teachers' passion for reading is serving as a catalyst to boost parental involvement and student achievement districtwide. Schalmont Middle School English teacher Elisa Pepe and Jefferson Elementary School fourth grade teacher Jessica Melchior recently established a kindergarten through twelfth-grade reading initiative, called Let's Get STARTED! (Schalmont Talking and Reading Together Every Day). Their mission is to create more meaningful reading experiences among students and their families by modeling and offering guidance in reading together and engaging in reading conversations. "Because we're both parents, we understand how important it is to read with your children, and we want to encourage that throughout Schalmont," said Melchior. "I think about how significant it is when I'm reading with my sons, and it hits home just how many people don't have the time to read together." She added that children respond well to reading with a parent, which helps instill a longer-lasting love of reading. But, it's not just about parents reading with their children. "The idea is to get siblings, friends and other family members involved as well," said Pepe. Often parents' responsibilities at work, their commitment to community activities and their children's extracurricular activities make it difficult for them to carve out time to read with their children. Alternately, parents may not be aware of materials available to them. "Everyone knows that reading is important," said Pepe. "I just think we need a vehicle to help families overcome those obstacles." With the help of a committee of colleagues, Pepe and Melchior came up with hundreds of tangible ideas to encourage reading at home, such as conducting contests, read-alouds, book swaps and book clubs. (continued on the next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...35

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND Middle School librarian Linda Fasano joined the committee, in part, because of her love of reading. "More than anything I want students to experience that magical place a reader discovers when they connect with a book and are among the characters," said Fasano. "I want them to understand what it's like to not want a book to end, wanting more, yet being satisfied with the experience that has been provided." The committee plans to work hand-in-hand with a number of existing reading initiatives at the elementary school, such as the 1,000 Book Club and Read to Succeed, while also making an impact at the middle school and high school levels. "There are so many advantages to doing the initiative across all grade levels," said Pepe, who explained that it becomes more difficult to make significant progress as students get older. They anticipate one of their challenges to be uncovering why students may not be reading as much at the older grade levels and finding ways to engage them. "We know it's hard to get children to read, which is why we're here to help—not point a finger," said Pepe. In addition, Melchior has noticed elementary students' frustration as a result of reading material at too high a level. "If a child was reading with a parent, the parent would have the ability to monitor whether the book is appropriate or not, and suggest an alternative," said Melchior. She added that there are many great books to choose from—from graphic novels to motivational books and new twists on old favorites. With the state's new Common Core Learning Standards, they believe it would be advantageous for all parents to hear directly from faculty and staff about those changes. There's no doubt that the new initiative is a passion for both of these Nationally Board Certified teachers. "It has to be," said Pepe. "Reading is linked to all academics, so it's really the backbone of what we do."

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...36

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND Let’s Get Started Positive role models can help spark a child's love of reading. That's exactly why parents, students, faculty and staff teamed up for a special event on Nov. 14, kicking off the district's Let's Get STARTED! reading initiative, which is designed to boost parent involvement and student achievement districtwide. More than 100 parents attended an informational session on everything from the Common Core Learning Standards to reading strategies, book selection and an overview of the Schenectady Public Library. Meanwhile, members of the marching band escorted preschool through eighth-grade students to and from classrooms where student-athletes and National Honor Society students facilitated read-alouds with age-appropriate books. The Sabre mascot also made a special appearance. "It was exciting to see the energy involved in the event—from the initial planning to the efforts of high school students who came to Jefferson to work with elementary students, the donation of time by teachers, and in the end—the excitement of the students attending," said Jefferson Elementary School Assistant Principal Jason Thompson. Dozens of teachers and staff decorated their classroom or office doors with illustrations and quotes from a variety of children's books. Throughout the evening, students and their parents completed a ballot as they determined the titles of the mystery books. One lucky student who identified the most books correctly received a $15 gift certificate to The Little Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza. "The doors were the talk of the night and many people stayed long after the event to check them all out," said Melchior. Guests were treated to two free giveaways—a copy of Family Fun magazine and Recipes for Reading—a compilation of reading tips and suggestions from Schalmont faculty and staff. In addition, a variety of parent and student groups generously donated gift baskets for a raffle, including the Schalmont Teachers' Association, Friends of Music, Athletic Association and the middle school and high school student councils. The event concluded with refreshments provided by the PTO.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...37

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2012

STA Members Provide Thanksgiving Feast for Students and Families Fourth Graders Give Thanks

STA member, Susan DiCaprio poses for a picture with her students at an early

Their banners on the walls served as powerful reminders to adults of what it truly means to be thankful. Perhaps it is through the eyes of Jefferson Elementary fourth graders that we can all reacquaint ourselves with what matters most in life. When asked to share what they are thankful for, students’ responses included: family, veterans, education, and everyone on earth. STA members and fourth-grade teachers, Michelle Adalian, Kathy Cathell, and Susan DiCaprio wanted their students to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at school. Students’ families helped with the cooking and baking in order to make this event successful. On Friday, Nov. 16, students and their families gathered in the school's playroom where they enjoyed an amazing selection of home-made foods and desserts, including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, and bread. Following the feast, students performed songs telling the story of Thanksgiving. Sometimes it takes an innocent child to remind us what we really should be thankful for in our lives.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...38

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2013

Hurricane Sandy Dodgeball Event Raises over $1,700 By: Karen Ryder

Hurricane Sandy was the deadliest and most destructive tropical cyclone of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, as well as the second-costliest hurricane in United States history. Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states, including the entire eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine and west across the Appalachian Mountains to Michigan and Wisconsin, with particularly severe damage in New Jersey and New York. Early on October 29, Sandy curved north-northwest and then moved ashore in New Jersey, just to the northeast of Atlantic City, as a post-tropical cyclone with hurricane-force winds. Its storm surge hit New York City and Long Island, flooding streets, tunnels and subway lines and cutting power in and around the city and the island. Damage in the U.S. is estimated at over $71 billion. STA Members from left: Adam Dolan, Greg As the Schalmont community is all too familiar with the negaLoiacono & Chris Bailey volunteer to play in tive effects of flooding due to the devastation that Hurricane the dodgeball fundraiser. Irene and Tropical Storm Lee (2011) inflicted on many of our own families and in surrounding areas, the high school and middle school student councils decided they needed to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. In December, at a high school student council executive meeting the officers were discussing what we, as a student body, could do to help. They discussed a previous STA event, Hoops for Haiti, and decided to hold a Faculty Dodgeball fundraiser on Tuesday, March 5th. As the high school student council advisor, I contacted the middle school student council advisor (Melissa Pierson) and the Jefferson elementary principal, Joby Gifford. Both student councils brought the idea to their prospective student councils and also decided to have a bake sale and 50/50 raffle on that evening as well to raise as much money as possible for the Hurricane Sandy victims. Staff from Jefferson elementary, SMS and SHS eagerly joined in the effort and agreed to participate in the fundraiser for this excellent cause and came together at 6:30 pm in the evening to play. (Continued on the next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...39

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND The Schalmont administrators, Principal Nash, Assistant Principal Gordon, Principal Morgan, and Principal Gifford all volunteered their time too and acted as tournament officials for the game. The middle school and high school student councils, along with several faculty members donated baked items and manned the bake sale table. The Schalmont Athletic Association donated candy to sell, and Martin Environmental donated cases of water. The Dodgeball fundraiser was well attended by the Schalmont community for this great cause; students, families and faculty, including Superintendent Pallas all paid a $5 admission fee to watch the fun unfold. After many grueling, but hilarious dodgeball matches, the fundraiser ended as a great success. $1,705.00 was donated to West Elementary School on Long Island, a school that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The Elementary school students are currently displaced while their school is under reconstruction. The student council decided that we would like to donate our money to school children in need. When I contacted Principal Schneider, of West Elementary to tell her about the money we raised and wanted to donate to West Elementary school, she wept. The dodgeball fundraiser demonstrates another example of how wonderful the students, staff, administrators and community are in the Schalmont School district. Thank you to all of the people that made this event a great success!

Photo left and right: Students in the stands support the fundraiser and cheer on their teachers while they play in the tournament. Middle photo: STA Members: Kathryn Sargent, Michele Bailey, and Joelle Litz volunteer for the fundraiser.

March 21, 2013

CoMPASSION

Principal Sandra Schneider Lindell School 601 Lindell Blvd. Long Beach, NY 11561

CoNCERN

Dear Principal Schneider:

Commitment

The Schalmont community was very sorry to hear about the devastation to West Elementary School from Hurricane Sandy. Our community was negatively affected from Hurricane Irene (2011) so we can empathize with your situation. The high school & middle school student councils sponsored a faculty dodge ball fundraiser and decided that we would like to donate the proceeds to another school. Some of our faculty are from the Long Island area and had brought West Elementary School to our attention as a school in dire need of help. As per my conversation with Principal Schneider, I am enclosing a check for $1705.00 to help the school rebuild and provide for students in need. We truly hope that you will be back in West Elementary School by September for the beginning of the next school year.

CommUNITY

Sincerely, Karen Ryder Student Council Advisor

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...40

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

We All Deserve Better Than This: Enough is 2014-15

Enough

I am not against Common Core. I am not against APPR. I am not against assessments. These reforms can inform teaching in a professional learning community to meet the needs of all learners. As a veteran, national board certified teacher, I have seen these ideas evolve and grow. I see their ability to reform education, not by tearing it down but by fostering it. However, the governor has hijacked these ideas, these crucial aspects of the educational community. On our quest to race from here to there, to compete with other countries, to vilify the people who spend their days in service of others, we have failed to reap the rewards of these ideas. We digressed into partisan bickering about common core, turned APPR into a witch hunt, and lost sight of the real purpose of assessment in a professional learning community. As the self-proclaimed lobbyist for the students, Governor Cuomo has missed the mark. The governor consistently fails to recognize what is truly important in our classrooms and in our lives. Last spring I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was on March 27th, only Jessica Melchior, STA member and teacher at Jefferson a couple of weeks before my 3rd Graders would be taking their first New York Elementary, captivated a full crowd when delivering her State assessment. I went from one day speech in February during the forum entitled, “Save Our focusing on my students to the next wonSchools: Quality Opportunities for Public School dering whether I would ever get to return Children.” She received several standing ovations for her to a classroom again. I taught and they educational advocacy as she called directly upon Governor practiced basic test-taking strategies; I Andrew Cuomo to take politics out of the state testing helped them see themselves as readers, system and to do what is best for school children. modeled how to write extended responses, and we shared a variety of mathematical speech can be viewed through YouTube and is also linked strategies to solve problems. I used yoga and visualization to help students cope with test anxiety. But in the end, I couldn’t be there for them when they faced a test that was leaps and bounds more challenging than any practice they had taken or any experience they had ever had in a classroom. I wasn’t there for them when they reached frustration points within the first few minutes of the test or when they put their heads down to cry because there was no way they could finish in time. (continued on the next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...41

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND Why would we put our students through these assessments? In the past I believe the state tests have improved education by driving us to increase rigor in our curriculum and standards. I’ve taught valuable strategies for test taking and for coping with stress. We celebrate successes and learn from mistakes. And it makes sense to link the assessments with Common Core. But that is not the full picture; these assessments represent a rigor that is above even our increased grade-level common core standards. The assessments are built upon standards that begin in Pre-K and increase in complexity. However, students had to start with whatever grade they were in when the new tests were implemented. Meanwhile, the test-maker, Pearson, is being left unchecked; the Governor has renegged on promises to parents and teachers; and teachers have become scapegoats for poor results. The Governor proposes an equation that makes no mathematical sense; requiring that test scores account for 50% of a teacher’s performance grade but then adding the caveat that poor test scores automatically means a rating of “ineffective.” Cuomo and Commissioner King have brought nothing but stress and heartache to the educational community, with the exception of Pearson executives and privatized schools. Commissioner King decreed that there should be no “trick questions” yet he allowed for multiple choice questions with 16 lines of text for students to read. They use literature by authors like Daniel Pinkwater which were never intended for multiple choice questions or essays. They selected texts deliberately above students’ grade levels for a test that is supposed to measure grade level achievement. They wrote multiple step problems to assess a single math standard even though solving the problem would require understanding of several standards. They graded teachers, principals and schools based on tests and cut scores that can change on a political or corporate whim. The scores of these assessments are not even shared with teachers until the following year, and even then the data we receive is so limited that it cannot even be used to adjust instruction. This process is anything but transparent! I am not only a teacher, but also a parent of two boys; a 3 rd Grader and a Kindergartner. My 3rd Grader uses Common Core Math Strategies naturally and is an avid reader, but I wonder what he will do when the questions become too confusing and the texts become too challenging. Will we be testing his true ability, or how much of this will he put up with before he shuts down? I wonder how many tests my Kindergartner will take before he gets to 3rd Grade. If the purpose of all these SLOs and state tests are truly to inform his teacher’s instruction or to individualize his needs that is fine by me. If the purpose is to assess his teachers, at his expense, without any benefit to his learning, than it has no place in the classroom or our educational system. All kids need to learn, but these tests are becoming a distraction. When I returned to my classroom after 10 months of doctor appointments, second opinions, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments I faced a new class of 3 rd Graders. They had built a classroom community without me and I needed to find my place in it. No amount of common core, APPR or state tests could get in our way. We needed to work together. I would love to invite Governor Cuomo and our legislators into my classroom to see the community we have made and to see real learning taking place. You won’t see my students filling in bubbles on a scantron. You will see authentic tasks that imbed learning; you will see teachable moments, and you will see cooperative learning. I am a human being. Our children are humans. We all deserve better than this. Let’s use assessment how it

“The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” ~Maya Angelou

was meant to be used; as a formative or summative tool in a professional learning community. Let’s judge teachers on things that matter. Let’s not take common core out of context for a political agenda. Let’s not forget, Governor, teachers are human beings and their students are too. Enough is enough!

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...42

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2015

Button Blogging: Education Advocates Find Inspiration in ‘Mockingbird’ by Liza Frenette, NYSUT, February 10, 2015

http://blogs.nysut.org/blog/2015/02/10/button-blogging-education-advocates-find-inspiration-in-mockingbird/ The following article was written after an interview with STA member, Sarah Mattice, High School. NYSUT contacted her and asked for permission to use her photograph from her personal Twitter page that she posted during the #CallOutCuomo campaign.

Button, button here’s who has the button this week? How about Harper Lee?!! Schalmont English teacher Sarah Mattice was in class with her ninth grade English AIS students, when one of them got up to sharpen a pencil. A newspaper was on the nearby counter. The student stopped sharpening the pencil, picked up the newspaper and read the headline out loud to the class. It said, “Teacher evaluations linked to students’ test scores.” The student, distraught, looked at Mattice directly in the eyes and asked, “Who’s gonna’ want us?” A question far more powerful than a test score. It was like a blow from across the room. “As teachers, we remind our students that they are valued more than any test scores, but words lack the ability to erase their initial feelings,” said Mattice, a member of the Schalmont Teachers’ Association and a National Board Certified teacher in English Language Arts/ Adolescence and Young Adulthood. She turned to literature for resolution. The answer came to her when she was closing up her 10th-grade English unit on Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. The unit, she said, focused on taking a stand and fighting for social equality and justice. “Protagonist Atticus Finch teaches his children invaluable life lessons about tolerance, acceptance, humility,

civility and courage.”

She took the new NYSUT “Respect Education” button – the one that Gov. Cuomo made a visitor to the governor’s Executive Mansion remove during an open house – and pinned it to her school badge lanyard. She thought of Atticus’s insight, when he told his daughter Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around it.”

(continued on next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...43

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND “In that moment, I read this poignantly simple and eloquent piece of advice differently than I ever had before. And I wondered: Would this entire educational imbroglio exist if politicians actually stepped foot in a classroom and walked in an educator’s shoes?” But Cuomo’s shadow has not been seen by any groundhogs and in only four schools since he took office in 2011, according to numerous reports. Mattice is joining others who are advocating for public education through her actions and those of her Schenectady County local union, led by Mary Beth Flatley, at the local, state and national levels. Flatley also works with the Capital District Presidents Council to work for change. Recently, Flatley sent members a letter encouraging simple ways that members can advocate for their profession through simple but powerful acts, ranging from getting teachers and SRPs to be in a video talking about the great things happening in Capital District schools; to participate in upcoming forums around the state and show solidarity; to reach out to parents in the Schalmont community; and to participate in political action weekly challenges announced on the local union’s website. Other actions include writing letters, following issues on www.nysut.org/allkidsneed and signing petitions on NYSUT’s Member Action Center (mac.nysut.org). “Including the simple hashtags such as #AllKidsNeed and #InviteCuomo in posts about education enables the conversation and dialogue to reach beyond one’s local,” Mattice said. This 14-year teaching veteran is disheartened to see teachers used as an “easy scapegoat” for all educational concerns. Gov. Cuomo’s recent referral to teacher evaluations as “baloney” (since too many teachers earned a highly effective rating) “further exemplifies his disconnect and inability to comprehend what truly occurs in a classroom,” she said, calling his actions an “impudent sentiment.” Most recently, she said, his “State of the State address minimizes the laborious dedication and time teachers, administrators and parents regularly invest in educating our students.” Through days, months and years of cracking open books, writing on blackboards and using computers at Schalmont High School, Mattice knows the impact that literature can have on people’s lives. In To Kill A Mockingbird, the issues of social justice form the foundation for the book. Public education, a fundamental social justice issue, allows people to form foundations for the rest of their lives. This includes students who need academic intervention, who live in poverty, who are homeless, who have special needs or who are gifted and talented. Mattice knows the impact of finding one’s voice and using it. “I work to advocate daily for public education,” she said. While book lovers have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic To Kill A Mockingbird, news has been announced of another Lee novel, by many accounts written years ago and then put aside when she changed the characters in it into younger versions of themselves, at the request of an editor, for “Mockingbird”. Now, avid fans await the release of Go Set A Watchman (though there is some controversy regarding its publication). While the presses run for the novel, public education advocates are making sure that everyone knows that New York’s own watchman – the governor – is not doing his job. He is not watching out for public education, students or teachers. He is not watching for their present … or their future.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...44

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND NYSUT and broad coalition fight for fairness on Moral Monday

by Ned Hoskin, NYSUT Communications The cavernous beehive of the Million Dollar Staircase in the state Capitol buzzed with excitement, chants and shouts of 1,000 activists as NYSUT and its coalition partners targeted inequality in education on a "Moral Monday." The Alliance for Quality Education, American Federation of Teachers, Citizen Action of New York, Make the Road New 2015 York, New York Communities for Change, New York State NAACP, Strong Economy for All Coalition, United Federation of Teachers, and the Working Families Party joined NYSUT to challenge the governor's failing education policies. The public school advocates highlighted the moral and constitutional obligation to fund education fairly and equitably; and opposed the efforts of his hedge-fund billionaire campaign donors to take over public education. "More than half of our school districts are operating today with less state aid than in 2008," said NYSUT's Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta. "We have 35,000 fewer educators in classrooms than six years ago. We have funding inequities that rob the most vulnerable students in the poorest districts of their right to a sound education. This is immoral. Addressing these issues and correcting these glaring inequities should be a top priority this legislative session. "We can't allow ourselves to be distracted," Pallotta continued, repeating NYSUT's call for the governor to listen to the people's perspective. "It's why Gov. Cuomo must hold public forums to hear first-hand what students, parents and educators want for their public education system." "If Albany wants to do right by our kids, it needs to put politics aside and address full and fair funding for all students and all our public schools," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. " It's time to stop blaming educators and, instead, come together, from Albany to New York City, to reclaim the promise of public education." (continued on next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...45

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND "Hundreds of thousands of New York's children are crammed into overcrowded classes in seriously underfunded schools," said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. "Rather than dealing with this crisis by looking at ways to raise revenues from the 1 percent, Gov. Cuomo has adopted the language of socalled 'reformers.' We have been down that road. Their socalled educational 'reforms' have failed in every community they have been tried. We need real solutions." Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. William Barber, who established Moral Mondays in North Carolina, spoke passionately to the crowd about our moral duty to right the wrong to hundreds of thousands of New York state children who go without the quality education that is their constitutional right. The rally highlighted the enormous inequities that have grown to record-setting levels under Gov. Cuomo, with wealthy districts now spending $8,733 more per pupil more than poor ones […] The rally was followed by a read-in in front of the governor's office where protesters read documents ranging from the state Constitution to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Dr. Seuss. "There is an enormous inequality gap in our public schools and Gov. Cuomo has made it worse," said Billy Easton, executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education. "The result is students in wealthy districts having every opportunity to succeed and secure a bright future, while millions of other students in high-need districts see their opportunities shrink due to Cuomo's policies." NYSUT President Karen Magee and other statewide and local leaders - including those representing higher ed also attended the demonstration and spoke out against the governor's misguided education policies.

“I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.” ~Malala Yousafzai

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...46

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

Rotterdam Teachers Unite to Call Out Cuomo Governor Andrew Cuomo declared war on teachers, students, and public schools across all of New York State. With his reckless, cynical agenda that seeks to favor hedge fund billionaires over needy children, rich contributors over parents and their families, and private education profiteers over public school teachers and staff, the Governor proves that he is out of touch with the needs of the vast majority of New York’s working families, our students, and our communities. In an effort to fight back and to Call Out Cuomo, teachers gathered together on Friday, March 13, 2015 for a Rotterdam Teachers Unite event at the Recovery Room. We showed our support for public education, with over 100 teachers gathered in solidarity for a common cause. A few of our local legislatures were also invited and were available to answer questions for members. New York State United Teachers Vice President Andy Pallotta and Treasurer Martin Messner accepted our invitation to the event and came to show support for our 2015 profession, encouraging us to remain strong and vigilant in the fight for our students and our future as educators. Members from both Mohonasen and Schalmont wrote letters, signed up for the NYSUT Mac Action apps on their phones, had their Nadine Toma, STA, Middle School, works on pictures taken with a cardboard cutout of Cuomo, and wore NYSUT buttons. We also filled out red pieces of paper with reasons why filling out letters to local politicians at the teachers are important to public schools and linked them all together March 13 Rotterdam Teachers Unite event. to symbolize our solidarity and strength in remaining connected through these difficult political agendas and attacks. While enjoying some appetizers and drinks, conversing with one another, and engaging in public policy, we worked to fight and to have our voices heard. Thank you to all members who participated in this successful event.

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...47

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...48

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND A Failing Grade for Tests By Michelle Adalian ,STA, Jefferson Michelle, a resident of Guilderland, delivered this speech at an educational forum. A shorter version of When I was a child, I loved to line my bed with every stuffed animal and doll I owned. I read books, sang songs, wrote stories, had calendar time, and modeled math. Because of the wonder and joy of learning I encountered in my first public education experience in Kindergarten, I knew, at the age of five, that teaching was what I wanted to do when I grew 2015 up. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Smith, made learning fun and inviting. I never questioned my early decision to be just like her and I anxiously waited for the day I would have my very own classroom. Years later when I walked into my own classroom I came to understand that every fall represents a new beginning. Every year is a chance for teachers to make an unforgettable first impression, to create an inviting environment, to set up routines, and to establish reward systems. Most importantly, we prepare our hearts to grow to include each new face that will call our classroom ‘home’ five days a week for ~Joseph Conrad the next 10 months. My first year of teaching was hard work, but rewarding. I was happy to come early and stay late to prep and plan, collaborate and create. The students’ excitement fueled my excitement. My 4th graders were filled with curiosity, a natural thirst for knowledge, and a willingness to grow. We conducted experiments. We formed literature circles and examined literature. We wrote for a purpose. We “adopted” a soldier who was serving in Afghanistan and sent numerous letters and care packages to his unit. We used manipulatives to solve math problems and worked together to resolve real-life conflicts. We developed social skills and practiced compassion. We celebrated our successes and our hiccups along the way. We found that making mistakes lead to new discoveries. We went outside to run, play, or enjoy the fresh air. We’d come back refreshed, ready to work hard. Fourteen years later, I am lucky enough to be able to work with a tremendously dedicated faculty and administration that is focused on meeting the needs of each individual student. We plan lessons together, bounce ideas off from one another, and rely on our administration for advice and guidance. Still, it rarely feels like enough. My 4th grade class of 2015 has a different feel than my class of 2001. There aren’t many spur-of-themoment discoveries or quick games of tag. It feels as if time has been sucked away and it is implied that every second spent in the classroom should focus on “increasing rigor” and preparing for the test. Many kids are stressed, worried, anxious, and nervous. These children are stressed. They ask about the test. When is the test? What will be on the test? What if I fail the test? They get stomachaches and headaches. They put their heads down. They cry. They shut down. These tests that are becoming the end-all-be-all of student and teacher assessment are killing the teaching profession. They’re squashing creativity. These tests are NOT informing our instruction as proper assessments should. They tell us nothing of our students, or our ability to teach. Please, look at a portfolio of work we’ve completed. Observe students engaged in an activity. Watch the “light bulb” click for a student who’s been working his tail off! But, to be judged solely based off of a test score, especially one taken from an assessment that requires student comprehension well above grade level, is unfair. Why is this considered valid?

“~Maya Angelou

“My task, which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel-it is, before all, to make you see.”

(continued on the next page)

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...49

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND I hate to drop a bomb, but here’s a little secret: some kids in New York State, or around the nation for that matter, don’t care about the test. Why? Because… she was taken by Child Protective Services and had the most frightening night of her life… because his parents are alcoholics… because her mom leaves when things get hard... because he lives in a shelter… because his mother has cancer… because he is abused…because she is used as a pawn in a nasty divorce… because his father is incarcerated…Because, because, because…. Maybe many of those “because” scenarios apply to a limited number of students, but children are affected by so many events that we, as adults, may deem insignificant. In reality, these small moments impact students’ abilities to focus and to try their best—even on a “test day.” A child may not perform well because he missed the bus…because she got into an argument with her sister, because her best friend sat on the bus with someone else, because there is a new baby at home that gets all the attention, because his grandmother is ill, because he is thinking about the next level of his video game, because she overslept. Because, because, because… After months of teaching and learning, it is an injustice to be represented as a number. To be labeled a 4, 3, 2, or 1 based on a single assessment is a tiny and unfair piece of a very large puzzle. I encourage “the powers that be” to walk just an inch in our shoes. We do much more than what a bubble sheet might reveal. It doesn’t show the amount of hugs given to little ones who feel broken, the coats bought for children who wear nothing more than a thin shirt on a below-freezing day. It doesn’t properly depict the teacher who gives up her lunch to provide extra support. It will never show the tears shed and the sleepless nights wondering if one of your students is being abused. It doesn’t total the amount of money spent on snacks passed out to those who rarely have a meal waiting for them at home, or the toiletries given away so hygiene can be properly tended to. I could go on… and on…we all could. We are not a “special interest group” as Governor Cuomo likes to paint us. We are public servants who proudly perform our jobs each day. We are educators trying our best to lead the next generation to make this world a better place. We need to be supported…not attacked. We need to be encouraged…not degraded. We are loving, compassionate, creative, flexible, innovative. We carry our students in our hearts long after we exit our school each day. Every child deserves to be tended to with grace, care, respect, patience, and love. Each student has a story that deserves to be heard. I fear for the educational future of my four daughters. My kindergartner enthusiastically announced that she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. I wonder, when she gathers her dolls to play school, will they be sitting in rows with a bubble sheet and pencil in hand? We are not failing. In fact, we are quite the contrary. There is no such thing as failing when you serve in a school district. We do not allow ourselves to fail. We keep trying, we keep learning, we keep coming back for more. We learn new ways to reach students. We attend workshops, seminars, and conferences. We take advantage of professional development. We seek the advice of others, we serve on committees, we read the latest research, we assess and analyze data. We have open lines of communication with parents. We are involved in the community. We spend early mornings and late nights preparing, grading, planning and thinking. No, we are not failing. We are far from failing. We are giving it everything we’ve got and then some.

“I encourage the powers that

be to walk just an inch in our

shoes. We do much more than

STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...50

LET US REMEMBER ALL OF THE TASKS STA MEMBERS HAVE DONE THAT GO ABOVE & BEYOND

We donate. We volunteer. We give. We guide. ALWAYS We inspire. We teach. We create. We develop. We improve. We grow. We learn. We advocate. We rally. We speak. We listen. We advise. We educate. We advance. We model. We care. We sacrifice. We participate. We hope. We persevere.

WE MATTER. Teachers are always a wise investment.

Thank you for your dedication. STA THROUGH THE YEARS…………………...…………..2010-2017………………...ALWAYS A WISE INVESTMENT ...51