As we begin another school year it is likely that the District will ask scores of students to seek TA spots in their schedules instead of creating new sections of electives.  In fact, last year over 188 students were assigned TA spots at GHS alone.  Not only is this policy stifling to the overall academic progress of students, it allows the District the luxury of not calling back all of the teachers who possess a lay-off notice. 

• As a result, the GFCCE leadership is asking you to not take on any students as TAs until all teachers are recalled.

I know this may casue you a little extra work in the classroom.  Please use your professional judgement to make adjustments in your classroom as a result of not taking any TAs.  For example, my room will not be as decorated and my recycle bin will not be cleaned out as frequently.  The bottom line is that you are putting pressure on the distirct to recall laid-off teachers and giving students acces to a more rich curriculum. 

Please, let's join together in not accepting any TA's.

I am pleased to announce that we have ratified our first contract.

Vermont Medical Team Visits Haiti
To Plan Mission for New, Permanent Union-Run Clinic

A team of medical professionals from Vermont traveled to Haiti on Wednesday, July 27 to gather information on the healthcare needs in order to establish a union-run clinic and provide healthcare skills training, in collaboration with the global union federation, Public Services International (PSI) and its affiliate in Haiti, the Confederation of Workers in the Public and Private Sectors.

The Audit Committee completed work on the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 and these reports are available by clicking the link above. 

All prior approval forms now need to be submitted electronically using the attached forms. PA forms should be filled in COMPLETELY and e-mailed to priorapprovals@dist428.org. Questions? Please contact Shawn LaPlante or Kelli Hamilton.

One of CFT's goals is to get proposition 25 passed in this November election. The proposition would reduce the ridiculously high 2/3rds vote requirement to pass a budget.  Instead only a simple majority vote would be needed to pass a budget but any new taxes would still require a 2/3rds vote.  California is the only state with the high 2/3rds threshold to pass a budget and new taxes.

The LA Times provided positive commentary on the proposition.  Click on the title of this post to read the commentary.

Remember, vote yes on prop. 25 this November.

Follow BCFPE on Facebook- it's an easy and fast way to receive updated information! Click here

Go to the working america website and complete the survey "Ask A Working Woman".  Let your opinion be heard. www.workingamerica.org

Need tips for classroom management, setting up the classroom for the first day, or forms to help make everything run smoothly? Look no further with Texas AFT's  Teacher Survival Kit. (PDF, 2 MB)