February
Treasurer Report 2/22
SHEA VOICE
2025-2026
Winter 2026
Jan-Feb
Volume XVII No. 3
Mark Ricupito,
Editor
SHEA VOICE
Sweet Home Education Association
1901 Sweet Home Road
Amherst, NY 14228
NYSUT Local #02-105
AFT Local #03041
Editor
Mark Ricupito
Contributors
MaryBeth Bruce
Paul Szymendera
Unified Sports
Be on the lookout for a great celebration of Sweet Home's Unified Sports Program!
Next Issue:
Editor's Message:
Our teachers’ union is your voice. Whether it’s negotiating contracts, protecting your rights, or pushing back when working conditions aren’t where they should be, the union ensures that no teacher stands alone. Collective bargaining secures fair salaries, benefits, and working conditions that simply wouldn’t exist without a unified front.
The union also serves as your protection. If an issue arises, whether it’s a dispute with administration, a disciplinary matter, or a contractual concern, you have representation. The union leadership and legal support are there to make sure your rights are upheld.
Beyond that, the union works to improve your professional life. It advocates for manageable class sizes, adequate planning time, and safe working environments. It also provides opportunities for professional development, guidance on certification, and support throughout your career.
At the end of the day, the union is only as strong as its members. Staying informed, participating, and supporting one another are what keep it effective.
Thank you for all that you do for your students, and for standing together as professionals.
Mark Ricupito
Tips:
This is link is for most maintenance requests for the custodial staff
This link is for help desk issues with your laptop, iPad, Classroom Phones, apps, emails.
AFT/Share My Lesson Professional Development Webinar Videos. These are just some of the hundreds of videos that you can access through their website.
Important Tax Info. 2025 W-2's are now available to download/print from your WinCap Web accounts. Log into your WinCap Web account, click on Employee Self Service, then click on My W-2's. Make sure you are set on calendar year 2025.
Union Dues for 2025 = $868.
NYSUT Visits Mass Media Class at the High School
Today, February 2, 2026 Mass Media Teachers Brian Koziol & Lisa LaBrake invited NYSUT President Melissa Person to their class to highlight the great things that are happening in our public schools. This week is national news literacy week. Sweet Home’s news media programs are teaching students how to distinguish fact from fiction in things they see online and in the news, helping kids develop their civic readiness and preparing them to participate in our democracy.
Don't hesitate.
Ask us a Question!
Click on the blue link above the Q & A
Your most recent questions answered:
Q: What is the maximum number of credits I can get for Professional Development? Can I go beyond the maximum?
A: The maximum PD credits/Graduate credits over Master's Degree you can get is 60 for the $80/credit for the remainder of your career. 1 credit = 15 hours of PD.
Yes you can go beyond the maximum. Once the maximum hours have been reached (Bachelor’s + 90) (Master’s + 60), credit hours earned after January 1, 1996 will receive a one time payment of $140.00 per credit hour. Approval must be granted by the Office of Instruction and the Superintendent of Schools before the course is taken.
Q: Can I get time off for Cancer Screening?
A: Yes, you can get up to a 4 hour leave for cancer screening. Click on this Cancer Screening Form link for more information.
Q: How long are unannounced APPR observations?
A: They should only be 10 minutes in length.
Q: What is the link to the SHEA Retirement Calculator?
A: The SHEA Retirement Calculator link:
SHOW YOUR UNION COLORS!
WEAR YOUR SHEA GEAR EVERY TUESDAY!!
Congratulations New Hires 2025-2026
We are so excited to welcome our newest SHEA Members!!
GL Grace Carey
GL Madison Gonzalez
GL Devon Perry
GL Shannon Tranzillo
WR Gabrielle Carrier
WR Cameron Kowal
WR Caitlyn Mericle
HH Nickolas Endres
HH Nicole Perry
HH Molly Pidgeon
HH Kylie Prizel
HH Olivia Storm
HH Makenna Walp
MM Erin Wendling
MS Lindsey DeBoth
MS Jamie Engl
MS Anna Stang
MS Jadon Wegrzyn
MS Meadow Wittman
HS Nicholas Bonvissuto
HS Bennett Granieri
HS Alison Jackson
HS Gavin Janas
HS James Lehner
HS Jayna Pawlak
HS Maria Strycharz
HS Riley Walker
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For the latest NUST Updates visit: https://www.nysut.org/
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