SHEA VOICE - "Stay at Home" Edition
May 2020 Volume XIII No. 1
Suzanne Rizzo, Editor
Editors
Suzanne Rizzo (Middle School)
Contributors
MaryBeth Bruce
Keri Davis
Maggi McDonald
Paul Szymendera
SHEA VOICE
Sweet Home Education Association
Local #3041
1901 Sweet Home Road
Amherst, NY 14228
Laugh A Little:)
What Will School Look Like This Fall?
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
School Leaders Debate Solutions For an Uncertain 2020-21
Education leaders around the country are laying out plans to reopen schools in the fall, but without the safety net of a vaccine, the school year looks unpredictable at best.
By Sarah Gonser
April 22, 2020
President's Message:
Paul Szymendera
Though we may not be in school, this has been the busiest teachers have ever been. Our profession has performed miracles these past 10 weeks. It is hard to believe that March 13th was the last day our Seniors, 8th graders, and 5th graders walked the halls for the last time as a student of each building. Since then, Teachers have stepped up in unimaginable ways. We've created "home-studio-classrooms" in our basements, planned with colleagues via text, email, Google Docs, and met our students' dogs, fish, and siblings!
Our world has turned upside down. Indeed we have performed miracles. Our work doesn't end with our virtual classroom... we're also managing our own quarantine! Teachers have had to figure out how to care for our own children, home instruct our own children, graduate our own children from HS, pick up our own children from college, not a single vacation day, and of course... there is the virus. So much pain and suffering for so many of us and our loved ones. Yes, teachers, along with all the frontliners, have been superstars - performing miracles. Thank you for all you do!
Our Association has been working tirelessly to be sure all of our safety, benefits, and working conditions are protected. SHEA's leadership has met regularly throughout the pandemic and created new routines to help facilitate our work. MaryBeth and I meet with the district each week to review our concerns and offer feedback for clarity around nearly every topic of education.
As you hopefully know, School Board budgets and elections will be taking place via mail by June. 9th. SHEA has endorsed two BOE Candidates; Mike Morrow and Kailey McDonald. Jeremy Traverse, SHEA Treasurer, and PAC Coordinator has headed up the campaign that includes postcards, lawn signs, social media, and NYSUT virtual phone banks. There is a tremendous amount of work around Political Action and we all can help.
Please check out our Local Elections page on the SHEA website for a listing of all Teacher Endorsed candidates throughout the region. This year, I hope you pay special attention to NYSUT endorsed candidates Bill Conrad (Sweet Home '96, Glendale alum) for NYS Assembly 140th and Jacqui Berger (Current Deputy Supervisor Town of Amherst) for NYS Senate 61st.
We are hopeful that you participate in your local elections and visit us on social media to like and share our posts!
If you have a question you'd like to ask me, and think others would benefit from, email me at pszymendera@sweethomeschools.org with the SUBJECT LINE: ASK PAUL
Thanks for all you do!
In Solidarity,
Paul
Online School Demands More of Teachers. Unions Are Pushing Back.
Educators say they want to teach from home during the pandemic, but are fighting to limit work hours and counter demands that they consider unreasonable.
As the coronavirus outbreak has rapidly remade American education, teachers’ unions are asserting the power they have amassed over the last few years, this time in response to the changing demands being placed on educators in the midst of the pandemic.
As the realities of online education have become starkly apparent, unions are seeking new protections for their members. But they are also trying not to jeopardize the public support they won, including in red states, during massive walkouts in 2018 and 2019 that shut down schools in places like Oklahoma, West Virginia, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Unions in some of America’s largest school districts have called for restrictions on the number of hours and days that teachers would be required to work from home during the pandemic. They have also pushed back against the expectation that teachers conduct lessons live at fixed times, and on the ability of principals to sit in on lessons conducted over Zoom or other video platforms.
“Teachers are actually working harder right now than they ever have,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a national union. “A lot of superintendents are attempting to make remote learning act like what happened in schools,” she said — something that may be impossible.
The A.F.T. has suggested that schools transition to end-of-year projects, such as book reports or family-history interviews, that students and teachers could work on at flexible times. The projects would not necessarily require home computers or regular access to the internet, tools that are unavailable to many children from low-income families. Complicating matters, there is little agreement among parents on what they want from teachers right now.
Some parents of younger children — particularly professionals attempting to work from home — have begun to complain in op-eds and on social media that schools’ expectations during the shutdown are too high, and that parents do not have time to supervise Zoom conferences and help students plow through reams of worksheets. These parents say they are confident they can keep their own children afloat academically and emotionally through unstructured play, reading and art.
But if teachers step back from engaging with students and families, it is likely to be children from low-income households who are hurt the most, given existing achievement gaps.
New York City has seen perhaps the most drastic display of unions pushing back against the new expectations placed on teachers.
By the time remote learning started in the nation’s largest school district in late March, many of the city’s roughly 75,000 teachers were already frustrated with New York’s leaders, who waited longer than those in some other major cities to close public schools. Then, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that spring break, scheduled to begin in early April, would be canceled for schools across the state. (Many other places did the opposite, keeping or even extending their breaks.)
New York City’s teachers’ union, the United Federation of Teachers, held out hope that educators could still take off for Passover and Good Friday — and was furious when Mayor Bill de Blasio kept them on the job for those religious holidays.
Union officials said they were fighting to make sure New York’s teachers were not forced to work more in a day than the six hours and 20 minutes in their contracts. A politically progressive caucus within the union is calling on its leaders to push for “less academic work” during the coming months, and to lobby for a moratorium on student grades and teacher evaluations.
A version of this article appears in print on April 22, 2020, Section A, Page 9 of the New York edition with the headline: Teachers’ Unions Press To Rein In Work Hours And Secure Protections.
The Warmest Wishes Go Out to
Our Sweet Home Teacher Retirees!
Jacqueline Wright
Elementary Teacher
Jacqueline Wright, known to her friends and colleagues as Jackie, has been part of the Sweet Home family since 1994. She actually was a student teacher at Heritage Heights prior to being hired in 1994. Jackie spent her career as a 5th grade teacher, 4th grade teacher, and then a 3rd grade teacher at Glendale Elementary. She dedicated her heart and soul to teaching and took on the challenges required of having ENL and special education students integrated in her classroom.
Jackie is most known for her dedication to the Glendale Handchime Choir, which she and Mrs. Barbara White, retired Glendale music teacher, started in 2008. Jackie performs with Harmony Handbells of WNY (formerly Ring Masters) and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for students. Glendale’s Handchime Choir is a joy to listen to, and Jackie’s mentoring and musicianship will be missed by the students.
Jackie became an avid runner after participating in Glendale’s Girls on the Run program! She now runs 5Ks and 10Ks! Jackie is a true model of someone who perseveres. She helped her students through the loss of their classmate, Seth. Through extreme difficulty, she was able to dedicate her time to get through the tragedies presented in her life.
Jackie will certainly enjoy her retirement with her grandchildren, Ella, Alex and Marissa. Jackie’s family is her pride and joy! Jackie will be missed and we wish her happiness as she retires!
Debra Coniglio
District Music Director
Deb Coniglio is most known for her absolute passion for music and love of teaching. Everyone at the Middle School will miss her Friday morning live band music that always started our weekends off with a smile.
Deb is most proud of the amazing people she has had the opportunity to build relationships with during her career, and especially her "Second Family”- her music colleagues. She inspired many new teachers at Sweet Home as a Mentor Coordinator for the District. Deb is especially proud to have fulfilled her career here at Sweet Home, where she grew up and built her life with her family.
She has many accomplishments that she’s been honored with, including Who’s Who in American teachers and the American Diabetes Association Volunteer of the year for being a Safe at School Educator. Her annual District Music Festivals were a special highlight to her students, parents, and District.
Deb is looking forward to spending more time with her family, volunteering, not setting an alarm, relaxing on Sunday nights, and having lazy days with her husband, Ron. We wish you all the best and happiness in your retirement!
Darcy Spengler
Elementary Teacher
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Darcy Spengler is most known for her dedication to teaching, inspiring children, and volunteering her time to help others. She is most proud of her beautiful family and her teaching career here at Sweet Home.
Darcy began her teaching career at the Cantalician Center, where she taught for 2 years. Then, she started a life long career (38 years) of teaching at Sweet Home. She has taught children in all four of out elementary schools, although most of this time was spent at Heritage Heights. Another talent that Darcy shared with Sweet Home is a 10 year coaching career for the cheerleaders at Sweet Home High School, where many of us have enjoyed the fruits of her talent at our sporting events.
Sweet Home has always been a part of Darcy's life. She grew up in the District and is an alumni who attended Sweet Home from kindergarten through her high school graduation. She has many fond memories of her life here.
Darcy plans to spend time relaxing in her retirement and enjoying time with her family. When her husband retires from teaching they are planning to do some traveling that she has always wanted to do. We wish all best to Darcy with much happiness in her retirement!
I couldn’t be more proud to be a Sweet Home teacher. Over the past few months the coronavirus pandemic is a challenge unlike any that we have faced. With our schools closed, there are new pressures on teachers to meet the various learning needs of students virtually. This situation has left some teachers, students, and parents unsettled. In spite of it all, SHEA members have stood strong, smart, and united.
Paul Szymendera and I have met with Tony Day and Joanne Balazs every Friday since the school closure period began back in March. We will continue to do so for the duration of the school year. In addition, our numerous SHEA committees have maintained our regular meeting schedules as well. PRC and Executive Council are meeting weekly, and the Representative Council is still meeting monthly. So please rest assured, that should you have any questions, comments, or concerns about union issues, feel free to contact your building Representatives and or SHEA officers. We are ready and willing to help. Maintaining open channels of communication are critical components of our collective success. Through these open lines of communication, we have navigated through a wide range of issues relative to our contractual rights and benefits. We have discussed ways to maintain and ensure the health and safety of our students, and our staff. We have worked to implement systems and processes to help provide a quality education to ensure the needs of all teachers, students, and their families are met.
Overall, I am most grateful and most impressed by our member’s commitment to each other, to our profession, and to the kids we serve. It is evident that together, we have emerged as a district committed to the success of the children and the general welfare of our membership. Our Sweet Home faculty is a force that other districts envy. Be proud!
As the school year winds down, below are a few contractual items to be mindful of...
FMLA Language
This past February, we voted on an MOA to extend our FMLA benefits. In a nutshell, FMLA benefits will remain intact. It’s essentially the “SH FMLA Plan” The only change is the commencement begins at the onset of the event but an extension of our benefits after sick time is exhausted is guaranteed.
125 FLEX PLAN
Section 2.7.5 FLEX 125 PLAN
The District and the Association agree to provide the options of a 125 FLEX plan under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code.
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2.7.5.1 The plan will be administered by a third party mutually selected by the Association and the District. The Administrative cost shall be split equally between the District and the participants.
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2.7.5.2 The provider will be selected by mutual agreement. Options available shall be determined between the parties. The plan for use of unspent funds shall be determined between the parties prior to implementation of the program.
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2.7.5.3 The administration fee shall be deducted from the first paycheck in September.
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2.7.5.4 Any balance remaining shall be applied to reduce the teacher's administrative cost in the next year.
IMPORTANT NOTE about the FLEX PLAN from HR:
On May 12, 2020, in response to COVID-19, the IRS issued a Notice that affects Flexible Spending Account plans. In response, the district will be providing plan participants with the following benefit:
If you have a balance in your Health FSA, you will be given an extended grace period to incur and request reimbursement for eligible health expenses through December 31, 2020. Please consider this new information as you make decisions about Health FSA elections for 2020-21. Open Enrollment closes May 22, 2020.
Look for your JUNE 403b CONTRIBUTION
2.14 403B CONTRIBUTION
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2.14.1 The District shall establish a tax-deferred annuity program under Internal Revenue Code section 403(b). The District agrees to contribute on behalf of those employees who choose to participate in the program an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the employee’s contribution to an annual maximum as follows: the step 1- 21 maximum contribution = $225 and the step 22+ maximum contribution = $900.
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2.14.2 The District’s obligation to match is only for money that is being contributed after January 1, 2006. If the employee is contributing the maximum dollar amount allowable by law, the District contribution shall be counted above and beyond the maximum as per 403(b) guidelines.
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2.14.3 The District contribution shall be on a payroll basis, beginning after January 1 st of a calendar year that matches the employee bi-weekly payroll contribution. The District shall contribute to a plan of the teachers’ choosing. The teacher has the right to change his/her contribution at the beginning of any month.
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2.14.4 The District shall make four payments on or before the payroll dates that most closely approximate following dates in the 403B fiscal year:
● February 28th;
● June 30th
● September 30th
● December 31st
VEA
3.1 VARIABLE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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3.1.1 The following amount of money shall be budgeted for the purpose of salaries to be paid for extracurricular activities: 2019-2020 $52,500
IMPORTANT NOTE about VEA from the VEA committee:
On Friday of last week, Jeremy Murphy sent out individual emails to all advisors who were pre-approved to run an intramural or club in the 19/20 school year. The VEA committee's goal was to make sure that you receive payment and all records and signatures are received (for auditing purposes) to the Office of Human Resources.
If you are an advisor, make sure that all paperwork is properly completed and turned into your building principal for approval.
If you already physically turned in your VEA paperwork prior to leaving school, it is your responsibility to make sure and confirm that with the Principal's office or Karen Galli (in HR) have received them. Please don't assume that they have received it.
If any of you have questions, contact Karen Galli.
Summer School
We are not sure how or if summer school will happen this year, but please follow the contact canvassing guidelines
4.2 SUMMER SCHOOL
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4.2.1 Notification
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4.2.1.1 Annually by May 1, the district will notify all teachers of anticipated summer school positions. The notification shall occur via written memo or email sent to the individual’s district email account, and notices will be posted in the district-wide conference area.
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4.2.1.2 By May 1, the District will request that any teacher interested in a summer school position will submit a notice of interest via email to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources by June 1. Failure to submit a notice of interest via email to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources will render the individual ineligible for summer school positions.
IMPORTANT NOTE about SUMMER SCHOOL from HR:
“IMPORTANT: Given the COVID-19 Pandemic, and our current school closure status, the question about whether the District will offer Summer School in 2020 remains undecided. IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THAT WE WILL NOT HOLD SUMMER SCHOOL FOR 2020. IF SUMMER SCHOOL DOES RUN, it is subject to the Executive Orders of the Governor of the State of New York and is contingent upon voter approval of the proposed 2020-2021 District Budget, the instructional needs of our students, and sufficient student enrollment. Please note that if Summer School is offered in 2020, the format and offerings will likely be different than those offered in previous years. As such, not all courses or positions listed in the tentative posting will be needed or filled.
If Summer School does run, the most critical instructional needs will be met first.
Any SHEA member interested in working in any aspect of the summer program must complete the Google request form (click on blue link) no later than June 1, 2020:
APPR:
Given we did not end the school year in a traditional fashion, all teachers will receive the same APPR score as last year (effective, highly effective etc.…) We are still in talks about administrative narratives and what our plan will look like next year…
4.18 ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW
An Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) shall be conducted annually for each teacher in compliance with the requirements of Education Law 3012-c. The goal of this annual assessment is to improve the instructional skills of the staff. The District and SHEA further agree that they will complete negotiations concerning the APPR to the extent necessary to comply with Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and Education Law 3012-d.
Thank you for all you!
Mary Beth Bruce
SHEA Vice President & Chief Negotiator
A Message To Our Newest Teachers:
You Made it!!
Yes… it’s hard to believe, but the end of the year is almost here and you have made a difference with the students at Sweet Home. Let’s give a round of applause to the 15 newest teachers who have completed the first of many years to come:
Allison Cady Andrew Stella Chelsea Brodka Chris Monaco Elizabeth Vari Emily Balisteri Emily Mielcarek Hailey Sorrento Jane Truesdel Julia Taboni Kelly Gravel Ryan Monteleone Sarah Giese Sarah Nowak Shane Rifanburg
If you see any of these new teachers, give them a high five for a job well done. Thank you for your dedication, talent, and perseverance!
Congratulations!!
~ Maggie McDonald, Mentor Coordinator + All of Sweet Home!
Wishing A Very Happy TeacherAppreciation Week
to Sweet Home's Finest!
By Keri Davis
In the News…
The Middle School has recently had a face lift. New screen prints depicting Sweet Home have appeared on our walls. We haven’t seen them in a while and are hopeful to be walking our halls again soon.
Droppin’ A New Recipe…
Ashlee Lipka, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, makes this insanely delicious soup for our annual Middle School Soup Festival. She is a culinary genius. Since cooking in quarantine has taken on a new meaning for many of us, we suggest you try this hearty and comforting recipe. Trust us, you’ll love it. Thanks for sharing Ashlee!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Soup
Yield: Full Crockpot- Feeds 10-15 people
Ingredients:
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4-5 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 stick of butter
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4 small cans cream of chicken soup or 2 family size
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½ diced onion or 4 Tbsp dried, minced onion
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2 Tbsp dried parsley-
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1 can Pillsbury refrigerated biscuits
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32 oz chicken broth
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Directions:
Place chicken in a crockpot. Place stick of butter, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, and parsley over the top of the chicken. Cook on low in the crockpot for 8-9 hours. Remove chicken and shred (if you have a KitchenAid stand mixer or electric hand mixer, that is the quickest way to shred your chicken). Place chicken back in the crockpot and stir into soup.
Set crockpot to high. Break each uncooked biscuit into 9-10 pieces. Add the biscuits to the crockpot and gently fold into the soup. Cook on high for 1 hour or until biscuits are the texture of a dumpling. Serve and enjoy! :)
It's Elementary, My Dear
Calling all elementary teachers...
If you see something noteworthy going on in your building... Shoot me a quick "Shout Out" and I will print it in the SHEA Voice. Pics are always welcome! We all see great things going on daily, yet are often unrecognized for it. Make a colleague feel great by acknowledging something special that they do:)
Contact: srizzo@sweethomeschools.org
Make a Difference
Heading Higher and Higher
Calling all high school teachers...
You guessed it! If you see something noteworthy going on at SHHS, shoot me a quick "Shout Out" and I will print it in the SHEA Voice. Pics are always welcome! We all see great things going on daily, yet are often unrecognized for it. Make a colleague feel great by acknowledging something special that they do:)
Contact: srizzo@sweethomeschools.org
Make a Difference