A Notice from Dr. Hanson, Associate Superintendent:
A Task Force with the new secondary director and new assistant principal will be created to review, revise, implement the LFG school safety plan and all student discipline policies, practices and procedures. The first meeting will be held in January, and the membership will reflect a cross section of staff members who are committed to working through some tough discussions and willing to create, examine and support viable solutions during these tough budgetary times.
Any LFG teacher interested in serving on this Task Force should contact Dr. Hanson either by email or phone. The LFG Leadership Team, NTA site reps & principal will be apprised once the task force has been formed. After school meetings will be compensated, and Heyman Matlock, Coordinator of Student Services, Mr. Evans, & Dr. Hanson will serve as ad-hoc members and provide any support that may be requested.
Dr. Hanson and Mr, Kenley, Secondary Director, will attend the next regularly scheduled LFG staff meeting on December 17th and will be available to answer any questions that teachers may have about the work of this Task Force.
She also concluded:
We must continue to work together and continue our commitment to doing all that we can to ensure the academic success of the students @ LFGMS.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Editorial - Why a Lack of District Support for LFG?
The following was written in response to the district's response so far to the safety concerns from the LFG teachers:
So it's my classroom instruction, is it? Yes, that's got to be it. I think instead of concentrating on my classroom instruction, I am being forced to concentrate on other things such as performing extra tasks: hallway duty, bus duty, breaking up student fighting, writing citations for tardies, serving detention, etc. I know what I can do to be a better teacher! I can stop doing non-instructional activities and focus on being the best classroom teacher that I can be. Yes, that's what I will spend my time on instead. In order to do that, I will have to say no to hallway duty and after school tutoring. I'm glad that parents were in agreement with our flyer, because that's exactly what what we are letting them know. I guess the district will also eventually make that connection. Teacher success = student success
So it's my classroom instruction, is it? Yes, that's got to be it. I think instead of concentrating on my classroom instruction, I am being forced to concentrate on other things such as performing extra tasks: hallway duty, bus duty, breaking up student fighting, writing citations for tardies, serving detention, etc. I know what I can do to be a better teacher! I can stop doing non-instructional activities and focus on being the best classroom teacher that I can be. Yes, that's what I will spend my time on instead. In order to do that, I will have to say no to hallway duty and after school tutoring. I'm glad that parents were in agreement with our flyer, because that's exactly what what we are letting them know. I guess the district will also eventually make that connection. Teacher success = student success
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Parent Flyers at Leroy Greene Middle School
Parents received the flyer below today at Leroy Greene Middle School. Parents were so supportive and positive about the flyer and the reasons that teachers wanted to improve their school, that some parents asked for more information and let teachers know that they shared the teachers' concerns. http://cbs13.com/local/natomas.middle.school.2.884843.html
URGENT CONCERNS AT LFGMS FORCE TEACHER ACTION!
WE TEACHERS WANT YOUR CHILD TO SUCCEED.
IF YOU WANT CHANGE TOO, YOU CAN SUPPORT US BY LETTING YOUR VOICE BE HEARD HERE AND AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Please contact Dr. Farrar at 567-5400, sfarrar@natomas.k12.ca.us
URGENT CONCERNS AT LFGMS FORCE TEACHER ACTION!
WE TEACHERS WANT YOUR CHILD TO SUCCEED.
IF YOU WANT CHANGE TOO, YOU CAN SUPPORT US BY LETTING YOUR VOICE BE HEARD HERE AND AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Please contact Dr. Farrar at 567-5400, sfarrar@natomas.k12.ca.us
Friday, December 5, 2008
Natomas Teachers’ Association Newsletter
Natomas Teachers’ Association Newsletter
December 2008
Calendar of Events:
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Dec. 4th, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Dec. 10th, D.O. 6:00 pm
Board Member Meetings:
§ Lisa Kaplan- Monday, Dec. 8th, 4:30
§ Sue Heredia and Jules Tran- Monday, Dec. 8th, 6:00 pm
§ Bruce Roberts- Tues., Dec. 9th, 4:00
§ Teri Burns – Tues., Dec. 9th , 5:30
Board member meetings will all be held at Giovanni’s Pizzeria (2701 Del Paso Rd) and are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month.
Here are the school board members
e-mails. Feel free to contact them:
Bruce Roberts bruceroberts4natomas@yahoo.com
Jules Tran jules.tran@sbcglobal.net
Sue Heredia heredias@csus.edu
Teri Burns terib@sia-us.com
Lisa Kaplan kaplan4kids@yahoo.com
Don’t forget to check out the NTA blog:
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com/
Congratulations to the winners of the school board election….
Bruce Roberts
Susan Heredia
Jules Tran
Thanks to Volunteers!
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the successful campaign. Many dedicated NTA members volunteered their time to help hang door hangers, attend campaign activities and hand out fliers at the polls the day of the election. NTA looks forward to a successful partnership with each the new board members.
Budget Update
The district office has released a proposal of budget cuts for the next 3 years. Site reps have received copies of the budget. Please be sure to look over the proposal and provide any input that you have to your site rep.
NTA Social a Success
On November 4th, NTA hosted a social at Malabar restaurant. Attendees enjoyed delicious appetizers while watching the results of the presidential election. Fun was had by all who attended. Keep your eyes posted for more NTA socials in the future.
Negotiations Update – from Nov. 7th notice:
The district has stated: “The district does not have a proposal to increase employee compensation or benefits at this time.” Although the district has stated that they will provide “More teacher collaboration and preparation time” they have not presented a collaboration time counter to NTA.
The atmosphere at the table has been cordial, but the bargaining team & NTA executive board have agreed that we will not resume negotiations until the district has put forth a compensation offer. The district is considering offering a retirement incentive. Contact Cynthia Bluewater with any questions.
Site Rep List:
If you have any association questions or issues please contact your site rep(s):
· American Lakes: Naomi Nakahara
· Bannon Creek: Linda Wells
· Discovery HS: Therese Collentine
· H. Allen Hight: Allyson Kirby
· Heron: Kou Moua, Peter Talbot, Cara Kruse
· Inderkum HS: Patricia Hite-Leach, Ken MacPherson, Scott MacMillan
· Jefferson: Maureen Ramos
· Leroy Green MS: Kristen Rocha, Justin Vorhauer
· Natomas HS: Joel Schwieger, Ruth Ward Ben Layne
· Natomas MS: Emilio Moran, Anthony Katsaris
· Natomas Park: Lauren Frazer
· Two Rivers: Phil Cox, Jerry Lovejoy
· Witter Ranch: Tanya Praest, Jim Clarke, Kim Chambers
Your Executive Board:
President: Brenda Borge, LFG
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
Conferences Announced
Natomas Teachers’ Association would like to sponsor some teachers to attend these CTA conferences. If you are interested in attending any of these conferences below, please email the executive board to be considered for a scholarship for registration, travel, and accommodations.
CTA Winter Conference Season!!
Good Teaching Conference-NorthJanuary 9-11, 2009 The Hyatt Regency San Francisco AirportBurlingame, CA
Region 2 Political Academy
Feb. 6-8 at Jackson Rancheria – Sierra Foothills
Urban Issues ConferenceFebruary 27-March 1, 2009The Fairmont HotelNewport Beach, CA
Equity and Human Rights ConferenceMarch 6-8, 2009The Fairmont HotelSan Jose, CA
Good Teaching Conference-SouthMarch 13-15, 2009The Hyatt Regency Orange County, AnaheimGarden Grove, CA
Summer Conferences in Asilomar and UCLA.
Each conference features outstanding keynote speakers, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and plenty of time to network and share experiences with other CTA members.
Contact the NTA Executive Board for a sponsored registration.
Have a terrific and relaxing holiday break!
December 2008
Calendar of Events:
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Dec. 4th, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Dec. 10th, D.O. 6:00 pm
Board Member Meetings:
§ Lisa Kaplan- Monday, Dec. 8th, 4:30
§ Sue Heredia and Jules Tran- Monday, Dec. 8th, 6:00 pm
§ Bruce Roberts- Tues., Dec. 9th, 4:00
§ Teri Burns – Tues., Dec. 9th , 5:30
Board member meetings will all be held at Giovanni’s Pizzeria (2701 Del Paso Rd) and are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month.
Here are the school board members
e-mails. Feel free to contact them:
Bruce Roberts bruceroberts4natomas@yahoo.com
Jules Tran jules.tran@sbcglobal.net
Sue Heredia heredias@csus.edu
Teri Burns terib@sia-us.com
Lisa Kaplan kaplan4kids@yahoo.com
Don’t forget to check out the NTA blog:
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com/
Congratulations to the winners of the school board election….
Bruce Roberts
Susan Heredia
Jules Tran
Thanks to Volunteers!
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the successful campaign. Many dedicated NTA members volunteered their time to help hang door hangers, attend campaign activities and hand out fliers at the polls the day of the election. NTA looks forward to a successful partnership with each the new board members.
Budget Update
The district office has released a proposal of budget cuts for the next 3 years. Site reps have received copies of the budget. Please be sure to look over the proposal and provide any input that you have to your site rep.
NTA Social a Success
On November 4th, NTA hosted a social at Malabar restaurant. Attendees enjoyed delicious appetizers while watching the results of the presidential election. Fun was had by all who attended. Keep your eyes posted for more NTA socials in the future.
Negotiations Update – from Nov. 7th notice:
The district has stated: “The district does not have a proposal to increase employee compensation or benefits at this time.” Although the district has stated that they will provide “More teacher collaboration and preparation time” they have not presented a collaboration time counter to NTA.
The atmosphere at the table has been cordial, but the bargaining team & NTA executive board have agreed that we will not resume negotiations until the district has put forth a compensation offer. The district is considering offering a retirement incentive. Contact Cynthia Bluewater with any questions.
Site Rep List:
If you have any association questions or issues please contact your site rep(s):
· American Lakes: Naomi Nakahara
· Bannon Creek: Linda Wells
· Discovery HS: Therese Collentine
· H. Allen Hight: Allyson Kirby
· Heron: Kou Moua, Peter Talbot, Cara Kruse
· Inderkum HS: Patricia Hite-Leach, Ken MacPherson, Scott MacMillan
· Jefferson: Maureen Ramos
· Leroy Green MS: Kristen Rocha, Justin Vorhauer
· Natomas HS: Joel Schwieger, Ruth Ward Ben Layne
· Natomas MS: Emilio Moran, Anthony Katsaris
· Natomas Park: Lauren Frazer
· Two Rivers: Phil Cox, Jerry Lovejoy
· Witter Ranch: Tanya Praest, Jim Clarke, Kim Chambers
Your Executive Board:
President: Brenda Borge, LFG
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
Conferences Announced
Natomas Teachers’ Association would like to sponsor some teachers to attend these CTA conferences. If you are interested in attending any of these conferences below, please email the executive board to be considered for a scholarship for registration, travel, and accommodations.
CTA Winter Conference Season!!
Good Teaching Conference-NorthJanuary 9-11, 2009 The Hyatt Regency San Francisco AirportBurlingame, CA
Region 2 Political Academy
Feb. 6-8 at Jackson Rancheria – Sierra Foothills
Urban Issues ConferenceFebruary 27-March 1, 2009The Fairmont HotelNewport Beach, CA
Equity and Human Rights ConferenceMarch 6-8, 2009The Fairmont HotelSan Jose, CA
Good Teaching Conference-SouthMarch 13-15, 2009The Hyatt Regency Orange County, AnaheimGarden Grove, CA
Summer Conferences in Asilomar and UCLA.
Each conference features outstanding keynote speakers, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and plenty of time to network and share experiences with other CTA members.
Contact the NTA Executive Board for a sponsored registration.
Have a terrific and relaxing holiday break!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November Newsletter
Calendar of Events:
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Nov. 6th, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @ It’s a Grind, Mon Nov. 10th , 4:30
§ Meeting with Teri Burns – Tues., Nov. 11th, 5:30 @ Graziano's Pizza (near It's Grind)
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Nov. 12th, D.O. 6:00 pm
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month @ It’s a Grind. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
CTA Scholarships Offered
Please ask your site reps about CTA scholarships.
Safety Survey
Please complete the safety survey and return to your site rep as soon as possible.
Communication Committee – as part of the board goals, the district is looking for teacher input – please contact your site rep for details
Updates from The Standard
Want help figuring out how much insurance you and your family need? We’ve made it simple! If you’re wondering how much Life Insurance to get for you and your family or your need for Disability Insurance, then the Insurance Needs Calculators can help! Simply login to MyCTA at www.cta.org and go to The Standard pages. There you’ll find links to the new calculators that will help you determine your need for Disability income protection and Life Insurance for you and your dependents. It’s a free tool to help you get one step closer to a complete financial plan. Newly hired CTA member, or new to your district? We have good news about coverage! If you’re a newly hired CTA member, or transferring to a new district, now’s the time to get coverage. During your first 120 days of new employment, you have a one-time opportunity to enroll in Disability Insurance and/or up to $200,000 of Life Insurance – without showing proof of good health! The Standard’s Member Enrollment Brochure has details and enrollment materials – or even easier, you can enroll online by visiting MyCTA at www.cta.org.
Are you enrolled in a non CTA-endorsed plan? If you have enrolled in non CTA-endorsed coverage and would like to switch into the only CTA-endorsed Life and Disability plans, The Standard will offer special enrollment periods from October 1 through November 30, 2008 and from April 1 through May 31, 2009. You’ll be able to transfer without providing proof of good health! You can transfer to an equal amount of coverage. If an equal amount is not available, you can choose the next closest option — higher or lower! Has your family status changed? Within 31 days of a Family Status Change, you can add or increase Life coverage up to $200,000 and/or add Disability coverage, all without providing proof of good health! A Family Status Change includes birth/adoption, marriage/domestic partnership, divorce/dissolution or other qualifying events. Questions? The Standard is there to help! Call The Standard’s dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800.522.0406 (TTY). Or, email ctaservice@standard.com. And if you haven’t taken a look at CTA’s Web site, visit MyCTA at http://www.cta.org/.
You are invited to a NTA Social Event!!
DATE: November 4th
TIME: 5-9pm
PLACE: Malabar Restaurant
(2960 Del Paso Rd. Natomas)
Watch the election results while hanging out with your fellow colleagues
hors d'oeuvres will be provided
No Host Bar
NTA is proud to endorse the following slate in the Natomas School Board Elections:
*Jules Tran
*Susan Heredia
*Bruce Roberts
Be sure to vote November 4th
(Please contact your site rep if you can help hold a sign at polling places on Tuesday)
Events around Natomas
NTA executive board assisted 150 REI employees and the arbor foundation in planting trees on the Regional Park behind Inderkum on Oct. 18th
On October 19th, NTA hosted a booth at the Creekside community festival. The booth helped get the word out about the Natomas School board candidates.
New employees are invited to attend the new employee party in December -date and time TBD.
CTA Winter Conference Season!!
Good Teaching Conference-North
January 9-11, 2009
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport,Burlingame, CA
Rural Issues Conference
January 16-18, 2009
The Orleans Hotel and Casino,Las Vegas, NV
Urban Issues Conference
February 27-March 1, 2009
The Fairmont Hotel,Newport Beach, CA
Equity and Human Rights Conference
March 6-8, 2009
The Fairmont Hotel,San Jose, CA
Good Teaching Conference-South
March 13-15, 2009
The Hyatt Regency Orange County, Anaheim,Garden Grove, CA
Each conference features outstanding keynote speakers, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and plenty of time to network and share experiences with other CTA members.
Register at: http://cta.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5bee87be6102a8bb0cb7c97dc&id=7a11d1605c&e=9322a213b7.
Did you know that NTA has a blog? Stop by and add your thoughts or comments!
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Nov. 6th, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @ It’s a Grind, Mon Nov. 10th , 4:30
§ Meeting with Teri Burns – Tues., Nov. 11th, 5:30 @ Graziano's Pizza (near It's Grind)
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Nov. 12th, D.O. 6:00 pm
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month @ It’s a Grind. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
CTA Scholarships Offered
Please ask your site reps about CTA scholarships.
Safety Survey
Please complete the safety survey and return to your site rep as soon as possible.
Communication Committee – as part of the board goals, the district is looking for teacher input – please contact your site rep for details
Updates from The Standard
Want help figuring out how much insurance you and your family need? We’ve made it simple! If you’re wondering how much Life Insurance to get for you and your family or your need for Disability Insurance, then the Insurance Needs Calculators can help! Simply login to MyCTA at www.cta.org and go to The Standard pages. There you’ll find links to the new calculators that will help you determine your need for Disability income protection and Life Insurance for you and your dependents. It’s a free tool to help you get one step closer to a complete financial plan. Newly hired CTA member, or new to your district? We have good news about coverage! If you’re a newly hired CTA member, or transferring to a new district, now’s the time to get coverage. During your first 120 days of new employment, you have a one-time opportunity to enroll in Disability Insurance and/or up to $200,000 of Life Insurance – without showing proof of good health! The Standard’s Member Enrollment Brochure has details and enrollment materials – or even easier, you can enroll online by visiting MyCTA at www.cta.org.
Are you enrolled in a non CTA-endorsed plan? If you have enrolled in non CTA-endorsed coverage and would like to switch into the only CTA-endorsed Life and Disability plans, The Standard will offer special enrollment periods from October 1 through November 30, 2008 and from April 1 through May 31, 2009. You’ll be able to transfer without providing proof of good health! You can transfer to an equal amount of coverage. If an equal amount is not available, you can choose the next closest option — higher or lower! Has your family status changed? Within 31 days of a Family Status Change, you can add or increase Life coverage up to $200,000 and/or add Disability coverage, all without providing proof of good health! A Family Status Change includes birth/adoption, marriage/domestic partnership, divorce/dissolution or other qualifying events. Questions? The Standard is there to help! Call The Standard’s dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800.522.0406 (TTY). Or, email ctaservice@standard.com. And if you haven’t taken a look at CTA’s Web site, visit MyCTA at http://www.cta.org/.
You are invited to a NTA Social Event!!
DATE: November 4th
TIME: 5-9pm
PLACE: Malabar Restaurant
(2960 Del Paso Rd. Natomas)
Watch the election results while hanging out with your fellow colleagues
hors d'oeuvres will be provided
No Host Bar
NTA is proud to endorse the following slate in the Natomas School Board Elections:
*Jules Tran
*Susan Heredia
*Bruce Roberts
Be sure to vote November 4th
(Please contact your site rep if you can help hold a sign at polling places on Tuesday)
Events around Natomas
NTA executive board assisted 150 REI employees and the arbor foundation in planting trees on the Regional Park behind Inderkum on Oct. 18th
On October 19th, NTA hosted a booth at the Creekside community festival. The booth helped get the word out about the Natomas School board candidates.
New employees are invited to attend the new employee party in December -date and time TBD.
CTA Winter Conference Season!!
Good Teaching Conference-North
January 9-11, 2009
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport,Burlingame, CA
Rural Issues Conference
January 16-18, 2009
The Orleans Hotel and Casino,Las Vegas, NV
Urban Issues Conference
February 27-March 1, 2009
The Fairmont Hotel,Newport Beach, CA
Equity and Human Rights Conference
March 6-8, 2009
The Fairmont Hotel,San Jose, CA
Good Teaching Conference-South
March 13-15, 2009
The Hyatt Regency Orange County, Anaheim,Garden Grove, CA
Each conference features outstanding keynote speakers, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and plenty of time to network and share experiences with other CTA members.
Register at: http://cta.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5bee87be6102a8bb0cb7c97dc&id=7a11d1605c&e=9322a213b7.
Did you know that NTA has a blog? Stop by and add your thoughts or comments!
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com
Close School Board Election in Natomas USD
The Sacramento County Board of Elections has reported these results this morning:
Governing Board Member NATOMAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Vote for 3 (WITH 50 OF 50 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
SUSAN M. HEREDIA . . . . . . . . 7,675 29.54
BRUCE ROBERTS . . . . . . . . . 6,095 23.46
JULES A. TRAN . . . . . . . . . 4,029 15.51
PATRICIA A. ADAMS. . . . . . . . 3,031 11.67
BRIZA TRUJILLO CARDENAS. . . .2,610 10.05
FREDRICK S. (RICK) COHEN . . . . 2,477 9.53
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 61 .23
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . 9 Under Votes . . . . . . . . . 26,414
NTA wants to thank every teacher who helped in the elections for local offices, city, state and national. Thank you for all of your precious time volunteered, your civic-minded efforts, and your willingness to be part of history in the making. Yes, it was that important. Our students will benefit from your generosity.
Governing Board Member NATOMAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Vote for 3 (WITH 50 OF 50 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
SUSAN M. HEREDIA . . . . . . . . 7,675 29.54
BRUCE ROBERTS . . . . . . . . . 6,095 23.46
JULES A. TRAN . . . . . . . . . 4,029 15.51
PATRICIA A. ADAMS. . . . . . . . 3,031 11.67
BRIZA TRUJILLO CARDENAS. . . .2,610 10.05
FREDRICK S. (RICK) COHEN . . . . 2,477 9.53
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 61 .23
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . 9 Under Votes . . . . . . . . . 26,414
NTA wants to thank every teacher who helped in the elections for local offices, city, state and national. Thank you for all of your precious time volunteered, your civic-minded efforts, and your willingness to be part of history in the making. Yes, it was that important. Our students will benefit from your generosity.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
NTA SOCIAL EVENT
Natomas Teachers: You are invited to an NTA social event
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
Place: Malabar Restaurant (upstairs room)
Drop in anytime!
Join your colleagues and relax after work at
one of the Natomas area’s finest dining establishments!
Party room is upstairs and has big screen TVs to watch election results
Hors d’oeuvres provided
No Host Bar
Friday, October 24, 2008
Election Season Information from CTA
Dear Chapter Presidents: We’re less than two weeks away from one of the most important elections of our time. Your vote will make the difference in the lives of our students and their families. Earlier this year, the 800 democratically elected members of CTA’s State Council of Education made recommendations for this election. At the same time, State Council voted to allocate up to $5 million to fund these recommendations as well as our efforts in the state budget crisis.
Those recommendations are:
· Barack Obama for U.S. President
· Congressional, State Assembly and Senate Recommendations
· YES on Proposition 3 - Children's Hospital Bond Act of 2008
· NO on Proposition 4 - Protect Teen Safety
· NO Proposition 6 - Fund Schools not Prisons
· NO Proposition 8 - Support Equality for All
· NO Proposition 9 - Costly, Unnecessary and Misleading
You may have heard from the public and some members concerned about CTA’s position on Prop. 8. The Yes on 8 Campaign is using lies and scare tactics to deliberately mislead voters. Prop. 8 will not change any state education law. It has no impact on public schools at all. A California Superior Court Judge has ruled these claims by Prop. 8 proponents as “false and misleading.”
The California Teachers Empowerment Network, which is supported by National Right to Work, has jumped on these distortions in an effort to undermine the strength and unity of CTA. You or some of your members may have received an email from CTEN encouraging people to resign from CTA. This is the same group that organized in support of the anti-teacher and anti-union initiatives that were soundly defeated in 2005.
CTA has a long and proud history of standing up for the civil rights of all people. It is part of our mission: The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.California’s constitution should guarantee the same freedoms and rights to everyone. Prop. 8 singles out some people to be treated differently. CTA’s recommendation to vote No on Prop. 8 is the latest in a long line of positions that promote equality for all.
Below are two links to information that can help you when answering questions about CTA’s recommendation process and No on 8.
· CTA’s recommendation process (Prop. 8 example)
· Fact vs. Fiction: the false accusations by the Yes on Prop 8 Campaign You can find more about all CTA recommendations www.cta.org.
David A. Sanchez, CTA President
Those recommendations are:
· Barack Obama for U.S. President
· Congressional, State Assembly and Senate Recommendations
· YES on Proposition 3 - Children's Hospital Bond Act of 2008
· NO on Proposition 4 - Protect Teen Safety
· NO Proposition 6 - Fund Schools not Prisons
· NO Proposition 8 - Support Equality for All
· NO Proposition 9 - Costly, Unnecessary and Misleading
You may have heard from the public and some members concerned about CTA’s position on Prop. 8. The Yes on 8 Campaign is using lies and scare tactics to deliberately mislead voters. Prop. 8 will not change any state education law. It has no impact on public schools at all. A California Superior Court Judge has ruled these claims by Prop. 8 proponents as “false and misleading.”
The California Teachers Empowerment Network, which is supported by National Right to Work, has jumped on these distortions in an effort to undermine the strength and unity of CTA. You or some of your members may have received an email from CTEN encouraging people to resign from CTA. This is the same group that organized in support of the anti-teacher and anti-union initiatives that were soundly defeated in 2005.
CTA has a long and proud history of standing up for the civil rights of all people. It is part of our mission: The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.California’s constitution should guarantee the same freedoms and rights to everyone. Prop. 8 singles out some people to be treated differently. CTA’s recommendation to vote No on Prop. 8 is the latest in a long line of positions that promote equality for all.
Below are two links to information that can help you when answering questions about CTA’s recommendation process and No on 8.
· CTA’s recommendation process (Prop. 8 example)
· Fact vs. Fiction: the false accusations by the Yes on Prop 8 Campaign You can find more about all CTA recommendations www.cta.org.
David A. Sanchez, CTA President
NTA SOCIAL EVENT
Natomas Teachers:
You are invited to an NTA social event
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
Place: Malabar Restaurant (upstairs room)
Drop in anytime! Join your colleagues and relax after work at one of the Natomas area’s finest dining establishments!
Party room is upstairs and has big screen TVs to watch election results
Hors d’oeuvres provided
No Host Bar
You are invited to an NTA social event
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
Place: Malabar Restaurant (upstairs room)
Drop in anytime! Join your colleagues and relax after work at one of the Natomas area’s finest dining establishments!
Party room is upstairs and has big screen TVs to watch election results
Hors d’oeuvres provided
No Host Bar
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Education Forum
THE NATOMAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
And
THE NATOMAS JOURNAL
PRESENT
THURSDAY, OCT. 23, 2008
7:00 pm
Patricia A. Adams
Briza Trujillo Cardenas
Fredrick S. “Rick” Cohen
Susan M. Heredia (Incumbent)
Bruce Roberts
Jules A. Tran
Will Craig, Moderator
Publisher, Natomas Journal
Natomas Community Center
2921 Truxel Road
Sacramento, CA 95833
Please join us
And
THE NATOMAS JOURNAL
PRESENT
THURSDAY, OCT. 23, 2008
7:00 pm
Patricia A. Adams
Briza Trujillo Cardenas
Fredrick S. “Rick” Cohen
Susan M. Heredia (Incumbent)
Bruce Roberts
Jules A. Tran
Will Craig, Moderator
Publisher, Natomas Journal
Natomas Community Center
2921 Truxel Road
Sacramento, CA 95833
Please join us
WESTLAKE - NTA EVENT
NATOMAS TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
INVITES YOU TO AN EVENING RECEPTION FOR THE
Natomas School Board Team
BRUCE ROBERTS, SUSAN HEREDIA & JULES TRAN
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
5:30 to 7:30 PM
AT THE WESTLAKE RESIDENCE OF
Dave Lardner
12 Ost Place, Sacramento
(Please RSVP to Fred Lavell, PAC Chair)
Food donated by Griselda Catering
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October/November Events for Teachers
Natomas Teachers - we would love to have you involved in any and all of the following upcoming activities:
Wednesday, Oct. 15th - The Club at Natomas - School Board Candidate's Forum 6:30 pm
Thursday, Oct. 16th - New teacher seniority number lottery - 3:30 at the District Office (HR)
Saturday, Oct. 18th - Tree Planting in Natomas Regional Park (behind Inderkum) 8:30-12:30
Sunday, Oct. 19th - Creekside Festival at Kokomo Park (behind the Safeway) - NTA booth from 1:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, Oct. 22nd - Evening Reception in Westlake fro School Board Candidates, 5:30 - 7:30, 12 Ost Place (private home)
Thursday, Oct. 23rd - South Natomas Community Center - School Board Candidate's Forum, 7:00 pm
Friday, Oct, 24th - Witter Ranch School Festival, NTA booth from 5:00-8:00 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 4th - Election Night Celebration - Location TBD
Wednesday, Oct. 15th - The Club at Natomas - School Board Candidate's Forum 6:30 pm
Thursday, Oct. 16th - New teacher seniority number lottery - 3:30 at the District Office (HR)
Saturday, Oct. 18th - Tree Planting in Natomas Regional Park (behind Inderkum) 8:30-12:30
Sunday, Oct. 19th - Creekside Festival at Kokomo Park (behind the Safeway) - NTA booth from 1:00-4:00pm
Wednesday, Oct. 22nd - Evening Reception in Westlake fro School Board Candidates, 5:30 - 7:30, 12 Ost Place (private home)
Thursday, Oct. 23rd - South Natomas Community Center - School Board Candidate's Forum, 7:00 pm
Friday, Oct, 24th - Witter Ranch School Festival, NTA booth from 5:00-8:00 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 4th - Election Night Celebration - Location TBD
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Election Party
Please plan to attend a gathering of NTA members on Nov 4th to watch the election results on a big screen tv, somewhere in Natomas at a venue to be determined. Watch this post for updates. We have NUSD Board members, a US President and the Sacramento Mayor races making history this year.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October Newsletter
Calendar of Events:
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Oct. 2nd, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @It’s a Grind, Monday, Oct. 6th, 4:30 pm
§ Meeting with Sue Heredia & Jen Baker @ It’s a Grind, Mon. Oct. 6th, 7:00 pm
§ Meeting with Ron Dwyer-Voss @ It’s a Grind, Tuesday, Oct. 7th, 3:30pm
§ Meeting with Teri Burns @ It’s a Grind, Tues. Oct. 7th, 5:30pm
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Oct. 8th, D.O. 6:00 pm
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
Your Executive Board:
President: Brenda Borge, LFG
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
CA Budget Update
Please visit your CTA website at: www.CTA.org
Political Action Committee
The Natomas Teachers have endorsed the following candidates for school board:
Bruce Roberts
Jules Tran
Sue Heredia
Please contact Fred Lavell, PAC Chair, to help with the school board elections from now until November.
Safety Committee
We are committed to solving the many school safety issues currently going on in the district, and need your help to address these issues in a systematic and proactive way. Please contact your site rep if you have a story, information, or want to help with teacher and student safety issues.
GO GREEN? Let NTA know if you prefer us to save paper & post more info on the blog:
Please visit our new blog site:
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com
Please check it as often as you can!
Coming soon - our own NING (a secured social network site for Natomas teachers)
Your Site Reps:
(if your site has held an election and have new site reps, please let us know)
American Lakes – Naomi Nakahara
Bannon Creek – Linda Wells
Jefferson Elem – Maureen Ramos
Two Rivers Elem – Jerry Lovejoy, Kris
Nanry
Witter Ranch – Tanya Praest, Jim
Clarke, Kimberly Chambers
Natomas Park Elem – Bret Greenfield,
Lauren Frazier
Heron – Peter Talbot
Hight Elem – Allyson Kirby
Leroy Greene MS – Kristen Rocha,
Justin Vorhauer
Natomas Middle – Anthony Katsaris,
Emilio Moran
Natomas High – Joel Schweiger, Ruth
Ward, Ben Layne
Inderkum High – Ken MacPherson, Scott
Macmillan, Patricia Hite-Leech
Discovery High – Terese Collentine
Negotiations Update:
Contract negotiations are set to resume in October with the district.
New Board Goals
Please give your input to your site reps and the NTA leadership on the new board goals. We need to hear from you. Keep us updated as to what is happening (or not happening) at your sites.
California’s Educators Say Lawmakers Turned Their Backs On the Public and Passed a Reckless Budget that Hurts Students and Public Schools Now and in the Future, Taking $3 Billion from Schools
David A. Sanchez, president of the 340,000-member CTA, released the following statement in response to the state budget package passed by lawmakers tonight and sent to the governor for signing:
September 19, 2008
“The governor and lawmakers have passed a rushed and shameful ‘get out of town’ state budget that leaves the state’s millions of students in their dust. This gimmick-filled budget, which is more than 81 days late, will hurt public schools, colleges, health care, working families and communities for years. This disastrous spending plan still does nothing to solve the state’s structural deficit. It sets our schools and students up for more funding shortfalls and sets California up for the same budget problems next year. “This budget cuts $3 billion from public education this year and never restores those funds. It gives the governor new powers to cut funding for some education programs mid-year, undermines Proposition 98, the minimum school funding law, and will certainly guarantee that the amount California spends on its students remains locked at the bottom nationwide. “Failing to provide any ongoing new revenues, this ‘new deal’ budget is no real budget at all. It continues to rely on borrowing money from the lottery and future state revenues in order to close the $15 billion budget deficit. It takes $1.4 billion from hospitals and human services for the elderly, disabled, and children. It means a quarter-million children will be denied health insurance. It eliminates the eight-hour work day for some workers, while providing new tax loopholes for corporations that will cost the state billions. Working families will suffer.“Our elected officials missed their opportunity to lead. This is not the responsible state budget plan that our public schools, educators and voters have been waiting for. CTA will be looking into all options available to ensure that our budget process better serves California students and their right to a quality education.”
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Oct. 2nd, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @It’s a Grind, Monday, Oct. 6th, 4:30 pm
§ Meeting with Sue Heredia & Jen Baker @ It’s a Grind, Mon. Oct. 6th, 7:00 pm
§ Meeting with Ron Dwyer-Voss @ It’s a Grind, Tuesday, Oct. 7th, 3:30pm
§ Meeting with Teri Burns @ It’s a Grind, Tues. Oct. 7th, 5:30pm
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Oct. 8th, D.O. 6:00 pm
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
Your Executive Board:
President: Brenda Borge, LFG
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
CA Budget Update
Please visit your CTA website at: www.CTA.org
Political Action Committee
The Natomas Teachers have endorsed the following candidates for school board:
Bruce Roberts
Jules Tran
Sue Heredia
Please contact Fred Lavell, PAC Chair, to help with the school board elections from now until November.
Safety Committee
We are committed to solving the many school safety issues currently going on in the district, and need your help to address these issues in a systematic and proactive way. Please contact your site rep if you have a story, information, or want to help with teacher and student safety issues.
GO GREEN? Let NTA know if you prefer us to save paper & post more info on the blog:
Please visit our new blog site:
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com
Please check it as often as you can!
Coming soon - our own NING (a secured social network site for Natomas teachers)
Your Site Reps:
(if your site has held an election and have new site reps, please let us know)
American Lakes – Naomi Nakahara
Bannon Creek – Linda Wells
Jefferson Elem – Maureen Ramos
Two Rivers Elem – Jerry Lovejoy, Kris
Nanry
Witter Ranch – Tanya Praest, Jim
Clarke, Kimberly Chambers
Natomas Park Elem – Bret Greenfield,
Lauren Frazier
Heron – Peter Talbot
Hight Elem – Allyson Kirby
Leroy Greene MS – Kristen Rocha,
Justin Vorhauer
Natomas Middle – Anthony Katsaris,
Emilio Moran
Natomas High – Joel Schweiger, Ruth
Ward, Ben Layne
Inderkum High – Ken MacPherson, Scott
Macmillan, Patricia Hite-Leech
Discovery High – Terese Collentine
Negotiations Update:
Contract negotiations are set to resume in October with the district.
New Board Goals
Please give your input to your site reps and the NTA leadership on the new board goals. We need to hear from you. Keep us updated as to what is happening (or not happening) at your sites.
California’s Educators Say Lawmakers Turned Their Backs On the Public and Passed a Reckless Budget that Hurts Students and Public Schools Now and in the Future, Taking $3 Billion from Schools
David A. Sanchez, president of the 340,000-member CTA, released the following statement in response to the state budget package passed by lawmakers tonight and sent to the governor for signing:
September 19, 2008
“The governor and lawmakers have passed a rushed and shameful ‘get out of town’ state budget that leaves the state’s millions of students in their dust. This gimmick-filled budget, which is more than 81 days late, will hurt public schools, colleges, health care, working families and communities for years. This disastrous spending plan still does nothing to solve the state’s structural deficit. It sets our schools and students up for more funding shortfalls and sets California up for the same budget problems next year. “This budget cuts $3 billion from public education this year and never restores those funds. It gives the governor new powers to cut funding for some education programs mid-year, undermines Proposition 98, the minimum school funding law, and will certainly guarantee that the amount California spends on its students remains locked at the bottom nationwide. “Failing to provide any ongoing new revenues, this ‘new deal’ budget is no real budget at all. It continues to rely on borrowing money from the lottery and future state revenues in order to close the $15 billion budget deficit. It takes $1.4 billion from hospitals and human services for the elderly, disabled, and children. It means a quarter-million children will be denied health insurance. It eliminates the eight-hour work day for some workers, while providing new tax loopholes for corporations that will cost the state billions. Working families will suffer.“Our elected officials missed their opportunity to lead. This is not the responsible state budget plan that our public schools, educators and voters have been waiting for. CTA will be looking into all options available to ensure that our budget process better serves California students and their right to a quality education.”
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A Reminder to Vote Fargo for Mayor in November
In the Sacramento Bee, more news on the dangers of not choosing wisely for the right person to run Sacramento and support teachers' associations and all of the hard work teachers do for our students. More problems with candidate KJ:
http://www.sacbee.com/city/story/1264412-p2.html
http://www.sacbee.com/education/story/1267585.html
http://www.sacbee.com/city/story/1264412-p2.html
http://www.sacbee.com/education/story/1267585.html
Natomas School Board Campaign Activities
Natomas School Board Campaign Activities
- Bruce Roberts, Susan Heredia & Jules Tran
Thank you to all who attended the kick-off and to all others who have express support for our campaign.
With less than 6 weeks until Election Day there is a lot to do.
Phone Banking will be every Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday, from 5:30 to 8:30. We began our phone banking last night and we are still looking for volunteers.
Phone Bank Mon/Tue/Wen 5:30 to 8:30;
4714 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento CA 95834
(MME Consulting, West of 1-5, just south of Del Paso Road)
Precint Walks Begin this Saturday at 10:00am
We need additional volunteers for this Saturday's start.
Walk Location;
We will meet at the house of Jules Tran
15 Nautica Court, Sac, CA 95833 ( Near Two Rivers)
Thank you and we look forward to your help.
Bruce Roberts
916-396-9083
- Bruce Roberts, Susan Heredia & Jules Tran
Thank you to all who attended the kick-off and to all others who have express support for our campaign.
With less than 6 weeks until Election Day there is a lot to do.
Phone Banking will be every Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday, from 5:30 to 8:30. We began our phone banking last night and we are still looking for volunteers.
Phone Bank Mon/Tue/Wen 5:30 to 8:30;
4714 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento CA 95834
(MME Consulting, West of 1-5, just south of Del Paso Road)
Precint Walks Begin this Saturday at 10:00am
We need additional volunteers for this Saturday's start.
Walk Location;
We will meet at the house of Jules Tran
15 Nautica Court, Sac, CA 95833 ( Near Two Rivers)
Thank you and we look forward to your help.
Bruce Roberts
916-396-9083
Teachers - Need Volunteers
Please see the flyer attached - the Friends of the Parks and Schools in North Natomas are planning to help with this tree planting project at the still developing Regional Park. Please come and help plant trees. You don't have to have experience - the Sacramento Tree Foundation people will train us. And for you dog lovers (like us), the trees will hopefully be the start of a dog park in that area.
This area in located north and west of Inderkum HS.
Please call Brenda Borge if you are able to come help.
(916) 419-8933
Thank you!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Sept. 20th Campaign Kick-Off
Natomas Community and teachers - we need volunteers. We would love to see you if you can make a campaign kick-off event (with refreshments) today between 3:00 and 7:00 pm, please call Fred Lavell or Brenda Borge for directions. (916) 419-8933
Time to get the word out about the November school board election!
Natomas Teachers' Association has endorsed:
Jules Tran
Bruce Roberts and
Sue Heredia
Time to get the word out about the November school board election!
Natomas Teachers' Association has endorsed:
Jules Tran
Bruce Roberts and
Sue Heredia
Friday, September 12, 2008
State Budget Update and Call to Action
Please make your own calls and send the following alert out to your networks:
The Senate has announced another budget vote for Friday September 12th, on the Governor’s August Revise – once again, deep cuts to vital services for all Californians are at stake, both now and into the future.
CALL YOUR SENATOR NOW -- and forward this message to your networks statewide!
1. Call 1-888-268-4334, the "Cuts Hurt Hotline."
2. Press 1, to enter your zip code and be connected directly to your Senator.
3. Tell your Senator:
"OPPOSE the Governor's August Revise because it has:
n EVEN DEEPER CUTS to our students, seniors, people with disabilities, families and all Californians – putting even more strain on our schools, hospitals, home care, and all vital services.
n A SHORT-SIGHTED CAP that would have taken away $8 billion in investment in education, health care, and other vital services this year, if it had been put in place a decade ago.
n A TEMPORARY FIX (via a 1 cent sales tax boost for 3 years, and then a drop by 1 ¼ cent), rather than the long-term revenue we need to prevent deeper cuts and invest in our future."
Your calls have made a *substantial* difference, especially in the last two weeks: On Monday, the Senate defeated the proposed Republican Budget, which had the most devastating cuts yet and only irresponsible borrowing. (The Assembly followed suit on Tuesday). And as Labor Day weekend began, your calls helped defeat Sen. Perata’s modified version of the Governor’s August Revise. Now, we need to do it again – defeat the Governor’s August Revise and make sure our legislators passes a responsible, compassionate budget with no more cuts and the real revenues we need.
For more background on the Governor's August Revise:
n Talking Points from T4CF -- http://www.togetherforca.org/information/GovAugustReviseSummary0829.doc
n Comparisons of the budget proposals – from Education Coalition, Health Access, and County Welfare Directors Association -- are also posted at http://www.togetherforca.org/index.php/resources
n CA Department of Finance, Governor’s August Revise -- http://www.dof.ca.gov/budget/historical/2008-09/documents/August_Revision_R2-w.pdf
The Senate has announced another budget vote for Friday September 12th, on the Governor’s August Revise – once again, deep cuts to vital services for all Californians are at stake, both now and into the future.
CALL YOUR SENATOR NOW -- and forward this message to your networks statewide!
1. Call 1-888-268-4334, the "Cuts Hurt Hotline."
2. Press 1, to enter your zip code and be connected directly to your Senator.
3. Tell your Senator:
"OPPOSE the Governor's August Revise because it has:
n EVEN DEEPER CUTS to our students, seniors, people with disabilities, families and all Californians – putting even more strain on our schools, hospitals, home care, and all vital services.
n A SHORT-SIGHTED CAP that would have taken away $8 billion in investment in education, health care, and other vital services this year, if it had been put in place a decade ago.
n A TEMPORARY FIX (via a 1 cent sales tax boost for 3 years, and then a drop by 1 ¼ cent), rather than the long-term revenue we need to prevent deeper cuts and invest in our future."
Your calls have made a *substantial* difference, especially in the last two weeks: On Monday, the Senate defeated the proposed Republican Budget, which had the most devastating cuts yet and only irresponsible borrowing. (The Assembly followed suit on Tuesday). And as Labor Day weekend began, your calls helped defeat Sen. Perata’s modified version of the Governor’s August Revise. Now, we need to do it again – defeat the Governor’s August Revise and make sure our legislators passes a responsible, compassionate budget with no more cuts and the real revenues we need.
For more background on the Governor's August Revise:
n Talking Points from T4CF -- http://www.togetherforca.org/information/GovAugustReviseSummary0829.doc
n Comparisons of the budget proposals – from Education Coalition, Health Access, and County Welfare Directors Association -- are also posted at http://www.togetherforca.org/index.php/resources
n CA Department of Finance, Governor’s August Revise -- http://www.dof.ca.gov/budget/historical/2008-09/documents/August_Revision_R2-w.pdf
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
School Board Candidate Endorsements Announced
The Natomas TA Political Action Committee (PAC) interviewed all six of the school board candidates running for this November's election and based on the interview questions (listed below), have decided to endorse the following three candidates:
Bruce Roberts, Sue Heredia and Jules Tran.
For a list of questions we asked candidates, please see the list below. These questions will show you what the Natomas Teachers' Association's values and priorities are. Please visit our booth at the Celebrate Natomas event this Saturday for more information.
Interview Questions:
1. Why are you running for the Natomas School Board? What do you hope to add to make this district better?
2. What do you feel are the greatest strengths and the greatest weaknesses of the Natomas Unified School District?
3. What school board decision in the past three years would you change and why?
4. Many parents are concerned especially at the secondary level about the safety of the schools. What plans do you have to support resolutions that will increase safety in the schools?
5. Teacher morale is very important to the success of our students’ educational programs. How would you improve teacher morale?
6. We believe retaining high quality, dedicated teachers is of great importance to the health of our district; however, we have one of the worst turnover rates in the area. What is your plan to reverse this trend?
7. If elected to the school board, what plans do you have to improve teacher and parent communication and support throughout the district?
8. As a school board member, you will receive the majority of your information regarding the state of the district from the administration, via their written reports and in the monthly closed session meetings. What are your plans to look beyond the administration and seek out other perspectives on important issues?
9. Often, as a board member, you will have an individual opinion that may conflict with other board members, the administration or teachers. How do you assert yourself under this kind of pressure?
10. NTA is concerned about the proliferation of charter schools in our district. They take away facility and ADA revenue from our schools. What is your view on charter schools and what kind of accountability do they have to the Natomas School Board?
11. Strategy Four of the District’s Strategic Plan calls for “consistently communicating information, increasing public awareness and soliciting public support.” What plans do you have to showcase the Natomas schools to the public?
12. NTA holds regularly schedule monthly meeting with board members. Would you uphold this tradition to meet with us monthly?
13. Teacher’s salaries can help retain well-qualified people and help attract well-qualified teachers to the district. As far as salaries go, our district has a low ranking when compared to surrounding districts. How important are teacher’s salaries are when compared to the other important budget issues?
Bruce Roberts, Sue Heredia and Jules Tran.
For a list of questions we asked candidates, please see the list below. These questions will show you what the Natomas Teachers' Association's values and priorities are. Please visit our booth at the Celebrate Natomas event this Saturday for more information.
Interview Questions:
1. Why are you running for the Natomas School Board? What do you hope to add to make this district better?
2. What do you feel are the greatest strengths and the greatest weaknesses of the Natomas Unified School District?
3. What school board decision in the past three years would you change and why?
4. Many parents are concerned especially at the secondary level about the safety of the schools. What plans do you have to support resolutions that will increase safety in the schools?
5. Teacher morale is very important to the success of our students’ educational programs. How would you improve teacher morale?
6. We believe retaining high quality, dedicated teachers is of great importance to the health of our district; however, we have one of the worst turnover rates in the area. What is your plan to reverse this trend?
7. If elected to the school board, what plans do you have to improve teacher and parent communication and support throughout the district?
8. As a school board member, you will receive the majority of your information regarding the state of the district from the administration, via their written reports and in the monthly closed session meetings. What are your plans to look beyond the administration and seek out other perspectives on important issues?
9. Often, as a board member, you will have an individual opinion that may conflict with other board members, the administration or teachers. How do you assert yourself under this kind of pressure?
10. NTA is concerned about the proliferation of charter schools in our district. They take away facility and ADA revenue from our schools. What is your view on charter schools and what kind of accountability do they have to the Natomas School Board?
11. Strategy Four of the District’s Strategic Plan calls for “consistently communicating information, increasing public awareness and soliciting public support.” What plans do you have to showcase the Natomas schools to the public?
12. NTA holds regularly schedule monthly meeting with board members. Would you uphold this tradition to meet with us monthly?
13. Teacher’s salaries can help retain well-qualified people and help attract well-qualified teachers to the district. As far as salaries go, our district has a low ranking when compared to surrounding districts. How important are teacher’s salaries are when compared to the other important budget issues?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Statewide Day of Action This Friday, September 5
A message from CTA President, David Sanchez:
Welcome back to school. I know every time we’ve seen each other over the summer at various conferences, I’ve been talking about the state budget crisis. I wish I could deliver a different message with this e-mail, but there has been no resolution on the state budget. It is unacceptable that legislators haven’t been able to compromise on a responsible solution to California’s enormous deficit—especially when a balanced and fair plan exists with the original Conference Committee Report.
If lawmakers don’t pass a budget by mid-September, schools will suffer another $2.5 billion in lost cash flow. We can’t sit back while this happens. CTA is calling for a statewide day of action this Friday, September 5, to urge lawmakers to find the additional revenues needed to save our students and schools from further cuts. We already rank 46th in per-pupil spending. Many of you have already been working with your local CTA representatives to plan events and demonstrations. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and our profession.
We have online resources for you to use this Friday available at www.cta.org/issues/current/Budget_Crisis_2008-09.htm . They include:
• Where We Stand: Day of Action Talking Points • A “Cuts Hurt” Hotline Day of Action Flier • A Sample Day of Action Event Flier
Please know we are making a difference in this state budget. Together, we’ve fought off some very damaging “solutions” and borrowing schemes in this budget crisis already. And together, we will do everything possible to secure a budget that protects our students, schools, and community colleges from deeper cuts.
David A. SanchezCTA President
Welcome back to school. I know every time we’ve seen each other over the summer at various conferences, I’ve been talking about the state budget crisis. I wish I could deliver a different message with this e-mail, but there has been no resolution on the state budget. It is unacceptable that legislators haven’t been able to compromise on a responsible solution to California’s enormous deficit—especially when a balanced and fair plan exists with the original Conference Committee Report.
If lawmakers don’t pass a budget by mid-September, schools will suffer another $2.5 billion in lost cash flow. We can’t sit back while this happens. CTA is calling for a statewide day of action this Friday, September 5, to urge lawmakers to find the additional revenues needed to save our students and schools from further cuts. We already rank 46th in per-pupil spending. Many of you have already been working with your local CTA representatives to plan events and demonstrations. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and our profession.
We have online resources for you to use this Friday available at www.cta.org/issues/current/Budget_Crisis_2008-09.htm . They include:
• Where We Stand: Day of Action Talking Points • A “Cuts Hurt” Hotline Day of Action Flier • A Sample Day of Action Event Flier
Please know we are making a difference in this state budget. Together, we’ve fought off some very damaging “solutions” and borrowing schemes in this budget crisis already. And together, we will do everything possible to secure a budget that protects our students, schools, and community colleges from deeper cuts.
David A. SanchezCTA President
Go Green
In an effort to use less paper, NTA Rep Council has requested that we publish as much as we can do at this blog site. Stay tuned for more postings and less paper! We're working to save the environment, one post at a time.
September Newsletter
Natomas Teachers’ Association Newsletter
September 2008
Calendar of Events:
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Sept 4th, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @It’s a Grind, Monday, Sept. 8th, 3:30 pm
§ Meeting with Ron Dwyer-Voss @ It’s a Grind, Tuesday, Sept. 9th, 3:30pm
§ Meeting with Teri Burns @ It’s a Grind, Tues. Sept. 9th, 5:30pm
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Sept. 10th, D.O. 6:00 pm
§ Celebrate Natomas, Saturday, Sept. 13th at Natomas Community Center
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
Your Executive Board:
President: Brenda Borge, LFG
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
Welcome to all of the new teachers to the NTA and NUSD, and also we welcome another new school opening - H. Allen Hight Elementary School. As we keep growing, we keep getting better and better!
Political Action Committee
If you love the political season and want to get involved, let us know if you can help with the PAC Committee.
Please contact Fred Lavell to help with the school board elections from now until November.
Celebrate Natomas Event
Come visit your NTA booth on Saturday, Sept. 13th anytime between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm – there is always food, arts and entertainment by Natomas students. It’s a blast!
SITE REP ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER
If you would like to use your personal strengths to help with any association activities, we want you! So please contact us and we will find you something to do! Put the U back in Union!
Please visit our new blog site:
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com
Please note - comments are moderated for public consumption.
Coming soon - our own NING (a secured social network site for Natomas teachers)
CA Budget Crisis Update - Please visit your CTA website at: www.CTA.org
September 2008
Calendar of Events:
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, Sept 4th, 4:00 pm, LFG, Room 406
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @It’s a Grind, Monday, Sept. 8th, 3:30 pm
§ Meeting with Ron Dwyer-Voss @ It’s a Grind, Tuesday, Sept. 9th, 3:30pm
§ Meeting with Teri Burns @ It’s a Grind, Tues. Sept. 9th, 5:30pm
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, Sept. 10th, D.O. 6:00 pm
§ Celebrate Natomas, Saturday, Sept. 13th at Natomas Community Center
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
Your Executive Board:
President: Brenda Borge, LFG
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
Welcome to all of the new teachers to the NTA and NUSD, and also we welcome another new school opening - H. Allen Hight Elementary School. As we keep growing, we keep getting better and better!
Political Action Committee
If you love the political season and want to get involved, let us know if you can help with the PAC Committee.
Please contact Fred Lavell to help with the school board elections from now until November.
Celebrate Natomas Event
Come visit your NTA booth on Saturday, Sept. 13th anytime between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm – there is always food, arts and entertainment by Natomas students. It’s a blast!
SITE REP ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER
If you would like to use your personal strengths to help with any association activities, we want you! So please contact us and we will find you something to do! Put the U back in Union!
Please visit our new blog site:
http://natomasteachers.blogspot.com
Please note - comments are moderated for public consumption.
Coming soon - our own NING (a secured social network site for Natomas teachers)
CA Budget Crisis Update - Please visit your CTA website at: www.CTA.org
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Site Rep Council Meeting, Sept. 4th
Elected representatives from each of the 13 school sites will meet Thursday, Sept. 4th, our first meeting for the 2008-2009 school year. Rep council will hear a negotiations update, vote to endorse candidate(s) in the Novemeber school board election, and meet with our new CTA Representative, Kenya Spearman.
Here is a list of the site representatives from last year:
American Lakes - Naomi Nakahara
Bannon Creek - Barbara Martinez
Heron K-8 - Cora Victorine, Mike Turner
Jefferson - Amber Allison
Natomas Park Elementary - Lauren Frazier, Bret Greenfield
Two Rivers - Jerry Lovejoy, Kris Nanry
Witter Ranch - Jim Clarke
Natomas Middle - Anthony Katsaris, Emilio Moran
Leroy Greene Middle - Kristin Rocha, Justin Vorhauer
Discovery High - Mike Torres
Inderkum HS - Jill Blunk, Ken MacPherson, Patricia Hite-Leech
Natomas HS - Joel Schweiger, Mara Harvey, Sally West-Morgan
Here is a list of the site representatives from last year:
American Lakes - Naomi Nakahara
Bannon Creek - Barbara Martinez
Heron K-8 - Cora Victorine, Mike Turner
Jefferson - Amber Allison
Natomas Park Elementary - Lauren Frazier, Bret Greenfield
Two Rivers - Jerry Lovejoy, Kris Nanry
Witter Ranch - Jim Clarke
Natomas Middle - Anthony Katsaris, Emilio Moran
Leroy Greene Middle - Kristin Rocha, Justin Vorhauer
Discovery High - Mike Torres
Inderkum HS - Jill Blunk, Ken MacPherson, Patricia Hite-Leech
Natomas HS - Joel Schweiger, Mara Harvey, Sally West-Morgan
Sunday, August 24, 2008
How Does the Negotiations Process Work?
After sending an recent update to teachers, we received some questions about how we communicate and how some items get negotiated. In fact, one of the most frequent questions NTA gets from teachers and parents are about how our calendar becomes finalized. With other districts that surround Natomas USD, such as Sac City, with a school calendar that begins after Labor Day, many ask why and how we have arrived at the calendar we have.
In Natomas, we have schools coming off of a year-round schedule, so our current calendar reflects a compromise between the YR and traditional schedules. Indeed, across this state, many districts believe a shortened summer positively benefits students. They have also felt that the traditional calendar is a leftover from an outdated agrarian lifestyle. Fad? Could be. Will the pendulum eventually swing the other way? Probably. Child care, vacations, and student employment all are affected by the calendar in some way. We hear from teachers on both sides of this...some who want more breaks in the year, and others who want less to keep the summer break... so how do we balance all of the points of view of our 580 members?
In the meantime, NTA uses a survey to determine membership priority. An idea that might be important to a small number of members might not reach the top of the priority list, or might be negotiated in another year, as we have to operate in the manner that best supports the majority. For example, we have more elementary teachers in this district than secondary. Often, they are the majority. However, we work hard each time to cover as much of the members' priorities that we can - both secondary and others. Also, the district must be willing to listen.
Depending on how many teachers complete a survey, it's possible that a vocal minority can get their point across. If members can rally their site’s members to fill out the survey, and make something such as the holiday breaks a big priority then it can become a priority. Also, if the union and the district do not come to an agreement on the calendar, the district has the right to simply declare what the calendar will look like in terms of start dates and break dates.
Finally, a word on communication - because there have been questions about how members can communicate effectively. Formally, NTA sends out a paper newsletter every month to all members, as well as holding monthly meetings with an elected representative or two from every school to make decisions and discuss current issues affecting our teachers and schools.
CTA and NEA help us by sending us information we need to know about, and guide us in legal and fiscal matters, as well as other helpful practices for associations. CTA Legal helps us know about our rights - for example, we are informed that it is not advised for district email to be used for NTA business, except for general meeting and specific notifications from elected site reps, as it is not secure. Whenever possible, we ask members for their home email addresses, and officers are available by phone as well. Formally and informally, elected officers and site representatives gather information from teachers across the district to inform NTA leadership of what is going on, and helps ensure the contract is being followed. Often, we spend our time working with the district to improve working conditions in the classroom, and working with the community to partner with and appreciate our teachers and their continued and daily hard work.
NTA and the district have a mutually agreed upon contract. We are currently negotiating the 2008-2009 contract with the district. As everyone else in CA is doing, we are waiting for a satisfactory state budget to be reached soon!
In Natomas, we have schools coming off of a year-round schedule, so our current calendar reflects a compromise between the YR and traditional schedules. Indeed, across this state, many districts believe a shortened summer positively benefits students. They have also felt that the traditional calendar is a leftover from an outdated agrarian lifestyle. Fad? Could be. Will the pendulum eventually swing the other way? Probably. Child care, vacations, and student employment all are affected by the calendar in some way. We hear from teachers on both sides of this...some who want more breaks in the year, and others who want less to keep the summer break... so how do we balance all of the points of view of our 580 members?
In the meantime, NTA uses a survey to determine membership priority. An idea that might be important to a small number of members might not reach the top of the priority list, or might be negotiated in another year, as we have to operate in the manner that best supports the majority. For example, we have more elementary teachers in this district than secondary. Often, they are the majority. However, we work hard each time to cover as much of the members' priorities that we can - both secondary and others. Also, the district must be willing to listen.
Depending on how many teachers complete a survey, it's possible that a vocal minority can get their point across. If members can rally their site’s members to fill out the survey, and make something such as the holiday breaks a big priority then it can become a priority. Also, if the union and the district do not come to an agreement on the calendar, the district has the right to simply declare what the calendar will look like in terms of start dates and break dates.
Finally, a word on communication - because there have been questions about how members can communicate effectively. Formally, NTA sends out a paper newsletter every month to all members, as well as holding monthly meetings with an elected representative or two from every school to make decisions and discuss current issues affecting our teachers and schools.
CTA and NEA help us by sending us information we need to know about, and guide us in legal and fiscal matters, as well as other helpful practices for associations. CTA Legal helps us know about our rights - for example, we are informed that it is not advised for district email to be used for NTA business, except for general meeting and specific notifications from elected site reps, as it is not secure. Whenever possible, we ask members for their home email addresses, and officers are available by phone as well. Formally and informally, elected officers and site representatives gather information from teachers across the district to inform NTA leadership of what is going on, and helps ensure the contract is being followed. Often, we spend our time working with the district to improve working conditions in the classroom, and working with the community to partner with and appreciate our teachers and their continued and daily hard work.
NTA and the district have a mutually agreed upon contract. We are currently negotiating the 2008-2009 contract with the district. As everyone else in CA is doing, we are waiting for a satisfactory state budget to be reached soon!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Negotiations Update
NTA Negotiations Update August 2008
The NTA would like to welcome back our current bargaining members and offer a warm welcome to our new bargaining unit members.
The following is a reminder of items currently on the bargaining table. While the district is waiting for the state budget to be settled your NTA bargaining team is eager to get back to the table. It is hopeful that we will begin negotiations in September.
Contract Proposals:
The Natomas Teachers bear the responsibility of educating the students of the Natomas Unified School District. Teachers work diligently providing a quality education by delivering knowledge and instruction, planning lessons, providing assessments to cover the California State Standards, and other essential tasks related to the education of our students. It is recognized that teachers are the best resource the NUSD has to offer its’ students. In order to preserve this vital resource the NUSD must recruit, retain, and reward its teachers. Our proposals will recruit, retain, and reward highly qualified teachers, increase student achievement, and close the achievement gap by:
Article IV and Article VI Salaries & Benefits
v Increasing salaries including adult education wages
v Increasing district contributions to health benefits
v Reconfiguring longevity
v Increasing substitution pay for retirees and off-track teachers
v Increasing tutoring wages & stipends
v Providing retirement incentives
Currently on the table:
Ø NTA’s Compensation Proposal: All bargaining unit members will receive 100% of state funded COLA to be added to the salary schedule. In years of no COLA or deficit COLA, a 2% increase will be added to the salary schedule. Increase in adult education salaries.
Ø NTA’s Health Benefits Proposal: All bargaining unit members will receive 100% of the dollar amount of the median family medical plan. This would eliminate any mandatory out of pocket expenditures.
Article X Class size
Lowering class sizes in grades 4-12
Article V Hours of employment
· Adjusting the school calendar for paid collaboration time.
Increasing elementary preparation time
Decreasing time spent on duties outside the classroom
Article XIII Special Education and Special Subjects Specialists
Developing language for special educations programs.
Currently on the table:
Special Education Issues: NTA presented specific Special Education language that focused on caseloads and/or class size using a formula that assigns point values dependent upon the severity of the disability. This point value would be used throughout all special education programs.
Ø Full Inclusion Program: NTA presented language regarding full inclusion programs at all sites and on all tracks and the need to have the previously agreed upon language in the contract.
Ø Psychologist Evaluation: A new form was presented by NTA regarding psychologists’ evaluations.
Ø Learning Center models: NTA proposed that each learning center be staffed by a min. of two FTE’s.
Ø Special Education class loads/caseloads to be lowered
Ø ILS classes will have a caseload of 10 students.
We wish you all an enjoyable and successful year.
NTA Bargaining Team
Cynthia Bluewater
Anthony Agrella
Susan Jellema
The NTA would like to welcome back our current bargaining members and offer a warm welcome to our new bargaining unit members.
The following is a reminder of items currently on the bargaining table. While the district is waiting for the state budget to be settled your NTA bargaining team is eager to get back to the table. It is hopeful that we will begin negotiations in September.
Contract Proposals:
The Natomas Teachers bear the responsibility of educating the students of the Natomas Unified School District. Teachers work diligently providing a quality education by delivering knowledge and instruction, planning lessons, providing assessments to cover the California State Standards, and other essential tasks related to the education of our students. It is recognized that teachers are the best resource the NUSD has to offer its’ students. In order to preserve this vital resource the NUSD must recruit, retain, and reward its teachers. Our proposals will recruit, retain, and reward highly qualified teachers, increase student achievement, and close the achievement gap by:
Article IV and Article VI Salaries & Benefits
v Increasing salaries including adult education wages
v Increasing district contributions to health benefits
v Reconfiguring longevity
v Increasing substitution pay for retirees and off-track teachers
v Increasing tutoring wages & stipends
v Providing retirement incentives
Currently on the table:
Ø NTA’s Compensation Proposal: All bargaining unit members will receive 100% of state funded COLA to be added to the salary schedule. In years of no COLA or deficit COLA, a 2% increase will be added to the salary schedule. Increase in adult education salaries.
Ø NTA’s Health Benefits Proposal: All bargaining unit members will receive 100% of the dollar amount of the median family medical plan. This would eliminate any mandatory out of pocket expenditures.
Article X Class size
Lowering class sizes in grades 4-12
Article V Hours of employment
· Adjusting the school calendar for paid collaboration time.
Increasing elementary preparation time
Decreasing time spent on duties outside the classroom
Article XIII Special Education and Special Subjects Specialists
Developing language for special educations programs.
Currently on the table:
Special Education Issues: NTA presented specific Special Education language that focused on caseloads and/or class size using a formula that assigns point values dependent upon the severity of the disability. This point value would be used throughout all special education programs.
Ø Full Inclusion Program: NTA presented language regarding full inclusion programs at all sites and on all tracks and the need to have the previously agreed upon language in the contract.
Ø Psychologist Evaluation: A new form was presented by NTA regarding psychologists’ evaluations.
Ø Learning Center models: NTA proposed that each learning center be staffed by a min. of two FTE’s.
Ø Special Education class loads/caseloads to be lowered
Ø ILS classes will have a caseload of 10 students.
We wish you all an enjoyable and successful year.
NTA Bargaining Team
Cynthia Bluewater
Anthony Agrella
Susan Jellema
Sunday, August 10, 2008
August 2008
Another school year begins and NTA welcomed in to the district over 50 new teachers to the Natomas Teachers' Association. The new teachers attended orientation this past week, and enrolled in NEA/CTA and NTA as well as disability and other helpful resources and services for teachers. The wonderful thing for these teachers are that they are part of a larger organization in CA that provides workshops and support for teachers in many, many ways - and we will be checking in with the new teachers to see what needs they have.
WELCOME TO NATOMAS and the teaching profession!
WELCOME TO NATOMAS and the teaching profession!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July News
July brings the following events: workshops for NTA officers, applying for ABC funds for the November school board election, and a new school opening in north Natomas (H. Allen Hight K-5) with over 400 students so far.
At the school board meeting, the community day school was delayed for further planning with several members of the community offering to help partner with the district to problem-solve the juvenile crime issues in Natomas.
School has begun at Two Rivers, Witter and Natomas Park Elementary schools. For the rest of the schools, first day for students will be Monday, August 11th. Have a great rest of your summer!
At the school board meeting, the community day school was delayed for further planning with several members of the community offering to help partner with the district to problem-solve the juvenile crime issues in Natomas.
School has begun at Two Rivers, Witter and Natomas Park Elementary schools. For the rest of the schools, first day for students will be Monday, August 11th. Have a great rest of your summer!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Board Meeting Date Change
The School Board meeting that was to be held last week is being held this week, Wed. June 18th at 6:00 pm. Our newsletter reported the incorrect dates. Our apologies.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
June 2008 Newsletter
Calendar of Events:
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, June 5th, 4:00 pm, TR, Room D-16 (across from library) NOTE THIS CHANGE******
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @ Gordito Burrito, June 9th, 5:30 pm
§ Meeting with Jennifer Baker & Sue Heredia @ Starbucks, June 9th, 6:45
§ Meeting with Ron Dwyer-Voss – Tues, June 10th, 3:30 @ Gordito Burrito
§ Meeting with Teri Burns – Tues., June 10th, 5:30 @ Gordito Burrito
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, June 11th, D.O. 6:00 pm
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month @ Gordito Burrito. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
NTA Election Results
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
Looking for: webmaster, sunshine, etc…
If you would like to use your personal strengths to help with any association activities, we want you! So please contact us and we will find you something to do! Put the U back in Union!
Political Action Committee
If you love the political season and want to get involved, let us know if you can help with the PAC Committee.
Please contact Fred Lavell to be on the interview panel for school board candidates. We need you!
Safety Issues
We are committed to solving the many school safety issues currently going on in the district, so we have a meeting this week with district officials in order to address these issues in a systematic and proactive way. Our goal is to start the 2008-2009 school year with a different, more informed and workable environment at all schools. Will update everyone as to the next steps.
Change in Taxation of Summer Pay
(New Deferred Payroll Process)
The district business office advises that you contact the payroll department to find out how your paychecks might change with this new process.
CA Budget Crisis Update
§ Rep Council Meeting – Thurs, June 5th, 4:00 pm, TR, Room D-16 (across from library) NOTE THIS CHANGE******
§ Meeting with Lisa Kaplan @ Gordito Burrito, June 9th, 5:30 pm
§ Meeting with Jennifer Baker & Sue Heredia @ Starbucks, June 9th, 6:45
§ Meeting with Ron Dwyer-Voss – Tues, June 10th, 3:30 @ Gordito Burrito
§ Meeting with Teri Burns – Tues., June 10th, 5:30 @ Gordito Burrito
§ School Board Mtg. – Wed, June 11th, D.O. 6:00 pm
(Board Member meetings are generally the Monday and Tuesday before board meetings each month @ Gordito Burrito. Please feel free to attend or send us items of interest to address with board members.)
NTA Election Results
Vice-President: Jeanne Gute, TR
Treasurer: Carey Resch, LFG
Co-Secretary: Amber Allison, JF
Co-Secretary: Cora Victorine, HE, WR
Appointments:
Membership Chair: Cynthia Connell, LFG
Grievance Chair: Leslie Levine-McGhie, HE
Bargaining Chair: Cynthia Bluewater, D.O.
PAC Chair: Fred Lavell, AL
Looking for: webmaster, sunshine, etc…
If you would like to use your personal strengths to help with any association activities, we want you! So please contact us and we will find you something to do! Put the U back in Union!
Political Action Committee
If you love the political season and want to get involved, let us know if you can help with the PAC Committee.
Please contact Fred Lavell to be on the interview panel for school board candidates. We need you!
Safety Issues
We are committed to solving the many school safety issues currently going on in the district, so we have a meeting this week with district officials in order to address these issues in a systematic and proactive way. Our goal is to start the 2008-2009 school year with a different, more informed and workable environment at all schools. Will update everyone as to the next steps.
Change in Taxation of Summer Pay
(New Deferred Payroll Process)
The district business office advises that you contact the payroll department to find out how your paychecks might change with this new process.
CA Budget Crisis Update
Monday, May 26, 2008
Mayoral Race - Our viewpoint
The Natomas Teachers' Association have several former Sac High Charter teachers who report, first-hand, the many serious problems they had working for Kevin Johnson. The take-over of Sac High Charter was not only illegal, but also an anti-labor action - therefore, we do not endorse any candidate who displays such blatant anti-labor actions against teachers. We plan to back candidates who share our values of a free and public education for all children, and who demonstrate that they beleive all people are created equal regardless of race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Because we think that Natomas, despite it's rapid growth, is the greatest area of Sacramento, we are pleased with our current mayor's efforts these past few years. Can we do better? Always. Do we need change? We will always have changes. We need to keep Natomas great and make it greater. We need a mayor who knows Natomas and will advocate for Natomas. Therefore, we support Mayor Fargo to continue these efforts.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Saturday, May 17th - Spirit of Natomas
Please join us at the Spirit of Natomas event at the Regional Park at Natomas Blvd. and North Park Drive from 11-2 for information about the development of the park - organized by the Parks and Schools Committee at the Club at North Natomas. Learn about new school opening, H. Allen Hight Elementary, K-5, for 2008-2009.
California Day of the Teacher
This week we celebrate the California Day of the Teacher on Wednesday, May 14th. Thanks very much to Chipolte restaurant for recognizing teachers last week.
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