Hello my fellow educators. As most of us are aware of this by now, the district is sitting on $22 million. What you might not know is it looks like the district wants to increase the reserve to 10%. Now I could just be speculating here but it seems this $22 million might have something to do with it. It's important we try to get our hands on some of this money before they are allowed to sit on it forever. What happened to class size reduction? Taxpayers are still paying for this even though it's not being practiced. As we begin to negotiate our contact think about the issues you feel are important for our schools, members, and of course our children. It might be time to fight for our class sizes.
Thinking about negotiations, if you were part of the calender committee (early release days) last year, you will be asked to fill out a survey about how this process went and how it has been going so far. We know there are a few kinks to iron out and therefore it is very important to fill out this survey so we know where to begin planning for next year's calendar.
On to new business, transitional kindergarten is going to roll out next year. There is still a lot to figure out and not a lot of time to do that. If you are a kindergarten teacher make sure you are aware of what is happening. It seems these kids will be taught kindergarten standards as a way to be better prepared them for kindergarten. A large emphasis will be played on their social skills and preparation for school. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Molly Barton is spearheading this program. A committee will be formed in January to get the ball rolling. New teachers will need to be hired, policies and procedures will need to be put into place, and a curriculum created. SMETA is following this very closely as this will effect us all as an organization.
SMETA is also very concerned about this new law making schools responsible for administering DIASTAT. Let me be very clear here. You DO NOT have to volunteer to administer this drug. Do not feel pressured! If you are not comfortable giving this drug you have a right to say no. You need to also understand that if you volunteer to go to the training of how to use this drug you are volunteering to administer it. So if you don't want to give i,t don't get trained! If you do volunteer, you might want to ask your administrator to put it in writing. The Good Samaritan law says it will protect you but it is really not all that clear how. We want better clarification on this. Until then, protect yourself first and foremost.
OK let's talk fun stuff now. Don't forget about our upcoming bowling night. It would be a lot of fun to put a team together from your school. It doesn't matter if you can bowl or not. It's bowling. What kind of sport lets you drink beer and eat fried food while doing it? So see, how can you take it seriously? Just come out and have some fun, and maybe beer and a corn dog too. You might even win a prize. I hope to see you there.
Well that's all for now. I hope you have a wonderful winter break. May you be surrounded by the ones you love. Relax and enjoy. January will be here soon enough. Cheers!
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