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Issue: 10
Mary Masterson, Editor
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November 23, 2016
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Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many blessings we have and to be thankful for the opportunities which make those blessings possible. Perhaps you have made strides this past year toward a major life goal. Maybe you had the good fortune of turning around some negative aspect of your life, or even rekindled a faded friendship.
However, as you are well aware by what we experience either personally or vicariously throughout the day, not everyone feels blessed heading into what for many, is the start of a joyous holiday season. Many feel the anxiety of financial hardships, loss of loved ones, strained relationships, or a host of any other misfortunes.
As unionists, we are also guardians of social justice, compassion and equality. It is inherent in what we do daily, both within the profession and in our personal lives, to see that others have the opportunity to feel the same blessings we may feel. As educators, I strongly believe we are also instinctual nurturers. As such, I am never astonished yet continually impressed by the graciousness and charity our members show to those less fortunate throughout the year. There are many unsung heroes among our ranks and for that, I am truly thankful and blessed to be your colleague.
On behalf of the Executive Officers of the HCT, I extend to you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving and a wish for continued goodwill through the year.
Tom Glenn
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SED Backtracks on State Testing Announcement
One day after
NYSUT and parent activists blasted the State Education Department's decision to continue three days of grade 3-8 state standardized testing in English Language Arts and math in both 2017 and 2018,
officials backtracked and announced testing changes during 2018 are still up for discussion.
NYSUT responded angrily last
Monday
when SED announced that despite a fierce outcry from parents and educators against the length of state standardized tests, the state would continue six days of testing in both 2017 and 2018 for "comparison" purposes. Commissioner Elia said testing experts had considered switching to four days but that would make it difficult to accurately "gauge how our students are progressing."
NYSUT immediately blasted the decision. "So much for listening," the union's press release said, urging SED to reconsider. Parent activists and some Regents members predicted the move would encourage more parents to opt their children out of testing.
Responding to the push back, Chancellor Betty Rosa the next day stated that testing would proceed as planned in the spring, but that the format for 2017-2018 would be open for discussion. "Our commissioner and staff are fully prepared to continue the discussion into the following year," Rosa said.
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We Must Do More to Protect Women
Notes from NYSUT President Karen Magee
The day after Thanksgiving,
November 25, the United Nations marks the
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As the U.N. says: Violence against women is a human rights violation. It is a consequence of discrimination against women and of persisting inequalities. It impacts, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty, health care, education, and peace and security. Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential, yet it continues to be a global pandemic.
Of course, one of the major obstacles to efforts to prevent and end this violence is the substantial lack of resources. From
November 25 through December 10,
Human Rights Day, the
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign presents an opportunity to raise public awareness and mobilize people everywhere. This year, the U.N. Secretary-General's
UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign invites you to "Orange the world," using the color to symbolize a brighter future without violence. Included in these links are ways to donate, latest news, and history of the campaign. Violence is only one of many issues facing women as a result of discrimination and inequity. Together we can start to make meaningful change.
As such, on
Friday December 9th, 2016, the HCT will ask all members to wear orange in support of the
16 Days of Activism and as a culmination leading up to
Human Rights Day. A flyer will be forthcoming.
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403(b) Plans in the News
The New York Times
has published a number of articles in the past few weeks that pertain to 403(b) plans. These articles have reinforced the notion that selecting the appropriate 403(b) provider for supplemental retirement savings can be a challenging task. While recent legislation has been passed to help clean up the industry regarding disclosure of fees, compensation and even accepting a fiduciary role, governmental 403(b) plans have remained mostly exempt from these regulations.
In light of recent concerns, Stacey Braun Associates will present a 403(b) Provider-Specific Workshop to our members at the December General Membership Meeting on Monday December 19th, at 4 PM, Hicksville High School (location TBD). A reminder flyer will be forthcoming. Please make every effort to attend.
Stacey Braun Associates has created a 403(b) Provider-Specific Workshop
for local associations that discusses the most popular 403(b) plans available for that local, including associated fees and other costs of investing with those providers. This is a great opportunity for members to figure out their true cost of savings for retirement as well as if a change may be needed.
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Congratulations to English teacher
Sara Whitehair (High School)
on the birth of her son Henry on November 18th.
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Condolences to reading teacher Michelle Stazack (OCR) on the loss of her mother on Novemver 8th.
Condolences to
Peggy Giuntini (East Street) on the passing of her mother, Margaret Mascioli.
Condolences to
Aurora Previte (Lee Avenue) on the passing of her grandmother.
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