Meeting Virtually

Hopefully, most of you know by now, that all staff meetings should be held virtually unless there is no other way to handle the business and must be done in person. This includes meetings such as PLC’s, Professional Development, SBA training and Admin time on alternating Wednesdays. These are not meetings that you can vote to change, rather this is the way it is for now to protect everyone. If you are concerned about this, please reach out to your building rep for support.

Online Academy, Better Late Than Never

As KEA predicted last spring, there would be a need for additional bargaining with KSD around the reopening of our schools and the need for an online option for student, families, and educators. KSD eventually came to the same understanding, unfortunately it was at the end of August. We began in late August bargaining the reopening of the 2021-22 school year. Once we finished that, we headed straight into bargaining their “Pivot Plan,” which is where we are today.

Earlier this week KSD noticed the error of their ways around providing an online option and have come to KEA to develop and bargain a plan to provide an “Online Academy” with a potential start at second semester if all the details can be worked out. We are thrilled that they have finally acknowledged the need for this option and are happy to work out a plan that will support our community. Better late than never.

TPEP/Evaluation Reminders

Administrators had until September 17th to let classroom teachers know whether they were going to be on a Comprehensive or Focus model evaluation. They also should have notified classroom teachers who their evaluator will be for the 2021-22 school year. If this is not the case, please let KEA know so that we can address this procedural error.

Also, the pre-conference and goals meeting must happen before November 15. We are hearing reports that administrators are putting pressure on teachers to choose a certain criterion to focus on. If you are on a Focus evaluation, please remember that you get to choose the criteria to concentrate on. If an evaluator tries to pick the criteria, or dissuades you from picking one of your choices, contact KEA. (kea@washingtonea.org).

Workshop Days

October Workshop Day
  • Elementary: This is a day that can be worked from home or school as part of your Goal Setting preparation. All certificated elementary employees may work from home.
 
  • Secondary: This is a day that is one-half principal directed and one-half teacher directed. The hours must be completed at school.
 
January Workshop Day
This is a floating day for all teachers to work on their report cards. All certificated employees may work from home or school.
 
March Workshop Day
This is a teacher directed day and must be worked in the building.
 
June Workshop Day
This is a teacher directed day that must be worked in the building. This day is designed to provide extra time to settle the end of the year items that couldn't get done prior to the end of the school year.
 
These Workshop Days are required; however, you may use sick leave if you are ill or have a medical need on these days