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Newsletter • What's
New • In The News
Proteun November 2005
Posted Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Message from the President...
As one of two RIDE intervention districts, this is our second year that teachers in Providence are required by the Commissioner’s office to participate in one hour per week of professional development. The PTU successfully negotiated an hourly rate of pay for the mandatory professional development.
During the 2005-06 school year, 39 hours are required (21 hours/school level and 18 hours/district). I am confident that Commissioner McWalters will request a full report on professional development activities offered by the district as well as the participation rate of teachers. It is important that all teachers fulfill their professional development requirements. Failure to do so may result in further sanctions imposed by the Commissioner’s office, including a longer work day.
The Professional Time Joint Committee meets monthly to address concerns regarding Professional Development. A major agenda item currently being addressed is timely payment of professional development activities. If you have an issue you would like addressed, please contact your field representative and I will bring the issue to the committee for resolution. Finally, any feedback that you may provide about the quality of the professional development being offered is appreciated. You may e-mail your comments and suggestions to ssmith@proteun.org.
9th Annual Book Drive
Eight years ago, the Providence Teachers Union launched its first Book Drive for Providence Kids. Last year we ran our eighth annual book drive and donated 1,384 new books to Providence community centers. They, in turn, distributed the books to Providence children.
Today, I am pleased to announce our Ninth Annual Book Drive for Providence Kids. New books in all languages for children in grades K-12 may be dropped at the Union office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by December 13, 2005. Members are also welcome to make monetary donations.
Please join me in making this year’s book drive a great success!
Forty Week Club
The Providence Teachers Union invites all members to join the club!
By joining the Forty-Week Club, we can continue the tradition of helping the children of Providence. All Forty-Week Club proceeds are allotted to scholarships for Providence students and to many social and recreation agencies that help Providence students. For more information, please see your building collector.
Flu Clinic
On November 28, 2005, there will be two flu clinics conducted at:
Cooley/PAIS cafeteria
182 Thurbers Avenue
~ and ~
Mt. Pleasant cafeteria
434 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The flu vaccination is free; however, members must bring identification (i.e. Blue Cross/United Health card).
Building Delegate/Administrator Meeting
On Tuesday, November 8, 2005, the Providence Teachers Union hosted a building delegate/principal meeting with representatives from central administration in an effort towards establishing open lines of communication between teachers and administrators.
The meeting was well attended and issues such as School Improvement Teams, Article 31 Committees, Special Education concerns, Code of Conduct/Discipline concerns, Teacher Support Teams, etc. were addressed. Refer to your building delegate minutes for complete details.
Commissioner's Decision-Inclusion Classrooms
During the 2004-05 academic year, several inclusion classroom teachers and the Union filed grievances for lack of substitute coverage or appropriate compensation. In light of a recent decision from Peter McWalters, Commissioner of Education, it was confirmed that a substitute teacher is required in the absence of either the special educator or the regular educator assigned to an inclusion classroom.
The grievances have been sustained by the Providence School Department and the affected inclusion classroom teachers will receive all monies due.
School Closing Notification
In addition to notifying its staff of school closings via the media, the Providence School Department will also utilize its automated telephone message system. Teachers should verify that the office of Human Resources has his/her accurate telephone number on file.
Save the Date...
In support of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Steve and Donna Smith are hosting their 3rd Annual Holiday Reception on:
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Detailed information to follow in a separate mailing.
Membership Meetings
Membership meetings will be held on the following dates:
December 14, 2005
March 8, 2006
April 12, 2006
May 10, 2006
Union Offers
Curves— PTU members may join for $29 down and $29 per month (w/ check draft, 12 month commitment). This promotion is available at three locations in Providence. For more information, contact Liz Driscoll at (401) 272-1119.
53 Weybosset Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 351-6121
47 Eagle Street
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 272-1119
1080 Hope Street
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 490-4884
Norwood Motor Group, 1400 Post Road, Warwick—PTU members may purchase a new Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Chevrolet or Scion, with a lifetime warranty, at 2% over dealer cost. Used vehicles may be purchased at 2% over dealer cost.
Proteun - October 2005
Posted Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Message from the President...
The PTU has been very clear in its opposition to the Code of Conduct adopted by the Providence School Board in June. The Code of Conduct, as currently written, places the burden on the classroom teacher to deal with all disciplinary problems and few, if any, consequences for the disruptive student. I will continue to encourage the School Board to make changes to the Code of Conduct so that all teachers can work in a safe school environment. Please notify the union office of discipline issues that are not being addressed at your school so that I can continue to address these issues at all School Board meetings and public forums until the proper changes are made in the Code of Conduct. Call your field representative or e-mail me at ssmith@proteun.org with discipline concerns that you have experienced and any comments you may have about the Code of Conduct.
School Issues
Learning Walks: Although teachers are allowed to participate in learning walks, teachers cannot be directed by the administrator to critique a colleague’s teaching and classroom environment as this would be a form of evaluation.
Home/School Compact: Prior to teachers participating in a home/school compact, the document should be presented to the School Improvement Team for faculty input and concerns.
Supplemental Teaching Materials: In a memo from an elementary school principal, the faculty was directed to remove all materials from the classroom that were not part of the Balanced Literacy and Math Investigations curriculum. The principal was directed by Central Administration to rescind his directive. Materials such as Basil books, Silver Burdett Ginn books, grammar and/or spelling books, Scott Foresman mathematics
materials and Riverside math resources are acceptable to use as supplemental material.
If similar issues arise at your school, please contact the Union office.
Forty-Week Club
The Providence Teachers Union invites all members to join the club! By joining the Forty-Week Club, we can continue the tradition of helping the children of Providence. All Forty-Week Club proceeds are allotted to scholarships for Providence students and to many social and recreation agencies that help Providence students. For more information, please see your building collector.
Dress Down Day
Thank you to the many teachers who participated in the Union’s Dress Down Day for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Over $8,600 was donated to the American Red Cross.
PTU Website-www.proteun.org
The Providence Teachers Union’s website offers a variety of information for our members, including:
*Automated Payroll Calculator
*School Calendar
*Payroll Calendar
*Calendar of Events
*FAQ’s (maternity leave, retirement, emergency sick leave bank)
*Virtual Teacher Mentor
Comments and suggestions about our website may be e-mailed to
mgalvao@proteun.org.
Emergency Sick Leave Bank
The Emergency Sick Leave Bank (ESLB) has been in existence since March 1996. The purpose of the ESLB is to provide members of the ESLB with additional sick leave days when a member exhausts his/her own accrued sick leave days due to a serious illness or injury. This benefit has provided significant assistance to members who otherwise might find themselves with no reasonable sources of income while they concurrently sought to cope with a debilitating illness or injury.
The month of October is open enrollment for joining the ESLB. See your building delegate for a registration form or download it from our website, www.proteun.org, within the FAQ section.
School Visitations
Field representatives, Lori Onanian and Phil DeCecco, will visit their respective schools each month in order to speak with teachers regarding their questions and concerns. A copy of their visitation schedule is posted on your school’s Union bulletin board.
President Steve Smith’s school visits are posted on the Calendar of Events within our website.
Substitute Teachers
Substitute teachers (LTSPs) who are working in a clear vacancy or in a long-term assignment (i.e. entire semester) for which they hold the proper certificate should contact the Union office.'
Additionally, any substitute teacher who is available to work, but is not provided with an assignment should call the Union office and report same.
Union Offers
Hogan & Stone, 10 Elemgrove Avenue, Providence—Jason Menterecy, Realtor has established a “Preferred Teachers Assistance Program” which offers free buyer’s brokerage, free comparable market analysis for your home, and free advice on lenders, inspectors and attorney. For more information, contact Jason at: (401) 751-9576 or (401) 480-9926.
iParty—Union members may apply for a 10% teacher discount on all in-store purchases by showing his/her membership card and filing out an application form at their local store.
Be Mobile Wireless, 799 Tiogue Avenue, Coventry— is offering PTU members a variety of rates. Teachers who are current members may upgrade their plan. For more information, contact Jim Pickles at: (401) 286-6900. Free delivery is available.
Contemporary Services Corporation— is offering part-time employment at NFL football games, MLS soccer matches, PGA events and concerts. For additional information, call (508) 549-0015 or email jkelly@contemporaryservices.com. You may also view the company’s web page at www.contemporaryservices.com.
CWT/Garden City Travel– is offering a trip to Italy featuring some of Italy’s most popular cities, Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento. Departing June 20, 2005 and returning on July 2, 2005. The cost per person is $3,199.00, which includes transportation to and from airport, flight, 4-star hotel accommodations, and more. For a complete copy of the itinerary, please contact Stacy at the Union office (421-4014). For more information contact Rose Cacchiotti at (401) 749-0909. The trip is limited to 35 people.
Reminders
Membership meetings will be held on the following dates:
December 14, 2005
March 8, 2006
April 12, 2006
May 10, 2006
Members are reminded that name, address, phone and e-mail changes should be reported to the Union office either by phone or through our website.
PROTEUN - May 2003
Posted Friday, May 16, 2003
Message from the President
Current events present the Union and its membership with such a wide range of important issues that discussing them in detail would go well beyond the constraints of the PROTEUN. Layoffs and rescisions, budget cuts, the governor’s proposals to increase employees’ pension contributions and to decrease the COLA, the retirement incentive for eligible school department employees and the department’s new initiative regarding employee attendance are all issues of great significance and interest. However, it is not possible to elaborate on them in a comprehensive and factual manner at the time of this writing because each of them is in a developmental stage and even known details are subject to change.
The Union will continue to work with the Providence School Department and the city administration in a concerted effort to minimize the impact of these threats both to the membership and to the educational process in city schools. Given that future developments will likely depend as much on political considerations as on educational needs, your calls to state legislators emphasizing the necessity for increased state funding to meet the especially critical needs of Providence students may well determine the eventual future for both Providence students and for you who provide for their education.
I will strive to keep you informed of developments concerning these issues in the most timely manner possible.
Thinking About Retirement?
Members who are contemplating retirement are invited to attend a series of retirement workshops. The workshops will be held from 3:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. at the Governor Christopher DelSesto Middle School, 152 Springfield Street, Providence, on the following dates:
Tuesday, May 27, 2003 Employees Retirement System of RI
Wednesday, May 28, 2003 Social Security Administration
Thursday, May 29, 2003 Retiree Medical Benefits
Providence Teachers Union/
Providence School Department
Members who are interested in attending the Medical Benefits workshops (Thursday,May 29, 2003) should register by either:
1) calling the union office (421-4014).
2) registering on-line (www.proteun.org) within the Professional Development Section.
Deadline for registration is Friday, May 23, 2003.
2nd Annual PTU Family Day Picnic
PTU members and their families are invited to attend the 2nd Annual PTU Family Day Picnic on Sunday, June 22, 2003, at Goddard State Park (Sites 84, 85 & 86) from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. The Union will supply the hamburgers, hot dogs and buns. Teachers are invited to provide side dishes, beverages and snacks as well as games and activities for adults and children. CONTACT YOUR BUILDING DELEGATE BY JUNE 13, 2003.
Layoffs
Any member who remains on layoff as of the last day of school, should contact his/her local Social Security Office and file for unemployment compensation.
In the event you are denied benefits, please refer to the instructions previously mailed to you.
PTURC Golf Tournament
The second annual PTURC golf tournament will be held on Friday, August 1, 2003 at Country View Golf Club in Harrisville. Price per golfer is $85.
Format is a scramble. Prizes will be awarded in three divisions; Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed. You may enter as a foursome, or you may enter as an individual and be placed in a foursome.
A boxed lunch will be provided after nine holes. Dinner will be served at 5:30. For directions to the golf course, please call 568-7157. Please report to the course no later than 9:30 a.m.
Respond early! The tournament is limited to the first 36 golfers who reply. If you have questions, please contact Ray Penza, 751-2111.
To register, complete the registration sheet below and return with check (payable to PTURC).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Name(s) in group: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Your Name: _________________________ Phone: __________________
Address:_______________________________________________________
Amount enclosed: $_________for_____ players(s)
Send To: Ray Penza
65 Lyndhurst Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
PTU Forty-Week Club
The $25 winners in the monthly drawings for March, April and May are:
Anthony Fascia and Priscilla Mello (Central)
Coleen Hanley (Laurel)
Lisa Gershkoff and Helen Gannon (Williams)
Linda Valente (West)
Sharon Brown (Fortes)
Bill Duggan (Windmill)
Claire Cataldo (Laurel Annex)
Patricia Bergantini (Stuart)
Victor Guzman (Feinstein H.S.)
Brenda McBride (Bailey).
The winners of the “special” drawings announced at the Venus DeMillo are:
Nicole Broadmeadow (Bridgham Middle-$50)
Lynn Cross (Laurel Hill Elementary-$50)
Friedrika Robinson (Perry Middle-$100)
Sandra Rebello (Williams Middle-$250)
Elsa Mailloux of Perry Middle is the winner of the
$999.00 grand prize.
The winners of the “Pot of Gold” drawing that was held at the banquet are:
Moises Crisostomo of Central High ($200)
Erin Cannon-Walsh of Carnevale ($100)
Donna Perrotta of Perry ($50)
Congratulations to all of these 40-Week Club winners and sincere thanks to all of the 535 members who participated and made this a real comeback year for the Union’s student scholarship and small grants-to-teachers program.
The graduating seniors who were awarded $500 college scholarships are:
Miriam Garcia (Providence Place)
Lewis Neurell (Hope)
Cindy Leiton (Mt. Pleasant)
Raymond Palazzo (Classical)
Elisa Rivera (Central).
School Visitations
Directors of Member Services, Maura Galvao and Don Gormley, continue to visit schools in order to speak with teachers regarding their questions and concerns. Please consult the visitation schedules posted on your school’s Union Bulletin Board for their next visit(s).
Blue Cross
Teachers are reminded that a Blue Cross representative will be at the Union office from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 12, 2003. Those wishing to meet with the representative should call the Union office (421-4014) to make an appointment.
PTU Scholarships
Congratulations to Linda Lefebvre (Fogarty) and Crystal Swepson (Carl Lauro) on winning the $500 PTU college scholarships for their respective children:
Michael Lefebvre
Rachel Swepson
Mediation Skills Training
Become trained as a mediator! The Community Mediation Center of Rhode Island will be sponsoring two 40-Hour Mediation Skills Training Programs this summer. This training is practical and experiential, utilizing demonstrations, interactive exercises, supervised role-plays, lectures, readings and group discussions to illustrate the mediation process. Educators have found that mediation skills enhance their everyday work. The first program will take place the week of June 23-27; the second will take place the week of July 21-25. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be applied for.
For more information, call CMCRI at 273-9999 or e-mail djoseph@cmcri.org.
AFT-Africa AIDS Campaign
This year in South Africa, more than 1,000 teachers will die of AIDS. In Zimbabwe, more than 30 percent of the country’s teachers carry the HIV virus. Hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren have lost a parent to the epidemic. Throughout Africa, the statistics tell a similar story -- teachers’ lives lost and whole education systems endangered.
The American Federation of Teachers has launched a multi-year, multi-country campaign in partnership with African teacher unions to provide resources to fight the spread of this deadly disease. Contributions to the campaign will go directly for union initiatives in Africa to provide resources for HIV/AIDS education, teaching materials and supplies. The AFT, U.S. government agencies and private foundations are providing funding for other program expenses.
In support of the AFT-Africa AIDS Campaign, there will be a PTU sponsored Dress Down Day on:
Friday, May 16, 2003
For more information as to how you can join the AFT in the fight against AIDS in Africa, please see your building delegate.
We need your help to make this campaign a success!
PROTEUN - February 2003
Posted Friday, March 14, 2003
President's Message...
Despite the possibility that February vacation is a now merely a distant memory, I hope that those teachers who were not working enjoyed their free time. I realize, however, that for the many teachers who were notified just before the break that they would be laid off, their enjoyment was tempered by their understandable concern for the future.
While we know that the vast majority of these 645 teachers will be called back, the economic realities at both the city and state levels suggest that some programs and certification areas may suffer losses. As painful as it is to contemplate this, we all have to face that possibility and to prepare as best we can.
With that in mind, I encourage all teachers, especially in those areas most threatened by cutbacks, to do whatever they can to enhance their employability. One way to do that, of course, is to broaden the range of their certification and endorsement. A perusal of the School Department's breakdown of layoffs, which has been shared with building delegates, may be instructive in that regard.
I also want to call your attention to the situation at Hope High School. The long range impact of what is currently taking place regarding restructuring and state intervention at Hope is something that I encourage all teachers, at all levels, to monitor closely. The implications are imminent and profound for all of us.
PTU FORTY-WEEK CLUB
The following were $25 winners in recent drawings:
January - Lisa Pucino (Sackett), Eydie Coro (Hopkins), Kerri Furtado (West) and Patricia Donahue (Gregorian).
February - Mary Whittaker and Dodie Conley (Perry), Caroline Gelsomino (Williams) and Maureen Fitzpatrick-Joyce (Kennedy).
There are currently 524 members in the Club, and it is not too late for others to join. If others would like to join in this charitable venture, which funds student scholarships and small grants to Providence teachers, please contact your building collector, your delegate or the Union office. IT'S NOT TOO LATE!!
JOB SHARES
Mary Ellen Raposa, currently teaching ESL (7/8) at Nathan Bishop, would like to share either her position or another next school year. She is certified/endorsed ESL K-12 and does not require medical benefits. Mary Ellen may be reached at 253-2923.
LAYOFFS
A reminder that, in accordance with RI General Law 16-13, teachers must be notified prior to March 1 if their teaching contracts will not be renewed for the following year. Each notice must contain the reason(s) for the layoff. Members are strongly encouraged to carefully read their notices and to call the Union office if there are discrepancies.
Building delegates have been issued a breakdown, by category, of layoffs as well as a list of the number of proposed staff reductions, by certification area, resulting from School Department reorganization proposals.
NOTE! While teachers whose layoffs are not rescinded prior to Job Fair are ineligible to participate, layoff rescisions may occur at any time, up to and including the School Board Meeting scheduled for July 14. For this reason, those interested in the Job Fair should still register.
JOB FAIR
The annual Job Fair will be held this year on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at a location to be announced. The absolute deadline for registering, which must be done in-person at Human Resources, is Thursday, May 15, 2003.
PREFERENCE SHEETS
Under provisions of the current Contract, Preference Sheets for same certification, intra-school positions are to be distributed no later than March 1, 2003 and returned to principals by March 15, 2003.
VACANCIES
Substitute teachers who are working in a clear vacancy or in a long-term assignment (i.e. the remainder of the second semester) for which they hold the proper certificate should contact either Maura Galvao or Don Gormley at the Union office.
JOB SHARING
Teachers interested in job sharing for 2003-2004 are reminded that new job share positions are limited to grades 4-12 and that they may job share for no more than one year unless the same partners, currently sharing the same position since 2001-2002, are approved for next year.
Additionally, applicants for job sharing are only permitted to apply for positions in the certificate/endorsement area in which they are currently working and are guaranteed to work in 2003-2004.
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
An updated Provider Directory has been distributed to each building delegate for the purpose of making it available to teachers in the faculty lounge of each building.
Blue Cross representative Janice Sullivan will be at the Union office on April 24,2003 from 2:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Members who wish to meet with Janice should contact Michele at the Union office to schedule an appointment.
UNION WEB PAGE
The payroll schedule for the 2002 - 2003 school year is now available in the "Member Information" section of the Union website at www.proteun.org.
We have also added a new, more efficient, search engine to our home page.
ER&D
Teachers who would like to enroll in the Thinking Math II workshop and who have not yet taken Thinking Math I are asked to contact Fr. Nick at the Union office. This workshop is scheduled for Saturdays on March 8, March 22 and April 5.
PTU RELATED HEALTH SERVICES FUND
All teachers who have not yet taken advantage of the cost-free insurance benefits provided by this Union program are reminded that they may still enroll by calling the Union office to arrange for an appointment to do so. This should be of special note to newly hired probationary teachers and substitutes, who have only to return the form that was included with their initial Union mailing.
SCHOOL VISITATIONS
President Phil DeCecco and Directors of Member Services, Maura Galvao and Don Gormley, continue to visit schools in order to speak with teachers regarding their questions and concerns. Please consult the visitation schedules posted on your school's Union bulletin board for their next visit(s).
PROTEUN - October 2002
Posted Tuesday, October 29, 2002
FROM THE PRESIDENT
While the opening of each school year presents many challenges, I would like to share with you a number of positive accomplishments so far this year. Among them is a new spirit of cooperation on the part of the administration of Superintendent Melody Johnson. The school department's September appointment of 45 substitutes to regular teaching positions, the favorable resolution of many outstanding arbitration cases and the flexibility exercised by the Program Change Committee are all evidence of a professional relationship that holds great promise.
I am also pleased to announce the delivery of hard copies of the new Contract to your schools, with distribution by your building delegates, and the success of the two New Teacher Orientation sessions offered in September at the Union office. A combined total of approximately 50 teachers received an overview of the PTU's many ER&D opportunities as well as the many other benefits available to members, and feedback from participants was extremely positive.
On October 8, I and a number of other concerned educators and lay people spoke during an open meeting sponsored by the RI Department of Education that addressed new high school regulations proposed by the Board of Regents. In an earlier mailing, I had called this and other similar meetings to the attention of secondary teachers because the final form and implementation of these regulations are certain to have a significant impact on both high school and middle school teachers. While I am generally supportive of efforts to improve high school education, I urged caution regarding some critical issues and encourage all members to inform themselves regarding pending city, state and federal educational initiatives.
As a final note, I hope that you enjoy this new format of the PROTEUN and look forward to your comments and suggestions regarding future issues.
PTU 6Th ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE
Continue the tradition of brightening the lives of Providence kids during the holiday season and donate a book! If each teacher donates one new book, we'll have more than 2,000 books to give to Providence kids.
For each book that a teacher donates, he/she will receive a raffle ticket for a lottery to be held at the December building delegate meeting. The prize.…
Dinner for two at
The Cheesecake Factory
Two cinema tickets for Hoyt
Theaters
Bring your NEW books (in any language) to the Union office by December 10, 2002.
Help us make this the best book drive ever!
UNION ENDORSEMENTS
The Rhode Island Federation of Teachers & Health Care Professionals (RIFTHP) and the RI AFL-CIO have endorsed the following candidates for Congressional and state offices:
Senator Jack Reed
General Treasurer Paul Tavares
Congressman James Langevin
Gubernatorial Candidate Myrth York
Congressman Patrick Kennedy
Attorney General Candidate Patrick Lynch
Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty
Secretary of State Candidate Matt Brown
In addition, the RIFTHP will be mailing its endorsements for the RI General Assembly to those teachers who reside in the respective districts of those candidates. The PTU encourages its members to support those candidates in the upcoming election.
EMERGENCY SICK LEAVE BANK
Teachers are reminded that the open enrollment period for membership and the one-time donation of five sick days is the month of October. Registration forms are available from your building delegates or the Union office and must be returned to the Union by October 31, 2002.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS
A reminder that the following dates have been announced, with specific hours to follow:
Elementary Schools November 19, 2002
Middle Schools November 20, 2002
High Schools November 21, 2002
UNITED WAY OF RI and FUND FOR COMMUNITY PROGRESS
All teachers are encouraged to support these charitable organizations by filling out and returning the pledge cards received from your building delegates. Those who pledge a minimum of $1.00 per pay period will be eligible for a $300 cash prize to be awarded through a lottery drawing.
IN-HOUSE POSTINGS
Teachers are advised that in-house postings involving compensation must indicate official approval by Human Resources before they are posted.
APRIL CRUISE TO THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN
The PTU Activity Committee is planning an April Vacation cruise to the Western Caribbean on the Norwegian Cruise Line's newly commissioned NORWEGIAN DAWN. This trip is air-inclusive from Providence and will embark from Miami with stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Costa Maya & Cozumel, Mexico. An initial deposit of $250 person is due by November 1, 2002, with a second payment by December 13 and final payment by February 11, 2003. For more information, or to reserve a cabin, please call Sunset Tours at 943-4464 or Activity Committee chair Kristen Lussier at 821-6141.
DEDUCTION FOR EDUCATOR EXPENSES
A new federal tax law change taking effect in 2002 allows educators to deduct up to $250 for out-of-pocket classroom expenses such as books, supplies and computer equipment. The expenses are deductible even if you do not itemize on Schedule A. See IRS Publication 3991 for limitations. For additional information, contact the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov or (800) 829-1040.
BLUE CROSS
Teachers are reminded that a Blue Cross representative will be at the Union office from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on December 19, 2002. Those wishing to meet with the representative should call the Union office (421-4014) to make an appointment.
ADDITIONAL TEACHING PERIODS
No teacher should accept an additional teaching period until the arrangement has been formalized and payment assured. Those currently teaching an extra period for which they are not being compensated should file Union grievances seeking lost wages.
NEW LOCATION
We are pleased to announce that the Union office will soon be moving to a larger, one-level facility which offers significantly more space and parking to accommodate the ever increasing needs of the membership. The move is tentatively scheduled for either late this year or early in January, 2003. Additional details will soon be announced.
PROGRAM CHANGES
The contractual period for SIT program changes has ended for this semester, and any additional program change proposals must be submitted to the Program Change Committee. Teachers are also reminded that, as stipulated in Article 17-3 of the Contract, teachers may not waive or modify any of the agreements, terms or provisions of the Agreement.
PTU MEDIA COMMITTEE
In addition to its regular programming, the PTU's Educadores al Aire will be airing a forum on educational issues featuring the four mayoral candidates of Providence on the following dates:
Thursday, October 24, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 31, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 2, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
All teachers, especially those registered to vote in Providence, are encouraged to watch this topical Media Committee production on Cox Cable Channel 23 on one of these dates.
PAYROLL ISSUES
Option forms for converting accumulated half-pay sick leave must be returned to Payroll in order for the conversion to occur.
Teachers are advised to monitor all aspects of their check stubs for accuracy and to use the Salary Calculator available on the PTU's website to confirm that they are receiving the correct compensation. Errors should be reported to Payroll.
PTU HEALTH RELATED INSURANCE
Any teacher who has not yet responded to the Union letter outlining the simplicity of enrolling is requested to return the necessary information to the Union office. NOTE! The red letter is to dark to be faxed.
Schools with ten or fewer teachers who are not yet enrolled will not be scheduled for a "school visitation," but teachers in those schools may still request an individual appointment at the school or may schedule an appointment at the Union office.
Other questions relating to the PTU insurance program may be addressed to "Lu" at the Union office.
PTU FORTY-WEEK CLUB
Those teachers that have not yet joined this year's 40-Week Club may still join and be eligible for all of the monthly drawings, including the special drawing of $100 for members who make a single payment of $40 rather than installments. To join, please contact your building collector, your building delegate or call the Union office.
SCHOOL VISITATIONS
President Phil DeCecco and Co-Directors of Member Services, Maura Galvao and Don Gormley, continue to visit schools in order to speak with teachers regarding their questions and concerns. Please consult the visitation schedules posted on your school's Union Bulletin Board for their next visit(s).
PROTEUN - May 2002
Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Job Sharing
Sean Manchester, a social worker at Alfred Lima Elementary and Roger Williams Middle School, would like to share his position, or another, for the "02-"03 school year. He prefers to keep the medical package but is willing to negotiate. Sean may be contacted at Lima (278-0505), at Williams (456-9352) or at home
(331-3032).
Correction: The home phone listed for Patricia Ballestra in the April PROTEUN should have been 934-0672.
LOST & FOUND
Following the membership meeting at the Convention Center on April 30, a pair of glasses and a woman's raincoat were found. These items may be claimed at the Union office.
PTU 40-Week Club
The $25 winners in the monthly drawings for April and May are Jane Forbes and Jeff Cameron (Perry), Pat Moriarty (Bridgham), Dominic Yves Herard (Feinstein), Maggie Walsh (Williams), Lou Joseph and Karen O'Donnell (Perry) and Victor Guzman (Feinstein).
The winners of the "special" drawings announced at the Venus DeMillo are David Jones of Feinstein Elementary at Broad ($50), Martha Lawson of DelSesto Middle ($50), Melissa Silvia of Hope High ($100), Sue Waters of Laurel Hill Elementary ($250) and Shirley Johnson of Hope (the grand prize of $999).
Melissa Silvia was also the winner of $400 in the "50/50" drawing also held at the banquet
Congratulations to these 40-Week Club members and to Yaremi Grullon (Feinstein), April Whiting (Classical) and Alexander Kratik (Hope) as the recipients of the $500 college scholarships awarded to deserving high school seniors.
PTU SCHOLARSHIPS
Congratulations also to Angela Williams (Perry) and Valerie Allison-Davis (Mt. Pleasant) on winning $500 PTU college scholarships for their respective children:
Jayme Williams
David Allison
SUMMER COURSE: TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHERS
Verizon-Bryant College Telecommunications Center is offering a summer class (Technology for Teachers) which will run during four weeks at its Smithfield campus beginning on July 8, 2002. A project involving students, curriculum and technology is the main requirement. Tentative scheduling is for classes to run Monday-Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with project development built in. This course will offer 3 graduate credits and cost $75.00. Interested teachers may obtain further information by contacting Verizon-Bryant at (401)-232-0220 or by e-mail at verizon@bryant.edu.
ESEA WORKSHOP
Colleen Callahan of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Care Professionals (RIFTHP) will be presenting a workshop explaining the new federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2002 at Bridgham Middle School. Teachers interested in attending this workshop should notify Ruth or Ellie at the Union office (421-4014) or register on-line at www.proteun.org within the Professional Development section. Registration deadline: June 3, 2002
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
3:30 p.m.
Bridgham Middle School Cafeteria
1655 Westminster Street
AGENDA
1.Vote on 182 and 230 day school calendars for 2002-2003 Academic Year
2.Other Business
Bally Total Fitness
Special Corporate Discount for Providence Teachers
25% off regular membership
Enjoy one free week at the North Providence or East Providence location. You must show proof of employment as a Providence teacher at the site. To receive the special corporate discount membership you must enroll with a Bally's representative at the Providence Teachers Union office.
Enrollment Dates:
Monday, June 17 Tuesday, June 25
Tuesday, June 18 Wednesday, June 26
Thursday, June 20 Thursday, June 27
Time: 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on all days. Appointments will be on a first come first serve basis.
1st ANNUAL PTU FAMILY DAY PICNIC
The PTU's Activities Committee has organized a Family Day Picnic as its first project in offering opportunities for the membership to relax and unwind in social settings.
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2002
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Goddard State Park, Sites 66-79
The Union will supply the hamburgers, hot dogs and buns.
Teachers are invited to provide side dishes, beverages and snacks as well as games and activities for adults & children.
Please sign-up with your building delegate by Tuesday, June 11th.
March 2002 II PROTEUN
Posted Tuesday, April 2, 2002
REMINDERS
Address/Telephone Changes
Members are reminded that address and telephone changes should be reported to Ruth or Ellie at the Union office, as well as to the Office of Human Resources, which does not forward this information to the Union.
Blue Cross Representative
Our Blue Cross representative, Janice Sullivan, will be at the Union office from 2:30- 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
May 16, 2002
June 13, 2002
Anyone wishing to meet with Janice should call Ruth or Ellie at the Union office to schedule an appointment.
BUILDING DELEGATE ELECTIONS
Article VIII - Building Representatives, Section 1, of the Providence Teachers Union Constitution and By-Laws states that "The membership of each school shall elect Building Representatives at least two weeks prior to the Biennial Meeting." Therefore, each school should conduct the established constitutional process for selecting its building representative by no later than April 24, 2002.
NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
3:30 p.m.
Bridgham Middle School Cafeteria
1655 Westminster Street
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Mary Aquino-Dacey of Alfred Lima Elementary on being named Providence Teacher of the Year for 2002. Mary is a fifth grade teacher in the two-way bilingual program at Lima.
JOB SHARING
Patrice Martinelli, an early-childhood teacher (K-2) currently at Flynn Annex, would like to job-share another teacher's position for the 2002-2003 school year. Patrice does not need the medical package and may be contacted at 943-0672.
Mary Ellen Raposa, a fifth grade ESL teacher at Asa Messer Annex, is seeking to job-share either her current position or another next year. She needs the medical benefits and can be reached at 253-2923.
March 2002 PROTEUN
Posted Friday, March 15, 2002
JOB SHARE OPPORTUNITY
Michelle Bush, a special education resource inclusion teacher at Fortes Elementary, would like to job-share her position next year. She is willing to negotiate the medical package and can be reached at home (785-4196) or at Fortes (278-0501).
WORK-TO-RULE
We remind all teachers that the PTU's policy of work-to-rule is still in effect, as it has been since it was proposed and voted on by the overwhelming majority of teachers at the membership meeting of October 16, 2001. Examples of its effectiveness can be found in the inability of the school department to roll out its new math program or to assemble a redesign team for a new high school (PAIS) due to a lack of response to postings advertising these positions. Teachers should continue to ignore new Providence School Department postings.
Imagine how much even more effective it would be if all teachers were to view work-to-rule as an opportunity to demonstrate the true value of their voluntary efforts by withdrawing them and thus exerting even more pressure on the superintendent and school board to be reasonable. Given the lack of progress in negotiations, it is not too early to consider that upcoming graduation exercises at all levels offer an excellent opportunity to demonstrate support for our work-to-rule policy by withdrawing your traditional, but voluntary, participation.
I am fully aware that work-to-rule can be painful and that it requires a degree of sacrifice, but I also know that a fair and reasonable contract, as with most things of enduring value, requires not just financial sacrifices but also sacrifices of the heart.
FORTY-WEEK CLUB
Congratulations to the following $25 winners of the February drawings: Debbie Lockwood (Perry Middle School), Lori Santaniello (West Broadway Elementary), Caroline LeStrange (Feinstein at Broad Elementary) and Joseph Dauray (Springfield Middle I).
With Club membership down significantly this year, additional members are especially welcome. Those wishing to support the educational and charitable activities of the Club, may still sign up with their building collectors or call the Union office at 421-4014.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
At the March membership meeting of the Providence Teachers Union, the following members were elected to serve on the Union's Nominating Committee:
Lou Toro - Classical High School
Marcia Clayton - Greene Middle School
Anita Glass - Springfield Middle School
Pat Maymom - Kizirian Elementary School
Aaron Segal - Stuart Middle School
Bob Venezia - Birch Vocational
Rose Ann Warren - Flynn Elementary
The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the following officers and delegate/alternate positions:
President
Vice President at-Large
Vice President of High Schools
Vice President of Middle Schools
Vice President of Elementary Schools (3 positions)
Vice President of Special Groups
Secretary
Treasurer
All the above elective offices have an attendance requirement. Those seeking office must be available for all Executive Board and Membership meetings (first and second Wednesday of the month) and Building Delegate meetings (second Tuesday of the month).
Delegate/Alternate
American Federation of Teachers, July 14 - July 20
Delegate/Alternate
Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Fall of 2002
Delegate/Alternate
Providence Central Labor Council 6:00 p.m., second Wednesday every month
Delegate/Alternate
Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, Fall 2002
Members who are interested in serving in any of the above, should send a letter and resume to the Nominating Committee at the Union office by Friday, March 29, 2002.
ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
At the same meeting, the following members were elected to serve on the Union's Elections Committee:
Sandy Meekins - Fogarty Elementary School
Michael Jarrett - Chamber High School
Elizabeth A'Vant - Pleasant View Elementary School
Paul O'Donnell - West Broadway Elementary School
Sara Melin - Perry Middle School
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
With only one member voting in favor, the proposal to amend the Constitution of the PTU was defeated by the more than 400 teachers who attended the March membership meeting.
PTU MEDIA COMMITTEE
The Media Committee is seeking 10-12 additional members to assist in production of the English version of Educadores al Aire (Educators on the Air). This is a program which will appear on the Cox Cable Network on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10:00 p.m. Those interested in assisting in the production of this positive presentation of issues affecting Providence teachers may contract Executive Board member Ferdinand Rodriguez-Vega at 273-8677 or on his cell phone at 749-5327.
February 2002 PROTEUN
Posted Tuesday, February 26, 2002
FORTY WEEK CLUB
The following are $25.00 winners in recent Forty-Week Club drawings:
December: Deborah Pfefferle (Windmill), Melissa Silvia (Hope), Carolyn Carr (Pleasant View), Rosemary Bernston (Hope)
January: Kara O'Connor (Green), Linda Daglieri (Perry), Mary DiFlorian (West), Gina Martino (Laurel Hill)
It is not too late to join the Union's Forty Week Club!
JOB SHARING
Rita Calabro, a 5th grade teacher at Messer Elementary, wishes to job-share her position for next year. She is willing to give up the medical benefits and can be contacted at 351-6466.
Lisa Airhart, a 5th grade teacher at Kizarian (Camden) Elementary, is interested in job-sharing her position for the 2002-2003 school year. She needs to have the medical package and can be reached at 397- 5968.
Christine Brierly, a 4th grade teacher at M.L. King Elementary, would like to share her position next year. She would prefer to have the medical package and can be reached at (508) 252-5802, or at rid2739@ride.ri.net .
Heather Longo, a special education teacher at Hopkins Middle School, wishes to job-share another teacher's position next year. She needs the medical benefits and can be contacted at 398-0032.
Maria McAfee, a 4th grade ESL teacher at Pleasant View Elementary School, is seeking to job-share her position for the next school year. Maria is willing to give up the medical package and can be reached at 233-1329.
Diane West, a 3rd grade ESL teacher at Messer Elementary, would like to job-share next year. She would prefer to share her current position and needs the medical benefits. Diane may be reached at home (521-2194) or at Messer (456-9401).
PTU WEBSITE
Check out the new and improved PTU website.
Features include:
Virtual Teacher Mentor
Collective Bargaining Agreement and
Constitution and By-Laws
FAQ's Section (Retirement, Substitutes,
Parental/Adoptive Leaves)
Automated Salary Computation Worksheet
and much, much more!
www.PROTEUN.org
PTU SHIRT SALE
The PTU has a limited number of short sleeved polo shirts and long sleeved denim shirts with the PTU emblem for sale at the Union office.
$30.00 for short-sleeved polo shirt.
$40.00 for long-sleeved light-denim shirt.
$45.00 for long-sleeved heavy-denim shirt.
If you wish to purchase a shirt, see Lu at the Union office.
AMENDMENT TO THE PROVIDENCE TEACHERS UNION CONSTITUTION
A member of the Providence Teachers Union submitted to the Secretary of the Providence Teachers Union an amendment to the Providence Teachers Union Constitution. The Executive Board has considered and is recommending no position on the proposed amendment.
Proposed Amendment
Article XII -RECALL
Add: (new)
Should any member of the Executive Board of the union be recalled by a vote of the membership at a duly constituted election, said member may not hold any elected office or standing committee chair position of the Board for a period of two years.
This amendment will be voted on by the membership at the March 13, 2002 membership meeting.
ANNUAL AUDIT
The annual audit has been completed. Teachers who wish to review the audit may call the Union office to schedule an appointment.
REMINDERS
Address/Telephone Changes
Members are reminded that address and telephone changes should be reported to Ruth or Ellie at the Union office, as well as to the Office of Human Resources, which does not forward this information to the Union.
Blue Cross Representative
Our Blue Cross representative, Janice Sullivan, will be at the Union office from 2:30- 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
March 14, 2002
May 16, 2002
June 13, 2002
Anyone wishing to meet with Janice should call Ruth or Ellie at the Union office to schedule an appointment.
JOB FAIR 2002
Any regularly-employed member who wishes to attend this year's Job Fair in July is reminded to fill out a Request for Transfer card at the Office of Human Resources by the close of business on May 15, 2002.
Members may bid on any position for which they are certified to teach. Each certification area must be listed separately on the Request for Transfer card. For Example:
1. Elementary
2. Elementary ESL
3. Guidance
For complete details regarding the Job Fair, please refer to Article 14, Transfer Policy, in the contract.
NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
3:30 p.m.
Bridgham Middle School
Cafeteria
1655 Westminster Street
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Posted Thursday, January 24, 2002
PROTEUN
__________________________________
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
from The Providence Teachers Union Executive Board and Office Staff
Phil DeCecco
Steve Smith
Joe Almagno
Marianne West
Alan Leach
Erin Cannon-Walsh
Robin Alcott
Kristen Lussier
Fr. Nick Milas
Jane Shugrue
Robyn Peterson
Moises Crisostomo
Elissa Ciarlo
Ferdinand Rodriguez-Vega
Tony Mancini
Joe Jannetta
Maura Galvao
Don Gormley
Lu Moulton
Lori Onanina
Ruth Paige Levin
Ellie Golato
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FORTY WEEK CLUB
The following are $25.00 winners in recent Forty-Week Club drawings:
November: Caroline Lestrange (Broad St.), Lucille
Capobianco (Pleasant View), Carolynn Carr
Pleasant View), Erin Cannon-Walsh
Springfield Elem.)
December: Kimberlee Miller (Springfield Middle),
Graziella Giampoli (Central), Chris Pride
(Roger Williams), Teresa Suarez-Harris(Perry)
* Special $100 drawing winner - Carole Barone (Laurel Hill Elem.)
It is not too late to join the Union's Forty Week Club!
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NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS
Congratulations to the following teachers who recently became National Board Certified teachers.
Erin Cannon-Walsh, Springfield Elementary
Susan Dennehy, Springfield Elementary
David Evans, Mt. Pleasant
Michael Miller, Bridgham
Martha Scott, Mt. Pleasant
They join Kathleen Fleenor and Jane Carr who became certified last year.
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UNITED WAY / FUND FOR COMMUNITY PROGRESS DRAWING
Miriam Toloudis from Classical was the winner of the $300 prize for teachers that contributed at least $1.00 per paycheck to the United Way or The Fund for Community Progress.
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PTU SHIRT SALE
The PTU has a limited number of short sleeved polo shirts,
with the PTU emblem on the left side for sale at the Union office.
$ 30.00 per shirt.
If you wish to purchase a shirt, see Lu at the Union office.
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REMINDERS
Address/Telephone Changes:
Members are reminded that address and telephone changes should be reported to Ruth or Ellie at the Union office, as well as to the Office of Human Resources, which does not forward this information to the Union.
Blue Cross Representative:
Our Blue Cross representative, Janice Sullivan, will be at the Union office from 2:30- 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
January 17, 2002
March 14, 2002
May 16, 2002
June 13, 2002
Anyone wishing to meet with Janice should call Ruth or Ellie at the Union office to schedule an appointment.
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EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF RHODE ISLAND (ERSRI)
General Laws 16-16-8.1 and 45-21-64 allow teachers to purchase service credits payable by installments from the ERSRI. A copy of the regulations should be posted on every Union bulletin board.
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THANKS FOR THE BOOKS
Special thanks to the many who made the Providence Teachers Union's Fifth Annual Book Drive the most successful yet. One thousand fifty-one (1,051) books were donated to the following Providence community centers:
DaVinci Center
Hartford Park Corporation
Joslin Community Center Nickerson Community Center
Washington Park Association
The winner of Book Drive raffle was Leah Ross-Coke from Esek Hopkins.
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