5/27/15 Meeting Minutes

Posted on May 28, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

RHTA Minutes

www.rhta.org

May 27, 2015

  • CEA
    • Visit cea.org often to keep yourself up to date on current events.
    • The HSA presentation held on Tuesday May 26th has been uploaded to the RHTA website (see web address above). A memo with highlights will follow.
    • Representative Assembly – Sheila Cohen and Jeff Leake were voted back in as President and VP of CEA
    • We will be hosting a CEA retirement seminar this fall. More information to follow.
  • BOE Meeting
    • Heartfelt Congratulations to the following members who will be retiring this year; Jane DeSimone (Stevens), Mark Kotak (RHHS), Kathy Oryell (RHHS), Lynne Scullion (GMS), and Sue Symington (WH)
    • RHHS Valedictorian – Mark Zebrowski; Salutatorian – Rounak Gokhale.
    • CABE Student Leadership Awards – RHHS: Cristina Benzo and Jake Brzozowski; GMS: Angelika Ptak and Connor Garrahy.
    • RHHS NESDEC Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning – Lynsey Varney and Kyle Devine.
    • GMS CAS Scholar Leaders – Alisha Chhabra and Pulkit Nagpal
    • RHHS National Scholarship Art and Writing Awards Competition – Rafal Wielk
    • 1 to 1 devices will be purchased for 7th and 8th grade students (and teachers) for the 2015-2016 school year. It is anticipated teachers will be given their devices in June with the hopes they will take them home over the summer to become familiar with them.
  • RHTA Social
    • The annual social is scheduled for Friday September 11, 2015. 2:30-5:30 On the Boarder.  More information to following in late August/early September.
  • 457 and 403B Accounts
    • Both are pre-tax accounts. You can contribute to both accounts now.
    • The maximum you can contribute to the 457 depends on your age. The maximum you can contribute to a 403B is set by the IRS, currently approximately $20,000-22,000 per year.
    • The difference – you can withdraw from the 457 account before the age of 59 ½ without penalty.
  • Membership – members can log onto cea.org to update their own information. If your information is inaccurate on your CEA card, please update it.
  • Certification
    • It is your responsibility to know when your certification expires and to complete the necessary paperwork to keep it current.
  • RHTA Website
    • rhta.org please continue to check the website for up to date information regarding RHTA
  • Constitution
    • Looking ahead there will be a proposal for a two-year term for officers
  • Congratulations to those who have been  elected to following positions

Co-President              Lori Cebelius (Stevens)

Co-President              Michelle Bartha (GMS)

Vice President           Kirsten Hassett (WH)

Secretary                    Raisa Bublick (RHHS)

Treasurer                  Eileen Noonan (RHHS)

Grievance Chair         John Cogli (RHHS)

Membership Chair    Kirsten Hassett (WH) & Sarah Sherman (WH)

Web Master               Laura Litke (GMS)

RHHS Rep                  Adele Gali

GMS Rep                     Karla Harding & Laura Litke

Stevens Rep               Nancy Forte-Dugay & Heidi Kokoska

West Hill Rep             Kirsten Hassett & Sarah Sherman

HAVE A SAFE AND RESTFUL SUMMER!

NEXT MEETING:

Wednesday September 23, 2015

GMS Media Center

3:45 PM

PLEASE JOIN US!

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HSA Presentation Video

Posted on May 27, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

Here is a video of the HSA Presentation given by Gail McKinley-Anderson and Kim Davis on May 26th.

HSA Presentation Video

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RHTA @ the CEA Education Rally

Posted on May 13, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

rhtarally4 rhtarally3 rhtarally2 rhtarally1

RHTA Teachers at the Education Rally

Click here for an article from CEA about the Education Rally.

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HSA Insurance Presentation Rescheduled to May 26

Posted on May 13, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

HSA INSURANCE PRESENTATION

BY

GAIL MCKINLEY-ANDERSON

TUESDAY MAY 26TH

RHHS AUDITORIUM

2:50P.M. AND 4:15P.M.

Make an INFORMED decision about your health insurance and better understand the HSA plan and the money you can save!

An added BONUS, come meet Kim Davis our new CEA Rep!

*Effective July 1, 2016, teachers who elect the OAP or POS coverage shall pay a premium share equal to the difference between the Board’s total contribution for similar coverage under the HSA (health savings account) plan, including the cost of the deductible contribution, and the annual cost of the OAP or POS coverage.

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CEA SBAC Survey

Posted on May 12, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

In our ongoing effort to address concerns regarding SBAC testing, CEA has begun conducting an all member survey today.

Purpose:  The survey is designed to collect information about SBAC administration, loss of instructional time, impact on students, and other SBAC-related concerns.  The goal of the survey is to document the many issues and anecdotal observations about the SBAC testing system.  SBAC assessment is a very timely issue as legislators are considering legislation on mastery testing.  We urge all members to complete the survey as soon as possible in order for us to immediately begin using results in our advocacy.  Participation is anonymous.
Process:  The secure link –  http://www.cea.org/members/sbacsurvey/ – is being sent to all members via email.  In order to protect the security of the survey, members will need to login to the CEA website using their CEA membership number (members can use the “Lookup” function if they do not have their number handy).  The link will also be posted behind the CEA.org login page.
Upon logging in, members will be automatically (and anonymously) sent to Survey Monkey to conduct the survey.

Duration:  The survey is live as of this evening and will be open for two weeks, but we urge members to complete it as soon as possible and to share the link with their colleagues as well.
Please feel free to contact Ray Rossomando, rayr@cea.org with any questions.

Thank you,
Sheila

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Education Rally May 12, 2015

Posted on May 8, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

Memo To: RHTA Membership

From:  Lori Cebelius & Michelle Bartha Co-Presidents, RHTA

diane ravitch

Let them see that you care about excessive high stakes testing.  Join us on the steps of the State Capitol.  Buses will leave RHHS at 4:15 and you will probably return to RHHS by 7:30pm.

DON’T LET THE TIME PASS YOU BY….

REGISTER FOR THE RALLY AT CEA.ORG by Sunday, May 10, 2015

SIGN THE PETITION AT CEA.ORG

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR AT CEA.ORG

Together, we can be heard and we can make a difference.

qualities

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Celebrating American Education Week

Posted on May 6, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

From our CEA President Sheila Cohen

Today kicks off American Education Week — a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor everyone who makes a difference in ensuring that children receive a quality education. It’s an appropriate time of year to share my sincere thanks for the hard work that CEA members put forth each and every day on behalf of public school students.

Teachers give so much all year long. You give to your students, your communities, your colleagues, and of course your own family and friends. That’s why educators are some of the most trusted people in our communities. YOU are creating your community’s future.

During American Education Week, we celebrate all partners who support our students and make great public schools possible. We give thanks to the ESPs, parents, substitute teachers, and everyone who is committed to student success. A school is only as strong as its people, and teachers are the biggest in-school factor in students’ academic success.

You have a lot on your plate, and unfortunately educators often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. But please always remember you are appreciated. Despite the attacks on teachers and public education, know that there are many students, parents, community members, and teaching colleagues standing behind you who are very grateful for the work you do.

You make a difference every day. Thank you for your deep personal connection to the success of every child.

Thank you for what you do each and every day!!

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4/22/15 Meeting Minutes

Posted on May 6, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

RHTA Minutes

www.rhta.org

April 22, 2015

  • CEA
    • Visit cea.org often to keep yourself up to date on current events.
    • New or expecting Moms who are nursing please see the literature in the websites below
    • We are in the process of rescheduling Gail McKinnley Anderson to do the HSA (insurance) presentation. The tentative date is Tuesday May 26th  in the RHHS auditorium.  Confirmation with time slots to follow.  YOU are ENCOURAGED to ATTEND!.
    • CEA needs your input! After taking the Reading Survey, remember to log onto cea.org to complete their survey!
    • MAY 12th Rally at the Capitol to address SBAC Testing. 5 busses are leaving from RHHS at 4:15.  Sign up on the CEA website!
  • BOE Meeting
    • GMS parking lot will be expanded and repaved.
    • June 17th is currently the last day of school.
    • THE BOE has decided to stay with CIGNA as the insurance carrier as they submitted a favorable offer.
    • 5th grade option will be again be available at GMS next year, however at this point any interested parents/students are put on a waiting list.
  • Reading Survey
    • Reading Survey does not affect certification. There is a practice (test) survey on the CEA website.
  • 457 and 403B Accounts
    • Both are pre-tax accounts. You can contribute to both accounts now.
    • The maximum you can contribute to the 457 depends on your age. The maximum you can contribute to a 403B is set by the IRS, currently approximately $20,000-22,000 per year.
    • The difference – you can withdraw from the 457 account before the age of 59 ½ without penalty.
  • Membership – members can log onto cea.org to update their own information. If your information is inaccurate on your CEA card, please update it.
  • Certification
    • It is your responsibility to know when your certification expires and to complete the necessary paperwork to keep it current.
  • RHTA Website
    • Please continue to check this website for up to date information regarding RHTA.

NEXT MEETING:

Wednesday May 27, 2015

GMS Media Center

3:45 PM

PLEASE JOIN US!
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You have a voice…

Posted on May 5, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

From Lori Cebelius and Michelle Bartha

RHTA Co-Presidents

Get involved.  You have a voice and they are listening…

  • Join your teaching colleagues on the North Lawn of the state Capitol Building in Hartford on Tuesday, May 12.
  • Your presence is needed to tell lawmakers that SB 1095 must be amended to ensure less testing, more learning for your students.
  • Connecticut lawmakers should eliminate the burdensome SBAC test and create an improved system of school accountability that is not unduly tied to one arbitrary test score.
  • “I believe a legislative solution is close, but we need teachers in every district across the state to turn out for the May 12 rally at the State Capitol in Hartford to bring us across the finish line.  If we mobilize and focus on our goal, we will get it done,” said Waxenberg. (Executive Director of CEA)

Three ways you can make a difference:

  • Register at cea.org to attend the rally on May 12th

If you are unable to attend, you can…

  • Sign the electronic petition at cea.org
  • Tell your SBAC stories to your legislator.  You can find the link at cea.org
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Health Insurance Update & Legislative Priorities

Posted on April 27, 2015 by rockyhillteachersassociation

We recently had to postpone a presentation to inform you about the HSA insurance option the district presently provides due to some last minute information we received from the superintendent. The Board of Education had planned to take action on going to a new Health Insurance vendor at its April 7th meeting.  The discussion was tabled.  They had received quotes from a couple of companies, but on the afternoon of the meeting, our current vendor had made “a favorable offer”.  According to our most recent communication with the superintendent, he is expecting the Board of Education to come to a decision at some point next week.  Until the decision is made, please understand that it is all we know at this point.  As soon as we have more information, our presentation is on hold.  We want to be able to give you accurate information and without the Board’s decision we are not able to give you a full picture.  As soon as we have their decision, we will let you know and will promptly reschedule the presentation.

On another note, we are being given the opportunity as a strong group of professionals to stand up and be heard on behalf of our students and our profession. Our legislature is presently discussing a number of topics related to the Connecticut Standards, Common Core, and testing. If our state continues to underfund educational funding the consequences could include diminished programs, increased class sizes, and impacted teacher salaries.

  • Over the last five years Charter schools have received a 72% increase in state support.
  • Magnet schools have received a 69% increase in state aid.
  • Neighborhood schools (which educate more than 90% of the state’s public school children), received an increase of only 8%!

NOW is the time for our voices to be heard. Please read the email from CEA President Sheila Cohen below.

Sent on behalf of President Sheila Cohen:

Rallies are powerful displays of our commitment to children and to the teaching profession.

I am pleased to announce that we will be organizing a major education rally at the State Capitol in Hartford at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. This rally will be patterned after the Keep the Promise event that led to dramatic improvement in our pensions.

This year, our efforts to get state lawmakers to reduce excessive testing and create an improved system of school accountability have gained momentum in the form of Senate Bill 1095.  We need to harness that momentum in the final weeks of the legislative session.  A well-attended and effectively organized rally will help us accomplish our goal of phasing-out SBAC.

Connecticut’s obsession with high-stakes testing is dangerous as well as detrimental. Legislators need to hear that message loudly and clearly from us—classroom professionals who are the experts in teaching and learning.

I urge you to sign up for the Hartford rally at  http://www.cea.org/members/events/rally2015.

Bus transportation is being planned so that your trip to and from the State Capitol is easy and direct.

In addition, please know that local Associations are organizing school- and district-based public demonstrations on May 12. Please contact your local president for more information about these events.

Finally, AFT-Connecticut and the Connecticut Association of School Administrators are supporting our legislative plan, so we expect their members to join our demonstrations on May 12.

Thank you.

Rocky Hill will be one of the planned bus transportation spots made available via the CEA website.  There will be buses to the State Capitol leaving from Rocky Hill High School at 4:15 on May 12th.  We expect to leave the State Capitol grounds at approximately 7 pm to return to Rocky Hill.

In addition, NEA and CEA are asking teachers to contact their Connecticut legislators to focus on student learning and away from high stakes testing and punishing of schools with no significant closing of the achievement gap. If you are unable to attend the rally, you can place a direct call or write a letter to your legislator (www.cga.ct.gov).

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