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Dear UFT Team Members,

Yes we are a team!! I am so grateful for our delegate Susana Murray for being able to hold our union meeting yesterday and for the election committee who held the voting today.

If you haven’t heard already, I was having contractions on my way to school on Tuesday morning. The doctor said I needed to be seen right away in labor and delivery. Unfortunately, I am still having complications and I’m currently on bedrest.  As of right now I won’t be coming back to school until further guidance from my doctor. Baby River needs to be a little more patient!

I want to thank everyone who reached out. Your thoughtfulness and well wishes mean so much.

Dina Hassan will officially be your chapter leader starting in July but she is beginning to transition now due to my absence. You can also reach out to Susana Murray for any union related questions.

I am so grateful to work with such a dedicated team of professionals. I will miss you all!

Padlet:

https://padlet.com/jillianarenella86/chapter-leader-jillian-smythe-s-information-page-1770kwiywzpwl3gy

Be well! Hugs!

Jillian 🤰

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Social Workers/Psychologists: 6/20 @ 4:30pm

https://web.cvent.com/event/1bb8d297-a455-46a6-8406-cf0f73e30f00/summary?j=997591&sfmc_sub=145041147&l=222_HTML&u=20079870&mid=100022908&jb=0

Citywide speech: 6/21 @ 4:15pm

https://web.cvent.com/event/8cddaed6-71ba-4eb2-b91d-2708a268ec0c/summary?j=996611&sfmc_sub=196798651&l=222_HTML&u=20064252&mid=100022908&jb=1

School Nurses: 6/21 @ 4:15

https://uft.zoom.us/j/86459268580?pwd=ZStFV1l2Y0xBSXdZMHJNVkNuYXYxQT09

OT/PT: 6/21 @ 4:30pm

https://uft.zoom.us/j/83561654045?pwd=a3ZMV3VraW94RUY3ekk2eXRqOVk2QT09

Guidance Counselors: 6/22 @ 4pm

https://cvent.me/VKzEM8

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Tuesday

Middle School Division Town Hall: https://cvent.me/PnmyQZ

Elementary Division Town Hall Meeting: https://cvent.me/w9A2b2

Wednesday

Paraprofessional Town Hall: https://cvent.me/eBremP

School Secretaries Informational Meeting: https://cvent.me/WKd4YG

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Dear UFT Family,

We will have  another union meeting to discuss the new information we learned from our proposed  contract agreement and the voting details. We will meet  on Tuesday after school in room 202 at 3:55pm (right after optw).

I have given you all the MOA to read, the slides from DA, and hopefully some of you made the town hall meeting with our union president, Michael Mulgrew. My goal for this meeting is to have an open discussion about the tentative contract. I’m not going to read off the slides and MOA because we can all do that on our own. I want us all to come prepared with the information we learned and share out or clarify any questions for you. We will be voting on Thursday, June 22.

Padlet Link

https://padlet.com/jillianarenella86/chapter-leader-jillian-smythe-s-information-page-1770kwiywzpwl3gy

We are almost there!!! Have a wonderful weekend!

Jillian🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

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Juneteenth Walk

UFT Invitational Golf Outing

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Dear UFT Members,

I am attaching the contract at a glance and the slides from the DA meeting last night.  Please review. We are awaiting the MOA because we agreed to terms 24 hours ago.  I am attending another meeting today for further guidance.

Healthcare is separately negotiated by the Municipal Labor Union which is a group of different unions negotiating for our healthcare.  It is not in our contract because we don't negotiate for it alone. It's a group of unions negotiating together to bring the cost down.

I also want to be clear that our teaching hours of 6 hours and 20 minutes remain the same.

If any of you  have any questions or concerns I can bring it up at tonight's meeting. There is a town hall meeting with our union president Michael Mulgrew on Thursday, June 15th.  You should have received an email to register. I am awaiting further guidance about our ballots and when we will schedule a time to meet.  TBA
Contract at a Glance
See the details of the tentative agreement.
• | Pay Increases
• | Salary Schedules
• | Time, the Workday and Remote Work
• | Teacher Programs
• | Sick, Personal and Other Leave Time
• | Virtual Learning
• | Health & Safety• | Other Working Conditions
• | Special Education
• | Student Pathways Initiative
• | PSAL
• | Districts 75 and 79
• | Functional Chapters
• | Staff Injury and illness
• | Investigations and Due Process

501eb46e-cf63-432d-a930-0a8c4fb3463a.pdf

Thank you for your patience,

Jillian

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Find everything you need to know about the DOE-UFT contract, including the Memorandum of Agreement, and FAQ and Contract at a Glance.

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Find everything you need to know about the DOE-UFT contract, including the Memorandum of Agreement, and FAQ and Contract at a Glance.

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Slides for tentative contract agreement 

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Slides for tentative contract agreement 

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https://www.uft.org/contract2023

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The UFT has reached a tentative agreement with the city.

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Chapter leader-Jillian Smythe

Delegate-Susana Murray

Uft Members

Cindy Rebellon

Zulema Reyes

Poly Petratos

Emely Villacorta

Jessica Zito

Karla Manzano-Paraprofessional Representative

Principal-Dr. Hwang

Default Work Day

The DOE put out the 2023-2024 year calendar without the consent from the UFT union. The pilot workday that we have is a continually agreed upon workday agreement. For this reason, we are reverting back to a default work day. The entire SBO process is on hold and there will be no negotiations at this moment.

We will no longer have PD and OPWT on M-Tues. We discussed interest in a teacher center at our school that can offer PD and CTLE hours. This is the contact information for you to speak further about  opening one,  in preparation for next year. https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSf0JAKpoNFqSiE7lONnJoEk10ih1OqyqNHf-plnbt1f5WOAxQ%2Fviewform&data=05%7C01%7CARzonca%40uft.org%7C61675fb4b0744011481a08db508c222b%7Cda02d0cf35ff4d259837a92821130bb1%7C1%7C0%7C638192335030921530%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YBP5mTW5bKJcgk6QyRcjjhPjN28JHTtuCOK%2Bh8K%2BwYE%3D&reserved=0

In preparation for next year how will the 37.5 minutes be implemented at our school? How will this be shared with the community? How will we choose what students to pull for small groups instruction M-Th? What will scheduling look like?

Dr. Hwang’s response:

We are awaiting guidance from the DOE.

Dr. Hwang’s response:

YouTube.com

Last year we discussed if YouTube could be unblocked.  This is what we discussed below.

The school staff is aware that youtube has been blocked because students were not utilizing it appropriately last year. Teachers use multimedia to engage students across different content areas, including STEAM. The staff would like to know if access to youtube can be granted again for instructional purposes?

Ms. Hwang’s Response: While we can no longer open up Youtube for safety purposes, we will ask a volunteer teacher to provide us with PD on how teachers can continue to access youtube for instructional purposes using alternative avenues.

Teachers have been using alternative avenues to access youtube, however, it does not always work.  Many other schools in the district are still using YouTube. Will you reconsider unblocking youtube for next school year?

Dr. Hwang’s response:

While we can no longer open up Youtube for safety purposes, we will ask a volunteer teacher to provide us with PD on how teachers can continue to access youtube for instructional purposes using alternative avenues. If teachers know any alternative options, please let us know and we can look into it.

This concludes our consultation team meetings for this year. Thank you for your time each month in meeting with this team. As you know, I am expecting and have stepped down from chapter leader. Our new chapter leader for the 2023-2024 school year will be Dina Hassan. She will be taking over and will be on the SLT, Safety, PD teams, and meet with you for consultation next school year.

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Our Families at 361 help us to fight for a fair contract! 

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Our Families at 361 help us to fight for a fair contract! 

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Families @361 support our fight for a fair contract! 

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Families @361 support our fight for a fair contract! 

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​​​

​Dear UFT Family,

I want to congratulate Dina Hassan.  She will be stepping up as our new chapter leader in the 2023-2024 school year and Susana Murray will continue to be our delegate. You will make a great team! Thank you both!

It’s been an amazing journey to watch Dina Hassan start at the school as a paraprofessional and working hard to finish her degree, to becoming a full time teacher at 361. Not only do you go above and beyond at our school, but you go above and beyond in the union.   You got involved in the union by working at the UFT after school and was also our para representative.  Now you’re  stepping up as  our chapter leader.  You are such a success story!  Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone that attended the 4pm emergency union meeting.  Our first day of action will be this Wednesday, June 7th.  Please wear blue and meet at the front of the school at 7:45am. Tomorrow work with your grade teams to make posters.  You can also leaflet outside the school. I will also be informing PTA and,hopefully, parents will join us.  Please take lots of photos!

This Friday, June 9th is our potluck union meeting during our lunch. We will continue to discuss the changes that are happening at the moment and continue our discussion on how to take action.

I went to a Mobilization meeting on Sunday and have attached the slides.  I will go over these slides with you on Friday. Please let me know any questions that you may have and I will have answers prepared for you by Friday.

https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fpresentation%2Fd%2F1YQhFZlmrgwJy04XlRJwXWwWyAjrNZK7q7cQTjb9UIeA%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing&data=05%7C01%7CARzonca%40uft.org%7Cbca34466935d4ec3154808db65c818b7%7Cda02d0cf35ff4d259837a92821130bb1%7C1%7C0%7C638215682313240490%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mDOybdxjwWn4BTLMmc7aWfDm9LkfB189mrovtDndvbY%3D&reserved=0

We are better together!

Jillian

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NYC’s 2023-24 school calendar is out (finally)

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The first day of school is Sept. 7. Spring holidays are spread out next year, with a day off for Good Friday on March 29 and for Eid al-Fitr on April 10, and with a week off for spring break, coinciding with Passover, starting April 22.

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This is the 2023-24 school year calendar for all 3K-12 NYCDOE public schools. If your child attends a private, parochial, charter school, NYC Early Education Center (NYCEEC) or Family Childcare Program, please contact your child's school for information about their calendar.

Please note the following:

On days when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies, all students and families should plan on participating in remote learning.

Individual schools' Parent-Teacher Conference dates might be different from the dates below. Your child's teacher will work with you to schedule your conference.

On this schedule, elementary schools are defined as programs that serve kindergarten (K) through grade 8, including schools with 3-K and Pre-K programs, as well as those that end in grade 5. Middle schools are defined as programs that serve grades 6-8, and high schools are defined as programs that serve grades 9-12.

Under New York State law, public holidays (also referred to as legal or federal holidays) that fall on a Saturday are not observed on a weekday; where such holidays fall on a Sunday, they will be observed on the following Monday. Per New York City Public Schools' policy, when non-public holidays fall on a weekend, schools remain open on the weekdays immediately preceding or following that holiday.

The following are non-public holidays observed by New York City Public Schools: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Election Day, Diwali, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Lunar New Year, Good Friday, Eid al-Fitr, Passover (first two days), and Eid al-Adha.

This year, in accordance with longstanding policy, schools will remain open on holidays noted below, and on the weekdays immediately preceding or following, as these holidays fall on weekends during the 2023-24 school year:

Rosh Hashanah (Saturday-Sunday, September 16-17, 2023)

Veteran's Day (Saturday, November 11, 2023)

Diwali (Sunday, November 12, 2023)

Lunar New Year (Saturday, February 10, 2024)

The 2022-23 school year calendar is still available on the 2022-23 school year calendar page.

Translations

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See key dates for the 2023-2024 school year.

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Happy Friday!!

On Monday, June 5th, there will be an election for a new chapter leader. Dina Hassan and Susana Murray are our nominees. Please don’t forget to vote before school at  7:30-8:15 am, during lunch periods and after school from 4-4:30pm.

Our Potluck union meeting will be on Friday, June 9th during lunch in room 202. Please feel free if you are bringing any food to drop it off in my classroom in the morning. I’ll have it set up for us for lunch.  This will be our last union meeting this year. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like me to bring up, please let me know in advance so I can prepare accordingly.

The consultation committee will have their last meeting with Dr. Hwang on Thursday, June 8th. Please reach out to a member of the consultation committee if you would like anything added to the agenda for the end of the year. The minutes will be added to padlet. Please make sure to check padlet for many updates that have been added such as: safety minutes, events happening this month, DOE guidance, Principal’s Digest, etc.

Our reorganization sheets are due back by June 15th. You have two days to grieve if you are filing a grievance.

For teachers that are under Advance, the window

is closed for observations. If you were not observed by today, Friday, June 2nd, you can file an APPR complaint; or simply remind your supervisor that you have not had your last observation and schedule a day for them to come in next week. Our reorganization sheets are due back on June 15th. You will only have two days to file a grievance.

Due to contract negotiations, the entire SBO process is on hold in all districts. The union is also not agreeing to the calendar until they can come to an agreement with our contract. The union is fighting for teacher autonomy and time.

This afternoon our secretary,  Lisette Rodriguez, will be receiving the  secretary of the year award at the secretary award soirée from 4 to 8pm. 🙌👏

Recap

Secretary Award Soirée tonight, June 2nd 4-8pm

Don’t forget to vote this Monday, June 5

Potluck Union Meeting, Friday, June 9th

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The School Allocation Memo for the centrally-funded special education intervention teacher (formerly known as IEP/Intervention Teacher) position has been released. The memo describes how the DOE selected schools to receive the allocation for the coming three-year cycle, how the funds can be used, and expectations for schools receiving the funding. An attached table at the bottom of the memo lists the schools that are receiving the allocation and the amount.

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DOE school health policy(April 4, 2023)

DOE summer 2023 calendar(March 2, 2023)

Clarification on duties of centrally funded IEP teacher(March 7, 2023)

DOE school health policy(Feb. 9, 2023)

Digital classroom agreement for 2022-23 (Aug. 24, 2022)

Personnel Memo No. 1 for 2022-23 (July 1, 2022)

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Juneteenth Walk

UFT Invitational Golf Outing (Save the Date)

5K Family Run/Walk

New UFT MSK Cancer Assessment

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Please note that because some of the SE and ENL/MLL items from last week are rather extensive and very packed with information, the following is a list of important SE and ENL/MLL items to look for in the attached files (which contain the entire 5/16/2023 edition & 5/23/2023 edition of Principal's Digest), instead of the usual 'copy-and-paste' that we've been doing in our prior weekly emails:

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Special Education (SE), from 5/16/2023 edition of Principals' Digest

Special Education

Incoming (new) students with IEPs will be visible to school staff in SESIS, starting on July 19, 2023

Of Note: Starting on July 19, 2023 (*for additional info, please see file attachment).

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Special Education (SE), from 5/16/2023 edition of Principals' Digest

Special Education

Continue to administer NYSAA (New York State Alternate Assessment; SANDI/FAST, etc.) to eligible students in ELA, Math, and Science

Of Note: NYSAA testing window cannot be extended beyond June 9, 2023 (*for additional info, please see multiple file attachments, including NYSAA training guide).

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Special Education (SE), from 5/23/2023 edition of Principals' Digest

Special Education

Period Assessment Training Webinar (Part 4) of SANDI/FAST (NYSAA)

Of Note: The three-hour virtual session will be held from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on June 2, 2023 and June 8, 2023; participants may register up until the date of their chosen session. The registration link is included inPrincipal's Digest file attachment. A file attachment has also been included with the periodic assessment dates, as well as theDynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Training Guide.

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English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs), from 5/23/2023 edition of Principals' Digest

Multilingual Learners

Schools Should Review their Monthly (May 2023) ELL Data Update Report (EDUR)

Of Note: There is also guidance in the 5/23/2023 edition of Principal's digest for school administrators to use this ELL/ML data (as well as other ELL/ML data for their respective school) to plan for the opening ofnew bilingual program(s) and/or class-section(s) for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, which is due from the school administrators to the DOE's bilingual program folks by June 30, 2023.

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​*** SOME OF THE ADDITIONAL FILE ATTACHMENTS THAT ARE INCLUDED WITH THIS EMAIL ARE:

Guidance Document on Schools Accessing Mobile Crisis Response Teams

Summer Rising IEP-Assigned Paraprofessional Posting/Vacancy Circular Template (*for summer "PM Paras")

Several File Attachments Pertaining to Regents Exam Score Appeals and Graduation Pathways for Students with IEPs

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Visit the UFT website for union news and information about member rights and benefits.
The views, opinions, and judgments expressed

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Team: BRT/School Safety Committee Meeting
MEETING AGENDA
Friday, May 26, 202310:10-10:55 AM

TOPIC: Safety Routines and Procedures

MEETING OBJECTIVES:Safety DrillsTransitioning Safely in SchoolUpcoming EventsMembers Present:
Members Absent:

Schedule [45 minutes]

TIME | MINUTES | ACTIVITY

| 5 | Check-in and review objectives of this meeting and how they connect to the objectives for our remaining team meetings this year

| 5 | Review next steps from our previous meeting

| 5 | Review Plus/Deltas from our previous meeting+ Plus | ▲ Delta

|

|

| 10
|   OBJECTIVE 1 -Safety Drills2 more lockdown drills need to be conductedConduct one today

| 10 |  OBJECTIVE 2 -Transitioning Safely in SchoolArrivalDismissalRecessLunchroom to other areas of the buildingVisitors (Directing them to the main office)We need more visitors passesOrder more of the large cones for fall

| 10 |   OBJECTIVE 3-Upcoming EventsScholastic Book Fair May 26, 2023 3-6 PMPTA Yoga Program May 31, June 7, and June 14th ( 7:30, 8:45 and 5:30 PM)Pre K Orientation June 13, 2023 9:00-10:30Kindergarten Orientation June 15, 2023  9:00-10:30 AM5th Grade Farewell June 16, 2023 4:30-6:30 PM –(students only)Pre K EOY Celebration June 20, 2023 1:00-2:00 PMKindergarten EOY Celebration June 21, 2023 1:00-2:00 PMGraduation June 23, 2023 9:00-10:15 AM?Last Day of School June 27, 2023Primary Election June 27, 2023 (need to confirm)

| 2 |  Review next steps from this meeting

| 3 |   Assess what worked well about this meeting and what we would have   liked to change

+ Plus | ▲ Delta

|

|

MINUTES -

RECORDER: Ms. Hwang

Points Discussed | Remarks | Responsible | Completion Date
1 | Soft Lockdown drill will be conducted today 5/24 @1:55pmTuesday, May 30th last Soft  Lockdown Drill @ 9:00am |
|

2 | Arrival Needs to be more coverage outside Will have a separate meeting about arrival to tighten it with the arrival team Students need to be guided and put on line
|
|

3 | Recess Teachers need to be there by 12pm Pick up needs to be at 12:50pmStudents are ready on line outside or sitting outside for teachers in the cafeteria Teachers need to bring them inside and seat them |
|

4 | Transition time needs to be smoother and calmer  |
|

5 | Mr. Rosario will order large cones  |
|

6 | Events-Scholastic Book Fair afterschool 3-6pmOne person at Woodside posted to help transition PTA make an announcement that children cannot be left unattended Every floor should have a cone by the staircase and Woodside will take the cones aside later to signal Yoga Program 3 sessions Indoor lineup Families will join outside Arrival team-somebody will be designated to line the students up 8:15am-should be lined up to and go up the ramp 8:45am- just parents 5:30pm- will reach out to Woodside Pre-K Orientation June 13thSign in downstairs but IDs have to be checkedK- June 15thPre-K and Kindergarten classes will be visited 5th Grade Farewell- students only Need staff volunteersPre-K and K End of Year Celebration will be downstairs End by 2pm No bubbles/nothing slippery Graduation Will be inside the gymnatoriumLast day of school June 27thJune 9th Clerical Day elevator is out of use   |
|

7 |
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8 |
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9 |
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10 |
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11 |
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12 |
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13 |
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https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/teachers-rally-for-a-better-contract/article_fc143aae-bf19-58ac-9c1c-3613a95b9fad.html?utm_source=qchron.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1685043471&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

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The United Federation of Teachers rallied in all five boroughs Wednesday for a fair contract in the wake of the 2019-22 agreement's expiration in September.

Queens UFT members met outside Borough Hall to demand new contract negotiations that compensate them for their tireless work to meet students' needs, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Through the roughest times, we made sure kids were still learning, were still supported and felt safe. Who else did that?" PS 85 teacher Leah Lin said. "We haven't been compensated for eight months now. It's completely insulting."

The prior contract increased teacher salaries by 2 percent in its first year, followed by a 0.5 percent increase in 2020 and 2021.

That placed the starting teacher salary at roughly $61,000, and the maximum teacher salary at $128,657.

"Three years ago, they told us when Covid shut everything down that we were building the plane while we were flying it," District 75 teacher Rob Roszkowski said, donning a sign shaped like an airplane. "Right now, our plane is underfueled ... [UFT] doesn't stand for under-fueled teachers."

In a recent UFT poll, 87 percent of educators reported that administrative tasks interfere with students' learning.

"We should have the freedom to do and say what we please with our time throughout the day," Lin said. "We deserve to have the structure to teach what we want to our kids. We are so sick and tired of the DOE telling us what to test, what to assess ... enough is enough. Let us teach."

Teacher and former paraprofessional Dina Hassan said that overtesting detracts from students' love for learning and precludes teachers from implementing innovative pedagogical methods.

"We find ourselves in a time when tests have [overshadowed] the true purpose of education," she said. "It places undue pressure on our young learners and fear of failure. Education should inspire and empower, not induce fear."

The 2019-22 contract stated that chapter leaders and principals would work to reduce class sizes within the first 10 days of school. Overcrowding in schools is a prevalent issue throughout NYC, especially with the steady influx of migrant students.

UFT District 25 representative Lamar Hughes said that, in Monday's City Hall meeting, Councilmember Julie Won (D-Sunnyside) "eviscerate[d] the DOE with questions that they had absolutely no answers to." One such question was when the city will have new class sizes in place.

"Class sizes matter, and we want fair contracts now," she said. "I will continue to ask them the hard questions that they've never had to answer before to make sure that you're getting your fair share."

Councilmembers Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) and James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) were in attendance, as well as representatives from the offices of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Whitestone), Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) and Assemblymember Steven Raga (D-Maspeth).

"Teachers face numerous challenges - overcrowded classrooms, limited resources and evolving educational requirements. ... it is imperative that we address them by advocating for a fair contract that honors and values the work we do," Hassan said. "A fair contract is not just a matter of financial compensation. ... It entails providing teachers with necessary tools and resources to effectively engage and educate our diverse students."

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Stephanie G. Meditz, Chronicle Contributor

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The United Federation of Teachers rallied in all five boroughs Wednesday for a fair contract in the wake of the 2019-22 agreement's expiration in September. Queens UFT members met outside Borough Hall to demand new contract negotiations that compensate them for their tireless work to meet students' needs, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Registration Link for School Secretaries Awards Soire 

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Registration Link for School Secretaries Awards Soire 

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( www.uft.org/soiree )

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School Secretaries Awards Soiree

Juneteenth Walk

UFT Invitational Golf Outing (Save the Date)

AIDS Walk

5K Family Run/Walk

New UFT MSK Cancer Assessment

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DOE school health policy (April 4, 2023)

DOE summer 2023 calendar (March 2, 2023)

Clarification on duties of centrally funded IEP teacher (March 7, 2023)

Digital classroom agreement for 2022-23 (Aug. 24, 2022)

Personnel Memo No. 1 for 2022-23  (July 1, 2022)

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School Secretaries Awards Soiree on June 2

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School Secretaries Awards Soiree on June 2

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School secretaries are invited to attend the union's School Secretaries Awards Soiree on Friday, June 2, at UFT headquarters. We are alerting chapter leaders via email if a school secretary at their school is receiving an award at the event. If your school secretary is being honored, gather your colleagues to come out in support as our school secretaries receive their recognition. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the program commences at 5 p.m.

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Pension workshops continuing through June

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Pension workshops continuing through June

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The UFT Pension Department offers virtual workshops throughout the school year to help members understand their pension benefits. All workshops are virtual and take place from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Upcoming workshops include:
Information seminar for BERS members: May 25 for Brooklyn and June 1 for the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island.Health Benefits at Retirement, a June 13workshop for UFT members to learn about the health benefits for retiring and retired members before they are eligible for Medicare.Medicare and Turning 65, a June 20 workshop designed for UFT members to learn about enrolling in Medicare. This workshop is especially useful for members approaching age 65.

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Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon St.
Gather at 3:30 p.m.
Transportation: 2/3/4/5 trains to Borough Hall or A/C/F/N/R to Jay St – Metro TechQueens
Queens Borough Hall
120-55 Queens Blvd.
Gather at 3 p.m.
Transportation: E/F trains to Kew Gardens - Union Tpke or LIRR to Kew Gardens stationStaten Island
Staten Island Boardwalk
Parking available at Lot 2
near The Vanderbilt at
300 Father Capodanno Blvd.
Gather at 3:30 p.m. on the
boardwalk closest to Lot 2
Transportation: S51/81 busManhattan
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.,
State Office Building
at 163 W. 125th Street
Gather at 3 p.m.
Transportation: 2/3 trains to 125th Street or A/B/C/D to 125th StreetBronx
Virginia Park
(across from Parkchester train station)
Gather at 3 p.m.
Transportation: 6 train to Parkchester station

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TEACHER VACANCY CIRCULAR
UFT TEACHER CENTER DISTRICT POSITION (LITERACY) FOR PHASE ONE DISTRICTS 2023 2024
(SUBJECT TO FUNDING AVAILABILITY)
Posted Date: May 18, 2023
Job Details
TEACHERS TO STAFF UFT TEACHER CENTER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DISTRICT POSITIONS
The UFT Teacher Center Professional Development Program is a collaborative program of the New York State Education Department, United Federation of Teachers and the New York City Department of Education. The program engages in a wide variety of staff development and school renewal activities, i.e., individual professional development, courses and workshops, and provides technical assistance to other staff development units.
LOCATION:
One of the Literacy Program Phase One Superintendencies
(UFT Teacher Center Site in District Office or in UFT Teacher Center Site in School)
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Current UFT Teacher Center Site Coaches are not eligible.
New York City licensed, tenured teacher in any of the following areas: Early Childhood, Special Education, Elementary, Junior High, High School

SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Minimum of eight (8) years of teaching experience as a regularly appointed teacher in a variety of school settings is preferred.
- Preference will be given to candidates with prior demonstrated expertise in any of the following area:
• Literacy
- Extensive knowledge of the new State and City standards and new assessments.
- Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing standards-based instruction.
- Exemplary knowledge about content, materials and methods that support high standards in various curriculum areas.
- Knowledge of staff development practices, in-service education and alternative assessment.
- Demonstrated capacity to serve as a catalyst for implementing instructional change in the classroom.
- Record of engaging in cooperative and collaborative projects with staff/adults/ administration.
- Demonstrated skill in communication, team building, group dynamics, and in analyzing/ interpreting school profile data.
- Experience in relating to adult learners.
- Successful completion of an assessment battery. - Recommendations from peers.
-Willingness to attend Summer Conference in Washington DC.

-Willingness to attend Professional Development during July and August.
-Willingness to undergo additional training throughout the year, as well as to travel among field locations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Supports District Superintendencies in implementing Phase One of the Literacy Program
- Assists teachers in using collected data to work on the design and implementation
of a comprehensive educational plan that focuses on high standards and achievement for all students including those who are ELL and/or receive special education services.
- Consults with individuals and groups of teachers regarding their requests for meeting the specific needs of students within the context of the districts reading curriculum.
- Models appropriate and innovative teaching methodologies through techniques such as team teaching, demonstrations, simulations and consultations.
- Offers technical assistance, training and support to schoolwide restructuring efforts.
- Promotes collegiality through fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and communication among school personnel at participating sites.
- Organizes a schedule of services which best serves the learning needs of teachers.
- Collaborates with other Teacher Center staff, consultants, agencies, other resource personnel in order to construct, implement and disseminate curriculum, teaching strategies, research findings and classroom practices.
- Provides on-district assistance and networking opportunities for teachers within superintendency.
- Coordinates and/or conducts after-school professional development.
-

- Maintains records of project services
-.
- Attends ALL UFT Teacher Center Training at UFT Central Offices during day and after school
hours..
SALARY/HOURS/WORK YEAR:
As per Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Selected applicants will be returned to their school at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.
Flexible work hours
Email: tcapplications@ufttc.org
(In subject line list preferred districts.)
APPLICATION: Send letter of application and resume to: Mary Vaccaro
UFT Teacher Center
52 Broadway – 18th Floor New York, NY 10004
DEADLINE DATE: JUNE 20, 2023
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender(sex), military status, unemployment status, caregiver status, consumer credit history, prior record of stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above -

noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non - Discrimination Policy.

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Secretary of the Year! Congratulations Mrs. Rodriguez! 

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Secretary of the Year! Congratulations Mrs. Rodriguez! 

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Chapter leader-Jillian Smythe

Delegate-Susana Murray

Uft Members

Cindy Rebellon

Zulema Reyes

Poly Petratos

Emely Villacorta

Jessica Zito

Karla Manzano-Paraprofessional Representative

Principal-Ms. Hwang

Thank you for making us feel so appreciated during Teacher Appreciation Week.  We all enjoyed the food truck!

Teacher Center

We spoke briefly about the benefits a teacher center would bring to our school such as giving all teachers the CTLE hours they need towards state certification, resources such as new computers, printers, and a place to go for PD right in our school. Would you be interested in opening up a Teacher Center in our school in the 2023-2024 school year? For more information you can go to  https://www.ufttc.org/about-us.  I can also invite someone to come to the school to discuss the next steps if you are interested.

Dr. Hwang’s response:

We could talk to someone about it. We have teacher leaders in the building already. I am not too sure about room space at this moment. Let’s discuss this again at a later time.

Participatory Budgeting

Congratulations! It was wonderful news to hear that we will be receiving 75k for technology. We spoke about the tech concerns in our school. Will the money be used to replace old tech such as printers, desk tops, and promethean boards?  Will all teachers be receiving a new promethean board?

Dr. Hwang’s response

We are in the process of installing new Smart Boards. There are 14 new Smart Boards coming in. With the Participatory Budget, we will replace more classroom boards in the upcoming school year.

Follow up New Curriculum

What should teachers do with old books, curriculum that they will no longer be using for next year's school year?

Teachers should hold onto the material for now. Please do not throw out any material. When it is time, we will update teachers with information. If you have a specific question, please reach out to your immediate supervisor.

Thank you for your time.

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Nayeon Naomi Hwang, Principal

39-07 57th St, Woodside, NY 11377

(718) 592 - 3300   |  PS361q.org

Team: BRT/School Safety Committee Meeting
MEETING AGENDA
April 28th, 2023 9:15-9:45 AM

TOPIC: Monthly Safety Meeting

MEETING OBJECTIVES:Safety DrillsTransitioning Safely in School

Members Present:

Members Absent:
Schedule [45 minutes]

TIME | MINUTES | ACTIVITY

| 5 | Check-in and review objectives of this meeting and how they connect to the objectives for our remaining team meetings this year

| 5 | Review next steps from our previous meeting

| 5 | Review Plus/Deltas from our previous meeting+ Plus | ▲ Delta

|

|

| 10
|   OBJECTIVE 1 - Safety Drills2 more soft lockdown drills

| 10 |  OBJECTIVE 2 - Safety UpdateLithium Batteries not allowed in schoolshttps://infohub.nyced.org/in-our-schools/operations/lithium-ion-battery-safety

| 10 |   OBJECTIVE 3- Other safety-related needs3 more staff members need to be AED trainedOut of Classroom PersonnelParasUpdate on the locking of doors to come and entry proceduresTimelineResource for Reading:https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2023/2/15/23601722/nyc-school-safety-front-door-locks-david-banksRadio Inventory

| 2 | Review next steps from this meeting

| 3 |   Assess what worked well about this meeting and what we would have   liked to change

+ Plus | ▲ Delta

|

|

MINUTES

RECORDER: Ms. Loyd

Points Discussed | Remarks | Responsible | Completion Date
1 | Arrival - smoother today due to personnel being on-time. PK-We need another point person at the door. Ms. O and Ms. Branca will escort.
Late StudentsStudents to be signed in 8:30 AM.
If a parent does not have a vaccination card, call the main office.
Families without ID, they cannot enter the building.
Strollers need to be stationed in one area.
Agent Khan is now on the NYPD channel.  | Mr. Rosario will work on assigning someone to sit security during dismissal.  |

2 | 2 Security Cameras are broken. Ms. Loyd is following up.  |
|

3 | Two lines in the building. One line only for arrival and dismissal when coming outside. More markers need to be put down for lines outside.  |
|

4 | Sign-in and sign-out book is needed for each classroom.  |
|

5 | K-2 must have an adult 3-5 can walk on their own in pairs. Triads to drop someone off to the nurse or office.  |
|

6 | BRT members have been designated. This information was shared.  |
|

7 | https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KTuZU_mIsu2euLxYoX_--8uYzObvIA4X7IZvGywUIx0/edit
|
|

8 | Fire drill Monday @ 9am  9/12/22Teachers conducting intervention  - must get into a place that locks.  |
|

9 | Ms. Loyd will order shades for door (Uline company) |
|

10 | 3 staff members AED certified (looking for more staff members to be trained).  |
|

11 | First Friday of every month @ 9am  safety meetings |
|

12 | Radios HwangLoydRosarioSABogdahnCacioppoC. RodriguezT. RodriguezJiangL. RodriguezJoeyClaxtonCarmen Rodriguez currently is holding one. This needs to be given back to Ms. Colletta.
Radios needed:Main DeskSingh (Gym Arrival)Carmen (WOTM) |
|

13 | Safety folders (red) Mr. Rosario and Ms. Cece will work on it. Sign-out book will be updated by O. Rodriguez. Keep door key near door for emergency situations |
|

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It’s Official we received 75k for participatory budgeting!

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It’s Official we received 75k for participatory budgeting!

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City Council member Julie Won has announced that several schools in her district will receive funds totaling nearly $1 million from the participatory budgeting process in order to carry out upgrades.

Participatory budgeting is a process in which area residents can pitch ideas and vote on how to spend city funds on capital projects in their respective districts. The process aims to engage residents in the civic process by enabling them to make decisions in developing proposals and voting on community projects.

Nearly 2,000 residents voted in the process - from March 25 to April 2 - with Won announcing Thursday how the funds are to be allocated to schools in her 26th Council District, which covers Sunnyside, Woodside, Astoria and Long Island City.

Seven schools - P.S. 112, P.S. 166, P.S. 199, Q291, P.S./I.S.78, P.S. 343 and P.S. 361 - will each receive $75,000 for technology upgrades, with the total cost coming to $525,000.

In Astoria, P.S. 166Q will get the highest amount of funds, with $250,000 being allocated for upgrades to lighting and energy efficiency.

Finally, in the Dutch Kills section of Long Island City, P.S. 166Q will get $150,000 for bathroom renovation.

The total amount of funds being allocated is $925,000.

Won said she was delighted with the level of voter turnout, with 1,925 voters making their voices heard.

"From idea collection to voting for projects, I was thrilled at the level of community engagement throughout the participatory budgeting process," Won said. "Funding our schools continues to be one of my top priorities and these three winning projects will bring much-needed technology upgrades, bathroom renovations and lighting to our students."

Residents were able to vote either online or at various voting sites set up by Won's office. Residents ages 11 years and older were eligible to vote as long as they live, work or go to school in the district.

The projects are required to be "capital projects" that benefit the public and cost at least $50,000, with a life span of at least five years. Improvements to parks, libraries, public housing and public space can also be voted on and the projects must be located within the confines of the 26th Council District.

Won's office held public meetings in the lead-up to the vote where residents pitched their proposals. Once proposals are determined a vote then takes place to determine the most popular projects.

The cycle for next year's participatory budget starts in August. Won's office will hold a series of information sessions throughout the district for residents to learn about the process and how they can get involved in idea collection or as become a budget delegate.

For more information click here.

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Western Queens schools to get upgrades via nearly $1 million in participatory budget funds - LIC Post

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City Council member Julie Won has announced that several schools in her district will receive funds totaling nearly $1 million from the participatory budgeting process in order to carry out upgrades. Participatory budgeting is a process in which area residents can pitch ideas and vote on how to spend city funds on capital projects in their respective districts.

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Spring Education Conference flier

UFT Invitational Golf Outing save the date

AIDS Walk flier

5K Family Run/Walk

Bronx Prom Boutique flier

New UFT MSK Cancer Assessment

Member Assistance Program CAREline flier

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https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/teachers-contract-2009-2018_0.pdf

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Express Enrollment (https://services.uft.org/expressEnrollment)

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April D30 UFT Consultation Agenda April 26, 2023

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April D30 UFT Consultation Agenda April 26, 2023

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1. DOE Privacy Training and Bulletin Boards

UFT: The UFT would like to know what the DOE’s position is on this training and the guidance around bulletin boards.

Superintendent’s Response: DOE legal states no grade should be put on the front of a bulletin board but it’s okay to put feedback.  The feedback should not be hurtful or embarrass a child.  Feedback can be from teachers or students.

UFT:  Thank you.  We discussed that a sample rubric of how students are being assessed can be posted, but it should not be posted for individual students with grades, levels, criteria circled, etc.

2. Asylum Seeker Donations at Schools

UFT: There seems to be different guidance, depending on the school, on how communities can collect donations for these families.  Is their DOE guidance that can be shared?

Superintendent’s Response: Chancellor’s regulation A-610 states that all "Proceeds from school-sponsored fundraising activities accrue to the school’s treasury; proceeds from parent-sponsored fundraising activities accrue to the parent association.  In either case, proceeds must be used to supplement or complement the educational, social and cultural programs of the school.

We cannot collect funds to benefit a particular group of students.  Also, immigration status is confidential so we should not be notifying anyone at the school as to someone's asylum/residency status.  We cannot set up go fund me fundraises for asylum seekers either.

If a family has a personal go fund me and staff wish to donate, they should do so anonymously to avoid any financial relationships with students and the appearance of impropriety.

Schools/PTA can also take up collections of physical items (food, clothing, toiletries, etc.) to distribute to community members in need - but this cannot be limited to asylum seekers.

3. Agency Employed Staff working in the DOE

UFT: We are asking that employees that are working in schools be employed by the DOE.  It has come to the attention of schools in this city that there are individuals not employed by the DOE working in our schools.

Superintendent’s Response: I love this idea but there are not enough people.  For example we have agency nurses.  If we don’t have enough people in the department of education we do have to contract out.

4. UFT Teacher Center Follow Up

UFT:  You stated that you would be sharing UFT Teacher Center information at your Principal’s meeting.  Do you know if any schools have expressed interest in this resource?

Superintendent’s Response: Yesterday we did talk about teacher centers.  I asked the Principals to go back and speak with their chapter leaders.  Principals with teacher centers shared their experiences.

5. HMH Follow Up

UFT:  Are there any updates on the rollout of this curriculum?  We are asking that the Teacher Centers in this district, who are already using HMH, be utilized during this rollout.

Superintendent’s Response:  I am meeting tomorrow with HMH to see if we can get training for May and June.  We want to get everyone involved.  All teachers that are using HMH can be involved in professional learning and teachers can work together to share best practices.

6. OORs Reporting Refresher Follow Up from April

UFT: In last month’s UFT consultation I specifically mentioned school counselors and social workers.  I would like to update this information to also include school psychologists.

Superintendent’s Response: Okay.

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Quinn McClure is a teacher at Louis Armstrong Middle School.  She is also a certified Jazzercise instructor.  She is hosting a teacher appreciation class on Sunday, May 7 @ 8:30 AM at Sol Dance Center.  The flyer for the event is attached. RSVP @astoriajazzercise

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We are rallying for a fair contract on May 24
We have now been working without a contract since September. How many lessons have been planned, students have been helped and services have been provided since then? It’s time for the city to give us the contract we deserve.

We have focused our actions mostly at the school level since January, but as negotiations heat up, we need to take it up a notch and come together. On Wednesday, May 24, we will be rallying for a fair contract at a central location in each borough. We will invite elected officials and other allies to each rally so they can hear our voices and help us amplify our message.

We will be holding a mobilization meeting for Contract Action Team members on Tuesday, May 9, at 4 p.m. to discuss strategies to mobilize our members and make sure they attend. We can’t wait to see you there.

Register

Stay tuned for the time and date of your borough’s rally, but for now save the date and get ready to show up strong.

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Chapter leader-Jillian Smythe

Delegate-Susana Murray

Uft Members

Cindy Rebellon

Zulema Reyes

Poly Petratos

Emely Villacorta

Jessica Zito

Karla Manzano-Paraprofessional Representative

Principal-Ms. Hwang

Curriculum Change

We have been notified that we are one of the districts that will launch the new HMH into Reading literacy curriculum. How will teachers be prepared in September to teach this new curriculum?

Dr. Hwang’s response:

We are only being mandated with the reading portion of the HMH curriculum. We will be continuing the great work that we have already implemented and shown growth. We will work on looking through HMH to make this work within our school’s mission and vision. We will communicate with each teacher team and work on this in preparation for June planning.

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Dear UFT Family,

It has been an absolute privilege to have served as your chapter leader for the past two years.   If you don’t know already, I am expecting. For this reason, I will be stepping down as your chapter leader for the 2023-2024 school year. We will go through a nomination process for a replacement for next year. It will be a one year commitment. Then there will be another election for the 2024-2025 school year for a 3 year commitment. I have built relationships with so many of you and feel so grateful to work with all of you. Although I am stepping down, I will always continue to be there for any of you.

Please check padlet for events and updates.  I have added a section to give you info on Teacher Center, SBOs and Leaves . Below I have also added attachments from principal's digest.   Tomorrow the consultation team will be meeting with Dr. Hwang and the minutes will be uploaded to padlet.

https://padlet.com/jillianarenella86/chapter-leader-jillian-smythe-s-information-page-1770kwiywzpwl3gy

Events

Thursday, April 20th (tomorrow) -March at either PS398 or Ps149 and will join at Travers Park @ 3:30pm (attachment below)

Next Union Meeting:TBA

Best,

Jillian

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The following are some examples of the SBO modifications that you and your colleagues can make to the collective-bargaining agreement or Department of Education regulations.

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T he UFT in 2018 was the first municipal union in New York City to secure paid parental leave for its members. Parents of any gender may be eligible to take paid parental leave following the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child under the age of 6 and receive a lump-sum payment equivalent to their regular compensation. The following FAQ provides answers to the most commonly asked questions from members.
Who is eligible to take paid parental leave?
Birth mothers, fathers, partners of birth mothers, adoptive parents and foster parents may be eligible for parental leave. You must be in a title represented by the UFT, be on the Department of Education payroll for a minimum of 12 calendar months and be a full-time employee or an H-bank/nonpedagogical employee who works 20 hours or more weekly. F-status and per diem employees are not eligible.
When can I start my paid parental leave?

If you physically gave birth to a child, you may use your available CAR/sick day balance immediately after your child's birth for up to a maximum of six calendar weeks (eight weeks for a C-section) before beginning parental leave for an additional six weeks.

If you did not give birth to a child, you are eligible for up to six weeks of paid parental leave beginning on the date of the birth or adoption of the child.

If both parents work for the DOE, they receive a combined total of six weeks of paid parental leave. The six weeks can run concurrently or consecutively.

How do I apply for paid parental leave?

1. It is recommended that you apply using SOLAS at least 15 days in advance of the anticipated date of birth or adoption. You'll be asked if you intend to use your CAR day balance if you are the birth parent and if you plan to take child care leave after your parental leave ends. You will also be asked for the first day you anticipate being absent from work and the last day you anticipate being absent from work (not the date of your return).

2. After the birth, you must confirm the birth date in SOLAS within 10 days (except if there are extenuating circumstances). The actual date of birth or covered event will be used to determine the final start and end dates of your leave. During these 10 days, you can amend your application if you change your mind about using your CAR balance or taking a child care leave in addition to your paid parental leave.

3. If the baby arrives and you have not already submitted a leave application, you have 10 calendar days afterward to notify the DOE via SOLAS or you may forfeit your right to take the leave. In the case of extenuating circumstances, you should provide the reason the deadline was missed to ensure the leave can be granted.

4. Submit required documentation using SOLAS no more than 21 calendar days after the birth.

What do I need to provide for documentation and how do I submit it?
One of the following must be submitted by a birth mother, or the father or partner of a birth mother:

A copy of your child's birth certificate; or

A copy of your child's footprints or a letter from the doctor or hospital, on official letterhead, stating the child's birth date, parent names and type of delivery

To avoid delays, you may want to use the other options available rather than wait for the arrival of the birth certificate.

For adoption or foster care, you must submit official adoption or foster paperwork.

Supporting documentation may be sent via email to SOLASleavesfax@schools.nyc.gov or uploaded directly to SOLAS.
What are the differences between parental leave and maternity leave?
Parental leave provides for six weeks of paid leave or eight weeks for a C-section. Birth mothers can supplement these weeks by using CAR days in their bank from the day of birth until either their available days run out, or six weeks worth have been used. If a birth mother has the days in her bank, she could receive a total of 12 weeks of paid leave (14 for a C-section). Members cannot borrow days or use a grace period. Members must commit to returning to the DOE for a minimum of one year following the leave.

Maternity leave is a birth mother's right to use CAR days following a birth for six weeks (eight for a C-section). Birth mothers are allowed to borrow CAR days and use a grace period within the six-week (or eight-week) window. There is no return-to-service requirement, though if a person borrows days, she must either return to service or repay those days to avoid being billed for them. There is no additional right to paid parental leave in this case.

The city continues to provide health insurance in either case.
Can I take child care leave after my parental leave?
Members may apply for an unpaid child care leave immediately following a parental leave. The child care leave can extend to the August following the fourth birthday of their youngest child. But the parent must work for 12 months (they need not be consecutive) after they return from child care leave. If they do not return to work for this duration, they will be required to pay back the parental leave benefit.
If a holiday occurs during my parental leave, is my leave extended?
No. Nonwork days (such as a holiday, a school break or a weekend) during your parental leave will not extend its six-week duration. However, if you are a birth mother who uses CAR days for six or eight weeks after the birth and prior to starting parental leave, you will not be charged for a CAR day on a nonwork day.
If I have my baby over the summer, how long will my parental leave be?
Births over the summer are subject to the same timeframe as births during the school year. A UFT member can use days from their CAR bank for any work days once the new school year begins up to six weeks (or eight weeks following a C-section) after birth, and the six weeks of paid parental leave must be used within 12 weeks (or 14 weeks following a C-section) after the date of birth.
How can I find out more about the different options for parental or maternity leaves?
Attend a virtual Pathways to Parenthood workshop given by the UFT to learn more about maternity leave, parental leave and related health insurance matters. If you have specific questions, call the UFT at 212-331-6311 and ask to speak with a leave specialist.

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The UFT in 2018 was the first municipal union in New York City to secure paid parental leave for its members. Parents of any gender may be eligible to take paid parental leave following the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child under the age of 6.

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CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2021 Teacher Center GRAND OPENINGS CLICK HERE FOR NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

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Special Education (SE) & Wellness

NYC Public School Principals Should Capture IEP-Mandated 'Adapted Physical Education (APE)' Instruction in STARS

As shared in the August 30 edition of Principals Digest, all NYC public schools must provide Adapted Physical Education (APE) to students recommended for APE on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and capture APE instruction in STARS. In addition, all NYC public school principals (or, a principal's designee) should update section and subject properties accordingly in STARS to accurately reflect the provision of APE for all grade levels for the 2022–2023 school year by May 5, 2023; use the STARS wiki pages for section and subject properties, as well as the Physical Education FAQ, for guidance on reflecting APE in STARS.

For support in reflecting APE in STARS, principals should please contact their respective school's academic policy, and performance and assessment specialist (APPAs) (DOE-login required). For IEP support, principals should please contact their respective school's administrator of special education (ASE) (DOE-login required). For questions or support on the provision of APE or itinerant APE teacher information, principals should please send an email to: APE@schools.nyc.gov.

-----

Special Education (SE) & Student Assessment

Periodic Assessment Updates -- New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) SANDI/FAST -- MOSL Administration Window

NYC public school principals are being asked to please review the information below and to take the appropriate action(s):

Close of the FAST Benchmark 2 Window for Measures of Student Learning (MOSL): As noted in the February 14 edition of Principals Digest, the MOSL administration window for FAST Benchmark 2 assessments closes on April 20. If your school is administering this assessment, you or your test coordinator should remind your teachers to enter and review scores in the SANDI/FAST online system by the data review and corrections deadline of April 28, 2023. For more information on this assessment, review the [attached] SANDI/FAST Administration and Operations Guidance document.

FAST Benchmark 2 Administration Support: As a follow-up to the March 7 edition of Principals Digest, recordings of the SANDI/FAST Part 3 webinars are now available in the SANDI/FAST Professional Learning (PL) folder of the Periodic Assessment SharePoint site, to support with the MOSL administration window for FAST Benchmark 2 assessments.

For questions, the principal (or, the school's test coordinator) should email: periodicassessment@schools.nyc.gov

Link to the New York State Ed. Department's Guidance Webpage on NYSAA / Alternate Assessment Testing: http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/new-york-state-alternate-assessment

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English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs)

NYC Public School Principals Should Review the ELL Data Analysis Tool (EDAT)

NYC public school principals should have received the updated ELL Data Analysis Tool (EDAT) from their respective school's multilingual learners/English language learner (ML/ELL) compliance performance specialist via email by April 5, 2023. The EDAT contains critical data points to assist NYC public school principals, school-based LAP teams and School Leadership Teams (SLTs) in making strategic, data-based decisions as each school develops its 2023–2024 Language Allocation Policy (LAP) and programs its students for bilingual and English as a New Language (ENL) instruction.

NYC public school principals should meet with their respective school's LAP team to analyze trends based on home language, grade level, ELL program type, years of ELL service, English Language Arts (ELA)/Math exams performance, New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) proficiency, and other factors. To support principals, APs, and school-based LAP teams in using the EDAT for LAP development, please refer to the Language Allocation Policy InfoHub page.

For questions, or if your school has not yet received the EDAT, principals should please contact their respective school's ML/ELL director and/or ML/ELL compliance and performance specialist (DOE-login required).

-----

English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Home Language Entry for Students Progressing from Pre-K to Kindergarten

Per Commissioner's Regulations (CR) Part 154, all schools must administer the Home Language Identification Survey (HLIS) to all newly enrolled students to determine the student's home language (HL) code. The complete HLIS must be administered in person by a licensed pedagogue and must follow procedures as outlined in the ML/ELL Policy and Reference Guide. To help schools expedite the HLIS process, pre-K students enrolling in kindergarten for the 2023–2024 school year can be administered the HLIS during registration to determine their HL codes. Principals should please note the following and take appropriate action(s):

HL codes should only be entered for students who have been properly administered the HLIS, in accordance with NYSED and DOE policy;

HL code should be entered in the “HOME LANG” field on the BIOU screen in ATS;

If you administer the HLIS before the ATS rollover in July, please ensure you enter a "Y" in the HLIS field on the BIOU screen to prevent the HL code from being deleted during the ATS rollover;

Students whose home language is other than English and who have English language acquisition needs, as determined by the HLIS, should also be administered the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) beginning June 1, 2023;

If the HLIS determination is that a student's home language is other than English, but s/he does not have English language acquisition needs, the student will not appear on the ELL Option Update (ELLO) screen in ATS until the end of July.

Additional guidance on ELL identification procedures for incoming kindergarten students will be shared prior to June 1, 2023.

For information on HL code entry for students progressing from pre-K to kindergarten, principals should please refer to the Policy and Reference Guide. For questions, principals should please contact their respective school's ML/ELL director or ELL compliance and performance specialist (DOE login required).

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English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Summer Intensive English Language Program for Multilingual Learners

The DOE, in partnership with Hostos Community College, is providing Multilingual Learners/English Language Learners (MLs/ELLs) currently in grades 10 and 11 with the opportunity to strengthen their writing and critical thinking skills this summer through a Summer Intensive English Language Program (SIELP). Principals, APs, and school-based staff-members should identify eligible MLs/ELLs and support them in completing this interest form and uploading their current transcript by April 28, 2023. Students who complete the form will receive a receipt of the submission; they will also receive notification to finalize their application and participate in a required placement activity, which will determine eligibility and acceptance into the program. Note that the one-hour placement activity must be proctored by an educator at each student's respective school.

Additionally, please note that the SIELP prioritizes MLs/ELLs who otherwise would not be eligible for credit-bearing CUNY College Now experiences and is best suited for MLs/ELLs whose proficiency level ranges from emerging to expanding. For more information on identifying and supporting eligible students, as well as for information about the placement activity, review this SIELP FAQ.

For questions, email: DML@schools.nyc.gov.

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English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Opportunity to Apply for the Cultivating Understanding and Partnership with ML/ELL Families Program

The DOE has allocated funding for schools across the city serving grades K–12 with a reported percentage of English language learners (ELLs) who speak low-incidence languages (languages other than English, Spanish, or Chinese) through the Cultivating Understanding and Partnership (CUP): Strengthening ML/ELL Family Engagement program (formally known as the Family Leadership and Digital Literacy for Multilingual Learners/English Language Learners School Allocation Memorandum). Each respective NYC DOE public school is invited to apply for this funding for the 2023–2024 school year (SY) using the instructions below.

Schools that received the Family Leadership and Digital Literacy for MLs/ELLs (SAM #80) for the 2021–2022 SY and/or 2022–2023 SY should reapply using this form for returning schools by May 5, 2023. Note that returning schools will not receive funding for the 2023–2024 SY unless a new application is submitted.

Schools that have not received Family Leadership and Digital Literacy for MLs/ELLs funding and have large percentages (greater than or equal to 10 percent) of immigrant and multilingual or ELL students and families that speak low-incidence languages should apply using this form for incoming schools by May 5, 2023.

Additionally, please note that the following schools will receive funding priority:

Schools that have large percentages (greater than or equal to 10 percent) of immigrant and multilingual or ELL students and families that speak low incidence languages; and

Schools that received funding and fulfilled the program requirements for the 2021–2022 SY and/or 2022–2023 SY.

For questions, email: DML@schools.nyc.gov.

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English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Opportunity for Schools to Apply for the 2023–2024 Dream Squads Initiative

The DOE invites middle and high schools with large populations of immigrants and multilingual learners to join Dream Squads, an optional year-long initiative comprised of a professional learning community, on-going coaching, school-based workshops, and funding support to build a welcoming school environment for immigrant students and families. To participate in Dream Squads, schools must form a team of three (3) or more diverse educators to serve on their Dream Squad team, and all participants must engage in a six-part professional learning series to design, implement, and sustain a welcoming school plan. Sessions will be a mix of virtual and in-person meetings, with virtual sessions taking place from 2:00–3:30 p.m. and in-person sessions from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. from August 22, 2023 – October 25, 2023. Please note that schools accepted to the Dream Squads program must:

Ensure participation of a minimum of three people who can commit to all sessions; and

Commit to creating a school plan for supporting immigrant students and their families.

Please review the Dream Squads Overview for the full schedule and expectations. To express a given school’s interest in participating, the school’s principal (or, a principal’s designee) should complete this application by May 5, 2023. As a reminder, the DOE does not ask about or track student immigration status.

Please note that selected schools will be provided per session to complete responsibilities. Also note that this program is contingent on funding availability; the program calendar is also subject to budget approval and availability.

For questions, email: DML@schools.nyc.gov.

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Per diem service refers to pedagogic personnel serving on a day-to-day basis in a school and/or any of its programs. Employees serving on a per diem basis are commonly referred to as substitute teachers. However, per diem employees can be either teachers or other types of pedagogues. The categories of service paid on the per diem payroll include:

Occasional per diem

A teacher assigned on a day-by-day, as-needed basis to fill occasional vacancies due to a teacher absence. These teachers are covered by the day-to-day substitute teacher contract. This employee is paid at a fixed rate for each day of service.

Long-term per diem (Z-Status)

An occasional per diem teacher for 30 or more consecutive days, with no absence, becomes an other-than-occasional per diem teacher. These teachers are covered by the UFT-DOE teacher contract.

Payment: Other-than-occasional substitutes are paid 1/200th of the regular teacher salary (differentials and steps up to 4A are included, where applicable) for each day worked.

Sick leave: Sick leave is credited at the rate of one day for each calendar month of employment (so long as the calendar month includes 20 work days, inclusive of holidays).

Vacation Pay: Other-than-occasional teachers earn three days of vacation pay after 60 days of service and earn an additional day of vacation pay for each 20 days served thereafter, up to a maximum of nine days of vacation pay. Vacation pay is payable upon completion of the substitute service.

Note that 30 consecutive days of per diem (occasional) sub service in one school does not automatically qualify for Other-than-Occasional service (Z-Status). The change from occasional per diem to other-than-occasional should occur automatically if the timekeeping is entered correctly at the school and all of the following conditions are met:

You are covering for an absent teacher.

You are covering that teacher's program for a minimum of 30 consecutive school days.

You are not absent within the first 30 days of the consecutive service.

Please note: if you use an earned CAR day it must be medically certified or it will cause a break in service and your pay will revert back to the per diem rate of pay.

Please contact the UFT if you meet all of the conditions above and your rate of pay did not change.

Full/part-time (F-status)

F-status is regularly scheduled, part-time service of less than five days per week, e.g. two full days per week or three mornings per week. F-status positions are typically posted within a school.

Payment: F-status teachers are paid 1/200th of regular teacher salary (differentials and steps up to 4A are included, where applicable) for each day worked.

Vacation Pay: Other-than-occasional teachers earn three days of vacation pay after 60 days of service and earn an additional day of vacation pay for each 20 days served thereafter up to a maximum of nine days of vacation pay. Vacation pay is payable upon completion of the substitute service.

Sick leave: Only teachers working regularly scheduled, part-time positions of 4.5 days per week accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Health & UFT Welfare Fund benefits: Employees working regularly scheduled, part-time positions of at least half of the weekly hours of the title are entitled to benefits. For example, a teacher in a F-status position must be regularly scheduled for at least half of the work week for teachers to be eligible for benefits.

Non-Appointed Full-Term Regular Substitute (Q-status)

Full-term regular substitutes, commonly referred to as "regular subs", are non-appointed teachers who are employed on a full-term basis in one school, covering one assignment. Full-term substitute positions are discretionary positions created and filled by the principal, based on special assignments or coverage needed for a teacher who will be going on an approved, long-term absence.

Full-term regular substitutes are part of the same payroll bank (Q-742) as appointed pedagogues, and therefore, they are entitled to accruing Cumulative Absence Reserve (CAR) days at the rate of ten days per year, or one day accrued each month.

Regular substitutes are not entitled to borrow CAR days or use grace periods. Regular substitutes are eligible for health benefits from the NYC DOE, as long as they meet all of the eligibility requirements.

There are two types of Full-Term Regular Substitutes:

5BA - FT Regular Sub: These regular subs are fully staffed and given their full-term assignment within the first 15 days of the school year. Salary is established per their collective bargaining agreement, up to step 4A including differentials. 5BA Subs are eligible for longevity, seniority and probation credits upon appointment to a full-time teaching position.

5BP - FT Regular Sub Treated as Per Diem: These regular subs are staffed or given their full-term assignment after the first 15 days of the school year. Salary is established per their collective bargaining agreement, up to step 4A including differentials. Per Diem service is creditable towards a salary step with Per Diem verification for each block of 85 aggregate days. For every block of 85 days worked, one term of credit will be awarded towards your salary step.

There are two primary reasons why a teacher will serve as a regular sub for the year:

1. They are acting as a replacement for a teacher who is out for the full year on a sabbatical or other full-term leave of absence: These teachers are selected by the school principal and nominated directly for the available assignment.

2. They are currently enrolled in an Alternative Certification Pathway Program: (e.g.: NYC Teaching Fellows, NYC Teaching Collaborative, Teach for America, etc.) and working towards their NYSED teacher certification. Candidates who complete these programs are eligible to be appointed to a regular teaching position once they complete the requirements to obtain a Transitional B Certificate from the NY State Education Department.

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Per diem service refers to pedagogic personnel serving on a day-to-day basis in a school and/or any of its programs. Employees serving on a per diem basis are commonly referred to as substitute teachers. However, per diem employees can be either teachers or other types of pedagogues.

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New UFT MSK Cancer Assessment

BRAVE Anti-Bullying Video Contest flier

Member Assistance Program Careline flier

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Guidance on Clustering Activities for School-Based Spport Team (SBST) School Psychologists andSchool Social Workers

As in previous years, the clustering process for the 2023–2024 school year, which involves the assignment of Grades K–12, school-based school psychologists, and school social workers, will take place in cohortsstarting May 1, 2032 and is projected to conclude on May 3, 2023. During this process, a Deployment Advisory Committee (DAC) for each school district will recommend assignments that maintain the continuity of services to students, while taking into consideration schools’ compliance needs. Please note that as part of the clustering process, school-based psychologists and social workers will be pulled from schools for part of the day to participate in DAC elections, as described in the Selection of Deployment Advisory Committee memo. Each school's supervisor of psychologists will email each school's principal with each respective school’s election schedule by March 24, 2023.

For additional details about the clustering process, refer to the School Psychologist and School Social Worker Clustering Activities for Spring 2023 memo. For the timeline of clustering activities for the 2023–2024 school year, refer to this calendar.

For questions or concerns (on the UFT side) regarding the "SBST Clustering" process, please contact Don Albright (DAlbright@uft.org)

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English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs)

New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) Updates

As in prior years, the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is administered to all English Language Learners (ELLs) to measure progress in English language acquisition and to determine continued eligibility for ELL services for the following school year.Please note:

Delivery of testing materials for the speaking section began on March 27, 2023 and will continue through April 3, 2023. The listening/reading/writing materials will arrivebetween May 8–12. The writing scoring materials will arrivebetween May 23–26.

Schools that need additional materials may order them through Pearson’s online ordering system, PearsonAccessNext (PAN), by May 23, 2023 in order to receive them before the end of the testing window. Ordering details are available in the January 10, 2023 edition of Principals Digest.

The 'speaking' component of the NYSESLAT must be administered to all ELLsbetween April 17 and May 26; and

The 'reading', 'listening', and 'writing' components must be administeredbetween May 15 and May 26; and

Each respective school mustadminister all four subtests of the NYSESLAT (i.e., speaking, reading, listening, and writing) in order for students to receive a valid score on the NYSESLAT standardized New York State assessment.

Note that mandated services for ELLs and former ELLs should continue during the testing administration window. Additionally, any certified teacher or administrator that attends a training on NYSESLAT administration and scoring can administer the exam. For best practices in administering the NYSESLAT, review this assessment memo and the NYSESLAT Administration Best Practices and Planning Checklist (page 136). For additional resources, visit the NYSED website.

For questions about NYSESLAT trainings, or for support with designing a NYSESLAT testing administration schedule that does not interrupt mandated ENL (NYS C.R. Part 154) services, principals should please contact their respective school's ML/ELL director (DOE login required). For all other questions, (e.g., printing, scanning, or returning materials)principals should contact their respective school's borough assessment implementation director (BAID).

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English Language Learners (ELLs) & Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Principals Are Being Asked to Review Their Respective School's March 2023 ELL Data Update Report (EDUR)

Principals should receive the March 2023 ELL Data Update Report (EDUR) from their respective school's multilingual learner/English language learner (ML/ELL) compliance and performance specialist by March 31, 2023. Principals should please review and update all student data in the March 2023 EDUR, including:

Students whose home language code needs to be updated in ATS;

Newly enrolled students who must complete ELL identification processes within 10 school days of initial enrollment or 20 school days for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP); and

ELLs and former ELLs that have not yet been programmed for mandated bilingual education and/or English as a New Language (ENL) in STARS.

Planning for New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) administration which is scheduled for April 17, 2023 through May 26, 2023.

The spring 2023 NYSESLATmust be administered to all eligible students, listed in the STARS programming for ELLs workbook attached to each respective school's EDUR.

Principals are expected to design a spring testing administration schedule that does not prevent teachers from providing mandated bilingual or English as a New Language (ENL) instruction.

For additional guidance and information, please refer to the Policy and Reference Guide for MLs/ELLs. For questions, principals should contact their respective school's ML/ELL director (DOE login required).

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Visit the UFT website for union news and information about member rights and benefits.
The views, opinions, and judgments expressed in this message are solely those of the author. The message contents have not been reviewed or approved by the UFT

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Teachers and other school staff injured or made sick on the job have important rights and benefits. However, in order to access these, you must follow certain procedures. The UFT is dedicated to guiding injured and ill members through the process — so that you can make use of the benefits available…

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The 2023 updated seniority list is posted in the teachers lounge

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March D30 UFT Consultation Minutes

March 29, 2023

1. D30 Dual Language Cohort

UFT: There is a district coach that is supporting District 30 in this area.  There is a checklist that was shared with those being coached at particular schools.  Permission has been granted for that checklist to be shared. We would like to invite this particular coach, or any other support in this area, to come to the next meeting at the Queens UFT to support the work of this cohort.

Superintendent’s response: If you give me the date and time, I will ask if someone is available.

UFT: Thank you.

2. OORs Reporting Refresher

It has come to the attention of the union that the titles of school counselors and social workers within our schools have been asked to conduct investigations happening at the school level with students and also have the responsibility of entering OORs reporting sheets into the OORs reporting system.  It is the UFT’s position that this violates workload guidelines of these titles and we are asking for these directives to cease and desist.

Superintendent’s response: We spoke about this at the particular school and we agree that this is not their responsibility.

UFT: Thank you.

3. School Survey

Employees of the DOE appreciate that they have the ability to have a voice about their employment conditions, their employer, their school community environment, etc.  People reach out every year at the time of the survey to their chapter leader and to their union to confirm anonymity.  We inform them that the survey is not a mandate, but it is certainly a good way to share information about how people think things are going in their schools and everyone involved to look at this data to plan.  If an administration is asking for the specific codes of surveys or if it seems that they are tracking who is taking which survey, it can intimidate and deter people from wanting to take the survey.  We are asking for a reminder to be sent to Principals to simply make sure everyone has one.

Superintendent’s response: The survey is online and it’s a separate organization.  Principals get the questions and the percentages of completion.  When it is put online, everyone can see the responses of a school.

4. Curriculum

We have become aware that we are one of the districts in the first phase of the new curriculum roll out for NYC.  I learned at our District Leadership Team (DLT) that our District has chosen HMH: Into Reading, after asking for the input from administrations and the staff members who would be using this curriculum.  It was also shared at the DLT meeting that we already have 22 schools in our district already using this curriculum: Q002, Q011, Q069, Q084, Q085, Q092, Q111, Q112, Q122, Q127, Q148, Q149, Q151, Q152, Q166, Q171, Q222, Q228, Q234, Q329, Q361, Q398.  Beginning questions in this process are:

UFT: What are District 30’s plans for the rollout to prepare for September?

Superintendent’s response: We have to wait for Central.  I spoke with HMH and I am trying to get training before the summer.  We haven’t received any final information yet.  We are speaking with schools already using this and want to create model classrooms for intervisitations.

UFT: Who will be involved in this rollout?

Superintendent’s response: All teachers in K-5 schools.  I haven’t heard about PreK.  K-8 can go to HMH if they choose.

UFT: What resources and materials can staff members expect for this curriculum?

Superintendent’s response: The good news is we are getting teacher’s guides.  Students will be getting their reading book and big books for K-1.  Start Right books for K-2. The writing piece is digital and all resources are available digitally.  If you look at the core curriculum on the DOE website, you will see a list of the resources as well.

UFT:  We will continue to follow up as this rolls out.

5. Teaching Matters

Please let us know which schools this coaching company is working with.  We also ask that a reminder be sent to Principals that they must follow union members contractual guidelines.  Items such as recording of lessons can be asked of employees and not mandated for example.

Superintendent’s response: Of course.  We also follow contractual guidelines.  Principals decide whether they want to use coaching companies.

6. UFT Teacher Center

We currently have six teacher centers.  They are located in: PS/IS 127Q, 151Q, 150Q, and 145Q.  This past Friday, March 24th, we opened a seventh UFT Teacher Center in District 30.  These are free additional resources for schools such as texts, computers, planning materials, etc.  It works best to start in schools with already existing coaches.  These coaches are able to provide professional development for the staff of that school and provide CTLE hours to fulfill the state certification requirements that employees must fulfill.  We are asking for you to share in a Principal’s meeting this benefit that all schools can take advantage of.  We also have support that could attend these meetings to provide information to the Principals. You can also visit our website: https://www.ufttc.org/ for more information.

Superintendent’s response:  I am going to talk to the Principals about this.

7. Schools

398Q:  This school continues to have an outstanding et. al grievance with this Principal and they will continue to seek support from the District to resolve this grievance.  Like all union members, they would prefer not to use the grievance process.  At this point in time they have been left with no other choice.  They will continue to wear black for the foreseeable future to show they are committed to having their voices heard at their school.

Superintendent’s response: We will review this grievance.

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Dear UFT family,

Our district rep, Ashley Rzonca, had to reschedule our luncheon union meeting to Tuesday April 4th. She will be giving information about SBOs.

As I think about the end of the year, I would like to prepare for next year. Please take the time to take this survey.

Survey

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPwhcgTL9tvdZ2FMRtSBzQi0unmhv2FfZXhILZTkx3HSynng/viewform?usp=sf_link

Tomorrow is the grade in. Wear blue! Please take pictures to document that it happened and I will share it. If anyone is going to this location below, please email me back and we can go together. Please reach out to me with any questions or a member from the consultation committee. You can also read more about this big event on the uft website. Here is the link: contract-grade

The updated seniority list is posted in the teachers lounge.

Please check padlet for any updates and events

https://padlet.com/jillianarenella86/chapter-leader-jillian-smythe-s-information-page-1770kwiywzpwl3gy

Thank you all for your continued participation as we continue to fight for a fair contract.

I am wishing you all a well rested Spring Break.

Happy holidays!

Jillian

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Directions: Students must first be enrolled in Kite Educator Portal and rostered to a teacher, then the first contact survey must be completed. This results in a testlet being generated. Once the testlet is generated, do NOT open it, rather the teacher should notify the District that a special circumstance code needs to be applied. The District Test Coordinator/Building Test Coordinator (DTC/BTC) should enter the special circumstance code one time per content area before the test window closes. Special circumstance codes can then be entered by the DTC/BTC under the Test Management Tab on the table where the Testlet Information Page (TIP) is retrieved. Documentation of the special circumstance must be kept on file by the LEA as per their policy.
NYSAA Not-Tested NYSAA Not-Tested Description Category
DLM Special Circumstance Code in Kite Educator Portal
Absent
The student was in attendance for fewer than 30 school days as a NYSAA-eligible student between March 13-June 9, 2023 (ELA, Mathematics, and Science) and it was determined that there was not enough time to assess the student.
Chronic Absences (13813)
Arrived After Cutoff Date for Test Administration
The student arrived in the district too late for the district to enter the student into the Kite Educator Portal and complete the assessment. The cutoff date is generally 3 weeks prior to the closing of the test window.
Other (9999)
Medically Excused
The student was too incapacitated to be tested because of an illness or injury resulting from a significant medical emergency, as documented by a medical practitioner. The medically excused option is reviewed by a school district administrator on an individual student basis. Students taking the NYSAA are not considered medically excused from testing because of their disability.
Medical Waiver (3454)
Took Another Assessment to Fulfill Testing Requirement
The student took another approved assessment (i.e., a New York State general assessment, (or approved alternative), Regents Examination (or approved alternative)) to fulfill the testing requirement in a particular content area.
Other Reason for Non Participation
(13831)
Parent Refusal
The student was not administered the NYSAA based on a parent refusal of the NYSAA assessment. This does NOT include students who were unable to engage in the assessment at the time of the testing for whom a valid score of zero is appropriate.
Parent Refusal (13820)
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1

Misadministration/ Reporting Irregularities
The building principal is responsible for all aspects of the school’s test administration and must report testing irregularities and misconduct by students and staff—in writing, on school letterhead, and signed by the principal—to OSA via fax to 518-474-1989 or by e-mail to emscassessinfo@nysed.gov.
Examples of misadministration’s, include but are not limited to:
• All test administrator infractions regarding the violation of the KITE Security Agreement, including reproducing the assessment or sharing log-in credentials.
• All instances of test administrators providing students with unauthorized testing accommodations.
For more information on the definition of Misadministration/Testing Irregularity, visit http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/test- administration-resources
State Use 1 (10001)
DO NOT USE
State Use 2 (10002)
Please note: In some situations, it may be more appropriate to exit or transfer a student rather than enter Special Circumstance Codes. If a student moves to a new district or school, the sending school can exit the student from Educator Portal or contact the NYSED to transfer the student to the new district. For a full list of possible exit reasons, please visit the DLM Data Management Manual.
2

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NO. 100, FY 2023
DATE:
March 15, 2023 TO:
Community Superintendents
High School Superintendents
Division of School Leadership Field Teams School Principals
FROM:
Seritta Scott, Chief Financial Officer
SUBJECT:
ARPA Academic Recovery Screener Administration and Support
In the 2022-2023 school year, all NYC schools will continue to administer academic screeners in reading and math to all students from kindergarten through grade 9, as well as to grade 10 students meeting screener criteria, as part of the Academic Recovery Plan. Schools had the option to choose screener assessments from grade-appropriate options in reading and math that would be provided to schools from the DOE at no cost, or they could select screener assessments that met screener criteria that schools would have to pay for on their own. Schools made selections by grade and subject area. Schools in this allocation are receiving funding to offset the cost of those approved screeners that are not being paid for directly by DOE central offices. Each school's allocation was determined by the grade-level ATS enrollment for the applicable grade and subject combination, multiplied by the rate of $5 per student in reading and $5 per student in math for Star Assessments, and $4 per student in reading and $4 per student in math for i-Ready Assessments.
Schools will take academic screeners three times during the year.
• In the fall, to understand what skills students are bringing with them into the classroom and what scaffolds may be necessary to support students with engaging with on-grade-level curricula.

• In the winter, to evaluate student progress and reassess the need for continued support or intervention or to adjust supports and interventions.
• And lastly, in the spring to gauge student growth over time.
Data from screeners is available immediately or within 24 hours of completing assessments. Teachers and school leaders use this data in conjunction with other information about students to inform pedagogical approaches, determine if supplements, scaffolds, or extensions to curricular resources are necessary, to inform flexible grouping, and identify the need for diagnostics or specific interventions for a small group of individual students.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Overview
On March 11, 2021, the President signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). Funds must be used to help meet a wide range of needs arising from the coronavirus pandemic, including activities and interventions that respond to students' academic, social and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on underrepresented student subgroups. ARPA funds are temporary and supplemental.
ARPA for Academic Recovery
In accordance with the state and federal ARPA guidance, school districts must use a portion of funds to support academic recovery activities or what the United States Department of Education (USDE) refers to as academic impact of lost instructional time.
The activities designated in this SAM are intended to meet this requirement, and these funds must be spent in accordance with the parameters outlined below.
This funding is available for expenses incurred July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Schools are encouraged to schedule funds and implement eligible programming as soon as possible.
As with all federal funding, these funds are subject to monitoring and audit. All purchasing and payroll documentation, including timesheets, must be retained on site at the school to support expenditures, and must be available to present upon request.

This allocation can be used to purchase student licenses for the screener each school identified for use during the selection window, associated assessment materials or companion support materials, professional learning from the assessment vendor, other professional learning related to the analysis and use of screener data to inform next instructional steps, and for related work.
Funds are to be scheduled in the allocation categoryARPA Academic Recovery Screener and can be used to support screener work throughout fiscal year 2023. Unspent funds from this allocation cannot be rolled over into fiscal year 2024 school budgets.
Documentation must include evidence for the purchase of licenses and/or assessment resources and/or associated professional learning for the assessment. Schools should be prepared to present this evidence upon request. Supporting documentation is required and must be accurate in the event of an audit, or costs will be disallowed and future funding endangered.
Download a copy of the School Allocation Memorandum No. 100, FY 2023
Attachment(s):
Table 1 - Academic Screener Administration and Support Allocation Summary
SS: df
C:
Carolyne Quintana
Lucius Young Lisa Karlich Maya McDavid

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 Principals Digest Edition March 21, 2023

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 Principals Digest Edition March 21, 2023

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MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS
Opportunity for Select Schools to Apply to Immigrant Ambassador Program
The DOE is relaunching the Immigrant Ambassador Program (IAP), a near-peer mentorship and community awareness program designed to prioritize postsecondary planning for immigrant high school students, for the 2023–24
school year. Through this program, select NYC college students will be trained to provide one-on-one and small group workshops and support to students who reflect historically excluded immigrant communities. Programming will occur from the end of August 2023 through June 2024.
If you are interested in hosting an IAP at your school, you should identify a high school counselor, administrator, teacher, or DOE alumnus to complete the application by April 5. Note that the immigrant ambassador must be supervised by a high school counselor (point person) who will check in with them weekly, identify goals with the ambassador, ensure the ambassador is integrated into the school community, and identify immigrant high school students to be supported by ambassadors; mandatory training is required for the selected counselor to assume the position of point person. The training will be held in August and will be provided per session to help fund their ongoing participation in the program.
For more information, including eligibility requirements, refer to the Immigrant Ambassador Program Overview. For questions, email DML@schools.nyc.gov.
SUMMER SCHOOL
Additional Opportunity to Attend 2023 Summer Programming Webinar

As shared in the March 14 edition of Principals Digest, the DOE hosted an optional information session about 2023 summer programming, including Summer Rising, for principals and administrative staff to learn more about the programming’s design, important dates, and enrollment process. Note that an additional information session has been scheduled from 12:00–12:45
p.m. on March 22. This session will cover the same material as the first session and is meant for any participant who could not attend previously. Note that interested participants do not have to register for the webinar and can attend directly by using this Zoom link.
In order to ensure that parent coordinators are prepared to support families with summer enrollment, principals and parent coordinators will also receive calendar invitations from summer@schools.nyc.gov for enrollment training sessions for parent coordinators by March 22.
For questions, email summer@schools.nyc.gov. SPECIAL EDUCATION
Updated Guidance on Hiring for the Provision of Special Education Program Services
While planning to hire staff for the 2023–24 school year, it is essential that schools plan to provide all mandated services, including the special education programs on their students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by declaring vacancies and hiring special education teachers before using their budget for other positions, especially any discretionary positions.
Please review and share the following information with your hiring team and
take appropriate action:
Hiring for the Provision of Special Education Program Services: For instructional support to ensure full compliance with special education mandates, please refer to the guidance on Hiring for the Provision of Special Education Program Services, which includes updates on requesting hiring

support, extended certification programs, upcoming hiring events, the timeline for Open Market Transfers, and links to additional resources and guidance. As noted in the January 31 edition of Principals Digest, the DOE is
offering extended certification programs, for current DOE teachers to pursue a Students with Disabilities (SWD) certification or a Bilingual Extension. For support with staffing of special education and bilingual special education teacher vacancies, refer to the Special Education Staffing Resources section
on H.I.R.E. Connections.
Attend the Special Education Staffing and Programmatic Changes
Webinar: You and your hiring managers are invited to attend an optional special education staffing webinar from 9:00–9:30 a.m. via MS Teams on April 5. The webinar will cover topics related to staffing of special education and bilingual special education teacher vacancies and programmatic changes. Interested participants should register by 12:00 p.m. on April 4. All registrants will receive a calendar invite, via email, prior to the webinar.
For all questions, including questions on hiring to support your student’s special education programs, contact your administrator of special education (ASE) (DOE login required) and copy your human resources director (DOE login required).
ATTENDANCE
Guidance for Attendance and Requirements for Remote Instruction
As shared in the August 30 edition of Principals Digest and per the 2022–23
Attendance Policy, students can receive remote asynchronous instruction and office hours with school-based teachers and other mandated related service providers, as needed and outlined in the Field Guidance – Digital Classroom 2022–23. Note that there is no change to the policy. Please review the information below:

Students are eligible to attend school remotely and be
marked in ATS as present “P” or absent “A” using codes 65 (Present, Learning Remotely) and 35 (Absent, Learning Remotely), respectively, if they are:
• Participating in virtual or hybrid instruction through approved DOE virtual learning experiences/programs, for example, A School Without Walls and Virtual Learning Classroom and Virtual Academy;
• Enrolled in Medically Necessary Instruction (MNI);
• Participating remotely during full building emergencies and related
closures (i.e., snow days); or
• Isolating for two or more days due to a positive COVID-19 test
result. Note that schools do not need to obtain written proof of a positive COVID-19 test result for students. A parent can send a note or verbally confirm to the school that their child has tested positive for COVID-19.
Principals can refer to this one-pager that provides a summary of the policy above and more information about when students can be marked “Present, Learning Remotely.” Note that there is no change in the policy from the previous year’s announcement.
For questions, email attendance@schools.nyc.gov. HR GENERAL
Security Clearance Requirements for All DOE Employees, Vendor Employees, and Volunteers
In accordance with Chancellor's Regulation C-105, all DOE staff, vendor
employees, and volunteers must complete the security clearance process conducted by the DOE Office of Personnel Investigation (OPI) before they can work in any capacity work (i.e., start any task that is part of the job) at your school or DOE worksite; this includes all teachers, athletic coaches, and other school staff. Note that the security clearance process consists of, but may not

be limited to, fingerprinting and a review of the candidate's employment history.
To begin the security clearance process, you or your hiring manager must nominate the candidate by entering their information (e.g., name, address, date of birth, etc.) in one of the following appropriate human resources (HR) database:
• DOE employees must be nominated in Galaxy;
• Vendor employees must be nominated by the vendor in the Personnel
Eligibility Tracking System (PETS) or by DOE supervisors in the People
Not On Budget (PNOB) section of Galaxy;
• Volunteers (excluding parents/legal guardians working in their child’s
school) must be nominated in PNOB.
After being nominated, the candidate will receive an email from the DOE indicating that the clearance process has begun. The email will contain a background questionnaire that the candidate must complete, as well as consent to be fingerprinted. You and your hiring manager can monitor the progress of their security clearance and verify its completion in the HR database (Galaxy/PETS/PNOB in Galaxy) that was used to initiate the nomination. Once the security clearance is fully-completed and the applicant is determined to be eligible, as indicated in the applicable HR database, the candidate may begin work at your school or DOE worksite.
For questions, email OPIINFO@schools.nyc.gov.  HR GENERAL
Extended Deadline for Principal-in-Charge (PIC) Application
As shared in the February 14 edition of Principals Digest, the DOE is now accepting applications from principals who would like to be considered to become a principal-in-charge (PIC) of the 2023 Summer Rising program. All principals received an email DSLHRSupport@schools.nyc.gov on February 9

that includes the Summer 2023 PIC application. Interested principals should apply no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 31 (extended from March 15).
In addition, and as noted in the March 14 edition of Principals Digest,
the Summer 2023 InfoHub page is now live and includes the Summer 2023 calendar. Note that more information will be added to the InfoHub page over the coming weeks; please check the page periodically for updates.
For summer-school related questions, email summer@schools.nyc.gov. For all
other questions, email DSLHRSupport@schools.nyc.gov. STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Continue to Prepare for NYS Grades 3–8 ELA/Math Exams
As noted in previous editions of Principals Digest, the New York State (NYS) grades 3–8 English Language Arts (ELA) and math exams will be administered from April 19–20 and May 2–3, respectively. In preparation for these exams, please review the instructions below and take appropriate action:
• Share the Student Participation (Family) Guide: Schools must share this Student Participation (Family) Guide (available in all DOE languages) with families to inform them about the tests. Note that
the Student Participation (School) Guide addresses questions regarding student participation for NYS grades 3–8 ELA and math exams, as shared in the March 13 edition of Principals Digest.
• Print ELA and Math Answer Documents from ATS: You must print
answer documents through ATS prior to exam administration; ELA and math answer documents will be available to print on March 27. Review the ELA, Math, and Science InfoHub page for details on printing and scanning.
• Delivery of ELA Exam Materials: Your school will receive UPS deliveries of non-secure and secure materials from Questar (NYSED’s test vendor),

for both the main exam administration and make-up administration, between March 28–30. Your test coordinator should open the boxes immediately to ensure that you have received the correct number of exams before placing them in your school’s safe or vault, in accordance with the directions found on pages 9-10 of the ELA and Math Test Administration Memo. If any items that are listed on the shipment notice are missing, you should contact Questar Customer Support at 866-997-0695, or email ny.3-8.help@questarai.com as soon as possible.
• Request Additional ELA Materials: If your school requires additional
exams that were not originally requested, or items that are necessary to accommodate students whose needs your school was not previously aware of, you must contact Questar Customer Support at 866-997-0695, or email ny.3-8.help@questarai.com. After contacting Questar, you must complete page 2 of the 2023 ELA Test Request Form and email it to your borough assessment implementation director (BAID) at least 24 hours in advance of the exam administration. Once the email is sent, a staff member from your school must bring the original test request form (printed on the school letterhead, with your signature), as well as a valid picture I.D. to your borough office, to obtain additional exams on the morning of administration; note that schools can only pick up the exam booklet for the test being administered on that day.
For questions, contact your academic policy, performance, and assessment specialist (DOE login required).
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Academic Screener and Periodic Assessment Updates
Please review the information below and take appropriate action.
Funding for Academic Screener Administration and Support: As outlined in the Academic Screener School Allocation Memo (SAM) #100,
schools received flexible funding to offset the cost of approved academic screeners in reading and math that are not being paid for directly by the DOE

(i.e., i-Ready, Star). Funding is allocated based on each school’s grade-level ATS enrollment for the applicable grade and subject combination. Schools may spend the allocation during the remainder of the 2022–23 school year for student licenses for the screener, materials related to the academic screener or its administration, intervention materials, and/or professional learning from the assessment vendor. All other academic screeners and associated professional learning are paid for directly by Central offices.
Close of Spring Benchmark Periodic Assessment Administration Window: As previously shared in the February 14 edition of Principals Digest,
the Spring Benchmark (SBM) administration window for ELA and Social Studies NYC Performance Tasks and ELL/MLL Academic Language Assessments closes on March 31. Answer sheets for paper-pencil administration should be scanned into Schoolnet by March 31, so that schools can view their Schoolnet Scanning Administration log to ensure scores will be displayed in Schoolnet
by April 5. For online administration, scores should be manually entered by teachers into Schoolnet by March 31. Scoring errors for both paper-pencil and online administration should be reviewed and corrected by April 5. To resolve paper-pencil scanning and scoring errors in Schoolnet, view Parts 5 and 8 of the Schoolnet Operations Guide for Paper-Pencil Administration. For online administration, guidance for manual score entry in Schoolnet can be found beginning on page 32 of the Schoolnet Online Administration Guidance document. For live support, contact the Schoolnet Help Desk at (877) 654- 7643.
For questions, email periodicassessment@schools.nyc.gov.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
PSAT and SAT School Day Post-Administration Tasks
As shared in previous editions of Principals Digest, the citywide SAT School Day administration is March 22. Please review the following updates and reminders:

Returning Materials: As noted in the February 28 edition of Principals Digest, schools must schedule their own return material shipment(s) for their test date(s) and return their SAT and/or PSAT materials no later than the next school day after each administration. Please prepare your testing materials using the pre-labeled UPS Express Pak(s) or box(es) provided with your test materials delivery. College Board emails SAT/PSAT coordinators with further information regarding the material return process before each test date. Note that unreturned materials may result in scores being delayed for your students. If your school needs assistance with returning materials, please contact College Board’s Customer Service at 855-373-6387 or
email satschoolday@collegeboard.org.
Invoice Reconciliation: You must use College Board’s Test Ordering System (TOS) to allocate fee waivers, generate invoices, and make grade-level corrections by the invoicing deadline associated with your school’s test date(s) to ensure accurate invoicing. Invoicing deadlines are available on the SAT and PSAT InfoHub. Please review the information below to support the reconciliation process.
• Grade-Level Corrections: Only students indicated as being in grade 10 for PSAT and 11 for SAT will have their exam fees Centrally-covered. Your school will be charged for PSAT exams for any students in the sophomore cohort who bubbled any grade other than 10 or omitted their grade level on the answer document; and for SAT exams of any students in your junior cohort who bubbled any grade other than 11 or omitted their grade level on the answer document. Review the TOS and update the student grade to the appropriate grade for each exam; doing so will not update the grade in the student’s College Board account—it will only impact invoicing/remittance.
• SAT School Day Fee Reduction Benefits: Eligible students in grades 11 or 12 who plan on taking the SAT this spring may receive fee reduction benefits, including two fee waivers for the national administration of SAT exams, unlimited score sends, college application fee waivers, and more; SAT coordinators must assign fee waivers to students through the TOS. Note that students who did not test during the spring school day

administration can still be assigned fee waivers by school counselors via the K–12 Reporting Portal.
SAT School Day Score Release and Score Matching: PSAT scores will be available online four to six weeks after the test administration. SAT scores for students who test on March 22 will be released by April 17. You and your staff can review student scores via the K–12 Score Reporting Portal. SAT coordinators can view College Board’s guide for using the K–12 Score Reporting Portal and accessing student scores. Students will have access to their scores through their College Board accounts. College Board will be hosting training sessions (review training calendar section) to support schools
with understanding score results.
Make-Up Testing: Counselors or test coordinators may request make-up vouchers from the DOE for students unable to test on SAT School Day. Vouchers will allow students to take the test on the national administration of SAT exams, June 3. Schools administering the SAT on multiple dates may allow absent students to make up the exam during a subsequent in-school administration, provided they have sufficient materials, space, and proctors to do so. Additional information on the SAT make-up exam (June 3) and the process for parent or student registration will be shared in an upcoming edition of Principals Digest.
For more information, please refer to the SAT and PSAT InfoHub, the SAT Coordinator Manual, and the PSAT 10 Coordinator Manual. For questions, email SATSchoolDay@schools.nyc.gov.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
SESIS Downtime
Due to system maintenance, SESIS will be unavailable at the following times:
• From 8:30 p.m. on March 17, until 5:00 a.m. on March 18; and
• From 8:00 p.m. on March 30, until 1:00 a.m. on March 31.

During this time, staff will not be able to access, fax, scan, or upload documents into SESIS. For a schedule of planned SESIS downtimes, log in with your DOE Outlook credentials.  For the latest SESIS news, read the monthly SESIS Newsletter in the SESIS Communications section on
the SESIS InfoHub page. Training resources are available on
the SESIS InfoHub.
For questions, email SESISCommunications@schools.nyc.gov.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Prepare for the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA)
As announced in the November 1 edition of Principals Digest, the English language arts (ELA), math, and science New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for the 2022–23 school year will be administered
between March 13 and June 9, through Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM). Please review the following updates and reminders as you administer
the assessment:
• Review New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) 2023 NYSAA School Administrator's Manual (SAM).
• Ensure all teachers administering the assessment complete the required Test Administrator Training (Moodle) prior to administration.
• Students who were expected to participate in the NYSAA, but are unable to do so, require a special circumstance code. Schools must still roster
the student to a teacher, and the teacher must complete the first contact survey for the student. This results in a testlet being generated for the student. Once the testlet is generated, it must not be opened. Instead, the teacher must notify their borough assessment implementation director (BAID) that a special circumstance code needs to be applied. Your BAID will enter the appropriate special circumstance

code in each content area before the test window closes. For details,
review the list of special circumstance codes.
• Ensure students are in the KITE system with their NYSSIS ID number, and
not their OSIS number.
For more information, review this information on NYSAA testing. For questions, email your BAID.

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Paraprofessionals Chapter Election Notice

New UFT MSK Cancer Assessment

BRAVE Anti-Bullying Video Contest flier

Labor Seder flier

Paraprofessional Festival and Awards Luncheon flier

Early Childhood Conference flier

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March 16, 2023

Chapter leader-Jillian Smythe

Delegate-Susana Murray

Uft Members

Cindy Rebellon

Zulema Reyes

Poly Petratos

Emely Villacorta

Jessica Zito

Karla Manzano-Paraprofessional Representative

Principal-Ms. Hwang

Pre-K wants to start off by thanking you for ordering us color printers.  Also, on behalf of all the members, we want to thank you for all your efforts into upgrading smartboards.  We are truly grateful to have received 75,000 from our Council Member, Juile Won, and for your continued efforts with participatory budgeting.  We are pleased to hear we are on the ballot.

Ordering Supplies Follow Up from September

Topic:Ordering Supplies

We are so grateful to our admin for trusting teachers to plan and order supplies needed to meet the instructional needs of our students. Teachers put many hours of their time in carefully planning and ordering materials.  Many supplies that were put into SHOPDOE last school year did not get delivered or were told that the supplies were never ordered. This year can we form a system on an excel sheet of a wishlist of supplies needed for each grade? Also, teachers begin to reflect at the end of each unit what materials they need for the following year. Therefore, can we put the orders in earlier so we won't have this problem of getting materials too late or not at all next year.

Mrs. Hwang’s Response: The way the budget works is that there are different calendars and deadlines. Funding is not something that is fixed from the beginning of the year. It is constantly changing due to different factors, such as student enrollment, special education matters, personnel matters, etc. Currently, we don't have the funding to carry us until the end of the year but we expect to receive additional funding at a later time. It would be a good idea to start earlier and use an organized system. However, there are many factors that make budgeting and spending an on-going work throughout the year.

Follow up:

Requesting Materials:

Teachers are grateful for materials that are being provided by the school.  We are also grateful to our generous PTA for reaching out about supporting us with a wishlist of supplies.  I have created a 361 excel wishlist that teachers are adding to.(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YC1Tu_hKv1UQg_v9eOii9rqAkwm_1ZcUPsn2fIvRUCE/edit#gid=0)

However, there have been inconsistencies with requesting supplies. Teachers would like clarification regarding how they can request school supplies and ensure it is provided on time for upcoming units.

Mrs. Hwang’s Response:

There is only one way to request supplies. Please complete the Supply Request Form in the InfoHub. To follow up on your request, please speak to Ms. Cece.

https://forms.gle/J7qFBftwL99ATGif6

Thank you for your time,

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Good afternoon,

Our District Rep, Ashley Rzonca, will be holding a union meeting on SBOs on March 30th during all lunch periods. The contract action team will be reaching out to you to discuss the Grade-in on March 30th. They will also discuss how we will be taking action on April 20th at 3:30pm @ school 398. We will be marching and rallying with the community to fight for a fair contract. Please come support! There will be a happy hour afterwards. Please check the padlet for the minutes from  the March safety meeting and March consultation. Also, any updated information has been posted on the padlet. This month is March Madness.  The consultation committee members will be reaching out to discuss some ideas that I have listed below. Please send pictures to the whatsapp or to my email. Let’s all wear green on Friday for St. Patrick’s Day!  It’s also our school color to show unity!

We also have a very generous PTA who supports us. If there are extra funds to spend in their budget, they are willing to buy us supplies.  I have created an excel sheet where we can put supplies that we wish to have.  Please only put supplies that we are unable to get on SHOP DOE.

Community Building Ideas:

Any idea that you come up with (Please share your ideas so we can inspire each other)

UFT Pride Day

Wearing the same color

Spell out your school’s number in people

Party Hats

Marshmallow tower with toothpicks or spaghetti

Plastic cup stacking

House of Cards

Lego Challenge

Dominoes Falling

Take a picture with the school mascot (Create one if you don’t have one)

Create a chapter/school Coat of Arms

A post it note collage where everyone posts a work that describes the chapter/school

Almost of the day of the year is a special day, like Ice Cream day or Chocolate Day. Find  some of those days to celebrate.

March Mobilization Resource Link

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1N70w1mM9VqsSTG7o7CDs9LDICQUxSmwr

361 Excel Wishlist

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YC1Tu_hKv1UQg_v9eOii9rqAkwm_1ZcUPsn2fIvRUCE/edit#gid=0

Next Union Meeting:

Thursday, March 30th

Topic: SBOs

Padlet

https://padlet.com/jillianarenella86/1770kwiywzpwl3gy

Thank you,

Jillian

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A career ladder opportunity for paraprofessionals

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A career ladder opportunity for paraprofessionals

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Any paraprofessional considering going back to school should know that the UFT supports its paraprofessionals pursuing higher education for career growth, skills enhancement and personal development. Through the LEAP to Teacher program, the UFT helps place paraprofessionals pursuing higher education in any field of study offered by the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies in collaboration with participating colleges throughout New York City. LEAP to Teacher provides paras with a wide range of free, specialized support services over and above the union’s tuition support. For more details, see the Leap to Teachersection of the UFT website or contact a CUNY program counselor. The deadline to apply for courses in the fall of 2023 is July 1.

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TEACH Online Services

You can keep watch over the progress of your application by monitoring your TEACH online services account. This can be done by logging in to your TEACH account and viewing your Account Information page. From your Account Information page, you will be able to check on the status of a pending application and see when documents you have submitted have been received and entered, into your Account. You will want to take note of the application status, as noted on your Account Information page. Applications are evaluated in the order in which they enter "ready for review" status.

TEACH is compatible with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
TEACH Log In issues?
If you receive a message that your TEACH account is assigned to a different username, try deleting your browser history. Directions for these internet browsers can be found below:

Chrome: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData

If you do not have a NY.gov TEACH account, create one here

If you have a NY.gov account with another State Agency, click here

Public School Districts, Private School Administrators, and New York College/University access to Ny.gov TEACH

Last Updated: December 8, 2022

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TEACH Resources: TEACH System :OTI:NYSED

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The provisions in the DOE-UFT contract regarding teaching programs and professional activity assignments give teachers a voice while providing an objective selection process.

Program preferences

Each spring, all teachers should receive a program preference sheet to indicate, in priority order, the program (including grade/subject and special education classes) they would like to teach the following school year.

Before submitting the preference sheet to the principal, teachers should make a copy for their records.

All teachers should ask for assignments in their license area; this is especially important for probationary teachers, who could have their tenure delayed if they teach out of license.

Although some preference sheets may survey teachers about their interest in cluster or compensatory-time positions, cluster positions require a posting and some compensatory-time positions require a school-based option (SBO) vote before the position can be posted. These positions require a separate application to the principal.

Teachers can file a reorganization grievance if they believe their program assignment violates the UFT contract. Reorganization grievances must be filed within two school days of notice of the alleged violation.

Professional activity options

Most secondary school teachers and teachers in eight-period elementary schools are programmed to have one or more professional activity periods. In an eight-period elementary school, teachers should be programmed for one professional activity per week. Middle and high school teachers are usually programmed for five professional activity periods per week.

By April 15, the school chapter leader and principal should meet to consult on the professional activities that will be on the professional activity menu at their school.

Here is the list of acceptable professional activity options specified in Article 7 of the DOE-UFT contract:

1. Small group instruction (not to exceed 10 students).

2. One-to-one tutoring.

3. Adviser for student activities such as clubs, teams or publications.

4. Student assessment activities (including portfolios, performance tests and Individualized Education Programs).

5. Professional development/preparing staff development workshops and demonstration lessons.

6. Common planning time.

7. Conflict resolution for students.

8. Cafeteria duty.

9. Schoolyard duty.

10. Hallway duty.

11. A.M. bus duty.

12. P.M. bus duty.

13. Homeroom.

14. Provision of interdisciplinary articulation.

15. Development of multicultural curriculum.

16. Development of program to integrate technology into the daily life of the classroom.

Each menu item on the preference sheet should come from this list of professional activity options. A school can only add a new menu item through the SBO process, but it cannot be an additional teaching period.

The professional activity menu must have at least six options, according to an arbitration decision. If teachers want to participate in an activity not listed on the menu, they can do so with the principal's approval.

No teacher at any school level should be given a split assignment (more than one professional activity assignment) unless the school chapter conducted an SBO vote for a split professional activity assignment.

Professional activity procedures

Each spring, teachers with a professional period in their teaching program will select, in priority order, three activities from the agreed-upon menu of professional activities that they want to participate in for the following school year.

Selection will be based on the established criteria for the requested activity and the availability of the item. If a teacher is not given one of their three choices, they will be asked to select three other menu activities.

By the end of the current school year, the principal must notify teachers in writing about which professional activity they have been assigned for the coming school year.

Teachers assigned to homeroom or to a.m. or p.m. bus duty as an administrative duty at another time in the workday may use their professional activity period as an additional preparation period. Teachers who are assigned to an administrative assignment (including lunchroom, hall or schoolyard duty), voluntarily or involuntarily, cannot be assigned to any administrative duty the following year unless they voluntarily agree to it. Principals must make all involuntary administrative assignments on a rotational basis in inverse order of seniority.

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The provisions in the DOE-UFT contract regarding teaching programs and professional activity assignments give teachers a voice while providing an objective selection process. Each spring, all teachers should receive a program preference sheet to indicate, in priority order, the program (including grade/subject and special education classes) they would like to teach the following school year.

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March 16, 2020 is the 60th anniversary of the UFT. Learn what life was like for teachers in the 1950s and why they joined together to form a union.

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Nayeon Naomi Hwang, Principal

39-07 57th St, Woodside, NY 11377

(718) 592 - 3300   |  PS361q.org

Team: BRT/School Safety Committee Meeting
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, March 6, 202310:10-10:55 AM

TOPIC: Safety Routines and Procedures

MEETING OBJECTIVES:Safety DrillsOther Safety Related ConcernsMembers Present:Ms. Loyd, Agent Khan, Mr. Rosario, Ms. Cece, Mr. Music, Ms. Hwang, Ms. SmytheMembers Absent:Ms. Colletta
Schedule [45 minutes]

TIME | MINUTES | ACTIVITY

| 5 | Check-in and review objectives of this meeting and how they connect to the objectives for our remaining team meetings this year

| 5 | Review next steps from our previous meeting

| 5 | Review Plus/Deltas from our previous meeting+ Plus | ▲ Delta

| 10
|   OBJECTIVE 1 - Safety Drills UpdateEvacuation drills scheduled for AprilApril 3rd (morning)April 4th (morning)Bus Drills are complete and instruction was provided in to the classroom

| 10 |  OBJECTIVE 2 -Other Safety Related ConcernsCheck in on arrival and dismissal transitionsLunch and Recess transitioning outside and insideDoor alarms left unarmedTwice observed last week in Staircase B (leftside)Staircase A (leftside)Once checked in the morning prior to arrival we are not disarming unless there is a fire drill.Reminder for all staff to be vigilant with door alarms.Potential Runners to be added to the safety plan:T. Samphel K-14M. Romero 1-103 (New student**)-Ms. CeceE. Burke K-13 Events Procedures Only ID is required at this time.Classroom CelebrationsFor downstairs sign in (tables) Ms. Cacioppo should be in place with 1 additional staff member to help greet the families and ensure that they are remaining in the cafeteria

| 10 |   OBJECTIVE 3-Environment and Resources Check Update of Safety Folders neededMr. Rosario to work on this with Ms. Zaman for Class Lists

| 2 |  Review next steps from this meeting

| 3 |   Assess what worked well about this meeting and what we would have   liked to change

+ Plus | ▲ Delta

|

|

MINUTES -

RECORDER:

Points Discussed | Remarks | Responsible | Completion Date
1 | K-14 Ms. O. Rodriguez -follow up tomorrow to see if additional assistance is still needed. Mr. Rosario said that it appears to be ok. |
|

2 | Evacuation drills scheduled for AprilApril 3rd (morning)April 4th (morning)Bus drillsWe have conducted all mandated bus drill already, but teachers will conduct another one before trips |
|

3 | Recess - Timeliness to picking students up at the end of the period will be reiterated. (e.g. at 11:55, not 12:00) |
|

4 | Door alarms-  Ms. CeeCee checked and made sure the door alarms were working.  Custodians check the door alarms weekly.  |
|

5 | Students will be added to safety plan. Teachers must hold their hands during fire alarm. |
|

6 | Sign in for Events Classroom Culminating Events -families will sign in the classroomStaff will be positioned to support families with signing in  |
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7 | Safety folders must have updated class lists  ROCL and Bio Roster  will be updated by Ms. Zaman |
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8 | Safety Concerns:Students were going upstairs during arrival on days when they needed to be downstairs. |
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9 | Afterschool -coverage for checking for students and for parent questions-Ms. Hwang will check into a staff member to do this to replace Ms. Monje. |
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10 | Snow Removal-both areas for recess need to be cleared  |
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11 | Cones must be put aside during outside play |
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12 |
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13 |
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This email is in regard to NYC DOE School Allocation Memorandum (SAM) No. 61, FY 2023. On page 3, the attached SAM document states the following:

Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS) Provider Training

"As part of the Special Education Compensatory Services initiative, the Special Education Office will ensure that every DOE school, identified for SETSS provider training in SY 2022-2023, can fund coverage for SETSS teachers to attend multisensory Orton Gillingham based literacy intervention training and purchase materials for these interventions. Materials for intervention trainings will be purchased by the Central Special Education Office. Through this training series, SETSS providers will have a literacy intervention program to use, when providing services to students with IEPs receiving SETSS, and provide supplemental targeted instruction to students with and without IEPs. SETSS providers, who are not also serving in the role as a Centrally Funded (CF) IEP teacher, will be selected based on a caseload review of at least four students with IEPs as indicated in STARS. SETSS provider identification for training will occur on a rolling basis noting that schools with the highest number of SETSS provider student caseloads will be prioritized to receive this allocation. By nature of their position, SETSS providers will have dedicated time to implement a literacy intervention program through IEP mandated services and sessions. SETSS providers will also be positioned to collaborate and support the general education teacher through a push-in and consultation teaching model."

The attached Microsoft Excel spreadsheet(which is included with SAM No. 61 as a downloadable file-attachment at the very end, and is referred to as 'Table 2') shows how much money was allocated to each school (by DNB school code) for SAM No. 61 SETSS Provider Training in multisensory Orton Gillingham based literacy interventions, as well as the number of SETSS Providers from each school who have been identified as being eligible for this training.

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Black History Month in your classroom
Black History is American history. Use these teaching materials not just in February but throughout the year.
See the resources »

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Recent guidance and agreements DOE school health policy (Jan. 4, 2022)Situation Room tips for principals (Nov. 17, 2022)Updates on the DOE's Grading, Attendance and Messaging Application (GAMA) (Sept. 16, 2022)Digital classroom agreement for 2022-23 (Aug. 24, 2022)Personnel Memo No. 1 for 2022-23 (July 1, 2022)Mayor's Personnel Order No. 2021/2 on excused leave to get own children vaccinated (Nov. 8, 2021)

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Come out to support paraprofessionals from your school at this year's annual Paraprofessional Festival and Awards Luncheon, which takes place on Saturday, March 25, at the New York Hilton at 1335 Sixth Ave., from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s theme is “Remembering the Past as We Embrace the Future.” The keynote speaker is AFT Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, who began her career as a paraprofessional and rose to become the first Latina officer in our national union’s history. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event offers breakfast, CTLE workshops on a range of relevant topics, a carnival with games and prizes, a bag full of wellness freebies, a chance to win raffle prizes and a luncheon. The registration fee is $25 per person. Paras who would like to take a workshop for CTLE hours pay an additional fee of $7.50 for each workshop attended. School Leadership Team members may use funds allocated to the team to pay for registration fees by using a school-generated event purchase order. For detailed instructions on how to pay by purchase order, see this UFT purchase order memo.

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Come to the UFT’s Early Childhood Conference on April 1

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Come to the UFT’s Early Childhood Conference on April 1

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You are invited to attend the UFT's 15th annual Early Childhood Education Conference, which will be held at UFT headquarters on Saturday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can connect with fellow early childhood educators and earn up to four CTLE hours in workshops that will help 3K to 2nd-grade educators holistically support young learners. Participants can choose from among 10 workshops on topics including self-regulation, the power of play, science as inquiry for young children and igniting learning in multilingual learners. UFT President Michael Mulgrew will give greetings, and conference organizer Karen Alford, the UFT vice president for elementary schools, will deliver a welcome address. The fee is $35 with a $10 discount for paraprofessionals. For detailed descriptions of all the workshops and other information, see the Early Childhood Conference brochure.
Register Now

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2/16/23

Chapter leader-Jillian Smythe

Delegate-Susana Murray

Uft Members

Cindy Rebellon

Zulema Reyes

Poly Petratos

Emely Villacorta

Jessica Zito

Karla Manzano-Paraprofessional Representative

Principal-Ms. Hwang

Subcentral

Our union president Michael Mulgrew asked chapter leaders to put Subcentral on consultation. Subcentral was what our union was telling us to use because there were substitute shortages. This was created by DOE for one system to be put in place. Your response from last year is below about calling out sick.

Our question is since there is only one system we should all be using, should it be Subcentral or should we continue to call you?

10/22

Topic: Sick Days

The staff knows that they have to text you if they are not feeling well and need to call out in order to take a sick day. Can you clarify what staff needs to do after notifying you? For example, should they request a substitute in Sub Central?

Ms. Hwang’s Response: I will let you know if you have to only call in or also put in for a sub in Sub Central. If there is a job already in Subcentral, we may not ask you to call. We have been having a hard time getting subs this year.

Response: There are no changes. Please refer back to the Staff Handbook. We have a culture of collaboration in our school and we have to work to continue fostering this. You know that staff absences place an additional burden on the rest of your colleagues. We ask for your continued collegiality when you are calling out sick. We have continued to have a hard time obtaining subs this year.

If you need to take a sick day, please call:

The principal the previous evening, or before 6:00 a.m. the same day of the absence.

Ms. Hwang, Principal: (718) 724-9063

In addition, you must send your lesson plans to Ms. Loyd and cc Ms. Rodriguez when calling out sick. In the office, we do our best to minimize disruptions. Ms. Loyd and Ms. Rodriguez works on the schedule of the day as soon as the building opens. However, if there are no substitute teachers available, we will be forced to pay for lost preps and/or break up classes. We obviously will not leave any students unsupervised. Let’s work together to minimize these emergency situations.

Seniority List

May we have an updated seniority list?

Response: Yes.

Thank you for your time.