Conference: ELI: Summer Gray Fellows Movement Oct. 30, Live Leadership Transform Slow On In NYC Program Schools School Safety 3 4 7 9

June 2021 Volume 56, Number 10 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1 Remote Option Family Leave Policy Ending, But Other One For All And Questions Remain All For Onesies ratitude continues to BY CHUCK WILBANKS has said all schools will be able to accom- pour in from members modate all students. CSA has already told Gwho’ve been able to On May 24, Mayor Bill de Blasio the mayor and the DOE that this isn’t the avail themselves of the family and Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter case, if current social distancing guide- leave benefit that CSA negoti- announced that there will be no remote lines remain in place. ated in 2020. learning option for the 2021-2022 school What would be the rules on school Anna Nelson, Assistant year, and, as a result, the COVID19- closures, were there to be another out- Principal, Bronx Latin School, based remote accommodations that were break? What of Covid testing of students said, “Luke (left, top) arrived granted to DOE employees this year will and staff? in March and I am really grate- officially sunset on June 30, 2021. Below is the letter Mr. Cannizzaro ful for the generous family The announcement came a week after sent to Mayor de Blasio. At press time, leave policy CSA negotiated. CSA President Mark Cannizzaro had sent CSA was continuing to press the DOE It’s allowed me to spend the the Mayor a letter urging him to provide to provide information on a range of time I needed with him. Here outstanding issues and to communicate he is in his onesie - he loves them to CSA and its members clearly, and CSA and their support for his ‘Lack of concrete answers promptly. mommy!” • • • There was no family leave to critical questions policy in place when Ernest Dear Mayor de Blasio: Logan was a school leader, leaves principals unable I once again write on behalf of New but he shares the grati- York City’s school leaders, as I did in tude that current members to plan for reopening.’ the spring and summer of last year, have for the new benefit. urging you to immediately provide our Here (left) the former CSA educators and public school families President enjoys life with his school communities with essential infor- with essential information about the grandson, Grant Logan. mation, including a formal announce- city’s plans for the 2021-2022 school Stefanie Laursen, Assistant ment about remote learning. CSA was year. The lack of concrete answers to Principal, PS 41, The Stephanie pleased the mayor responded to our the critical and timely questions we’ve A. Vierno School, said, “My union’s concerns. raised in private meetings in recent family and I welcomed our But as one critical question was months leaves principals unable to baby girl, Emilee Drew, in answered, many more loom large on the plan for a successful reopening of January, during what was horizon. Heading the list is clarity about school in the fall. It also leaves our probably the craziest year we social distancing guidelines – the mayor Continued on Page 3 have ever experienced. I would be remiss if I did not thank you. Of all of the gifts that we have received for our daugh- ter, the gift of time that we CSA to DOE: It’s Time were afforded through our new paid parental leave policy was the best. It allowed me to be with her during her first To Honor Your Word! few months, which was even more important to me during BY CHUCK WILBANKS The circumstances under which the a pandemic. I returned to city hasn’t performed its duty makes school this week and everyone The Department of Education has the situation all the more maddening. is doing well! The best added failed to send lump-sum payments to When COVID struck, the ensuing bonus was the happy mail we a large group of recent retirees, forcing lockdown cast a grim shadow over the received with this CSA onesie!” CSA to file a grievance demanding that city’s finances. CSA, cognizant of the Have any stories you’d the city live up to its commitments. challenges facing the city, agreed last like to tell about how family The payment, due in February, was the November to split what should have leave impacted your life? first of two remaining checks guaran- been one payment into two. The first Drop a line to Chuck@csa- teed under CSA’s agreement with the half would be paid in February 2021, nyc.org. city signed in 2014. Continued on Page 10 2 CSA NEWS June 2021

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Looking Back At A

Council of School Year Like No Other Supervisors & Administrators American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 Against The Odds, We Accomplished Much. By Mark Cannizzaro 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 t is too soon to know if the CSA’s new paid parental leave agree- Fax: (212) 962-6130 www.csa-nyc.org Pandemic of 2020-21 will trans- ment negotiated last year to give new form us to the extent the Great mothers and fathers 25 work days of President Depression of the early 1930s paid parental leave at 100 percent of Mark Cannizzaro changed our grandparents salary, while accruing annual and sick Executive Vice President or parents. Some of them still save leave. In this year of COVID risk, new Henry Rubio I string from bakery boxes and many parents have been writing us ecstati- First Vice President Rosemarie Sinclair remain frugal beyond what it would cally about the benefit, and the more I Treasurer seem their finances should dictate. I thought about it, the more I wanted to Christopher Ogno can’t yet say if the “elbow bump” will acknowledge their gratitude. So, we are Secretary permanently replace the handshake, bestowing on every CSA baby a new Steffani Fanizzi but I would wager that some of the school-leader onesie (see this month’s Vice Presidents Sam Akel, Jose Garcia, Ramon Gonzalez changes we have seen in education cover pictures). Don’t hesitate to send Lois Lee, Katiana Louissaint will remain. Will we finally prioritize more snapshots of our new CSA family Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter smaller class sizes and less crowded members! Executive Director Operations buildings? Maybe attention will not Some former members have been Erminia Claudio drift from upgraded ventilation sys- propelled into top leadership posts. General Counsel David Grandwetter tems in all schools and offices. Perhaps, broadband With the sudden resignation of Chancellor Richard access for every child – rich and poor – will be a Carranza, a well-known veteran AP and principal Meisha Executive Director Field Services given. From dreams spring realities. Porter, took over at Tweed. A respected former NYC Sana Q. Nasser Memories will linger. Even when most of us are principal, Betty Rosa, was named State Commissioner of Field Directors vaccinated and our schools are fully open, we aren’t Education, and another former superstar principal, Lester James Harrigan Reginald Landeau, Jr. likely to forget the dizzying start of the past school Dorothy Morris year. Following an abrupt school shut-down the Frank Patterson previous spring, you hoped for a sane start-up in Mercedes Qualls Following abrupt shut-down in spring, Wanda Soto September. Instead, you got a crazy salad of hybrid you hoped for a sane Sept. start-up. Assistant Field Directors learning plans without enough staff to cover them, Beshir Abdellatif, Eleanor Andrew, and looming threats of layoffs. Common sense plans Millie Boyce, Dominic Cipollone, Instead you got layoff threats and a Brian De Vale, Peter Devlin, Nancy Esposito, from CSA and others were cast aside by City Hall. Roberto Flores, Ellie Greenberg, Premature school openings were announced, fol- crazy salad of hybrid learning plans. Ray Gregory, Joseph LaCascia, Kenneth Llinas, lowed by abrupt closings, and sudden re-openings. James McKeon, Monica McDonald, Beverly Pascal-Miller, Steven Resnick, Whipsawed, and watching our members forced to Sandra Solis, Yvonne Williams improvise on everything, CSA, by late September, Young, Jr., was named Chancellor of the New York State cast a unanimous vote of no confidence in the mayor Board of Regents. With the tumultuous national elec- Grievance Director and chancellor for their failure to lead New York City tion in November, a firebrand Bronx principal, Jamaal Dale Kelly through a safe, successful reopening of schools. Bowman, won the race for Congress from New York’s Assistant Directors Carol Atkins, Robert Colon, In the midst of this, you implemented safety proto- Sixteenth District. He soon headed to Washington, a Jermaine Garden cols, scheduled classes, and aligned staff towards crit- highly vocal champion of public education. Director of Communications ical goals. Our role was to protect you against layoffs In the last months, a cascade of good fortune has Craig DiFolco and get the AP hiring freeze lifted, both of which we rained down and we can’t help saying, “It’s about Director of Political Affairs did. We also were able to protect you against personal time.” These blessings erased some of the dread we Gabe Gallucci liability that might have come with opening schools felt in September. President Biden recently signed Assistant Director, Political Affairs Herman Merritt during a global pandemic. We had to convince the into law his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Act, which Assistant Director city to stand by school leaders, providing you repre- means widespread access to vaccines. It also means John Khani sentation and indemnification in the event of a claim that a new round of funding is on its way, to prevent Special Assistant to President naming you a defendant. We were proud to get this state and local cuts to preK-12 classrooms, particularly Gary Goldstein agreement early in the school year. those serving students from low-income households. CSA Conference Chair It has helped in CSA’s successful fight to hold school Pierre Lehmuller • • • CSA Historian leaders harmless for register loss in 2021. It also has Manfred Korman We secured other agreements: brought about a triumphant finale to this union’s CSA Retiree Chapter • One provided evaluations and tenure frameworks longstanding struggle to bring all schools to 100 per- Gayle Lockett, Chair that took into consideration the unique circum- cent of the Fair Student Funding formula! Some said Mark Brodsky, Director stances of this year. this would never happen. • Another secured retroactive lump sum payments Years from now, when we look at pictures of girls CSA NEWS guaranteed by our 2014 contract. Claiming possible and boys wearing masks as they enter school buildings, Editor Chuck Wilbanks economic hardship, there was concern the mayor children in PJs stationed in front of Zoom screens with Design Consultant would attempt to withhold these, but we came to textbooks spread out around them, and little ones sit- Michele Pacheco an agreement in which you would get half the lump ting separately from each other inside painted circles Production Assistant sum payment in February and the remaining half in in grassy parks, we will know exactly what year those Christine Altman November. photos were shot and remember how we felt. I will CSA News (004-532) is published • Finally, we forged an agreement that allowed remember you and what you accomplished against monthly except July and August for $35 per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector school-based members to vary on-site and remote the odds. I am proud to know you and I wish you a St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage supervision as long as there was appropriate supervi- healthy, well-deserved and restful summer. paid at Manhattan, NY, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send sory coverage in your schools. address changes to CSA News, 40 I can’t resist pointing out that in this otherwise very Mark Cannizzaro is president of the Council of School Rector St., NY, NY 10006. tough year, our members began reaping the rewards of Supervisors and Administrators. June 2021 CSA NEWS 3

NEW YORK CITY Protecting Letter To Mayor de Blasio: EA Work, Salaries A Big Question Answered, BY CHUCK WILBANKS

CSA’s legal team succeeded in Many Remain, Solutions righting a significant injustice, lock- ing in an agreement protecting union work practices and the role and sala- ries of EAs. Need To Be Relayed Soon The problem began in 2019 when a group of employees who were earn- ing teacher line salaries and were rep- Continued from Page 1 ing options they will offer families nity to provide our students with resented by the UFT, were nonethe- school leaders in the difficult posi- next year, if any, communicate programs and experiences they so less performing the work of education tion of being unable respond to those options clearly and quickly, desperately need after 18 months administrators after being promised the concerns of anxious parents, and ask families to make their deter- of instability, and our members EA positions. DOE, however, dragged further eroding their confidence in minations now. This decision simply are excited to utilize these vital its feet in officially staffing them as our school system. This indecision cannot wait any longer without risk- resources. Common sense deci- EAs which meant they were still being and ineffective communication style ing a successful reopening, and the sions communicated to principals paid as teachers although being given are unfortunately reminiscent of entire process should be completed EA job duties and functions. the approach the city took last year before the start of June. CSA filed a grievance on behalf of which resulted in delays, inconsis- And, while it is our understand- four EAs. While they have now been tency, and frustration. ing that remote accommodations for Unprecedented State appointed as EAs, CSA demanded, We have been meeting weekly school staff will not be offered past among other things, that they be with the DOE since early March. June 30, 2021, we await a formal and Federal dollars compensated fairly for the work that At each meeting, we have identi- directive. School leaders simply need mean we have an they were doing. fied what information principals to know which students and staff The four members in question are need and the time frame required will be in the building in September opportunity to provide now being awarded back pay for the for successful implementation. We and how remote instruction will time they spent performing the work communicated that end-of-the-year be handled for those who are not. students programs of EAs while not being compensated activities consume much of a school Please communicate your decision fairly. Their service history for pur- leader’s time and requested clear regarding remote accommodations and experiences they poses of seniority, probation and ser- and detailed information by the for employees to principals, school so desperately need vice credit is also being corrected to first week of May, which has come staff and families immediately. The show that they were working as EAs and gone. Summer months are not recently announced Chancellor’s after the pandemic. during the times in question. nearly as productive as one might five borough engagement tour “Getting the back pay for these think given that school leaders are may have been beneficial had it members who weren’t promoted to a without the assistance of most staff been planned to conclude in April. CSA line position even though they and they themselves use the bulk Please do not jeopardize a successful with sufficient time for thoughtful were doing CSA work was significant of their annual leave time in July reopening of school by withholding implementation will make all the in and of itself,” said CSA General and August. During our meetings critical information until the conclu- difference for our children and help Counsel David Grandwetter. “It was with the DOE, principals have been sion of the Chancellor’s tour. restore faith in public education. also victory for our union to protect correctly identified as critical play- Finally, principals are anxiously We simply can’t let indecision and our bargaining unit’s work..” ers in rebuilding trust with families awaiting their school budgets so that micromanagement impede school Also significantly, the arbitrator and welcoming them back to our they can begin posting positions leaders’ ability to do what they assigned to this case will also hear schools. Our members look forward and hiring new staff. Given the know is needed for their commu- similar disputes should they arise in to that challenge and, given min- city’s promising financial outlook, nities. And right now, their school the future. imal support, will exceed expecta- we request receipt of preliminary communities need answers. “That means we have a direct tions. They cannot, however, con- budgets no later than the week of We look forward to discussing route to an expedited hearing in tinue to be hamstrung by those who May 24. these urgent matters with you as the future, in the event that we should be supporting them. Due to the unprecedented allo- soon as possible. come across instances of the DOE Most notably, the city must cation of State and Federal dollars Sincerely, being slow in onboarding EAs while promptly decide what remote learn- to education, we have an opportu- Mark F. Cannizzaro, President they are still on a UFT line,” Mr. Grandwetter said. “We can go for an immediate hearing before an arbitra- tor with jurisdiction over these spe- Date Set for CSA’s IN-PERSON Conference cific situations.”

BY CHUCK WILBANKS the creator of the the conference. The conference is look- Teachers’ Rigor/Relevance ing for members to showcase innovative CSA President Mark Cannizzaro Framework. He practices, leadership strategies or capacity Retirement has announced that the 53rd CSA is internationally building experiences with their col- System Conference will be an in-person event on known for his leagues. The application to do a presenta- Saturday, Oct. 30, at the New York Hilton proven ability tion can be found by going to the confer- May 2021 Midtown. to lead school ence link on the CSA website home page. Unit Values “We anticipate that by October in per- reform and help Members should plan for a workshop of son learning will be common and people PreK-12 educa- approximately 55 minutes. Proposals are Diversified Equity will feel comfortable gathering in a large tors effectively due by July 31. A committee will review Fund: 131.009 setting once again,” Mr. Cannizzaro said. prepare students proposals and tell members no later Balanced Fund: 17.520 “Of course, we will follow guidance from for the future. A than Aug. 15 if their proposal has been International Equity medical experts and the city as to capac- Dr. Bill Daggett former teacher accepted. Fund: 13.069 ity restrictions and seating arrangements. and administra- The conference committee is also Sustainable Equity I think there will be a real interest in get- tor, as well as director with the New York looking for a school band to perform Fund: 26.558 ting to see your colleagues face-to-face in State Education Department, Dr. Daggett before the luncheon at the Hilton. If you U.S Equity Index a social setting.” has a special commitment to individuals are interested in having your group per- Fund: 14.939 Mr. Cannizzaro also announced that with disabilities and has written numerous form at the conference, please send an International Equity noted educator Dr. Bill Daggett will be the books, reports, and articles about learning email to Pierrre Lehmuller at pierre@csa- Index Fund: 13.049 conference keynote speaker. Dr. Daggett and education. nyc.org with details about your group. is the founder of the International Center CSA members are also encouraged to As in 2019, all registration will take www.trsnyc.org for Leadership in Education (ICLE) and submit a proposal for a presentation at place online through the CSA website. 4 CSA NEWS June 2021

EXECUTIVE NATION LEADERSHIP Moving Leaders Forward Labor INSTITUTE

GEORGIA Mandated Vaccine Delta Airlines has created vaccine Upcoming: Exciting Lineup At policies recently. New employees must be vaccinated before joining the company. Current employees Summer Leadership Program are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Some 60% of Delta’s 75,000 employees have received very Summer the Executive Leadership Institute offers a summer institute featuring keynote speakers as well as at least one COVID19 shot. The professional development seminars for every CSA member. This year’s program will be on Zoom. Please turn to the Equal Opportunity Commission EELI website, elipd.org, for information on registration. Below are the seminars and other events. confirms it is legal to require employees and new hires to be vaccinated. (CNN Newsource) Dignity For All Students Act (DASA) How Can Schools Move Social Justice Forward? July 12, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm July 14, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm CALIFORNIA This 6 hour workshop is open to all CSA members and This workshop will offer participants insights on how Info Picket meets the requirements of the harassment, bullying and dis- their school can respond to the social justice movement. Nurses at the Enloe Medical Center, crimination prevention and intervention training required During the presentation participants will review historical who have been bargaining for a for certification/licensing under the Dignity for All Students milestones, look at systemic racism and its effect on educa- new contract since last autumn, Act (DASA). tion, and explore proactive ways to reduce bias and create held an informational picket for The workshop addresses the patterns of harassment, equity in schools. patient safety. The nurses are bullying and discrimination, marginalizing of students as Participants will recognize and share their thoughts on proud of the level of care they well as other required topics. It delves into the strategies for implicit and explicit bias. The materials and best practices provide patients and are picketing addressing problems of exclusion, bias and aggression in shared are designed to be used in the participants’ schools to to urge management to address schools. The day incorporates whole group, small group and enhance the learning environment so that it is productive for issues of safe staffing, infection con- individual activities. Upon completion of the 6 hour work- all children. trol protocols for safe patient care shop, participants meet the requirements of chapter 102 of during the pandemic and hospital the 2012 Law. A Light In The Journey – Coping With Grief preparedness for natural disasters. Instructional material will be provided to all participants. July 14, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (National Nurses United) The cost of the 6 hour workshop for CSA members is $50.00 This workshop explores how the development of grief payable via a PayPal Now button at https://elipd.org/dasa/ management/coping skills is critical if school communities DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA are to survive and excel. NAFTA Grievance Positive Mental Health By Reducing Stress Effective tools for school leaders to use when communi- July 13, 8:30 am - 11:30 am cating with constituencies grappling with loss and change are A petition to bring a labor com- This workshop explores the development of stress reduc- presented. Language and strategies necessary for communi- plaint against Mexico is being ing strategies to support and maintain positive mental cation with young children, teens and adults during a pan- filed by the AFL-CIO under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement health, critical to the survival and wellbeing of all. Stress demic and responses and support for those experiencing grief (USMCA). The petition states that management/reduction tools for school leaders to use are triggers are emphasized. workers in an auto part plant, presented. south of the Texas border, were Impediments to positive mental health and techniques Strengthening And Supporting Executive denied independent union rep- for maintaining equilibrium and a state of wellbeing are Function In Our Student Body resentation and violated USMCA. presented. Individuals are encouraged to realize that their July 14, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Wages in Mexico are the lowest own coping abilities can overcome the normal stresses of life, Unleashing our students’ potential to prepare them for an in the Organisation for Economic provide productive work environments and contribute to the ever-changing complex world of work and life pursuits is crit- Cooperation and Development. community. ical for their success and happiness. This workshop explores This is the first time the trade deal students’ executive functions, the essential cognitive pro- has been enforced. (PMN Business) Seeing Educational Equity cesses that are critical for college and career readiness, such July 13, 8:30 am - 11:30 am as the ability to modulate emotions, perform complex tasks NEW JERSEY This workshop explores the basics of Equity in Education and pay attention more fully in class. It offers school lead- and develops protocols and ideas to promote and maintain ers teaching strategies, prompts, checklists and activities to Forced Labor an inclusive pedagogical approach to teaching and learning. strengthen and support executive functions across the grade The Building and Wood Workers’ School leaders will learn about the hallmarks of inclusivity bands from early childhood to adolescence. It also provides International (BWI) is outraged by a and how their own abilities, knowledge and practice can lead an in-depth look at school policies and practices to empower recent New York Times article that to a more equitable environment. students to build strong resilience skills as they move into reported The Bochasanwasi Akshar Participants will discuss and create solutions for scenarios adulthood. Purushottam Swaminarayan dealing with bias and inequities in educational settings and Sanstha (BAPS) temple lured Indian will be able to overcome prejudice and provide productive Special Education: A Service Not A Placement workers to the US “to work under work environments which contribute positively to the com- July 15, 8:30 am - 11:30 am false pretenses.” Workers filed a lawsuit. They have reportedly been munity. Participants discuss the various components of special working grueling 13 hour days for education and the historical background. Throughout the $1 an hour. (BWI) Revisit, Renew And Reinforce Learning workshop participants will engage in activities to gain a bet- In A Trauma-Informed School ter understanding of the requirements and processes. They July 13, 8:30 am - 11:30 am will review MTSS services and a pre-referral form. Participants ALABAMA Whatever teaching/learning design is implemented ini- will analyze an IEP, discuss its components, and decide how Shifting Unions tially or later, any trauma experienced by the teacher and/ it can be implemented. or learner is a serious consideration, impacting maximum An increasing number of profes- sionals in various sectors have been performance. This workshop supports administrators in their What Does Equity Mean For Newcomers Mls/Ells successfully winning unionization practices to create a trauma-informed approach to learning July 15, 8:30 am - 11:30 am – from media outlets, nonprofits, which helps students, staff and parents feel safe and sup- This workshop focuses on supporting supervisors in school districts and universities, to ported. enhancing equitable programs for our Multilingual learners/ hospitals. Meanwhile, blue-collar ELLs. Participants explore the characteristics of newcomers, and low-paid service sector work- Summer Institute Keynote Speaker: address their various needs and discuss strategies to ensure ers are finding it more difficult, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad equity in our school educational programs. such as with the recent defeat of July 14, 8:30 am - 9:30 am Amazon warehouse workers in Dr. Gholnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad will be the keynote School Leaders Leading The Charge To Alabama. Reportedly, the PRO Act, speaker at ELIs Summer Institute. Ms. Muhammad is an Embrace More Frequent Change pending in the Senate, could begin Associate Professor of Language and Literacy at Georgia State July 15, 8:30 am - 11:30 am to level the playing field by rewrit- University. She studies Black historical excellence within This workshop will support the understanding that ing labor law and allowing workers educational communities with goals of reframing curriculum change is happening faster than ever. School leaders learn to who want to join a union to do so. and instruction today. She works with school communities demonstrate adaptability and resilience in themselves and in (The American Prospect) in best practices in culturally responsive instruction. She those they lead. — Compiled by is the author of the best-selling book, Cultivating Genius: Participants will explore how to communicate a posi- Christine Altman An Equity Model for Culturally and Historically Responsive tive vision of change and identify behaviors of leaders who Literacy. embrace change. June 2021 CSA NEWS 5

Dale Memo From Headquarters Kelly Your Personnel File – Always Review, Don’t Forget!

oo often, I have heard stories of may not include your signature. These kinds ted to writing within 90 calendar days can our members “finding out” about of documents can include your resume, not be added to the personnel file. Any letter an unpleasant document that is state certification documentation, city licen- outside this window should immediately be included in their personnel files. sure, time and attendance documents, doc- brought to the attention of the union so that a This should never be the case. You tor’s notes, and per-session sheets. grievance can be filed on your behalf. Tshould be aware of every piece of paper that Conversely, written correspondence you Obviously, you may not agree with the is there. receive that is destined for your personnel contents of a disciplinary letter. Our contract Over the course of a career, your person- file should include your signature. In most provides you the right to craft a rebuttal that nel file will contain voluminous amounts instances, your signature will be preceded will refute any statements you believe are inac- of paperwork. For that reason, you should by the statement, “I have received a copy curate or misrepresent the facts. All rebuttal exercise one of your seldomly used con- of this document and understand that a letters must be attached to the original letter tractual rights and review your official copy will be placed in my official personnel and included in your personnel file. While personnel file. As we approach the end of file.” Some examples are annual evalua- there is no time frame for providing a rebuttal, the school year, consider requesting such a tion reports, mid-year performance review I suggest writing it quickly, while the incident You Can review either before the close of your work documents, letters of commendations, is still clear in your memory. year or upon the opening of the new year. and disciplinary letters. In some instances, You can demand the removal of any disci- Demand Be aware that you have contractually documents such as concluding investiga- plinary letter in your file that did not result in protected rights as you undertake this tive reports (OSI, OEO, or SCI) may also be disciplinary charges (3020a) and is more than Removal review process. First and foremost is your included. three years old. Simply place a post-it or some right to examine your file after you make an marker on the document and then send an Of Any appropriate request. When you make such email to your supervisor asking that the out- a request, your supervisor should arrange o derogatory material should reside in dated material be removed. Don’t ever remove Letter Not for you to perform the review within a rea- your personnel file if you weren’t given a document on your own. Upon request, your Resulting sonable time frame. Usually, a supervisor Nthe opportunity to read and sign it. supervisor should either destroy the document will assign a secretary or other clerical staff Remember: Signing a document does NOT or provide it to you for disposal. A follow up In 3020a member to observe the member as the file mean that you agree with the content, only review can confirm that it has been removed. review is in process. Sometimes they elect to that you received and had the opportunity to Finally, remember that you are entitled to a Charges oversee the process themselves. You should review it. As long as you had that opportunity, copy of any document that is included in your never access your own personnel file with- refusing to sign a document will not prevent it file. out prior approval. from being included in your file. If you have any question about the file-re- Here are some facts to be aware of when Letters to file can not be grieved unless a view process, do not hesitate to speak with you review your file: contractual violation occurs in the issuance of your field representatives or contact me at All documentation which you have sub- the letter. Possibly the most frequent contract [email protected]. mitted for inclusion in your personnel file violation involves timeliness: Per our collective for the purposes of recordkeeping may or bargaining agreement, incidents not commit- Dale Kelly is Grievance Director at CSA. AGREEMENT Emerald Society Beckons BY DONNA MCGUIRE the Great Irish Famine in all NYC Schools, CSA Corrects Unjust and including it in the NYS Social Studies ithin the umbrella of CSA, there are Curriculum. The organization connects our many ways to connect, find inspi- membership with one another and with Probation Rule For Wration and learn, associations and those of Irish descent or those who have a organizations specific to your title, some that tangible connection or interest in Ireland and center around your subject area, others that wish to establish a connection. pertain to your grade band, and still others There are 35 Emerald Societies around the Supervisors in Charge that are based on cultural/ethnic affinity. country, most in the NY Metro area. Many The NYCDOE Emerald Society is a cul- civil servants join to keeping their culture BY DAVID of the principal,” said tural organization of Irish-American educa- alive, within the kinship of union brothers GRANDWETTER CSA President Mark tors connected through education for over and sisters. Like everywhere else, we use tech- Cannizzaro. “When fifty years, one of the oldest educational orga- nology and creativity to remain connected, In 2019, CSA rectified a we learned that Human nizations NYC. We honor and celebrate the and the Emerald Society hosts many virtual long-standing inequity for Resources was doing this, traditions of Irish-American culture, the aca- events. Check out our website for more infor- assistant principals who we immediately raised it demic achievements of our scholarship recip- mation: www.emeraldsocietynycdoe.com. step up to be supervisors to the chancellor’s level.” ients, and the dedication and leadership of in charge for principals To her credit, Chan- our honorees. Our mission is to preserve Irish Donna McGuire is President of the NYC DOE who are out on approved cellor Meisha Porter rec- culture and promote contributions by Irish Emerald Society and the CSA Irish Caucus. leave or otherwise absent ognized the wrongfulness people to the USA and worldwide, particu- for an extended period of freezing an assistant larly in education. The Emerald Society was News about your professional organization? of time, by coming to an principal’s probationary largely responsible for encouraging teaching Contact [email protected]. agreement to pay those David Grandwetter period when tabbed to be APs at the principal rate. supervisor in charge, and Prior to CSA forging this agreement she has agreed to stop that practice. on behalf of our many APs, DOE Now, any probationary assistant prin- reaped the benefit of them working cipals who step up as supervisor in as supervisors in charge without com- charge will continue to accrue time Calling All Marathoners pensating them accordingly. toward their completion of proba- However, since the signing of that tion. agreement, CSA discovered another This is a just and common sense he NYC marathon is on for Nov. 7! Our team, CSA Runs As 1, is associated with the inequity with respect to DOE’s outcome. There’s no reason to penal- NYRR. Many great perks come with that, including two entries to the race. You implementation. Assistant principals ize people in this position, especially Tmust be a recognized member of the CSARA1 Team, and when you register with working as supervisors in charge who given the fact that DOE thinks highly the NYRR organization, you must enter our team’s name. Runners who deferred to this had yet to complete their probation- enough of them that they were year may register between June 8 and June 15 and other runners may register after June ary periods as APs were having their placed in the role in the first place. 15. If you would like to know more about this competitive part of our team, please let probationary periods frozen by DOE If any supervisor in charge has me know. Many of our members have already registered for some of the races coming Human Resources for the time period questions about how this agreement up. Last night, as the club manager, I participated in the NYRR meeting. Many of the they stepped up to oversee a school. impacts them, please contact your questions you may have are in the following link. https://www.nyrr.org/tcsnycmarathon/ “That practice was illogical and field director. Pages/2021-FAQs. Don’t forget: We meet for a run every Sunday at 8:30 am at Columbus punitive to the very people DOE Circle and 59th St., at the entrance to Central Park. thought were worthy enough to place David Grandwetter is CSA’s general – MaryBelle Ferreira in charge of a school in the absence counsel. 6 CSA NEWS June 2021

NATION Research Studies Education Breaking News: Report NEW YORK Civics Education Reveals Good Principals A “seal of civic readiness” could replace one of five required Regents exams if state education officials pass a proposal recom- Make Schools Better mended by a state task force in an effort to boost civic education and readiness of students. If approved, BY CHUCK WILBANKS tile of effectiveness yields an increase “It is difficult to envision an districts would not be required to in student learning in reading and investment in K-12 education with a offer it. Those that wish to would Now it’s official. A new report math of about three months, nearly higher ceiling on its potential return have to apply to the state and based on a synthesis of 20 years as much as the four months of than improving school leadership,” show how they would implement of research from 219 high-quality increased learning generated by a The report concluded that effec- it, including tracking students, research studies about school lead- teacher at the 75th percentile, but tive principals carry out four key creating civics-related courses and ership, found that school princi- across an entire school. The princi- behaviors—engaging in “high-lever- service opportunities. Fifty schools pals make a significant difference pal’s effects on students are largely age” instructional activities, such will pilot the program next year in a school’s success. The recent indirect, coming in good measure as teacher evaluation and feedback; and additional schools could begin study was conducted by Vanderbilt through teachers, with the principal establishing a productive climate; offering the option in the 2022-23 influencing factors including teacher building collaboration and profes- year. (Chalkbeat) hiring and development as well as sional learning communities; and the conditions for sound learning. managing personnel and resources NEW MEXICO ‘A principal in the • Evidence links four domains of strategically. Ombud Act 75th percentile of principal behaviors to positive out- “These behaviors rest on three The Governor signed a bill that comes for students and schools—and skills—people skills, organizational will create an ombudsman office effectiveness yields an they include but go beyond engage- skills, and instructional skills—sug- to help public school students increase in student ment with instruction. gesting that effective principals and families navigate the special • The principalship needs contin- employ a broader toolkit of strategies education system. The bill was learning in reading ued reorientation toward educational than often assumed,” the authors passed unanimously. It is hoped it equity. said. will ensure that special education and math of about • Given the strength and scope of The report emphasizes the neces- dollars more effectively reach the the impact of an effective principal, sity of principals embedding equity classrooms, teachers and students three months across investing in successful strategies is into these practices, as public schools in need of services. The vision is likely to have a very large payoff. serve growing numbers of students to have one ombudsman assigned an entire school.’ “Our results on the importance of of color, students from low-income to every school district, but there principals’ effects suggest the need households, English learners, and are plans to expand to have one for renewed attention to strategies students with disabilities. at every school. Hiring is already University in conjunction with the for cultivating, selecting, preparing, The authors of the report are underway. (KOB-TV) Wallace Foundation. You can be for- and supporting a high-quality prin- Jason Grissom, professor of lead- given for thinking that such lessons cipal workforce,” the authors said. ership, policy, and organizations VIRGINIA are painfully obvious! But don’t fault “The payoffs to successful strategies at Vanderbilt; Anna J. Egalite at Black History academics for finding proof of phe- appear very large for student learn- North Carolina State University nomena we know to be true. ing and for other important out- and Constance A. Lindsay at the Students participated in the Among the conclusions of the report: comes, such as student attendance University of North Carolina at second annual Black History •A principal in the 75th percen- and teacher turnover. Chapel Hill. Month Historical Marker Contest, to raise awareness of the contributions of African- Americans to Virginia his- tory. The Governor’s office announced that five of the 100 submissions were selected Dr. Douglas for installation. It is hoped The Welfare Fund V. Hathaway that the program will elevate the need to integrate Black history into the history taught in classrooms. As part of its Updating Info And Prescription Coverage ONE Virginia plan, schools are being provided resources to uestion: I am an Assistant Principal fits rider. I read in theCSA News that I should “guide conversation and pro- in Queens. My husband’s diabetic have received a check reimbursing me for a mote equity by telling a fuller medication was not approved portion of my rider costs. I didn’t get a check. and more complete version of by Optum either for the phar- Can you tell me why? Virginia’s history.” (WTKR) Qmacy or for mail order. The medication ANSWER: Computers are wonderful, but is Glyburide. When I spoke to the Optum they are only as good as the information that MICHIGAN pharmacist, I asked if there was another med- is entered (and this comes from the person ication he can take in its place and I was told who developed the claims processing systems Job Training that none were approved. We have been hav- for the Fund). We asked the City to verify Western Wayne Skill Center ing trouble with my husband’s prescription that you were coded as being a CSA member, in Garfield Community School coverage for a while now. Can you please and they reported that you were not coded as in Detroit is helping students, assist me with this matter? having retired from any union. We demon- aged 18-26, to learn job skills. ANSWER: Certainly. Diabetic medica- strated to them that you were, in fact, a CSA With on-the-job training on tions (and testing supplies) are provided by retiree, and they have corrected your coding. hold during the pandemic, one your basic health plan (in your case, GHI- We have sent out one additional batch of teacher’s love for do-it-yourself CBP) under yet another New York State checks to about 30 of your colleagues who projects turned into teaching Ensuring mandate. In order to get diabetic medications were in the same situation, and you should furniture refinishing to students. and testing supplies, go to any pharmacy have received your check by now. The teacher asked for old fur- Members and show your GHI card. The benefits are niture through Facebook and subsequently launched Skill-ful Are In The provided through Express Scripts group G3A, The staff of the Welfare Fund and I wish you all Designs. To date, students have and you will only have to pay a small co-pay- a happy, healthy (and for our active members, refinished desks, dressers, coffee System ment. relaxing) summer. We will be here all summer and end tables, learning sanding, • • • ready and able to answer any questions you may painting, and waxing skills in the Properly have. process. (WXYZ) uestion: I am a Medicare-eligible Department of Education retiree. I Dr. Douglas V. Hathaway is CSA Welfare Fund — Compiled by Christine Altman am in the GHI Senior Care health Administrator. You can email him at dhatha- Qplan, and pay for the optional bene- [email protected]. June 2021 CSA NEWS 7

PRINCIPAL FELLOWSHIP Excellence, Transformation And Someone To Lean On cation,” she continued. “Moving to principal, it’s so easy to lose that. I had inherited school data that was below the mark. Students and staff didn’t feel as though they belonged. Every stakeholder must feel they belong. We surveyed our community throughout the year: At the beginning there was a 30 percent sense of belonging. Now it’s over 70 percent. In the midst of a pandemic, there have been stronger connections made this year than ever before. That grew out of this program 100 percent. I have been able to take what I learned and put many things in motion at the school that are really having an impact.” Roshone Ault-Lee, founding prin- cipal of the South Bronx Academy for Applied Media/MS 296, already had a concrete idea about what she wanted to achieve at her school: A shift, as much as is possible in today’s climate, away from obsessive focus on test scores and other numerical evaluations, to more of an emphasis on projects, n The Gray Fellowship cohort of 2021: Meaningful change comes from within. leading to a broader mastery of subjects and skills. BY CHUCK WILBANKS year, despite the pandemic, 19 princi- “I was looking for a transformative “Pre Covid, there was a lot of atten- pals graduated. Last year there were 20. experience,” said Jeneca Parker, prin- tion to schools being held account- evin Froner, principal of The program’s third cohort begins its cipal of PS 180 in Manhattan and a able, with a huge focus on numbers. Manhattan Hunter Science work in July. member of this year’s cohort. “There It would reduce children to a ‘level High School, and Noah “We are getting them out of the have been many fellowships that I’ve one,’ ‘level two,’ and so forth. We used Angeles, principal of York monkey suits they are in,” said Dr. been a part of, but, by far, this is the to have a huge emphasis on the test Early College Academy in Angeles, the day after this year’s grad- one that will stand out above all oth- when testing time would come around. KQueens, took remarkably different uation. “The bonds that have formed ers. I’ve never felt such freedom and Children would think they had to get paths before settling into their calling. in these two cohorts are unbreakable. support to do things to move the nee- a particular score. When I look back on Friends since their early childhoods in This group was particularly special dle. It’s run by New York City princi- that, I think it was the wrong approach Queens, Dr. Froner went to work on -- during a pandemic, if you didn’t do pals for New York City principals, and -- all the pressure for a score, rather Wall Street, while Dr. Angeles served as anything but focus on your school, that alone is a game changer.” than the mastery. We aren’t abandon- ing the standards, but we’re using them a soldier in the Army during Operation that would have been OK. It wasn’t the • • • Iraqi Freedom. The two men stayed in time to take on something new. But as a guide to what we need to teach touch all their lives, and as they pur- these principals did, and they focused s. Parker had been an AP in them. We need to get to the root cause sued their careers as educators, they on launching new projects. Our main District 75 for five years, and of why they’re not performing at the came to lean on each other more and thought was, ‘If you want to transform has now been principal of her level they need to. We’re not reducing M children to a number.” more, talking every morning by phone your school, you have to transform school for four years. “I gained insight on their way to work. yourself.’” about how individuals perceive me, • • • “We would start our conversations With a focus on a principal’s and more awareness about my leader- with, ‘How are you going to change the internal growth prompting profound ship style -- from APs, parents, family, ne example she has instituted: world today?’,” Dr. Angeles said. “We change in their school, the course and friends,” she said. “I have never Rather than having students would talk not only about our schools, in part utilizes teachings of Otto had that type of data before. Reading Owith the highest GPAs speak but the outside stuff, like our health Scharmer, an MIT Sloan School of narrative feedback, I learned about as valedictorian and salutatorian, her and our families. We were helping each Management professor, who advocates areas that are my strengths and things school now taps kids who are excelling other by talking about who we are, what he calls “awareness-based systems people saw in me that I didn’t know in other areas, such as in student gov- things that were getting in the way, change.” Each group kicks off its year about, blank spots that I didn’t realize ernment. sharing feelings and situations that we with an outdoor experience upstate, needed work. With such clearly defined goals for faced. If I’m having issues with my wife complete with rope courses and walks “One fact that came out was that I how she wanted her school to evolve, and kids, and then I have to show up in the woods. needed more one-on-one communi- how did the Gray Fellowship help her? and lead a school –you need someone “It helped me visualize specific to talk to. That helped us become bet- moves, and consider my blind spots,” ter principals.” she said. “Various exercises helped Both of their schools are highly me get creative. I tell people it helped effective, and they realized that the me come up to the balcony, and look ideas and support they shared with down on the dance floor. What’s really each other had played a huge role in going on here? Who are the play- that success. They began to envision a ers and how are we going to do this formal program, a space where princi- together?” pals could talk about personal and pro- Another cohort member, Lorrie fessional challenges, form lasting rela- Brown, principal of Port Richmond tionships with one another, and at the School for Visionary Learning, noted same time, create a year-long project that after one assignment -- a mindful to transform their schools. Three years walk in nature -- the group chose as its ago, they began discussing with Hunter mascot the cardinal. College School of Education the idea of “The cardinal, for many people, is a creating a program to do just that. spiritual symbol, representing rebirth, The result, the Gray Fellowship and transformation in general,” she for Principal Excellence, is a one-year said. “That brought us together. It program through Hunter College. The reminds us that we aren’t alone, that we are here together.” second cohort graduated in May. This Dr. Kevin Froner Dr. Noah Angeles 8 CSA NEWS June 2021

High School, passed away after a valiant, this program students gained experience In Memoriam two-year battle with cancer. Mrs. Pollari both in both sailing and collecting live spec- was born Lisa Caruana in Brooklyn. She imens for further studies in the science lab- ALDO ARCOMANO, 91, died March 10. graduated from Tottenville High School oratory. Joan retired from her position at He lived in Queens. Mr. Arcomano grew up on Staten Island, before going on to earn Beach Channel in 2001. In retirement, she in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn and graduated a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the worked for superintendents and principals from New Utrecht High School. He earned College of Staten Island, where she also as a consultant in curriculum and instruc- a bachelor’s degree in art in 1951 from earned her administrative certification, said tion. She was co-author, with her husband Brooklyn College where he won awards and her husband, Francesco (Angelo) Pollari. Carl Raab, of a trade book entitled “The studied with artists including Mark Rothko, The couple married in 1997. The family has Student Biologist Explores Genetics.“ She Ad Reinhardt, Burgoyne Diller and Robert lived in the Tottenville community of Staten and her husband were founding members Jay Wolf. He completed a master’s degree Island since 2002, said her husband, a for- of the Science Council of New York City in art and art education in 1953. On a trip mer Wall Street employee who now owns (SCONYC), an organization that sponsors to Italy to learn the art of the Renaissance, his own pain management business.After professional development activities and he traveled to Caltanissetta, Sicily where he a stint working with local politicians, Mrs. conferences for science teachers. Memorial met his future wife, Giuseppa. She died in Pollari began her career as a teacher at New donations can be made to Weill Cornell 1958, leaving her husband with three very Dorp High School on Staten Island, before Medical College, specifying the Joan Raab young children. He and his children moved transferring to Tottenville High. She worked Brain Cancer Research Fund in your note, back into Mr. Arcomano’s family home. in the classroom there for two or three years and sent to: Christophe Larroque, Weill Mr. Arcomano worked as a classroom art before being appointed assistant principal Cornell Medicine, Office of External Affairs, teacher for more than 30 years. He closed Larry D. Gabbard of social studies at Port Richmond High 1300 York Avenue, Box 314, New York, NY out his career as the last art supervisor in School, a position she held for more than 10065. the New York City school system. After his 20 years. She worked for three principals MIRIAM RIVAS, 64, principal of three children were grown, Mr. Arcomano with a bachelor’s degree in English and at the school— Robert Graham, Timothy Bronx Health Sciences High School in the met and married Dora Arcomano. He is sur- telecommunications. After a few years in Gannon and Andrew Greenfield. “Lisa was Baychester neighborhood of the Bronx, died vived by Mrs. Arcomano and his three chil- Chicago, Mr. Gabbard moved to New York a South Shore girl with a North Shore heart. May 8. According to Maudi Rodriguez, assis- dren. “It is a tribute to Aldo’s love and caring City where he worked in the corporate sec- She was a Raider through and through,” said tant principal of the school, the cause was that the children became Pina Arcomano tor before returning to school in search of a Mr. Greenfield, who described her as “one heart disease. Ms. Rivas had been principal Britton, Ed.D.; Anthony Arcomano, D.D.S., new career. Mr. Gabbard was accepted into of my right-hand people.” “Every decision of the school since she and Ms. Rodriguez and Michael Arcomano, M.D.,” reads an obit- the New York Teaching Fellows program Lisa made as a leader was about kids. What opened it in 2004. It was the only “small” uary prepared by his family. “We could not and earned a master’s degree in educa- is best for the kids? How will this impact school, with a student body of just 329 have asked for a more loving and extraor- tion at Lehman College before starting to dinary husband, father, grandfather, and work for the DOE teaching sixth grade. He great-grandfather.” went on to become an assistant principal RUTH BALLABON, 80, a resident of and earned a second master’s degree from Fresh Meadows in Queens, NY, died March Columbia University Teacher’s College. 15. Mrs. Ballabon was born Ruth Distenfeld He was also a 2017 Cahn Fellow. Mather, a in Lviv, Poland, in March, 1940. Her place Career a CTE school for specialized build- of birth is now part of Ukraine. After a ing arts and landscape trades, focused on harrowing early childhood in which she high-quality craftsmanship and historic was hidden by her biological parents, preservation. Mr. Gabbard and his husband then separated from her adoptive par- Tony Bellomy married in 2012. They moved ents before being reunited with them at to Connecticut, where Mr. Gabbard became the age of 4-1/2, Mrs. Ballabon and her involved in community theatre. In recent adoptive mother (her aunt) and father years, he acted in, sang in, and directed made their way to the United States in many productions at places like Curtain 1947, settling in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Call in Stamford, CT; Town Players of New Mrs. Ballabon graduated from The Ramaz Canaan, CT; Antrim Playhouse in Suffern, School in Manhattan. She earned a bach- NY, and Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY, elor’s degree from Queens College and a where he also served on the company’s Lisa Pollari Miriam Rivas master’s degree in educational psychology, board of directors. “Larry had a unique abil- also from Queens College. Mrs. Ballabon met ity to inspire the people around him to be her husband, Maurice Ballabon, in 1959 at a the best they could be in a given moment, temple in Forest Hills, Queens, and married and then to push them to be even better in and improve the kids?” At the time of her this year, opened in Truman High School. in 1960. She began her career as a special the next moment,” said Mr. Bellomy. “Never death, she was still teaching a class every Elizabeth Martinez, Ms. Rivas’ niece, said education teacher at a public elementary settle, and never stop loving -- this is Larry day. “Lisa Pollari gave back more than she her aunt was born in Puerto Rico in 1957 school near Queens College, her husband Gabbard in six words.” In addition to Mr. ever took,” said Vincent Medugno, a teacher and came to the Bronx as a child with her said. She moved on to serve as a Resource Bellomy, Mr. Gabbard is survived by his par- and coordinator for student activities at at family. She lived in the Riverdale section of Room teacher, before becoming a trainer ents, Lynn L. Holtegel (Rozin) and Larry W. Port Richmond. “She was a role model for the borough at the time of her death. Ms. for Resource Room teachers. She was reas- Gabbard; four sisters, Amy Schibi, Kim Piche, her students, and was a mother to mother- Rivas graduated from the former Theodore signed as an educational evaluator, and Goldyelynn Clark, and Kim Carr. less kids in the school. “She was a remark- Roosevelt High School in the Bronx, and able human being. She taught me how to became a supervisor of education evalua- CHARLES J. LANGJAHR, 91, died May 7. received a BA in education at City College in die peacefully, humbly and gracefully.” tors before being appointed assistant chair He lived in Boynton Beach, Fla. Mr. Langjahr, Manhattan and a master’s degree in educa- In addition to her work as a teacher and of the Committee on Special Education for who played trumpet and piano and also tional leadership from Fordham University. AP, Mrs. Pollari facilitated the Junior ROTC District 24, a position from which she retired composed music, was born in the Chicago She began her career as a middle school program at Port Richmond, which is affili- in 2003. All her work for the DOE was done area, said his daughter Janet Langjahr. An teacher at two schools before transferring ated with the US Army, and also supported in Districts 24, 25 and 26 in Queens, said her aspiring performer in his youth, Mr. Langjar to DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, a number of charitable causes through husband. After she retired, Mrs. Ballabon moved to New York City for more opportu- where she was a biology teacher. She also the school, including autism awareness, was hired by a pre-school for students with nity. He settled in Brooklyn. Mr. Langjahr headed up the animal science program Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, and cancer minor disabilities, Positive Beginnings, in earned a master’s level degree from the at the school, where Ms. Rodriguez met research. “She believed service and citizen- Middle Village, Queens, where she served Manhattan School of Music, and took a job her in 1997. They remained friends and ship started at the high-school age,” said Mr. as principal until December 2020. She was as a music teacher with the DOE. He later colleagues ever since. Ms. Rivas was then Medugno. Mrs. Pollari was also active in the still helping out at the school, when asked, worked as a guidance counselor before appointed an assistant principal of science CSA. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Pollari at the time of her death. Her husband said being appointed an assistant principal at PS at Christopher Columbus High School in the is survived by her parents, Joseph and Janet she was drawn to special-needs youngsters 312 (the Bergen Beach School) in Brooklyn. Pelham Parkway section of the Bronx, where Caruana; her brother, Michael Caruana, and because “she saw a chance of giving more He was later named principal there, a post Ms. Rodriguez had transferred and taught her two sons, AJ, 16, a junior at Tottenville of herself. She thought these people needed from which he retired in 1991. Mr. Langjahr chemistry. Ms. Rivas accepted the position High School, and Dominick, 13, an eighth- it more,” he said. Recent letters from col- served in the Army during the Korean War of principal at Bronx Health Sciences High grader at IS 34 in Tottenville. leagues described her “sense of fairness and from 1951 until his discharge in 1953. He School in 2004, and Ms. Rodriguez joined justice” and that she was “universally loved met his future wife, also a trumpet player, JOAN RAAB, 76, died April 7. She her there as assistant principal when the and respected.” “She touched so many in a Harlem nightclub where the two had was born and raised in East Flatbush and school opened that year. Ms. Rivas was lives,” wrote another. In addition to her hus- gone separately to see a performance. They attended Erasmus Hall High School. She actively employed at the time of her death. band, Mrs. Ballabon is survived by the cou- married in 1951. His daughter said that her went on to earn her BA and MA in Biology “She was a respected woman, a hard-work- ple’s son, Jeffrey Ballabon; their daughter, mother and father shared a love of music, and Education from Brooklyn College ing woman, feisty and a loyal friend,” said Miriam Greenberg; 10 grandchildren and fine art photography, and the arts in gen- and then her MEd in Supervision and her niece. “She was the matriarch of the eight great-grandchildren. eral. The couple moved to Florida full-time Administration from Teachers College at family.” Ms. Rodriguez said her friend was LARRY D. GABBARD, 50, a resident of around 1998, she said. “He was always a Columbia University. She began her career “dedicated, hard-working and loved by Norwalk, CT, died April 25. At the time of teacher, until the end of his life. He enjoyed as a Biology and General Science teacher many.” In addition to Ms. Martinez, Ms. his death, Mr. Gabbard was the principal sharing techniques that he used” said his at Samuel J Tilden High School and then Rivas is survived by another niece, Vivian; a of the Stephen T. Mather Building Arts and daughter. Mr. Langjahr’s wife, predeceased became the Assistant Principal of Science nephew, Angel Martinez, and a grand-niece, Craftsmanship High School in Manhattan, him in 2008. The couple’s son, Eric Langjahr, and Marine Science at Beach Channel Olivia. which he founded in 2011 in partnership also predeceased him, in 2004. High School where she taught, supervised Science Teachers and developed a summer with the National Park Service. Mr. Gabbard LISA POLLARI, 49, died May 19. She Send obituary notices to CSA News recreational and instruction program in was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., and grad- lived in Staten Island. Mrs. Pollari, a long- Editor Chuck Wilbanks at chuck@csa-nyc. Marine Science and Oceanography. Through uated from Indiana University in 1993 time assistant principal at Port Richmond org. June 2021 CSA NEWS 9 Nonfiction And Poetry On Former Bronx Principal Is Education, Labor And Love New Denver teven Askinazi has written practices can serve as a roadmap to small New York publishing house that a memoir of his 21 years the resolution of many of the issues provides a wide offering of books of as principal of Manhattan facing our schools today.” interest to anyone who cares about Superintendent Center For Science and organized labor and social justice. Mathematics in East Harlem, Music, Nature and Verse One of the books Hardball published BY CSA NEWS STAFF Swhere he first worked as a teacher and Retired AP Victor Barranca has early in the COVID lockdown was then an AP. Digging Deep, Aiming High published a book of poetry. My Music: Pandemic Nurse Diary, an oral history Former CSA mem- - An Educator’s Lifelong Quest to Put In Verse, is a volume of “sonnets, told by an anonymous, veteran crit- ber Alex Marrero Kids First recounts how, in his words, monologues, and other writings that ical care nurse working in one of the was named superin- he sought to reject mediocrity and use a contemporary idiom to explore city’s large, dilapidated hospitals serv- tendent of Denver encourage all students to succeed. nature, love, and current events,” ing poor residents. Public Schools on “We recognized early on that the the author says. The poems “explore The book chronicles her experi- May 26. The former bureaucracy in the largest school system the awe of love and nature as well as ences starting in January, 2020, when principal of IS 254 in the nation would prevent us from the first reports of a “novel virus” in the fear of dangerous politics within Alex Morrero in the Bronx, Mr. being able to provide the necessary tools classical and experimental forms of China cause her concern, to the first Marrero, 38, is cur- to be truly successful,” he said. verse.” My Music: In Verse is published cases trickling in to her hospital, to rently the Interim Superintendent at City His solution incorporated ele- by Archway Publishing. the avalanche of patients that soon School District of New Rochelle. ments familiar to successful school overwhelmed her and her cowork- The Denver public school system has leaders today: He sought out pub- A Nurse’s Covid Diary ers as they fought to save lives and more than 92,000 students and 14,000 lic and private partnerships, while Veteran nurse and labor organizer remain alive themselves. employees. He described his new job as “a assembling a team of “trailblazers” Tim Sheard runs Hardball Press, a “The aging infrastructure, inad- dream come true.” “I hope to retire from who worked closely with students equate supplies and lack of bold, here,” he said. and parents. effective response to the pan- Mr. Marrero was a graduate of the “We are living in a very demic all come to light in her Executive Leadership Institute’s Advanced explosive time when funding diary,” Mr. Sheard says. “But Leadership Program for Aspiring for public education, deseg- the stories are not all sad or Principals, or ALPAP, and has been an regation, the privatization tragic. There are moments of active member of the Association of of schools, the role of law triumph and precious expres- Dominican Americans Supervisors and enforcement, and controver- sions of humor. And through Administrators, where he was awarded for sies regarding diversity, equity it all runs the solidarity and his leadership accomplishments. and inclusion have become courage of the hospital work- “Alex is a great father and a great educa- politicized,” Mr. Askinazi said. ers who, like the many other tor,” said CSA Executive Vice President Henry “My hope is this book will essential workers in schools, Rubio. “He ran a good school and mentored provide you with an exam- the NYC transit system and ination of the ways in which grocery shops, ventured back many other members in his district. Denver our team dealt with these day after day, night after Public Schools made a great hire. He is going problems, and that our best night, to fight a costly battle.” to be a great superintendent.”

Rosemarie From 40 Rector Street Sinclair Little Movement As DOE Faces School Safety Change

n order to learn, students must obvi- progress. In February, I offered testimony the president of Local 237, Gregory Floyd, ously feel valued, respected and safe. at a city council hearing on matters of shared his union’s concerns and indicated The health, welfare and safety of stu- school safety to insist once again that the that the city has not had any serious discus- dents is every educator’s highest pri- city begin to plan with all stakeholders as sions with their union leadership thus far, ority. So, last summer, our union had soon as possible. We know school leaders raising doubts for him whether this transi- Iserious concerns when the city decided to still have many questions, and we have tion will even occur, particularly given that transition the oversight of the School Safety diligently tried to get answers. What will we will have a new mayor at that time. Division from the NYPD to the DOE in the the role of the principal be in the hiring, wake of the civil unrest after the murder supervision, and evaluation of school safety • • • of George Floyd. As the city council urged personnel? What is the plan for ongoing hough many questions remain, we training, and staffing? Will there be new will of course continue to partner protocols? Under what circumstances will Twith the NYPD and DOE to support police involvement be warranted and how schools, and we are committed to ensuring We are concerned that will the DOE coordinate and maintain a that any transition is implemented success- Safety Of the DOE isn’t developing working relationship with the NYPD? What fully for the benefit of school communities. assurances do we have that the number of According to the city, the transition will Students plans quickly enough to safety agents assigned to each school is ade- still end July 2022 and will obviously be a quate? What will be the process for securing functional transition where the vital work Is Our meet their own deadline substitutes? Are there plans to add addi- of school safety agents will continue as it tional support? The one meeting we had on unfolds. We continue to have our monthly Highest of July, 2022 this subject earlier this month provided no safety meetings with the School Safety evidence that the DOE has a strong com- Division and other stakeholders where our Priority mand of this daunting transition, and we union’s leadership and members give voice the mayor to announce the change, we are concerned that they are not developing to our essential perspectives. Throughout immediately shared that we were opposed plans quickly enough to meet their own the summer and next year, we will maintain to the idea. This oversight was taken from deadline of July, 2022. our seat at the table so that we can help the DOE over 20 years ago due to its inabil- Obviously, these are questions that con- ensure the safety and well-being of those our ity to manage the unit, and our union felt cern families as well, and the Community members serve. And we know that they will there was no reason to believe that the DOE Education Council in District 16 recently continue to do everything in their power to is better positioned today to take on this held a town hall meeting, and I served as a monitor and improve safety procedures and responsibility. member of the panel. DOE representatives protocols in their schools to create optimal Ultimately, though, it was the mayor’s who attended gave a brief overview and learning conditions for all students. decision, and last July he announced a two- only shared general information about the year transition. Unfortunately, nearly a year committees they have set up to help plan Rosemarie Sinclair is First Vice President at has passed, and there are still no signs of the transition. At that virtual meeting, CSA. 10 CSA NEWS June 2021 RETIREE Chapter CHAIR’S MESSAGE Gayle Lockett Count The Blessings s of May 22, over 129 mil- lion Americans had been fully vaccinated, approx- imately 38 percent of the country. Hopefully we Awill reach President Biden’s goal of 70 percent of the population having had at least one vaccination. Meanwhile, we have been told that those of us who are vaccinated can safely go without masks, and return to a normal life, meeting with friends and relatives and resuming our previous lives as much as that is possible. Some of us are already planning reunions and trips for the fall and winter. Nevertheless, I urge you to use discretion. Keep in mind that even with being vaccinated, we can still get the virus. And we must still pay attention to the news over the summer – it has not been decided yet if we need a booster shot after five or six months after being vaccinated. Kudos to all the regional unit leaders, assistant leaders and executive board members for the yeoman’s work they have done by keeping members informed during this difficult year. A special thank you goes out to CSA President Mark Cannizzaro, who during his busy day made it a point to join many of the units’ Zoom meetings to speak to us on union updates, espe- cially regarding the in-service members’ plight. Mr. Cannizzaro was appreciative of the retirees for their helpfulness and support for the in-service members and the union. Also, kudos to Welfare Fund Administrator Dr. Douglas Saluting Legendary Unionist Hathaway who spoke at many regional units and was able to answer many questions regarding the negotiations over the n Jim Mehlman, one of CSA’s ‘Founding Fathers,’ passed away in March. (See obituary in the May, Medicare Advantage Plan. If you missed a presentation, Dr. 2021 issue of CSA News.) Friends and colleagues have sent in several of their own memorials, and we Hathaway has posted a session on the Welfare Fund website. have published them on our web page, at www.csa-nyc.org/mehlman/. In the photograph above, Mr. Also, for those who receive Medicare and are eligible, the IRMAA Mehlman is seen holding a sign during a labor action during the years when Ed Koch was mayor. The form is posted. photograph, reproduced in large format, graces the wall of CSA’s headquarters. Thank you to RC Director Mark Brodsky for setting up the Zoom sessions for many of the units, and to Educational/ Cultural Coordinators Lucie Elio, Ana Maldonado and Patricia Mack. They provided informative and delightful Zoom classes and events that kept many of us focused and connected to oth- From DOE: Broken Promise ers. Thanks to Steve Porter who advised units about their bud- gets and to the RC political liaison Mitra Lutchman, who kept us politically informed and focused. Despite the pandemic that disrupted our lives, let us remem- On Lump Sum Payment ber how fortunate we are to be part of this union. As retirees with a defined pension, we have done well economically. Continued from Page 1 program iLearnNYC. “I was expecting to see • • • and the second November 2021. my retro check deposited, but it wasn’t. If ave a marvelous summer and remember to inform the But while active members have received I were active, I wouldn’t have had an issue Retiree Chapter and the Welfare Fund if you changed the money owed them, those who have with my retro check. But when you’re retired, your email address, home address and telephone num- retired recently have been stiffed. you’re dead to them. There is no one to talk H “CSA came to the table in good faith, to at DOE, and nobody is answering their bers. Important updates will be sent to you by email. If you know a colleague who does not use email on a regular basis, trying to help the city through an uncertain phones anyway. I wonder, how did I fall off please call them to keep them informed. Also, check CSA’s web- time,” said Dale Kelly, CSA’s grievance direc- the radar like that? Did someone just push a site for current news. tor, who on May 7 filed a grievance for the button? Oct. 1 was my retirement date, and On behalf of myself and RC Officers Joseph Rosenberg, John missing payment with the DOE’s Office of on Oct. 2, I had no more email. They killed Oricchio, Stanley Wilson and Janice Imundi, RC Director Mark Labor Relations. “To then hang on to people’s my profile. They just cut me off. The only Brodsky, Special VP for the RC Nancy Russo and the RC Executive hard-earned retroactive payments is uncon- people you can contact are at CSA.” Board, we wish you have a happy, safe and memorable summer. scionable. It’s simply wrong not to make “I gave all my years to the system, and I’m these retirees whole immediately.” a hard worker,” she added. “There doesn’t In Unity, In some cases, retirees report serious rami- seem to be any loyalty.” Gayle Lockett fications stemming from the broken promise, Nilda Kraft, also a retired EA, shared Ms. since they had budgeted on the assumption Bracco’s sentiments, and is grateful that CSA that the payment would be made. For exam- is pushing the city to address this wrong. ple, one recent retiree had a hospital stay that “I managed to buy a townhouse when I has resulted in a pile of bills and no immedi- retired, but it needs work,” she said. “I was ate way to pay. counting on that retro check to start the ren- “When you retire, you expect things to ovations. I worked very hard – everyone who work the way they should,” said Winnie earned it deserves it. Bracco, a retired EA who was the executive “I was happy when Mr. Cannizzaro said, director of the remote and online learning “Grieve!” June 2021 CSA NEWS 11 Letter RC Regional Units Voting Records Available Reform, COVID Relief, Protection of Health Care and Emergency Housing. A To the Editor: Thanks to CSA and comparison of states’ votes is eye-open- LONG ISLAND MID ATLANTIC ing! The 2022 Congressional elections AFSA, we are all members of the Alliance The Unit held its annual spring gen- have already started, and it is essential Our next meeting will be June 16 at For Retired Americans. One of the high- eral membership meeting via Zoom that we be aware of the records of our noon. The guest speaker, Steve Kramer, lights of this membership is receiving on May 11. Many thanks to Mark representatives, as we prepare for next will give an overview of the new CSA the organization’s “Congressional Brodsky and Gayle Lockett for speak- year’s elections. I urge you to get the Legal Service Plan. Our next newslet- Voting Record,” published April 30. In ing to our members. Our guest speaker, Voting Record that is vital to American ter will be published in September. We it you will find reports on the voting Barry Klitzberg, treated participants retirees by emailing retiredamericans.org welcome members to submit an article, record of every member of Congress and to a detailed presentation regarding and requesting the 116th Congress, 2nd poem, or brief blurb with details about their “Pro Retiree” score, up to 100. The Medicare. He shared what we should Session. an accomplishment or milestone. Send Senate Votes section deals with issues all know prior to eligibility and what as a Word document (1 picture accepted) such as paid leave, health tax repeal, –Donald Singer to expect once we have Medicare insur- to [email protected], no later Supreme Court confirmations, and the Mr. Singer, former president of CSA, is a ance. We encourage all members to visit than June 30. Please note that your sub- Affordable Care Act. The House Votes Board member of NY and Florida Chapters our website at csaliretirees.com. The mission may be slightly edited. We wish deal with issues such as Postal Pension of the Alliance For Retired Americans website provides informational updates everyone a safe, healthy and enjoyable as well as the unit’s newsletters. In addi- summer and look forward to seeing you tion, our May and June virtual activities in the fall. During summer, feel free to are outlined with dates, times and how contact unit leader, Rajinder Kaur, at 2020 IRMAA Application to participate. They include, Current rkcsa11@gmail or (516) 343-9328. Events, Chair Yoga, Simply Aerobics and —Debra Brown Tai Chi. All classes are free of charge and The 2020 IRMAA application is now available. You can download the form provide an opportunity for all of us to from the CSA Welfare Fund website, www.csawf.org. Include the following in virtually interact with colleagues. If you SOUTHWEST your request for 2020 IRMAA: would like to become a member of the 1. A completed reimbursement request application. Be sure to check off Warm weather is here. For those in unit, please download a member appli- 2020 and sign and date the application. If your spouse/domestic partner is Arizona, please stay hydrated. To mem- cation from our website at csaliretirees. your dependent, be sure to complete the Eligible Spouse/Dependent section bers who escape the heat, please stay safe com or, if you are already a member and of the application. If your spouse/domestic partner is also a NYC retiree and and well. Thank you to all who paid 2021 need to update your email and contact has a separate NYC health plan, then she/he has to submit a separate reim- dues. Members who have not submit- information, please email csalongislan- bursement request application. ted their $15 check, kindly remit imme- [email protected]. 2. The November 2019 Social Security Award letter. This is the annual diately. Only paid-up members receive —Karla Landesman Marrero letter that tells you how much Social Security you will be receiving the fol- additional benefits afforded members lowing year (in this case 2020) & your Medicare Part B & D premiums. paid in full for the year! Questions or con- 3. The Social Security 1099 for 2020. If you went on Medicare during cerns should be addressed to: Stef Thier 2020, you are entitled to a pro-rated 2020 IRMAA reimbursement. For those BRONX at [email protected]. All correspondence should be sent to: Stef Thier, 17850 N 68 of you who cannot send the forms in electronically, as OLR requests, you We are in the midst of a new day as St., Unit 3124, Phoenix, AZ 85054. Thank can continue to submit the forms to CSA at 40 Rector St., 12th floor, New our city renews itself. We’ve confirmed you and enjoy the summer. York, NY 10006. most of our dates for the remainder of —Stef Thier the year: Our End of the Year Virtual Meeting will be June 17 with a Tour of the Bronx by Art/Susan Zuckerman. On MANHATTAN Sept. 29, we will have our virtual fall general membership meeting. Attorney We are collecting dues for the 2021- Zoom Classes On Deck Steve Kramer will give us a comprehen- 22 year which goes from May 1, 2021 to sive overview of our legal benefits from April 30, 2022. Dues are still only $15. If BY LUCIE ELIO Feldman, Kramer and Monaco Law Firm. you have not yet done so, please send a It will be a two-part presentation on Oct. check to “Manhattan Unit-CSARC.” Mail We offer the following virtual classes and lectures to members, free, 6 and Oct. 13. More details will follow to: Stanley H Wilson, 400 East 56 St., 8M, except for the last three. To register, email [email protected]. List in our newsletter to be mailed shortly. New York NY 10022. Thanks so much. the event, including class/ lecture’s title, your name, email and phone. Note: Our unit would like to give a heartfelt — Stanley Wilson The Educational/Cultural Program will not offer any virtual presentations in thank you to Dr. Douglas Hathaway for August, but resumes in September. an informative presentation of the pro- SOUTHEAST FLORIDA posed Medicare Advantage Plan. Bronx 7/1 – Yankee Doodle Dandy – Sal St. George – 1:00 County District Attorney, Darcel Clark With great sadness, we mourn the 7/8 – Prospect Park – A & S Zuckerman – 1:00 gave an excellent overview about our passing of Joseph (Jim) Mehlman, unit 7/12 – Jones Beach- Dr. Ron Brown- 1:00 beloved Bronx and its upcoming activi- founder and lifelong executive board 7/14 – Books & Bagels – Beth Peller - 10:30 ties to ensure equality in our community. member. When I assumed the role of 7/15 – Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Licet Valois 1:00 DA Clark’s illuminating presence as our unit leader, Jim was my mentor. He will 7/19 – Galapagos: Darwin’s Enchanted Islands – Eco-photo Explorers – 1:00 guest speaker was delightful. Upcoming be missed by all of us. On May 19th, 7/26 – Art Exhibit - Retiree Members -TBD events from the Bronx Community 2021 a Zoom presentation was made Affairs Unit will be shared with you via to all unit members on the legal bene- email. Remember to renew your mem- fits plan provided by the union. It was bership by sending in your $15. annual extremely informative. Check our web- dues. You can always contact me with site: csasouthflorida.com for our newslet- Welcome New Members any questions: [email protected]. ter, forms, health info, photos and more. —Sharon D. Thompson — Lois Turetzky

Myrtle Adams Alan Faulkner Renee Pollack Lynette Alexander Marita Franzman Marilyn Reid Carmen Asselta Vincenza Gallassio Nakoley Renville New Cost-Of-Living (COLA) Bills Douglas Avila Deena Goldstein-Cohen John Sasko Karen Bailey Shelley Greene Phyllis Schweiger NYS Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for COLA Mitchel Berk Liset Issac Andrea Schweiger two important bills recently in Albany. CSA benefits from no more than 3 percent and supports both. First, S. 5631, would guard no less than 1 percent of CPI to no more Debra D’Ann Blackwell Marcia Halperin Carron Staple benefits enjoyed by surviving spouses than 5 percent and no less than 1 percent Lorraine Boyhan Gregory Jacobs Rosemary Stuart of CSA members. Current law limits the of CPI. The caps placed on COLA-covered Genie Calibar Warren James Jr. Veronica Tenny amount of Cost of Living Adjuistment a benefits erode the retirement income of Paul Cannon Dawn Johannes-Cerrone Carmen Toledo surviving spouse may receive. A COLA is those affected retirees over time. In partic- Kerry Castellano Irwin Kaufman Thomasina Vignogna limited to spouses entitled to a survivor’s ular, medical costs have risen at a rate far Richard Cohen Anthony Lodico Sheryl Watkins benefit under an option selected by the in excess of the consumer price index (CPI). Carmen Colon-Montes Demosthenes Lyriotakis David Weissman retiree. Currently, surviving spouses may Passage of this bill will help ensure that de Oca Varleton McDonald Rosemarie Wilberg only receive 50 percent of the COLA ben- public retirees and their surviving spouses Katherine Corso Rosa Nieves Greene Beverly Wilkins efit that the deceased retiree received. This may sustain a dignified and secure retire- Karina Costantino Maureen O’Hara Tuwanna Williams Gray bill would increase COLA payable to eligible ment and allow them to continue to con- Marilyn Custodio Rosa Perez Leonetti Leonard Wolff surviving spouses to the full amount. tribute effectively to the long-term health Lenore DiLeo-Berner Marcelle Phillip Hughley Jacqueline Zaretsky Another bill by Gounardes, S.6030-A, of our economy. Both bills are currently Marsha Elliott Marco Pietrangelo would increase the maximum percentage before committee. saying thedesign “madehisday.”For Karim wrote. Garciarespondedby should be happy the way they bloom,” meaning of the shoeis‘Everyone thoughtful colors and patterns. “The so Karimdesignedherownshoes with used designtoencourageself esteem, was inspiredbyhowBobbito Garcia City ofNewYork.Nusaibah Karim style, hostedbytheMuseumof Mr. Garciaonbasketballsoundsand Karim attended a presentation by he inspired.SixthgraderNusaibah teacher sentGarciathesneakerdesign Bobbito Garciaafterherscience caught theattentionofdesigner Health SciencesSecondarySchool Way TheyBloom” Should BeHappyThe And Style:“Everyone Designer’s Sounds Student InspiredBy S Queens Gateway to A studentatQueensGatewayto A Pandemic Singing Through “Through artwereallyseehowtheyfeel.” finding theappropriatewords,”Ms.Herrerasaid. times Ithinkteenagersingeneralstrugglewith tual spaceforstudentstosharetheirwork.“Often for thepandemic,Herrerasaidtheycreatedavir- process andreflect.”Whenthebuildingclosed Herrera, sostudentshavethefreedomto“think, There’s nostrictcurriculum,saidPrincipalMaria movement, climatechangeandpolicebrutality. current eventsincludingtheBlackLivesMatter themselves. Student’spieceshavereflectedon ulum andofferstudentsanoutlettoexpress Varadan, tocomplementtheirequitycurric- the advancedstudioartclass,taughtbySailesh Principal MariaHerrerasaidtheschoolcreated Queens ining social justice through their artwork. ining socialjusticethroughtheirartwork. Musical TheaterandtheArtsareexam- tudents atRenaissanceHighSchoolfor Bronx JUNE 2021 Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper (DIST. (DIST. 24-30) (DIST.

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recently recognizedbytheNYC Revamping Libraries The Staten Island Principal Jennifer Logan was Schools Bobbito Garcia. attention ofdesigner shoe designcaughtthe dent NusaibahKarim’s Secondary Schoolstu- To HealthSciences n QueensGateway (D-31) Emma KateFittes Compiled by endless,” Ms.Logansaid. children toseethatthepossibilities are wait list for popular authors. “We want surged. Some classrooms had to start a ings. Asaresult,interestinreadinghas events, suchastheAtlantaspashoot- such as deportation, or significant tions withstudentsabouttheirfears, allowed teacherstoopenupconversa- options. Someofthenewoptions ate virtualbookshelveswithsimilar the building,teachersworkedtocre- Logan said.WhenCOVID19closed more than1,000newbooks,Ms. classroom library.Eachroomreceived the books, then organized their new and themes.Studentshelpedchoose resent more diverse authors, characters revamp eachclassroom’slibrarytorep- Logan began targeting resources to Vierno School ulum atPS41The Stephanie A. grating racialequityintothecurric- Development officeforherworkinte- DOE Leadership,Empowerment,and csa-nyc.org. an emailtoChuck Wilbanksatchuck@ Have newsaboutyourschool? Send and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals . Three years ago, Ms.