CSA Retiree Chapter’s Arts & Crafts Exhibit At Union Headquarters Page 11
May 2019 Volume 52, Number 9 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1 Networking And City And State Budgets Information At For Education: A Boost AFSA President’s That Ignores Real Needs
BY CRAIG DIFOLCO million by the end of April, and the budget plan now eliminates the annual funding that Council Meeting n April 25, Mayor de Blasio allowed over 70 schools to lengthen their unveiled a revised budget. school day by an hour. BY CHUCK WILBANKS Like its state counterpart, the “We are extremely disappointed that the city budget presents educators city has decided to let any budget cut impact The American Federation of School Administrators held a with significant disappoint- students,” said CSA President Mark Cannizzaro. President’s Council Meeting in New York April 11 – 13. About 50 Oments. First off, it fails to boost Fair Student “The DOE needed to eliminate less than 4/10 of presidents of locals from around the country attended. Former CSA Funding, leaving many schools short as usual. one percent of their $27 billion budget, and all President Ernest Logan, now the president of AFSA, organized the cuts certainly should have been absorbed without event as he tries to fire up a new ethos of organizing and unionism affecting our schools. It’s about priorities, and we nationally among school leaders. thought it had been clearly communicated that Participants heard from speaker Polly Patrick, an instructional and Advocates, lawmakers had investing in under-served communities is a pri- leadership consultant at the The International Center for Leadership hoped in vain for a higher ority.” in Eduction. Vincent Alvarez, the president of the New York City The new budget proposal also fails to address Central Labor Council discussed how the AFL-CIO and central labor increase this year since the pay disparity that exists between early child- councils work to support locals. CSA’s Political Director Gabe Gallucci hood educators in the DOE and those who work and Assistant Political Director Herman Merritt offered advice on Democrats control both in community-based organizations. Yet it retains how to build a political and legislative program. Erminia Claudio, an expansion of 3-K and increased spending on CSA’s executive director of operations, was part of a panel called houses for the first time. special education, and now also includes funding “Supporting Your Members and Running Your Local.” Participants for 53 social workers for schools with high num- were provided valuable information on retiree outreach. bers of homeless students. Perhaps most importantly, labor leaders left the conference with Meanwhile, it also proposes slicing $19 mil- The City Council will analyze this updated new websites for their locals, built for them with the assistance of a lion from extended learning time at Renewal budget and conduct another round of hearings media advisory squad at the AFL-CIO. Schools. Earlier this year, the city mandated before negotiating adjustments with the Mayor “We were helping them understand how important it is to com- that the Department of Education slash $104 throughout May and June. An agreement must Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 3 Q&A In Fight For Public Schools, A Passionate Voice
NeQuan McLean has emerged as an private companies. That issue has recently about your district? impassioned and determined voice for pub- taken on an added urgency for education We don’t want any more charters lic education, particularly through his work advocates when New York City hit the because right now we are in danger of to rein in the spread and influence of char- maximum number of charter schools having 50 percent of our zoned stu- ter schools. The president of the District allowed by law; that has prompted charter dents attending charters. What happens 16 Community Education Council, Mr. companies and their media backers to call if more schools come in and it becomes McLean, 35, was born and raised in the for more charters in the city. 60 percent, then 70 percent and so on? Bed-Stuy area he now represents. After col- CSA News Editor Chuck Wilbanks We could become a district with one lege he worked for SCO Family of Services, recently spoke with Mr. McLean about the traditional public school. Families may helping run their portfolio of after school CEC, data sharing and what Mr. McLean get the idea that charters are doing bet- programs in District 16. Like his four chil- calls the fight for a level playing field ter than we are and they’re really not, if dren, Mr. McLean is a product of New York between charters and public schools. you look at the data. City’s public schools. I joined the council in April 2014. At Mr. McLean’s latest battle has been The District 16 CEC is trying to that time, there were already nine char- aimed at curbing the practice of handing limit the number of charter schools ters in the district, and now we have over DOE student data to charters and NeQuan McLean opening there. What’s different 11. Since that time, we’ve gone from having a CEC president who wasn’t keen on charters, to one who was too friendly and unable to balance the role Social Media ‘Interim Acting’ Awards and of the CEC to charters, and now to me. I’ve wanted to make clear that, under Workshop, And ‘Acting:’ Honors for state law, we are here to support tradi- What The tional public schools. We want to make A Primer For Your Union’s sure all the kids get a good education. Principals 3 Titles Mean 4 Members 6 Continued on Page 5 2 CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS
PRESIDENT’S PAGE LEGISLATION Teach Until The State Education Budget Boost Doesn’t Meet The Real Needs Council of School Final Bell Rings Supervisors & Administrators Continued from Page 1 American Federation of School be reached by July 1, the start of Fiscal Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 Testing Process Can’t Take Priority Over Instruction By Mark Cannizzaro Year 2019. 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 On the state level, negotiations have Phone: (212) 823-2020 o some, there may appear to be has to be determined at the local level. already come to an end. On March 31, the Fax: (212) 962-6130 a lull in the frenzied high-stakes But, now, you may be concerned about www.csa-nyc.org New York State legislature passed a budget testing controversy of recent the number of your students who opt out. with an education spending increase that years. It isn’t that parent and The state’s accountability system has to closely resembles last year’s and a three- President educator concerns have evapo- comply with the requirements of the Every Mark Cannizzaro year extension of mayoral control over Trated, but state and city departments of edu- Student Succeeds Act, the federal law which New York City schools. The new budget Executive Vice President cation have lightened up on their obsession requires a minimum 95 percent participa- Henry Rubio boosts state aid by $1 billion. with these evaluations. Lately, media focus tion rate. Your major worry is that the gov- First Vice President At first blush, that may sound like good Rosemarie Sinclair has shifted to the SHSAT as the sole crite- ernment will count opt-outs as a “Level 1” news. But consider the fact that the Board Treasurer rion for admissions to our specialized high score, resulting in misleading data, negative of Regents had requested a $2.1 billion Christopher Ogno schools and the criminal schemes that some publicity and unnecessary improvement increase and the Senate and Assembly had Secretary families engaged in to rig college admis- plans. each requested $1.6 billion more. Nearly Steffani Fanizzi sions exams. And there is still the matter of students $620 million will go specifically towards Vice Presidents This doesn’t mean your heads aren’t with special needs and newly arrived mul- an increase in Foundation Aid, the same Sam Akel spinning with all the testing you just tilingual learners being required to sit for amount as last year despite the renewed Jose Garcia brought your students through and all the tests that are not appropriate tools to mea- Ramon Gonzalez pressure for a three-year phase in of the for- Lois Lee other year-end demands on your time. sure their learning. You know this one-size mula, and an additional $50 million will Katiana Louissaint And, it doesn’t lessen the stress of students fits-all practice is a crazy way to evaluate go to community schools. Advocates and Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter who experienced this year’s online test- students and the schools they attend. many lawmakers had hoped in vain for a Executive Director Operations ing debacle. Adding to this unnecessary This brings me full circle to what I men- higher increase this year since Democrats Erminia Claudio anxiety, a lot of you are about to see teachers yanked out of tioned at the outset: the annual dance that takes place every General Counsel your schools so they can score tests that students from other spring when the tests are over. Just as the stress of test taking David Grandwetter schools took; that’s going to create another test-related form is ending for your students, their English and math teachers of havoc. disappear. Off they go to other schools to score the tests of Executive Director Field Services You’ve just prepared your students for the exams and you students not their own. This happens during the height of Sana Q. Nasser tried to do it without putting untoward pressure on them. spring when students get antsy anyway. Their emotions run Field Directors Since the test-prep culture is now somewhat on the defensive, high. School discipline is harder to maintain, and it’s critical Juanita Bass, James Harrigan, that may have been a bit easier, at least for the moment. that the regular teacher be in the classroom. Christine Martin, Frank Patterson, Mercedes Qualls • • • Traditionally, we manage school climate at the end of the Buy Low, Sell High,Win Awards year by following the mantra that teaching and learning con- Assistant Field Directors Beshir Abdellatif, Eleanor Andrew, or years, test obsession put an inordinate emphasis on tinue at high levels until the last day of school. Students should Mildred Boyce, Laverne Burrowes, prep over instruction and gave rise to the historic parent have opportunities to apply their learning through summative Dominic Cipollone, Peter Devlin, Kenneth F opt-out movement. Nowhere has the movement been projects and engagement in high level discourse. This is when Llinas, Nancy Esposito, Roberto Flores, more influential than in New York State. By 2018, more than teachers can tap into student interests and differentiate instruc- Ellie Greenberg, Ray Gregory, 20 percent of students had opted out of standardized tests. tion to foster authentic learning. It is also a time to discuss what Joseph LaCascia, Monica McDonald, The state had to reconsider the merits of tying ELA and Math will happen in summer and consider what the next grade and Dorothy Morris, Beverly Pascal-Miller, Wanda Soto, Yvonne Williams test scores in grades 3 to 8 to teacher and principal evalua- school year will bring. Some students are bubbling over with tions. Now, the law states that the role of standardized tests joy, others with anxiety. The watchful eye of a consistent and trusted adult is more important now than ever. Grievance Director Dale Kelly It’s no time to tear their teachers away and send in substitutes or have our other teachers take Assistant Directors Positive Learning Collaborative Carol Atkins, Robert Colon, over during their prep periods. This upside-down Jermaine Garden- practice is another inadvertent way of saying that Director of Communications a standardized testing program is more important Craig DiFolco than student wellbeing. Aside from everything Director of Political Affairs else, it makes children feel as if they’re not the Gabe Gallucci priority. Assistant Director, Political Affairs Herman Merritt • • • Assistant Director here should be a per session allocation John Khani for scoring that allows all of it to be done Special Assistant to President Gary Goldstein T by retirees or regular teachers during the CRAIG DIFOLCO n CSA Conference Chair evenings and on weekends. Though this would A team of New York high school students pitching their idea to fellow students Pierre Lehmuller involve more logistics for DOE, it would be during the 2019 Virtual Enterprises International Youth Business Summit. CSA Historian a good solution. For years, the College Board Manfred Korman has used hundreds of subject experts, includ- BY CRAIG DIFOLCO CSA Retiree Chapter ing college professors, teachers and retirees, Gayle Lockett, Chair to score portions of its advanced placement Over 5,000 students from hun- Mark Brodsky, Director tests. Other test administrators such as ACT use dreds of high schools around the outside scorers who have passed certification world gathered in New York City in exams. My suggestion involves using only pro- CSA NEWS mid-April to present business plans fessionals who have taught in our schools. MAUREEN SALTER/UFT and showcase their virtual compa- Editor Let’s continue to apply pressure to improve Chuck Wilbanks nies at the 2019 Virtual Enterprises the testing situation. Whether it’s empha- Design Consultant International Youth Business sizing test prep over instruction, subjecting Michele Pacheco Education Initiative Summit, the largest exhibition of sub-groups of students to unfair and immoral Production Assistant practice businesses in the US. The n CSA President Mark Cannizzaro joined UFT President Michael Mulgrew to testing practices, or the temporary removal of Christine Altman event is a culmination of a unique welcome the IS 72 staff, under the leadership of Interim Acting Principal Jessica teachers from their own schools, we want to year-long program in which students Jackson (second from right), to the Positive Learning Collaborative, an initiative make sure our children never take a back-seat develop technological and workplace CSA News (004-532) is published that supports schools in creating a positive learning environment. “I’m incredibly to the testing process. Tests exist to serve chil- skills as they create, implement, and monthly except July and August for $35 impressed with the spirit of collaboration between the staff and administration dren, not the other way around. We can insist per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector at IS 72,” said Mr. Cannizzaro. “They’ve recognized the need to come together to manage simulated businesses. on one fix right away; that teachers be kept in St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage create a climate that is conducive to teaching and learning and will greatly benefit “The Virtual Enterprises program paid at Manhattan, NY, and additional their classrooms until the final bell rings. mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send the students they serve.” Also pictured: Positive Learning Collaborative Director provides students with comprehen- address changes to CSA News, 40 Dana Ashley (left) and Behavioral Specialist Mitch Klages-Bombich (right). sive lessons and practical experi- Rector St., NY, NY 10006. Mark Cannizzaro is president of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS 3
PRESIDENT’S PAGE LEGISLATION NYCESPA Workshop Teach Until The State Education Budget Boost Event: Social Media Primer Final Bell Rings Doesn’t Meet The Real Needs For Principals Continued from Page 1 control both houses for the first time in for specific schools. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, be reached by July 1, the start of Fiscal decades and many newly elected officials As expected, the budget deal also Posting, Hashtags, Following! Testing Process Can’t Take Priority Over Instruction By Mark Cannizzaro Year 2019. had campaigned on school funding. included the longest extension of mayoral Is it all confusing? Frightening? On the state level, negotiations have “Once again, the state has failed to control since Mayor de Blasio took office. NYCESPA is offering a workshop has to be determined at the local level. already come to an end. On March 31, the fully provide our city’s children what they After education advocates pressed for more on May 21 in Brooklyn designed But, now, you may be concerned about New York State legislature passed a budget are owed,” said Mr. Cannizzaro. “We urge parental power, lawmakers negotiated the number of your students who opt out. with an education spending increase that the city to resist the usual blame game and some minor changes to increase parental The state’s accountability system has to closely resembles last year’s and a three- instead respond with an increased invest- input: the Panel for Educational Policy will Luis Torres, comply with the requirements of the Every year extension of mayoral control over ment in Fair Student Funding to ensure add two members, one of which will be Principal of PS Student Succeeds Act, the federal law which New York City schools. The new budget the high-quality education our students elected by CEC Presidents, and a task force 55 in the Bronx requires a minimum 95 percent participa- boosts state aid by $1 billion. deserve.” will be assembled to help ensure that mem- will present tion rate. Your major worry is that the gov- At first blush, that may sound like good In his “State of the State” address, bers of CECs are chosen by parents with a hands-on ernment will count opt-outs as a “Level 1” news. But consider the fact that the Board Governor Cuomo called for the estab- children in the district. workshop in score, resulting in misleading data, negative of Regents had requested a $2.1 billion lishment of a new funding formula that The budget deal does not raise the state the use of publicity and unnecessary improvement increase and the Senate and Assembly had would have required districts to send spec- cap on charter schools as it has in recent social media plans. each requested $1.6 billion more. Nearly ified amounts of funding to the neediest years, though charters did receive a fund- for school And there is still the matter of students $620 million will go specifically towards schools, as decided by the state. However, ing increase of approximately 3.7 percent -- leaders. with special needs and newly arrived mul- an increase in Foundation Aid, the same the plan drew immediate criticism from almost equal to district schools. New York tilingual learners being required to sit for amount as last year despite the renewed state and city officials for its overreach and City hit its own limit in early March with tests that are not appropriate tools to mea- pressure for a three-year phase in of the for- the potential difficulties with its implemen- its latest round of approvals, and charter to help principals become “media- sure their learning. You know this one-size mula, and an additional $50 million will tation. Ultimately, the budget deal requires school advocates have since been pushing savvy.” Participants will learn how fits-all practice is a crazy way to evaluate go to community schools. Advocates and districts to prioritize high-need schools and the state to either lift the NYC cap or allow to make social media an ally to students and the schools they attend. many lawmakers had hoped in vain for a submit a report on their funding choices, NYC to use the spots that are available in promote a positive image for the This brings me full circle to what I men- higher increase this year since Democrats but the state won’t dictate specific increases other areas. school. Luis Torres, Principal of tioned at the outset: the annual dance that takes place every PS 55X and a passionate advocate spring when the tests are over. Just as the stress of test taking for the wise use of social media is ending for your students, their English and math teachers will be the presenter. disappear. Off they go to other schools to score the tests of Youth Business Summit This is a hands-on workshop students not their own. This happens during the height of so have your phone fully charged spring when students get antsy anyway. Their emotions run and ready for action! Dinner will high. School discipline is harder to maintain, and it’s critical follow Luis’s presentation. that the regular teacher be in the classroom. NYCESPA members are free Traditionally, we manage school climate at the end of the Buy Low, Sell High,Win Awards registrants. Non-members pay a year by following the mantra that teaching and learning con- nominal $20 fee. Due to space tinue at high levels until the last day of school. Students should founding the company and first limitations, principals are given have opportunities to apply their learning through summative implemented a pilot program with priority when registering. There is projects and engagement in high level discourse. This is when seven NYC public schools. a limit of one guest per principal. teachers can tap into student interests and differentiate instruc- The week consisted of business Date and location: tion to foster authentic learning. It is also a time to discuss what competitions, leadership events, Tuesday, May 21, 2019 5 pm will happen in summer and consider what the next grade and and professional networking for Il Fornetto Restaurant school year will bring. Some students are bubbling over with middle and high school students, 2902 Emmons Avenue joy, others with anxiety. The watchful eye of a consistent and and a handful of city schools were Brooklyn, New York 11235 trusted adult is more important now than ever. recognized for their achievements. (718) 332-4984 It’s no time to tear their teachers away and send Students from Edward R. Murrow in substitutes or have our other teachers take High School, under the leadership Register at www.nycespa. over during their prep periods. This upside-down of Principal Allen Barge, created a nyc and click on the Professional practice is another inadvertent way of saying that central online marketplace called Development tab. Questions? Call a standardized testing program is more important VEKO and won first place in the (646) 660-4883 than student wellbeing. Aside from everything National Finance Competition; stu- else, it makes children feel as if they’re not the dents from New Dorp High School, priority. under the leadership of Principal • • • Deirdre DeAngelis, won first place in the National Marketing Competition Teachers’ here should be a per session allocation and third place in the National for scoring that allows all of it to be done Finance Competition; students from by retirees or regular teachers during the CRAIG DIFOLCO Retirement T Francis Lewis High School, under n evenings and on weekends. Though this would A team of New York high school students pitching their idea to fellow students the leadership of David Marmor, during the 2019 Virtual Enterprises International Youth Business Summit. involve more logistics for DOE, it would be won third place in the National System a good solution. For years, the College Board Human Resources Competition with has used hundreds of subject experts, includ- BY CRAIG DIFOLCO ences that highlight the importance their plan to create customized 3D ing college professors, teachers and retirees, April 2019 of communication skills, business printed templates; and students from to score portions of its advanced placement Over 5,000 students from hun- adeptness and technology know- Susan Wagner High School, under Unit Values tests. Other test administrators such as ACT use dreds of high schools around the how,” said CSA President Mark the leadership of David Cugini, won outside scorers who have passed certification world gathered in New York City in Cannizzaro. “What they learn the award for best booth, with their Diversified Equity exams. My suggestion involves using only pro- mid-April to present business plans through VE they’ll surely carry into company Bake-ology. fessionals who have taught in our schools. Fund: 95.432 and showcase their virtual compa- their future careers.” Over 40 NYC schools had teams Let’s continue to apply pressure to improve nies at the 2019 Virtual Enterprises CSA was a sponsor of this year’s take part in the exhibition and trad- Balanced Fund: 16.036 the testing situation. Whether it’s empha- International Youth Business summit, participated in the open- ing event that ended the summit. sizing test prep over instruction, subjecting International Equity Summit, the largest exhibition of ing ceremony of the International Virtual Enterprises supports 15,000 sub-groups of students to unfair and immoral practice businesses in the US. The Trade Exhibition, and helped judge students across 19 states. Fund: 10.430 testing practices, or the temporary removal of event is a culmination of a unique the Global Business Challenge, in “A lot of students at my school teachers from their own schools, we want to Inflation Protection year-long program in which students which students analyzed business are interested in finance and busi- make sure our children never take a back-seat develop technological and workplace case studies to identify and present ness, and job shadowing different Fund: 10.082 to the testing process. Tests exist to serve chil- skills as they create, implement, and the opportunities and risks involved. positions through the program really dren, not the other way around. We can insist Socially Responsive manage simulated businesses. Iris Blanc, the executive director of helps us figure out what we might on one fix right away; that teachers be kept in Equity Fund: 17.436 “The Virtual Enterprises program Virtual Enterprises International, want to do in the future,” said a their classrooms until the final bell rings. provides students with comprehen- served as an assistant principal participating student from Abraham www.trsnyc.org sive lessons and practical experi- at Tottenville High School before Lincoln High School. Mark Cannizzaro is president of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. 4 CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS
Dale Memo From Headquarters Kelly At The Capitol: Disappointing Budget Show
BY PETER MCNALLY Ins And Outs Of ‘Acting’ And ‘Interim Acting’ It is mid April as I write this article, he’s “acting!” No, she’s “interim until the principal can return to duty. month window for an appointment to an and public educators in our state are acting!” What’s the difference? Is Assistant principals who are selected as existing vacancy, New York State Educational disappointed with the budget state there any? While the two terms acting principals when their principals are Law 2573.2 states, “Appointments will be lawmakers approved on March 31. are often used interchangeably, it’s out using their cumulative absence reserve made…to fill all existing vacancies not While additional funding was provided easy to think that they mean the (CAR) days will be paid as a principal after later than six months from the date of the for Foundation Aid ($618 Million), Ssame thing, but in fact, nothing could be two pay periods until the principal is able existing vacancy…” So a failure by the DOE Community Schools ($250 million) further from the truth. Let me set out some to return to his/her post. Additionally, any to fill any administrative vacancy within and Pre K and P Tech were also guidelines to keep in mind. 10-month AP that steps up to become an six months constitutes both a violation of expanded, the increase in school fund- Principals and assistant principals are “acting” principal and then is returned to Education Law 2573.2 as well as their own ing is much less than the NYSED Board selected, assigned and appointed through his or her AP position on or before June 30 Chancellor’s Regulation. We will continue of Regents and the education commu- the Chancellor’s Regulation C-30 process. will suffer no diminution in summer pay. For to monitor and challenge untimely appoint- nity in general were seeking. The final The term “acting” simply means that the those APs whose acting position goes beyond ments to enforce the rights of all our mem- amount, an additional $961,000,000, position is temporary: An administrator June 30, they will continue to be paid com- bers so that their willingness to step in to do was higher than the Governor’s initial An AP serving in an acting capacity is temporarily mensurate with a principal’s salary so long the hard work of leading and supporting our recommendation but does not move assigned to an administrative position, most as they continue to serve in that role during students and their schools is not taken for the education agenda forward. who often filling in for another administrator the summer months. Superintendents are granted. • • • The Legislative session continues who is on some type of leave or long-term responsible for naming the assistant principal through mid-June and there are still becomes absence. No actual vacancy exists. to serve in the “acting” capacity. many issues to be addressed, including Note that the status of acting or “interim So what, then, is an interim acting posi- ll administrative vacancies must be the Annual Professional Performance ‘acting’ acting” will only apply to school-based tion? These appointments are also tempo- posted on the DOE’s TSN website Review, school discipline codes, early administrators: Centrally-based adminis- rary, but they are filling an existing vacancy for a minimum of 15 days. Before tenure, retiree benefits, and school principal trative titles such as educational adminis- and will lead to a C-30. There is no guarantee an administrator can be placed in trators, directors and “supervisors of” don’t that the candidate serving in the interim Aan interim acting position, a vacancy must will be encounter these two terms. When they are acting position will ultimately be appointed be created on the TNS system. It is the hir- hired, they receive an offer letter, typically to that position. That decision will be made ing manager for the position who is respon- paid a including the new title, appointment date, subsequent to the C-30 process being com- sible for creating and posting the vacancy. and starting salary. The probationary peri- pleted by the hiring manager – the principal Principals, in conjunction with their HR principal ods for these employees commence upon in the case of AP hires and superintendent directors, are responsible for ensuring that One Passionate Parent Advocate’s Fight staffing and run commensurate with time- for principal hires. Conversely, an interim a vacancy is created in a timely manner salary frames that are outlined in our collective acting administrator can choose not to apply upon an assistant principal vacancy becom- bargaining agreement. for a permanent appointment. ing available. Similarly, superintendents from You may have recently read in the April According to Chancellor’s Regulation and their BSC personnel must ensure that For New York City’s Public Schools 2019 edition of CSA News that CSA won a C-30, a vacancy is defined as “a position that principal vacancies are created immediately day one monumental victory for our assistant prin- is newly created or that is unfilled because after a position is open. Supervisors that Continued from Page 1 cipals that step up to be “acting” principals of the transfer, resignation, retirement, serve in an interim acting position and are I wanted to put the priorities of chil- in that when their principal is out for a prolonged terminal leave, promotion, termination, subsequently appointed to that position at dren first. period. Our newly signed agreement ensures or death of the incumbent.” So, a vacancy the same school will be credited with that title that any assistant principal who takes on an exists immediately upon an administrator’s interim acting time toward their completion What have been some of the “acting” principalship while their principal separation from their AP or principal posi- of probation period. major struggles and accomplish- is out on an approved leave will be compen- tion. Once an interim-acting administrator is If you have any questions about the C-30 ments since you’ve taken over? sated at a principal’s salary from day one of selected, the position must be posted within process, need assistance with the creation After I became a chair of the their assignment. Terminal leave, medical one pay period. The C-30 regulation also of a vacancy, or believe that your rights are Education Council Consortium, made leave, reassignment, line of duty injury, res- says that “supervisory vacancies should be being infringed upon, please contact our up of people who serve on CECs toration of health leave, etc. all constitute filled within three months of the date of the grievance department. around the city, I learned a lot about approved leaves and allows an assistant prin- vacancy.” charters, and we began advocating cipal to assume the “acting” principal title While the DOE policy provides a three- Dale Kelly is Grievance Director at CSA. against them more. There was recently a charter that was trying to go into the building with PS 335, a Pre-K- 5 school. There had been a middle school in the Week Of The Young Child building, MS 584, a renewal school ‘Meet And Greet’ For which the DOE had closed, so the space was available. The DOE decided to co-locate an Uncommon elemen- Aspiring Principals Celebrating Our Smallest Citizens tary charter school there. One of the things that concerned us was that BY CSA STAFF people to help find solutions. And Early Childhood Educators there was going to be an elementary As long as you’re part of school on top of another, and the Did you know CSA oper- ALPAP, you’re never alone.” n April 8-12 was the importance of early learning. Uncommon charter was going to ates a speed-dating service? After the reception, super- Week of The Young Child. CSA joined in celebrating be a feeder to their middle school Not for romance, but to con- intendents broke off into Instructional coordinators early childhood educators in District 23, essentially siphoning nect assistant principals with conference rooms to conduct in the Division of Early who play such a critical role students from District 16. We told the superintendents who are on timed, five-minute interviews. Childhood Education in in child development. DOE absolutely not. The DOE heard the hunt for the next wave of The roots of ALPAP, 15 the Brooklyn/Staten Island “High-quality early child- us and opened up a public middle school leaders. years old now, are deep and borough office celebrated hood education lays a strong school in the building. On March 21, the wide. David Norment was an by spreading awareness foundation for a child’s When the Launch Expeditionary Advanced Leadership Program AP for eight years, and then about the United Nations entire schooling, as well Learning Charter School wanted to for Aspiring Principals pro- a principal for another eight Convention on the Rights as their eventual careers,” expand inside PS 243 on Dean St., gram (ALPAP) held one of years. of the Child, a human rights said CSA First Vice President we opposed that too. When they first these interviewing mara- Now he’s deputy superin- treaty from almost 30 years Rosemarie Sinclair. “Our got their charter they were grades thons at CSA headquarters. tendent in Queens. He said he ago. Cohorts created pre- early childhood directors, 6-12, but didn’t do well, and it was A brief reception featured will always be deeply grateful sentations with information assistant directors, and their changed to grades 6-8. They were and imagery honoring these staff dedicate their lives to remarks by CSA President for what he learned when he on a ‘focus list’ and although they rights and reiterating the the betterment of their com- Mark Cannizzaro and ALPAP participated in the program. sought a five-year extension, they importance of advocacy for munities and the all-around Coordinator Shirley Matthews “The experience furthered my only got two. We worked with the all children. The National well-being of our youngest growth as a leader,” he told New York State Regents and they as well as current ALPAP Association for the Education children. They instill in their mentors, many of whom grad- the crowd. of Young Children declared students a love of learning weren’t granted an extension. uated from the program them- “The Meet and Greet meet- the honorary week to celebrate early learning, and help them develop the social, behavioral, There is another charter, the selves. “When you go through ings are very effective,” said young children, and the educators who serve and academic habits that put them on a path EMBER Charter School – it used to be the ALPAP program, you get Ms. Matthews. “Last year, two them. Celebrations were organized by individ- to success. We salute them this week and every called Teaching Firm of America. It’s a lifetime membership,” said of our mentees got interim ual early childhood programs and community week, and thank them for their dedication, tal- a K-8 and they’re trying to expand to Patrick Burns, principal of JHS acting positions and both organizations across the city to spotlight the ent, and leadership.” K-12, but they haven’t even met their 217 in Queens and an ALPAP were recently appointed as current enrollment requirements. graduate. “You can call on principals.” They’re not in any way outperform- CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS 5 At The Capitol: Disappointing Budget Show
BY PETER MCNALLY leadership professional bied for and continues tive reception in Albany. We do this Ins And Outs Of ‘Acting’ And ‘Interim Acting’ development. Our to advocate how those jointly with the NYS Supervisors and It is mid April as I write this article, Lobby firm in Albany, funds should be allo- Administrators Consortium: Together month window for an appointment to an and public educators in our state are Hinman Straub, is work- cated. we represent over 14,000 active and existing vacancy, New York State Educational disappointed with the budget state ing with NYSFSA as On April 12, the another 14,000 retirees. We repre- Law 2573.2 states, “Appointments will be lawmakers approved on March 31. we try to influence the Governor signed the sent small districts and large cities, made…to fill all existing vacancies not While additional funding was provided language of various bills APPR legislation that all with many common interests and later than six months from the date of the for Foundation Aid ($618 Million), and the ultimate vote was passed by the state challenges. At our reception, we will existing vacancy…” So a failure by the DOE Community Schools ($250 million) on these issues. legislature in January. This law makes educate our Assembly and Senate legis- to fill any administrative vacancy within and Pre K and P Tech were also Our Local 1, CSA, was successful in the use of state testing data optional lators on our issues of both active and six months constitutes both a violation of expanded, the increase in school fund- receiving an allocation of $475,000 to rather than mandatory in teacher and retired members. Education Law 2573.2 as well as their own ing is much less than the NYSED Board the Executive Leadership Institute for principal evaluations. The actual for- NYSFSA will continue to advocate Chancellor’s Regulation. We will continue of Regents and the education commu- the fourth year. NYSFSA is actively lob- mulas for use of student data, which for public education and school lead- to monitor and challenge untimely appoint- nity in general were seeking. The final bying to secure additional funds for all the state still requires to compose 50 ers’ agendas at our legislative recep- ments to enforce the rights of all our mem- amount, an additional $961,000,000, our locals to provide our school leaders percemt of an individual’s evaluation, tion, monthly Board of Regents meet- bers so that their willingness to step in to do was higher than the Governor’s initial with quality professional development. will be determined by local collective ings, monthly NYSED Commissioner the hard work of leading and supporting our recommendation but does not move For example, the Board of Regents bargaining. NYSFSA still sees a need for stakeholder meetings, and through vis- students and their schools is not taken for the education agenda forward. just approved the NYS Every Student further changes in the law and will be its with our elected officials through- granted. • • • The Legislative session continues Succeeds Act Plan at their April meet- an active voice in Albany. out the year. through mid-June and there are still ing. The state plan allows an additional In May, NYSFSA and the other many issues to be addressed, including 3 percent (now 8 percent) of NYS Title large statewide organization that Peter McNally is the executive direc- ll administrative vacancies must be the Annual Professional Performance 2 funding to be used for School Leader represents school leaders, the School tor of NYSFSA. CSA President Mark posted on the DOE’s TSN website Review, school discipline codes, early Professional Development. This is Administrators Association of NYS, Cannizzaro is NYSFSA’s president. for a minimum of 15 days. Before tenure, retiree benefits, and school something that NYSFSA actively lob- or SAANYS will be hosting a legisla- an administrator can be placed in Aan interim acting position, a vacancy must be created on the TNS system. It is the hir- ing manager for the position who is respon- sible for creating and posting the vacancy. Principals, in conjunction with their HR directors, are responsible for ensuring that One Passionate Parent Advocate’s Fight a vacancy is created in a timely manner upon an assistant principal vacancy becom- ing available. Similarly, superintendents and their BSC personnel must ensure that For New York City’s Public Schools principal vacancies are created immediately after a position is open. Supervisors that Continued from Page 1 ing public schools. Yet they took when I’m in a public school because then sells it to charter schools, and serve in an interim acting position and are I wanted to put the priorities of chil- 90 students to Africa for six weeks. of the way the walls are painted. charters pay Vanguard to mail pro- subsequently appointed to that position at dren first. That trip cost $8,000 per student. These schools have private money motional material to our students. the same school will be credited with that Our district can’t compete with stuff for food. How do we make this fair The data includes names, addresses, interim acting time toward their completion What have been some of the like that! If we want to buy an iPad, so that all students are receiving the ages, grades. Giving away this data of probation period. major struggles and accomplish- we have to pay $300 because of the best education that can be provided is a Bloomberg/Eva Moskowitz prac- If you have any questions about the C-30 ments since you’ve taken over? bureaucracy of the DOE. The same to them? tice. As parent leaders, we want to process, need assistance with the creation After I became a chair of the thing would cost $100 on Amazon. dismantle this data policy, this unfair of a vacancy, or believe that your rights are Education Council Consortium, made Furniture, computers -- you have to How does sharing data fit into playing ground. We’re oversaturated being infringed upon, please contact our up of people who serve on CECs use DOE vendors. Charters are not your view of the charter school – with charters. We have enrollment grievance department. around the city, I learned a lot about under those same restrictions. It’s public school landscape? issues, and on top of that more char- charters, and we began advocating unfair. The DOE gives parent and stu- ters come here. It weakens district Dale Kelly is Grievance Director at CSA. against them more. When I walk into a building I dent information to a company community schools. There was recently a charter that know when I am in a charter and called Vanguard. For free. Vanguard was trying to go into the building Pro charter people say that shut- with PS 335, a Pre-K- 5 school. There ting off the free data means the had been a middle school in the government is trying to stifle building, MS 584, a renewal school Charter Waste And Abuse, options available to families. which the DOE had closed, so the This is not a fight against parent space was available. The DOE decided Funded By U.S. Taxpayers choice. It’s about equity and access. to co-locate an Uncommon elemen- As elected officials, we can’t even get Celebrating Our Smallest Citizens tary charter school there. One of the Over the last 25 years, the federal government has invested several billion dollars of this information about the people things that concerned us was that taxpayer money into the creation, replication and expansion of charter schools around we are supposed to be representing. And Early Childhood Educators there was going to be an elementary the country. According to a new report based on government data, at least a third of Why should we be giving data away school on top of another, and the that money has been wasted. “Hundreds of millions of federal taxpayer dollars have to a profit-making operation to help importance of early learning. Uncommon charter was going to been awarded to charter schools that never opened or opened and then shut down. In charter operations market and brand CSA joined in celebrating be a feeder to their middle school some cases, schools have received federal funding even before securing their charter,” their schools? When one of the other early childhood educators in District 23, essentially siphoning according to the report, entitled Asleep at the Wheel: How the Federal Charter Schools CEC’s recently did a mailing, it was who play such a critical role students from District 16. We told the Program Takes Taxpayers and Students for a Ride. The report was prepared by research charged $8,000 for 11,000 students. in child development. DOE absolutely not. The DOE heard and advocacy group Network for Public Education. Success Academy pays for similar “High-quality early child- us and opened up a public middle The report’s authors, Carol Burris and Jeff Bryant, said the government frequently mailings in all 32 districts. It’s big hood education lays a strong school in the building. awarded money to charters with no diligence whatsoever, based entirely on what the money. foundation for a child’s When the Launch Expeditionary companies wrote in their applications. Ms. Burris is a decorated retired principal from Charters want to be private entire schooling, as well Learning Charter School wanted to Long Island who is the director of the Network for Public Education. Mr. Bryant is a schools when it’s convenient for as their eventual careers,” expand inside PS 243 on Dean St., journalist and public education advocate. them and public schools when that’s said CSA First Vice President we opposed that too. When they first The report noted that the federal DOE itself found that nearly 25 percent of all the convenient. They’re advertising on Rosemarie Sinclair. “Our got their charter they were grades schools it sent money to from 2006 through 2016 either never opened or shut its doors, trains, buses, bus stops – they have early childhood directors, 6-12, but didn’t do well, and it was and that nearly one out of three awardees were not in operation by 2016. Other prob- enough money to do all of that, so assistant directors, and their changed to grades 6-8. They were lems uncovered included schools which created barriers to people with special needs, why do they need free data? staff dedicate their lives to on a ‘focus list’ and although they schools which promised to serve disadvantaged communities but instead recruited In January, at a Brooklyn townhall the betterment of their com- sought a five-year extension, they meeting, the mayor said his adminis- munities and the all-around from advantaged groups, and schools which created admissions barriers to students only got two. We worked with the tration was working on the data issue well-being of our youngest with special needs. New York State Regents and they and we would be hearing something children. They instill in their Despite results such as these, the federal government allocated $440 million for shortly. But there has been silence. students a love of learning weren’t granted an extension. charter schools in the last budget. The authors recommend suspending further federal and help them develop the social, behavioral, There is another charter, the funding for the charter industry. “The department’s willingness to provide oversight has The District 1 CEC brought it up and academic habits that put them on a path EMBER Charter School – it used to be nearly disappeared, which may result in increased fraud, mismanagement and charter again in March, and the city still has to success. We salute them this week and every called Teaching Firm of America. It’s failure,” the authors wrote. “As public dollars are pulled from public schools and a more done nothing. It’s up to the mayor to week, and thank them for their dedication, tal- a K-8 and they’re trying to expand to disadvantaged student body is left behind, the students who attend their neighbor- stop this practice. He can stop it with ent, and leadership.” K-12, but they haven’t even met their hood school have fewer resources and greater challenges.” a stroke of a pen. We were supposed current enrollment requirements. — CW to be hearing from him but we hav- They’re not in any way outperform- en’t heard anything. 6 CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS
LEADERSHIP President’s Council Meeting Of American Commanding Through Federation of School Administrators Continued from Page 1 Cannizzaro is also an AFSA vice presi- The Eyes Of The Crew municate to members the fact we are dent. under attack,” Mr. Logan said. “You Assistant Principal Tiffany Rosario, BY CHUCK WILBANKS have educators who are sitting in sup- Principal Sereida Rodriguez-Guerra and posedly middle-class jobs, which aren’t Superintendent Alicja Winnicki led the When D. Michael Abrashoff, took really middle class. The attack is hap- tour, which lasted a full morning. charge of the guided missile destroyer pening in the form of vouchers, charters AFSA has about 22,000 members, USS Benfold in 1997, the ship was and parochial schools. It’s about taking both active and retired. Mr. Logan, who ranked one of the worst in the US Navy the money out of public schools and became president of AFSA last year, – dirty, poorly disciplined, and prone giving it to for profit companies. Now, said he is trying to boost recruitment to safety violations that can lead to for us, a big part of the fight is to hold through internal and external organiz- fatal disasters. At the ceremony hand- on to what you’ve earned -- your health ing. So far, he said, AFSA was seeing suc- ing over command, the crew cheered plan, your pension. People take it for cess on that front. “We don’t have a full that the last captain was leaving. At the granted that they are due these things. time organizer, but people are calling time, Capt. Abrashoff joked about his But there are people are out there who us,” he said. “We get calls from West own qualifications to take on such a want to take it all away.” Virginia, from Houston.” command: At 36 years old, he hadn’t The meeting also focused on educa- Mr. Logan said he is also pushing to led a ship before, and he had graduated tional issues. The school leaders began offer greater additional benefits to mem- in “the top 80 percent” of his class at their trip to New York with a morn- bers, everything from reasonably priced Annapolis. ing visit to PS 84 Jose de Diego School, life insurance to additional health care But within a short time, Mr. Abrashoff under the leadership of Principal Sereida n CSA President Mark Cannizzaro, AFSA President Ernest Logan and members of a visiting policies. “It’s key to helping the local and the ship were winning high honors, Rodriguez and Assistant Principals group of school leaders from around the country watching a class at PS 84 in Brooklyn. organizing,” he said. including the Spokane Trophy, presented Christina Rosario, Monique Hernandez each year to the surface combatant ship and Tiffany Rosario. The school is par- ticipating in the NEST program in New York City schools, which is based on ‘Leaders need to know an inclusion model in which students with autism spectrum disorder study how profoundly they alongside their general education peers affect the tone, spirit of in their neighborhood school. While inclusion exists in many schools, typi- everyone around them.’ cally paraprofessionals are on hand to help the special needs students. In this model a classroom has two teachers, considered to be the most proficient in one of them a trained specialist in ASD combat readiness and warfare operations learning. Principal Rodriguez credited in the Pacific Fleet. the ASD Nest Support Project through To turn the ship around, he began NYU for helping get the program up and challenging centuries of naval hierar- running. chy: He sat down with and interviewed When CSA President Mark every one of his sailors, from the officers Cannizzaro was principal of Paulo to the most junior deckhand. “I learned Intermediate School in Staten Island, the names of their wives and their kids,” NEST helped set up an inclusion he said. He also questioned them about program there. He said it was a fan- n Ernest Logan with visiting members of AFSA in the PS 84 n PS 84 Assistant Principal Tiffany Rosario, Principal Sereida Rodriguez what they thought was wrong with the tastic program for his school. Mr. rooftop hydroponic garden. and District 14 Superintendent Alicja Winnicki. School Leaders Garner Awards, Tributes, Honors The Welfare Fund BY CHUCK WILBANKS Interim Acting Principal Antoinette ients for their commitment and active Tucci of the Michael E. Berdy School of involvement in causes to help children. n March 28, Shorefront Toys for Arts and Principal Janet Ndzibah of the n Carroll Glasses, Acne Medicine, 2018 Reports Gravesend School. Brain Gottlieb, the • • • Tots hosted its 2019 Children First Street in OAward Ceremony and honored organization’s founder, praised the recip- riends, family and colleagues of Brooklyn uestion: I am an Giselle McGee celebrated her life was Assistant Principal in the Fand work with the co-naming of co-named Bronx, and really need Carroll Street (between Court Street Giselle a new pair of glasses. I and Smith Street) as “Giselle McGee Qrequested and received a voucher in McGee Way” on April 1, her birthday. She Way in time for the April school break, but served as the principal of The Carroll honor of did not use the voucher. I would School from 2006 to 2014 before pass- the late like to get my glasses next week, but ing away from ovarian cancer in 2017. principal’s the voucher expired. What should “Her warm leadership created an envi- life and I do? ronment of positivity and collegiality work. ANSWER: Please return the that welcomed new ideas and encour- expired voucher to the Welfare aged meaningful parent engagement,” Association New York City Dinner Fund and request a new one. We parent coordinator Joan Bredthauer Gala. Assistant Principal Jack Chan must receive the expired voucher told a local website. At the ceremony, from New Utrecht High School was before issuing a new one to keep our Principal Katie Dello Stritto told the awarded the New York State Supervisor auditors happy (and who doesn’t like happy auditors?). Since crowd that Mrs. McGee always put of the Year Award, and Assistant the voucher indicates eligibility to receive services when pre- others first. “We were all her family, Principal Daniel Shin from Francis sented to a participating optical center, we must receive the and we all continue to be her family Lewis High School was awarded expired one before we issue a new one. today.” the SSSA Mark Willner Award. CSA • • • • • • Executive Vice President Henry Rubio, Councilman Daniel Dromm and April uestion: I was recently prescribed a new medi- n From left: Councilman Daniel Dromm, former SSSA President Nelson Acevedo, former ore than 40 Social Studies admin- Francis, the Vice President of the New cation for acne. When I took the prescription to SSSA President Mark Willner, Assistant Principal Daniel Shin, CSA Executive VP Henry Rubio istrators and teachers attended York State Council of Social Studies all the pharmacist rejected it. He said that I needed a and SSSA President Jack Chan. Mthe Social Studies Supervisors attended. Qprior authorization and that I should contact the CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS 7
Leadership NATION President’s Council Meeting Of American Education Commanding Through MASSACHUSETTS: Personalized Plans Federation of School Administrators Salem Public Schools embarked on a collaboration with Harvard Cannizzaro is also an AFSA vice presi- The Eyes Of The Crew University and Boston College to dent. develop personalized plans for each student entering pre-K to Assistant Principal Tiffany Rosario, BY CHUCK WILBANKS ship, what they thought worked, what He began to give the crew more include healthcare needs, after- Principal Sereida Rodriguez-Guerra and they wanted out of their careers and control over their work, more rewards school enrichment programs and Superintendent Alicja Winnicki led the When D. Michael Abrashoff, took life. When he took command, the ship for jobs well done, and a deeper sense specific interventions. The model, tour, which lasted a full morning. charge of the guided missile destroyer had one of the Navy’s lowest retention of personal responsibility for the success which has proven beneficial, was AFSA has about 22,000 members, USS Benfold in 1997, the ship was rates, and the commander before him of the entire ship. Many of them went touted in a recent education paper. both active and retired. Mr. Logan, who ranked one of the worst in the US Navy said low pay was the single biggest on to illustrious careers in the Navy and Personalized plans, it says, are prom- became president of AFSA last year, – dirty, poorly disciplined, and prone second careers after retirement. ising but largely underutilized. (edu- said he is trying to boost recruitment to safety violations that can lead to “If you want to be a successful skip- cationdive.com) through internal and external organiz- fatal disasters. At the ceremony hand- per,” Mr. Abrashoff says, “you need to ing. So far, he said, AFSA was seeing suc- ing over command, the crew cheered see the ship through the eyes of your DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: cess on that front. “We don’t have a full that the last captain was leaving. At the crew.” Rethinking CTE time organizer, but people are calling time, Capt. Abrashoff joked about his Mr. Abrashoff took his experience us,” he said. “We get calls from West own qualifications to take on such a and wrote a book about it, published Only one quarter of Career and Virginia, from Houston.” command: At 36 years old, he hadn’t in 2002: It’s Your Ship: Management Technical Education (CTE) classes are centered on business, market- Mr. Logan said he is also pushing to led a ship before, and he had graduated Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in ing, tourism and manufacturing, offer greater additional benefits to mem- in “the top 80 percent” of his class at the Navy. It has sold more than a mil- though these make up more than bers, everything from reasonably priced Annapolis. lion copies, and Abrashoff regularly half of US jobs, according to a life insurance to additional health care But within a short time, Mr. Abrashoff consults with companies large and report from the Thomas B. Fordham policies. “It’s key to helping the local and the ship were winning high honors, small about leadership. Institute. The report concludes that organizing,” he said. including the Spokane Trophy, presented Mr. Abrashoff spoke to a crowd at CTE offerings need to be better each year to the surface combatant ship CSA’s Founders Hall on March 25 cour- matched to the demands of the LAWSUIT tesy of the CSA Veterans Council and economy. Authors of the report the tenacity of its leader, Noah Angeles, encourage local leaders to conduct ‘Leaders need to know principal of PS 284 in Queens. Mr. their own analyses of which indus- how profoundly they Angeles knew right away that the story tries would most benefit their com- Complaint Alleges Success Academy of Mr. Abrashoff, whose mother was a munities. (www.the74million.org) affect the tone, spirit of teacher and whose father was a social worker, is relevant to leading a school MINNESOTA: everyone around them.’ in New York City. When you take com- Climate Upswing Tramples Special Education Students mand of a ship, Mr. Abrashoff says, you Middle schools in Burnsville have don’t control your budget or the staff BY CHUCK WILBANKS n On March 25, at CSA headquarters, D. added dean of students positions considered to be the most proficient in Michael Abrashoff spoke about leadership. you get. And it doesn’t do any good to that are positively impacting combat readiness and warfare operations cry about what an unfair deal you got. re charter schools truly public school culture and behavior. The schools, as they claim? They take in the Pacific Fleet. “Leaders need to understand how deans are employing a “push-out” public funding and share space To turn the ship around, he began reason crew members left the Navy profoundly they affect people,” says approach - traveling with mobile in public school buildings, but do challenging centuries of naval hierar- at the first opportunity. But through the former captain who could regu- desks through the school. The Athey accept and attempt to nurture all chy: He sat down with and interviewed the interviews, Mr. Abrashoff learned larly be seen picking up trash on the number of discipline referrals, as every one of his sailors, from the officers something else: “They also wanted to decks of his ship. “The need to realize well as suspensions, has declined students? Do they conform to rules and to the most junior deckhand. “I learned feel that they were treated with respect, how their optimism and pessimism are dramatically. The deans are laws meant to afford students and their the names of their wives and their kids,” that they were listened to, that they equally infectious, how directly they well-positioned to probe reasons families a measure of protection from he said. He also questioned them about would receive training, and would be set the tone and spirit of everyone for students’ behavior issues and arbitrary decisions? n PS 84 Assistant Principal Tiffany Rosario, Principal Sereida Rodriguez what they thought was wrong with the groomed for advancement.” around them.” to get them refocused on learning. A complaint filed in late November and District 14 Superintendent Alicja Winnicki. (hometownsource.com) with the New York State Education Department suggests that, in the case TENNESSEE: of Success Academy, the answer is no. Computer Testing Dr. Doug V. Computer testing is on hold for the School Leaders Garner Awards, Tributes, Honors Hathaway next year as Tennessee changes Has a Harlem Charter The Welfare Fund testing companies. The announce- ment, made recently by Gov. Bill School refused parents Lee, won’t impact spring testing and students the right to under the current testing vendor. n Carroll Glasses, Acne Medicine, 2018 Reports The move is intended to ensure Street in participate in decisions utmost quality in annual assess- Brooklyn uestion: I am an Welfare Fund. Why is this a problem? What do I have to do ments and to allow the new vendor was Assistant Principal in the to get this medication? about their IEPs? time to prepare for online adminis- co-named Bronx, and really need ANSWER: We require a prior authorization for many trations. The state has experienced Giselle a new pair of glasses. I medications which, although they are prescription medica- Qrequested and received a voucher in tions, may not be necessary for the sustaining of life. It is challenges with the current vendor McGee and online assessments for the past Filed in late November by the non- Way in time for the April school break, but the policy of the fund that procedures for purely cosmetic three years. (chalkbeat.org) profit group Advocates for Children of did not use the voucher. I would or lifestyle reasons are not covered. Your acne medication honor of New York, the complaint alleges that the late like to get my glasses next week, but requires a prior authorization because, generally speaking, WISCONSIN: SA schools in Fort Greene, Harlem, the principal’s the voucher expired. What should after age 23 most cases of acne clear up and medications that Bronx and the Upper West Side have life and I do? treat acne are prescribed for the off-label purpose of reducing Life Lessons refused to comply with laws governing work. ANSWER: Please return the wrinkles. When your doctor provided the medical necessity Students at Northwestern Middle the rights of parents and students to expired voucher to the Welfare of the prescription it was approved immediately. Please note School explored simulated adult participate in decisions about individual- Association New York City Dinner Fund and request a new one. We that prior authorizations are generally granted for a period of life recently. With limited time, 8th Gala. Assistant Principal Jack Chan must receive the expired voucher one year, and need to be re-authorized each year. graders were given fictional jobs, salaries and family sizes and tasked from New Utrecht High School was before issuing a new one to keep our • • • awarded the New York State Supervisor auditors happy (and who doesn’t like happy auditors?). Since with navigating a number of sta- of the Year Award, and Assistant the voucher indicates eligibility to receive services when pre- Audit reports for the CSA Welfare Fund and CSA Retiree tions where they were offered hous- Principal Daniel Shin from Francis sented to a participating optical center, we must receive the Welfare Fund for Fiscal year 2018 are now available for ing, food, cars and health insurance, Lewis High School was awarded expired one before we issue a new one. your review. Reports are posted on the Welfare Fund web- as well as exotic trips and other the SSSA Mark Willner Award. CSA site, www.csawf.org, under the Financial Reports page. If luxury items. Participants were also thrown unexpected situations. They Executive Vice President Henry Rubio, • • • you have any questions please contact Fund Administrator had to exit the simulation with $100 Councilman Daniel Dromm and April uestion: I was recently prescribed a new medi- Dr. Douglas Hathaway at [email protected]. left in their pockets. Francis, the Vice President of the New cation for acne. When I took the prescription to York State Council of Social Studies all the pharmacist rejected it. He said that I needed a Dr. Douglas V. Hathaway is CSA Welfare Fund — Compiled by Christine Altman attended. Qprior authorization and that I should contact the Administrator. You can email him at [email protected]. 8 CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS
for the enemy to detect a fighter plane’s Brooklyn and in Queens. He retired in 2001 GARY GOLDSTEIN In Memoriam whereabouts. At one veterans’ reunion, but continued to work in after-school spe- recalls Mrs. Mann, an aviator approached cial education programs on Staten Island. n MILTON KOPELMAN, an assistant principal, before Mr. Mann and thanked him for saving his The couple moved to Manhattan after Mr. Travel Desk 91, died Aug. 24, 2018. A serving for 17 years as the life. After his discharge, Mr. Mann finished Silverman’s retirement. “After he retired, resident of Yonkers, Mr. school’s principal. Her hus- high school in Connecticut. The couple, he did a tremendous amount of volun- Kopelman served as the band said the school was who met in Brooklyn, married when he teer work,” said Mrs. Silverman, noting his Explore, Vacation On Land Or By Sea principal of Bronx High among the top-rated ele- was 20 years old; his wife had turned 18 involvement with the Immigration Center School of Science from mentary schools in New York just two weeks earlier. Mr. Mann earned a of New York City, and with prisoners incar- 1977 until his retirement City under her leadership. bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s cerated at Rikers Island. He also tutored in 1990. Mr. Kopelman was Before retiring in 1999, Mrs. degree in administration from the New students attending the High School of Art born in New York City, the Levy was reassigned to the York University. While he was a student, & Design and advised taxi cab drivers on son of Jacob Kopelman and District 28 office where she he taught at Eli Whitney High School, a financial matters. His wife said he was a Sophia Herman Kopelman. supervised other principals. vocational high school, in the Greenpoint musician whose major skill was voice, but He earned a bachelor’s “She was a marvelous, mar- section of Brooklyn. Later, he taught phys- he also played the clarinet. “He was a lover degree in science from velous teacher, and a mar- ics at Fort Hamilton High School, before of theater and the arts. He was a lover of City College of New York velous, marvelous supervi- returning to Eli Whitney where he served travel. He was curious about other cultures. as an assistant principal and principal. The He was a real advocate for children. He in 1946, and an MA from Milton Kopelman sor,” said her husband. “She Columbia University in worked extremely hard at school, which opened in 1950, closed in picked the right profession,” she said. In 1948. Mr. Kopelman began her job.” The couple lived for 1987. Mr. Mann ended his career with the addition to his wife, he is survived by their his career in education as a 17 years in Forest Hills before city’s Department of Education at Queens sons Adam and Daniel, and four grandchil- biology teacher at the Bronx relocating to Woodbury, N.Y. Vocational High School in Long Island City. dren — Amelia, Bobby, Isabella, and Talia. High, and went on chair the where they spent 30 years. After raising their family in the Midwood n ROBERT ANTHONY PAUL TAYLOR, 82, school’s biology depart- The Levys moved to Florida section of Brooklyn, they moved to Monroe a resident Cambria Heights in Queens, died ment from 1961 to 1977. in 2005. Mrs. Levy served as Township, N.J., where Mr. Mann enjoyed Feb. 25. Mr. Taylor began his 30-year educa- He was the third principal a leader of a women’s club tennis. He also served as the commander tion career as a music teacher, and went on of the school when he was in her housing development of a local veterans association, sat on the to serve as an assistant principal in various appointed. Mr. Kopelman in Boynton Beach. township’s zoning board, and participat- schools and a stint at the former headquar- was an adjunct instructor ed in an awards program that honored ters of the city’s Department of Education in at Columbia University’s n HAROLD LEVY, 92, of high-school students who excelled in his- Brooklyn. In 1970, he was appointed princi- Teachers College from 1955 Southbury, Conn., a former tory. “He always helped people. He was pal of P.S. 155Q (the Ronald H. Brown School) through 1970. From 1971 science teacher and assistant very good at whatever he did,” said Mrs. in South Ozone Park, Queens. He retired through 1973, he was an principal in Brooklyn, died Mann. In addition to his wife, Mr. Mann is Sept. 1, 1991. Mr. Taylor attended Flushing adjunct instructor for the Sept. 26, 2018. Mr. Levy was survived by the couple’s three children: High School in Queens, before earning both City University of New York, Harold Levy born in Brooklyn and grew Lynda Weinstein, Dr. Richard Mann and a bachelor’s and master’s degree from New working at Hunter College up in Sheepshead Bay, where Sharon Freeman; five grandchildren and York University by the end of the 1950s. ELEANOR GOLDSTEIN and Lehman College. He he worked on the boats and three great-grandchildren. He also gained administrative and super- n Retirees enjoyed a trip to the Colosseum, in Rome, Italy. worked as an adjunct for the New York State docks of Sheepshead Bay and at his grand- n MARION SILTON, 94, died April 3 at visory certification from Brooklyn College Department of Education from 1991until father’s general store, filling orders and her home in Queens. Born in the Bronx, and completed the coursework toward a 1996, and served as a consultant to the making deliveries. He was a graduate of Mrs. Silton was the first member of her doctoral degree. Mr. Taylor married Lynette Alpine Lakes, Trains Yonkers Board of Education in 1997 and James Madison High School and Brooklyn family to graduate from college. Her career Elaine Smallwood in 1959. The couple had July 8 - July 17, 2019 1998. Mr. Kopelman also was a member of College. He joined the US Navy at age 17, as an educator included a long stint at five children. A professional musician who This inclusive land tour (air included) the summer institute run by the National and was stationed in the Western Pacific John Bowne High School in Queens, where played jazz guitar, Mr. Taylor and his wife features cruises on Lakes Como and Science Foundation, participating at the Theater during World War II. After the war, she taught in the Business Education co-founded a small musical group called Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland University of Colorado, Pennsylvania State Mr. Levy became a science teacher, first Department and was one of the first faculty The Fireside Singers that performed around and Italy. It also includes 12 meals. Enjoy University, and the State University of working in East New York, later joining the members to teach her students how to use New York City in the 1960s. He also set up stunning alpine views including the New York, from 1971 through 1973. Mr. staff that opened the new Sheepshead computers, which had just been introduced a music studio in his basement where he Bernina Pass. Tour Lucerne and Zermat. Kopelman served in the US Army from Bay High School in 1958 where he taught to the school. For many years, Mrs. Silton and his family could perform privately with RATES: $4,899 - Insurance and 1946 through 1947. He married the former biology. He became chairman of the sci- was the program chair at Bowne, where each other, and he taught music privately. upgraded coach air not included. Harriet Ressler on Dec. 25, 1949. The couple ence department at W. Arthur Cunningham she successfully coordinated schedules for He became affiliated with the Redeemer had three children — Steven, Kenneth, and Junior High School (234) in Midwood, and thousands of students each year. She next Evangelical Lutheran Church in The Bronx, Back to Alaska Donna. From 1978 through 1989, he served then an AP there, where he retired in 1981. accepted the role of interim acting AP of where he taught music and joined the July 12 - 19, 2019 as president of the Bronx High School of As a science teacher, he took advantage of organization under then Interim Acting men’s group, the Redeemer LEGS (League Board the Celebrity Solstice in Seattle Science Endowment Fund — a group he also stipends offered by the National Science Principal Raymond Shaevitz. Mrs. Silton of Extraordinary Gentlemen in Service). In and sail to Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Glacier, founded. He was a consultant to the Ronald Foundation to attend summer institutes next became the AP for organization at addition to his wife, Mr. Taylor is survived by Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British S. Lauder Foundation, which supports devoted to emerging scientific develop- Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn. his children Damian, Deric, Durahn, Armia, Columbia arriving Seattle July 19. Jewish educational programming in Eastern ments; as a result, he and his family lived on She held that post from 1979 until her and Dien; his grandson, Bradly; his sister, RATES: Inside $1,482.03 pp dbl; Europe; a member of the CSA, and a mem- several college campuses during the sum- retirement in 1991, under Principal Everett Enid and a host of nieces and nephews. Verandah $2,287.03. Ask for discounted ber of the Hymark Veterans Association. In mers, including the University of Colorado in Kerner. Her daughters said she greatly n DORA VALENTE, 83, wife of retired air, pre and post trips and single, triple 1987, he was given an Excellence in Teaching Boulder, and on an island in Maine when Mr. loved her work as an administrator. Prior assistant principal Louis Valente, died Nov. and optional insurance rates. Award from the State University of New York Levy took classes at Bowdoin College. Mr. to becoming a public educator, Mrs. Silton 21, 2018. Residents of the Great Kills com- at Albany. He also earned a Torch of Liberty Levy moved to Southbury in 1991, accord- worked for several years in the private munity on Staten Island for more than Galapagos Islands award. The Milton Kopelman Scholarship ing to his daughter, to a development called sector as a certified public accountant, 50 years, the Valentes both grew up in August 8 - 18, 2019 Fund is named in his honor. In announcing a Heritage Village where he began building while she began to raise her family. Mrs. Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, met while attend- Cruise approximately 12 islands memorial service in December, the school’s dozens of ship models, many of which were Silton was married for almost 40 years to ing Brooklyn College, and married in 1956. aboard the Celebrity Expedition. Depart alumni association noted his long career sailed at the Heritage Village annual Regatta. Irv Silton, who predeceased her by 31 years. Mr. Valente began his career in 1965 at US - Quito (air not included); stay two spent there: “Bronx Science recently cele- He also built models of local buildings. Mr. Mrs. Silton is survived by her three daugh- PS 42 in Eltingville, Staten Island. He was nights at the JW Marriott; Aug. 10 fly brated its 80th anniversary, so the fact that Levy volunteered for Meals on Wheels and ters, Susan Silton Tobias, Reba Silterra, Pam later named an assistant principal at PS 67 Quito-Baltra (included). Board the ship Mr. Kopelman was involved with the school Patient Transportation. He participated in Singer and six grandchildren, Avi, Melody, in Fort Green, Brooklyn. He retired from for 7 nights; return to Quito for a night at for more than half its existence is significant. a program called “Monologues” affiliat- Jacob, Max, Josh and Bobby. Memorial con- P.S. 78 in Brooklyn in 1990. His wife start- the Marriott; return to US Aug. 18. Principal Kopelman had a transformative ed with the Theater Guild in Connecticut. tributions may be sent to Baruch College ed her career as a director of the nursery RATES: Begin at $7,139 pp dbl; call for effect on The Bronx High School of Science.” Mr. Levy also enjoyed opera, skiing and (www.alumni.baruch.cuny.edu/donate). school at Great Kills Community Center. suite rates. n ELEANOR D. LEVY, 78, a former teacher, ice-skating. He is survived by his son, Art, his n GERARD SILVERMAN, 77, a special edu- She briefly taught first grade in Manhattan, assistant principal, and principal in Queens, daughter Sandy, two grandchildren and two cation specialist and supervisor, died Sept. before taking additional training in com- great-grandchildren. His brother Bertrand, Paris and Normandy died June 26, 2018, in Boynton Beach, Fla. 18, 2018. He worked in city schools for 34 puters and becoming a computer analyst August 18 - 25, 2019 Mrs. Levy was born in the Bronx in 1939. who served in the US Army during World years. Mr. Silverman was born and raised at J.P. Morgan. Mrs. Valente also earned a War II, was killed in action in France. Sail the beautiful Viking Rolf (Viking She attended Forest Hills High School in in The Bronx and graduated from the High degree in languages, Italian and Spanish, River Cruises). Embark in Paris and sail the n Queens. According to her husband of 57 DANIEL I. MANN, 92, died Sept. 20, School of Music & Art in Harlem, near the according to her husband. “She was a won- Seine visiting Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys, years, Seymour Levy, she earned a bache- 2018, in Monroe Township, N.J. Mr. Mann campus of City College of New York. (The derful lady,” said Mr. Valente. He said her and the Normandy Beaches bearing witness lor’s degree in elementary education and a retired in 1990 after a 40-year career in school later became part of the Fiorello H. hobbies included reading, sewing, and gar- to our troops who landed during WWII. master’s degree in primary education from New York City public schools. Born in LaGuardia High School of Music & the Arts.) dening, and noted she was a “great cook.” RATES: Deep discount rates begin at New York University, where she was also a Flushing, Queens, Mr. Mann grew up in He earned a bachelor’s degree from Hunter Mrs. Valente was active in the American $2,774 double. Additional discounts may sorority leader. She taught fourth-grade the Rockaways. He enlisted in the Navy College and two master’s degrees — one Association of University Women. She apply including current air promo of $395 for one year at a school in Harlem, before at the age of 17, before graduating from in special education at Yeshiva University, retired from J.P. Morgan in 1992, though (may expire anytime) roundtrip from NY/ being told she was to teach kindergarten high school, according to his wife of 72 and one in supervision and education from she returned briefly as a consultant in NJ. Paris extension is available. Call or the following year. Her husband said she years, Clair Mann. He served for three years Pace University. According to his wife of 52 2000. The couple have four children — email for application. objected to the reassignment and was able during World War II, based in the Pacific years, Carol Silverman, Mr. Silverman began Joann Valente, Rosemarie Lombardi, Ralph to transfer to P.S. 196 (the Grand Central Theatre aboard the USS Hancock, where his career in public education in 1967, after Valente, and Viincent Valente. Parkway School) in Forest Hills. Mrs. Levy he was an aviation electronics technician the couple moved to Rockville Center on Sail Norway, Iceland never left, said her husband. She worked mate who helped develop radio commu- Long Island. Mr. Silverman served as a Send obituary notices to CSA News Editor August 25 - September 9, 2019 in the District 28 school as a teacher and nication systems that made it difficult special education supervisor for schools in Chuck Wilbanks at [email protected]. London to London. Board the Pacific CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS 9
Brooklyn and in Queens. He retired in 2001 GARY GOLDSTEIN but continued to work in after-school spe- NATION cial education programs on Staten Island. The couple moved to Manhattan after Mr. Travel Desk Silverman’s retirement. “After he retired, Labor he did a tremendous amount of volun- teer work,” said Mrs. Silverman, noting his Explore, Vacation On Land Or By Sea NEVADA: involvement with the Immigration Center Illegal Strikes of New York City, and with prisoners incar- Although strikes are illegal in cerated at Rikers Island. He also tutored Nevada, the Clark County Education students attending the High School of Art Association hasn’t ruled one out. & Design and advised taxi cab drivers on Buoyed, perhaps, by the success financial matters. His wife said he was a of public employee wildcat strikes musician whose major skill was voice, but across the country, Clark County he also played the clarinet. “He was a lover educators are considering all of theater and the arts. He was a lover of options in order to make an impres- travel. He was curious about other cultures. sion upon legislators that their He was a real advocate for children. He needs, financial and otherwise, picked the right profession,” she said. In need to be met. Should the union addition to his wife, he is survived by their decide to take this action, it could sons Adam and Daniel, and four grandchil- be penalized with fines of up to dren — Amelia, Bobby, Isabella, and Talia. $50,000 a day. (reviewjournal.com) n ROBERT ANTHONY PAUL TAYLOR, 82, a resident Cambria Heights in Queens, died MAINE: Feb. 25. Mr. Taylor began his 30-year educa- tion career as a music teacher, and went on Dems Fight Back to serve as an assistant principal in various A pro-labor bill before the Maine schools and a stint at the former headquar- Legislature would require govern- ters of the city’s Department of Education in ment agencies that already employ Brooklyn. In 1970, he was appointed princi- union workers to provide names, pal of P.S. 155Q (the Ronald H. Brown School) addresses, phone numbers and in South Ozone Park, Queens. He retired other contact information of new Sept. 1, 1991. Mr. Taylor attended Flushing employees. The measure would High School in Queens, before earning both allow union representatives to contact workers directly and would a bachelor’s and master’s degree from New help counteract efforts by conser- York University by the end of the 1950s. ELEANOR GOLDSTEIN vatives to remind public sector He also gained administrative and super- n Retirees enjoyed a trip to the Colosseum, in Rome, Italy. workers that they don’t have to join visory certification from Brooklyn College a union. (bangordailynews.com) and completed the coursework toward a Princess for 15 days, visiting 9 ports. The RATES: Begin at $989 pp. These are doctoral degree. Mr. Taylor married Lynette Alpine Lakes, Trains Pacific, a deluxe vessel, accommodates introductory rates and will not last! DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Elaine Smallwood in 1959. The couple had July 8 - July 17, 2019 only 700 passengers. This inclusive land tour (air included) five children. A professional musician who RATES: Begin at $4,744 pp dbl. Dubai to Rome Teachers To Rescue played jazz guitar, Mr. Taylor and his wife features cruises on Lakes Como and May 19 - June 8, 2020 Organized labor has been fighting co-founded a small musical group called Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland Why 2020? This is Oceania Nautica’s back and, thanks to teachers, has The Fireside Singers that performed around and Italy. It also includes 12 meals. Enjoy Canyon Country most popular itinerary and will sell fast. garnered national attention again. New York City in the 1960s. He also set up stunning alpine views including the October 22-29, 2019 Depart for Dubai May 19; overnight The Bureau of Labor Statistics a music studio in his basement where he Bernina Pass. Tour Lucerne and Zermat. Arizona and Utah. All inclusive land/ reports that 485,000 workers partic- onboard the vessel; sail to Salalah, Oman; and his family could perform privately with RATES: $4,899 - Insurance and air from New York (call re other depar- ipated in “major work stoppages” in cruise the Red Sea, Aqaba, Jordan; Luxor, each other, and he taught music privately. upgraded coach air not included. ture cities.) We begin in Scottsdale and 2018, compared to 25,000 in 2017. Egypt; Suez Canal; Jerusalem, Israel for two He became affiliated with the Redeemer journey to Sedona, Grand Canyon, Lake The actions have been driven by days; Crete, Amalfi/Positano, Italy and dis- Evangelical Lutheran Church in The Bronx, Back to Alaska Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park teachers and other education work- embark in Rome. Pre and post trips avail- where he taught music and joined the and unwind in Las Vegas. Includes rt air, ers who account for 78% of those July 12 - 19, 2019 able; perks subject to availability. men’s group, the Redeemer LEGS (League Board the Celebrity Solstice in Seattle transfers, lodging, sightseeing, 6 break- that have gone on strike. Strikes RATES: Begin at $3,799 pp dbl; add air of Extraordinary Gentlemen in Service). In and sail to Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Glacier, fasts, 4 dinners. have continued in 2019,with teach- and insurance. Call for rates for verandah addition to his wife, Mr. Taylor is survived by Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British RATES: $3,349 double; $4,249 single; ers making gains in pay and bene- and higher. fits as a result. (news.vice.com) his children Damian, Deric, Durahn, Armia, Columbia arriving Seattle July 19. $3,299 triple. and Dien; his grandson, Bradly; his sister, RATES: Inside $1,482.03 pp dbl; Waterways Of The Czars Enid and a host of nieces and nephews. Verandah $2,287.03. Ask for discounted CALIFORNIA: Australia/New Zealand July 6-19, 2020 n DORA VALENTE, 83, wife of retired air, pre and post trips and single, triple January 8-21, 2020 An eye opening experience awaits Sacramento Strike assistant principal Louis Valente, died Nov. and optional insurance rates. Depart US Jan. 4, 2020 - two nights at as we visit historic Moscow and canal- The Sacramento City Teachers 21, 2018. Residents of the Great Kills com- the Four Seasons Sydney; sail the Majestic laced cultural St. Petersburg (home of Assoc., embroiled in a dispute munity on Staten Island for more than Galapagos Islands Princess Jan. 8-21, visit Fjordland, The Hermitage). In between, visit Uglich with the financially troubled 50 years, the Valentes both grew up in August 8 - 18, 2019 Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Tauranga, and Yaroslavl unveiling its mysteries. Sacramento City Unified School Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, met while attend- Cruise approximately 12 islands Auckland and the Bay of Islands. For more ports and details go to vikin- District, announced April 30 that ing Brooklyn College, and married in 1956. aboard the Celebrity Expedition. Depart RATES: Begin at $2114pp; add air, grivercruises.com. Ask about three night it would hold its second one-day Mr. Valente began his career in 1965 at US - Quito (air not included); stay two hotel, transfers and insurance. optional post tour to Helsinki, Finland. strike on May 22. The teachers PS 42 in Eltingville, Staten Island. He was nights at the JW Marriott; Aug. 10 fly RATES: Begin at $5,874 pp; add air allege that the district is not hon- later named an assistant principal at PS 67 Quito-Baltra (included). Board the ship hotel, transfers and insurance. oring its 2017 agreement, includ- in Fort Green, Brooklyn. He retired from for 7 nights; return to Quito for a night at The Plains of Africa ing directing health-plan savings P.S. 78 in Brooklyn in 1990. His wife start- the Marriott; return to US Aug. 18. January 30 - February 12, 2020 From Rome To Venice toward reducing class size and ed her career as a director of the nursery RATES: Begin at $7,139 pp dbl; call for Journey to a Continent not easily forgot- funding more health workers and school at Great Kills Community Center. suite rates. ten! Explore Kenya and wildlife and stun- August 20-29, 2020 counselors. (www.sacbee.com) Board the elegant Azamara Journey. She briefly taught first grade in Manhattan, ning vistas. Program includes rt air from Sail from Rome to the Amalfi Coast for WISCONSIN: before taking additional training in com- JFK, 11 game drives, most meals, Karen Paris and Normandy the dazzling sights of the most talked puters and becoming a computer analyst Blixen House, visit to the Samburu Tribe, Sweeping Up August 18 - 25, 2019 about vistas in the world.Continue at J.P. Morgan. Mrs. Valente also earned a Masai Village and Game Reserve and more. Sail the beautiful Viking Rolf (Viking to the Dalmatian coast with stops in A slate of five Milwaukee school degree in languages, Italian and Spanish, This is a Collette small group Explorations River Cruises). Embark in Paris and sail the Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia. board candidates, endorsed by the according to her husband. “She was a won- program with 18 seats available. Seine visiting Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys, Conclude the journey with an overnight Teachers’ Education Association derful lady,” said Mr. Valente. He said her RATES: $6,449 dbl; $7,649 single; Add and the Normandy Beaches bearing witness onboard in Venice. and the progressive Working hobbies included reading, sewing, and gar- optional insurance; Pre (Tsavo National to our troops who landed during WWII. RATES: Begin at $3,546.04 pp inte- Families Party, swept their races. dening, and noted she was a “great cook.” Park) and Post (Tanzania) available. RATES: Deep discount rates begin at rior (subject to availability). Air, optional While all candidates addressed Mrs. Valente was active in the American $2,774 double. Additional discounts may Request the brochure. a host of issues, the races were Association of University Women. She insurance and pre and post hotel stays apply including current air promo of $395 are not included. Inquire about free perks primarily about the proliferation retired from J.P. Morgan in 1992, though of independent charter schools. (may expire anytime) roundtrip from NY/ including a complimentary choir perfor- she returned briefly as a consultant in Winter Break The winning slate made it clear NJ. Paris extension is available. Call or February 15 - 22, 2020 mance in Koper, Slovenia 2000. The couple have four children — email for application. they opposed charters and that Joann Valente, Rosemarie Lombardi, Ralph Sail the brand new SKY Princess sailing their election might make it more Valente, and Viincent Valente. from Ft. Lauderdale, to Grand Cayman, difficult for them to be chartered or Sail Norway, Iceland Roatan, Belize City and Cozumel. Go on For more information, renewed. (jsonline.com) August 25 - September 9, 2019 the web to SKY Princess and watch the email [email protected] Send obituary notices to CSA News Editor — Compiled by Christine Altman Chuck Wilbanks at [email protected]. London to London. Board the Pacific video of this spectacular new vessel. 10 CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS
CSA Retiree Chapter’s Chapter Art & Craft Exhibit RETIREE June 25 to 27 | 10 am - 4 pm | CSA Headquarters Opening Reception: Monday, 6/24 at 4 p.m. CHAIR’S MESSAGE MEDICARE AND COLA Gayle Lockett Concurrent Lectures & Lunch: Marc Chagall & The Bible Tuesday, 6/25; 10:30 – noon | Presenter: Richard Mc Bee, Artist
Protect Your Assets Hear Ye: Important Benevolence, Philanthropy & Activism Women Make a Difference in 19th Century New York Wednesday, 6/26; 10:30 – noon | New-York Historical Society t’s that time of year when many of us have completed our taxes and can once again smell the roses. Still, there Benefit Information Each lecture is $30. To register, contact the RC at (212) 823-2020 are details we can’t ignore about our finances. For example, if you BY MARK BRODSKY Medicare Part B differential If you wish to contribute to the exhibit, Iare entitled to file for IRMAA (Income request. Your differential will contact Patricia Mack at CSA: (212) 823-2080 Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) ll our mem- be included in your IRMAA and you didn’t do it yet, do not put your bers who are on reimbursement. The IRMAA 2018 1099 form away. Copy and submit Medicare should threshold is $85,000 single, it along with your benefit letter you have received their based on your federal income received in Nov. 2017. Fill out the cover “standard” Part B tax or $170,000 married. sheet that was given out at the regional Areimbursement for 2018. For IRMAA reimbursement is unit meetings or look on the CSA most, except those who began expected in October. Driver Safety Program Welfare Fund website, csawf.org, for the form. After gathering and Medicare on or after January The forms can be found on completing this information, send it to Doug Hathaway, Welfare 2017, received an under reim- the website of the NYC Office Fund Administrator, or to the Office of Labor Relations. For more bursement of what should have of Labor Relations – www.NYC. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019 information call the RC at (212) 823-2020. been $134 per month. That Gov/OLR or the CSA Welfare As we enjoy our retirement, unfortunately we must be alert to should have come to $1608 per Mark Brodsky Fund – www.csawf.org. The AARP Driver Safety program is the nation’s first and largest scam artists that prey on seniors. The good news is that many units person for the entire year. refresher course for drivers. And the best part? There are no tests! Just have had assistant district attorneys at their meetings alerting us If your 2018 monthly COLA for 2019 useful information to stay safe on the road. to different types of scams, how we should handle telephone or Medicare Part B premium was between $110 The US Department of Labor announced The course is designed to help you: mail fraud. Hang up on any caller requesting personal information and $134 per month, you must submit a the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the • Update driving skills and your knowledge of the rules – and hazards such as your date of birth, Social Security or Medicare numbers or request form for your 2018 Medicare Part B month of March 2019. Our COLA percent- – of the road. the verification of credit card numbers. Scam artists can catch us age is 50 percent of the increase over the • Learn about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust off guard and sound convincing: I almost fell for a hacker when I previous year. With this announcement, your driving to compensate. opened up an ad on what I thought was a legitimate page. Right Forms are available on the determined COLA percentage will be 1 • Reduce your chances for traffic violations, accidents and chances away, a computer voice told me I was being hacked and needed percent starting September 2019. Note that for injuries. to pay to retrieve my files and use my computer. Fortunately, I the website of the Office the COLA is based on the first $18,000. To be • Get an insurance discount. Auto insurance companies in most immediately shut down my computer and so far, nothing has of Labor Relations – eligible, you must be: states provide a multi-year discount to AARP graduates! Please con- gone wrong. After that, someone left a message on my answering • At least age 62 and retired at least 5 sult your insurance company for specifics. machine telling me I needed to call back to update my Microsoft www.NYC.Gov/OLR years; • Most states grant up to a 3 points reduction already accrued. Please account or I would not be able use it. That too was false. • At least age 55 and retired at least 10 contact your state Department of Motor Vehicles for specifics. You also need to review any medical bills you receive to verify or the Welfare Fund – years; The fee for AARP members is $20. and non AARP members is $25. that you are being billed for doctor visits and medical procedures • A disability retiree and retired at least 5 There is no age restriction and registration is limited. The class will be you actually received. If you notice a charge for medical service you www.csawf.org. years regardless of age; held at CSA Headquarters at 40 Rector Street, 12th floor. We will begin did not receive, call your doctor and or primary carrier. Although A spouse of a deceased retiree who at 9 am sharp. we are not charged for many procedures (a NYC benefit obtained receives a benefit under the joint and sur- You MUST register before the class and a letter of confirmation will through union bargaining), it is important that we help hold down reimbursement differential. The differential vivor option (spouse is entitled to half be sent. DO NOT BRING CASH – CHECKS ONLY payable to AARP. the city and federal government costs by reporting errors on our payment will be issued in the first quarter of the COLA amount the retiree would have Participants must bring a valid driver’s license and your AARP member- accounts. Also, when you require a procedure or surgery, find out 2020. received). ship card if you are a member. if your surgeon and hospital is in-network. You need to know the If you intend to apply for an income-re- Light refreshments will be provided and you are encouraged to bring costs before entering and not assume everything is covered. lated monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) Mark Brodsky is the director of the CSA your own bag lunch. for 2018, you do not have to fill out the Retiree Chapter • • • For more information, call the Retiree Chapter at (212) 823-2020 or e-mail f you haven’t already, this is a great time to review and update [email protected]. your wills and beneficiaries on your pensions, TDAs, bank Iaccounts and insurance policies. When my accountant did my taxes, he told me a very interesting story about a son helping his Free Natters Bluebook Calendars elderly parents, who are in their 80’s, get their affairs in order. AARP Driver Specifically, his parents held various bonds including EE bonds. The CSA Retiree Chapter is offering a free Natters Bluebook Calendar to members. If you Safety Program Some were so old, that they no longer were drawing interest. When would like one, send in the coupon below. Only one book per member. Requests are only For In-Service and Retiree Members the son asked his parents why they had not spent it or converted it guaranteed to those who respond by June 30. to current interest-bearing investments, the parents said they were Defensive Driving Classes – 6 Hrs of Instruction saving it for a “rainy day.” Saving is a very good habit, but we still need to be financially astute with our retirement funds. The won- Name Name derful news is that many of us are still very active and live to be well over 90 years old. Address Address If you have any questions concerning your retirement benefits, call the Retirement Chapter (RC) or the Welfare Fund to assist you. Home or Cell Number: In Unity, City, State, Zip: Gayle Lockett E-mail Address: E-mail Address: Mail coupon by May 15 to: CSA Retiree Chapter, 40 Rector Street, 12th Fl., NY, NY 10006. For information: (212) 823-2020, ext.2079 or e-mail Lucie@ Phone: csa-nyc.org. Include a copy of your valid driver’s license and if applicable your current AARP membership card. * Checks payable to AARP: $20. for Mail coupon to CSARC c/o Miata Jones, 40 Rector Street., 12th. Fl., NY, NY 10006 AARP members and $25. for non-members.
358655_May 2019 CSA News_dg3_R3.indd 10 5/6/19 12:47 PM CSA NEWS May 2019 May 2019 CSA NEWS 11 You’re Invited! RC Regional Units
CSA Retiree Chapter’s CENTRAL NEW JERSEY ROCKLAND ORANGE BERGEN Chapter We’ll have our spring Bagel Meeting We’ll hold our spring meeting on Art & Craft Exhibit on May 1, 9:30 am at the Monroe May 2, 10 am at the Nanuet Public Township Library. Since this meeting is Library. There will be a speaker from June 25 to 27 | 10 am - 4 pm | CSA Headquarters about financial considerations particu- the district attorney’s office who will larly geared to seniors, it would be a good discuss the latest frauds and scams that Opening Reception: Monday, 6/24 at 4 p.m. opportunity for members to review their target senior citizens. He will also be financial plans to ensure they are in order. sharing information about what the Concurrent Lectures & Lunch: Marc Chagall & The Bible Our luncheon, featuring Dr. Douglas DA is doing and how we can report and fight back. We will also hold our Tuesday, 6/25; 10:30 – noon | Presenter: Richard Mc Bee, Artist Hathaway, will be held on June 12 at 12:30 at Ponte Vecchio in Old Bridge. election for unit leader.
Your price is $25; the unit will be subsi- — Bart Bookman Benevolence, Philanthropy & Activism Hear Ye: Important dizing half the price of the event, which Women Make a Difference in 19th Century New York includes entertainment and wine. Be sure Wednesday, 6/26; 10:30 – noon | New-York Historical Society to take advantage of the opportunity to MANHATTAN dine at this well-regarded restaurant. We are now collecting dues for —Lucille Vecchiarelli Benefit Information Each lecture is $30. To register, contact the RC at (212) 823-2020 2019-2020. Please send a check for $15 made out to “Manhattan Unit-CSARC” Medicare Part B differential If you wish to contribute to the exhibit, to: Stanley H Wilson, Unit Leader, 400 request. Your differential will contact Patricia Mack at CSA: (212) 823-2080 SOUTHEAST FLORIDA East 56 Street, Apt. 8M, New York, NY, be included in your IRMAA Spring has arrived and some of our 10022. You will not have to pay dues reimbursement. The IRMAA snowbird members are heading home. again until May 2020. Our next General threshold is $85,000 single, On behalf of our executive board, I wish Membership Meeting will be held on based on your federal income all our members a happy holiday. Please Friday, May 31 at the Manhattan Night tax or $170,000 married. note that we will have our spring wine and Day High School, 240 East 15 Street. IRMAA reimbursement is and cheese party on Monday, May 20, Our speaker, Dr. Douglas Hathaway, will expected in October. Driver Safety Program from 4-6 pm at the South County Civic go over changes to our health benefits. The forms can be found on Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach, There will be valuable materials and the website of the NYC Office FL 33446. Hope to see you all there. we’ll serve refreshments. Our annual of Labor Relations – www.NYC. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019 — Lois Turetzky luncheon will be June 7, 12 pm at the Gov/OLR or the CSA Welfare National Arts Club. We’ll be sending Fund – www.csawf.org. The AARP Driver Safety program is the nation’s first and largest more information about this event refresher course for drivers. And the best part? There are no tests! Just SUNCOAST soon. Please feel free to call or email me COLA for 2019 useful information to stay safe on the road. anytime at [email protected], or call Our March 29 Brunch was well The US Department of Labor announced The course is designed to help you: (917) 692-2942. • Update driving skills and your knowledge of the rules – and hazards attended as we welcomed back Dr. the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the — Stanley Wilson month of March 2019. Our COLA percent- – of the road. Doug Hathaway who presented his age is 50 percent of the increase over the • Learn about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust popular and informative workshop, previous year. With this announcement, your driving to compensate. Everything I Forgot About My Benefits LONG ISLAND the determined COLA percentage will be 1 • Reduce your chances for traffic violations, accidents and chances Since I Retired! He was joined by RC percent starting September 2019. Note that for injuries. Chair, Gayle Lockett and our Chapter We will hold our general member- the COLA is based on the first $18,000. To be • Get an insurance discount. Auto insurance companies in most Liaison, Norm Sherman. The historic ship meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 eligible, you must be: states provide a multi-year discount to AARP graduates! Please con- tour and luncheon at the Vinoy Hotel at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, • At least age 62 and retired at least 5 sult your insurance company for specifics. on April 26, was delightful for the 28 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, years; • Most states grant up to a 3 points reduction already accrued. Please members and guests who attended. NY. We’ll have coffee at 1 pm and • At least age 55 and retired at least 10 contact your state Department of Motor Vehicles for specifics. I will be planning additional events our program will begin at 1:30. There years; The fee for AARP members is $20. and non AARP members is $25. in the future. If you have ideas for an will be two guest speakers: a hospital • A disability retiree and retired at least 5 There is no age restriction and registration is limited. The class will be interesting venue, I welcome your sug- representative who will discuss opioid years regardless of age; held at CSA Headquarters at 40 Rector Street, 12th floor. We will begin gestions. Just to clarify, our Suncoast addiction in seniors, and Dr. Douglas A spouse of a deceased retiree who at 9 am sharp. Chapter covers the west coast of Hathaway, Welfare Fund administrator, receives a benefit under the joint and sur- You MUST register before the class and a letter of confirmation will Florida. We have members who travel who will discuss health care benefits. Dr. vivor option (spouse is entitled to half be sent. DO NOT BRING CASH – CHECKS ONLY payable to AARP. from Naples and all the way up to Hathaway will also be available, after the COLA amount the retiree would have Participants must bring a valid driver’s license and your AARP member- Tarpon Springs. Sarasota is central, his presentation, to address members’ received). ship card if you are a member. where we hold our Jan. and March individual concerns. The Long Island Light refreshments will be provided and you are encouraged to bring meetings. If you need additional infor- Unit’s annual luncheon will take place Mark Brodsky is the director of the CSA your own bag lunch. mation or know of anyone who would on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Crest Retiree Chapter like to join our chapter, please call Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho For more information, call the Retiree Chapter at (212) 823-2020 or e-mail me at (646) 387-2652 or email cin- Turnpike, Woodbury, NY, from 12 – 4 [email protected]. [email protected]. Remember, pm. Mark your calendar: We’ll enjoy guests are always welcome to our good food, music and conversation with events! Stay well and keep having fun! friends and colleagues. — Cindy Salomone — Renee Yarmoff Free Natters Bluebook Calendars AARP Driver The CSA Retiree Chapter is offering a free Natters Bluebook Calendar to members. If you Safety Program would like one, send in the coupon below. Only one book per member. Requests are only For In-Service and Retiree Members guaranteed to those who respond by June 30. Defensive Driving Classes – 6 Hrs of Instruction New Arizona Leaders In Place Name n Stephanie Thier and Dominick Nigro are the new Arizona RC Unit Address leaders. They take over for Maishe Levitan. Ms. Thier retired in 2002 after a long career as an EA in charge of school improvement Home or Cell Number: and testing for gifted programs in District 30. “When I left, they hired E-mail Address: three people,” she says. Mr. Nigro retired in 2003. He was an EA in Mail coupon by May 15 to: CSA Retiree Chapter, 40 Rector Street, 12th Fl., District 31. The unit has more NY, NY 10006. For information: (212) 823-2020, ext.2079 or e-mail Lucie@ than 30 members, many spread csa-nyc.org. Include a copy of your valid driver’s license and if applicable across the state, which creates your current AARP membership card. * Checks payable to AARP: $20. for logistical problems for meetings, gatherings and events. The unit’s Dec. meeting, Ms. AARP members and $25. for non-members. Thier said, will feature a visit from 40 Rector St., and possibly an expert on elder law. The meeting will also honor Mr. Levitan. “We’re trying to preserve Maishe’s legacy,” she said. “We want the children to learn about “We wantthechildrentolearnabout donations andstudent-ledfarmstands. a yearforclassroomsnacks,community can growover1,000poundsofproduce tainable development.Thegreenhouse conservation, food production, andsus- students aboutenvironmentalsciences, and agerminationrackinordertoteach growing systems,acomposting-station, Sunworks. Thelabincludeshydroponic Lab, createdinpartnershipwithNY ting ceremonyforitsnewHydroponic Through STEAMhostedaribboncut- School ofLeadership&Innovation & ForeignLanguage. Principal ofSpecialEducation,Humanities dence,” saidRivkyBroyde,CTEAAssistant belonging, andbuildcharacterconfi- friendships, givethemastrongsenseof laboration helped students develop new led byPrincipalTekeshaBabb.“Thiscol- by Principal LaKeisha Gordon. students towalktherunway.CTEAisled Shenkman, the event paired nearly 90 and coordinated by CTEA teacher Brad collaboration betweentheschools, by CTEAstudentstopromotegreater PS 233, a District 75 school. Created on April 5. CTEA shares a building with hosted its thirdannualfashionshow Engineering &Architecture(CTEA) students intheschool’snewhydroponics lab n PS349PrincipalTonyaBates-Howell workswith And Hydroponics Fashion, Bagpipes On April9,PS 349, The The HSforConstructionTrades, Queens MAY 2019 Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper
(DIST. 24 - 30) - 24 (DIST. is PS 233 is Magnet Magnet Borough 40 RectorSt.,NY,NY10006 Local 1AFSA,AFL-CIO New YorkStateFederationofSchoolAdministrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors&Administrators,NYC knowledge and appreciation of the Irish knowledge andappreciationoftheIrish mance furtherenhancedthestudents’ County TyronePipeBand.“Theperfor- McFadden andWilliamPeytonofthe pipes andsnaredrumdeliveredbyJohn uplifting musical performance on bag- dents ofPS63weretreatedtoan Tonya Bates-Howell. back tothecommunity,”saidPrincipal sustainability andempowerthemtogive In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, stu Principal LauraPawson. service-learning activities,”said of domestic and international as theyparticipateinavariety lead withgraceandgratitude “Our students are learning to to encouragealoveofreading. ated characterpuppetsinorder they readtochildrenandcre- a dayofcelebrationinwhich facility inJamaica,Queensfor care. Studentstravelledtothe dren currently living in foster Family ofServicesforchil- books todonatetheSCO School Middle CollegeHigh Principal DianeMarino. traditions andculture,”said Throughout March, Briefs / collected over400 In
- The Wimpy KidSeries impact,” saidPrincipalLisetteCaesar. about perseverancereallymadean moon abouthisvisit,andmessage books. “Ourstudentswereoverthe Fair sothateverystudentgot3new Mr. KinneysetupaScholasticBook Behavioral Interventions and Support). selected foritsworkinPBIS(Positive Awesome FriendlyKid.The school was brated Kinney’snewbook,DiaryofAn being “awesome.” Theeventcele- 10 studentswithcertificatesfor Preparatory Academyto award of WimpyKidseries,visitedMosaic Sensory Pathway this yearinahallwayoutside ather- installed asensorypathway earlier founding principal Deanna Marco, Staten Island Manhattan A Our Schools Music In Principal FaridReyes(pictured,left). appreciate thevalueofmusic,”said and bandmemberstoreflecton vided anopportunityforourchoir artistic abilities,andthisvisitpro- want ourstudentstodeveloptheir impact ofmusiconherlife.“We becoming MissUniverseandthe learn moreaboutherjourneyto songs andhadtheopportunityto Students performedaselectionof to theneedformusiceducation. partner school,tobringattention Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary PS 9,undertheleadershipof Bronx Schools Education ThroughMusic visited PS103,an Universe CatrionaGray Schools Month,”Miss s partof“MusicInOur (DIST.
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(D-31) Craig DiFolco Compiled by at [email protected]. release intotheenvironment. wastewater thatissafeenoughfor contaminants andproducetreated covered theprocessesusedtoremove and Oceanographyclasses,theydis- in lessonsfromLivingEnvironment on NYC’swaterinfrastructure.Tying guided educationprogramcentered Greenpoint andparticipatedina Wastewater TreatmentCenterin field triptotheNewtownCreek Principal Daniel Chu, attended a Anita Manninen-FelixandAssistant under theleadershipofPrincipal from McCoy-Dailey. to GreaterHeights’,”saidDr.Keisha pedagogical skillssowecan‘SOAR tent knowledgewhileenhancingtheir which will deepen my teachers’ con- of stration lesson. “As a new principal performances andahands-ondemon- UFT TeacherCenter,featuringstudent hosted aribbon-cuttingfortheirnew A FieldTrip Ribbon-Cutting, Assistant PrincipalLisaBonello. a break to relax themselves,” said through lettingoutenergyortaking help studentsfocus,whetherthat’s and provides avarietyofwaysto a multi-sensoryapproachtolearning tive functioning.“Ourpathwayoffers cessing skills as well as overall cogni- regulation and promote sensory pro- after classestohelpfacilitatesensory sonalized images,isusedduringand The path, with school colors and per- cal therapistsandguidancecounselor. gists, occupational therapists, physi- school’s speech-languagepatholo- the path in collaboration with the oper ofTheSensoryPath,designed Nest Programs.HollyClay,thedevel- (autism spectrum disorder)and ASD room. apy roomandkindergartenclass- Brooklyn PS 396,Iknowthisisaprogram Send Borough Briefs to Craig DiFolco Send BoroughBriefstoCraigDiFolco At theendofMarch, students On April 9, PS396in Brooklyn Murray HillAcademy, PS 9 housestheHorizonASD and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals
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