Remedies, Jobs at NYC CTE School by CHUCK WILBANKS Union Square Academy for CVS and Walgreens but St

Help NYCAAPSE Lead The Way page 3 Memo from HQ: Lose The Battle, Win the War page 5 CSA Veterans Panel Leadership Seminar page 8 Dec. 2020 Volume 56, Number 4 American Federation NEWS of School Administrators, COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AFL-CIO Local 1 Remedies, Jobs At NYC CTE School BY CHUCK WILBANKS Union Square Academy for CVS and Walgreens but St. John’s Health Sciences was born. University as well. Other partners In 2012, Principal Bernardo Since then, Mr. Ascona and include New York University’s Ascona, former principal of his staff have been recruiting stu- College of Dentistry, Peer Group Renaissance High in the Bronx, dents from a network of feeder Connection, College Bound was leading a turnaround of schools around the city. In a four- Initiative, iMentor, and the law Washington Irving High in year sequence beginning in ninth firm Cleary Gottlieb. Manhattan. He had undertaken grade, students prepare -- using Students must take the mission in 2008, and his the school’s mock pharmacy and the Pharmacy Technician efforts were bearing fruit, for a lab -- to become pharmacy tech- Certification Exam to become example, through a near dou- nicians, a job that can encompass certified pharmacy technicians bling of the graduation rate. a wide variety of tasks ranging during their senior year. Many Nonetheless, officials were closing from record keeping to mixing of them go on to secure jobs as the school, a move that was part formulas. They typically perform pharmacy technicians, and many of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s internships in hospitals such as continue on to college and higher push to shutter larger schools in Mt. Sinai or pharmacies including degrees in medicine and solid favor of smaller, more focused n Bernardo Ascona with students at Union Square Academy for Health Walgreens and CVS – two major careers in various facets of the ones. Mr. Ascona began looking Sciences. CTE programs lead to jobs and higher education. partners enthusiastically backing healing arts. to start a new high school that the school’s work. Dental stu- “It’s like a springboard to would have the full backing of at DOE Central, he set about dental services, a focus offered dents have internships at Bellevue other healthcare careers,” said the city government. researching specialty areas of by two other high schools in the or dental clinics around the city. Mr. Ascona. With the help of Career and study which would yield jobs city, and another that would be Union Square has formed By any measure, the execution Technical Education advisors for graduates. They settled on unique: pharmacy. With that, deep partnerships with not only Continued on Page 8 HISTORY The Creation Solidarity, Strength Amid Of Your Union’s Reopening, Budget Strain BY CRAIG DIFOLCO The City And State Determined That Retiree Chapter On Nov. 30, just as the long Thanksgiving weekend was Data Indicates School Buildings Are ending, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all 3K, Pre-K, Relatively Safe And Can Reopen, So and grades K-5 would return Long As There Is Randomized Testing to in-person learning on Dec. 7. D-75 schools returned to in-person learning on Dec 10. tal capacity. Individual schools had already phased out blended The entire school system had may still be required to close learning for some or all of been shut down since Nov. 19 due to positive cases within their students before school when the seven-day average buildings. buildings reopened and some of the citywide positivity rate With the reopening were able to do so in the first for COVID-19 had reached the announcement, the DOE high- week. Though this required an established 3 percent threshold lighted the desire to gradually incredible effort to reprogram, for a system-wide closure. As of phase out blended learning some communities were for- mid-December, the city had still and released related guidance tunate to have enough space not yet announced a reopening to principals. CSA immedi- and staff members to comply schedule for middle schools or ately heard from members who with social distancing guide- high schools. wanted to phase out blended lines. CSA urged the city to The city and state deter- learning as soon as possible but communicate to families that mined that, though cases con- believed that doing so, espe- their new policies could result tinue to rise, data gained from cially in a haphazard fashion, in a change of teacher for some testing indicated to health would be a safety concern due students, and when they failed experts that school buildings are to a lack of proper space or staff- to do so, CSA members engaged relatively safe and can reopen, ing issues caused by the DOE’s with the media to inform the so long as there is weekly ran- instructional guidance. CSA told public. Behind the scenes, CSA n Irwin Shanes, a founder of CSA and of CSA’s Retiree Chapter, domized testing of the popu- the mayor and chancellor that demanded the city support prin- addressing active members in the early days of the union. lation. The mayor announced some schools would simply not cipals in the event they needed that subsequent citywide clo- be able to phase out blended to modify previously assigned BY IRWIN SHANES (RSSA), a fraternal organiza- sures will not occur as the result learning due to those concerns, teacher schedules. tion, with the newly created of an increasing positivity rate; while other schools needed As schools reopened, the city The year 2020 marked the Retiree Chapter of CSA. This the state also altered how they additional time to do so suc- thankfully made it clear to fam- fifteenth anniversary of the merger effectually marked the designate yellow, orange, and cessfully, given it necessitated ilies that students who enroll in merger of the Retired School creation of our current organi- red zones, de-emphasizing the modifying previously assigned blended learning are required to Supervisors and Administrators Continued on Page 6 positivity rate to focus on hospi- teacher programs. Some schools Continued on Page 3 2 CSA NEWS Dec. 2020

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Prepare, Collaborate

Council of School And Stick To Your Plan Supervisors & Administrators American Federation of School Administrators, AFL-CIO, Local 1 Hold On To Your Priorities, You Will Meet The Moment. By Mark Cannizzaro 40 Rector St., NY, NY 10006 Phone: (212) 823-2020 s the winter holidays rush toward and “buy-in” time. For the most part, if staff, Fax: (212) 962-6130 us, we remain in a state of great students and families know what to expect www.csa-nyc.org uncertainty. Our school buildings before they leave for the summer, they will were opened, then closed and as feel more comfortable and grow increasingly President AI write this, some of them have once again excited. Successful implementation will be Mark Cannizzaro reopened. The mayor has said that students more likely to follow. Executive Vice President Henry Rubio will now attend school in-person five days The reopening should be a district-led per week. That may be doable for some but initiative, but don’t count on it. If your First Vice President Rosemarie Sinclair certainly not all schools. Where possible, we district isn’t starting to plan now, clear guid- Treasurer all would love to make it happen and, in fact, ance may not be “forthcoming.” Go ahead Christopher Ogno principals were the first to make this request and make a plan that is collaborative and Secretary when it became apparent that far fewer stu- share it with your superintendent. Don’t Steffani Fanizzi dents would attend school in person than deviate from that plan even if the DOE Vice Presidents City Hall had originally predicted. However, decides something else is important at the Sam Akel “orders” to comply, and demeaning rhetoric, eleventh hour. The pandemic year has been Jose Garcia Ramon Gonzalez won’t change anything in cases where it’s like no other, and so will the post-pandemic Lois Lee not possible. year, yet you must hold on to your priorities. Katiana Louissaint Constant change and chaos have become It will be a thrill to see all of your stu- Nancy Russo, Retiree Chapter the new normal for students, their families dents back, but keep in mind that it will Executive Director Operations and educators. We are headed straight into have been 18 months since they have had a Erminia Claudio 2021 with too many problems unsolved and a new mayoral “typical” school experience. You will find a broad spectrum of General Counsel election in the offing. Quite likely, a new chancellor will fol- academic preparedness and emotional well-being. However, if David Grandwetter low. Hope shines on the horizon as we anticipate an effective you’ve devoted a lot of time to preplanning, diagnostic assess- COVID19 vaccine to be widely distributed by late spring. We ment, distributed leadership, social and emotional support, Executive Director Field Services pray this will make possible a full return to in-person school in and professional development for your staff, you will meet the Sana Q. Nasser September. With that in mind, we must devise plans to meet moment. Field Directors students “where they are,” academically and emotionally, and James Harrigan • • • Frank Patterson get them back on track. We will also have to work with a new Mercedes Qualls administration to restore trust and faith in our public-school taff members have also experienced varying degrees of Wanda Soto system. stress and are mentally and physically exhausted. Thank Assistant Field Directors It is not too soon to start. Right now, leadership teams Sthem for their efforts this year and encourage them to con- Beshir Abdellatif, Eleanor Andrew, should devote time from each meeting to discuss the 2021- sciously work on recharging their batteries during upcoming Mildred Boyce, Laverne Burrowes, 2022 school year. Trusted teams should begin working on pro- holiday breaks and during the summer. Notes of appreciation Dominic Cipollone, Peter Devlin, Kenneth gramming; curricula (some standards may need to be revisited and authentic words of encouragement go a long way. Try to Llinas, Nancy Esposito, Roberto Flores, while others may actually need to be eliminated); reorienta- be aware of staff morale and individual circumstances, which Ellie Greenberg, Ray Gregory, Joseph LaCascia, Monica McDonald, tion; and school-wide social/emotional learning plans. Other could include personal loss from COVID19. Dorothy Morris, Beverly Pascal-Miller, teams should work on the school calendar, updating hand- When September rolls around, you will be better able to Steve Resnick, Yvonne Williams books and circulars and planning special events for students. pick the appropriate times to move the agenda forward or to allow your team to catch its collective breath. As principal, I • • • Grievance Director was fortunate to have a trusted, hard-working veteran literacy Dale Kelly hen plans should be shared with the school community coach. Staff members confided in her and often sought her Assistant Directors for feedback and potential modifications, and you should advice. We would discuss school climate and she would help Carol Atkins, Robert Colon, plan your CEP accordingly. In my 34 years in schools, I me plan strategically. Department meetings were usually high Jermaine Garden- T have seen many great ideas die because of insufficient planning energy events that required focus, reflection and considerable Director of Communications levels of thoughtful engagement. Craig DiFolco Sometimes, however, a surprise Director of Political Affairs luncheon and “day off” was more Gabe Gallucci Scout’s Honor! valuable than anything else in Assistant Director, Political Affairs Herman Merritt getting the most from our staff. If n CSA President Mark you’re lucky enough to have a staff Assistant Director John Khani Cannizzaro was honored member like my literacy coach, with the Good Scout Special Assistant to President take advantage of that invaluable Gary Goldstein Award from the Boy resource. CSA Conference Chair Scouts of America on A well-respected superinten- Pierre Lehmuller Dec. 4 at their virtual dent of mine once said, “When CSA Historian labor luncheon. Selected things speed up and are moving too Manfred Korman by prominent union fast, a good leader takes stock and CSA Retiree Chapter leaders, the annual slows down.” As unrealistic as it Gayle Lockett, Chair award recognizes a may seem, you also need dedicated Mark Brodsky, Director labor leader who has time to take care of yourself. You made a lasting impact will not fall further behind; you CSA NEWS on their field and com- will actually catch up. Remember Editor munity. Mr. Cannizzaro to take your vacation days this year Chuck Wilbanks was also chosen as and this summer. Many of you have Design Consultant an honoree for City & Michele Pacheco “banked” days that you did not State’s annual Corpor- use during the 19-20 school year. Production Assistant Christine Altman ate Social Responsibility You are leading in a time of crisis awards, celebrating and your entire school community New York’s thought needs you to be at your best. CSA News (004-532) is published leaders and influencers From the bottom of my heart, monthly except July and August for $35 for their dedication and per year per member by CSA, 40 Rector I wish you and yours the happiest St., NY, NY 10006. Periodical postage leadership in improving holidays and a healthy New Year. paid at Manhattan, NY, and additional their communities and mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send Mark Cannizzaro is president of address changes to CSA News, 40 making transformative Rector St., NY, NY 10006. change. the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. Dec. 2020 CSA NEWS 3

NYC Association of Assistant Principals and Supervisors of English NATION Help NYCAAPSE Lead The Way Education MASSACHUSETTS BY SUZANE THOMAS JACOBS was able to develop ongoing relation- Safety Compliance ships with key personnel at muse- Schools that physically reopened ll areas of education are ums, corporations, and other sup- in Milford, MA report students important, but being a portive educational groups outside are exceeding expectations teacher of English allows the public school system, such as the with regard to compliance to us to teach not only the NYC Writing Project. And I’ve been safety rules. Those who have the mind of a child, but to able to share up-to-date information opportunity to return to physical buildings are grateful to be able Atouch their hearts and souls as well. gained from ongoing dialogue with to be back and understand the As a long-time assistant principal of CSA and leaders of other subject-area safety measures are critical to English, I’m thrilled to be leading the high school organizations. being able to remain open. Some As the late columnist Sydney J. charge to revitalize the New York City schools have implemented mask Association of Assistant Principal and Harris once said, “The whole purpose breaks but students report the Supervisors of English, or NYCAAPSE. of education is to turn mirrors into longer they wear them, the more When I became an English teacher windows.” Now, we have to look accustomed to them they have in 1998, I was overjoyed but also inside ourselves in order to help our become. Since schools opened, overwhelmed. I was given a roster, a students navigate our new world. We there have been limited incidents room assignment and very little else. must be aware of how to learn and of non-compliance which have I chose a novel and had to figure out change our own biases, accept our been dealt with swiftly. (EdSurge) what to do with it. Thankfully, I had physical vulnerabilities as we face a the support of teachers who taught pandemic, and learn how better to FLORIDA me how to teach, and gave me the teach children remotely. confidence I needed to deal with 170 Data Debacle students, some with scary behavior n Suzane Thomas Jacobs is NYCAAPSE • • • Concerns arose over student data issues, others who spoke little or no Head and Assistant Principal, English at f we are to succeed, we need to privacy with news of a Florida English. My work was complicated by Midwood HS in Brooklyn. come together. Please contact me county police department’s use of a litany of confusing rules and top- at [email protected] and data from the local school district. I Reportedly, the Pasco County down mandates that usually arrived sional life and my 16-year career as an let me know of your interest in guid- in memos. assistant principal of English. ing another generation of English sheriff’s office uses “academic per- When I became an AP, I found NYCAAPSE offered professional teachers and administrators and lead formance and discipline data from schools as well as records from the NYCAAPSE. The members gave me a development meetings and network- us to a brighter and better tomorrow. state Department of Children and place where I belonged. They helped ing opportunities with teachers, Families to identify at-risk youth administrators, departmental coor- Suzane Thomas Jacobs, head of me gain a sense of what it felt like to who are destined to a life of crime.” dinators, and other support staff as be a professional. They helped me NYCAAPSE, is assistant principal of Experts say the school district well as with professors and academic develop the skills and experience that English at Midwood High School in should stop sharing data with the changed the trajectory of my profes- deans at colleges and universities. I Brooklyn. sheriff’s office until a full review is conducted, adding that parents of students on the list deserve trans- parency. (Education Week)

ILLINOIS Reopening, Budget Struggles Mindfulness Matters

Continued from Page 1 quences of failure to comply, ahead with register reconcili- the City to fund their ill-con- School programs centered on attend in person. Due to CSA’s including an immediate shift ation. ceived staffing agreements mindfulness have been shown advocacy, the DOE provided to remote instruction. “We have and will con- made this year, while leav- to improve students’ emotional clear communications inform- CSA will continue to fight tinue to advocate that deficits ing students without critical well-being and performance. A ing families that students will to protect all our members from register loss, above pro- resources they will no doubt study in Chicago of 200 elemen- unfortunately be moved to through this evolving pan- jected register loss set aside, need in the 2021-2022 school tary students showed they had remote learning if they do not demic, particularly school should not roll over into next year. less stress, sadness and anger attend their in-person days leaders who reopen their fiscal year,” said CSA President “Given our solidarity and after eight weeks of guided consistently and without a buildings as cases rise through- Mark Cannizzaro. “No one, strength, we are hopeful that mindfulness. Numerous studies legitimate reason. CSA also out the city. One of the battles including DOE budget offi- the mayor and chancellor also show that mindfulness in argued that the DOE provide ahead in the upcoming weeks cials who review register pro- will eventually recognize that schools improve cognitive and principals with clear commu- will be the fight to protect jections with principals, could more, not less, resources are social-emotional functioning. Many believe mindfulness can nications to distribute to fam- school budgets. The DOE has have predicted the register needed to overcome the learn- be a helpful tool to navigate the ilies detailing testing consent recently informed school lead- loss many schools suffered ing gaps brought on by this effects of the COVID crisis. It is requirements and the conse- ers that they will be moving this year. It is irresponsible for crisis.” recommended that educators practice mindfulness for at least six months before training and spend up to 300 hours learning Russell Sage City Help For City Workers how to teach mindfulness to students. (Hechinger Report) n On Dec. 3, the NYC Employee College: Open Assistance Program (EAP) hosted a MARYLAND free workshop crafted specifically for CSA members on Managing Priority Vaccines House for Next Uncertainty Stress. Dr. Kerry Symon An EdWeek Research center survey provided an overview of what asked district leaders, principals, CSA Doctoral Uncertainty Stress looks like and and teachers who should be con- taught participants the FLARE sidered essential in consideration approach, a step-by-step method to of access to COVID-19 vaccines. Cohort 2021 manage stress levels and build resil- More than 7 in 10 said front-line workers in schools, including ussell Sage College, in conjunction ience and well-being. CSA encour- teachers, school nurses and bus with CITE, is happy to affirm that ages members to learn more about drivers should be at the top of the ninth cohort of its successful EAP’s related programs in the new R the list. The Council of Chief State year, including multi-session models and popular Ed.D. program, which is School Officers is partnering with to support members and their school exclusively for CSA members, will launch Governors as states plan their vac- communities in these challenging in the fall of 2021. An Open House will cine distribution plans. (EdWeek) be taking place via Zoom on Wednesday, times. For more information, contact January 13th at 5 p.m. Interested mem- EAP by email at [email protected] or — Compiled by Christine Altman bers should email Jennifer@citeonline. call 212-306-7660. com for the registration link. 4 CSA NEWS Dec. 2020

Brooklyn Technical HS before being appointed In Memoriam an assistant principal at Edward R. Murrow HS. He NATION retired from that position in 2004, after which he n CARMEN MARIE AQUILONE, 87, died Sept. and principal of its summer school. She was an continued to work as a substitute and a mentor Labor 28. Mrs. Aquilone graduated Magna Cum Laude adjunct lecturer at York College in Queens, and until recently. Mr Ocharsky coached the Seward from St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn before taught graduate courses about early childhood Park Bears baseball team in the PSAL to several attending Fordham University for a Master’s at Bank Street College in Manhattan. In 1978, division championships and deep post-season runs, turning them into a perennial baseball pow- COLORADO Degree in social work. she was appointed supervisor of reading and She began her career language arts for District 16. After retiring to West erhouse. He was named “Coach of the Year” twice by the NY Daily News and NY Newsday. He saw Job Turnover with NYC Public Schools Palm Beach in 1985, she remained an educator, many of his players move on to play NCAA College Three superintendents have as a Spanish teacher in teaching English as a second language at a local Baseball; some played in Major League Baseball, resigned from the Denver Public District 20, Brooklyn. school. Mrs. Greenspan was also involved in her according to his son, Adam. Mr. Ocharsky also Schools since the beginning of After finishing at the CSA Retiree Chapter unit in Florida. She also had served as the long-time conductor of the NY All the pandemic, part of a broader top of the list for the a passion for singing, dancing and acting, and City Marching Band, with musicians from all five trend nationwide as COVID19 performed in many Hadassah shows. “Her family examination for school boroughs. The band performed at Disney World complicates the challenges of always embraced her and she was always the life social worker, she was each year, at the inauguration of several NYC already difficult jobs. According of the party,” said her daughter, Laurel Haber. appointed to District mayors, during half-time shows for teams includ- to the National Association of 18 in Brooklyn. She was In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Greenspan is ing the NY Knicks and the NY Giants and marched Carmen Marie Secondary School Principals, in a elevated to supervisor survived by her son Mitchell and their spouses, in ticker-tape parades Aquilone recent survey of 1,020 principals, of school social workers six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. for the NY Yankees, the 45% are considering leaving the in District 22 in Brooklyn n ZELLA MARIE CRAWFORD JACKSON, 87, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day profession or speeding up plans and remained there 92, died Oct. 15. She was born in Passaic, NJ, and Parade, and various cul- to do so. (The Denver Post) until she retired. She raised a family of five boys attended public schools in NYC. She received tural parades across NYC. and served on the Board of Trustees of Catholic a BS from Howard University in 1950 and an According to his son, NEW YORK Charities of Brooklyn and Queens for over 30 MS in Education Administration from Hunter while waiting to conduct Value of USPS years. During the same period, she served on the College. After more than 30 years as a teacher and the band during a United Board of Directors of Mercy Home for Children, administer in NYC public education, she retired Way fund-raiser featur- A rally was held recently to thank and served as president for 14 years. The Trustees as deputy superintendent of Community School ing a group of retired postal workers, particularly for their of Catholic Charities named a building on Fulton District 5. She served as an adjunct in the Dept. NY Giants, Mr. Ocharsky, handling the volume of election St. in Brooklyn which serves people with disabil- of Education at City College, led the principal’s Douglas Ocharsky who stood 6’4” tall and ballots, but also to generate support ities, The Carmen Aquilone Day Center. “She was internship interview process and served as a men- weighed over 300 lbs., for a stimulus bill to provide $25 a tireless worker for people with disabilities,” tor to new principals. She was an active member was mistaken for a for- billion to the USPS to offset losses said her husband of 59 years, Edward Aquilone, in various organizations for many years including mer Giant. He was asked by Kareem McKenzie, from the pandemic. AFL-CIO NYC former middle school AP and elementary school president of the Harlem Hospital Auxiliary, Board who won a ring in Super Bowl XLII, what years Central Labor Council President principal who retired as executive director of of Advisors of Doing Art Together, member of the he had played. Mr. Ocharsky replied, “I’m sorry, Vincent Alvarez said it’s time for personnel at the DOE. In addition to her hus- Women’s City Club, and the Triangle Bridge Club, Mr. McKenzie, but I’m still playing today. I’m here Congress to “recognize the USPS’s band, she is survived by her sons Edward Jr; among others. She loved to travel and visited with the band.” In addition to his son Adam, Mr. efficiency and pass the relief they and Matthew. She was predeceased by her sons Africa, Japan, China, Russia, Europe, Hawaii and Ocharsky is survived by his wife of 34 years, Linda, need.” (The Chief Leader) Michael, Vincent and Peter. Alaska. She was a long time member of St. Philips and two other children, Jason, and Dana. n HERBERT GOLD, 87, died Sept. 18 in Boynton Church. She was also Treasurer of the Upper n PHILIP G. SOKOL, 90, a resident of Rockville MASSACHUSETTS Beach, FL. Mr. Gold grew up in Williamsburg Manhattan Day Care Center. She is survived by Centre, NY, died Nov. 25. Mr. Sokol was born Driver Rally and graduated from the former Boys HS in her son Dr. Arthur Crawford Jackson, her daugh- in 1930 and raised in Brooklyn. He graduated Bedford-Stuyvesant. He earned a bachelor’s and ter Zella Francis Louise Jackson, her granddaugh- from Samuel Tilden HS in East Flatbush, before The Greater Lynchburg Transit a master’s degree from Brooklyn College. His ter Mayra Hayes, and her great granddaughters earning a bachelor’s degree from City College Company has come under fire wife, Helen, said he often spoke with gratitude Sofia and Madeline. In lieu of flowers, the family of NY in 1952. He worked for a time as a truant for not providing enough protec- of the high-quality education he received there. suggests contributions be made in Zella’s name officer, then earned an MSW (master of social tions for its workers and custom- He served as assistant principal for many years to Howard University. work) from Fordham University. Mr. Sokol began ers. The bus company has been at PS 148 and PS 23, both in Brooklyn. From his career in the 1950s at the Bureau of Child accused of not reporting positive n SAUNDRA C. JOHNSON, 75, died Oct. 16. Mrs. 1990 until his retirement in 1994, he was the Guidance, where he went on to become a super- cases to the union and for a lack Johnson began teaching in 1966 at PS 21K The principal of PS 19 in Williamsburg, a school he visor of social workers. He later moved to a NYC of proper cleaning procedures. Crispus Attucks School. She held many positions attended as a child. “Serving as PS 19’s principal Department of Education district office in Queens The union representing the during her 37-year career: She was an early child- was one of the greatest satisfactions of his life,” where he supervised a team of psychologists and workers is calling for hazard pay hood teacher, early childhood supervisor, princi- his wife said. After he retired, Mr. Gold was an social workers. Eventually, he assumed that same for its workers. The company has pal of PS 243 The Weeksville School, and retired adjunct professor in education at the Brooklyn role, but oversaw the entire borough of Queens, experienced work shortages and in 2003 as a special education administrator. Mrs. campus of Long Island University, served on the said his son, Joseph Sokol. Mr. Sokol retired in a number of workers have been Johnson was active in many other organizations Board of Examiners and on several community September of 1990 after a 34-year-career. “He quarantined. (WDBJ7) including Delta Sigma Theta and Jack and Jill of boards. He was also president of the Shaare Emet America Inc. She is survived by her husband of spoke of the Bureau of Child Guidance fondly,” Synagogue in Brooklyn. He and his wife moved recalled his son. After retirement, his son said NEW YORK 49 years, William J. Johnson, her daughter Dana to Boynton Beach in 1996, where Mr. Gold served S. Johnson, son Bradley W. Johnson and grand- his father became a very active CSA member, Vote To Unionize for nine years on the board of Temple Torah. daughter Khloe C. Edmondson. particularly in matters related to retirement benefits. “He really enjoyed this,” said his son. “It was Employees at the Museum of Fine Mr. Gold was also very active in the CSA Retiree n HERBERT LESSELL, 91, died Oct. 10. He was unusual because he was not a joiner.” Mr. Sokol Arts, Boston, recently voted, by an Chapter Southeast Florida Unit. In addition to born in Brooklyn, attended Erasmus Hall High and his wife, Carole, lived in Brooklyn until mov- overwhelming majority, to union- his wife, Mr. Gold is survived by the couple’s two School and earned a B.S. and M.A. from New York ing to Rockville Centre, LI, in 1973. According to ize. They join the United Auto sons, Paul and David, and their daughter, Elise. University. He served in the Army in Big Delta, his son, Mr. Sokol “took his work very seriously. Workers and reportedly become n LUCILLE ROSANSKY GOLDIN, 100, died Sept. Alaska living with his wife in a 21-foot trailer, He was devoted to it and proud of it.” Among one of the largest bargaining units 4 in Louisville, CO, where she lived. She graduated braving temperatures of 62 degrees below zero Mr. Sokol’s interests were hiking, being outdoors, in an American cultural institution. from Hunter HS in Manhattan, earned a bache- and winds of more than 100 miles per hour, his camping, listening to jazz and reading The New The vote came as the Museum lor’s degree at Hunter College and later a mas- family said. After returning from the Army, Mr. Yorker. In his later years of retirement, he and his worked to combat pandemic chal- ter’s in education. Mrs. Goldin retired in 1979 as Lessell taught music in Harlem and then became wife enjoyed traveling overseas. Mr. Sokol was lenges, including a budget short- principal of PS 105 in the Pelham Parkway neigh- Music Chairman at Fort Hamilton High School predeceased by his wife, Carole, in 2013. He is fall, executive pay cuts and staff borhood of the Bronx. According to the Boulder in Brooklyn for most of his career. He became survived by the couple’s son, Joseph, and three reductions. Through unionizing, Daily Camera obituary, her husband of more than Supervisor of Music in District 27, Queens, end- grandchildren, Benjamin, Alexandra, and Chloe. the employees hope to advance 70 years, Leon, “enabled her career by doing ing his 35 year career at Lincoln High School n diversity and fair compensation. most of the household tasks.” In 1979, the couple as Chairman of Music. He started the Alumni ALVIN YURMAN, 95, died on May 16 at his (The New York Times) moved to Camarillo, CA where they lived for Chorus at Fort Hamilton High School and was home in Lake Worth, FL. A WW II Navy veter- more than 25 years. They moved to Louisville in remembered by many of his students over the an who served in the Pacific Theatre, Mr. NEW JERSEY 2006. In retirement, Mrs. Goldin and her husband years from Fort Hamilton and the Chorus. After performed in round- and square-dance events, he retired he relocated with his wife to Scottsdale Yurman retired as princi- Hazard Pay took cruises and were avid bridge players. Mr. in 1986, where he started the adult chorus at pal of PS 203 OAKLAND Some 50,000 ShopRite grocery Goldin predeceased his wife. Surviving her are Scottsdale Community College, until he retired GARDENS in Queens workers in New Jersey, as well two daughters, Judith and Claudia, three grand- from that after 15 years. He is survived by Elaine, after a 43-year career as as New York and Connecticut, children and seven great-grandchildren. his wife of 67 years, his sons, Edward, Jeffrey and a NYC public school educator. He is survived by will receive hazard pay. The n EDNA D. GREENSPAN, 102, died July 29. Mrs. Paul, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild his wife Carol, his daugh- agreement, reached between the Greenspan graduated from Thomas Jefferson and another great grandchild due in February. ter Joanne Walsh, his son workers and the United Food and HS in Brooklyn, and received a BA from Brooklyn n DOUGLAS OCHARSKY, 73, died Nov. 29 in Stuart, his stepchildren: Commercial Workers International College in 1939. After her husband Henry died Brooklyn, where he was born and raised. He Christine Goodgold, Union (UFCW), recognizes the unexpectedly in 1953, she decided to make Alvin Yurman graduated from Brooklyn’s New Utrecht HS and Suzanne Gentile, John ongoing risks grocery workers face teaching her career. She began as an elementary attended the former NY College of Music. He Egan Gentile and with COVID19 and will provide school teacher in PS 156, Queens, teaching fifth earned a bachelor’s degree at NYU and his mas- Michael Gentile, and granddaughters Avery retroactive hazard pay before the through eighth grades, while raising her eight ter’s degree in education from Brooklyn College. Yurman, Rachel and Julia Goodgold and Olivia holiday season for hours worked in year old daughter and three year old son. She Mr. Ocharsky began his career at Franklin Delano and Sophia Goncalves. July and August. (NBC New York) attended Queens College at night and received Roosevelt HS in Brooklyn, before moving to — Compiled by an MS in Education. She became a reading spe- Seward Park HS on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Christine Altman cialist in various schools in Queens, and in 1967 where he spent the bulk of his career teaching Send obituary notices to CSA News Editor became assistant principal at PS 243, Brooklyn, music. He later taught music for a short time at Chuck Wilbanks at [email protected]. Dec. 2020 CSA NEWS 5

Dr. Douglas Letters The Welfare Fund V. Hathaway Spreading The Word Catastrophic Stop-Loss Benefit To The Rescue On School Libraries To the Editor: I just read your arti- uestion: I am a retired AP and am from GHI, but we can help with that $20,000 cle in the November, 2020 issue of not yet eligible for Medicare. I’m amount. Please send us a copy of the doctors’ CSA News, “The Librarian Is In.” As enrolled in the GHI-CBP health bills and the explanation of benefits statements a retired New York City elementary plan. A friend told me I could get received from GHI. We will review what GHI and high school librarian, Ms. Jacobs’ Qmy prescription drug co-payments reim- paid and see if we can get them to pay more. words have great importance to me. bursed. How do I do this? Once we have received all we can from GHI, I was the chair of the UFT Library ANSWER: Your friend is correct. Simply we will process through our Catastrophic Stop- Media Committee, along with Chris make a copy of each of the four quarterly Loss medical benefit. Under this benefit, the Carter. It was our mantra to have reports you received from Express Scripts/ first $1,500 of unreimbursed expenses is taken New York State certified librarians in GHI showing your co-payments for 2020 and as a deductible. The next $1,250 in allowable every school library. The message was send them to the CSA Retiree Welfare Fund. charges is reimbursed at 80 percent (you absorb not always received clearly by many We have an arrangement with New York City another $250 in unreimbursed costs and the school administrators. Your article is and GHI that allows us to receive prescription welfare fund reimburses you $1,000). We then reaching those administrators who history electronically. Once we receive it, and reimburse 100% of allowable charges to a max- may not be aware of how important verify that it is complete, we process the reim- imum of $50,000 per year, $250,000 lifetime. up-to-date, technology-driven librar- bursements in the order they were received. Assuming the doctor’s fees are reasonable for Health ies are to students and teaching staffs We are scheduled to receive the file by this part of the country, you will only have alike. Your imprimatur is important mid-February, so our reimbursement checks $1,750 in unreimbursed expenses to incorpo- Plan Will to get the word out. Thank you! should be out by the end of March. rate within your household expenses. Please –June Schwarz Reimburse remember that, ultimately, you are responsible • • • NYC Public School for the doctor’s bill, so I recommend you let Librarian, Retired You For uestion: I’m an active CSA mem- them know that you will be reimbursed most ber. My husband just had major of the costs, ask for their patience, and make Script back surgery, and I have received arrangements to pay them the $1,750 that will Protect Our Gains! over $20,000 of bills for anesthesia, not be reimbursed. Outlays Qsurgeons, and other costs where GHI only To the Editor: I read with great paid a very small amount. How can I get GHI Dr. Douglas V. Hathaway is CSA Welfare Fund interest articles written by Gayle to pay the rest of these bills? Administrator. You can email him at dhatha- Lockett (Lots To Be Grateful For) and ANSWER: You probably will not get more [email protected]. Ron Imundi (CSA Retirees Zooming All Across The Nation About National Politics) in the November CSA News. I found Ms. Lockett’s comments Dale right on target, particularly the asser- Memo From Union HQ Kelly tions that, “we need to be vigilant and advocate for protecting what we have (and)...we will continue to support candidates who support labor Lose The Battle, Win The War: Ensure and union rights.” Ron Imundi’s discussion of how all 18 regional units united to share knowledge about Accountability, Correct Staffing Issues the country’s political landscape was also extremely useful, and an an there ever be an instance when sought. Whatever form that takes – whether inspiration to all who want to make “losing” a grievance could be a good financial compensation or additional funding a difference. I encourage retirees to thing? In light of the current state for staffing – the solution should not be pro- be politically active in national and of affairs, this could be that time. vided through the already strapped budget of local issues. Your membership in the Many unreasonable expectations your school. CSA allows you to be a member of have been thrust upon our building admin- C the AFL-CIO, AFSA, the Alliance of istrators during this crisis. Front and center • • • Retired Americans and the Central among these have been the untenable and his “lost” grievance may be seen as Labor Committee, all of whom are covert agreements made by the DOE. As a a win for the UFT, but it also would fighting to protect our hard fought result, members have been inundated with ensure that the DOE is held account- union gains. thousands of operational grievances. All of able and made to correct any staffing Thank you all for continuing to them can be easily resolved, and the onus for issues that resulted from their flawed help get out the word. doing so should be placed on the DOE, the agreement, which building leaders had to fol- T –Donald Singer architects of the underlying problem. low as they programmed their schools. If the Donald Singer School Earlier this year, we were all blindsided by DOE wants to resolve the dilemma, officials Former President, CSA an agreement that the DOE had forged with Leaders the UFT allowing for three different teacher Should modalities – in person, blended, and fully Building Administrators remote. We warned the city about the unlikeli- Teachers’ Not Face hood of quickly bringing on more than 10,000 Thought Creatively And new teachers – teachers of any caliber let alone Retirement Avoidable seasoned, talented people who would be assets Worked Throughout Their to their school communities. For several weeks, Summer Vacations System Conflicts as the DOE struggled to make new hires, officials told school leaders that more guidance November 2020 Which was on its way, and in the meantime to pro- Unit Values gram their schools. The guidance never came. should commit to funding every school that Distract Building administrators thought creatively has an outstanding operational grievance in Diversified Equity and worked throughout their summer vaca- order to account for every teacher needed at Fund: 101.940 From The tions to ensure that the children of this city each of our schools. Balanced Fund: 16.398 would encounter some semblance of normalcy This approach will result in every school Tasks At when schools reopened. Countless teachers being held harmless financially for doing what- International Equity agreed to do what was needed to make their ever had to be done to get their students back Fund: 10.421 Hand school’s program work. in the building safely. Ultimately, school com- Sustainable Equity After all that, we now must answer griev- munities should not have avoidable conflicts Fund: 22.421 ances about why we did what we did, even such as these, which distract from the work at U.S Equity Index though we had no clear direction. And now, hand. Fund: 11.666 we are expected to resolve these grievances! If you are facing outstanding operational Well, the resolution is simple: Concede grievances, please contact our grievance International Equity that you have lost the grievance at the out- department so that we can help you. Index Fund: 10.551 set and let the DOE know exactly what your www.trsnyc.org school needs to provide the reflief that is being Dale Kelly is Grievance Director at CSA. 6 CSA NEWS Dec. 2020 RETIREE Chapter CHAIR’S MESSAGE HISTORY Gayle Lockett Can’t Keep Us Down: ‘In 2004, The Vote Persevering Despite COVID19 Pandemic To Create The CSA o all the COVID-19 survi- vors and those who lost loved ones, our hearts go out to you. We are still unable to visit those in Retiree Chapter Tthe hospitals, hold their hands to comfort them. If this wasn’t the 21st century, we would think this was a bad science fiction movie. Once again, we thank the front- Was Unanimous’ line responders who risk their lives almost daily protecting and serving Continued from Page 1 cerned that retirees would be swallowed up by our sick. zation. The birth of the CSA Retiree Chapter the union and they would lose their identities Since March, like most of you, was not an easy one: There was a lot of hard as well as their dues and reserves. I assured the I followed the mandates to wear masks, wash my hands labor, sweat, tears and anguish in its creation. membership that Mrs. Levy and I had reached frequently and wear plastic gloves in addition to using hand When CSA was founded in 1962, retir- an agreement on these and other concerns and sanitizers and sanitized wipes. After all these months of tak- ees were not included. Unions historically signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” had worried that, eventually, retirees would which should erase their fears. outnumber in-service members and there- The items in the agreement included the fore outvote them. At the same time, retirees following: After months of playing by the rules, expressed an interest in participating in CSA • Active and retiree dues would be col- activities. In 1971, then CSA President Walter lected through dues check-off and each and taking every precaution, I tested Degnan reluctantly assisted the retirees in the group would create their own budgets for positive for COVID19. Please, have a formation of the retired supervisors group. The approval by the CSA executive board. following year the group renamed itself the • Retiree reserve assets would be distributed festive holiday, but stay safe! Retired School Supervisors Association (RSSA). only to retirees in supplemental benefits Benjamin Mandel became the first president of based on a formula related to years of the organization. membership in RSSA until the reserves ing precautions and playing by the rules, I tested positive in The relationship of CSA to RSSA was pater- were exhausted. November. Thank you for all your good wishes and prayers. nalistic: CSA rented office space to RSSA and • New dues monies would provide new and It was most appreciated. And for the many calls and mes- included them in social, political and educa- better member benefits. sages that I did not respond to, thank you too. Although I tional activities. The retirees, in turn, carried • Retirees would have a weighted vote for was one of the fortunate ones who did not need to go to the the union’s banner at parades and rallies and CSA elected officers of a minimum of hospital, I guarantee you it left me drained and exhausted. supported the union. But it remained clear that 250 votes adjusted upward based on total I have been self-isolating, which is required for at least they were separate organizations. In the 1990s, retiree membership. 10 days. I had the choice of being telephoned or texted CSA President Donald Singer arranged for the • Retirees would have a special vice presi- for those 10 days by the health department or be put in a American Federation of School Administrators, dent representing them on the advisory hotel. But as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, there’s no AFSA, to give associate membership recogni- committee which also provided retirees a place like home. Needless to say, when the vaccination is tion to RSSA, which helped increase AFSA seat at the negotiating table. approved in the US, I am definitely signing up for it. membership numbers and gave RSSA mem- • Retirees would have three representatives bers access to AFSA’s union discounts and an to CSA’s executive board and also have a • • • accidental death insurance benefit. Full union representative at CSA district meetings. On a brighter note, the legacy of Dee Dee Goidel and membership was denied to RSSA since it was The election was held and the Shanes- Irwin Shanes will be permanently available on the CSA not a member of CSA or any other union. Goidel team was elected by an overwhelming website. (See Mr. Shanes’ article in this month’s CSA News In 2004, the time was right. CSA president vote. The new RSSA Executive Board then sent beginning on page 1. Mrs. Goidel’s recounting of how she Jill Levy realized that the retirees would be an a referendum vote to the RSSA membership began forming the regional units will run in a subsequent asset to the union. She recognized that their to authorize the merger of RSSA and the CSA issue.) It’s important to know our history of how the chap- energy, knowledge, and time allowed them Retiree Chapter. On June 27, 2005, the results ter and the regional units were started and continue to to participate in the union’s political life as of the referendum to merge was approved by reach out to our new retirees. advocates for themselves and for in-service 95 percent of the ballots returned. I hope to see you at the Dec. 17 General meeting at 1:00 members. Mrs. Levy discussed her thoughts “I am delighted to welcome back all of our pm. The RC Officers and director will update everyone. with me: I was a CSA founder, then serving retirees into the union,” Mrs. Levy said after Please continue signing up for the many fascinating zoom as administrator of the CSA Welfare Fund, the vote. “Many of our retirees were found- classes provided by the Educational/Cultural Committee. and I had long advocated for providing CSA ing members of CSA — strong labor people Please continue to observe the safety precautions. Have a union membership to retirees. She urged me who understand why we need a union. They wonderful holiday. Do your best to keep the holiday festivi- to run for president of RSSA and, if successful, remember what it was like before we had a ties and remain safe. work with her to merge the RSSA with a new union.” CSA Retiree Chapter that she would ask the For Mr. Shanes, a member of the original In Unity, CSA executive board to establish. I agreed and committee in 1970 that studied the formation Gayle Lockett organized a slate of officers and new executive of a retiree association, the result was overdue. board to run with me. Mrs. Levy asked CSA’s “This vote corrects an error that was made executive board to pass a resolution to create years ago when RSSA was created.” the CSA Retiree Chapter. The vote to create Now, the work to organize and build the was unanimous. Chapter began. The paid staff of the chapter There was a vocal number of retiree mem- was led by Director Gary Goldstein and a very bers, including members of the leadership, small but efficient staff of clerical workers who who argued against merger. They were con- Continued on next page Dec. 2020 CSA NEWS 7 ‘Leaders United RC Regional Units SOUTHWEST SUNCOAST As 2020 comes to a close, we look Season’s Greetings to all our retirees, In Mission, Goals’ back on struggles that befell us, and especially our Suncoast Chapter mem- hope 2021 will bring us good health, bers. I trust you are well and looking a vaccine, and chance to meet safely. forward to the end of 2020 and that The election turned the state of Arizona you are remaining hopeful that 2021 Officers At The Founding blue and brings hope for a peaceful will bring us back to some semblance of transition and future. Our members normal. We were scheduled to have our Chair: Irwin Shanes Assistant Treasurer: Vincent Navarro will meet the California Unit and other annual luncheon on Jan. 14 – instead, Vice Chair: Dee-Dee Goidel Membership Secretary: William Pinkett western states via Zoom on Thurs., Jan. we will be having a virtual gathering Second Vice Chair: Martin Smith Recording Secretary: Aaron Stern 28, at noon, Mountain time. More info on Zoom. I hope more of you will join Treasurer: Donald Juliano Assistant Secretary: Elizabeth Lockett will be emailed. Best wishes to all for a us and in case you cannot, I will record happy, healthy and peaceful new year. it for you. The meeting will begin at ADMIN. STAFF Tonya Willis Florence Klein Eathelle Clay —Stef Thier and Dom Nigro 2 pm. We will be joined by our amaz- Director: Gary Jack Zuckerman Betty Gassner ing team from the CSARC along with Goldstein EXEC. BOARD Neil Wasserman Hugh Griffith a very special guest. If you have any Assistants to the Paula Aleva Barbara Panzer Stanley Wilson QUEENS concerns or know of any new retirees Director: Robert Gofter Morton Panzer Ronald Jones who have found paradise on the West George Fener Constance Testa Eben Rogers Lester Golden On Nov. 23, the Unit held its first Coast of Florida, please contact me at Alana Segura Patrick DeMeo George Fener Kate Tuckman virtual membership meeting on Zoom, [email protected] or (646) 387- Stephanie Howell Carl King Aaron Slotkin attended by 118 members. They heard 2652. In the meantime, I am sending from CSA President Mark Cannizzaro you all virtual hugs and good wishes and CSA Welfare Fund Administrator during this holiday season. Continued from previous page Retiree Welfare Fund benefit program. Dr. Douglas Hathaway. Our unit has — Cindy Salamone assisted members, furnished the office The program saved thousands of dol- scheduled virtual book club and yoga and helped our elected officers with lars in administrative costs by automat- meetings, as well as instructional ses- projects and reports. The staff made it ically generating a supplemental chapter sions on how to access and use Zoom. SOUTHEAST FLORIDA possible for the elected leadership to claim that was partially covered by the We will continue to schedule inter- keep our promise to the members of Welfare Fund. A social and educational esting speakers on a variety of topics. I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving. building a great chapter. program was developed which is today Check our website for updates at: www. I would appreciate if members who Our goal to build an active and pur- one of the finest and wide-ranging pro- csaqueens.org. Happy Holidays to all! are not full-time Florida residents, but poseful political action program and to grams of any other retiree organization. — Leonard B. Sterman who spend the season here, will let bring our union closer to our far-flung In summation, it is important to me or Marilyn Funes know where you membership was given to our first vice note, that our Retiree Chapter’s mission will be staying if your usual plans have president, Dolores (Dee-Dee) Goidel. and goals were instituted along the way GEORGIA changed. This helps ensure that mailings reach you. Expect to receive the unit’s Mrs. Goidel’s efforts on our union’s with ongoing consultation and support The Carolinas-Georgia book club has newsletter at the end of this year. Please behalf yielded an expanded number of the CSA Presidents. organized and Zooms forward! Our units be reminded that our yearly health and of regional units serving our members We are blessed today to have the best joined virtually in Sept. to discuss Deacon welfare meeting will take place on Jan. across the nation as well as a meaning- retiree chapter of the best union in New King Kong by James McBride. There was 11, 2021 at 10 am on Zoom. The Zoom ful and effective political action pro- York City. None of this could’ve hap- also a spirited discussion of Brooklyn. link will be included in the December gram and is a story deserving its own pened if not for the selfless dedicated We had so much fun that we met again newsletter and I will send out an email publication. people who gave so much of them- to discuss another book by Mr. McBride. reminder prior to the meeting. If you The rest of our leadership had other selves. Our next meeting will be in the new have changed your email address, please tasks to complete among which was a CSA is thankful to the founders and year to discuss Terry McMillian’s It’s Not let me know. Also visit our website new constitution in sync with CSA. A developers of our CSA Retiree Chapter All Downhill From Here. The Unit is busy at: www.csasouthflorida.com. Stay safe new expanded benefit program was and especially former CSA President Jill phone banking, texting, writing letters and healthy! developed that was linked to the CSA Levy. and post cards for the Jan. 5, 2021 runoff — Lois Turetzky election. Thanks for the support that we have received from CSARC members. — Georgia Harrison Via Zoom BROOKLYN We held our fall virtual member- NORTH NEW JERSEY ship meeting in October. Ms. Leslie Classes On Deck Sierra, NY Statewide Senior Action The unit invites members to end Council community outreach special- BY LUCIE ELIO 2020 by Sharing Holiday Spirits via ist , provided information on protect- Zoom, on Mon., Dec. 21 at 5 pm. ing oneself from Medicare, COVID- The CSARC is once again offering the following virtual classes and lectures (Meeting ID: 499 651 5600; Passcode: 19 and healthcare enrollment-period to members, at no charge, except for the last three events. To register for 4xzvkS; Dial by your location: 1 646 558 scams. Her PowerPoint presentation any of the classes, email [email protected] and list the classes you 8656. Passcode: 650261). CSA President is on our website, www.csabklynretir- would like. Please include the class or lecture’s title, your name, your email Mark Cannizzaro, CSA Retiree Chapter eeunit.org, under the ‘resources’ tab. and phone number. Chair Gayle Lockett, and RC Director We were also greeted by CSA President Mark Brodsky will extend holiday greet- Mark Cannizzaro. On Nov. 30, mem- January 2021 Virtual Program ings. Come share Your Personal 2020 bers enjoyed the movie Running on Grateful Reflection. Bring your favorite Empty with a Talk-Back session Dec. 20. Time: 1 – 2:30 pm (unless otherwise noted) dessert, drink of choice to toast with, Coming up: Dec. 16, 7:30 - 9 pm - Virtual 1/4: Technology – Shopping, Safety & Security and a small flashlight. Wear your “ugli- Talent Show. Email ellengfleishman@ 1/5: America’s First Ladies Part 1, Eleanor Roosevelt to Jacqueline Kennedy – est” holiday sweater! For all whose email hotmail.com with your talent entry; Marilyn Carminio we don’t have, or if you need to correct Jan. 15, Book club discussion of Caste by 1/6: Books & Bagels – Beth Peller (10:30 am); The Lowland by Pulitzer Prize by your email, please respond to the Evite. Isabel Wilkerson; Virtual holiday party Jhumpa Lahiri; Writing & Critique – George Hopkins – TBA; Our next unit meeting is Feb. 9. — Lark Morrison 1/11: Broadway Musicals: More Upbeat B’way Songs – Karen Valen (10:30 Meanwhile, two of our members are pub- am); Protecting the President: The Secret Service – Howard Ehrlich and lished authors, with books available on Harvey Sackowitz Amazon. Wonders of Spring, by Assistant 1/12: Marian Anderson – Tanisha Mitchell PACIFIC COAST Unit Leader Ingrid Thomas-Clark, is a 1/13: Basic Zoom – Susan Rippe Hoffman Prepare to Zoom in! On Thurs., Jan. 28, warm story of a little girl waiting to join 1/19: The U.S Presidents & Impacts on Sports – Evan Weiner the Southwest and Pacific Coast Units have her mother in the USA. My Tenement Life 1/25: Rock and Roll – Richard Knox a meeting with Dr. Doug Hathaway, fea- on the Lower East, by Unit member Sam 1/26: Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow Jim Crow - NYHS tured speaker, and other honored guests, Zilbersweig is a memoir of growing up 1/27: Creative Writing – George Hopkins at 11am, Pacific time (12 pm in Arizona, in an old building without appliances, 2pm Eastern). Instructions for accessing the TV or refrigerator. Although life was not Class meeting will be emailed in Jan. Enjoy the easy, the love, school and houses of wor- Beginning Crochet – Sharan Wilson 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4 holiday season! You can always reach me ship helped them make it through. All at [email protected] the best to you and your family! —Carol Rainey — Rosalyn Allman-Manning Manhattan School, Job ‘Springboard’ U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he U.S. MilitaryAcademy atWestPoint,he members onDec. 10.Agraduateofthe speaking engagementshehas had. surely beoneofthemost important telling Mr.Hendonthatthe talk would the Iraqwar,concludedhis pitchby Mr. Hendon,served on thegroundin College AcademyinQueens,who,like he said.“Moraleislow.” tinuous changestooperationalorders,” are facingdeath,bureaucracyandcon- personally comprehend.“CSAmembers wartime soldierwouldimmediatelyand to speak to CSA, he described what any City DepartmentofVeterans’Services, Hendon, CommissioneroftheNewYork Chair Noah Angeles asked James Caremark, whereImetTanola, a passion.IwasworkingatCVS certification. Itstartedtobecome job training. You didn’t need a was backinthedaysofon-the- macy,” said Ms. Garcia. “That and Ibecamecuriousaboutphar- tions. ized in HIV and cancer medica- tasks inpharmaciesthatspecial- of inventory and other essential working withauditors,takingcare processing prescriptions, billing, specialty pharmaunits,handling Dunkley. Bothwereworkingin brought along a colleague, Tanola becoming a teacher, who soon tal technicianworkingtoward Leonela Garcia,herselfaden- the program, his first hire was of seniors. feature the fifth graduating class year, astryingithasbeen, will its kindinNewYorkCity.This studies, it is still the only one of school programforpharmacy cess. Thefirststate-approvedhigh of theideahasbeenahugesuc- Continued from Page 1 Union HoldsVeteransPanelLeadership Seminar Mr. Hendon addressed about 70 CSA Mr. Hendonaddressedabout 70CSA Mr. Angeles, principal of York Early When CSA Military Veterans Council “I started at 18 as a cashier, When Mr.Asconastarted

BY CHUCKWILBANKS DECEMBER 2020 Printed onFSCcertifiedpaper work oncompoundingexercisesasteacherLeonelaGarcialookson. n RxforJobs:StudentsatUnionSquareAcademyofHealthSciences ing. Theyformthecoreof teaching credentialswhileteach- pharmacy andteaching.” going todotwothingsIlove– a godsendopportunity:Iwas for thepharmacyprogram.Itwas a dentalteacherbuthadnoone and we had an interview. He had looked uptheprincipal,Bernie, about a CTE school opening. I and in2012afriendtoldme Both women completed their Both womencompletedtheir 40 RectorSt.,NY,NY10006 Local 1AFSA,AFL-CIO New YorkStateFederationofSchoolAdministrators Council ofSchoolSupervisors&Administrators,NYC employment and business opportunities. employment and businessopportunities. housing needs toconnectingthemwith everything fromthemostbasic foodand ing veteranstohigherplaces,” through the city’sVeteransDepartment as,“mov- from 2007-09. the Afghan Border Police in Afghanistan Senior Advisorto later servedasthe following year and for WestPointthe admissions officer He workedasan lic affairsofficer. a battalionpub- leader andthen a mortarplatoon in the US Army as spent sevenyears Afghanistan. He served inIraqand He describedhiscurrentmission at The GutsToHaveHardConversations n NYCVeteransCommissionerJamesHendon: One ofthosepresentsstudents platforms,” saidMs.Garcia. we’ve purchasedotherremote we getagranteveryyearand face-to-face occupation. what isinmanywaysahands-on, the studentsengagedvirtuallyin are alsotrying mightily tokeep an alumofUnionSquare.They hire athirdteacher–quitelikely program and are soon hoping to “We notonlyuseZoombut fast. Lotsofmortars andRPGs(rocket we wereattacked, wehadtofireback mortar platoon leader,” he said.“When control. “When I was in Iraq, I was a and situationsthatarebeyond personal landscape when working in institutions your emotionsgetintheway.” He alsocanvasedtherocky moral Many aresiblingsofalumni.” very passionateaboutthework. so hardtorecruit.Buttheyare the freshmanclassweworked the studentsare,particularly sweet -- we know how excited mock pharmacy.“It’sbitter- she said,citingtheschool’s “It’s aloteasierinclassroom,” and thestudentsthemselves. ened bythededicationofstaff learning butsaidsheisheart- about the limitations of virtual patient aswell.” shoes of the pharmacist and the ies, putting themselves in the when theyfocusoncasestud- a classroom,butit’svaluable “It’s not the same as being in playing,” saidMs.Dunkley. dents, wearedoingalotofrole other essentialtasks. safety, conduct inventory, and They mustconsiderpatient when theyenterthepharmacy. to handleindividualpatients plete, includingdecidinghow with caseloads they must com- She addedthatsincephar- Ms. Garcia has no illusions “With the tenth-grade stu- tension, don’tlet Even ifyouhave ful ofinteractions: he said.“Bemind- tions isyourjob,” difficult conversa- versations. “Having have difficult con ter thecourageto everyone tomus- yourself.” Heurged ship is to “know theme ofleader- His overarching His overarching - Angeles [email protected]. Brodsky [email protected] orNoah Veterans Committeecancontact Mark to helpthemvisitveterans.nyc.gov. integrity.” but to whom? I urge you to side with You can have unswerving allegiance, complex placeweareinduringCovid. and continuetooperate.It’samorally this stufftocomeinitsnaturaltime Don’t hitthefastforwardbutton,allow using technology but we’re not robots. with whatwehaddone. on. Ittookmeawhiletocometerms and mosques,thatwewouldthenfire and moveawayfast,oftenfromschools our base. They would fire from a place propelled grenades)werecominginto Anyone wishingtoreachout CSA’s He urgedveteransorthosewho want “You’re notrobots,”hesaid.“We’re ports usaswell.” they haveanewteamthat sup- helped theteachers,too.Now really helpedmealotand demand for the program. They from thecityandtapinto “We neededtodrawthekids with acommittee,”hesaid. tunity and I did the research Jackson gavemethisoppor- “John Becker and Florence resources tocarryitthrough. a winningconceptandforthe DOE whenhewassearchingfor two membersoftheCentral to thehelphereceivedfrom developing theprogram.” that they’re still with us, still got started,”hesaid.“It’sgreat others, andreallythat’showwe Garcia openedthedoorsfor brought totheprogram.“Ms. mitment thetwoteachershave grateful forthepassionatecom- deeply engagedintheirpaths. stopped working, so they remain students doinginternshipsnever essential workers,manyofthe macy employees are considered and AdditionalMailingOffice Brooklyn, NY11201 US POSTAGEPAIDAT Periodicals He also looks back gratefully Mr. Ascona said he is deeply