Vol. 3, November 2003

The Professional

A Publication of the Minnetonka Teachers Association

Members of Education Minnesota, NEA, AFT, Minnesota Local #7173

http://www.minnetonkateachers.org

Editor, Mary Tingblad, mary.tingblad@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

MM-West, 6421 Hazeltine Blvd., Excelsior, MN 55331

 

         

2003-2004 Minnetonka Teachers Association Governance Board

~ President Mark Chalupsky ~ Vice President Julie Anderson-Simonson ~

~ Secretary Mary Tingblad ~ Treasurer Joseph Ricke ~

~ DEC Linda Morantez ~ Deephaven Margaret Ruffino~ Groveland Pam Wertjes ~

~ Excelsior Mark Broten ~ Minnewashta Melanie Casiday ~

~ Clear Springs Debra Jensen ~ Scenic Heights Katie Tuthill ~

~ MM-East Mark Brzezinski & Sandy Gosen ~

~ MM-West Mary Tingblad & Jeri Goodspeed-Gross ~

~ MHS Joseph Ricke, Jan Nelson, Mike Cutshall & Miles Mortensen ~

         

 

~~ President’s Ponderings ~~

MTA President, Mark Chalupsky, mark.chalupsky@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

I would like to thank the MTA negotiators, Joe Ricke and Mike Cutshall, as well as our Education Minnesota staff, Chuck Kehrberg and Sue Vento, for the outstanding job they did negotiating the MTA contract. We were very fortunate to have them as our negotiators. You should be receiving a copy of the new contract sometime in December. With negotiations now over, we can concentrate once again on teaching kids. 

Many of you have already set up your continuing education unit account with the new electronic system. The system is one we looked at last year and is now in place for everyone to use. It will save all of us a lot of time and effort in keeping track of the units we accumulate over a five-year period. Any classes you take through the district, like Health Realization, are automatically credited to you. The system will also keep track of regular credits and lane changes in the future. I would like to thank Bev Ginther for her leadership in finding a better system and getting it in place for this year. She has spent a lot of time and effort to make this happen and all of us will benefit greatly. Thanks so much, Bev.

I would like to congratulate my friend and colleague Juris Terauds, for being selected as the Minnesota Technology Education Teacher of the Year. Juris has taught at MHS for many years and is responsible for establishing an outstanding CAD (Computer Drafting) program. Samples of his students’ work can often be seen on the walls of the high school. He is truly an outstanding example of someone who has been willing to give of his time and talents to help students succeed. The Minnetonka School Board will honor Juris at their first meeting in December. We all are proud of you, Juris!

 

~~ MTA Contract Administration Update ~~

mike.cutshall@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

Mark Chalupsky, Mike Cutshall, and Joe Ricke met with Mike Lovett for contract administration on November 12, 2003. Two main issues were discussed. The first issue revolved around the payment date for retroactive pay due to the new collective bargaining agreement. Mark Chalupsky will be sending a detailed letter to all teachers regarding this issue.

            The second issue pertained to the payment of stipends to teachers who voluntarily attend workshops for the district (such as IB or AP courses). Claudia Risnes and Mike Lovett will be fine-tuning a plan for stipend payments, and will present this plan to us prior to our next contract administration meeting. Further discussions will then ensue at the next contract administration meeting in December.

Schoolies Cartoon Schoolies Cartoon

~~ Teachers’ Rights Review ~~

mary.benson@minnetonka.k12.mn.us, anita.otten@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

Education Minnesota provides members with lots of information on its website www.educationminnesota.org. Here’s a sampling of some of the important information you can find there:

When should/can I file a grievance under my union contract? Your union contract defines “grievance.” Typically, grievances are broadly defined as any dispute or disagreement as to the meaning or application of any term of the union contract. Your union contract will also include timelines for filing grievances, which generally must be strictly followed. For example, the contract may say that a grievance must be filed within 10 or 20 days of the event that gives rise to the grievance, and failure to file within the timelines may result in a waiver or a forfeiture of the grievance. If you ever have a question about a potential grievance, contact your member rights person immediately, and ask for assistance.

How do I get something out of my personnel file? Upon your written request, your employer must provide you with the opportunity to review your personnel record. Minn. Stat. §181.961 (general statute for all employees); Minn. Stat. §122A.40, subd. 19 (additional provisions for teachers in districts other than Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth). Remember that any material that the district has about you is available to you. Just because certain material might not be in your official “personnel file”, and is in the principal’s desk or held by someone else, does not mean it is not part of your file. It is part of your file, and you have the right to see it. So when you ask to see your “file,” make sure your request is broad and includes all materials, in whatever form, and wherever kept. If you want material to be removed from your file, you may file a grievance using the union contract’s grievance procedure. Minn. Stat. §122A.40, subd. 19, under this statute, the district must expunge any material found by the grievance process to be either false or inaccurate. Your contract may provide additional remedies for removing materials from your file, so check with your Teachers’ Rights Co-Chairs.

 

~~ A Tribute to You, During American Education Week ~~

A Message From Superintendent Dennis Peterson

November 16-22 marks the 82nd annual observance of American Education Week—a time for saluting our public schools and the relationships between all school employees, students and parents. For over 150 years, public schools have served as the foundation for our American democracy. For over fifty years in Minnetonka, our public schools have served as the foundation of a high quality of life in our communities. That is a credit to you, outstanding and dedicated professionals, and your work with our children each day. 

Beyond mastery of content and curriculum, you touch students’ hearts and minds. Each of you possesses a genuine love of children and a professional commitment to children’s learning. You connect with kids and find in each one their passion and potential to excel. It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to work with such a high caliber of excellence at this point in my career. Like you, I know that we have but one chance to do the right thing as each child moves through our schools. I am confident in what the future holds for this generation, because I am confident in you, the people who are shaping and influencing their lives.

Our school board vision credits the work of the last fifty years in our district with a legacy of inherited strength. I’d like to add my gratitude to each of our teachers and support staff for the outstanding education we have provided and will continue to provide children. The theme for American Education Week is Great Schools for All Children:  America’s Promise. Thanks to you and to our community, in Minnetonka Schools, we are fulfilling America’s Promise everyday. Minnetonka is more than great. Your commitment, enthusiasm, student focus and professionalism have made this district the leader that it is today, and will move us toward being the world-class district of tomorrow.

Thank you for all you do on behalf of our children each day!

 

NEA News

~~Happy American Education Week! ~~

Ready for a little history lesson? How did American Education Week get started? According to the official AEW History website (http://www.nea.org/aew/history.html), the NEA and the American Legion were distressed that 25 percent of America's World War I draftees were illiterate and 29 percent were physically unfit. Both groups met in 1919 to generate public support for education. The conventions of both organizations subsequently adopted resolutions of support for a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. In 1921, the NEA Representative Assembly called for designation of one week each year to spotlight education. In its resolution, the NEA called for: "An educational week . . . observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs."

The first American Education Week was observed December 4-10, 1921, co-sponsored by The NEA and the American Legion. A year later, the U.S. Office of Education joined as an additional co-sponsor. The National PTA followed in 1938. Support for this special week has grown over the years. Today, American Education Week is sponsored by: US Department of Education, NEA, American Legion, National PTA, American Federation of Teachers, American Association of School Administrators, National School Boards Association, American School Counselors Association, Council of Chief State School Officers, National School Public Relations Association, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

 

~~ Send Congress Back to the Drawing Board ~~

Chalk it up to bureaucracy—more regulations, more paperwork, and more standardized tests. The so-called “No Child Left Behind” law forces schools to spend more on what children need least. Instead of letting schools focus on reducing class sizes, increasing parental involvement, and providing up-to-date books and materials, this law wastes hundreds of millions of dollars on bureaucracy, paperwork, and more standardized tests. Contact your Representative and Senators—tell them to fix the law so that every child can learn as he or she learns best, and schools can direct resources where children need them most.

Find out how at www.nea.org/lac. At the NEA Legislative Action Center, you can find a whole host of issues facing America, and you can communicate your concerns with your legislators.

Tell the members of Congress to support the NEA Great Public Schools for Every Child bill that seeks to correct the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. ESEA is $11 billion short and punishes, rather than improves, schools. Congress must fully fund Title I, teacher quality, and after-school programs and grant states more flexibility.

The Teacher Tax Relief Act (H.R.785/S.695) would make the out-of-pocket classroom expense deduction permanent, increase the current $250 maximum to $400 or $500 in the House and Senate, respectively, and include professional development for this tax year. Tell your legislators to increase the deduction and make it permanent.

 

~~ Win Target Gift Card in NEA Giveaway ~~

NEA Member Benefits is giving away three $100 Target gift cards and five $100 NEA Magazine Service gift certificates for its November 2003 Website Giveaway. Education Minnesota members can register anytime during November in the “Members-Only” area of the NEA Member Benefits Website, www.neamb.com, for a chance to win. Giveaway entry begins on November 1 and ends November 30, 2003. No purchase necessary to enter.

 

                  

 


AFT PLUS... The Benefits of Belonging

AFT members can buy textbooks, bestsellers, collectibles and more at the only union-organized, online bookstore. Visit Powell's online bookstore where union members can buy new and used books at reasonable prices. Powell’s began as a used bookstore in 1970. The company has continued to grow and today has an inventory of more than a million titles of used and new books. If you visit the store's website through any of the Powell’s ads--like the one shown below--on the MTA website or AFT website, you will also be helping the AFT. A percentage of each AFT member's purchase made online will be credited to the NEAFT Recovery Fund for the victims and families of the September 11th attacks. We encourage you to "mouse" the stacks and shop online. Sections include rare and collectible, technical books, kids' books and e-books. You can choose new or used selections. It's all available with a simple click of your mouse.

~~ A Proud Tradition ~~

In 1916, a handful of teachers met in the basement of a teacher’s home in Winnetka, Illinois. What brought them together was the belief that they needed a new national organization that would be committed to their professional interests, would benefit the people they served, and would work to create strong local unions affiliated with the labor movement. The organization they forged is the American Federation of Teachers. From this foundation, the AFT has grown into a trade union representing workers in education, health care, and public service.

Today, the AFT continues to be known for its democratic ideals and its cutting-edge work on behalf of its members and the public they serve. And because the AFT has more than one million members nationwide, we can exert a strong influence on standards and professional practices in our members' workplaces. The AFT has always counted notable figures among its members, John Dewey held AFT card number one. Other AFT luminaries include Albert Einstein, Hubert Humphrey and Frank McCourt.

 

 News From Education Minnesota

                                                                                               

~~ New Human Rights Award ~~

The Education Minnesota Human Rights Committee has initiated an awards program that recognizes members who protect and advance the human and civil rights of educators and students in their communities. The Education Minnesota Human Rights Award will be presented at the 2004 Representative Convention in March for the first time. Nominations can come from individual members, local affiliates or intermediate organizations. Nominees must be Education Minnesota members in good standing. The deadline for submitting nomination information is December 31, 2003. For information and an application form, contact Dan Rivera, at 1-800-622-8363.

 

~~ Foundation Grants Support Classroom Projects ~~

             Do you have a great idea that would help students learn, but you don’t have the money to implement it in your classroom? Apply for a grant from the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The foundation, funded by contributions from members, will award more than $100,000 this year in grants that directly benefit students through teacher-driven initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000. Go to: www.educationminnesota.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=643 to apply online. Grant proposals must be postmarked by December 15, 2003.

 

~~ Looking for a Holiday Gift Idea? ~~

 Looking for a holiday gift for a colleague or yourself? Consider two publications that trace the history of the Minnesota Federation of Teachers and Minnesota Education Association. “Minnesota Federation of Teachers: 63 Years of Action” and “Minnesota Education Association: 137 Years Proud” follow the founding and growth of those organizations until their merger in 1998, forming Education Minnesota. Both books are loaded with historical photos and personal reminiscences. Your cost is $18 for both, which includes shipping and handling. Make your check payable to Education Minnesota and send it with your name, address and daytime phone number to Georgie Westphal, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103. Questions? E-mail her at georgeann.westphal@educationminnesota.org. 

 

~~ Win Target Gift Card in NEA Giveaway ~~

NEA Member Benefits is giving away three $100 Target gift cards and five $100 NEA Magazine Service gift certificates for its November 2003 Website Giveaway. Education Minnesota members can register anytime during November in the “Members-Only” area of the NEA Member Benefits Website, www.neamb.com, for a chance to win. Giveaway entry begins on November 1 and ends November 30, 2003. No purchase necessary to enter.

 

~~ What’s New at Your School? ~~

 

News From MHS

Juris Terauds, MHS Drafting instructor, has been named Minnesota Technology Education Teacher of the Year! The 25th Annual Minnesota Technology Education Association (MTEA) Awards Banquet, on September 27, 2003, Terauds received the Minnesota High School Teacher Excellence/Teacher of the Year Award. Terauds, a drafting teacher at MHS for 28 years, has advised the very successful MHS Co-curricular Architectural/Engineering Challenge teams. He also received a special award recognizing his leadership in founding the Minnesota Architectural/Engineering Challenge 15 years ago. Terauds will represent Minnesota at the 66th Annual ITEA Conference in Albuquerque, NM, in March 2004. Offering Terauds congratulations that evening were Jim Moon, MHS Tech. Ed. Dept. member and 1993 Minnesota Technology Education Teacher of the Year; and Dr. John Anderson retired MHS teacher and 1999 Minnesota Technology Education Teacher of the Year. Together these three men represent over 90 years of service to Minnetonka Public Schools.

 

News From Deephaven

Deephaven Elementary School welcomes new teachers: kindergarten teachers Ryan Johnson, Dawn Sailer, Sheri Simpson, and Physical Education teacher Josh Jansen.

 

Two brand new babies also arrived! Lisa McHugh had baby girl Grace Elizabeth in July, and Natsha Martin had baby girl Emma Marie in September.      

 

Diane Jost announced her engagement to Mike Daniels. A July wedding is planned

 

Baby News From MM-West

Alisa Kappel, husband Matt, and son Peyton welcomed son #2, Ethan Reese Kappel, on October 21, 2003. Jena Menke and husband Gary are expecting their second child in April. Grandpa Brian Nelson welcomed first granddaughter, Morgan Paige Nelson, in October.

 

So, What’s New at YOUR School?

There are “good news” things happening everyday in our schools. Send your school’s good news to mary.tingblad@minnetonka.k12.mn.us to be included in the next issue of The Professional. I’ve been told that this is one of the favorite features of the newsletter. It’s the way that we can share all the good things going on with our teachers!

 

 

Editorial/Commentary/Opinion Page

Editorials, commentary, opinions, and letters to the editor are not necessarily the position of the MTA. All members are invited to share their unedited views, thoughts, concerns, etc., by submitting them to: mary.tingblad@minnetonka.k12.mn.us, Mary Tingblad, MM-West, 6421 Hazeltine Blvd, Excelsior, MN  55331.

 

Thanksgiving Starts It All!

            Soon we will be traveling near and far to gather with family members for the big Thanksgiving feast. This is a good time to reconnect with your family—an important thing to do! After all the work and festivities are finished, there’s usually time to relax. I can visualize the leftovers safely tucked away in the refrigerator, the good dishes sparkling clean and put away until the next big event, and various family members relaxing in front of the unending stream of football games on television.

            But for me, Thanksgiving Day/weekend sets off an even bigger flurry of events. This is when the big work begins! The mixers, both at my parents’ house and my own home, are permanent fixtures on our kitchen countertops until it’s time to ring in the New Year. The mixing and baking and decorating—it’s holiday baking time! It’s a busy time, but it’s a good busy. It’s hectic, rushing around to get this all done, and still find the time to do all the other things in life AND holiday shopping, too! Somehow it all gets done and there’s still time to enjoy the fun winter weather and holiday lights.

            How did this all start? My mom retired from the bakery/deli business years ago. She liked not having to put in those long 12+ hour days as the holidays approached. However, she did miss the fun and satisfaction of helping others get ready for their holiday dinners and parties. She was not going to give up doing what she liked! Of course, there’s some of my mom in me, too. I’m about as fanatical about baking as she is. This all has evolved into an annual adventure for us—the Cookie Lady (me) and Folks (my parents) Holiday Cookie Orders. We accept orders here in the Minnetonka Schools and back home for cookies, fudge, brittle, and party mixes.

We’ve taken suggestions from people that wanted to see what the cookies look like before they order. Fair enough… after all, one person’s pecan snowballs are another one’s Mexican wedding cakes, Russian teacakes, etc. It was tough knowing what my family’s secret recipes were if your family called the cookies by a different name. Two years ago I scanned cookies, actually placing them on the scanner, and used those scans on the back of last year’s order forms. Because we got such raves for that, we’re including color scans again. We’ve tweaked the order form, taking off the cookies that the name and the picture still didn’t entice orders. We know to make many, many, many of the obvious favorites.

Thanksgiving starts it all. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, a time to spend with family, a time to celebrate. I look forward to this time each year. After I’ve spent my time being thankful, it’s time to put on the apron, rev up the mixer, and let the fun begin! If you are interested in ordering holiday cookies and treats, please e-mail me so I can send you an order form. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Mary Tingblad, Editor