Vol. 2, November 2002

The Professional

A Publication of the Minnetonka Teachers Association

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

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

 

~ 2002-2003 Minnetonka Teachers Association Governance Board ~

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

~ Secretary Mary Tingblad ~ Treasurer Joseph Ricke ~

~ DEC Gail O’Rourke ~ Deephaven Diane Jost ~ Groveland Pam Wertjes ~

~ Excelsior Mark Broten ~ Minnewashta Melanie Casiday ~

~ Clear Springs Debra Jensen ~ Scenic Heights Jan Sellman ~

~ MM-East Mark Brzezinski & Heidi Johnson ~

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

~ MHS Joseph Ricke, Jan Nelson, J. Beowulf Boswell, & Mike Cutshall ~

 

 

~~ President’s Ponderings ~~

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

 

Needless to say, it is great to have both parts of the referendum pass. I want to thank all of you that helped with this effort. A special thanks to Committee for Quality Academics and all the people at the District Service Center for all the time and effort they put forth. Dr. Peterson deserves a great deal of thanks for the many long days and nights he spent trying to educate the public about the financial condition of Minnetonka Public Schools and the real needs that the district has. I think we can all breathe a little easier now---at least for a couple of years!

 

As part of the last contract agreement between the district and the MTA, we have been having some discussion on alternative compensation for teachers above and beyond that of our current salary schedule. This might include a “master teacher” concept.  Julie Anderson-Simonson, Joe Ricke, and I will attend the national conference on alternative compensation next week with three administrators—Dr. Mike Lovett, Dr. Mark Larson, and Sue Ann Gruver. After we come back from Chicago, we will have a committee to study the issues further.

 

We will have $50,000 available again this year as part of the Group Performance Incentive program. The committee will be looking for innovative projects from groups of teachers.  The maximum amount per grant is $5,000 and some of the grant monies can be used for curriculum writing time and as stipends for teachers. You will be receiving more

information about this program soon, as well as information about all of the other grant programs available in Minnetonka.

 

The Redwing teachers have reached a tentative settlement.  I’ll keep you posted.

 

I hope you are having a great year.  If I can help you in any way, please contact me at 612-281-5900. Best wishes!

 

~~ MTA Contract Administration Update ~~

julie.anderson-simonson@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

 

The Contract Administration meeting on November 13, 2002, included Joseph Ricke, Julie Anderson-Simonson, Mark Chalupsky, Mike Lovett, and guests Lisa Hennen, Judy Nagel, and Sandy Skavnak. The following items were discussed:

 

·        Carry-Over Business from October:

1.      Status of Committees: 

·        TIP

·        Group Performance Committee

·        Voluntary Teacher Compensation Strategy Committee

2.      Career Transition Trust Implementation

3.      Personal Days Bookkeeping

4.      ECFE annual letters

5.      Work time and issues for part time teachers

6.      Teachers on special assignment

·        New Issues:

1.      Schedule and process for School Calendar Committee

2.      Relicensure committee

3.      Supporting teachers in emergencies

4.      Use of classrooms after school by MCES

 

~~ Teachers Strike in Red Wing ~~

julie.anderson-simonson@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

 

On Thursday, October 31, President Mark Chalupsky and Vice-President Julie Anderson-Simonson, along with Chaska President Tim Griffin and Wayzata President Chip Brofford went to Red Wing to show our support for their local members on strike. This was the Red Wing teachers’ eighth day walking the picket lines.

We arrived mid-afternoon and went to their strike headquarters. It was toasty warm inside their second story site. About a dozen members were busily doing their tasks for the day. They were excited to see officers from other locals coming to offer whatever help was needed. On the walls of their headquarters were the many media blitzes that had been run regarding their strike. 

            We wanted to walk the picket lines with their members, so they sent us to Burnside Elementary School. This school is right on the highway on the west end of town. There were about 12 Red Wing Association members at this site. These teachers were amazed that we would come by to offer support and they were thrilled that we were willing to walk the picket line with them. We walked for about 30 minutes. There was a lot of traffic going past the teachers. Many, many vehicles honked their horns in support of the teachers, which must have really boosted their spirits.

            Throughout our conversations with them, we learned that:

1) All members were originally scheduled to walk the picket lines for the full day. And they did so the first five days of the strike. Thereafter, the teachers were taking half-day shifts. 

2) The paras, secretaries, and cooks were called in to work on the first day of the strike.  The paras were given the task of cleaning the classrooms. On the second day of the strike, all but the head secretaries were placed on unrequested leave. 

3) Each teacher is allowed a 15-minute break during the shift to go to a nearby home to use the bathroom. 

4) During the first few days of the strike, parents brought a lot of doughnuts and cookies for the teachers.  When we were there, parents had brought sandwiches and full meals for the teachers.  They had three tables full of food.  The teachers were 'complaining' that they were gaining weight as they walked 15 miles a day. 

5) The eighth day of the strike was the first sunny day they had had.  However, the wind was fierce.  Walking west into the wind was bitter cold (my fingers froze!), but the relief came when you could turn around and walk on the sidewalk in the easterly direction.  Turning around again to the west was not fun.

6) The police and firefighters have allowed each site to have a gas campfire. So the teachers do have an area where they can warm up. There were about a half dozen lawn chairs around the campfire and some of the teachers were sitting there and warming up before they went back out on the line and into the wind.

            As the four of us walked the line with the teachers, we carried signs that said, "We support our teachers". The Red Wing teachers carried their strike signs. Each strike sign had a purple ribbon tied around the hole punched on the bottom of the sign - one ribbon for each day they had been on strike. Prior to our visit, the negotiators had had two mediation sessions with the district. However, there had been no movement on the side of the district.   Following the second  stalled session,  NEA  President  Reggie  Weaver and Education Minnesota President Judy Schaubach were in town to visit with the teachers. The Burnside Elementary teachers said they really needed to hear from Reggie after that setback. He fired them up and encouraged them to continue to fight for what they believed in.

            We took one picture* with these teachers before we left. We went on to their debriefing center at the American Legion. At the end of each day, all of the site captains, the negotiators, the officers, and any other teacher who wanted to, could join together and meet to debrief about that day's activities on the line. The meetings at the end of the first days lasted two hours and 45 minutes. The longer they were on strike, the shorter the meetings were getting.  Sometimes the meetings were only lasting 15 minutes. The debriefing sessions included anything from 'we need a port-a-potty', to 'we need more water at our site', to 'these people are not showing up to walk the picket line', to' these people are being harassed', etc.

            Many businesses were showing their support by offering the teachers 20-100% off items in their business. Because there are three other unions that could also go out on strike in Red Wing, the parents were circulating a petition requesting the resignation of the Superintendent and the Financial Director. We asked the teachers if they foresaw any end in sight to the strike. They indicated that the end looked bleak. We shared our belief that it was going to take pressure from the public directed at the School Board members to make any changes happen. At their debriefing session, President Chalupsky presented the Red Wing president Sue Wolter with a $500 check from the UniServ*. We again offered our support and told them to contact us and let us know how we could be of further service to their organization. 

            It seemed like we did so little that afternoon, but the smiles on their faces indicated that our gesture of goodwill meant the world to them. 

~ Political Organizers Update ~

jan.nelson@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

 

            “Never before has Education Minnesota had so many members mobilized to work to elect pro-education candidates. This is largely due to the efforts of our 694 Political Organizers across the state,” said Jan Alswager, manager of Government Relations for Education Minnesota.

            In an effort to elect pro-education candidates for state and local elections, Education Minnesota asked each Local to appoint a Political Organizer. Sue Vento, Education Minnesota Field Representative spearheaded the efforts for nearby Locals. The MTA Governance Board appointed Jan Nelson (MHS) and Erin Klaers (Minnewashta) as our Political Co-Organizers.

            Education Minnesota sponsored training sessions to unite everyone towards the common goal. At these sessions, the rules and regulations for campaigning were presented.  School  districts  are public domains  that fall under  strict guidelines from the state. Rules such as disclaimers on all literature and acknowledging that you cannot tell people how to vote led to the GO-TV (Go Out to Vote) campaign.

            Efforts to get teachers to help campaign with this election were fairly successful. A number of teachers volunteered to help with phone calls, knock on doors, and post lawn signs. As you know, all of the efforts expended by both state and local volunteers did not get many pro-education candidates elected. Nelson and Klaers hope that more teachers will volunteer to help in future campaigns.

            The MTA, along with Nelson and Klaers were also very active in promoting the local referendum. Nelson was a member of the Committee for Quality Academics. This committee worked tirelessly for months leading up to the election. The reward was great, not only in passing the referendum, but also by bringing together parents, businesses, administrators, and teachers to work together for the district’s children and the excellence of their education. 

˜ ˜ ˜

 

~~ Politically Correctness in School ~~

Students don't have detention--they're just "exit delayed."

The hallway isn't crowded--it's just "passage restrictive."

These days, a student isn't lazy--he's "energetically declined."

The locker isn't overflowing with junk--it's just "closure prohibitive."

Kids don't get grounded anymore--they merely hit "social speed bumps."

The homework isn't missing--it’s just having an "out-of-notebook experience."

They're not sleeping in class--they're "rationing consciousness."

You're not late--you just have a "rescheduled arrival time."

 
You're not having a bad hair day--you're suffering from "rebellious follicle syndrome."
 
He’s not shy—he’s "conversationally selective."

They don't talk a lot--they're just "abundantly verbal."

They weren't passing notes in class--they were "participating in the discreet exchange of penned meditations."

 It's not called gossip anymore--it's "the speedy transmission of near-factual information."

~~ News from Education Minnesota ~~

 

 

Education Minnesota releases ‘Blueprint for Public Education’

 

            How do we preserve Minnesota’s excellent public schools? Our schools are struggling with profound social and economic changes that call for a new public commitment if we are to preserve high standards of quality. Our students have greater needs. Our schools have greater costs. We must attract and retain excellent teachers. We must meet these challenges as our state policymakers tackle a $3.2 billion shortfall.

            Education Minnesota has developed a plan to address that challenge. It’s called “Blueprint: Building the Future of Public Education.” The document identifies the major issues that must be addressed to guarantee Minnesota students a top-quality education.

The blueprint proposes three key principles that form the foundation for a strong public education system in Minnesota: quality, equity, and accountability. We need properly trained and licensed teachers, equal access to learning opportunities for our students, and clearly defined roles for everyone involved, including elected officials who determine funding. For more information, visit the Education Minnesota online community at www.educationminnesota.org

 

Suspect a Child Has Been Abused?

The Law Requires You to Report It

If you suspect that one of your students has been abused, you need to report it. It’s not just the RIGHT thing to do—it’s the REQUIRED thing to do if you’re an educator.

 

            Minnesota’s Mandatory Reporting Act requires that if you know or if you have a reasonable belief that a child is being physically or sexually abused or neglected by a family member responsible for the child’s care (such as a parent or guardian) or someone outside the family caring for the child (such as a teacher or day care provider), you must report this immediately to your local welfare agency, police department or county sheriff. The law requires that you report the abuse orally within 24 hours, followed by a written report within 72 hours.

            Failure to report constitutes a misdemeanor. You can’t just report suspected abuse or neglect to your school administration. You must also report the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement. As long as you have a good faith belief that abuse or neglect might have occurred, you must file a report with law enforcement.

For more information regarding the Mandatory Reporting Act, go to Education Minnesota’s website at www.educationminnesota.org, click on “Members Services” and then click on “Your Rights.”

 

 

 

 

         

Making Public Schools Great For Every Child

~~ News from NEA and AFT ~~

 

 

Register to Win Best Buy Card

 

            Register in the “Members Only” area of the NEA Members Benefits website for a chance to win one of three $100 Best Buy Gift Cards. Want to get computer supplies, some new CDs, a phone? Go to www.neamb.com and register now! Entry deadline is November 30, 2002. No purchase is necessary to enter.

 

 

Contest Puts the Spotlight on Census Bureau Statistics

 

            Your lesson plans on the U.S. Census could win your classroom a new set of maps, CD-ROMs or other materials from the Census Bureau. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Lesson Plan Contest is designed to solicit ideas from teachers to generate additional teaching materials using bureau statistics. The materials will also help teachers meet local, state, and national content standards.

            The contest is open to K-12 teachers. The winning lesson plans and a profile of the educators and their schools will be posted on the Census Bureau’s website. Entry deadline is December 1, 2002. Go to www.census.gov/mcd/lesson.html to learn more.

 

 

NetDay Provides Free Kit to Help Kids to Be ‘Cyber-Secure’

 

            The “NetDay Cyber Security Kit for Schools” features tools and resources to raise awareness about online safety and computer security. NetDay encourages education leaders to distribute these resources in schools across the country, to ensure that schools and homes—the places where children are most likely to access computers—are “cyber-secure.” Resources are included for K-12 educators, school district administrators, parents and families. Download kit resources at www.netday.org/cyber_security_kit.htm.

 

 

New TV Show for Parents Focuses on Kids’ School Success

 

            The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new television series about ways parents can ensure children’s educational success. “Education News Parents Can Use” airs the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Central time. During the hour, experts, school officials and parents will discuss the real risks to children—in and out of school. How can parents make sure their children don’t become victims of crime and violence? The show will air on some local cable and PBS channels, and will be rebroadcast on The Learning Channel.

Limited free VHS copies of past programs are available by calling (877) 4ED-PUBS. For more information, visit www.ed.gov.offices/OIIA/television/.

 

GRANTS FOR EDUCATORS

Looking for funding for a special project? Check out these websites:

 

·        “NEA Fine Arts Grant Program”—The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) offers grants to public elementary school art specialists through their local NEA affiliates to create and implement programs that promote learning among students at risk for school failure. The deadline is February 3, 2003. Visit www.nfie.org/programs/finearts.htm for more information.

 

·        “The NEA Foundation’s Arts @ Work Grant Program”—The Arts @ Work grants encourage secondary school arts specialists to develop examples of technology-integrated arts curricula that meet high standards for student achievement. This program is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The deadline is March 3, 2003. Visit www.nfie.org/programs/artsatwork.htm.

 

·        “NEA Foundation’s Innovation Grants and Learning and Leadership Grants”—These grants are offered on an ongoing, year-round basis. For more information on these grants, go to www.nfie.org./programs/howtoapply.htm.

 

·        “High School Journalism Scholarships and Awards”—This website lists the latest journalism scholarships and awards available to high school students. Not all of the awards are monetary, but all promote excellence and move students toward a possible journalism career. Visit www.highschooljournalism.org/teachers/award_index.cfm.

 

·        “Successful Grant Proposals”—Review successful grant proposals to learn how to write a fundable proposal. Visit www.schoolgrants.org/proposal_samples.htm.

 

·        “The Coca-Cola Foundation”—The Coca-Cola Foundation offers support to public and private colleges and universities, elementary and secondary schools, teacher-training programs, educational programs for minority students, and global education programs. The next deadline is December 1, 2002. Grant information is available ay http://www2.coca-cola.com/citizenship/foundation_guidelines.html.

 

                A Must See Movie

susan.jerabekkinney@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

 

Go see The Emperor’s Club.  It stars Kevin Kline as a very dedicated history teacher. I highly recommend that all teachers see this movie. It is a delightful testimony to the important work we do. Enjoy!

~~ What’s New at Your School? ~~

 

 

Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers?

 

          Kari Stringer is, that’s who! This MM-West Language Arts teacher has been honored in this year’s edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2002. Students academically ranked in the top 5% nationwide are asked to choose one teacher each that has had the greatest impact on his/her life. What an honor! Congratulations, Kari!

 

 

Scenic Heights, Babies R Us

sharon.clark@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

 

Scenic Heights Elementary School is having a baby explosion! One baby is due every month, beginning in December. Kelly Pederson is expecting her baby girl to arrive from Guatemala in December. In January, Jo Bernhardt, our autism specialist, will have her first baby. In February, Melinda Barry, our media specialist, will have her second baby. Heidi Volkart, fifth grade teacher, is due at the end of March, a first baby. Emily Nelson, who works with Explorers, is due in April. In May, Lori Anderson, a first grade teacher is due--a first baby for her. Heidi Roehl, another first grade teacher, is due in late May. Wow! We’ll be showering all next year!

 

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 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

 

21^st Century Teacher

A recent website posting under school humor—is reality funny?

 

Hmm… let me see if I've got this right. You want me to go into that room with
all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. Not only that, I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, behaviorally modify disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and T-shirt messages.

I am to fight the war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for guns and raise their self-esteem. I'm to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook and how to apply for a job. I am to check their heads occasionally for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of potential antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for the cultural diversity of others, and, oh yeah, always make sure that I give the girls in my class 50 percent of my attention.

I'm required to be working on my own time summer and evenings at my own expense toward advance certification and a master's degree; and after school, I am to attend committee and faculty meetings and participate in staff development training to maintain my employment status. I am to be a paragon of virtue larger than life, such that my very presence will awe my students into being obedient and respectful of authority. I am to pledge allegiance to supporting family values, a return to the basics, and to my current administration. I am to incorporate technology into the learning, and monitor all Web sites while providing a personal relationship with each student. I am to decide who might be potentially dangerous and/or liable to commit crimes in school or who is possibly being abused, and I can be sent to jail for not mentioning these suspicions.

I am to make sure all students pass the state and federally mandated testing and all classes, whether or not they attend school on a regular basis or complete any of the work assigned. Plus, I am expected to make sure that all of the students with handicaps are guaranteed a free and equal education, regardless of their mental or physical handicap. I am to communicate frequently with each student's parent by letter, phone, newsletter and grade card.

I'm to do all of this with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, a 45 minute more-or-less plan time and a big smile. Is that all?

 

DON’T LET ANYONE EVER SAY THAT YOU ARE JUST A TEACHER!