ATA Weekly
August 25th, 2023
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
I want to provide you with an update regarding the retro checks that have been a topic of concern among many of you. The distribution of the certificated retro checks will take place on Thursday, August 31st, alongside the regular monthly payroll. The timekeepers at the sites will be picking them up for distribution, so keep an eye out for them. Please note that these will be actual checks, whether or not you have direct deposit set up.
I am aware that the delay has caused some frustration, and I want to assure you that the AUSD Payroll Department has been working very hard to deliver them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the settlement towards the end of the school year presented challenges that made it difficult to receive payment within the usual 60-day timeframe. Moreover, CSEA settled before us, which made it necessary to process their retros first. Furthermore, LACOE does not process retro checks during the summertime, which lengthened the processing time.
Lastly, I would like to express our appreciation to the AUSD Payroll Department on behalf of ATA for their unwavering dedication and hard work. They have been working diligently to speed up the distribution of these checks, and we are grateful for their efforts.
Ralph Hernandez
ELECTION RESULTS
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kristin Keenan (AHS) and Jennifer Lankford (Elementary) on being elected as the newest ATA Segment Directors. Their passion and dedication towards the betterment of students and educators is truly inspiring. Our Board is incredibly fortunate to have them on board and I am confident that they will continue to be strong advocates for the education community.
ATA SUPPORTS SEIU 121RN
Garfield Medical Center Nurses could really use our support right now. According to SEIU 121RN, they're dealing with unsafe staffing levels, faulty equipment, and workplace hazards that are putting patient care at risk. If you have the time, please consider getting out there and showing your support. Our nurses deserve to feel safe and supported while they care for our loved ones.
THE ROLE OF COMMITTEES IN PROVIDING VALUABLE INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATION
It is important to acknowledge that committees, such as Cadre, Leadership, Department Chairs, Advisory, Grade Level Committees, or other District committees, act as representatives and provide us with valuable information from our site or the District. It is vital, however, to bear in mind that their authority is limited, and they cannot make decisions for the entire staff. If there are any concerns, please feel free to reach out to your administrator.
ADJUNCT HOURS
Just a friendly reminder that completing 10 Adjunct Hours every school year is mandatory. These hours should be geared towards benefiting the student, parent, or community. To fulfill these hours, you have two options. You may create and manage a digital platform or choose from the pre-approved options jointly created by ATA/AUSD. When planning your hours, submit a form to your admin with the specific hours/categories you plan to work on for the year. If you opt for an option that's not on the list, it will require admin approval, but don't worry, you have the right to appeal if your request is denied. It's important to complete these hours to avoid having your sick leave hours docked. While your site admin may suggest ideas for how to fulfill these hours, ultimately, unit members have the final say on how they complete them.
THE STANDARD - CTA-ENDORSED DISABILITY INSURANCE
If you haven't already, you might want to double check that your most recent salary increase is reflected on The Standard's records. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you ever need to file a claim. You wouldn't want to go through any unnecessary hurdles to receive the benefits that you deserve. If you need to get in touch with a representative, you can reach them at 1(800)522-0406.
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
It's important to remember to share policies and procedures regarding grading, late work, attendance, etc., with students and families at the beginning of the school year. I've heard that some unit members have had to defend their grading policies because students or parents have claimed these were either never shared or vague. To protect yourself from this, consider the following suggestions:
1. Share these policies multiple times throughout the year, so everyone is on the same page.
2. Post them in your classroom and on Google Classroom or Seesaw. This way, students and parents can refer back to them as needed.
3. If you have access to PowerSchool, post them there as well. This will ensure that everyone has access to the information.
4. Finally, be sure to ask for parent and student signatures acknowledging receipt. This will help you avoid any confusion or misunderstandings down the road.
Remember, communication is key. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that everyone is informed and on the same page when it comes to your policies and procedures.
CATASTROPHIC LEAVE BANK
The Google Form with the link to sign up for the CLB has been sent out via District mail. If you're a new ATA member or a current member wishing to join, you must contribute one (1) sick day to be enrolled. However, if you donated a day last year, you don't have to donate one this year to participate. In case you're not sure if you donated a day last year, you can contact Gabriela Mangas, our ATA secretary, at ataoffice3030@gmail.com. She'll be able to look up your name for you.
Also, just a heads up, if you end up donating a day again this year even though you didn't need to, there's no need to worry. HR will be double-checking enrollment this year against last year's list before sharing it with Payroll.
MANDATED ONLINE TRAINING
All employees received a district email reminding them that all online training must be completed by September 22, 2023. This training is a requirement for employment. As is the case with your TB and credentialing renewal, you must complete all training sessions by the deadline, or you cannot work and will lose pay until you do so. Should you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with HR at (626) 943-3060.
CTA RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
Dive into the benefits of the CTA 403(b) retirement plan designed for educators. Whether you're a new educator or transitioning between districts, this video guides you through the importance of supplementing your state pension, the flexibility of a 403(b), and how to set up your account with the California Teachers Association. Your path to a secure retirement starts here!
We have provided a short video about the CTA 403(b) program. MORE.
MEMBER BENEFITS WEBINARS TO HELP MEMBERS
Want more information about Member Benefits? Here are some upcoming webinars:
- Member Benefits 4 You (MB4U): Learn about a different member benefit every first Tuesday of the month at 4 pm PST. To view the schedule and access the sessions, please visit www.CTAMemberBenefits.org/MB4U.
- Generation Debt: Student Loan Forgiveness: A 1.5 hour presentation to help you better understand the student debt process. To register for a presentation, please visit www.CTAMemberBenefits.org/studentloan.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CalSTRS RETIREMENT WORKSHOP AT SGHS - 8/30/23
If you decide to attend, RSVP with your name and school district to ktcalstrs@gmail.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
ATA Welcome Back Breakfast (9-11 am, ATA Office)
August 29
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
September 12
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
September 19
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
September 26
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
CONTACT US
The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just equitable and democratic society.
Email: ataoffice3030@gmail.com
Website: www.alhambrateachers.org
Location: 3030 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626)289-1933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlhambraTeachersAssociation/