EHEA Wavelengths
East Hampton Education Association Newsletter
President's Corner
From the EHEA President
By Steve Archibald
Happy New Year EHEA! The 2015-16 school year has been a busy one but a good one so far. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Mark Winzler for his compassionate leadership during his time as interim superintendent. He was instrumental in many things which were helpful to all of us: the new contract with the Board of Education, the creation of a true sick bank for Pat Farrington, school climate and many other “issues”. I feel fortunate to have cut my teeth as EHEA president working with such a supportive superintendent and hope to continue that relationship with Paul Smith. I will be meeting with him every other Friday beginning this week so if there is anything which you would like me to discuss with him that you have not been able to resolve at a building level with your representatives please let me know.
The location of the January County Forum has been changed from its usual location to the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell. 2016 is going to be a year that could bring big changes to our association from NEA to EHEA pending the outcome of the Friedrichs vs California Teachers Association court case. The US Supreme Court is expected to hear opening arguments in the case on January 11th so this is happening soon! This is nothing less than an assault on organized labor by forces that want to destroy unions. It is an attack on our individual and collective right to organize, bargain and protect ourselves. It is very important that we do as much as we can to stay organized, strong and united at this time and moving forward. Please make an effort to join us in Cromwell on Wednesday, January 27 at 4:00 pm. RSVP to Jody Dumeer.
This holiday season EHEA again participated in the CEA Holiday Bear project by sponsoring a local family’s Christmas. We had runners participating in the Hartford Marathon, supporting the Connecticut Education Foundation which helps needy children. In the fall we had an EHEA picnic and are planning a second one for the spring. If you have ideas for any other EHEA functions or activities please share them with your building reps. Together we are EHEA. EHEA needs you and every single one of us to be as effective as possible. To those of you who are and have been involved with the union I thank you. If you have not yet gotten involved I would love to hear from you and help find a way for you to get involved.
Finally, it is not too early to nominate one of your colleagues for a Teacher Appreciation award. We have an annual recognition dinner which is not only fun but also meaningful as we recognize our members for the hard work they do each and every day for the children of East Hampton. Please see you building reps for a nomination form.
Best wishes for a prosperous and healthy 2016!
EHEA Donates to the 2015 Holiday Bear Project
By: Sue Engelhardt
For the past four years, EHEA has done their own version of the CEA’s Holiday Bear Project. Families that could use some extra holiday caring are selected by the district’s team of social workers and psychologists. Union leadership helps with the shopping, and the presents are delivered to the family prior to the holiday. The family is told the gifts are from EHEA, but the identity of the family is kept confidential.
This year, the EHEA executive committee appropriated $400 for this project. Three children will benefit from this generous donation. One of the special gifts will be a membership to the Connecticut Science Center which the family will be able to use during Christmas vacation and throughout 2016. They will also be able to visit other special museums in the state that have a reciprocal program with the CSC.
Sue Engelhardt coordinates this effort. According to Sue, “Families are thrilled when I call and ask if they would like a holiday gift from EHEA. I am fortunate that I get to hear and see their appreciation when I talk to them about the gifts. We try to provide opportunities for them to spend positive family time. I want to thank the membership for supporting this effort.”
TAP
Teacher Appreciation Party
The Teacher Appreciation Program has been developed to give teachers the opportunity to recognize their EHEA colleagues for their contributions to the East Hampton Public School System.
Nominations will be accepted by building representatives in each building.
Please submit your nominations to:
EHHS: Linda Chambers
EHMS: Pam Penn
Center: Pam Peter-Cohen
Memorial: Donna Kirk
The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2015.
The number of recipients for recognition per building is based on the teacher population at each school.
The celebration will take place on Thursday, May 19 and location is TBD.
Calendar of Events
January County Forum
The keynote speaker will address the need to conduct network building. In anticipation of the Supreme Court decision due in 2016, CEA is trying to engage as many members as possible to get involved in the union.
Please RSVP to Jody Dumeer no later than the 15th; so please consider attending this most worthwhile event.
Wednesday, Jan 27, 2016, 04:30 PM
Crowne Plaza Hartford - Cromwell, Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT, United States
CEA Retirement Workshop
Monday, Feb 29, 2016, 04:00 PM
Cromwell Middle School, Mann Memorial Drive, Cromwell, CT, United States
CEA Retirement Workshop
Wednesday, Mar 9, 2016, 04:00 PM
Enrico Fermi High School, North Maple Street, Enfield, CT, United States
CEA Retirement Workshop
Thursday, Mar 24, 2016, 04:00 PM
Joel Barlow High School, Black Rock Turnpike, Redding, CT, United States
Your Money Matters: NEA Home Financing Program: Mortgages.
By: NEA Member Benefits
Whether you’re buying a home or refinancing, getting a competitive rate on a mortgage is easier than ever with the NEA Home Financing Program® offered through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
NEA Member Bonus
Receive a $500 award card through My Mortgage Gift program when you close your purchase or refinance loan with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.1
To be eligible for the My Mortgage Gift program, you must submit a membership verification form with your loan application package. You can download a printable, pre-filled membership verification form right from this page. Please be sure you are registered and signed in and then click the Print Membership Form button to download the form.
NEA family members are also eligible to participate in the NEA Home Financing Program and receive NEA promotions such as the $500 reward card. Be sure to identify yourself as a NEA family member when purchasing or refinancing a home with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
- Competitive interest rates and fees
- Low down payment options for qualified borrowers
- Gain access to a wide variety of home financing choices
- Purchase and refinance programs in conventional and jumbo loan amounts, including FHA, new construction and renovation loans
- Access funds through your homeownership with a home equity line of credit
- Work with a knowledgeable professional who is dedicated to providing outstanding service
Call us today:
1-800-NEA-4-YOU (1-800-632-4968) and ask to be transferred to a local Home Mortgage Consultant to discuss your needs.
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; Sat 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET