Here's wishing that you and all your dear family and friends are safe this Holiday Season. The Union is here for you when you need it. Wishing us all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
To all my fellow Union members,
Here's wishing that you and all your dear family and friends are safe this Holiday Season. The Union is here for you when you need it. Wishing us all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Here's wishing that you and all your dear family and friends are safe this Holiday Season. The Union is here for you when you need it. Wishing us all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Happy Holidays. Seasons Greetings
Twas the Night before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!"
.
Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
.
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A Dream No More
Martin Luther King Jr. - I Have a Dream(Source for image - http://www.elcivics.com/martin_luther_king_jr )
John McCain still a Hero in Defeat
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
"The Man In The Arena" excerpt from
Speech at the Sorbonne - Paris, France
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Vote to fix the broken health care system
Dear Stephen,
In the past eight years, premiums have doubled, and the number of uninsured has increased by nearly 10 million. In addition to 46 million uninsured, there are at least 25 million underinsured – those with coverage that leaves them with out-of-pocket costs they can't pay. Fewer employers are offering health coverage to their employees and fewer still are offering it to retirees. Those workers and retirees who still have coverage are paying more and more out of pocket for fewer benefits. Many families are struggling with medical debt, a key factor in about half of bankruptcies and foreclosures. As a nation, we spend nearly twice as much as other developed countries – although those lower-spending countries cover all their people. In spite of the spending, results for our system are mediocre at best – for example, the U.S. ranks 29th in the world in infant mortality, tied with Poland and Slovakia.
As CWA members, we're better off than most Americans. Most of us have contracts that guarantee good health coverage at a cost we can afford. But bargaining is too often focused on holding onto the benefits that active workers and retirees have already, making it more difficult to win improvements in other areas. And our employers are at a competitive disadvantage, compared to non-union companies with cheaper benefits and compared to foreign competitors where workers enjoy government-provided coverage. That threatens our jobs over time.
How do we fix the system? By electing a president and Congress who are committed to real reform according to CWA's principles – affordable, quality coverage for all, with a strong government role to make sure insurance companies treat patients fairly.
John McCain and Barack Obama offer very different answers. John McCain says health care is a responsibility. Barack Obama says health care is a right.
McCain wants to move away from employer-provided coverage to the individual market, where he says people will have more choice. Unfortunately, the individual market means no choice for many people; insurance companies won't sell an individual policy to someone who is sick, or who they think might get sick. McCain, as a cancer survivor, wouldn't be able to buy a policy himself. Even if you can buy coverage in the individual market, it's generally more expensive than employer coverage and offers thinner benefits. And McCain wants to deregulate the individual insurance market further, so there would be no government referee to get the insurance companies to treat patients fairly.
McCain sugarcoats the package by offering tax credits of $5,000 for a family to buy insurance. But there's no free lunch. He pays for these tax credits in two ways. One is taxing employer-provided benefits. If you make $60,000, and get $12,000 worth of benefits from your employer, you'd pay income tax as if you made $72,000. Most CWA members would end up paying more tax, according to a CWA analysis. The other way he'd pay for the tax credits is by making cuts in Medicare and Medicaid – more than a billion dollars worth over the next decade, according to estimates by independent experts.
Under Barack Obama's plan, those of us with good benefits could keep what we have – and we wouldn't have to pay taxes on those benefits. Those who don't have coverage now, or are underinsured, would be able to buy coverage equivalent to what McCain and Obama get as members of Congress, choosing between private insurance and a government-run plan like Medicare. Insurance companies wouldn't be allowed to refuse or cancel coverage for sick people. Low-income people and small businesses would get subsidies to make coverage affordable. And it would be paid for by repealing the Bush tax cuts on people making more than $250,000 a year.
The status quo is unacceptable. Unleashing insurance companies and taxing benefits is not the solution.
After decades of talk – while employers trimmed benefits and families struggled to pay for the health care they need – we can cast a vote Tuesday that makes it possible to fix the system. We can cast a vote for a president and Congress who are committed to giving us the health care system we need. We can cast a vote for affordable, quality coverage for all Americans.
In Unity,
Bill Salganik
CWA Health Care Campaign
In the past eight years, premiums have doubled, and the number of uninsured has increased by nearly 10 million. In addition to 46 million uninsured, there are at least 25 million underinsured – those with coverage that leaves them with out-of-pocket costs they can't pay. Fewer employers are offering health coverage to their employees and fewer still are offering it to retirees. Those workers and retirees who still have coverage are paying more and more out of pocket for fewer benefits. Many families are struggling with medical debt, a key factor in about half of bankruptcies and foreclosures. As a nation, we spend nearly twice as much as other developed countries – although those lower-spending countries cover all their people. In spite of the spending, results for our system are mediocre at best – for example, the U.S. ranks 29th in the world in infant mortality, tied with Poland and Slovakia.
As CWA members, we're better off than most Americans. Most of us have contracts that guarantee good health coverage at a cost we can afford. But bargaining is too often focused on holding onto the benefits that active workers and retirees have already, making it more difficult to win improvements in other areas. And our employers are at a competitive disadvantage, compared to non-union companies with cheaper benefits and compared to foreign competitors where workers enjoy government-provided coverage. That threatens our jobs over time.
How do we fix the system? By electing a president and Congress who are committed to real reform according to CWA's principles – affordable, quality coverage for all, with a strong government role to make sure insurance companies treat patients fairly.
John McCain and Barack Obama offer very different answers. John McCain says health care is a responsibility. Barack Obama says health care is a right.
McCain wants to move away from employer-provided coverage to the individual market, where he says people will have more choice. Unfortunately, the individual market means no choice for many people; insurance companies won't sell an individual policy to someone who is sick, or who they think might get sick. McCain, as a cancer survivor, wouldn't be able to buy a policy himself. Even if you can buy coverage in the individual market, it's generally more expensive than employer coverage and offers thinner benefits. And McCain wants to deregulate the individual insurance market further, so there would be no government referee to get the insurance companies to treat patients fairly.
McCain sugarcoats the package by offering tax credits of $5,000 for a family to buy insurance. But there's no free lunch. He pays for these tax credits in two ways. One is taxing employer-provided benefits. If you make $60,000, and get $12,000 worth of benefits from your employer, you'd pay income tax as if you made $72,000. Most CWA members would end up paying more tax, according to a CWA analysis. The other way he'd pay for the tax credits is by making cuts in Medicare and Medicaid – more than a billion dollars worth over the next decade, according to estimates by independent experts.
Under Barack Obama's plan, those of us with good benefits could keep what we have – and we wouldn't have to pay taxes on those benefits. Those who don't have coverage now, or are underinsured, would be able to buy coverage equivalent to what McCain and Obama get as members of Congress, choosing between private insurance and a government-run plan like Medicare. Insurance companies wouldn't be allowed to refuse or cancel coverage for sick people. Low-income people and small businesses would get subsidies to make coverage affordable. And it would be paid for by repealing the Bush tax cuts on people making more than $250,000 a year.
The status quo is unacceptable. Unleashing insurance companies and taxing benefits is not the solution.
After decades of talk – while employers trimmed benefits and families struggled to pay for the health care they need – we can cast a vote Tuesday that makes it possible to fix the system. We can cast a vote for a president and Congress who are committed to giving us the health care system we need. We can cast a vote for affordable, quality coverage for all Americans.
In Unity,
Bill Salganik
CWA Health Care Campaign
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Help Bring the Union into Fontana & Colton
Substitute teachers in both Fontana USD and Colton Joint USD have approached Local 9588 to get Union representation through the CWA.
If you are interested in helping to get our Union in Fontana and Colton, contact Ron Fletcher or Steve Gianni at (909) 422-8960.
Fifty per cent plus one substitute teacher are needed to allow CWA - Local 9588 to represent them. Hopefully phonecalls will soon be made Monday thru Thursday at our Colton Union Hall from about 6 pm until 8:30 pm.
Steve told one volunteer, "We're going to keep calling until we get the job done!"
Get behind our Union because our Union is behind you. ;-)
If you are interested in helping to get our Union in Fontana and Colton, contact Ron Fletcher or Steve Gianni at (909) 422-8960.
Fifty per cent plus one substitute teacher are needed to allow CWA - Local 9588 to represent them. Hopefully phonecalls will soon be made Monday thru Thursday at our Colton Union Hall from about 6 pm until 8:30 pm.
Steve told one volunteer, "We're going to keep calling until we get the job done!"
Get behind our Union because our Union is behind you. ;-)
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Blog for Substitute Teachers
We here at CWA have created a blog for substitute teachers. This blog is where you can talk about anything that deals with substitute teaching. Did you have a rough day or a great day, do you need help or assistance in any way; then go to the blog. The blog address is http://substitutebuzzon-line.blogspot.com/. If you want to contribute to the Blog, send an e-mail to sgianni1016@earthlink.net. Please mark the e-mail for CWA Blog in the subject window. Then I will review and edit it for the blog.
FYI - Today July 18, 2008, we trained two more substitute teachers to be stewards. The two new stewards are Thelma Hill and Miriam Iskandr both of San Bernardino CUSD. If you need help or want to help. let us. Contact us through the above e-mail addresses or by calling 909-422-8960 or 1-800-562-9588. Hope to hear from you soon.
Stephen M. Gianni - Chief Steward for San Bernardino
FYI - Today July 18, 2008, we trained two more substitute teachers to be stewards. The two new stewards are Thelma Hill and Miriam Iskandr both of San Bernardino CUSD. If you need help or want to help. let us. Contact us through the above e-mail addresses or by calling 909-422-8960 or 1-800-562-9588. Hope to hear from you soon.
Stephen M. Gianni - Chief Steward for San Bernardino
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy 4th of July 2008
The New Colossus
by Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
(Source for poem - http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16111 )
(Source of picture - http://www.statueofliberty.org/Statue_of_Liberty_Picture_04.html )
Stars and Stripes Forever
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Summer Solstice and Summer
(Source for picture -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Field_Hamois_Belgium_Luc_Viatour.jpg )
A field in Summer.
Solstices occur twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, its apparent movement north or south comes to a standstill.
The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) that such a passage happens.
( Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Solstice )
Summer begins on June 20th in 2008 in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasons are considered by some Western countries to start at the equinoxes and solstices, based on astronomical reckoning.
(Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer )
To all us Substitute Teachers.
Have a Happy Summer!!!!!
A field in Summer.
Solstices occur twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, its apparent movement north or south comes to a standstill.
The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) that such a passage happens.
( Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Solstice )
Summer begins on June 20th in 2008 in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasons are considered by some Western countries to start at the equinoxes and solstices, based on astronomical reckoning.
(Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer )
To all us Substitute Teachers.
Have a Happy Summer!!!!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day
(Source for Happy Father's Day graphic -
http://www.graphicsarcade.com/holidays/fathers_day/graphics/fathers_day_graphics_11.gif )
Happy Father's Day
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http://www.graphicsarcade.com/holidays/fathers_day/graphics/fathers_day_graphics_11.gif )
Happy Father's Day
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Darth Vader's Father's Day
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Flag Day
(Source for flag picture -
http://www.american-flags-and-american-flags.com/images/usflag.jpg )
Flag Day
"In the United States, Flag Day (more formally, National Flag Day) is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, though on June 14, 1937 Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday.
Title 36 Sec. 110 of the US Code is the official statute on Flag Day, however it is at the President's discretion to proclaim officially the observance.
The largest Flag Day parade is held annually in Troy, New York.
Framingham, Massachusetts also holds a yearly Flag Day parade, as do many other towns and cities, although in recent years a shrinking turnout has prompted the town to consider eliminating the event." *
*(Source for above citation - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_in_the_United_States )
Click on the following link for -You're A Grand Old Flag - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOMWqFngOcY&NR=1
http://www.american-flags-and-american-flags.com/images/usflag.jpg )
Flag Day
"In the United States, Flag Day (more formally, National Flag Day) is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, though on June 14, 1937 Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday.
Title 36 Sec. 110 of the US Code is the official statute on Flag Day, however it is at the President's discretion to proclaim officially the observance.
The largest Flag Day parade is held annually in Troy, New York.
Framingham, Massachusetts also holds a yearly Flag Day parade, as do many other towns and cities, although in recent years a shrinking turnout has prompted the town to consider eliminating the event." *
*(Source for above citation - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_in_the_United_States )
Click on the following link for -You're A Grand Old Flag - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOMWqFngOcY&NR=1
Saturday, June 07, 2008
D-day plus one
(Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Normandy )The Invasion of Normandy was the invasion and establishment of Allied forces in Normandy, France during
Operation Overlord in World War II. It covers from the initial landings on June 6, 1944 until the Allied breakout in mid-July.
It was the largest seaborne invasion at the time, involving over 850,000 troops crossing the English Channel from the United Kingdom to Normandy by the end of June 1944.
Allied land forces that saw combat in Normandy on June 6 came from Canada, Free French Forces, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the weeks following the invasion, Polish forces also participated and there were also contingents from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, and the Netherlands. Most of the above countries also provided air and naval support, as did the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Royal Norwegian Navy.
The Normandy invasion began with overnight parachute and glider landings, massive air attacks, naval bombardments, an early morning amphibious landing and during the evening the remaining elements of the parachute divisions landed. The "D-Day" forces deployed from bases along the south coast of England, the most important of these being Portsmouth.
(Source for "Great Crusade" letter - http://www.kansasheritage.org/abilene/graphics/ikesmessage.jpg )
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe; and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
This is the letter the World saw. Eisenhower had an another letter, in this letter Eisenhower accepted the sole blame if the invasion had failed. Of course the Invasion didn't fail.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Of . . . Pleasure and Sorrow
At the May 28th Bi-monthly meeting, Steve asked the stewarts to submit an article. I hope you like it. (This has been shortened and was originally from my personal family blog.) ;-) GC
( Source for image of teen - http://a.abcnews.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=4167235&page=1 )
Pleasure
This week I was at a school where I had been for about 3 weeks in December of 2006 and than January of 2007. A Mrs. T * who was a bilingual instruction aide happened to be in one of the periods I was covering. Mrs. T was a big help to me when I was covering (or more correctly containing) a Science class waiting for a permanent teacher to be hired by the school district. I asked about one particular 8th grade female student. I queried Mrs. T, “What high school did Jade * go to?”
Jade was a particularly difficult student, cute, but manipulative, a liar, and an instigator. At one point Mrs. T told me not to let Jade out of class for even a restroom pass. I personally was in a class where Jade told a male student to shove another student. Luckily, I can quell the most volatile situations. (Basically, Jade had sent a fellow Hispanic student across the room to shove an African-American student.) After getting an extremely agitated tall male student to back off, I ended up kicking both Jade and her minion out of class to the Vice-principal’s office.
Well, back to where Jade was, Mrs. T replied that Jade was pregnant and was currently attending community school. I wasn’t entirely surprised, but it was still quite a shock. Imagine a 13 or 14 year old girl pregnant. (Babies having babies.)
*(I’m using initials or pseudonyms for confidentiality.)
(Source for image of young girl -http://images.inmagine.com/168nwm/creatas/cr15402/cr15402005.jpg )
Sorrow
I have heard or witnessed some sad things in classrooms throughout the years. But, last week was a particularly sad example of the pressure that schools are being forced to use on students. When you substitute for Kindergarten, you are responsible for only half of the day. For example, I was responsible for the AM Kindergarten class and the PM Kindergarten teacher aided me in the morning. So, I end up aiding the PM teacher in the afternoon.
The PM class had a school district assessment (test) to do. Approximately twenty 5 year olds were divided into four groups that rotated between four different tasks. I could hear the PM teacher loudly chiding a small brown haired girl, Pansy *, “It’s because you don’t know your letter sounds!!! You’ll have to finish your test during recess!!!” I hope the frustration was situational and not personal. And I have no idea whether a poor test by a 5 year old casts a poor light on the ability of a Kindergarten teacher. But, all I know is that Pansy was in tears at recess.
The task was quite simple, the student was told to write a “story”. The “story” is not really a story but simply a sentence. In this case, Pansy was trying to write, “We like to read.” With year round school, this class had been in school since July. So, with two and a half months of instruction the district expected some writing ability to be demonstrated by Pansy. The PM teacher was on her 10 minute afternoon break. While I supervised the other Kindergarteners and helped Pansy complete her “story”.
The paper was blank. I drew blank lines for each letter and helped Pansy sound out the words. Pansy was able to write with some prompting - We like to _ _ _ _ . I’m been around enough classes to know what to do and how to help out. The PM teacher returned to help Pansy complete her “story”. And before you know it Pansy was tearless and happily peddling on a tricycle for the remainder of recess.
What was sad to me about Pansy was it forced me to think - I wonder when a child can simply be a child anymore? Education is being pushed to the limit. Our students are being forced to do more difficult tasks at younger ages. And teachers are forced to do more testing and less teaching.
( Source for image of teen - http://a.abcnews.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=4167235&page=1 )
Pleasure
This week I was at a school where I had been for about 3 weeks in December of 2006 and than January of 2007. A Mrs. T * who was a bilingual instruction aide happened to be in one of the periods I was covering. Mrs. T was a big help to me when I was covering (or more correctly containing) a Science class waiting for a permanent teacher to be hired by the school district. I asked about one particular 8th grade female student. I queried Mrs. T, “What high school did Jade * go to?”
Jade was a particularly difficult student, cute, but manipulative, a liar, and an instigator. At one point Mrs. T told me not to let Jade out of class for even a restroom pass. I personally was in a class where Jade told a male student to shove another student. Luckily, I can quell the most volatile situations. (Basically, Jade had sent a fellow Hispanic student across the room to shove an African-American student.) After getting an extremely agitated tall male student to back off, I ended up kicking both Jade and her minion out of class to the Vice-principal’s office.
Well, back to where Jade was, Mrs. T replied that Jade was pregnant and was currently attending community school. I wasn’t entirely surprised, but it was still quite a shock. Imagine a 13 or 14 year old girl pregnant. (Babies having babies.)
*(I’m using initials or pseudonyms for confidentiality.)
(Source for image of young girl -http://images.inmagine.com/168nwm/creatas/cr15402/cr15402005.jpg )
Sorrow
I have heard or witnessed some sad things in classrooms throughout the years. But, last week was a particularly sad example of the pressure that schools are being forced to use on students. When you substitute for Kindergarten, you are responsible for only half of the day. For example, I was responsible for the AM Kindergarten class and the PM Kindergarten teacher aided me in the morning. So, I end up aiding the PM teacher in the afternoon.
The PM class had a school district assessment (test) to do. Approximately twenty 5 year olds were divided into four groups that rotated between four different tasks. I could hear the PM teacher loudly chiding a small brown haired girl, Pansy *, “It’s because you don’t know your letter sounds!!! You’ll have to finish your test during recess!!!” I hope the frustration was situational and not personal. And I have no idea whether a poor test by a 5 year old casts a poor light on the ability of a Kindergarten teacher. But, all I know is that Pansy was in tears at recess.
The task was quite simple, the student was told to write a “story”. The “story” is not really a story but simply a sentence. In this case, Pansy was trying to write, “We like to read.” With year round school, this class had been in school since July. So, with two and a half months of instruction the district expected some writing ability to be demonstrated by Pansy. The PM teacher was on her 10 minute afternoon break. While I supervised the other Kindergarteners and helped Pansy complete her “story”.
The paper was blank. I drew blank lines for each letter and helped Pansy sound out the words. Pansy was able to write with some prompting - We like to _ _ _ _ . I’m been around enough classes to know what to do and how to help out. The PM teacher returned to help Pansy complete her “story”. And before you know it Pansy was tearless and happily peddling on a tricycle for the remainder of recess.
What was sad to me about Pansy was it forced me to think - I wonder when a child can simply be a child anymore? Education is being pushed to the limit. Our students are being forced to do more difficult tasks at younger ages. And teachers are forced to do more testing and less teaching.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Bi-monthly Meeting Summary and Comments
Hi Everyone,
Mike Crowell and Ron Fletcher presented the new stewards with their certificates in the general meeting.
During the substitute teachers meeting, we talked about working during the evenings calling Fontana Substitute Teachers and getting them to sign and return cards. Getting cards returned is the more difficult part. What can we offer substitute teachers to get them to return cards? If you have any ideas let us know.
We also discussed problems that we are forced to deal with as substitute teachers. Substitute teachers are losing their jobs for breaking minor rules, such as touching a student. We also need articles written by stewards and substitute teachers. So think about articles and topics that are of interest to you.
We need to let the substitute teacher population know about this blog.
Has anyone ever used Edjoin to find a job? Let me know how it worked for you.
When discussing the Rialto Contract we came up with the following ideas:
1. Personal Badges with dates which are renewed annually. There is a critical need for ID's for Substitute Teachers
2. Increase wages to $125 a day, Rialto should pay substitute teachers for half and full days not by the hour, 3 1/2 hours or less should be considered a half a day.
3. Problems in the classroom call the secretary or another teacher not the Vice Principal.
4. The advantage of being an at will employee is that subs can choose not to work.
Substitute teachers in San Bernardino, tell us about some of the good things you've come across while working at a particular school site. In San Bernardino starting next year all schools will go to a minimum day on Thursday due to busing issues. The Thursday schedule will be Elementary Schools start at 9:00 and end 1:05PM. Middle and High Schools will start at 9:50 and end at 2:50PM. The Fontana recruitment is continuing Monday through Thursday evening from 5PM to 9PM. June 30th is the final day to sign up for Substitute Teaching without having to be re-finger printed.
The goals for the summer keep recruiting or a party if Fontana joins the union.
Stephen M. Gianni
Chief Steward for Substitute Teachers
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Memorial Day
(Source for flag and cross graphic - Conservative Thoughts - http://files.blog-city.com/files/A05/107748/p/f/memorial_flag_cross_hg_clr.gif )
Memorial Day doesn't capture the Nation's attention. There maybe some parades and events, but for the most part Memorial Day weekend serves as a pre-summer warm-up. The three day weekend and warm weather is an excuse for barbeques, camping, boating, sunbathing, etc. But, let's not forget those who have served and made that ultimate sacrifice to maintain and preserve our Freedoms.
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God Bless America and Protect our Troops.
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My sister-in-law shared some Memorial Day information on her blog. Click on the following to read it -http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp#hist .
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God Bless America and Protect our Troops.
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My sister-in-law shared some Memorial Day information on her blog. Click on the following to read it -http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp#hist .
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Power Teaching Conference
Dear fellow Substitute Teachers,
If challenging students are driving you batty don't miss one of the largest FREE classroom managment conferences in the western United States. Over 400 teachers registered for our March 1 conference!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teaching Challenging K-12 Students
(and the rest of youir class too!)
9 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, California
RESERVATIONS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
tell them how many will be in your party.
send reservation requests to:
jcbiffle@craftonhills.edu
I have attended these conferences for awhile now. What I have learned has helped me in the classroom. These ideas have made my day easier and kept the learning process going which what our job entails. So come join me and the many teachers who use power teaching in the classroom.
Stephen M. Gianni
CWA Chief Steward for Substitute Teachers.
If challenging students are driving you batty don't miss one of the largest FREE classroom managment conferences in the western United States. Over 400 teachers registered for our March 1 conference!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teaching Challenging K-12 Students
(and the rest of youir class too!)
9 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, California
RESERVATIONS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
tell them how many will be in your party.
send reservation requests to:
jcbiffle@craftonhills.edu
I have attended these conferences for awhile now. What I have learned has helped me in the classroom. These ideas have made my day easier and kept the learning process going which what our job entails. So come join me and the many teachers who use power teaching in the classroom.
Stephen M. Gianni
CWA Chief Steward for Substitute Teachers.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Chip's Church Chat: 1/2 Boy, 1/2 Man
This is not exactly a Mother's Day post. This message was originally sent and shared by someone in our Union. But, most of all this message needs to be sent and shared again.
PS HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Fontana Sub Teachers Want Our Union
Substitute teachers in the Fontana USD have approached Local 9588 to get Union representation through the CWA.
If you are interested in helping to get our Union in Fontana, contact Ron Fletcher or Steve Gianni at (909) 422-8960.
A few volunteers have been calling Fontana substitute teachers. Fifty per cent plus one substitute teacher are needed to allow CWA - Local 9588 to represent them.
Phonecalls are being made Monday thru Thursday at our Colton Union Hall from about 6 pm until 8:30 pm.
Steve told one volunteer, "We're going to keep calling until we get the job done!"
Get behind our Union because our Union is behind you. ;-)
If you are interested in helping to get our Union in Fontana, contact Ron Fletcher or Steve Gianni at (909) 422-8960.
A few volunteers have been calling Fontana substitute teachers. Fifty per cent plus one substitute teacher are needed to allow CWA - Local 9588 to represent them.
Phonecalls are being made Monday thru Thursday at our Colton Union Hall from about 6 pm until 8:30 pm.
Steve told one volunteer, "We're going to keep calling until we get the job done!"
Get behind our Union because our Union is behind you. ;-)
Friday, April 18, 2008
Local 9588 Enters the Computer Age
Yes, Substitute Buzz is now on-line. Right now we're in a construction phase. Check back later when we get more.
Here's our blog address - http://substitutebuzzon-line.blogspot.com/
Here's our blog address - http://substitutebuzzon-line.blogspot.com/
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