The Yonkers Teacher

35 East Grassy Sprain Road Yonkers, N.Y. 10710

(914) 793-0200 Fax (914) 793-7365

Official Publication of The Yonkers Federation of Teachers

EDITOR:Constance Sajdak

PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION

EDITORSBryan Boyd

Doraid EreifejVera Corato

PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION

TEAM:Warren HueberLaura WarnerLarry Brown

DISTRIBUTION TEAM:

Mary Ann CarilleBea ChimeraSandra HaussRhoda KleinAnna McGill

Dotty PickensKaren RubinBeth Korotkin

Kathy VanacoreLillian VanacoreRalph VanacoreHelene YablonTom Mitchell

Helene AlaloufMarilyn Lemchak

PROOFREADER: Bob Foley

PRESIDENT:Patricia Puleo

June 20th, 2012Vol.XXXVIl No.11

THIRTY ARBITRATIONS AND COUNTING As we end a most difficult school year, it is once again time to reflect upon the past in order to help us to decide where we are headed. The school budget for 2012-13 is not yet complete; we are still working to return more of our colleagues.

This year, we proved that there was a contract violation regarding our salary step freeze. Our success in recovering those funds began with February’s step placement. Now we also have proof that while the District Superintendent decided to lay off 330 teachers and TAs, there was over sixteen million dollars in YPS reserves. In addition, eight million dollars was saved this school year due in large part to the above job losses, and there was a two million dollars savings from our step arbitration. The superintendent has also failed to hire support staff so needed in our schools. The Board does not seem to be negotiating fairly and/or for the good of the school system.

Superintendent Pierorazio has publicly called for an end to the Triborough Amendment. Such a move would eliminate contractual rights until a successor agreement is negotiated. He has aligned himself with the likes of Mayor Bloomberg.

We have seen an unprecedented increase in assaults on our contractual rights. We have had to arbitrate many issues such as the use of personal sick days, transfer and posting rights, seniority rights for postings, violation of state recall procedures, the right to accompany teachers while reviewing their file, Athletic Director positions, D-1 stipends, the exclusivity to our unit work (District continues to give our work to others) and the right to be informed of earnings and salary payments without added costs. The list continues, and we already have approximately thirty arbitrations.

To make matters worse, the district may have already broken the recently negotiated Early College and Cross Hill Academy Teacher Evaluation Agreement. This will require yet another arbitration.

The position of the YFT leadership has always been that we are ready and willing to negotiate a fair agreement. We wish we could send everyone home for the summer with better news, but reality leaves us with a lingering distrust of the intentions of the Yonkers Public Schools’ leadership. We do not wish to return to the Hornsby era, and we certainly hope the Superintendent and the Board of Education feel the same way. For those of you who do not know what the Dr. Hornsby era was, ask a seasoned teacher. In Solidarity,

In this issue: Page 2 Storybook Bonanza Page 3 Medicare Info, Pages 4,5 Teachers of the Year Page 6 Volunteer Info. Page 7 Teacher Center Page 8 Calendar

2

YFT Storybook Bonanza Reading is the Cornerstone of Knowledge

On May 12th, a bright sunny early spring day, hundreds of children and parents visited our YFT annual Storybook Bonanza, which once again was held at Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers. Coordinated by the YFT Public Relations Committee, this project is designed to teach children that “reading can be fun” and to encourage parents to read with their children.

Each child had the opportunity to select a free storybook and was then invited to pose with Clifford the Big Red Dog for a complimentary photograph. The storybook had a YFT label inside the front cover, a reminder to parents that Yonkers teachers and their union are dedicated to establishing life long readers.Kareamy Rodriguez and Tyeema Barner, our photographers, “snapped away” taking pictures of the children with Clifford (David Gonzalez). All three are graduates of the Lincoln High School Pre-Teaching program. Margaret Fraina*, the students’ former teacher, assisted with the photo event, gently helping the children pose for their photo-op with Clifford and placing a YFT label on the picture before presenting it to each eager child. Aferdita Silverman, a Lincoln High School teacher, assisted by her very young son, Josh, managed the crowd by keeping the line for photos organized and moving. Marc Pekowsky assisted with the outdoor set up and then directed parents to the area where the books were being distributed.

Alex Nunez, a Lincoln High School student, assisted his teacher, Diane Brizer*, in distributing the books. His ability to converse in Spanish was very helpful to many of the parents as they accompanied their children to the various stations of the book Bonanza. Kevin Caminero, a student at School 17 and Mike Boraczek’s nephew, thoroughly enjoyed assisting Effie Koutros* with book distribution. Kevin also assisted with the set up for the event.

Parents and children expressed their gratitude for the union’s generosity and were pleasantly surprised that there was no charge for either the book or the photograph. Emiko Castro* and Kathleen Ryan* gave each parent a YFT post-it pad, bag clip, bookmarker and a NYSUT shopping bag.

In addition to those mentioned above, the following YFT volunteers were at Philipse Manor Hall distributing books and greeting the parents and children during the Storybook Bonanza:

Michael Boraczek, Co-Chair, Public Relations Arline Frey, Co-Chair, Public Relations Olivia King, a YFT retiree volunteer Rosie Tutt, a Hawthorne Pearls volunteer (Continued)

The Yonkers Teacher 3

MEDICARE COVERAGE IN A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY

Did you know that even if you stay in the hospital overnight, you might still be considered an “outpatient”? Your hospital status (whether the hospital considers you an “inpatient” or “outpatient”) affects how much you pay for hospital services (like X-rays, drugs, and lab tests) and may also affect whether Medicare will cover care you get in a skilled nursing facility (SNF).

You’re an inpatient starting the day you’re formally admitted to the hospital with a doctor’s order. The day before you’re discharged is your last inpatient day.

You’re an outpatient if you are getting emergency department services, observation services, outpatient surgery, lab tests, or X-rays, and the doctor hasn’t written an order to admit you to the hospital as an inpatient. In these cases, you’re an outpatient even if you spend the night in the hospital.

If you’re in the hospital more than a few hours, always ask your doctor or the hospital staff if you’re an inpatient or an outpatient. It is important to know this if you need services in a skilled nursing facility subsequent to your hospital stay because Medicare will only cover care you get in a SNF if you first have a “ a qualifying hospital stay, “ meaning you’ve been a hospital inpatient for at least 3 days in a row (counting the day you were admitted as an inpatient, but not counting the day of your discharge). This information was obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. For more

information about how Medicare covers care in a SNF, visit www.medicare.gov/publications to view the booklet “Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care” or call (1-800-633-4227). John D. Eshoo YFT Retiree Rep.

It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of JOSEPH A. BOCCHINO.

Joseph was a graduate of Fordham University. He was a Social Studies teacher at the High School of Commerce from 1958 until that school was closed in 1974 and Gorton High School from 1974 until his retirement from the district in 1989. Those who were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher will remember him as a very devoted, knowledgeable, and gifted instructor. In addition, he was also a mentor to many younger teachers at the schools to which he was assigned, where his sage advice and teaching example were always an inspiration.Joseph was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy. He was very active in Yonkers politics. Upon his retirement, he moved to Summit, New York, where he was elected Town Supervisor and served for three successive terms. In addition, for more than 45 years, up to the time of his passing, Joseph was the President of the Yonkers Teachers Federal Credit Union as well as a member of the Board of Directors. Joseph was 78 years of age. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Written by Richard Rader

After having their pictures taken, many children remained at Philipse Manor Hall climbing over the canons and playing on the front lawn.

The YFT is grateful to staff of Philipse Manor Hall: Heather Iannucci, Historic Site Manager, and her staff members, Joe Bentivenga and Allan Weinreb. They could not have been more accommodating in the planning stages and on the day of the event.

Arline Frey and Mike Boraczek would like to extend their gratitude to the volunteers who delighted so many of our Yonkers Public School children. Additionally, the YFT building representatives and Pre-K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers deserve special a “thank you” for distributing the promotional flyers to their students. Special thanks also to Warren Hueber who organized and packed all the materials for the event.

*Members of the Public Relations Committee

4 y f tonl ine.org

2012 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR“Jennifer Crespo guides students to take ownership over their instruction and see themselves as active participants in their education. This empowerment creates a sense of urgency that drives her students to want to achieve,” stated Cross Hill Academy Principal Mike Walpole in his nomination of the honoree.

Jennifer Crespo joined the Yonkers Public School System in March 1996 as a regular substitute teacher at School 23. She remained at School 23 as a sixth and then fourth grade teacher. Ms. Crespo transferred to the Early Childhood Center (School 10) in September 1996. She then moved to Cedar Place School in 2003 and taught prekindergarten inclusion. In 2008, she transferred to Emerson Middle School to teach sixth grade math and science in an integrated setting. When Emerson Middle School became Cross Hill Academy , Ms. Crespo remained at the site to teach prekindergarten. She currently teaches second grade at Cross Hill.

Actively pursuing excellence in the teaching profession, Jennifer Crespo participates in all staff development meetings and has been recognized by parents, peers and administrators for her innovative approach to learning and teaching. For example, it was her goal to have a classroom

library reflect the selection of a bookstore that could capture every student’s interest – her shelves currently hold 1,100 books.

Jennifer Crespo’s classroom is used as a model for other teachers throughout the District in addition to other educational agencies, such as Leake and Watts and Fordham University . Her students can always be found actively engaged in learning.

“When you walk by Ms. Crespo’s classroom, you can almost hear students’ creative minds at work,” said Principal Walpole. “She fits the lesson to the students’ needs, not the students to the lesson. She is compassionate, nurturing and a true motivator.”

The Yonkers Teacher 5

“Linda Simms-Chin is the embodiment of the spirit and professionalism of education. Her constant commitment to advancing the educational, social and emotional growth of students is commendable,” stated Yonkers Montessori Academy Principal Dr. Eileen Rivera.

Linda Simms-Chin began her career in education in 1972 at the Romic Institute of Special Education (R.I.S.E.) in Rockland County . In 1983, she transferred to the Birchwood School , where she worked with emotionally disturbed children. She then joined the Yonkers Public Schools in 1987 as a special education teacher at Mark Twain Middle School . When Mark Twain combined with Montessori School 11 to become Yonkers Montessori Academy , Ms. Simms-Chin accepted the challenge of the high school program for 9th and 10th graders in a 15:1 special education mainstreamed class.

Linda Simms-Chin demonstrates her dedication to the teaching profession daily through her involvement in the total school program at Yonkers Montessori Academy . She has been an adviser for both student government and the school yearbook, has acted as school treasurer, and has facilitated the prom and 8th grade moving up ceremony.

Linda Simms-Chin supports district-level activities as a staff developer for the Special Education Teacher Resource Center . She helped to develop and implement the Responsibility Education Program, which was the district’s management program for students who exhibited social and emotional issues.

Summing up colleagues’ opinions of the honoree, teacher Barbara Pearsall explained, “Her warm, gentle manner and genuine concern for children allow her to gain the trust of parents, guardians and colleagues. In doing so, she has enriched the lives of not only our students but also all who know her.”

Linda Simms-Chin is an outstanding educator, mentor and friend to both students and staff.

A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

6 Vis i t Us @ rgteachercenter.org

Teacher Center RepsThe Teacher Center thanks you for making sure teachers and teaching assistants are informed in your building. Please take a moment and thank your rep for volunteering.

Looking Ahead to Next Year:As we move to summer mode, keep the Teacher Center in mind. If you have a skill, or have taken some professional development which you think could benefit your colleagues, consider creating a teacher center course. Courses are 15 or 30 hours, and must align the Common Core, New York State or local Yonkers standards. Give the Center a call if you have any questions. We will announce the application process in September.

Common Core CornerWe know the Common Core Standards will drive education in New York State. So far, Joanne Casella has taken her work in our in-service courses and turned that into awareness sessions with over 15 participants this year. Any teacher who has experience with the Common Core Standards may become an instructor for these sessions. Let us know if you are interested for next year.

NEA Grant Opportunity:Develop and Implement Approaches to Address Environmentalism, Health and Wellness, Students’ Right to Quality Education, and Community Involvement.

Beneficiary: Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers.

Grant Type: Environmental Education

Deadline: Wednesday, February 01, 2012

The grants target these four concerns as areas of great promise in helping develop a sense of global awareness in 21st century students that will

encourage and enable them to make a difference in their world. Both the NEA Foundation and Nickelodeon are strongly committed to supporting the development of these skills and attributes for America’s students.

For more information about eligibility and applying for these grants, see the NEA Foundation-Nickelodeon Big Help Grants webpage.

Application deadlines are: February 1, June 1, and October 15.

A Fond Farewell

The Teacher Center will be forever indebted to Sue Insler for her unfailing service to the Teacher Center. Sue is ending her work as an aide and entering into a new phase of full time grandmother and carefree retiree. Sue started working in 1999 and has seen changes in directors, from Lynn Edelstein to myself. She has welcomed in our new secretary, Miriam Rodriguez. She has been here while we were unfunded and has returned to guarantee a successful year. I know I speak for Lynn and Miriam when I say Sue is an irreplaceable delight with whom to work. While we are happy for your future, we are sad for the loss your departure will means for us. I know you will never be too far from us, so we won’t say good bye, we will say good luck.

We will miss you

BE AWARE THAT SUBSTITUTE TEACHING MAY COUNT TOWARD:*tenure*retirement*longevity paymentsPlease call Paul Diamond if you have any questions

Volunteers for the Hudson River Museum

Volunteers are needed for the Docent Program at The Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY 10701. This program consists of conducting tours of current art exhibits; Riverama, a Hudson River educational display; as well as Glenview, the beautiful home built in 1876 by John Trevor. This exciting and stimulating volunteer activity has you working with both student and adult groups. We meet once a week during the school year for continuing education in all of our exhibits, and also on another day of your choice during the weekday for tours.

Please contact: Saralinda Lichtblau, Director of School Programs, The Hudson River Museum, at 914.963.4550, Ext. 241, or slichtblau@hrm.org

Keep Busy This Summer Volunteer!Our Yonkers community needs your help! Whether you can volunteer just once or weekly, the effort is much appreciated. The volunteer opportunities are endless. We are currently seeking people to help with: JCY’s Reading Buddies Program- Riverfront Library – Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 am to 12- Read to children and help them complete their Summer Assignments.Westhab- Tutoring Programs and Summer Camp Volunteers needed at the new Mt. Carmel church location. Put your specific skill to use…musical, sports, arts.

Andrus Children’s Home- Volunteers needed on weekends to mentor children and help with events. They are also seeking help with their new Early Childhood Center in Tuckahoe.Beczak Environmental – We need people to volunteer at summer events/ concerts and help with gardening. Family Service Society of Yonkers is seeking volunteers to work with Grandparents who are raising children. They are also looking for people who have a specific interest in Health, Fitness & Nutrition to work at the library during Reading Buddies. They have summer programs that need our support!Many agencies need clerical assistance volunteers, senior support services help, and other more specific duties. Please contact me if you can give an hour, a day or more of your time! Yonkers needs our help! If we can all do a small part, the load is much lighter to carryKelly ChiarellaThe Volunteer Center, Yonkers Outreach Coordinator Call to volunteer!! Office 227-9303/ Cell 438-8694

Arthur and Rochelle Belfer National Conference for Educators 2012U S H o l o c a u s t M e m o r i a l Museum,Washington, DC

English Language Arts Section: July 8–10, 2012

Social Studies Section: July 11–13, 2012

h t t p : / / w w w . u s h m m . o r g /education/foreducators/prodev/belfer/

The Yonkers Teacher 7

Richard Gazzola Teacher Center

by Paul J. Diamond, Director

Lia Council, Policy E-mail - tchcntr@westnet.com Teacher Center Phone- 376 8614 FAX- 376 8617

Teacher Center RepsThe Teacher Center thanks you for making sure teachers and teaching assistants are informed in your building. Please take a moment and thank your rep for volunteering.

Looking Ahead to Next Year:As we move to summer mode, keep the Teacher Center in mind. If you have a skill, or have taken some professional development which you think could benefit your colleagues, consider creating a teacher center course. Courses are 15 or 30 hours, and must align the Common Core, New York State or local Yonkers standards. Give the Center a call if you have any questions. We will announce the application process in September.

Common Core CornerWe know the Common Core Standards will drive education in New York State. So far, Joanne Casella has taken her work in our in-service courses and turned that into awareness sessions with over 15 participants this year. Any teacher who has experience with the Common Core Standards may become an instructor for these sessions. Let us know if you are interested for next year.

NEA Grant Opportunity:Develop and Implement Approaches to Address Environmentalism, Health and Wellness, Students’ Right to Quality Education, and Community Involvement.

Beneficiary: Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers.

Grant Type: Environmental Education

Deadline: Wednesday, February 01, 2012

The grants target these four concerns as areas of great promise in helping develop a sense of global awareness in 21st century students that will

encourage and enable them to make a difference in their world. Both the NEA Foundation and Nickelodeon are strongly committed to supporting the development of these skills and attributes for America’s students.

For more information about eligibility and applying for these grants, see the NEA Foundation-Nickelodeon Big Help Grants webpage.

Application deadlines are: February 1, June 1, and October 15.

A Fond Farewell

The Teacher Center will be forever indebted to Sue Insler for her unfailing service to the Teacher Center. Sue is ending her work as an aide and entering into a new phase of full time grandmother and carefree retiree. Sue started working in 1999 and has seen changes in directors, from Lynn Edelstein to myself. She has welcomed in our new secretary, Miriam Rodriguez. She has been here while we were unfunded and has returned to guarantee a successful year. I know I speak for Lynn and Miriam when I say Sue is an irreplaceable delight with whom to work. While we are happy for your future, we are sad for the loss your departure will means for us. I know you will never be too far from us, so we won’t say good bye, we will say good luck.

We will miss you

JUNE20 EXEC.BD. YFT 3:45

25 Last day of school for students

T H E S E A R E I M P O R T A N T NUMBERS TO HAVE ON HAND

914 793-0200 YFT OFFICE 914 793-7365 YFT OFFICE FAX

914 793-0393 YFT WELFARE FUND

1800-342-9810 NYSUT ALBANY

914 592-4411 NYSUT REGIONAL OFFICE IN ELMSFORD

1800 356 3128 NYS TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM

914 376-7088 CREDIT UNION

Save The Date! YHS 45th Reunion When: Sunday, October 7th, 2012

Time: 12 noon - 4 p.m.

Where: JC Fogerty’s 60 Kraft Avenue Bronxville, New York

Our party will be held in a lovely private room. The menu includes, appetizers, a buffet brunch, including vegetarian options, dessert, soda, coffee or tea.

A cash bar will be available

Please mail money orders of $50.00 payable (no cash, no personal checks) to: Lenore Apostolu 91 Krystal Drive Somers, NY 10589

All money orders must be received by August 15, 2012. All fees must be paid by this date. We cannot accept payment at the door.

The Reunion Committee

Barbara Berger Noble Marsha Glick Fogle Bernadette Prota Narog

Debi Itkin Effinger Karen Matuskovic Lenore Apostolu

If you have questions, please email Debi- YHS.67.Reunion@gmail.com . If you are in contact with any of our classmates, please send their emails, addresses and phone numbers. You can also call Debbie at 914 772 7781.