A Letter from NYSUT President Karen Magee

May 9, 2016
Dear NYSUT Member,
Imagine if you woke up this morning to learn that in the pre-dawn hours, politicians were pushing for legislation that threatened the very survival of public schools and unions in your state. That is the nightmare confronting our sisters and brothers in Detroit, and they urgently need our help.
Acting at 4 a.m. Thursday, Michigan House Republicans forced through bills that would impose severe anti-student, anti-teacher practices in Detroit public schools while cutting off resources and support. In contrast, the Michigan Senate has drafted compromise school legislation that — while not perfect — reflects the recommendations of the Detroit community.
Alarmingly, the Michigan Senate may instead take up the anti-student, anti-teacher bills at any minute. Our sisters and brothers in Michigan, supported by like-minded people in the greater community, are pulling out all the stops to derail this devastating attempt to privatize Detroit schools.
We can help make this a national movement in support of the students and educators in Detroit.
Here’s what you can do:
  1. Sign and share AFT’s petition urging Michigan Gov. Snyder to stick with the compromise bills supported by the community and Michigan educators.
  2. Turn up the heat on social media, using #ForDetroitKidsLoop in teacher and paraprofessional locals using the handles @PAR227 and @DFT231. Make your own sign supporting Detroit kids, educators, parents and schools. Share your sign in a selfie or group shot on Facebook and Twitter.
  3. Use and share NYSUT’s messages of support.
  4. For minute-by-minute updates, follow AFT President Randi Weingarten at @rweingarten and @AFTunion.
The Flint water crisis has rightly become a national issue. The failure to keep Detroit schools repaired and safe has become a national issue. Fighting for a fully funded and healthy Detroit public school system can be an urgent national issue, too — with our help.
Thank you — your swift action is essential now.
NYSUT President Karen Magee

UTN Members Retiring in June

The following UTN members will be retiring from the Northport – East Northport UFSD at the end of the school year :

Danielle Deportee – High School, World Languages
Robert Feinstein – High School, English
Robert Owen –  High School, World Languages
Sue Travis – High School, English
Marti White – Pulaski, Psychologist
Angela Angermaier – Northport Middle School, 6th Grade
Steve Paysen – Northport Middle School, Music
Ann Griffith – Northport Middle School, Special Ed
Kathy Sapienza – Northport Middle School, Teaching Assistant
Kathleen Byrnes – Ocean Avenue , Secretary
Gerry Capps High School, PE and Bruce Levine High School, Music retired mid-year.

June 10 — UTN End of Year Party at Crab Meadow
June 16 — Northport Middle School Retirement Party at the Sunken Meadow Pavilion

UTN Recommendations for 2016 Budget Vote

Tuesday, May 17 is the date set for Budget Votes and Board of Education Elections in New York State.

For the information of R-UTN members who reside in the Northport – East Northport UFSC, the United Teachers of Northport has endorsed the following candidates for the Board of Eduction: A.Noonan, Andrew Rapiejko, and Julia Binger. The UTN recommends a YES vote on the 2016 – 2017 budget.

The R-UTN urges everyone to exercise their right to vote in local school elections.

 

 

Spring Luncheon Photos …

Spring_Lunch_05-03-16_001

The R-UTN Spring Luncheon was held at La Villini, in East Northport, on May 3. Over thirty members enjoyed a delicious lunch and catching up with friends. Thanks to all our members who donated items to a very successful raffle that helped raise money for our scholarships. Also thanks to Bobbi Scott for taking photos of our good time. A gallery of the photographs can be found in the Picture Gallery of this website.

Sad News

Miriam Feinstein’s mother, Gertrude Coppersmith, passed away on Wednesday May 4, 2016 at the age of 105. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday May 5 at Schwartz Brothers – Jeffer Memorial Chapels, 114-03 Queens Boulevard, Forrest Hills, NY 11375. Burial at the  Old Montefiore Cemetery.

Following the burial, the family invites friends for a light meal on the roof top of 38-20 Bowne Street.

Beginning Friday, May 6, Miriam will be sitting Shiva at her home – 21 Perth Place, East Northport. The hours are:
Friday, May 6 at  2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 8 – Tuesday, May at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.,  7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Minyan at 8:30 p.m. Sunday – Tuesday