As we enter into the school closure phase of the COVID-2019 response, RCG BOCES TA wants to know if you encounter any issues that may need to be addressed. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to comment concisely below so that we may best address the needs of you during this difficult time. Please feel free to revisit this form to continue to pose questions and concerns at any time. Your union is here to support you and your students throughout the process. 

Your union, AFT-Lone Star College, wants to make sure you are safe and have resources available at your fingertips!

Coronavirus: Information for educators and support staff

Get information from the American Federation of Teachers about what faculty and staff can do to safeguard against the virus, as well as what schools can do regarding preventive schoolwide and districtwide policy.

For complete information and details for higher ed. employees, see the full bulletin.

Help students understand infectious disease and find tools to protect yourself and your community on AFT’s Share My Lesson online collection of lesson plans and resources

You’ll find everything from news program videos to research projects and analyses of past epidemics. You can also visit Texas AFT  an the CDC for additional updates and resources.

Click here to see AFT President, Randi Weingarten on CNN addressing the issue of COVID-19 in schools.

Click here to get updates from the Lone Star College website.

Your union, the Goose Creek AFT, wants to make sure you are safe and have resources available at your fingertips!

Coronavirus: Information for educators and school support staff

Get information from the American Federation of Teachers about what teachers, paraprofessionals, school nurses and custodians can do to safeguard against the virus, as well as what schools can do regarding ventilation and preventive schoolwide and districtwide policy.

Important practices include excluding children with fever and respiratory symptoms from school until symptoms are resolved; isolating sick children from the general school population when they do attend school; stepping up education and providing good reminders (posters, etc.) in classrooms and to parents on the current infection control policies; ensuring good hand hygiene (give students additional time and opportunities to wash their hands, instruct students to use soap and water); reminding students to avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands; and consider using disinfectant on high-use areas such as doorknobs. For complete information and details, see the full bulletin.

Help your students understand infectious disease and find tools to protect yourself and your community on AFT’s Share My Lesson online collection of lesson plans and resources

You’ll find everything from news program videos to research projects and analyses of past epidemics. You can also visit Texas AFT  an the CDC for additional updates and resources.

Click here to see AFT President, Randi Weingarten on CNN addressing the issue of COVID-19 in schools.

Click here to get updates from the GCCISD website.

The current situation we are all finding ourselves in unprecedented. We are communicating your concerns to Northside ISD district officials from Superintendent Dr. Brian Woods to all the members of the school board and local legislators.

Please read what our sister local, the San Antonio Alliance has posted in regard to what is being done to allay some extremely valid concerns. We have followed its lead and have taken the same measures.
https://www.sanantonioalliance.org/covid-19-update/

Glenn Jeffers has years of experience working with NYSED Certification requirements. With the new SOCE regulations for Special Education Teachers posing many questions and CTE Teacher certification pathways updating, it is important for our members to know that NYSUT also provides guidance and support to help you through the process.

Please feel free to reach out to Glenn and his staff to assist you with any questions you may have.

3/15/2020

The coalition of state employee unions has put together a statement to ensure that everyone is up-to-date on what we know so far and what we are continuing to see as areas that need improvements/answers.

View the latest on where we are...

This chart came out from DAS/OPM on Friday 3/13/2020 and seems to be the best guide for understanding the expectations of employees during this healthcare alert:

Please communicate with your supervisor before imposing any quarantine or 'social distancing".

On March 14th the Legislature released the education budget. 

Some major points:

A few important points on the budget:

An interesting video commentary by Tony Bifaro who for many years was a member of the NYSUT Board of Directors. He also was an Assistant to Past President Richard Ianuzzi. 

As the coronavirus, also called COVID-19, continues to spread in the United States, we want to share specific information for older Americans about how to stay safe and healthy.

• What is the Coronavirus?
• How does the Coronavirus spread?
• Can I get the virus from somebody who doesn't know they are sick?
• Why are older adults at greater risk for the effects of the coronavirus?
• How can I protect myself?
• What extra steps can I take if I am in a vulnerable population?
• What to do if you are sick with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Where can I find more information about the Coronavirus?

June 11, 2020

The governor released the state's guidelines on reopening schools today. You may read the report at this link.