From Gina 06/01/2020:
As this extraordinary school year draws to a close, I want to take some time to thank you all for the various things you have done to support TAL as an organization, and me as your president and friend. It’s lonely sometimes, and I’m continually amazed by your generosity and willingness to help when I have needed it.
This is my favorite time of year because I reflect on all of our successes and recognize members for helping us stand together.
So many of you have stepped up and completed important work on behalf of your colleagues and the district. I wanted to honor and recognize all 102 teachers, coaches, and district office personnel for your efforts on the Remote Learning Team.
Several of you have taken brave steps to serve in leadership positions on behalf of TAL, the High Desert Service Center, and CTA. I believe we see the most personal growth when we immerse ourselves in new situations.
Although we are venturing into unknown territory, we will get through it— together.
I’m proud to serve as your president.
In Unity,
Whip✊🏻
As this extraordinary school year draws to a close, I want to take some time to thank you all for the various things you have done to support TAL as an organization, and me as your president and friend. It’s lonely sometimes, and I’m continually amazed by your generosity and willingness to help when I have needed it.
This is my favorite time of year because I reflect on all of our successes and recognize members for helping us stand together.
So many of you have stepped up and completed important work on behalf of your colleagues and the district. I wanted to honor and recognize all 102 teachers, coaches, and district office personnel for your efforts on the Remote Learning Team.
Several of you have taken brave steps to serve in leadership positions on behalf of TAL, the High Desert Service Center, and CTA. I believe we see the most personal growth when we immerse ourselves in new situations.
Although we are venturing into unknown territory, we will get through it— together.
I’m proud to serve as your president.
In Unity,
Whip✊🏻
From Gina 04/05/20:
TAL members,
When we return to school tomorrow, we will be entering our new normal. At least for the next three months.
I fully expect there will be bumps in the road. I encourage everyone to embrace them, learn from them, and move on. You all know what they say about even the best laid plans.
Our kids need us to be strong and continue to have high expectations of them. They also need us to understand that their circumstances most likely don’t mirror ours.
We must encourage them to stay connected and do what they can. While reviewing the standards is important, I want my students to know that they are learning bigger, more relevant lessons about how the world works. I want them to see the good, selfless things that so many are doing. I want them to understand that even though they are young, they can and will make a difference if they maintain a positive mindset.
I am an activist and an advocate and have ALWAYS encouraged them to support a cause for which they are impassioned. I look forward to hearing about their view of what is happening. We are living what will be our and their history.
You all know how to reach me; I am here for you as I always am. Allow yourself and others grace in this transition period.
Take care of yourselves, your families, your students, and each other❤️
In UNITY,
Whip✊🏻
TAL members,
When we return to school tomorrow, we will be entering our new normal. At least for the next three months.
I fully expect there will be bumps in the road. I encourage everyone to embrace them, learn from them, and move on. You all know what they say about even the best laid plans.
Our kids need us to be strong and continue to have high expectations of them. They also need us to understand that their circumstances most likely don’t mirror ours.
We must encourage them to stay connected and do what they can. While reviewing the standards is important, I want my students to know that they are learning bigger, more relevant lessons about how the world works. I want them to see the good, selfless things that so many are doing. I want them to understand that even though they are young, they can and will make a difference if they maintain a positive mindset.
I am an activist and an advocate and have ALWAYS encouraged them to support a cause for which they are impassioned. I look forward to hearing about their view of what is happening. We are living what will be our and their history.
You all know how to reach me; I am here for you as I always am. Allow yourself and others grace in this transition period.
Take care of yourselves, your families, your students, and each other❤️
In UNITY,
Whip✊🏻
From Gina 03/31/20:
A few informational items:
If you had planned to miss a day March 16-20, and it was entered into Aesop, your purpose was manually changed to School Business and you were NOT charged. It remains on your Aesop account for reconciliation as subs needed to be paid.
If you haven’t signed up for Direct Deposit yet, this may be a good time to consider doing so. The plan for those not currently utilizing Direct Deposit, is to mail checks, but that means the availability of funds could be delayed . If you would like to sign up, please email Laura Lott in Payroll. She will guide you through the process.
Enjoy the next few days!
In UNITY as always,
Whip✊🏻
A few informational items:
If you had planned to miss a day March 16-20, and it was entered into Aesop, your purpose was manually changed to School Business and you were NOT charged. It remains on your Aesop account for reconciliation as subs needed to be paid.
If you haven’t signed up for Direct Deposit yet, this may be a good time to consider doing so. The plan for those not currently utilizing Direct Deposit, is to mail checks, but that means the availability of funds could be delayed . If you would like to sign up, please email Laura Lott in Payroll. She will guide you through the process.
Enjoy the next few days!
In UNITY as always,
Whip✊🏻
From Gina 03/30/2020:
Good afternoon TAL members,
My hope is that all of you are finding some time to relax and enjoy your family during this unexpected and exceptional Spring Break.
The elected Executive Board and appointed teams continued to advocate for the members last week, despite school closure. To be clear, our duties within TAL are separate from our responsibilities as teachers. For the first time ever, our Negotiations team meet with the district via virtual conference. We agreed to take this step as a way to expedite the process and reach an agreement that will be most beneficial for members.
We have reached a tentative agreement.
What typically happens after the team reaches a tentative agreement is I would call a meeting of the general membership (that means everyone) to share the TA and answer any questions. That is impossible at this time. Even trying to manage a conference call with 700 people is unreasonable.
Next, we would vote on whether or not to approve the agreement. Our traditional protocol is not an option, given our current situation. Even if we were set up to hold an electronic vote, it would be difficult. We MAY be able to set up electronic voting, but it would eat up precious time and financial resources. I don’t have any assurance that voting rosters are correct because the people assigned to confirm them are under the same Stay at Home order that we all are. And, I think you all have experienced that our voting rosters typically are unreliable in an optimal situation.
Time is also a concern. The tentative agreement must be shared with and approved by LACOE before moving to the board for final approval.
We are two weeks away from our next board meeting, which requires an item to be placed no later than the Monday preceding the following week’s Tuesday board meeting.
Even if we were set up to vote online, I cannot guarantee that we could meet that timeline.
Given our current crisis, the Executive Board has voted to amend the Standing Rules by Adding a new section entitled: SPECIAL SITUATIONS: State or National Emergency. It reads as follows: “In the event of a declared State or National Emergency, when a meeting of the General Membership or of the Representative Council is not possible due to isolation, the Executive Board will be empowered to make decisions on their behalf.”
While this section will remain in the Standing rules, it will only be exercised under the circumstances therein. Meaning, once we are out of isolation and are able to resume our normal procedures, we will.
While the main purpose for this has been outlined above, there is another important concern that I have to consider: retirees. It takes time to process all of this. I want to be certain that if this happens to be one of their highest paid years, it is official by the end of the school year.
The salary increase, retroactive increase, and off-scale money will be a small comfort to all members in this time of uncertainty.
My hope is that the membership will support me in this decision. I do have the support of CTA. My primary goal is to ALWAYS do the best for TAL and our members. I have never done anything like this and would never CONSIDER such a profound move in a typical situation.
Another option would be to wait this out and hold a traditional vote upon our return. I don’t believe that is the prudent thing to do, given the fluidity of this ordeal.
I welcome comments and questions, but would like you to know that our Negotiations team has worked incredibly hard to finalize this agreement on our behalf, so please, respond civilly if you disagree with my decision.
The file was too large to post here so please go to TALnewsonline.org to view the tentative agreement.
Please leave any comments below.
In UNITY as always,
Whip
Good afternoon TAL members,
My hope is that all of you are finding some time to relax and enjoy your family during this unexpected and exceptional Spring Break.
The elected Executive Board and appointed teams continued to advocate for the members last week, despite school closure. To be clear, our duties within TAL are separate from our responsibilities as teachers. For the first time ever, our Negotiations team meet with the district via virtual conference. We agreed to take this step as a way to expedite the process and reach an agreement that will be most beneficial for members.
We have reached a tentative agreement.
What typically happens after the team reaches a tentative agreement is I would call a meeting of the general membership (that means everyone) to share the TA and answer any questions. That is impossible at this time. Even trying to manage a conference call with 700 people is unreasonable.
Next, we would vote on whether or not to approve the agreement. Our traditional protocol is not an option, given our current situation. Even if we were set up to hold an electronic vote, it would be difficult. We MAY be able to set up electronic voting, but it would eat up precious time and financial resources. I don’t have any assurance that voting rosters are correct because the people assigned to confirm them are under the same Stay at Home order that we all are. And, I think you all have experienced that our voting rosters typically are unreliable in an optimal situation.
Time is also a concern. The tentative agreement must be shared with and approved by LACOE before moving to the board for final approval.
We are two weeks away from our next board meeting, which requires an item to be placed no later than the Monday preceding the following week’s Tuesday board meeting.
Even if we were set up to vote online, I cannot guarantee that we could meet that timeline.
Given our current crisis, the Executive Board has voted to amend the Standing Rules by Adding a new section entitled: SPECIAL SITUATIONS: State or National Emergency. It reads as follows: “In the event of a declared State or National Emergency, when a meeting of the General Membership or of the Representative Council is not possible due to isolation, the Executive Board will be empowered to make decisions on their behalf.”
While this section will remain in the Standing rules, it will only be exercised under the circumstances therein. Meaning, once we are out of isolation and are able to resume our normal procedures, we will.
While the main purpose for this has been outlined above, there is another important concern that I have to consider: retirees. It takes time to process all of this. I want to be certain that if this happens to be one of their highest paid years, it is official by the end of the school year.
The salary increase, retroactive increase, and off-scale money will be a small comfort to all members in this time of uncertainty.
My hope is that the membership will support me in this decision. I do have the support of CTA. My primary goal is to ALWAYS do the best for TAL and our members. I have never done anything like this and would never CONSIDER such a profound move in a typical situation.
Another option would be to wait this out and hold a traditional vote upon our return. I don’t believe that is the prudent thing to do, given the fluidity of this ordeal.
I welcome comments and questions, but would like you to know that our Negotiations team has worked incredibly hard to finalize this agreement on our behalf, so please, respond civilly if you disagree with my decision.
The file was too large to post here so please go to TALnewsonline.org to view the tentative agreement.
Please leave any comments below.
In UNITY as always,
Whip
From Gina 03/20/2020:
Good evening TAL members,
I understand that this week has been difficult. All jokes and funny memes aside, I heard you when you shared how devastating it has been to lose contact with your students so suddenly. I can relate. I missed my first period class Friday because I was representing a member offsite. I feel awful about that. A week ago, we could not have predicted being thrust into this scenario.
I understand that the uncertainty is stressful. My hope is that all of us are able to spend the next two weeks (our regularly scheduled Spring Break) spending time with family and catching up on something we are unable to do during regular work days.
A few things I would like to repeat: there is no definitive date yet to submit progress reports; the plan for curriculum upon our return is a work in progress; and your STRS or PERS will not be impacted by the school closures.
Although we are scheduled to return to work April 6th after Spring Break, at this time it is uncertain as to whether we will be physically working on campus, or working remotely from home. There are many considerations including and not limited to: caring for our own children who are most likely distance learning as well. Some members have shared that someone close to them has a compromised immune system and may put them at risk if they were to return to campus. Clearly there is much to consider. Therefore, I will be coordinating with the district to plan for this new reality.
Many of you have asked bout the direction given my LACOE to extend school closures until May 5th. I have received that information from my CTA colleagues, but not from Dr. Bowers at this point. I expect additional information from her to be forthcoming.
I have answered every call, text, message, and email from members, colleagues, parents, and community members. My goal is to keep you informed. I will continue to post here and on our TAL website, TALnewsonline.org for anyone who is not a member of social media.
In UNITY,
Whip
Good evening TAL members,
I understand that this week has been difficult. All jokes and funny memes aside, I heard you when you shared how devastating it has been to lose contact with your students so suddenly. I can relate. I missed my first period class Friday because I was representing a member offsite. I feel awful about that. A week ago, we could not have predicted being thrust into this scenario.
I understand that the uncertainty is stressful. My hope is that all of us are able to spend the next two weeks (our regularly scheduled Spring Break) spending time with family and catching up on something we are unable to do during regular work days.
A few things I would like to repeat: there is no definitive date yet to submit progress reports; the plan for curriculum upon our return is a work in progress; and your STRS or PERS will not be impacted by the school closures.
Although we are scheduled to return to work April 6th after Spring Break, at this time it is uncertain as to whether we will be physically working on campus, or working remotely from home. There are many considerations including and not limited to: caring for our own children who are most likely distance learning as well. Some members have shared that someone close to them has a compromised immune system and may put them at risk if they were to return to campus. Clearly there is much to consider. Therefore, I will be coordinating with the district to plan for this new reality.
Many of you have asked bout the direction given my LACOE to extend school closures until May 5th. I have received that information from my CTA colleagues, but not from Dr. Bowers at this point. I expect additional information from her to be forthcoming.
I have answered every call, text, message, and email from members, colleagues, parents, and community members. My goal is to keep you informed. I will continue to post here and on our TAL website, TALnewsonline.org for anyone who is not a member of social media.
In UNITY,
Whip
From Gina 03/17/2020:
I want to start my saying that I am so proud to be part of TAL. I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of professionals who stepped up without hesitation to support the students and teachers of Lancaster School District.
I've always heard that you find out who your friends are in a time of crisis. I'm overwhelmed by my friends and colleagues.
Although I cannot answer all of your questions, I want to share what I can at this point.
I, along with a few other teachers, met with Ed Services personnel today to work on a proactive plan to address the possibility of not returning to school for our usual curriculum delivery.
I am in the process of reaching out to grade levels and departments to seek input and create IS lessons for students.
Given the unique curriculum requirements of grade levels and departments, I have reached out to many of you to help plan lessons that students may complete remotely.
At this point in time, I am compiling a list of teachers that have agreed to participate, as well as team leaders who are willing to schedule virtual meetings via Meet. The plan is to create lessons for 2 weeks, and submit to be uploaded to the district website. To simplify and address equity, all students (in each grade level) will complete the same work.
The work by teachers will commence April 6 and not before then. I expect everyone to take their regularly scheduled Spring Break.
Lessons for students should be no longer than 3 hours per day total, which means for ALL subjects in a given day.
At this time, our income will NOT be interrupted, nor do I expect it to be.
I know you will have questions, but I assure you that this plan was made with students and teachers in mind.
Things are changing swiftly, and I am adapting as I gain new information.
Thank you for your support in this effort. It is truly unprecedented as you know.
My goal is to put everyone at ease and also be honest about what I know at this time.
In UNITY,
Whip
I want to start my saying that I am so proud to be part of TAL. I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of professionals who stepped up without hesitation to support the students and teachers of Lancaster School District.
I've always heard that you find out who your friends are in a time of crisis. I'm overwhelmed by my friends and colleagues.
Although I cannot answer all of your questions, I want to share what I can at this point.
I, along with a few other teachers, met with Ed Services personnel today to work on a proactive plan to address the possibility of not returning to school for our usual curriculum delivery.
I am in the process of reaching out to grade levels and departments to seek input and create IS lessons for students.
Given the unique curriculum requirements of grade levels and departments, I have reached out to many of you to help plan lessons that students may complete remotely.
At this point in time, I am compiling a list of teachers that have agreed to participate, as well as team leaders who are willing to schedule virtual meetings via Meet. The plan is to create lessons for 2 weeks, and submit to be uploaded to the district website. To simplify and address equity, all students (in each grade level) will complete the same work.
The work by teachers will commence April 6 and not before then. I expect everyone to take their regularly scheduled Spring Break.
Lessons for students should be no longer than 3 hours per day total, which means for ALL subjects in a given day.
At this time, our income will NOT be interrupted, nor do I expect it to be.
I know you will have questions, but I assure you that this plan was made with students and teachers in mind.
Things are changing swiftly, and I am adapting as I gain new information.
Thank you for your support in this effort. It is truly unprecedented as you know.
My goal is to put everyone at ease and also be honest about what I know at this time.
In UNITY,
Whip
.From Gina 03/14/2020:
TAL members,
I appreciate your patience and grace yesterday.
The ultimate decision to close schools was not an easy one, but I believe it was the best decision for employees and students alike. There have not been documented cases of the Coronavirus in our area; rather, closing schools is a preventative measure.
I want to assure you that I am In constant contact with Dr. Bowers and I will send out updates as they become available.
In addition, teachers are NOT responsible for assigning Independent Study.
Try to enjoy the coming week and take care of yourselves and one another.
In UNITY as always,
Whip
WHO Coronavirus updates: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
WHO Advice for the public: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
TAL members,
I appreciate your patience and grace yesterday.
The ultimate decision to close schools was not an easy one, but I believe it was the best decision for employees and students alike. There have not been documented cases of the Coronavirus in our area; rather, closing schools is a preventative measure.
I want to assure you that I am In constant contact with Dr. Bowers and I will send out updates as they become available.
In addition, teachers are NOT responsible for assigning Independent Study.
Try to enjoy the coming week and take care of yourselves and one another.
In UNITY as always,
Whip
WHO Coronavirus updates: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
WHO Advice for the public: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
TAL Shirts on Tuesday
I'd like to encourage teachers to wear their TAL shirt to show their unity & support for the Membership, each and every Tuesday!
State Council of Education
Christmas Parade
