Given the number of school violence, traumatic events and ongoing challenges facing our students, DCPS should be doubling down on investing in school safety and helping educators and families alike. But instead, they’re stalling like always, making a business out of making DC teachers beg for what their kids need. There’s no sense of urgency and no policy for dealing with these problems. Teachers are scared for their kids and for themselves.

In WTU's survey of nearly 800 teachers, for example, nearly half of teachers (49.1 percent) said they’ve seen knives, guns or other dangerous weapons brought to school. More than 90 percent of teachers said they’ve witnessed student-on-student violence including assaults, objects thrown, slaps or punches, verbal or physical threats. Nearly three-quarters, or 74 percent, of teachers said workplace violence has made them feel anxious, fearful or increasingly vigilant, 49 percent said it has made them feel sad and depressed, and 45 percent said they have considered leaving the profession because of the violence.

WHUR interviewed WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons on violence in schools. Check out the radio interview here!

The Washington Teachers Union (WTU) released a survey on Monday, August 14th showing the increasing levels of violence in schools and the necessity of providing teachers and students with additional supports needed to address this growing concern. Thirty percent of teachers surveyed have been assaulted by students, the union said, with 42% of them saying they were slapped, punched or kicked.

The rise in school violence is one of the reasons teachers say they are resigning and not returning to the classrooms in record rates. To address these concerns, the WTU is calling on DCPS to form a special committee, provide counseling services for students, families and staff, give mental health first-aid training to staff and implement other recommendations before school starts on Aug. 28. DCPS hasn't yet responded to the union's proposal, the union said.

To provide new District of Columbia teachers with additional support, the WTU will host a special New District of Columbia Teachers Meet and Greet on Thursday, August 17th to warmly welcome and support new teachers as they begin their teaching journey this fall. Please spread the word! August 17th. 4-7PM Martin Luther King Jr.'s Memorial Library - Rooftop Terrace. Click here to RSVP.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, August 14, 2023

This week, I hope you join me in welcoming all our new District Educators to the District of Columbia Public. Teachers are a vital resource to the health and the well-being our city. We want to formally welcome and celebrate them on Thursday, August 17^th at WTU’s Meet and Greet from 4-7PM on the Rooftop Terrace of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library. Please spread the word and let all new DCPS teachers know about this important event! Let’s all pledge to give them the support they need as they start their teaching journey in the District. We wish them luck and an enjoyable New Educator Orientation this week.

City Administrator Kevin Donahue sent WTU the attached notice regarding the payment timeline for "hard to fill" positions and other payments outlined in our current contract. Click here.

The WTU will continue pressing the District for specific details on the exact date in September when educators can expect their stipends and “hard to fill” position bonuses outlined in our current contract. If you have any questions, please contact your Field Representative.

Back to School

WTU geared up for back to school by giving a free book of choice and a Kona Ice to every child at the Ward 7 Back-to-School event this past Saturday! We’d like to thank Eboni-Rose Thompson, Ward 7 Representative and President of the DC State Board of Education for hosting and inviting us to this fun and exciting event.

Below please find the dates for future back-to-school events. Please feel free to join us and/or contact Mike Roland if you would like to volunteer with the WTU!

• 4^th Annual Ward 5 Back-to-School Supply Drive & Giveaway
  Saturday, August 26^th, 2023 10-2PM, Brookland Middle School
• DCPS Back-to-School Block Party
  Saturday, September 23^rd, 2023, 11-2PM, McKinley Technology High School

WTU's Contract Negotiating Team's Weekly Video Update

https://youtu.be/El3kw52ckBU or click picture

Watch previous weekly updates here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVsAq4LiCU_mjtJrOcqtlw0_yWg4LxvhE

Summer Pay

Several teachers reached out about their July 28 summer paycheck. dcps compensation said,  ‘Employees made two different salaries for SY 22-23. Employees must calculate summer pay based on the SPC contribution at both rates and then add that together to get their summer pay.’ Please contact Compensation, DCPS [email protected] with any questions about your summer pay.

IMPACT results are available in QuickBase.

Reach out to your field representative if you have any questions or concerns about your IMPACT report. Field Representatives - WTU Local 6 The deadline to file an IMPACT grievance is Sept 1.

In the news

• Teacher resignations in some D.C.-area school districts rise again – The Washington Post
• Where DC's dual language schools are - DC Schools Analysis

Financial Literacy standards

OSSE is developing standalone Financial Literacy standards for DC high school students. 

To share feedback anonymously, complete this survey by no later than Aug. 18, 2023. For questions about these focus groups or the survey, please contact Fadhal Moore at [email protected]

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, August 7, 2023

Summer Pay

Several teachers reached out about their July 28 summer paycheck. dcps compensation said,  ‘Employees made two different salaries for SY 22-23. Employees must calculate summer pay based on the SPC contribution at both rates and then add that together to get their summer pay.’ Please contact Compensation, DCPS [email protected] with any questions about your summer pay.

IMPACT results are available in QuickBase.

Reach out to your field representative if you have any questions or concerns about your IMPACT report. Field Representatives - WTU Local 6 The deadline to file an IMPACT grievance is Sept 1.

For Teachers who teach literacy

SBOE member Allister Chang is looking for feedback from on the recommendations made by the OSSE Literacy Task Force. See here for their report. Please email Allister Chang  [email protected] by 5 pm today, Aug 7 with any comments. 

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

Update on Contract Negotiations

In the news

• House GOP diverts funds for D.C. public schools to voucher program
• Principal Announcements for School Year 2023-2024 | dcps
• C. Health focused on childhood vaccinations as the school year looms
• DC Public Schools promotes new portal to track children’s immunization records - WTOP News

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, July 31, 2023

WTU's New DC Teachers Meet and Greet

Join us on August 17th from 4-7PM to learn about the benefits of being a teacher in the District and WTU member! Network with peers and seasoned teacher veterans while enjoying light refreshments on the stunning rooftop terrace of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Memorial Library. Register now to save your spot!

IMPACT Appeals

The window to submit an appeal to the Chancellor closes on Tuesday, August 2, 2023. Click here for additional information. IMPACT results are available in QuickBase.

Reach out to your field representative if you have any questions or concerns about your IMPACT report. Field Representatives - WTU Local 6

WTU's Contract Negotiating Team's Weekly Update

Watch this week's video highlighting the WTU's Contract Negotiating Team accomplishments.

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

Retirement Workshop Video and slide deck from June 27

https://www.wtulocal6.net/retirement_workshops

In the news

• Washington Post - D.C. public schools slashed tech budget ahead of new school year
• Washington Post - Women over 40 jump in to save double Dutch, a lost American pastime
• City Paper - Child Care Workers Say They’re Getting Shortchanged by the District on Salaries. It’s Part of a Pattern of Broken Promises.

News4 - School Safety

The News4 I-Team is working on a story about school safety concerns and would love to hear from teachers across the region on this issue. Their survey will be open until Friday, August 12^th.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TSD8FGS

The results will remain anonymous, unless you agree to be formally interviewed. Should you have any questions or want to share your story, you can also reach out directly to the I-Team by emailing producer [email protected] or reporter [email protected]

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Click here to learn more and RSVP.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, July 24, 2023

IMPACT results are available in QuickBase.

Reach out to your field representative if you have any questions or concerns about your IMPACT report. Field Representatives - WTU Local 6

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

Retirement Workshop Video and slide deck from June 27

https://www.wtulocal6.net/retirement_workshops

In the news

• Dunbar alumna: Evelyn Boyd Granville, barrier-breaking mathematician, dies at 99
• The quality of American teaching has declined, study says
• Teaching recovery?  Three years in, school system leaders report that the pandemic weakened instruction
• Toxic Culture and Unethical Leadership in DC Mayor Administration
  What does restorative justice in schools look like? - The Washington Post
• Principal Announcements for School Year 2023-2024 | dcps

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, July 17, 2023

IMPACT results are available in QuickBase.

Reach out to your field representative if you have any questions or concerns about your IMPACT report. Field Representatives - WTU Local 6

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

Transferring Schools?

Please make sure you receive an official letter from DCPS indicating your new placement.

Retirement Workshop Video and slide deck from June 27

https://www.wtulocal6.net/retirement_workshops

School Boundaries

2023 Advisory Committee on Student Assignment and Boundaries -July 19, 2023 Click for more information - 2023 Advisory Committee on Student Assignment and Boundaries - Meeting 5 (July 19, 2023) | dme (dc.gov)

In the News

Four Additional D.C. Public Schools Gear Up for Redesign

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, July 10, 2023

IMPACT results are available in QuickBase. Reach out to your field representative if you have any questions or concerns about your IMPACT report. Field Representatives - WTU Local 6

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

Transferring Schools?

Please make sure you receive an official letter from DCPS indicating your new placement.

Retirement Workshop Video and slide deck from June 27

Click here for the presentation.

School Boundaries

The Deputy Mayor for Education will convene the Task force as the follow up to the School Safety Enhancement Amendment Act of 2023 with a date for recommendations set in February of 2024.  

There is a town hall scheduled for the Public Education Master Facilities Plan with two possible dates, July 11th and July 12th to hear the presentation and offer comments. Register here: https://dme.dc.gov/page/dc-public-education-master-facilities-plan-2023-town-halls

In the news

• Banneker Alumni Celebrate 40 Years with Eyes on the Future - The Washington Informer
• In DCPS Procurement Scandal, Black-Owned Small Businesses Weigh In  - The Washington Informer

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, July 3, 2023

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

Transferring Schools?

Please make sure you receive an official letter from DCPS indicating your new placement.

Retirement Workshop Video and slide deck from June 27

https://www.wtulocal6.net/retirement_workshops

What if my years of service aren’t correct? Who should I contact?

First obtain a copy of the your individual retirement record (IRR) from the Office of Pay and Retirement Services (OPRS) by sending an email to [email protected] and request your IRR also referred to as the SF-2806.

DC State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted revised social studies standards

Washington, DC grades k-12 social studies standards

School Boundaries

The Deputy Mayor for Education will convene the Task force as the follow up to the School Safety Enhancement Amendment Act of 2023 with a date for recommendations set in February of 2024.  

There is a town hall scheduled for the Public Education Master Facilities Plan with two possible dates, July 11th and July 12th to hear the presentation and offer comments.  register here: 

https://dme.dc.gov/page/dc-public-education-master-facilities-plan-2023-town-halls

DCPS Technology update from Digital Equity in DC Home | Digital Equity in DC (digitalequitydced.com)

DCPS school technology POC's and principals were informed that DCPS Central Office is cutting the technology budget and extending the life cycle of devices from three years to four years. At a high level, this decision means that DCPS leadership is effectively pushing the Central Office budget cuts directly to schools, which will significantly impact students and teachers. This marks a reversal of DCPS's and the Mayor's commitment to provide an equitable, 21st century education for all DCPS students. 

The DCPS stated reason: "DC Council mandated cuts to Central Office." This is puzzling to us as we are currently in FY23 and the Council budget reduction does not take effect until FY24. 

The impact: Schools who are struggling with devices issued in 2020 (Generation 1 Microsoft Go's) will not receive a complete inventory refresh this summer, as previously planned. These devices reached the end-of-life cycle in March 2023. Earlier this month, DCPS categorized these devices as a "security risk" and noted their increasing incompatibility with new software and protocols. Schools with Microsoft Gen 1 Go's were collecting and preparing to retire these devices even as the new guidance was issued to principals on Friday evening.  Now, DCPS has decided that these devices are sufficient for another year of student use. We know they are not.

The context: DCPS planned to purchase ~16,000 new, more robust devices in FY 23, to replace out-of-life cycle Microsoft Go's for 90% of DCPS. During the last year we have visited schools who have shared countless challenges with these slow and insufficient devices. On June 5th, DCPS released a solicitation (GAGA-2023-I-0144) for student and staff devices with proposals due June 12. The timing (albeit later than it should have been) would have ensured that devices were received and distributed in time for the start of the SY23-24 school year. In addition, the purchase was consistent with the new DCPS Technology Plan and the commitments within the plan. 

We have urged DCPS to honor their commitment to providing students with an equitable, 21st century education. This decision negates much of the progress that has been made to reliably provide students with the right-sized digital tools they need to learn.

In the news

• Post-pandemic, D.C. motivational speaker focuses on coming back - The Washington Post
• Teachers cite abuse, demand principal's resignation at Eaton Elementary - The Washington Post
  

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, June 26, 2023

Happy Summer!  We thank you for another great school year. As you reflect and recharge over the summer, please know that the WTU team will continue to work for you. If there is anything that we can do to support you, please contact your Field Representative.

Transferring Schools?

Please make sure you receive an official letter from DCPS indicating your new placement.

Enrollment for the Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks is OPEN

Join the WTU Sick Leave and Maternity Leave Banks. If you are already a member, there is no need to rejoin.

Click here to join the WTU Sick Leave or Maternity Leave Banks

Contact Charmaine Wilks at 202 517-1475 or at [email protected] to enroll or with any questions. Open enrollment will occur from June 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. After you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms; be sure to check your spam folder.

DCPS in the news

• Stuart-Hobson Middle School Students Deliberate During Mock Trial in Real Courtroom - Washington City Paper
• D.C. Schools adopts new social studies standards for first time since 2006 - The Washington Post

Tuesday, June 27 at 3:30 pm - Retirement Session

A Deeper Dive into Teachers’ Retirement Plan
A summary of the plan can be found here - SPD_Teachers_Plan_2017_Final
Click here to join via Teams

Meeting ID: 291 059 387 126
Passcode: n52FRv

AM Brew News and Notices are archived at https://www.wtulocal6.net/AMBrew.