Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, May 1, 2023

Thank you for coming out to our Teachers Appreciation Party on Friday! It was wonderful to see so many of you in person. Throughout the week, we will post videos/photos from the par-tay available on WTU’s website, and official Twitter, Instagram, FaceBook and YouTube social media sites.

I expect your schools, students, parents, and community members will have a lot in store for you this week as they celebrate just how amazing you are.

A few reminders…

This coming Wednesday, May 10^th, we will host our popular virtual retirement seminar at 5PM via Zoom. Remember, it’s never too early to think about retirement! The URL to join the Zoom meeting is here: Join Via Zoom.

On Saturday, May 13^th, Dr. Persephone Brown’s class, Social Emotional Learning for Adults begins at 10AM. If you are interested, please register here.

Throughout this school year, our WTU Teacher Leaders invested their time and attention to researching issues of interest to them as DC teachers. You will have an opportunity to hear about their research first-hand on Saturday, May 20^th from 9-3PM. To register, please click here.

Tuesday May 8 @ 4:30 Rep Assembly meeting

Join Via Zoom. Passcode: 220352   
All members are invited to attend but may not participate in the meeting. Building Reps and delegates will receive a separate link to join as a participant.

Secondary Grading Policy Task Force Report

Please read and comment on the following report that will be presented to the WTU Rep Assembly for a vote in May's Rep Assembly. Click here for additional details.

Give your input and attend a meeting on:

Deputy Mayor’s master facility plan

DC Public Education Master Facilities Plan 2023 | dme

Master Facilities Plan meetings:

Tuesday, May 9 at 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (click here)

Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (click here)

Boundary Study meetings:

Tuesday, May 16 at 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (click here)

Wednesday, May 17 at 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (click here)

2023 Boundary and Student Assignment Study (office.com)

Revised DINR Window From DCPS

DCPS is asking us to send this message to apologize for an error which resulted in you not receiving communications regarding the Declaration of Intent Not to Return (DINR) application opening, as well as key dates for the DINR process. The DINR instructions and a revised timeline for any WTU member who did not receive notification follow:

We acknowledge that personal decisions may lead you to depart DCPS. As outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and DCPS, the DINR process provides WTU members who do not intend to continue employment with DCPS for SY 23-24 an online form to indicate their separation intent. This requirement applies to members who are retiring as well as resigning from the school system. As such, we are reaching out to share a revised DINR application schedule for those WTU members affected by the communication error.

Please note, WTU members receiving this communication who submit a DINR application by May 26, 2023, and do in fact leave the school district of their own accord at the conclusion of the school year, shall be eligible for a one-time $1,000 bonus payable by September 30, 2023. Members receiving this communication who do not submit the DINR application by May 26, 2023, at 5 PM, and voluntarily separate from DCPS during the 2022-2023 school year or at any point before or during the 2023-2024 school year, may be required to pay a $1,000 penalty fine to DCPS.

The DINR application will serve as your resignation letter and the effective date of separation will be June 26, 2023 (10-month WTU employees), July 5, 2023 (11-month WTU employees), or July 7, 2023 (12-month WTU employees). This date ensures you will receive all owed payments.

If you intend to return to DCPS for the 2023-2024 school year, you do not need to take action.

To participate in the 2023 DINR process, please apply online here: Resignations and Retirement Application.  

Questions regarding this process can be directed to the off boarding team at [email protected].

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

2023 WTU ELECTIONS – REPEATED FROM LAST WEEK

As of Friday April 28, 2023, the Elections Committee has accepted, verified and notified the eligible candidates who are running for MD/DC AFL-CIO Delegate, AFT Convention Delegate and Elections Committee. 

The Election Committee initially planned for electronic voting during these elections however we were unable to move forward with this option. Consistent with the WTU Constitution and Bylaws and past practice, as this is not an officer's election, we will be moving forward with in-person voting during this election cycle. Please be on the lookout for the election date and voting times so that you can ensure you exercise your democratic right as a full dues paying WTU member. 

If you have any questions about the upcoming elections you can email the WTU Elections Committee at [email protected]

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

Local School Elections Packet for SY 2023-24

Date:       May 1, 2023

To:           WTU Building Representatives / Designees

CC:          Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, President

From:       Regina Bell, General Vice President

Enclosed are the necessary forms to assist you in conducting your local school elections during the month of May. We are requesting that all Building Representatives adhere to the timeframes set forth in our WTU Constitution and By-Laws to ensure your elections are completed.

The time, date, and place of the election shall be decided by your School Chapter Advisory Committee (SCAC). Elections shall be held by secret ballot in person and there shall be no absentee balloting. All members in good standing shall have a reasonable opportunity to vote.

Please download the full election packet by clicking here.

Results are due to the WTU Office no later than June 2, 2023.

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, May 1, 2023

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! This week gives us a chance to thank you for never wavering in your dedication to our children. Throughout the pandemic and your return to the classroom, as educators you put aside your own personal safety concerns to come to school and teach our students. You adapted to new teaching models, glitches in technology, Zoom fatigue, learning loss, and social-emotional issues, showing everyone your dedication to our students, parents and the community. We also want to take time this week to thank you for being an active part of this organization – our union. We couldn’t have won our contract without you!

Please let WTU and other surprise guests thank you publicly for all you do at our Teachers Appreciation Party on Friday, May 5th. We hope you will take this opportunity to celebrate with us at Coolidge High School from 4-7PM. The popular band, Sirius Company will be there along with a dee-jay, food trucks, prizes, and gifts. Don’t forget to bring your DCPS ID and wear Red for Ed! We hope to see you there!

We hope that WTU members will join us at the exciting celebrations and events we have planned this spring:

• MAY 4^TH, Thursday – President Pogue Lyons Meeting with WTU Building Reps
• MAY 5^TH Friday – Teacher Appreciation Celebration @ Coolidge HS 4:00 – 7:00pm
• MAY 10^TH, Wednesday – WTU Retirement Seminar (virtual) @ 5:00pm
• MAY 17^TH, Wednesday – Know Your Rights Workshop by Former DCPS Investigator (virtual) @ 4:30pm
• MAY 20^TH, Saturday – WTU Teacher Leader Symposium @ Kimball ES, 9:00am
• JUNE 26^TH - 30^TH – WTU Professional Development Summer Institute, Kimball ES

Register to the WTU’s Teacher Appreciation Party. 

https://www.wtulocal6.net/wtu_s_teacher_appreciation_party

Revised DINR Window From DCPS

DCPS is asking us to send this message to apologize for an error which resulted in you not receiving communications regarding the Declaration of Intent Not to Return (DINR) application opening, as well as key dates for the DINR process. The DINR instructions and a revised timeline for any WTU member who did not receive notification follow:

We acknowledge that personal decisions may lead you to depart DCPS. As outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and DCPS, the DINR process provides WTU members who do not intend to continue employment with DCPS for SY 23-24 an online form to indicate their separation intent. This requirement applies to members who are retiring as well as resigning from the school system. As such, we are reaching out to share a revised DINR application schedule for those WTU members affected by the communication error.

Please note, WTU members receiving this communication who submit a DINR application by May 26, 2023, and do in fact leave the school district of their own accord at the conclusion of the school year, shall be eligible for a one-time $1,000 bonus payable by September 30, 2023. Members receiving this communication who do not submit the DINR application by May 26, 2023, at 5 PM, and voluntarily separate from DCPS during the 2022-2023 school year or at any point before or during the 2023-2024 school year, may be required to pay a $1,000 penalty fine to DCPS.

The DINR application will serve as your resignation letter and the effective date of separation will be June 26, 2023 (10-month WTU employees), July 5, 2023 (11-month WTU employees), or July 7, 2023 (12-month WTU employees). This date ensures you will receive all owed payments.

If you intend to return to DCPS for the 2023-2024 school year, you do not need to take action.

To participate in the 2023 DINR process, please apply online here: Resignations and Retirement Application.  

Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Offboarding team at [email protected].

2023 DC Literacy Education Survey

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is collecting information from DC stakeholders on literacy education, training, and instruction in Washington, D.C. Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

In memory of Rosalind Daniels Scott

WTU mourns the loss of Ballou High School Special Education Teacher Rosalind Daniels Scott who passed on Wednesday, April 26^th.

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

2023 WTU ELECTIONS

As of Friday April 28, 2023, the Elections Committee has accepted, verified and notified the eligible candidates who are running for MD/DC AFL-CIO Delegate, AFT Convention Delegate and Elections Committee. 

The Election Committee initially planned for electronic voting during these elections, however, we were unable to move forward with this option.

Consistent with the WTU Constitution and Bylaws and past practice, as this is not an officer's election, we will be moving forward with in-person voting during this election cycle. Please be on the lookout for the election date and voting times so that you can ensure you exercise your democratic right as a full dues paying WTU member. 

If you have any questions about the upcoming elections you can email the WTU Elections Committee at [email protected]

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, April 24, 2023

Welcome Back! We hope that you had a great Spring Break and are rested for the rest of the school year. As a reminder, all staff and students are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to returning to class. If you have any questions, please contact your Field Representative.

WTU’s Teacher Appreciation Party

Register NOW!  Please join us for WTU's Teacher Appreciation Party on May 5th featuring the band, Sirius Company, in addition to a DJ!

RSVP now!

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

2023 WTU ELECTIONS
(REPEATED FROM the previous AM Brew)

The Elections Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions:

1. MD/DC AFL-CIO
2. AFT Convention Delegate
3. Elections Committee

Petitions are due by 5pm Friday April 28, 2023. The official Elections notice and petitions are linked.

2023 Elections Notice, AFT & MD/DC Petition, Election Committee Petition

Petitions may be dropped off or mailed to the WTU Office at 1239 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003. More information will be shared in next week's brew about the petition submission process. Here are the procedures for submission of petitions in person or by mail. 

We want to ensure that all dues paying WTU members can exercise their right to vote. If you do not have a personal email address and phone number on file with the WTU please email Ms. Valerie Kilby at [email protected]. 

If you have any questions about the upcoming elections you can email the WTU Elections Committee at [email protected]

Social Studies Standards

SBOE is hosting a series of Community Information Sessions on the proposed social studies standards.

Click here for more information and to register.

Revised DINR Window From DCPS

DCPS is asking us to send this message to apologize for an error which resulted in you not receiving communications regarding the Declaration of Intent Not to Return (DINR) application opening, as well as key dates for the DINR process. The DINR instructions and a revised timeline for any WTU member who did not receive notification follow:

We acknowledge that personal decisions may lead you to depart DCPS. As outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and DCPS, the DINR process provides WTU members who do not intend to continue employment with DCPS for SY 23-24 an online form to indicate their separation intent. This requirement applies to members who are retiring as well as resigning from the school system. As such, we are reaching out to share a revised DINR application schedule for those WTU members affected by the communication error.

Please note, WTU members receiving this communication who submit a DINR application by May 26, 2023, and do in fact leave the school district of their own accord at the conclusion of the school year, shall be eligible for a one-time $1,000 bonus payable by September 30, 2023. Members receiving this communication who do not submit the DINR application by May 26, 2023, at 5 PM, and voluntarily separate from DCPS during the 2022-2023 school year or at any point before or during the 2023-2024 school year, may be required to pay a $1,000 penalty fine to DCPS.

The DINR application will serve as your resignation letter and the effective date of separation will be June 26, 2023 (10-month WTU employees), July 5, 2023 (11-month WTU employees), or July 7, 2023 (12-month WTU employees). This date ensures you will receive all owed payments.

If you intend to return to DCPS for the 2023-2024 school year, you do not need to take action. 

To participate in the 2023 DINR process, please apply online here: Resignations and Retirement Application.    

Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Offboarding team at [email protected]. 

2023 DC Literacy Education Survey

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is collecting information from DC stakeholders on literacy education, training, and instruction in Washington, D.C.
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

In the News

• As $190 billion in covid relief runs out, schools face tough decisions - The Washington Post
• For D.C.'s Duke Ellington youth, 'Animal Farm' lessons hit close to home - The Washington Post
• Two-sport athletes are common. But she plays both in the same season. - The Washington Post

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Representative Assembly Meeting April 11 at 4:30 pm

All members are invited to attend. Only building reps and delegates can participate and vote in the meeting and should join with a separate link emailed to them.

Join via Zoom.

Teacher Leader Survey on the Impact of Mayoral Control 

Impact of Mayoral Control Survey

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:
2023 WTU ELECTIONS
(REPEATED FROM LAST WEEK)

The Elections Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions:

1. MD/DC AFL-CIO
2. AFT Convention Delegate
3. Elections Committee

Petitions are due by 5pm Friday April 28, 2023. The official Elections notice and petitions are linked.

2023 Elections Notice, AFT & MD/DC Petition, Election Committee Petition

Petitions may be dropped off or mailed to the WTU Office at 1239 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003. More information will be shared in next week's brew about the petition submission process. Here are the procedures for submission of petitions in person or by mail. 

We want to ensure that all dues paying WTU members can exercise their right to vote. If you do not have a personal email address and phone number on file with the WTU please email Ms. Valerie Kilby at [email protected]. 

If you have any questions about the upcoming elections you can email the WTU Elections Committee at [email protected]

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, April 3, 2023

WTU continues to wish members a Blessed Ramadan. This week, we would also like wish members a Joyful and Happy Passover and a Blessed and Holy Easter.

We hope that WTU members will join us at the exciting celebrations and events we have planned this spring:

• APRIL 10^TH, Monday – Free Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and a Celebration of Library Month @4:30pm at WTU
• APRIL 11^TH, Tuesday – WTU Representative Assembly Meeting  
• APRIL 13TH, Thursday – WTU Contract Town Hall (virtual) from 4:30pm – 6:00pm
• APRIL 24^TH, Monday – Know Your Rights Workshop with Librarians (virtual) @ 5:00pm  (School Library Month)
• MAY 4^TH, Thursday – President Pogue Lyons Meeting with WTU Building Reps
• MAY 5^TH Friday – Teacher Appreciation Celebration @ Coolidge HS 4:00 – 7:00pm
• MAY 10^TH, Wednesday – WTU Retirement Seminar (virtual) @ 5:00pm
• MAY 17^TH, Wednesday – Know Your Rights Workshop by Former DCPS Investigator (virtual) @ 4:30pm
• MAY 20^TH, Saturday – WTU Teacher Leader Symposium @ Kimball ES, 9:00am
• JUNE 26^TH - 30^TH – WTU Professional Development Summer Institute, Kimball ES

Contract Training

Contract Training will take place on April 5^th & 6^th for any WTU members who are interested in learning about contract negotiations.

Please complete this form by 6pm Monday, April 3^rd if you plan on attending the training.

Contract Training

Date: April 5-6

Time: 4:30-8:00

Place: AFT, 555 New Jersey Ave NW

The Current CBA is available below. The end of the document has the new salary scale.
PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

2023 WTU ELECTIONS

The Elections Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions:

1. MD/DC AFL-CIO
2. AFT Convention Delegate
3. Elections Committee

Petitions are due by 5pm Friday April 28, 2023. The official Elections notice and petitions are linked.

2023 Elections Notice, AFT & MD/DC Petition, Election Committee Petition

Petitions may be dropped off or mailed to the WTU Office at 1239 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003. More information will be shared in next week's brew about the petition submission process. Here are the procedures for submission of petitions in person or by mail. 

We want to ensure that all dues paying WTU members can exercise their right to vote. If you do not have a personal email address and phone number on file with the WTU please email Ms. Valerie Kilby at [email protected]. 

If you have any questions about the upcoming elections you can email the WTU Elections Committee at [email protected]

School Librarians Month!

Please take this opportunity to celebrate school librarians, who help students find resources they need to learn outside of the classroom and create a positive and encouraging learning environment.

School Budget Hearing

Let the Council hear your teacher voice about your school’s budget!

Committee Hearing Signup: Education. Sign-Up by 5PM TODAY!

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

In the news

Congressman calls D.C. schools ‘inmate factories’ and unites a city

D.C.'s Coolidge High and Trinity U. join forces to get more students to college - The Washington Post

Congratulations to McKinley Tech’s Robotics Team who competed at regional competitions in Alexandria and Blacksburg, VA. These competitions combine the excitement of sports with the rigor of science and technology. Students are challenged to build an industrial-sized robot. Teamwork and cooperation are key. The team won in Blacksburg in part because of their teamwork.

The team also traveled to an Electric Vehicle Grand Prix competition at the University of Abu Dhabi. The trip was sponsored by the Global EEE, a non-profit organization that promotes Education, Energy efficiency and Environmental consciousness.

The team is coached by Ken Lesley, director of Engineering at McKinley Tech.  Several members of the team have their sights on attending MIT, Ken’s alma mater.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 27, 2023

We'd like to thank everyone who attended the 2023 Shared Vision Conference this weekend. 

We had many great sessions, all for professional learning credits, as well as a great conversation with many of our city's elected leaders. Our special thanks to AFT President Randi Weingarten for sharing her insights into the challenges the WTU has faced and our exciting path forward! We recognize that the retirement session continues to be popular and we plan to hold an additional virtual session in the coming weeks.

CONTRACT TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Please join us for an upcoming session to make your voice heard in our upcoming negotiations for a new contract!

The Current CBA is available below. The end of the document has the new salary scale.
PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

2023 WTU ELECTIONS

The Elections Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions:

1. MD/DC AFL-CIO
2. AFT Convention Delegate
3. Elections Committee

Petitions are due by 5pm Friday April 28, 2023. The official Elections notice and petitions are below:

Social Work Month 2023

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - Friday, March 31, 2023

Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.

National Social Workers Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday in March.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Teacher Leader Mental Health Survey

Click here to take the survey

Survey on the social studies task force

Click here to take the survey

In the news

• DC Begins School Boundary Study | HillRag
• DC bill seeks assign a public safety director at high schools | wusa9.com

School Budgets

Let the Council hear your teacher voice about your school’s budget!

Committee Hearing Signup: Education (google.com)

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 20, 2023

Pay Check for March 24^th

President Pogue Lyons has been in touch with leaders from DC & DCPS to ensure that all teachers receive their raise plus 4% bonus on Friday, March 24^th.  New salaries were loaded into the system this week and into the weekend. Your salary under the new contract will be available for your review in Peoplesoft by Tuesday, March 21th.  We will continue to update you as information becomes available.

Contract Town Hall

Share your input for the next CBA Town Halls in Ward 5 and Ward 6/7.

The Current CBA is available below. The end of the document has the new salary scale.
PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)

NEWS FROM THE WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE:

2023 WTU ELECTIONS

The Elections Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions:

1. MD/DC AFL-CIO
2. AFT Convention Delegate
3. Elections Committee

Petitions are due by 5pm Friday April 28, 2023. The official Elections notice and petitions are available here: 2023 Elections Notice, AFT & MD/DC Petition, Election Committee Petition

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - Friday, March 31, 2023

Social Work Month 2023

Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.

National Social Workers Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday in March.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Teacher Leader Mental Health Survey

Survey on the social studies task force

Click here to take the survey

In the news

• DC Councilmember to introduce new bill to recruit, retain teachers
• Nearby shooting locks down DC school with chancellor inside | wusa9.com
• DC educators grapple with the impact that youth violence is having on students
• Kennedy Street Documentary by Duke Ellington Students
• DC school celebrates Pi Day the way it’s intended - WTOP News
• Schools sue social media companies over youth mental health crisis

Teacher Retention Bill Introduced by Councilmember Robert White

Educator Retention for Student Success Act of 2023.pdf (dropbox.com)

School Budgets

Let the Council hear your teacher voice about your school’s budget!

Committee Hearing Signup: Education (google.com)

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, March 13, 2023

Representative Assembly Meeting

Tuesday, March 14 @ 4:30

We encourage all members to attend the Representative Assembly Meeting; however, only building reps and delegates may participate and vote.

Via Zoom.  
Passcode: 220352

A report from WTU DCPS Secondary Grading Committee will be discussed at the rep assembly meeting. Click here to view.

Contract Town Hall

Share your input for the next CBA at the Ward 7 & Ward 4 Town Halls

Current CBA is available via the link below. The end of the document has the new salary scale.
PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)

In memory Mark McCants

The WTU would like to extend our condolences to the family of Mark McCants, first grade elementary school teacher at Stoddert Elementary School for his sudden loss. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - Friday, March 31, 2023

Social Work Month 2023

Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.

National Social Workers Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday in March.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The theme for Social Work Month 2023 is Social Work Breaks Barriers.

President Pogue Lyons at rally for Fairfax County teachers to get collective bargaining rights.

Admin Premium Pay

The admin premium rate has been corrected.  The HR team will submit a retro request to pay the difference due to employees. Please keep track of your admin premium hours and let your field representative know if there are any issues.

DCPS in the News

• https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/anacostia-high-breaks-ground-on-greenhouse-to-grow-food-for-the-community/3294049/
  SEE IT: GW surprises DC high school senior with full scholarship (msn.com)
  
  

School Budgets

Let the Council hear your teacher voice about your school’s budget! Committee Hearing Signup: Education (google.com)

There is a form you can fill out on the Mayor's Budget Engagement webpage: https://mayor.dc.gov/page/2023-budget-engagement-forums. Providing comments in the education section is very quick and easy to do. If you're looking for inspiration, suggested language is below: 

Our community's elementary, middle and high schools are facing deep cuts under the Mayor's proposed budget. The cuts can only be addressed through the elimination of staff, and this is coming at a time when our schools are already stressed to meet the needs of students. Please address the shortfall and fully fund all DCPS schools.

There are also Council oversight meetings scheduled for April 5 -- you can find more details at https://chairmanmendelson.com/testify. Click here to register to speak: Committee Hearing Signup: Education) You can also email the chancellor and copy your Ward and At-Large Councilmembers and encourage them to fully find DCPS. Click here for contact information.

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 27, 2023

Contract Town Hall

Share your input for the next CBA at Ward 3 Town Hall

• March 7^th Deal MS, 4:30-6:00 pm.

Current CBA is here: PR25-0063-Introduction.pdf (dccouncil.gov)
The end of the document has the new salary scale

Please join us at an upcoming Contract Town Hall to tell us what you and your school community would like to see in the next CBA.

School Budgets

Many schools are not receiving sufficient funding in their school budgets. Please get your community involved!

There is a form you can fill out on the Mayor's Budget Engagement webpage: https://mayor.dc.gov/page/2023-budget-engagement-forums. Providing comments in the education section is very quick and easy to do. If you're looking for inspiration, suggested language is below: 

Our community's elementary, middle and high schools are facing deep cuts under the Mayor's proposed budget. The cuts can only be addressed through the elimination of staff, and this is coming at a time when our schools are already stressed to meet the needs of students. Please address the shortfall and fully fund all DCPS schools.

You can submit written testimony to past and future budget hearings by emailing [email protected], or record a statement (up to 3 minutes long) via voicemail by calling 202-430-6948 - written and recorded statements for the Feb. 24th hearing on the DCPS budget will be made part of the official record for the hearing and will be accepted until 5pm on Friday March 10.

There are also additional Council oversight meetings scheduled on April 5th -- you can find more details at https://chairmanmendelson.com/testify. You can still submit written testimony for the hearing that was held on 3/1 and there is still time to register to testify live for the 4/5 hearing (click here: Committee Hearing Signup: Education) You can also email the chancellor and copy your Ward and At-Large Councilmembers and encourage them to fully find DCPS. Click here for contact information.

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

Admin Premium Pay

A change in the admin premium rates started on February 8^th and some teachers are not being paid the correct rate for admin premium. The matter is being worked on by DCPS Human Resources and OCTO to confirm which Payroll codes for teachers didn’t process correctly and making those changes. Once that is completed, there’ll be a plan as how to pay out the rate difference. Please keep track of your admin premium hours.

Survey for School Psychologists

School Psychologist Job Retention Ideas survey: https://forms.gle/TL8E5oG47mbuEamw6

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 27, 2023

Contract Town Hall

Please join us at an upcoming Contract Town Hall to tell us what you and your school community would like to see in the next CBA.

• March 2^nd CBA Town Hall at Anacostia HS, 4:30-6:00pm
• March 7^th CBA Town Hall at Deal MS, 4:30-6:00pm

In memory

Mark McCants, teacher at Stoddert Elementary passed away suddenly on Feb 19^th

School Budgets

Last week, President Pogue Lyons testified at the Council oversight hearing on the School Year 2023-2034 budgets, along with dozens of parents and advocates. The official record for the hearing is open for two weeks and we encourage you to submit any concerns you have with your budget to the Council via email [email protected] or contact LeKisha Jordan, Senior Policy Advisor, at (202) 724-8137.

You can find your proposed budget at https://DCPSbudget.com, speak with your LSAT about your school’s budget. Thanks to volunteer analysts, and advocates, here are the schools budgets in a workable format.

We also ask that you contact your Field Representative if you have concerns or if your LSAT has not met. Please note that LSAT meetings are subject to Open Meeting Act regulations, meaning they are open for all to attend (though only LSAT members are allowed to speak, unless the LSAT votes to allow non-member participation).

DC Council – Education Oversight Hearing

Please Sign-up here to testify at the DC Council’s oversight hearing on the performance of Education Agencies (Public Witnesses) during the 2022-2023 year. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 9:30am. The deadline to register is 5pm on Monday, February 27, 2023.

Teacher Leader Survey on Professional Development

Please click here to take a survey on Professional Development for one of the WTU’s Teacher Leaders.

DCPS in the news

• Enrollment Season Compels Conversation About Educational Equity - The Washington Informer
• Black Male Teachers Represent 2 Percent of Education Workforce - The Washington Informer
• Council Clashes with DCPS on Budget Deadlines and Transparency  - The Washington Informer
• D.C. public school budget proposal criticized for cuts - The Washington Post
• D.C. schools granted millions in contracts without required council approval - The Washington Post
  
  

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

Here's What's Brewing Today

Monday, February 13, 2023

Last week the DC Council voted unanimously to approve the WTU’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. You can expect to receive the following increases to your base salary, effective October 1 of each of the following years:

• 2.0 percent in fiscal year 2020;
• 2.5 percent in fiscal year 2021;
• 3.5 percent in fiscal year 2022; and
• 4.0 percent in fiscal year 2023 and 4% retention bonus on March 24.

There will be a delay in the retroactive pay because it requires a supplemental budget submission that the Council will vote on in May. You should receive that payment on May 19. Full details are available here: Memorandum: Washington Teachers’ Union Collective Bargaining Agreement Compensation

While we should pause to celebrate this achievement and the impact it will have on teachers and students, we still have a lot of work ahead. This agreement will end on September 30, 2023 and our schools continue to face many challenges. I hope that you’ll join us for the next Representative Assembly on Tuesday, February 14 at 4:30 PM to learn more about our plans for to gather input for our next contract through surveys and town halls.

Rep Assembly February 14 @ 4:30

Join Via Zoom. Passcode: 220352

Education Town Hall

AFT President Randi Weingarten will be participating in an educator town hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders. Complete this form if you’d like to attend the town hall on February 13^th at 7:15 PM with Randi Weingarten & Sen Bernie Sanders in person.
RSVP: Sen. Sanders' Town Hall with educators at the US Capitol (office.com)

WTU Spring 2023 Professional Development

Early Bird Pricing Ends Friday!

WTU courses are researched-based, peer-to-peer and solutions-driven courses. Successfully completing a class helps you fulfill re-certification requirements. Most courses offer 45 Professional Learning Units (PLUs) that can be used towards recertification. Alternatively, most -but not all- of the courses offer 3 Trinity University graduate credits that you can use towards re-certification instead of using the PLUs.

This spring we will be offering the following professional development courses:

• Reading Comprehension Instruction taught by Euyln Thomas
• Praxis Bootcamp – All Content taught by Nadia Torney
• SEL for Adults taught by Dr. Persephone Brown
• National Board Certification taught by Maria C. Angala
• Accessibility Literacy Framework taught by Natalie Porter McCuistion
• Beginning Reading Instruction taught by WTU President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons & Joann Cornish

Learn More:  Spring 2023 - Professional Development Courses - WTU Local 6

Educators’ Night Out at the National’s Children’s Museum, February 15^th

Educators' Night Out at National Children's Museum (nationalchildrensmuseum.org)

School Counselor’s Week

The WTU will celebrate School Counselors with food, gifts and prizes on Monday, February 27^th at 4:15, McKinley Middle School. Please RSVP to Janice Brown Parker at [email protected]

WTU Surveys

• Secondary Grading Policy Taskforce Feedback
• Please complete this form if you are having problems with pay, FMLA or insurance.
• Please complete this form to report facility concerns.
  
  

DCPS in the news

D.C. is changing its 'archaic' social studies curriculum. Here's how. - The Washington Post

D.C. schools granted millions in contracts without required council approval - The Washington Post

Perspective | For D.C. teacher Bill Webb, school picture day went on for years - The Washington Post

Teacher Pay Raises Approved by the Council, with Speedy Action on Next Contract Also Urged • Council of the District of Columbia (dccouncil.gov)

Some DC Leaders Want To Keep School Resource Officers | WAMU

Mental Health

Parents worry that their kids might struggle with anxiety and depression, report says : NPR

U.S. Surgeon General on Importance of Youth Mental Health | C-SPAN.org

Scholarship opportunity for high school students who live in either Ward 5, 7, 8

The TraRon Center

PD and other opportunities from OSSE

LEA Look Forward for Feb. 10, 2023 | osse (dc.gov)

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