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BTF News & Alerts
09/19/17 - Buffalo Teachers Federation Evening of Solidarity 08/29/17 - We are partnering with the Buffalo Red Cross to help those who so desperately need our help - Help for Houston Memo 08/17/17 - New York State Education Commissioner Elia has removed Carl Paladino from the Buffalo Board of Education - Good News Memo 07/19/17 - City Hall Administrators are committed to violating agreements, spreading false and misleading information and turning teachers against you and the District - More False and Misleading Statements by Darren Brown 07/12/17 - District and Superintendent Violations of MOUs and Lack of Honor Memo 06/23/17 - Administrators Changing Student Grades/Marks 06/22/17 - Memo to Dr. Kriner Cash, Superintendent, BPS "You have wanted a war - - you have one" Email Attachment Memo 06/22/17 - BTF Certification Flyer - From 6/22/2017 Emailing 06/21/17 - More Bad Faith Memo - To Dr, Kriner Cash, Superintendent, BPS 06/09/17 - Latest correspondence to the District regarding Transfer Day - FYI Memo 06/06/17 - Special Education teachers who arrived at the “Transfer Day” meeting yesterday were informed that the seniority list that we had forwarded to them from the District were incorrect - Incorrect Seniority Lists Memo 05/25/17 - Certified Voting Results for the 2017 Election of BTF Officers - BTF Election Results Memo 05/24/17 - We continue to receive complaints relating to school conversations/interviews - New Transfer Procedure Memo 05/24/17 - The draft grade reporting timeline is attached for the 2017-2018 school year - Draft Grade Reporting Timeline Memo 05/17/17 - Please see the attached letter that was sent to the District. We believe the Professional Conversation Form can only be accessed by teachers who applied for a transfer - FYI - Transfer Process Memo 05/12/17 - Memo: Williamsville Board of Education Election 05/11/17 - Memo: Additional Costs of Adding Minutes to Teachers' Schedules of Schools #3, #59, and #89 05/08/17 - Free Bridge Lessons for Students - Flyer 05/08/17 - Memo: Rally in Support of New Administrator's Contract 05/08/17 - Memo: Receivership Power or Principles relating to Voluntary and Involuntary Transfers 05/03/17 - Memo: More Legal Action Against District 05/03/17 - Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra "Kids Take Over Kleinhans" Series memo and ticket request form 05/03/17 - Legal Action Against District Memo 04/28/17 - Friday Email - Special Education Problems Memo 04/26/17 - Books for Kids Drive - Please consider donating books to the W.B.L.K. radio station’s “Books for Kids” drive. In conjunction with Project Flight, the goal is to collect books so that all WNY area children can enjoy the gift of reading. We are collecting books from Pre-K – 12. You may drop your donations off at the BTF office no later than Monday, May 1st. 04/24/17 - Trial Transfer Process - Copy of email sent - Email Attachment 04/18/17 - Approved 2017-2018 School Calendar Memo 04/03/17 - The BTF has filed a Federation (class action) grievance, BTF 16-113, regarding teachers’ use of the contractual death in the immediate family benefit - Death in the Immediate Family Contractual Benefit Aka Bereavement Leave Memo 03/31/17 - APPR Document Memo - We have double underlined some of the parts that have not been understood by some administrators. 03/27/17 - As you know from our previous emails, the New York State Senate budget bill will devastate our schools. Please contact the legislators – especially our New York State Republican Senators - New York State Budget Alert – A Possible Disaster for Schools Memo 03/24/17 - Again this year, the BTF is offering all Buffalo Public School parents/guardians, BTF members, and their children an opportunity to attend the BPO “Kids Take over Kleinhans” - Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra “Kids Take Over Kleinhans” Series Memo 03/23/17 - BTF Supports New City Honors Admissions Policy 03/23/17 - In 2005, the District abruptly and inappropriately laid off its attendance teachers - Request for Information – Upcoming Arbitration Hearing - Classroom teachers performing attendance teacher duties 03/21/17 - When the District first contemplated moving to an electronic swipe card payroll system, the BTF filed grievance BTF 14-124 - Request for Information – Upcoming Grievance Hearing BTF 14-124 03/20/17 - Phil Rebuts Buffalo News “Editorial” 03/20/17 - In recent years, the District has found itself failing to meet the physical education requirements established by the New York State Education Department - Request for Information – Upcoming Arbitration Hearing BTF 13-064 03/13/17 - We have been informed that teachers are having problems retrieving student information from eDoctrina to complete their SLO’s - Updates Memo - 03/13/2017 03/03/17 - As you know, the BTF is in strong support of the Opt-Out movement to protect our children from - Updates Memo 02/15/17 - The District was prepared to notify many schools by February 1, 2017 that their schedules would be changed in order to comply with the Commissioner's and our contract timelines - Starting/Ending Time Changes 01/23/17 - Please contact our U. S. State Senator and members of the House of Representatives seeking their commitment to vote and lobby against the appointment of Betsy DeVos - Stop the Betsy DeVos Appointment Memo 01/20/17 - BTF Authorizes Legal Action to Remove Carl Paladino - BTF Press Release 01/06/17 - WE WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD ADVISE US OF ANY SUCH OCCURRENCES BY TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017 - Board Member Carl Paladino’s Statements Memo 01/06/17 - RESOLUTION PASSED BY THE BUFFALO TEACHERS FEDERATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 01/04/17 - We are hearing of concerns that have arisen in schools relating to the reported statements of Board of Education member Carl Paladino - Board Member Carl Paladino’s Statements Memo 01/03/17 - The New York State Education Department has approved our APPR Plan - APPR Approval by NYSED Memo 12/20/16 - Final version of the Teacher Evaluation Document and the Further Examples of Observations Based Upon the Approved Rubric Indicators Document - APPR Memo 12/14/16 - We have reached a tentative APPR agreement with the District that under the new law must be in effect and approved by NYSED prior to January 2017 or the District will lose $50,000,000 in State Aid - APPR – Tentative Agreement Memo 12/09/16 - We have reached a tentative agreement with the District and presented the components to our all-teacher committee (20 teachers were present) - APPR, Teacher Absenteeism Updates Memo 11/17/16 - We have heard different stories relating to our students’ reactions to the Presidential election - Post-Election Observations Memo 11/15/16 - We continue to receive complaints relating to oversized classes - mostly in the elementary schools but also in the secondary (7-12) schools - Class Size Excess Memo 10/26/16 - As expected, the Albany New York State Supreme Court has upheld the State Education Department and New York State in our challenge to Receivership - Adverse Receivership Decision Memo 10/22/16 - While everyone is grateful that all of what are called “Hold Steps” have finally been removed, there are still questions as to the impact of their removal - “Hold Steps” Memo 10/19/16 - While no contract ever provides everything every person wants, we believe our new contract addresses major shortfalls in the 1999-2004 contract - Contract Overview Memo 10/15/16** - COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND BUFFALO TEACHERS FEDERATION ** The date on this email, October 15, 2017, is obviously incorrect since we did not settle the contract until after 11 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2016, ratify and signed the contract until October 17, 2016. Indeed, my letter is dated October 17, 2016. We have also verified via our computer logs that this was sent on October 17, 2016 at 10:46 pm. There was an attempt by Mr. Paladino's attorneys to use this email, apparently as evidence that we had breached confidentiality and published information from their executive session. We will not correct the date at this time. We don't want to be accused of tampering with evidence. 10/14/16 - While it has been well publicized by the BTF and the media, just a reminder that there will be an all member meeting on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. - All Membership Meeting Memo 10/13/16 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk - Location Change Flyer 10/11/16 - The BTF will be presenting a visual point-by-point slide-by-slide rebuttal to the distorted and incorrect teacher compensation presentation at the last Board of Education meeting - Reminder - Stop the Lies Demonstration Memo 09/29/16 - One of the largest BTF Solidarity Rallies in history took place yesterday - Solidarity! Solidarity! Solidarity! Memo 09/28/16 - We still have not received the number of teacher rally participates from some of the schools on the attached Rally Tally Report - Rally Attendance Memo 09/28/16 - While up to today, negotiations were going well, negotiations did not go well today - Negotiations Update Memo 09/27/16 - BTF Participation in Making Stride Against Breast Cancer Walk 09/27/16 - Although many schools have not reported their projected teacher attendance at the rally on Wednesday, September 28 at 4 pm, we will be emailing the list of schools and their reported teacher commitments later today - Rally Roll Call List Memo 09/26/16 - The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has released proposed changes to the Common Core Requirements - Revised Common Core Memo 09/26/16 - Please share this invitation with any newly hired teachers in your building - New Member Orientation Memo 09/23/16 - Error in Extended Pay Plan Deductions - PLEASE READ 09/20/16 - We will be sending this update to all members every couple of days so you can compare how your school turnout for our September 28th rally compares to other schools - Solidarity Rally Tally Memo 09/19/16 - Arbitrator, Michael S. Lewandowski has ruled that the Board of Education violated our contract by unilaterally removing the cosmetic surgery benefit from our contract - Cosmetic Surgery Coverage - Arbitration Decision Memo 09/19/16 - After meeting with our full negotiating team on September 14, 2016, we presented our counter proposals to the District on September 15, 2016 - Negotiations Update Memo 09/12/16 - Remember September 13, 2016 is Primary Day. Most important elections are won or lost in the primaries. Please take the time to vote. Primary Election Memo 09/12/16 - Negotiations/Cosmetic Surgery Rider Updates Memo 09/02/16 - Updates Memo - COSMETIC SURGERY RIDER, NEGOTIATIONS, SOLIDARITY 08/31/16 - As you may know, Dr. Peter Loehr and Bruce Boissonnault have been conducting school climate surveys of teachers of all schools for the last three year - School Climate Survey Memo 08/25/16 - Teacher Solidarity Memo - BTF/SCHOOL SOLIDARITY – ENTERING SCHOOLS TOGETHER - CITY HALL RALLY 08/09/16 - Buffalo School District Found Guilty of Bad Faith Negotiations with BTF. Charges Against BTF Rejected (Court Decision) (Press Release) 07/26/16 - Negotiations, Cosmetic Surgery Rider and Teachers Interviewing Other Teachers Updates - Updates Memo 07/21/16 - Administrative changes that were made by the Board at their meeting on July 19, 2016 - FYI Administrative Changes Memo 07/14/16 - The Board’s vindictive assaults on two (2) of the Riverside teachers have been dismissed by the appointed hearing officer - Update - Riverside Teachers Vindicated Memo 07/08/16 - We have just been informed by the District that reimbursement checks for the Extended Pay Plan deductions - Extended Pay Plan Deductions Memo 07/07/16 - In working with the two banks involved and the District, it is our understanding that the Extended Pay Plan monies, deducted by the District in error - Extended Pay Plan Update of Two Previous Emails Memo 07/05/16 - Teach For America 06/29/16 - COURT REBUFFS SCHOOL BOARD’S ATTEMPT TO UNILATERALLY REMOVE NEGOTIATED BENEFIT FROM TEACHERS’ CONTRACT - June 29, 2016 Press Release 06/28/16 - Since there still seems to be some confusion relating to site-based management teams (SBMT’s), we have included the Board Approved document.. Site-Based Document Memo 06/21/16 - Teachers on the site-based teams are being asked to support various after-school providers for their school - After School “Partners” Memo 06/17/16 - We still need more examples of cosmetic surgery scheduled that we can use to show "irreparable harm" for our Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) - Cosmetic Surgery Rider - More Information Needed 06/09/16 - We will be filing charges against the District as well as filing the required grievance - Cosmetic Surgery Rider – The Latest Attack on Teachers 06/10/16 - THE BTF WILL NOT BE BULLIED - June 10, 2016 Preliminary Meeting Memo 06/08/16 - Here is a copy of the latest demonstration of bad faith negotiations that was proposed by the current Board majority - Negotiations Update Memo 05/26/16 - Help Verizon Strikers! 05/19/16 - I am excited to inform you that for the fourth year, each student in Buffalo Public Schools will be receiving a new book - First Book Memo 05/17/16 - Solidarity – BTF Elections Memo 05/16/16 - BTF Updates Memo 05/10/16 - Celebrate With The Buffalo Teachers Federation Our Many Victories Flyer 05/09/16 - Last Call - Special Education Problems Memo 05/05/16 - THEY ARE THERE FOR US. WE WILL BE THERE FOR THEM. The battle Verizon Workers are fighting is for all of labor - Solidarity with Verizon Workers Memo 05/04/16 - We did it!! Against all odds, we elected a school board majority that will work with teachers in the interests of our students. - Victory Memo 04/28/16 - The Buffalo Students Deserve campaign's next event is a rally to be held outside City Hall on Saturday, April 30, 2016 - Buffalo Students Deserve Rally Memo 04/27/16 - This was emailed to The Buffalo News. Let's see if it is printed or how it is "modified" - Op-Ed Article Memo 04/13/16 - District proposes two calendars for the 2016-2017 school year - ACTION REQUESTED! - Proposed School Calendar Memo 04/13/16 - In case you missed this article in The Buffalo News; Buffalo school funding advocates taking it to the streets 04/06/16 - We are hearing of some outrageous stories relating to what some administrators are inflicting on students who are “opting-out” of the New York State assessments - Opt-Out “Horror” Stories Memo 03/16/16 - Send your New York State Legislators a message - Call to Action Memo 03/15/16 - The Superintendent and some current members of the Board of Education have apparently decided to stonewall our negotiations in hope of breaking our solidarity - Negotiations/Opt-Out Update Memo 03/09/16 - In our unrelenting fight against Receivership and invalidated, inappropriate and student demoralizing testing, the BTF Executive Committee passed... - BTF/NYSUT Attack Receivership Memo 03/09/16 - In order to both follow-up on the important work that was started as well as providing opportunities to those who did not attend we are offering a Make-up Session and Follow-up Session - Spring Break with BTF (Summit Make-Up) Memo 03/09/16 - Reminder - United Teachers of Flint - BTF/Flint – We Care Initiative Memo - NOTE: Teachers can give checks to delegates who will be attending the Council of Delegates meeting tomorrow 03/01/16 - There is much confusion relating to the recently reported Receivership/Priority School lists - New Receivership/Priority Schools List Memo 02/26/16 - We have been in contact with the United Teachers of Flint to determine how we can help - BTF/Flint – We Care Initiative Memo 02/26/16 - Due to retirements, there are two vacancies on the BTF Executive Committee - Executive Committee Vacancies Memo 02/23/16 - BTF is offering all Buffalo Public School parents/guardians, BTF members, and their children an opportunity to attend the BPO “Kids Take over Kleinhans” - BPO “Kids Take over Kleinhans Memo 02/22/16 - A BTF activist summit was held the weekend of February 5th and 6th. In order to both follow-up on the important work that was started as well as providing opportunities to those who did not attend we are offering the following session - BTF – Member Activist Summit Memo 02/10/16 - By-law Change - Please Post 02/09/16 - In case you missed this - They actually did not cut it very much! - Buffalo News Editorial Memo 02/09/16 - The BTF has been working to overturn this vindictive anti-student, anti-teacher legislation - BTF Legal Challenge to Receivership Filed Memo 02/08/16 - Reminder - United We Stand Solidarity Protest 02/05/06 - Receivership Resolution Passed by NYSUT Memo 02/04/16 - We have been informed that there may have been instances where an administrator(s) may have sought to obtain additional substitute teachers by exaggerating the number of days a teacher will be at an in-service and not in school - Legal Alert Memo 02/03/16 - United We Stand Solidarity Protest 02/02/16 - We are beginning to hear of some outrageous actions being taken by some administrators - Receivership Actions Taken By Administrators and District Memo 02/02/16 - The District is seeking teacher input on the proposed attendance policy - Proposed District Attendance Policy Memo 01/29/16 - Negotiations Update Memo 01/20/16 - PAC Update, Solidarity & Activist Summit Memo 01/20/16 - Due to a clerical error, a candidate for NYSUT Delegate to the NYSUT Representative Assembly was left off the ballot. Please do not mail any of the ballots you have - NYSUT Delegate Election Memo 01/19/16 - For those schools and other teachers who have not sent in their forms as of today, the registration deadline for the Activist Summit that will be held on Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th has been extended until Friday, January 22nd - Activist Summit: Registration Deadline Extended Memo 01/14/16 - While most have read the Commissioner’s December 22, 2015 decision on the District’s submission relating to the twenty Receivership schools, there is still a little confusion relating to them. Here is a summary of her decision - Receivership – Commissioners December 22, 2015 Decision Memo 12/23/15 - Three Gifts - Story By Phil Rumore 12/18/15 - Kissing Bridge - Buffalo Teachers Federation Day Trip Information 12/11/15 - While the New York Common Core Task Force Final Report addresses many of the absurd anti-teaching and anti-learning edicts, it is only a report - Common Core Task Force Report Memo 12/07/15 - We want to ensure that we have an accurate record of teacher assaults - Teacher Assaults Memo 11/23/15 - WHAT THE BOARD SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR - A Time of Thanks Memo to the Members of the Board of Education 11/18/15 - BTF alerts our National affiliates of the disastrous national implications of NYS's Receivership legislation - Correspondence to President Lily Eskelsen Garcia - Correspondence to President Randi Weingarten 11/13/15 - We have just been notified that we have received the APPR waiver from NYSED. This means that APPR negotiations do not have to be completed until March 2016 and effective September 2016 - APPR Memo 11/13/15 - WE NEED A MASSIVE DISPLAY OF SOLIDARITY - The Board of Education will meet with its negotiating team to discuss our negotiations on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. We must be there to show our anger with their insulting offers - CRITICAL RALLY - A NEW CONTRACT!! RECEIVERSHIP!! Flyer 11/13/15 - The Buffalo Teachers Federation's Friend of Education Award Presented to Diane Ravitch 11/10/15 - We will be reviewing the Commissioner's Receivership decision relating to the five Receivership Schools - Commissioner's Receivership Decision Memo 11/05/15 - The Buffalo Teachers Federation’s Annual THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE is just around the corner! - Thanksgiving Food Drive Flyer 11/02/15 - The Superintendent/District has gone to the Commissioner seeking to impose unacceptable, vindictive and absurd changes to our contract in Receivership schools - District's Submission to Commissioner Memo 10/30/15 - Today, we were advised that PERB has tentatively scheduled November 24th as our next negotiating session - Negotiations Update Memo 10/21/15 - We encourage teachers to support the effort of the BPTO and add your name to the petition for a revision of the 2008 District’s Parent Involvement Policy - BPTO Petition Memo 10/20/15 - We received a copy of the Superintendent's initial Receivership submission relating to the modifications of our contract - Superintendent’s Receivership Proposal Memo 10/20/15 - We received word last evening that the deadline to submit SLOs/LMAs had been extended to Friday, October 30, 2015 - Extended SLO/LMA Deadline Memo 10/19/15 - The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is apparently putting pressure on the District to have SLOs and LMAs completed in October - SLOs/LMAs Memo 10/16/15 - We just received notification from the District that progress reports are due on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 4:00 pm and that this has been posted on Infinite Campus - Progress Report Memo 10/15/15 - Please join us for BTF Family Day at Becker Farms - Click Here for Flyer 10/09/15 - BTF RALLY TO PROTEST THE WRONGFUL SUSPENSION OF FIVE (5) RIVERSIDE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TEACHERS AND THE SUPERINTENDENT CALLING BUFFALO TEACHERS “DREGS” - BTF Rally Memo 09/30/15 - Kissing Bridge Packages for BTF Members - Kissing Bridge Flyer 09/28/15 - Rally in Support of Riverside Social Studies Department Wrongly Placed on Administrative Leave - Solidarity Rally - Riverside Teachers Memo 09/25/15 - The Buffalo Teachers Federation will again participate in the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Walk on SATURDAY, October 17, 2015 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 09/24/15 - We will resume negotiations on Monday, September 28 and Monday, October 5, 2015. Once again as a demonstration of our solidarity, on September 28th and on October 5, we are asking that all teachers wear blue with the BTF logo. - Solidarity Demonstration 09/23/15 - Friedrichs/Supreme Court Info AFT Wisconsin Warning Video: https://www.hightail.com/download/bXBaWWV0NmNiV3lVbDhUQw (takes about 60 seconds to download) The Hidden Trail - Campbell Brown - Friedrich Slides 09/22/15 - The long-awaited Board of Regents meetings are over - Regents Meeting Update Memo 09/14/15 - All that we are permitted to relate about Friday’s negotiations is that we met and have scheduled two more meetings with PERB, September 28th and October 5th - Negotiations Update and Receivership Memo 09/10/15 - REMINDER - Solidarity Demonstration/Remembrance 09/09/15 - APPR APPEALS INFORMATION IS LOCATED IN THE APPR TAB 09/04/15 - We will resume negotiations with the District and the PERB Director of Conciliation on Friday, September 11, 2015 - Solidarity Demonstration/Remembrance Memo 09/03/15 - Cuomo: Common Core 'is not working, and must be fixed' 09/03/15 - Approximately 1089 composite APPR scores for Buffalo Teachers with multiple SLO/LMA scores were calculated incorrectly - Incorrect Composite Scores Memo 09/02/15 - Responses to Recent Teacher Inquiries - September 2, 2015 Memo 08/27/15 - Administrative changes that were approved on August 26, 2015 - Administrative Changes Memo 08/21/15 - Here are the newspapers and the days when our full-page ad rebutting The Buffalo News will appear - Full Page Ad Memo 08/07/15 - Negotiations Update - August 7,2015 Memo 08/06/15 - Press Release - BTF TO BOARD... WHY ARE YOU AFRAID TO HAVE A STATE-APPOINTED CONCILIATOR ASSIGNED TO OUR NEGOTIATIONS? IT IS YOU, NOT BTF THAT IS HOLDING UP NEGOTIATIONS. 08/06/15 - Receivership Information - Receivership Memo 08/05/15 - Teacher Members of the Community Engagement Team Memo to Darren Brown 07/21/15 - We have been advised that the District will be sending you a copy of the SIG Grant Application for your school - SIG Application Memo 07/20/15 - Negotiations Update - July 20, 2015 Memo 07/09/15 - Negotiations Update - July 9, 2015 Memo 07/02/15 - Response to The Buffalo News Editorial 06/24/15 - Sandy Tan has indicated that she is interested in doing a series about students. If you would like to contact her, please see the details here - Buffalo News Series on Students Memo 06/22/15 - The District appears willing to change the way NYSED is advised of how these assessments are used - Summative Evaluations/Common Formative Assessments Memo 06/19/15 - Thank you for all the help on the Fist Book Project - WBFO Article - Teachers Union Delivers Books to City Schools 06/16/15 - Attached please find a copy of the insulting Board proposals we received today - Insulting District Proposal Memo 06/16/15 - The article in The Buffalo News is somewhat incomplete. Please review my June 5, 2015, Receivership Memo for clarification - June 16, 2015 Receivership Memo 06/10/15 - Seven courageous Regents have called for a delay and significant changes to the destructive new APPR process - APPR - Call to Action Memo 06/08/15 - BTF Informational Picketing Jason McCarthy - BTF June, 8, 2015 Media Advisory 06/04/15 - You will soon, if you haven’t already, hear about one of the Cuomo bills pushed through and opposed by NYSUT as part of the New York State budget that was approved in the middle of the night in April - Receivership Memo 06/04/15 - The BTF and NYSUT have been working with State Legislators to prevent passage of the Mayoral Control Legislation - Mayoral Control - A Violation of Law 06/04/15 - BTF Informational Picketing Lawrence Quinn - BTF June 4, 2015 Media Advisory 06/03/15 - NYSUT will be funding training and stipends for teachers who are interested in canvassing voters during the summer to obtain their views on public education - NYSUT Summer Canvassing Positions Memo 06/02/15 - BTF Informational Picketing Patricia Pierce - BTF June 2, 2015 Media Advisory 06/02/15 - BTF Night at the Ballpark - Buffalo Bisons Flyer 05/28/15 - The attached tentative dates have been set for negotiations with the Board’s team and the BTF - Negotiations Update Memo 05/20/15 - BTF Happy Hour - Pearl Street Happy Hour Flyer 05/14/15 - 2015-2016 School Calendar, Boycott, Physical Education Teachers & Negotiator Updates Memo 05/14/15 - I am excited to inform you that for the third year, each student in Buffalo Public Schools will be receiving a new book from First Book on behalf of the Buffalo Teachers Federation and NYSUT - First Book Memo 05/13/15 - Buffalo Teachers Federation, Inc. Elections Report - First Report - Second Report 05/02/15 - In the printing of the Elections Edition of the Provocator, several errors occurred by the printer. These errors are not a reflection of the candidate's submitted statements - Election Edition of the Provocator 04/28/15 - Solidarity Demonstration Information 04/20/15 - Please find a copy of the proposed school calendar attached for 2015-2016**. Since it is in conformance with our contract, we do not have to approve it; however, we can make alternative suggestions - Proposed District Calendar Memo **Correction: The starting date for students on the alternate school calendar that would have teachers report on Tuesday, September 1st, should read - Have students report September, 3rd not September 10th. 04/17/15 - We are hearing of some outrageous and child punishing stories relating to what some administrators inflicted on students who “opted-out” of the recent New York State assessments - Opt-Out Horror Stories Memo 04/16/15 - The following motion calling for a May boycott of the Buffalo News was passed by the Council of Delegates - The Buffalo News Boycott Memo 04/14/15 - Reminder Opt-Out Information - Opt-Out Information Memo 04/01/15 - While the final details of the legislation that was passed appears to be better than what the Governor initially proposed, it’s more like saying “Well, at least you and your students will be beaten with a rope instead of a whip.” - The Continued Attacks Memo 04/01/15 - BTF questions 1st and 2nd grade testing - This Makes No Sense Memo to Superintendent Ogilvie and Members of the Board of Education 03/27/15 - While teachers are advised to be cautious the BTF and I, as President, can and do encourage parents to have their children “opt-out” of the demoralizing high stakes testing - Opt-Out Information Memo 03/25/15 - Last night’s Mock Grand Jury Investigation of Governor Cuomo, with what Kleinhans workers said was close to 1,000 participants, was great. Governor Cuomo was indicted on all five counts - Immediate Action Needed Memo 03/24/15 - Diane Ravitch Salutes Buffalo Teachers - This just in: Kudos to the brave Buffalo teachers! 03/17/15 - The tickets are now available for our Mock Grand Jury Investigation of Governor Cuomo - Cuomo Mock Grand Jury Memo 03/13/15 - Tickets will be issued for our Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 6 p.m. (sharp) Mock Grand Jury event - Cuomo Mock Grand Jury Memo 03/13/15 - The BTF Executive Committee unanimously adopted the following resolution - BTF Opposition to Standardized Test/Opt-Out Memo 03/11/15 - We did it! We started in December 2013 with an unprecedented BTF picket in front of Regent Bennett’s house. It ended yesterday with Dr. Catherine Collins being elected as his replacement - Board of Regents Memo 03/09/15 - We have decided to only include Governor Cuomo in our Grand Jury investigation to keep the primary focus on him as we join with our colleagues in other districts across New York State with a unified message - BTF Mock Grand Jury Investigation of Governor Cuomo Memo 03/05/15 - The Variety Club Telethon will be held on Sunday, March 22nd. Information has been sent to each school requesting teachers participate in fundraising efforts to benefit the Telethon - $10 Donation Variety Club Telethon Memo 03/02/15 - Written Presentation and Documentation to the New York State Leaders at the meeting in Albany - BTF to New York State Leaders Memo 02/27/15 - West Seneca kicked-off our coordinated counter attack on Governor Cuomo - Anti-Cuomo Rallies Memo 02/25/15 - While we realize that we have differences, there seems to be a desire to reach an agreement. The Fact-Finder’s report that we spent many hours preparing for, is our starting point - Negotiations Update Memo 02/23/15 - Snow Days Memo 02/11/15 - The APPR agreement negotiated by the BTF and District, which was approved by the NYSED, contains the following language related to a teacher's right/ability to appeal the receipt of an "ineffective" rating - Time Sensitive APPR Appeal Information Memo 02/06/15 - We are airing television spots at the end of WUTV’s and WNYO’s Black History Month Vignettes - Black History Month TV Spots Memo 02/02/15 - "Out of Time" MOU's Memo sent to the Superintendent and Members of the Board of Education attempted to facilitate a speedy approval 01/30/15 - Join your fellow BTF members and their friends and families for a fun-filled day at Kissing Bridge - Kissing Bridge Flyer 01/30/15 - Vicious attacks on us, our students and our profession... A War Memo 01/29/15 - Vote information on the "Turnaround" Plans for Bennett, East, Lafayette and MLK - Vote on School Plan Memo 01/17/15 - Negotiations Update Memo 12/18/14 - As per the Fact-Finder, the Fact-Finder's Report is being released for review after December 17, 2014 at midnight - Fact-Finder's Report Memo 12/18/14 - Fact-Finder's Report 12/15/14 - This is a follow up to my previous correspondence to you relating to the available snow days - Snow Day Follow Up Memo 12/12/14 - TIPs (Teacher Improvement Plans) Memo 12/05/14 - Reports in the media relating to preliminary Turnaround Plans being developed in for (4) of our schools have resulted in questions relating yo their impact on our contract and the procedures relating to proposed variances from the contract - Turnaround Plans Memo 12/05/14 - Please take a few seconds and ACT NOW to STOP the NYS Board of Regents and Commissioner John King from changing regulations to mandate stand-alone field tests that have historically been voluntary - Please CLICK HERE 12/02/14 -Based upon our latest guess, the Fact-Finder's Report should arrive sometime next week (the week of December 7th) - Fact-Finder's Report Memo 11/25/14 - Article XXXIII of the contract "Absence Due to Severe Weather and Other Emergency Conditions" covers what we call "Snow Days" - Absence Due to Severe Weather Conditions Memo 11/12/14 - The Mark Reporting Timeline on the District website will be updated to reflect the 5 day allowance for completing student report card grades in Infinite Campus - Teacher Grade Input Window Memo 11/10/14 - More Insanity -- We Want Answers 11/03/14 - BTF ENDORSED CANDIDATES 10/29/14 - New York State Allies for Public Education (NYSAPE) Press Release 10/28/14 - Election Day is only one week from today. Our endorsed candidates need your assistance if they are to be successful - Help Needed Memo 10/24/14 - Alliance for Quality Education and Citizen Action of NY Release Report Documenting How Carl Paladino Profits off Privately Run Charter Schools - AQE Press Release 10/23/14 - October 25, Community & Labor Walk Weekend - Flyer 10/23/14 - Thank you to the Buffalo teachers who submitted the class size information we forwarded to the Superintendent and Board - Action on Kindergarten Class Size Memo 10/22/14 - Council of Delegates Updates Memo 10/21/14 - BTF has been asked to support the following rally sponsored by BPTO, AQE, Citizen Action and Push Buffalo - Rally Memo 10/21/14 - Teachers have advised us that they, as well as parents who have approached them, would like to have more information regarding the protocol relative to the Ebola virus as it relates to our students and staff - Ebola Concerns Memo sent to Superintendent and Board of Education Members 10/20/14 - In response to concerns raised by teachers relating to educationally destructive class sizes and substantial reductions in student support services, the BTF has conducted an initial survey of our teachers - Horrendous Class Sizes/Student Support Services Reductions Memo 10/17/14 - The Buffalo Teachers Federation members, their families and friends will receive substantial discounts when they ski or snowboard at Kissing Bridge - Kissing Bridge Flyer 10/16/14 - We have heard from many teachers regarding the errors and problems you experienced with the 2013-2014 APPR - 2013-2014 APPR Appeal Memo and Appeal Form 10/14/14 - Support For Our Schools Falsely Labeled "failing" - Solidarity Rally Flyer 10/08/14 - The Great Charter School Rip-Off: Finally, the truth catches up to education "reform" phonies 10/07/14 - Why Finland's Schools Are Top-Notch - CNN Article 10/06/14 -As per the announcement at the September Council of Delegates meeting, as of September,there are five (5) vacancies on the BTF Executive Committee - Executive Committee Vacancies Memo 10/02/14 - We would appreciate your assistance in relation to several issues - Serious Concerns Memo 09/23/14 - Alternate Pathways to Graduation Memo 09/23/14 - School Administrator to Student Ratio Analysis and Memo Sent to Interim Superintendent Donald Ogilvie - School Administrator to Student Ratio Memo 09/22/14 - NEA & AFT Delegate and Successor Election Results 09/15/14 - Effect of New APPR Legislation - Computation of APPR as per the Newly Enacted Legislation Memo 09/11/14 - The hundreds of Buffalo teachers picketing before Wednesday's Board meeting sent a clear and unequivocal message to the District and public. Solidarity, Solidarity, Solidarity Memo 09/04/14 - Amazing but not unexpected - 98%, 99% and 100% of teachers, joined by retirees and parents, picketed in front of and in some cases, surrounded their schools - Amazing Memo 08/28/14 - Clarification on informational picketing - Informational Picketing Memo 08/27/14 - Teacher Solidarity Days - URGENT - Solidarity Memo 08/26/14 - As the progress toward a new contract proceeds, it is critical that Buffalo teachers continue to demonstrate the undiminished solidarity for which they are known and widely respected - Solidarity Memo 08/22/14 - BTF demands answers on Layoffs for possible legal action - Lay-Offs Memo 08/13/14 - BREAKING: Gov Cuomo to rip Marty Connor a new %^&hole 07/17/14 - Zephyr Teachout Thank you - Meet and Great - You are Invited 07/15/14 - The new School Board plan for the Buffalo Public Schools, A Vision for Buffalo Public Education - (See July 2014 President's Report) 07/02/14 - Teachout says 25,000 signatures collected so far to challenge Cuomo - Please send or deliver petitions to BTF by Monday, July 7, 2014, at the very latest - Let's Get Then on the Ballot Memo 06/25/14 - Unexpected Concern in the Cuomo Camp 06/23/14 - Teachout to Challenge Cuomo Memo - Please take a few minutes (before or after school hours) to sign the petitions to get Zephyr Teachout and Timothy Wu on the ballot in the Democratic Primary for Governor to challenge Governor Cuomo. 06/16/14 - Governor Cuomo will be challenged in the Democratic Primary by Zephyr Teachout and Timothy Wu - Zephyr Teachout - To Challenge Governor Cuomo Memo 06/10/14 - Memo: BTF Continues Battle Against APPR 06/10/14 - Memo: BTF Demands Movement in Negotiations 05/30/14 - We have received complaints from teachers relating to the Illuminate Portal "post-tests" and passwords - Illuminate Portal "Post-Tests" and Passwords Memo 05/28/14 - The BTF, Hamburg teachers, NYSUT and parent teacher organizations have joined together to present a forum on unmasking standardized testing, the Billionaire privateers, the Common Core and other important issues. - Special Event Memo 05/15/14 - BTF Calls For State-Wide APPR Lawsuit - Request for Legal Action - Memo to President Karen Magee 05/09/14 - Proposed 2014-2015 School Calendar Memo and Calendar 05/12/14 - Today, both teams met seperately with the PERB appointed Fact-finder who is attempting to mediate our negotiations - Negotiations Update Memo 05/07/14 - We are excited to inform you that for the second year, each student in Buffalo Public Schools will be receiving a new book from First Book on behalf of the Buffalo Teachers Federation - First Book Memo 05/07/14 - Thank you for all that you did for our candidates. While we were greatly out-numbered and out-spent, we made an impact - School Board Election Memo 05/06/14 - Buffalo Public Schools: Believe! 05/01/14 - BTF Board of Education Endorsements 04/03/14 - Shen Yun 2014 - Shea's Performing Arts Center asked that we let you know about it - Shen Yun 2014 Information 03/18/14 - The current NYSUT officers are being challenged in an election that will be held at the NYSUT Representative Assembly, April 4th to 6th - Upcoming NYSUT Officers Election Memo 02/24/14 - BTF will be participating in the Rally for Smarter Schools - Rally for Smarter Schools Memo 02/14/14 - This Can't Be True - Memo to the New York State Legislators 02/06/14 - In response to questions relating to recent NYSUT activities, there is a "slate" of candidates running against the current officers' "slate" - NYSUT Officers Election Memo 02/04/14 - We have not agreed to the calendar we have sent you, as we are still seeking clarification on further issues - Snow/Cold Days Clarification Memo 02/03/14 - Here is a copy of the resolution that was approved by the NYSUT Board of Directors - NYSUT Resolution/The Back Story Memo 02/03/14 - We have spoken with NYSUT and the District. As of today, it appears that we have used 5 snow/cold days - Snow Days Memo 01/31/14 - There was apparently a news story that referred to eliminating our retiree healthcare - Retiree Healthcare Memo 01/29/14 - We believe that the Buffalo Public Schools 2013-2014 Student Calendar on the District's website may be incorrect - "Snow" Day Memo 01/27/14 - Urgent Security Issues Memo to Superintendent Brown and Board of Education Members 01/17/14 - It appears that there are serious instructional problems arising from the use of the limited number of computers in the schools - Shortage of Computers/Impact on Instruction 01/16/14 - PERB has ordered the District to reinstate all Attendance Teachers - Huge Win for Attendance Teachers Memo 01/15/14 - We continue to receive complaints that administrators are pressuring teachers to agree to student growth/achievement goals - APPR Bullying Memo 01/10/14 - No teacher can be forced to change their SLO/LMA - SLOs/LMAs Memo 01/06/14 - Negotiations Update Memo 12/17/13 - We have received no response regarding the SLO/LMA Due Date - SLO/LMA Due Date Memo 12/12/13 - SLO/LMA Completion Date Memo 12/09/13 - BTF is asking teachers to join the parents and support the Peaceful Protest of NYSED and John King - Looking For Your Support Memo 12/08/13 - Cancellation of December 12ths Executive Committee and Council of Delegates Meeting 12/08/13 - National Day of Action in support of Public Education - National Day of Action Update Memo 12/07/13 - BTF is planning real action, we should all support this - National Day of Action Memo 11/26/13 - Thank you on behalf of those needy families for your contribution to our annual Thanksgiving/Hanukkah Food Drive - Amazing Memo 11/18/13 - Teach for America Information 11/14/13 - Negotiations has been set for December 19, 2013 at 12:00 noon - Negotiation Update Memo 11/14/13 - We continue to hear concerns relating to the lack of and/or inappropriate special education services and the substitute teacher shortage - Lack of Services/Substitute Teacher Shortages Memo 11/13/13 - The District has finally agreed with BTF that the "new" grade reporting timeline the District circulated recently is incorrect - Mark Reporting Timeline Memo 11/13/13 - Buffalo Teachers Federation Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive - Flyer 11/08/13 - Petition to Terminate Commissioner King's Employment Memo 11/07/13 - Principals were instructed not to give teachers a deadline to complete SLOs and LMAs - SLO & LMA Information Email 10/30/13 - We have continued the battle to have attendance teachers compensated through the Public Employment Relation Board (PERB) - Improper Practice Charge Memo 10/29/13 - Teachers Hand Out Orange Halloween Bookmarks with Safety Tips >>> Press Release 10/29/13 - District PGS System Memo - Sent to all teachers via email Oct. 29, 2013 10/17/13 - October 24, 2013 Press Release - Important Motions for All Buffalo Teachers - The Executive Committee and Council of Delegates unanimously passed the following motions: Call for Commissioner King's Resignation, Honor Diane Ravitch, BTF to Seek State-wide Court Action. 10/17/13 - APPR Process Grievance for the 2012-2013 School Year- APPR Grievance 10/17/13 - SLOs/LMAs - Teacher Refusal to Sign Document - October 17, 2013 Memo 10/11/13 - SLOs/LMAs Update - October 11, 2013 Memo 10/11/13 - APPR Grievance for 2011-2012 School Year 10/07/13 - SLO Memo - SLO suggestion that was presented to the Council of Delgates and other meetings, was asked to forward on to all teachers. 10/01/13 - Press Release: BTF Seeks to Repeal State and Federal Student Transfer Laws and Regulations 09/12/13 - TIPS Memo - Additional options teachers have, even after signing 09/12/13 - APPR's Update Memo 09/04/13 - Memo to All Teachers - Re: 2012-2013 APPR Scores - The Insulting Absurdities Continue... 08/29/13 - Negotiations Memo - Re: Fact-Finder Assignment 08/29/13 - PRESS RELEASE: Rumore Blasts Commissioner's Decision to Close Pinnacle Charter School 08/20/13 - Buffalo News Op Ed Piece - King's criticism is a vicious, vindictive attack 08/16/13 - Buffalo Teacher's Salary $20,000 Below Other Teachers - Updated Copy 08/16/13 - “Let’s See If The Buffalo News Will Print This – Another Voice Article” 08/15/13 -The Alliance for Quality Education needs talented students artist to design artwork for a Champions of Education event. See details... 08/14/13 - August 13th Negotiations Memo 07/24/13 - Memo To Teachers at Lafayette and East High Schools - Disgusting Letter from Commissioner King Letter to the Superintendent Brown from Commissioner Kings 07/24/13 - Memo to Dr. Pamela Brown - Meeting with NYSED Re: Lafayette & East High Schools 07/24/13 - Memo to Delegate and Alternates of East and Lafayette High Schools - Possible Legal Action Against Commissioner King 06/19/13 - Explore the History of Buffalo with a Unique Graphic Novel Project - Literacy New York Brochure 06/11/13 - These two motions were passed by the BTF Executive Committee and will be voted on by the Council of Delegates at the next meeting on Thursday, June 13th, 2013 >>> First Motion, Second Motion 05/10/13 - APPR Offensive - Copy of resolution Phil recommended to Executive Committee 05/07/13 - Last Year's Evaluations Will Not Stand Memo >>> View Memo 05/03/13 - Important. Please Read! April 9th Q&A related to SLO's >>> View Memo3 05/02/13 - Buffalo School Board Candidate/Election memo 05/02/13 - No agreement on which "indicators" will be used for teacher evaluation... >>> View Memo 05/01/13 - The BTF is prepared to do battle. "The Battle Begins" memo 04/27/13 - April 27th "Fighting Back" memo. We will not be bullied... 04/24/13 - Phil Rumore's response to Buffalo News article, "If we have to fight them, we will." 04/17/13 - BTF Continues Battle Against Standardized Tests and in Support of Parents Wishing to Opt Out >>> View Attachment 04/16/13 - BTF Receives NEA Media Assistance Grant >>> View Announcement 03/26/13 - 2012 - 2013 Turnaround Model Schools - Memorandum of Understanding between the Buffalo City School District ("District") and the Buffalo Teachers Federation ("Federation") 02/26/13 - Report for February 2013 Executive Committee Meeting >>> View 02/12/13 - February 1, 2013 Memo from Frances Wilson, CAO of the Buffalo Public School District to all Principals and Assistant Principals: APPR Procedures and Guidance 02/05/13 - January 11, 2013 Safe Schools Memo to Dr. Brown, BPS Board of Ed Members 12/19/12 - Proposed Code of Conduct Memo. The District has released a draft revised Code of Conduct, BTF member are encouraged to submit comments. "A Book of Their Own" Memos 11/28/12 - List of the great Disney and Random House titles available to teachers. 11/26/12 - BTF Book for Students Project 11/21/12 - First Book Titles and Sign-Up Information 11/16/12 - First Book - Memo to All Buffalo Teachers 11/07/12 - BTF "A Book of Their Own" Project Update 11/02/12 - A Book of Their Own - A BTF Initiative 10/25/12 - A Book of Their Own - BTF/First Book/Disney/Teacher's Desk/NYSUT/AFT Initiative -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11/07/12 - A Book of Their Own – A BTF Initiative 11/03/12 - Phil's Buffalo News "Another Voice" article submitted as response 10/26/12 - BTF seeks State and National SLO Intervention 10/26/12 - BTF Files SLO Grievance 10/26/12 - Delegate Questions sent to Superintendent Questions from Teachers relating to Infinite Campus and Student Learning Objectives Infinite Campus Student Learning Objectives (SLO) 10/26/12 - BTF Files Infinite Campus Grievance 10/24/12 - Phil's SLO/APPR Disaster Memo to NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi 10/23/12 - Council of Delegates Q & A - Student Learning Objectives and Other Issues 10/12/12 - Distinguished Educators Report 09/17/12 - Letter to Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis - Standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. 09/07/12 - Letter to Members - Sean Ryan Endorsement 09/07/12 - Involuntary Transfer Case Update - September 7th memo - Pertaining to legal representation 09/06/12 - Involuntary Transfer Case Update - September 6th memo from Phil |