MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 20, 2022

Subject:     Food Drive – Negotiations

We understand that the amount of food being sent to help the community as a result of the murders on May 14, 2022 has slowed down.

Please collect non-perishable foods at your school and bring them to BTF headquarters. We will deliver them to the community.

If possible, bring them by Wednesday, May 25, 2022. After that, we will still have groceries taken to the community; however, we would like to have them arrive as soon as possible.

Thank you on behalf of those in need.

Negotiations
We met with the District and PERB mediator today and have set the following dates to meet without the mediator unless necessary: May 25, June 6, 10 and 17, 2022.

The mediator has indicated that he wants the negotiations to continue without the discussions being disclosed unless he and the other side are provided sufficient notice.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 23, 2022

Subject:     Update – May 23, 2022

Unity Rally
Flyers for our June 2, 2022 Unity Rally will be in the buildings this week. (Click Here)

We will also be sending orange ribbon stickers for each teacher to wear on June 2, 2022.

These are the ribbons the students, where the school shootings took place, designed against gun violence. Why orange? They chose orange because that’s what hunters wear so they don’t get shot. Let’s take action now!

We will be joined by members of the other Board Unions, Board of Education members and some representatives of other unions and organizations.

As you can see from the flyer, we will be joined by the Superintendent, Randi Weingarten, our AFT National president and Andy Pallotta, NYSUT president. Others will be added as they confirm their availability.

Yes, you can invite your friends.

We will keep you updated.

Food Distribution
Thank you to those who have already contacted us about bringing food to BTF for delivery to those in need. Please try to have donations here by Wednesday for pickup and delivery on Thursday, May 26, 2022.

We realize this is short notice; however, we just found out that supplies have slowed.

School Security
Thus far, we have received 153 responses to our “School Safety Assessment”. Thank you to those who have done so.

Due to the challenges faced, we will extend the deadline to Saturday, May 28 at 12:00 midnight.
We want to have an accurate assessment to send to the Superintendent, Board and of course, you.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 24, 2022

Subject:     US History and Government Regents Exam Cancellation

Cancellation of the Regents Examination in US History and Government (Framework) for June 2022

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          May 25, 2022

Subject:     Updates

School Safety – District Note
In case you have not received notification relating to entering schools, Click Here.

PR:su

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          June 1, 2022

Subject:     We Must and Will Show We Are United and Demand Action

Our Unity Rally will not only include Buffalo teachers but also other educational staff from Buffalo and a few from surrounding districts.

While we have been approached by other organizations, we have, as indicated, focused on being the voice of educators. We have also not invited any political leaders.

This will not only be a call for unity but a unified demand for action.

In addition to those mentioned on our flyer (Click Here), Rev. Mark E. Blue, President of the Buffalo NAACP, and one or two students will speak.

I know you will be there because you care and you are a Buffalo teacher.

See you there.

Note: June 3-5 is "National Gun Violence Awareness Day(s)". People are encouraged to wear orange. This was started by students after murders in schools and on school grounds (2013). They chose orange because that’s what hunters wear so they are not shot.

MEMORANDUM

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          June 1, 2022

Subject:     Student Device Inventory – Map for Rally

How Much More Can You Load On Teachers?
We have sent correspondence to the Superintendent that not only is the District’s demand that teachers inventory all student devices in addition to all their other responsibilities outrageous, it is a violation of our contract which we will grieve.

We will advise you of her response.

BTF Office Early Closing
The BTF office will close at 3:30 tomorrow, June 2, 2022 so that our staff may attend our rally.

Rally Location
The Unity Rally will be held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park near the Casino (Click Here). While some of the nozzles for the splash pad may be on slightly, there will still be plenty of room to gather. Parking should be available in the lot at Science Magnet School, PS #59