MHFT Newsletter -- January 14, 2015

Annual Professional Reminders

• If you are actively seeking a new job, or even a transfer, it’s a good idea to inform your principal (in a one-on-one meeting) before s/he gets called for reference checks. That call should not be how s/he finds out that you are looking.
• While it is illegal for students to secretly film inside of a classroom, it does happen from time to time. And sometimes, they show what they have filmed to an administrator, or even post it online. When that happens, it is impossible to erase the impression that is left in the minds of viewers. Students are very adept at clandestinely filming short clips. The best way to protect yourself is to always assume that you are being filmed in the classroom.
• Whenever we touch a student, we make ourselves legally and professionally vulnerable. Even touch that is meant to be encouraging or comforting can be unwanted, misconstrued, or misrepresented by the student. We understand that we all make judgement calls based on the needs of our students, but to protect your students and yourself, it is important to always be aware of the potential liability. Especially do not touch students when others are not around.
• Being alone in a classroom or workroom with students can also make us legally and professionally vulnerable. If you find that you must be alone in a room with a student, PROP THE DOOR OPEN, and open the blinds -- and be especially careful to keep a reasonable distance between yourself and the student. In fact, it is a good guideline to keep the line of sight into your room clear as a rule of thumb. (Avoid permanently blocking your windows.)
• If you are called in to a meeting with an administrator, and it is about something that could lead to disciplinary action (if you’re not sure, ask!), then you have the right to have the Federation representative of your choice with you -- but only if you request it. The meeting will be rescheduled at a time when the representative can be present. Even if the police are called, you should not answer questions or make any statements without your union representative or attorney present. We understand most people want to be cooperative and assume that since they won’t harm themselves by answering questions, it’s important to protect yourself.
• It is almost impossible to defend against a charge of insubordination. Administration does have the right to direct your work, but if your principal tells you to do something that you feel you should not have to do, state clearly that you believe your rights are being violated, and ask if you are being directed to do it anyway. If so, as long as it’s not a safety issue, comply and then report to the Federation.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your rights, please call the Federation office.

CalPERS Audit

If you have dependents on your health care plan, a letter was sent to your home address asking for you to prove that they are your dependents. There is a January 20th deadline for employees to verify spouse and children as dependents for medical benefits. More details are available in the HR newsletter.

Heart & Soul Run

Please join us for the Heart & Soul Run at Hellyer Park on February 7th! This benefit will raise money to install salad bars in our county’s elementary schools. One Morgan Hill school was a recipient last year, and we’re hoping for at least one more this year. South Bay Labor Council is cosponsoring this initiative. Please see your Building Rep or email Gemma Abels at gamhft@garlic.com for details

Good Friday Reminder

Good Friday, April 3rd , is an in-service day. Each site will be conducting professional development and/or collaboration. Check with your site for more details. If you will need the day off for religious reasons, you can request it under “Personal Necessity.”

Thank You to Our Committee Members!

Thank you to all who are currently sitting on district committees. The TK-Kinder Committee is looking at the advantages and disadvantages of full day kindergarten, the Configuration Committee is looking at how we structure our elementary and middle schools, the Stipends Committee is looking for equity and the Healthcare Committee is looking at the complex issue of our healthcare. It takes a lot of time, and we appreciate the work that you are doing! If you are interested in joining a committee, please email Theresa Sage.

MHFT Strategic Campaign Initiative

Thanks to those who have agreed to help with community outreach at the site level. Our first site-level event will occur before February Break; each school will be hosting a Common Core Information Evening for Parents. The next event will involve community outreach on immigration reform.

Negotiations Update

Your 2015 Negotiations Team is Theresa Sage, Gemma Abels, Nancy Altman, Chris Mink, Andrea Pecsok, Lori Shoemaker, Zann Yates, and April Roland. Theresa Sage and Gemma Abels are the co-leaders. During this negotiation, we will be looking at the full contract. Look for an initial survey next week before we submit our openers.

Upcoming Meetings

Teachers at the Mic

Thank you to Live Oak for presenting in December, and El Toro for presenting last night. PA Walsh will be up next, on January 27th. Please see your Building Representative about ways to support the presentation and highlight the amazing work happening at your sites.