Mountain View Teachers Association Laura Gaber - lgabermtva@gmail.

com September 2017

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
This school year has started with a rush and shows no sign of
slowing down. I dont mean to make this about me, but Im going to
start off by saying that after 20 years as a 6th grade teacher, I have
made the move to 1st grade. To put it mildly, I have learned a lot in
the past 5 weeks. For one thing, although I got the flu shot in
August, I have been laid out flat by the stomach flu and something
else horrible that I am just recovering from today. Im bulking up on
essential oils, zinc, Vitamin B, and hand sanitizer. But more
importantly, I have learned that even though lower grade teachers
may seem to have a shorter line of kids following behind them on
the way to class (although it must be acknowledged that some of The Fall Leadership Conference was well
those lines are still pretty long), being a TK-3rd grade teacher brings attended, and those who went enjoyed the day
its own set of challenges. I have a new and growing respect! and learned a lot. Just a few of the topics of the
We are all working so hard and going through so many sessions included: Laws Regarding Students
changes, from CC/HS all the way up to 8th grade. What I hear from Behavior, LCFF & the 2017-18 State Budget
all teachers is that there are an overwhelming number of new Update, CALSTRS: Empowering Yourself for
initiatives, new programs, new technologies, and new trainings, Retirement (STRS), Grievance Training, and
with very little time given to reflect and implement. New Building an Equity Team in Your Chapter.
technology is a blessing, but teachers need time to learn about At lunch, retired superintendent, Dr. Rapkin
programs and develop strategies for getting the most of having
was the keynote speaker. It was wonderful to see
computers in the classroom. Additionally, new trainings, even
him again, and we enjoyed reminiscing with him.
good, powerful, weeklong training sessions are only effective if
teachers have time to reflect, collaborate, and implement. The
Here are some quotes from his luncheon address.
reflection and collaboration is happening throughout the district No action is more important than what happens
during lunch, before school, and after school, as teachers come in the classroom between teacher and student.
together and get ideas, support, and feedback from each other. Teaching is a calling that serves the children of
But, the new does take its toll, and a lot of people are feeling California. Public schools in California have
pretty exhausted. never provided a better education. Quality of
At the same time, the rising costs of health coverage (with educators has never been more skilled and
premiums going up again in January), and the rising costs of each qualified. Students have never been more
members STRS contribution for their retirement, and just the rising prepared in deeper and meaningful learning. His
costs of living in Southern California means we are actually taking respect for our profession is still so evident. We
home what amounts to a pay cut each month. Asking us to hope to see you next year at this worthwhile
lengthen our work year is not the answer and in the end, its not conference.
effective. Look into the eyes of your coworkers and you will see a
lot of people are burning the candle at both ends. But, as we all
know, teachers have a hard time saying, No. Everyone wants October 11
whats best for students.
Just as a reminder, the next scheduled School Board Meeting
Coffee Social
is Wednesday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is always welcome
to come and speak to the Board during the Public Comments Stop in at either of these 2 Starbucks locations
section of the meeting. anytime between 6:30 am - 11:30 am to get a
Finally, Parent Conferences are around the corner, and theres cup of "whatever starts your day" on MVTA.
always a little buzz of excitement around the campus as chairs are
put out for waiting families, and kids sit with parents in anticipation Thienes and Durfee Five Points
of their teachers comments and advice. We are once again offering
1832 Durfee Ave. 11979 Garvey Ave.
a cup of beverage of your choice on your way to work on October
11 to get your motor running. Thank you for everything you do.
Important Tax Information

MVTA Executive Board
President: Laura Gaber, x-6625
Vice President: Leticia Urias, x-4311
Secretary: Jacquella Payne, x-4934
EMPLOYEE DEDUCTIONS, you will see CTA. This
Treasurer: Rose Marie Dominguez, x-6624
Member at Large PreK 3: Brenda Lopez, x-4823
Member at Large 4 6: Open
Member at Large 6 8: Brenda Mancia, x-6251
Did you know that Union Membership dues
qualify as a tax deduction?
To find your year-end total, look at your last
paystub of the year. In the section labeled
represents all of your dues for CTA, NEA, and
MVTA.
Happy Deducting!!!

One more shout out to JoAnn DAmico who
put on a beautiful Welcome Back Luncheon.
She worked very hard to get us a delicious
lunch with a fantastic taco caterer and put in
hours of work on the themed baskets, which
were raffled off along with some gift cards and
gifts from the vendors. JoAnn makes the time
you take out of your day during that hectic first
week well worth it! Thanks JoAnn!
MVTA participated in the annual
Resource Fair for the students of the
greater El Monte area for the second
year in a row. Thanks to Maria Aguilar for
continuing what Belinda Hyde started
last year. As Maria Aguilar, Brenda Lopez,
and Laura Gaber handed out pencils,
pens, and spiral notebooks, we saw
many of our previous and current
students and their parents. It is a
rewarding morning to spend with our El
Monte families as they gear up for school.
We look forward to anyone joining us
next year with ideas on give away items
and the hands to give them. We promise
you will see many smiling faces.

Sep 2017 October 2017 Nov 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 pm MVSD
Negotiations School Board
Meeting

8 9 10 11 12 13 14
6:30 11:30 am
Coffee Social

12 7:30 pm
Parent
Conferences

15 16 17 18 19 20 21
2:45-3:45 pm
3 pm - EBoard Temporary/ CTA State Council CTA State Council
Meeting Probationary
Informational
Meeting Madrid Childrens Day
Room 46 Parade

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

CTA State Council 3 pm - Rep Council 5:00 8:30 pm

Meeting Trunk or Treat

29 30 31