Union News

OTA Book-Giveaway a Success

Hundreds of books donated by OTA members this year were given away to the general public at the annual Woodstock Elementary School PTA yard sale. Each book was stamped with the greeting: "A gift for you from the Onteora Teachers Association." Shoppers were also given homemade, leather bookmarks and magnets, both imprinted with OTA. Great PR!

OTA Mini Grant supports HS Science Fair

Thank you to the OTA for generously contributing raffle prizes at the Onteora Middle School Science Fair, last November. All students who attended the fair were eligible to win. Prizes included balancing birds, gyroscopes, buzzing magnets, grow snow, and Mentos geyser tubes. The students worked hard to create original and interesting science fair experiments about a wide variety of topics. ~ Alyssa Babcock

OTA Mini Grant supports culinary experience for Bennett students

On April 15th, the students of Ms. Mastrangelo’s class hosted a luncheon at the Landmark Grille for their parents, teachers, and several district administrators. The luncheon was designed to show off the cooking skills students have been learning throughout the year. Mrs. Hodder had opened up her middle school kitchen to Ms. Mastrangelo’s class once a month so that they could learn cooking and kitchen safety skills. With a grant from the Onteora Teachers’ Association and the generosity of Diana and John Klippel who allowed the luncheon to be held at their restaurant, this wonderful

NYSUT BLOG: Friday, April 11, 2014

100 Days into NYSUT's Future

As its first-ever contested election fades into NYSUT's past, uncertainty and optimism churn within New York's largest teachers union. Many members worry if the new leadership—led by President Karen Magee—will do anything to stifle the onslaught of Governor Cuomo's tax cap or his love affair with charter schools. While Magee has talked of the tax cap, her first walk may be towards renegotiating the state's teacher evaluation plan (APPR), aiming for a one-size-fits-all system that stretches from Montauk to Massena. Considering the

February is a Community month for Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. If you’re interested in helping out on any of the dates listed below, please contact Victoria at: victoria@towerpower.com

Mon 3, 10, 17, 24 / Wed 5, 12, 19, 26 / Fri 4, 14, 21, 28

OTA Book Drive

The OTA is collecting new and gently used books in each building to be given out to the public at key events. All books will be imprinted with a book plate message that reads: A gift for you from Onteora Teachers Association.

Technology Position offered by MHTC

Over the summer the TC2DN (Teacher Center 2 Dissemination Network) realized that more people were needed to help share information offered by the technology committee. The MHTC is now looking for one person per district statewide to join the committee and become familiar with MHTC technology partnerships. This committee does not meet but will have trainings on-line. (approx 20 hours, with possible hours or stipend through MLP). Let’s not be one of the unrepresented districts. Anyone interested should send Deb Cook your name and contact information to be passed on to the committee ASAP. dcook@onteora.k12.ny.us.

Community Rally Sends Albany a Message About School Aid Formulas

The Onteora School community turned out Saturday, March 16th at the high school rally in small numbers, but with great signage and loud voices. Parents, teachers, administrators, and concerned community members joined State Senator Cecila Tkaczyk to raise awareness about the school funding crisis. Under the current State Aid formulas used in the Governor’s proposed budget for 2013-2014, Onteora stands to lose more than a half million dollars.

OTA Mini Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

Have a special project in mind? Please complete and return the application attached to your "OTA Online Newsletter" email by January 31, 2013.

(File links embedded in this newsletter will be availabel shortly).

Retirement Party, 2013 Photo Album (and other photo albums)

Go to the NEWS dropdown menu above and select "Photos" to see more stories and photo albums.