Colleagues,
Here’s a brief update:
– Staffing Timeline. Although most of the staffing and transfer days for the 2024-2025 school year won’t occur until June, Middle Schools will be staffed first (projected for mid-May) followed by Receivership Schools and agreed-upon exempt positions. By then, teachers should know the starting time(s) for schools and who the principals will be. Meanwhile, we remind teachers that the deadline for applying for voluntary transfers is January 30. Teachers applying for a voluntary transfer are not obligated to accept any transfer – they are simply increasing their options during Transfer Day, if needed. Please contact us at the RTA or visit the RTA website <www.rochesterteachers.com> for more information.
– First 15 Minutes Resolved (Almost). As agreed between the RTA and the District, a Joint Task Force comprised of teachers proposed by RTA and principals proposed by the the administrators’ union (ASAR) deliberated the impact of the early 15 minutes and unanimously recommended to the Superintendent that the arrival of students revert back to what it has been prior to the changes made this year and not 15 minutes earlier. The Joint Task Force considered the adverse impact of this year’s change on safety, attendance, instructional time, cleanliness, school climate and teachers’ planning and preparation time. Dr. Peluso accepted the unanimous recommendation from this Joint Task Force and agreed that, beginning with the start of the next school year, students will be dropped off at 7:30am for early schools or 9:00 am for late schools – as was the practice prior to this year. What remains yet unresolved is whether the reverting to these drop-off times could begin earlier – as proposed by the Joint Task Force. Superintendent Peluso is still exploring that feasibility.
– PD Opportunity. At the February 1 RTA Educational Dinner Seminar, Dr. Richard Ryan will address the topic of student motivation and discuss how to engage and involve students in their own learning. Professor Ryan is an internationally acclaimed scientist and psychologist. Takeaways from his presentation will include a deeper understanding of motivation, practical strategies to engage students in culturally responsive ways, and recognizing the connection between classroom motivation and supports for teachers’ autonomy. Interested teachers must register through True North Logic. Buffet dinner is available beginning at 4:45 pm and the presentation starts promptly at 5:15 pm. To receive the two PD credits, please sign in on-site by no later than 5:10 pm. We hope you’ll attend this important learning opportunity.
– Thinking of Retirement? If you plan to retire from the Rochester City School District, and wish to qualify for the money you may be owed in the Absenteeism Reduction Plan (Section 60 of the RCSD-RTA Collective Bargaining Agreement), you must so notify the District before March 1. The link to notify the District, along with additional information related to retirement, can be found on the RTA website <www.rochesterteachers.com>. As always, please contact us at the RTA if you have questions, need more information, or need assistance.
Adam Urbanski, RTA President