March 20, 2020
We hope that everyone is staying safe and we understand that these are difficult times for many of our members. The plans seem to be ever evolving as the situations change and more information is gathered. I have received many calls with questions, concerns and thanks for CFT.
I had my weekly call with Superintendent Mitchell and her Leadership Team to give all unions a district update. I will say that the Leadership Team and HR have been very cooperative helping us address individual concerns for our members. There is talk of extending the school closures until a later date – this has not yet been finalized by the state. Stay tuned.
This week’s summary:
1. Facilities have been sanitizing and cleaning all work sites in the district so that when we return to school it will be to a safe environment. As each section of the building is completed, it is roped off from people entering the area. After each site is completed, there will be an inspection that is signed off by the person doing the inspection. Schools worked with their POs and Administrators to collect all classroom pets, animals and plants for teachers to pick-up on Monday. The “Trades” are working on special projects within some buildings to ensure the safety of buildings. I hope that everyone thanks their custodians and plant operators for showing up and making sure we have a safe space to return.
2. HR and the Payroll Dept completed an analysis of payroll and have launched an automatic direct deposit for everyone’s regular base pay. Everyone under contract is allocated for in this year’s current budget so everyone should continue to be paid their current salary unless there would be a reduction in state revenue. This is not something that anyone foresees happening.
Teachers under contract, Long Term Subs (LTS) in positions, Super-Subs (at Pilot Schools) for their committed number of days, Tutors for their committed number of days will all be paid. LTS in temp assignments will be paid for their committed time and Daily Rate Subs will receive receive unemployment. Daily Rate Subs and LTS whose assignment ends should contact Unemployment Services to sign up to receive their enhanced benefits.
3. If you have issues with your pay…. The district will have a Hotline set up with real people to assist you on Thursday and Friday of pay weeks. The HOTLINE number is 363-0123. Please be patient and respectful when you call them.
4. I have had calls from teachers whose license is expiring at the end of this school year. The BMV and Ed center are closed for fingerprinting and no one is working to check submitted hours. This deadlines for this process will be extended until after school reopens.
5. Internal transfers have not been completed – the second round was moved to the week of April 6th. If schools do not open that week, the interviews will take place remotely through the meeting app, BlueJeans. I know that this is not the best scenario, but we see no other option for interviews.
6. Information you can communicate with your students:
a. All Staples locations in Cincinnati has 8 weeks’ worth of enriched grade level work packets available for any student to pick up.
b. GE has also printed the work packets that will be available for pick-up at several churches – Locations will be identified and communicated to parents.
c. Spectrum has free internet for any student currently without service– they do have qualifying restrictions.
d. ALL STUDENT MEDICATION – has been picked up at every school by the health department and they will be contacting parents to distribute. NO meds are still in any CPS building.
e. There are 22 school site who will be passing out ‘Pick-up and Go” meals for children birth through 17. See district website for locations- they will be open from 11:00am-1:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Schools and other organizations will be volunteering to help pass out other resources such as non-CPS food to families. Many thanks to the Lunchroom Managers and Security who are working these locations!!! Meal Hubs will be continued for the entire closure.
7. Teacher Responsibilities – a memo will be coming from the district to begin after spring break.
a. All 3rd Quarter Grades need to be turned in by April 1st. The district will be checking to see how many HS students look like they may need to complete Credit Recovery courses online and not hinder their graduation.
b. Teachers need to check their district email daily Monday- Friday and respond to emails by staff, parents and students. We are off but should be working remotely.
c. AP is going to give tests to students at home.
d. There will be opportunities for Staff PD on Schoology. Remember to document these trainings and use these contact hours for your license renewals, MA+30, MA+45.
e. Some of the PD that teachers requested was:
i. Building teacher’s capacity to provide remote learning opportunities – using Schoology, Google, Adobe, Video Conferencing, Discussions, etc.
ii. New Curriculum Training – ELS, SS, Math, PE/Health, PreK requested modules that are geared towards 3-5-year old’s.
iii. Teacher Self Care Strategies – Remember to set quiet time aside for you and take time to decompress. If possible, make time to exercise every day -even if it is just a “Dance Party.”
f. CFT will send out state guidance about the SWD requirements. This will be sent out next week.
8. State Testing is suspended for now. The Federal Government announced today that Federal Testing Mandates have been waived so now the state will be able to move their testing plans forward.
9. The state wants to hold Graduating Seniors harmless. We have not seen what this looks like yet. Just think most of this year’s seniors were born the year of 9/11.
10.CFT has Volunteered to be the site Champion for LEAP Academy. We may be asking for donations at a later date. One thing that we will be requesting is hotel soaps, shampoos and lotions and hygiene products. After we get up and running and have a better expectation of storage, etc. we will put out an all call for donations.
For now, stay safe, and (if you are able) stay indoors – but also stay in touch with family and friends. We need each other more than ever.
In solidarity,
Julie Sellers
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