I am sincerely grateful for your unwavering commitment to providing our students with the best education possible. Your hard work and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring our students receive the top-notch education they deserve, even during the most challenging times.

I am also grateful for the support we have received from our Board of Education, and I am happy to say that our relationship with the Executive Cabinet has never been stronger. While we may not always agree on everything, we have been able to work through our differences and collaborate effectively.

Although we have accomplished so much together, we must not become complacent. Changes in leadership and unforeseeable circumstances demand that we keep our advocacy and goals in mind and seize every opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that affect our students and ourselves.

To prepare for future challenges, we must be well-organized and expand our connections with the community. Building strong relationships with parents, local businesses, and community leaders is crucial. Community Schools are a great way to achieve this, as they provide various services and create a support system that benefits our students and schools. Let's keep promoting education and equality and advocating for the rights of our members to build a brighter future for our students.

As a member of our Association, your involvement and shared responsibility are crucial to our success. Working together, we can create a more effective and efficient organization that is better equipped to face future challenges. Remember that we are all part of the same team, and we can achieve great things by harnessing our collective strength. To this end, join us by demonstrating your ATA pride on Solidarity Days. Our first Solidarity Day is scheduled for February 13th, which coincides with the first day of bargaining.

Finally, I encourage you to stay in touch by sending your concerns, suggestions, and strategies to my personal email address (listed below). The coming months will be busy, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

If you're interested in participating in the NEA Representative Assembly as a state delegate, now is your chance! The nomination window is open for the 2024 assembly in Philadelphia from July 3 to July 7. As a state delegate, you'll have an opportunity to propose goals and policies that will shape the direction of NEA for the following school year. The filing window is open from January 5, 2023, until January 31, 2023, at 4 pm, so don't delay if you want to be considered. For additional information, please visit the official website. You can access the Declaration of Candidacy page here.

Please keep in mind that the deadlines for state and local declarations of candidacy differ. For instance, in our local (ATA), we elected V.P. Alana Acosta-Martin and myself to serve a two-year term starting from the 22-23 school year. We will conduct another local election in 24-25.

I would like to bring to your attention some essential dates for the upcoming LCAP meetings with the District. As you may know, every year, school districts in California are required to prepare a three-year public plan known as an LCAP. The main objective of this plan is to establish goals, plan actions, and allocate resources to meet those goals and improve student outcomes. The meetings have been scheduled as follows:

- January 30, 2024, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

- Goal 2 - Instruction - Ed Services

- Goal 6 - Technology - TIS

- February 14, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm

- Goal 1 - Safety - SSS

- Goal 3 - Student Engagement - SSS

- Goal 5 - Families & Community - SSS

- February 26, 2024, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

- Goal 7 - Operations - Facilities & Food & Nutrition Services

Are you interested in joining the conversation? This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in our schools and contribute to the future of education in our community. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to participate.

The upcoming Special Education Committee meeting with the District on February 22nd. This meeting will focus on surfacing issues and concerns related to the special education program. To represent ATA, the following individuals have been selected:

- Gina Centeno

- Stephanie Dunne

- Rachel Fall

- Jose Martinez

- Kimi Suehiro

In preparation for the meeting, we would like to invite ALL special education personnel to attend a preparation meeting on February 15th at 4 pm. The meeting will be held at the ATA Office and will help ensure that we are all well-prepared for future discussions.

Calling all Southern California educators, instructors, classroom teachers, homeschool parents, after-school providers, scout leaders, and other educational partners! Discovery Cube is hosting our annual Teachers Night Out to recognize all that you do in our community. Enjoy a night of STEM fun, food, educational activities and resources!

Each educator is eligible to receive tickets to either an Anaheim Ducks or LA Kings hockey game (based on location). Raffle prizes will include Discovery Cube field trips for your class, Science-To-Go assemblies & workshops, and STEM swag bags!

January 15

- MLK - Holiday

January 16

- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

January 22

- Pupil Free Day for PD

February 5

- ATA Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA office)

February 6

- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

February 12

- Lincoln's Birthday - Holiday

February 15

- ATA Sped Committee PREP meeting

February 16

- End of 2nd Trimester (Elementary School)

February 19

- President's Day - Holiday

February 20

- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

February 22

- ATA/AUSD Sped Committee meeting

The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just equitable and democratic society.

Email: ataoffice3030@gmail.com
Website: www.alhambrateachers.org
Location: 3030 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626)289-1933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlhambraTeachersAssociation/