

ATA Weekly
September 8th, 2023

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
We understand that this news may be disappointing to some, and we want to assure you that ATA remains committed to supporting those facing food insecurity. As part of the Community Schools initiative, we are advocating for the creation of school site pantries to help our students and families. Community School food pantries provide a unique opportunity to make an even more direct impact on our schools, and ATA is fully dedicated to ensuring their success. We have informed the Board of Education and Superintendent Jaramillo that ATA unit members are ready to offer our support in any way we can. Once implemented, this will serve as a positive step forward in meeting the needs of our students and families struggling with food insecurity.
I am immensely proud to have been part of the ATA Food Pantry over the past year, and I look forward to continuing our work to support our community. Thank you for your continued support, and I remain confident that by working together, we can positively impact our community.
Ralph Hernandez
alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO DELTA DENTAL PPO PLAN STARTING OCTOBER 1ST, 2023
As a reminder, starting from October 1st, 2023, those currently using the Delta Premier PPO plan will be moved to the Delta Enhanced PPO plan. Under the new plan, 100% of the covered services will be provided, except for Prosthodontics, including bridges, dentures, and implants, which will only be covered up to 70% with a Dental Enhanced dentist. For more information, please download the attachment below.
It's important to note that there will be no changes to the HMO dental plan. DeltaCare USA will remain the only HMO dental plan offered through AUSD.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Angie Heredia in Risk Management at
(626) 943-6585.
ANNUAL FLU AND VACCINE CLINIC
We are hosting our annual shot clinic on October 2nd and 3rd from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The Flu Clinic will be open to all AUSD employees, retirees, and family members currently with Blue Shield - at no cost. We will have the regular flu shot, senior flu shot, TDAP, shingles, and pneumonia shots available, but only if you reserve them in advance.
You must RSVP by Septermber 27th by calling ATA or emailing Gabriela at ataoffice3030@gmail.com.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA PRE-DESIGNATION FORM
At any time, if an employee would like to begin the process of predesignating their personal MD to treat for a work injury, I will gladly send the interested employee a form, explain in detail, and assist through the process.
Please note that Kaiser is in the Sedgwick TPA's Medical Provider Network (MPN). Also, one does not have to be a Kaiser member to seek treatment at the Kaiser Occupational Medicine Department (City Of Industry). One additional thing about Kaiser, for Kaiser Members specifically. They will not be treated by their personal Kaiser physician, they will be treatment in the Occ Med Department of Kaiser.
Another side note, If you have a predesignation and your doctor cannot get you in on the date of injury, you can seek treatment at the industrial clinic readily available to treat our injured employees. This would not revoke the Predesignation on file.
I will add that it is best practice for anyone interested in this would make sure that the provider's office does in fact accept WC insurance.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Liz Turriaga
AUSD Claims Coordinator
(626)943-6580
IMPORTANT REMINDERS ON TB CLEARANCE
If an employee has not cleared their TB with Human Resources the employee is not permitted to work, and they are not permitted to attend Site and or District Trainings/PDs.
The employee will go into an unpaid status until they provide Human Resources with an updated TB clearance.
Teachers and employees in public, private, and charter schools must adhere to the following directives:
Education Code (EC) 49406
Health & Safety Code (HSC) sections 121525-121555
A TB test and examination should be performed by a healthcare provider to determine that the person is free of infectious TB. Form required is TCB-01 with a signed certificate of completion. Repeat risk assessments every 4 years.
Stacie Colman-Hsu
Director of Human Resources
ATA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR NEEDED
ATA is taking steps to enhance its digital presence and has hired an outside expert to establish a new website. In order to maintain the website and oversee ATA's Facebook page, ATA is searching for a skilled unit member. The selected candidate will receive a $3k/year stipend as compensation for the additional responsibility.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
From September 15-October 15 – and all year round – join CTA in celebrating the vibrant and historical tributes of Hispanic heritage and culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Learn about our César Chávez Education Awards program, and see how teams of students and their teachers demonstrate an understanding of the vision and guiding principles by which César Chávez lived his life.
For additional resources and information on National Hispanic Heritage Month, check the NEA website and the website for the Library of Congress.
DOWNLOAD YOUR NEW CTA DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD
On Thursday, September 7th, CTA sent out an email with directions on how to download your new 2023-24 CTA digital membership card. For a complete list of discounts and resources, go to www.CTAMemberBenefits.org.
2023 Special Education Conference
The CTA Special Education Conference features sessions full of strategies, tips and proven research to help you support your exceptional students.
2023 LGBTQ+ Issues Conference
CTA is proud to present the 15th annual CTA conference addressing LGBTQ+ issues involving educators, students and the community.
2024 New Educator Weekend - South
CTA’s New Educator Weekend has everything that educators need to be successful in their first years of teaching.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CTA VIRTUAL RETIREMENT WORKSHOPS
To access the registration link, click here.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
September 11
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
September 12
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
September 16
- AEF Service to Education Awards Dinner (6 pm, Hilton San Gabriel)
September 19
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
September 26
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 3
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
October 9
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 10
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 17
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 24
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
CONTACT US
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/