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Welcome to April! We are experiencing the blooming of flowers and trees (and allergies), the frantic finish to another school year, and the excitement of summer. My name is Stephanie Myers and I am the BEA President. I am honored to be able to serve you for another two years and look forward to getting to know each and every one of you.

First, I am excited to share the many accomplishments of your ESP Committee! (They aren't a group known to brag.) They initiated “BEA Day at the Idaho Food Bank” where we boxed and sorted over 5,000 pounds of food, volunteered at Kids’ Fair, attended a national conference, celebrated ESP Day, and are already planning for next year. You are lucky to have such a wonderful group working on your behalf.

That being said, just like the Uncle Sam poster, “WE WANT YOU!” Being a member is one thing, but being an active member gives power to your voice. Join them in standing together for all classified employees in the Boise School District. The committee meets once a month – yes, there will be food and fun!

Thank you for all you do for our students! I know that I speak for our teachers – your dedication, passion, and commitment is recognized and appreciated.

Stephanie Myers

BEA President

stephaniemyers@boiseea.org

Keep a lookout for a letter from the BEA ESP Committee for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Click here for a copy.

Meet Bree Wildman our newest Boise Education Association member! Bree has been employed with the Boise School District for two years and has been a School Support Paraprofessional or as she sees herself at Morley Nelson Elementary , Playground Teacher. Bree is easy to find as she is a tall, commanding presence in the Cafeteria as well as the playground!

Bree was first approached about joining the BEA by Kindergarten teacher Randi Sinclair and Kathy Hammer. They shared with her that the BEA is a security net for both certified and classified employees by offering not only assistance involving work related issues, but also making available professional workshops and training. Bree initially was not aware of all the benefits that the BEA had to offer, but her learning curve is progressing fast as she has made the attempt to attend every Rep Council meeting since becoming a member this school year.

Bree is motivated to attend BEA Rep Council as she sees the importance of having a voice in the matters involving education. She would love to be able to attend some professional conferences and participate in exploring more communication between paraprofessionals and other educators as well as to develop her paraprofessional skills. Bree encourages all paraprofessionals to join the ranks of other BEA members. It is a perfect opportunity to utilize the benefits the BEA offers and open communication and education among themselves.

Bree enjoys her work and is genuinely grateful for the welcoming and friendly actions of the educators of Boise Schools! Thanks Bree for all you do!

Recently the BEA provided trainings on using the district provided Google Apps. Classes covered a range of topics, including using GMAIL, Google Drive and Calendar. There was amazing turn out, with most classes full and lots of questions being answered. Keep your eyes out for more trainings coming up this Spring. Check out some of the handouts below.

• Google Calendar
• GMAIL
• Google Drive
  

The BEA ESP Committee sponsored a volunteer day where we had dozens of BEA members show up at the Idaho Foodbank and spend their entire morning or afternoon assisting in sorting or packing food for the community. It was an amazing event and the foodbank is always in need. Please check out website here for more information.

There's a lot of new things going on with your health care. Make sure that you're checking out the BEA Insurance Committee's webpage for new and important information concerning health and insurance updates.

• Important Health Plan Updates (Blue Sheet)
• Insurance Committee Webpage

Make sure to find and Like us on Facebook for updates, information and photos about the BEA/ESP. https://www.facebook.com/ESPBoise

Want to show some association spirit? Than click here to go to our online site to order a new ESP, originally designed, shirt and mail your check to the IEA/BEA building through the school mail.

-BEA President, Stephanie Myers
-BEA Executive Director, Kathy Yamamoto

-Chair, Gena Harris, Hawthorne
-Debra Brown, Horizon
-Mary Gordon, Retired
-Bev Harrigfeld, Horizon
-Jeanine Rishel, South
-Allison Gordon, DSC
-Nick Stienmetz, F & O

Newsletter Editor:

-Allison Gordon

Email: espboiseschools@gmail.com
Website: http://boiseea.org/boise-educational-support-professionals/
Location: 620 N 6th St, Boise, ID, United States
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESPBoise
Twitter: @BoiseESP