Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize Your Well-Being

As educators, we dedicate ourselves tirelessly, knowing that our work is invaluable—from the early mornings spent preparing lessons or working on endless amounts of paperwork to the late evenings devoted to grading and supporting our students. With these numerous demands, it's essential to remember that caring for ourselves is paramount.

To be our best for others, we must prioritize our well-being. This can take many forms, such as taking a moment to breathe during a busy day, setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance, or recognizing when it's time to rest. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Be kind to yourself, recharge, and make your well-being a priority. Doing so enhances our ability to support those who depend on us.

For additional support, consider utilizing EmployeeConnectSM, an Employee Assistance Program. This program offers confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for employees and their families. This service provides guidance on a wide range of topics, including family issues, parenting, addictions, emotional challenges, relationships, legal matters, stress, and financial concerns. For more information access the flyer shared by BlackBoard Connect on August 22nd or contact ATA.

Let's take the time to care for ourselves so we can be the best for others. Remember, your well-being is not a luxury; it's a necessity.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

As we gear up for the Self-Directed Professional Development Day on November 1, 2024, we understand that you may have questions about how to make the most of this opportunity. Here are some common inquiries with their answers to help you prepare.

Q: Do I have to report to my site/workplace?

A: No, you are not required to report to your site/workplace. However, you are welcome to work from your site if you prefer.

Q: Why is this day being provided?

A: This day is a result of the most recent ATA/AUSD contract agreement, which allows you to utilize your time in a manner that best supports your needs.

Q: Can my site admin call a meeting?

A: No meetings, collaborations, or PDs may be called on this day. If you experience any scheduling conflicts at your site, please contact ATA for assistance.

Q: What will the feedback form consist of? Is it required?

A: The feedback form will inquire about the day's value. Participation is optional, and you will not need to provide details about your activities.

Q: What's the catch?

A: There's no catch! We encourage you to enjoy this day and use it as you see fit.

Please refrain from posting about this day on social media, or at least be discreet.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact ATA at (626) 289-1933. Enjoy your Professional Development Day!

Join us in making a difference! We will be hosting a food distribution for families on November 2, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Volunteers are needed for setup at 8:00 AM and clean up immediately after the event.

Event Details:

- Date: November 2, 2024

- Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Setup begins at 8:00 AM)

- Goal: Distribute food to 300 invited families

- Volunteers Needed: 25

Sign Up Here

Important: This opportunity is exclusively for AUSD volunteers to ensure the privacy of our families. Your support is invaluable! Thank you for helping us serve our community.

For more information, please contact Tammy Scorcia at tammyscorcia@gmail.com.

By Juliet Wagner

Many of you are probably aware that SchoolsFirst offers a Summer Savers account that can help you plan for those months when you don’t receive a paycheck. But did you know they also offer another incredible savings program as well that will get you those 12-month paychecks you’ve always wanted? If you’re anything like me, and you are on a 10- or 11-month pay schedule and find it difficult to set aside money for the summer, Paycheck Planner may be just what you need to enjoy your summer without worrying. Each pay period, a percentage of your net pay is automatically deposited into your Paycheck Planner account. Then during the summer months, you'll receive that money just as you would your paycheck. Some additional beneficial features of the Paycheck Planner include earning a 6.5% APY and the option to deposit up to $3000 more into the account, throughout the school year.

Here are the key details:

- You need to make your monthly deposits through direct payroll deposit.

- For school employees on 10-month pay schedules, 16.7% will be deducted from each paycheck.

- For those on 11-month pay schedules, 8.3% will be deducted from each paycheck.

- To ensure sufficient funds for the summer, you won't be able to make penalty-free withdrawals from this account.

If this program appeals to you, contact your Schools First representative right away to set up this account.

If you are a new educator in your first three years of teaching, I invite you to consider attending the CTA's New Educator Weekend (NEW) conference. The conference runs from February 21 to 23 and offers everything you need to be successful in your early teaching career. It includes sessions on classroom management, creating engaging classrooms, lesson planning, connecting with your union, student loan forgiveness information, member benefits, project grants, and more.

By attending the NEW conference, you will gain valuable practical skills to help you address the challenges you may face as a new teacher. You'll discover solutions to potential obstacles and leave feeling motivated and ready for the week ahead. This is a unique opportunity to enhance your teaching journey.

If this opportunity interests you, please call the ATA at (626) 289-1933 for more information.

Dr. Pickens believes that the best version of ourselves comes not from the pursuit of happiness, but from the pursuit of healthiness. He invites us to reflect on the question: How can I get better? Listen to this conversation to hear innovative tools to help you grow into a healthier, more fulfilled version of yourself, with a focus on belonging, well-being, and curiosity.

Health Views with Deb Friesen, MD | Kaiser Permanente (podbean.com)

Please show your support for ATA by checking out our fantastic collection of merchandise! We offer a variety of stylish t-shirts and sweaters that will help you represent ATA in the best way possible. Visit our order form to see what's available, and place your order now. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated!

Please note that new unit members who submit an ATA/CTA/NEA membership form will receive a free T-shirt.

Nearly 18,000 people signed on to our petition championing this legislation and more than 1,000 letters were sent to legislators urging them to listen to educators. Thanks to our collective power, our efforts have captured the attention of folks across the state of California who are shocked to learn that educators do not get any paid pregnancy leave. What’s next? Join us for a Virtual Town Hall on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. to hear more about next steps to ensure we win.

CTA's budget is aligned with our strategic plan which reflects our continuing commitment to enhance the status of education professionals and ensure the right of free, universal, and quality public education for all children. Implementing this strategic plan is a shared responsibility that involves people at all levels of CTA, especially you. The Budget Committee seeks your input to help provide guidance as we make a recommendation to the CTA Board on spending priorities.

October 22

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

October 29

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

November 1

- Self-directed PD day

November 18

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

November 19

- Joint BOD and Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

December 9

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

December 10

- Joint BOD and Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

December 17

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

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/