During the joint BOD/Rep Council meeting, our board members and representatives discussed the upcoming ATA negotiation sessions. It was emphasized that as representatives of a diverse group of almost 850 unit members, we have a responsibility to represent various needs. As we move forward, we must consider our collective best interests while avoiding division by determining who has a more significant workload than others and is entitled to additional pay.

It's worth noting that ATA salary schedules have undergone years of discussion, revision, and study. The schedules are based on training, experience, and time, recognizing that a credential is required to perform basic services. Additional training is recognized with columns, while steps recognize service and expertise. Specialized assignments and Coaching & Miscellaneous positions requiring extra time on campus result in additional pay. The Council's primary goal is to create a strong, equitable salary structure that benefits all unit members.

I am pleased to announce that the Council has agreed to proceed with voting on the proposed calendar options. From December 12 to 13, 2023, all dues-paying members will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred calendar option for the upcoming 24/25 and 25/26 school years. Should you encounter any difficulties with SimplyVoting, please contact ATA.

Stay tuned for more information about member participation and support, including wearing ATA shirts and buttons on specific days and having a presence at the Board of Ed. Meetings. Your continued involvement is appreciated, and I look forward to working together to get the most out of the process.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

I am pleased to inform you that our ATA upstairs conference room and adjacent workroom renovation project is complete. The updates include modern LED lighting, new ceiling grid and tiles, flooring, AC diffuser registers, baseboards, casing, paint, blinds, and TV monitors for presentations.

Your BOD is pleased with the outcome and cannot wait for you to experience the new space. We are confident that the renovated conference room and workroom will serve us well for many years. Please visit and explore the renovated space at your convenience.

Are you planning to travel soon? If you are a Blue Shield member, it's crucial to be aware of your insurance benefits. Whether you're traveling within the United States or abroad, it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your health and safety.

If you're traveling within the United States, call your Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) company to find out what your benefits cover while away from home. Always carry your current BCBS ID card, and to find nearby doctors and hospitals, call BlueCard Access at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or visit the Blue National Doctor & Hospital Provider Finder. If you require precertification or prior authorization, refer to the phone number located on your Blue ID card.

If you're traveling abroad, verify your international benefits with your Blue Plan before leaving the United States. Alternatively, you can purchase a GeoBlue plan. Always carry your Blue ID card, and in case you need to locate a doctor or hospital or require medical assistance services, hotlines are available 24/7. You can reach the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583). Stay safe and healthy while traveling!

The ATA is conducting a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of our benefits towards hearing aide devices. If you or any dependent under your healthcare plan use such services, your Health Benefits Committee would like to get a better sense of the experiences you've had. This is a great opportunity to share your feedback and help improve the benefits offered. So, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and share your thoughts. Thank you in advance for your participation and valuable input.

Click here to access the Google Form.

The video shows how to generate an estimate of your CalSTRS monthly retirement benefit online.

For teachers assigned to elementary classrooms for grades 4 - 8, there is a provision of consultation and preparation time during the student day. The allotted time is a minimum of one hundred (100) minutes per week.

In case these minutes are not provided, teachers are compensated at the District hourly rate. The following conditions may lead to a loss of consultation/preparation time:

1) District or site provided in-service training, including District approved pupil free days
2) Required attendance at conferences
3) Holidays that do not extend an entire week
4) District scheduled parent conferences
5) Student holidays and minimum days specifically designated for report card preparation

As a suggestion, collaborate with your grade-level peers to ensure that all affidavits are submitted in a timely manner.

Interested in attending the 34th Annual Lunar New Year Banquet? Seats are available at the ATA table for dues-paying members. Contact Ralph via email to reserve your spot. First come, first serve.

December 9

- ATA Mix & Mingle (4-6 pm, ATA Office) - CANCELED

December 12

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

December 21

Secondary School Pupil Free Day (9th-12th & LIFT)

December 22-January 5, 2024

- Winter Break

January 8

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

January 9

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

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

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/