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AASD Weekly Update 01-07-2021
NEW ITEMS
- IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT MARTEN ADDRESSING THE EVENTS YESTERDAY AT THE NATIONS CAPITOL
Dear San Diego Unified community,
It’s hard to sing, but every American knows the story behind the Star Spangled Banner. Our flag was still flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore following the attack by the British. It was no less inspiring to wake up this morning and realize our nation had survived an insurrection yesterday. Our institutions remain strong, despite the attempt to undermine them by extreme partisans.
These are challenging times for all Americans - and for all San Diegans. A woman from San Diego was killed yesterday, during the attack on the Capitol, and we mourn any loss of life. Too many lives have been lost during this pandemic, and yet our country is still standing. Our faith in our country and our democracy endures.
Today, like so many days since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, will be a difficult one for the families we serve, for our educators, and for our entire school community. To help, we are sharing critical materials to help meet this challenge. Among them is “Let America Be America Again,” one of my favorite poems by Langston Hughes.
The Anti-Defamation League
11 Ways Schools Can Help Students Feel Safe in Challenging Times
Discussing Political Violence and Extremism with Young People
The National Association of School Psychologists
Guidance for Reinforcing Safe, Supportive and Positive School Environments for All Students
The Child Mind Institute
How to Help Children Cope With Frightening News
PBS.org
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/helping-kids-navigate-scary-news-stories
Facing History and Ourselves
Responding to the Insurrection at the US Capitol
Post-election Support for Facilitating Difficult Conversations
The New York Times
Civil Conversation for Teens Challenge: Voting and Democracy
Let America Be America Again By Langston Hughes via the Poetry Foundation
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/147907/let-america-be-america-again
Please accept the above resources, or choose your own to engage your students in a discussion about the future of our country. Let them know our country will endure, despite our challenges. Our community will come back from the COVID-19 crisis stronger, despite our challenges. We will rise above all our challenges, and all our students have an essential role to play in our future.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Cindy Marten
- COVID-19 VEBA VACCINE INFORMATION. California Schools VEBA is committed to the health and safety of members. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, VEBA has introduced virtual resources to continue to prioritize member well-being. VEBA is excited to announce the launch of the new COVID-19 vaccine VEBA web page. As the national strategy rolls out, VEBA will provide the how, when and where as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to the public. The page offers the latest news on the COVID-19 vaccine, frequently asked questions, community resources, and links to local and national public health agencies. In addition, the page connects members to the newest information from VEBA carriers and medical groups.
The page can be accessed by clicking the “COVID-19 Vaccination Info” button on VEBAonline.com or by clicking on the grey banner at the top of the VEBA Resource Center home page.
- FREE WEBINAR SPONSORED BY HORACE MANN FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR ALL SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
Horace Mann Presents -- Your money and your life – where do you go from here? January 12 at 5:30 p.m. PST. Today Show financial editor Jean Chatzky believes it’s completely possible to “create the lives we want, support the people we love and stress a little less.” Jan has made it her mission to simplify money matters by increasing financial literacy and will tell you the moves to make now to help ensure a life of financial comfort for you and your family. Sign up via the link below.
https://horacemann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KP7jdFZnTASKTQqyUIGr7Q
- ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (ACSA) REGION 18 SCHOLARSHIPS. ACSA Region 18 and the San Diego County School Boards Association will be awarding ten $1000 scholarships to students. Your graduating senior child or any graduating student at your school can apply. Deadline for application is March 29.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Kiy2ivn_YbkriLTZ3Dq253g58Ch1g0yD
- TODAY AT 4:00 P.M. -- ALL AASD MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING, RETIRED MEMBERS AND AFFILATE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE WITH US!
Join us today, Thursday, January 7, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. for all of our Members in Good Standing and Affiliate Members who retired on December 31. Please plan on joining us to congratulate our colleagues. The list of those we will be honoring is below, as well as the Zoom meeting information. Mark your calendar now and help us celebrate and honor their many years of service and dedication to the students of SDUSD.
AASD Members in Good Standing:
Gary Altstadt, Business Intelligence Coordinator, Information Technology Support Services
Aidee Angulo, Program Manager, Mental Health Resource Center
Lali Barhoumi, Principal, Garfield Elementary
Ricardo Barra, Building Services Supervisor III, Standley Middle
Tom Beck, Landscape Services Supervisor, Physical Plant Operations
Scott Caldwell, Transportation Operations Supervisor, Pupil Transportation
Krista Conn, Manager, Human Resources
Jim Felix, Transportation Budget Supervisor, Pupil Transportation
Luis Garcia, Plant Operations Supervisor, Crawford High
Daniel Gonzales, Landscape Services Supervisor, Physical Plant Operations
Mark Harrington, Plant Operations Supervisor, University City High
Ed Kenworthy, Supervising Stock Clerk, Distribution Services
Gina Lang, Plant Operations Supervisor, Point Loma High
Jo McGlin, Vice Principal, University City High
Tony Meeks, Vice Principal, La Jolla High
Maria Nichols, Director, School Innovations
Dan Palkovic, Captain, School Police
Vicki Ranes, Catologing Specialist, Instructional Resources and Materials
Karina Reyes, Vice Principal, Roosevelt Middle
Michelle Riley, Principal, Alcott Elementary
Maria Smith, Food Services Supervisor, Bell Prep Kitchen
Phil Teates, Building Services Supervisor III, Montgomery Middle
Margie Vela, Operations Specialist, Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options
Gregory Williams, School-to-Career Coordinator, Madison High
Chris Woehler, Manager, Instructional Materials, Instructional Resources and Materials
AASD Affiliate Members:
Debbie Beaver, Real Estate Specialist
Jackie Bello, Human Resources Analyst
Debbie Foster, Finance Division Executive Director
Maria Dolores Garcia, Preschool Teacher
Elizabeth Kramer, Administrative Assistant II
Mike Marquez, Chief of Police
Staci Monreal, Chief of Staff, Office of the Superintendent
Derek Morris, Teacher
AASD Retiree Celebration Zoom Information
AASD Retiree Celebration, January 7, 4:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82949332778?pwd=QVpsMGYzcmhvS1R4TWh0enRpRlJhdz09
Meeting ID: 829 4933 2778
Passcode: 748096
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82949332778#,,,,,,0#,,748096# US (New York)
+16699009128,,82949332778#,,,,,,0#,,748096# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 829 4933 2778
Passcode: 748096
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keI84i9GBz
- AMERICAN FIDELITY – SPECIAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR AASD MEMBERS
For the past few years, American Fidelity has conducted annual site visits at San Diego USD to educate AASD members on the benefits available to them and to update their disability coverage. Due to the current environment, American Fidelity has transitioned to assisting members virtually using “screen sharing” software. They are making plans to service SDUSD employees/AASD members this year from January 18 – February 28, 2021.
Whether you currently have benefits through American Fidelity, or you wish to enroll for the first time, this special enrollment opportunity is important for you. Please click on the following link for information on the various insurance products and to schedule an appointment. American Fidelity Special Enrollment
Please don’t hesitate to contact American Fidelity directly at 1-800-365-9180 if you have any questions.
- FROM RANCH EVENTS – CONTINUING TO PROVIDE GREAT MEALS AT A GREAT PRICE. TIRED OF COOKING? CHECK THIS OUT.
https://mdp-catering-events-inc.square.site/
Tired of cooking? As many of you know, all of the AASD events at Marina Village and Scottish Rite Center are catered by Ranch Events. They make and serve delicious meals! Ranch Events opened their kitchen at the Scottish Rite Event Center (in Mission Valley) for “take out” meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner. A dinner that serves 4 adults and 2 children is just $30 and individual meals or meals for 3 can also be purchased. A great deal for home cooked food. The website link is above, meals can be ordered in advance or the order can be placed on the same day (see website for more information). This is a great way to take a night day off from cooking and still be able to feed yourself and/or your family at a reasonable price. They also have vegetarian meals, soups and desserts as well as group platter meals. AASD has partnered with Ranch Events for many years and we are pleased they are able to provide this service which allows them to continue to employ staff. Feel free to share this information with anyone you wish to. Many of our AASD members have tried the meals and the feedback has been positive.
- CONDOLENCES
AASD acknowledges deaths of our members, retirees, or their immediate family members via the Weekly Update. If you have information on a death to be reported in the AASD Weekly Update, please contact any of the staff at the AASD office with the information. We appreciate your help with this – we don’t always know right away when a death has occurred or the information on services.
AASD MOURNS THE PASSING OF PAST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AASD AND LIFETIME EDUCATOR KERMEEN “PUNKY” FRISTROM
AASD is sad to report the passing of Kermeen “Punky” Fristrom on January 3. Punky was the AASD Executive Director from June 1991 to August 1994. Punky also returned to fill in as Interim AASD Executive Director in 1998. As a retiree, he was an active member of ACSAR Region 18 and a frequent attendee at events and luncheons sponsored by the group. Prior to his tenure at AASD, Punky was a popular educator at Point Loma High School and taught the highest and most advanced English classes, challenging the reading and interpretations skills of Pointer students for many years.
Bob Raines, Chair of the AASD Retiree Network and Past President of AASD said “I had the great privilege of having him as my English Literature teacher in my senior year at PLHS (1963-64) and he was, without a doubt, the best teacher of my life. I had many great teachers during my high school years, but none stand out like Punky. Suffice to say, in the last day of class in 1964, there was not a dry eye in the entire class.”
Punky was a 1954 graduate of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. He married Anne Chandler, a 1955 graduate of the school. Both attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Punky told of visiting a recruiter for San Diego City Schools on campus at Harvard one day. He and Anne saw photos of Balboa Park, sunny blue skies, and pristine beaches and accepted an offer to move across the country to teach.
Punky was assigned to Point Loma High School and began his teaching career in 1954. The couple was thrilled when Anne was sent to Cabrillo Elementary School. They eventually bought a home on Dixon Place where they spent decades before moving to a retirement community.
Retired principal, Pat Crowder shared “Punky was more than an outstanding educator--he was a legend at Point Loma High School. I was a student there when he was teaching and he was exceptional. I remember when he and his family took a summer vacation in a big bus; it was covered in the San Diego Union Tribune. He was always an innovative, caring educator who will be greatly missed.”
Punky had contracted polio earlier in his life, but did not let his physical disability limit his activities. He met legendary football coach Bennie Edens and asked to help coach. Punky became a wizard at developing defensive schemes for the Pointer football teams for many years. He also served as Varsity baseball coach. Punky spent 24 years at PLHS and estimated that he taught and coached over 10,000 students.
In his role as Executive Director of AASD, retiree Patti Burch fondly recalls great memories of Punky. “He was incredibly funny, right up there with colleagues Bob Raines and Mike Price.” Patti, a classified supervisor, states “Punky was a great support and I will always appreciate him making me feel welcome and truly a part of AASD.”
AASD sends condolences to Punky’s wife, Anne on the loss her husband who was a truly amazing and dedicated educator and leader. No additional information is available at this time about services.
- JOB POSTINGS FOR CERTIFICATED POSITIONS AND CLASSIFIED POSITIONS IN THE AASD UNIT. AASD has been asked to publish the job postings in our Weekly Update. AASD also suggests that all applicants (classified and certificated) mark their calendars to check weekly for new job postings each Monday. This way, you will not miss out on a posting you might be interested in (as all jobs in the AASD unit must be posted for 10 days). Additionally, jobs in other units will be posted.
AASD-Represented CERTIFICATED Job Postings
Principal, Crown Point Elementary, Closes 1/10
Program Manager, Special Education, Closes 1/10
Vice Principal, Roosevelt Middle (Re-post), Closes 1/10
Vice Principal, Lewis Middle (Re-post), Closes 1/10
Vice Principal, UC High (Re-post), Closes 1/10
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandi?page=1
AASD-Represented CLASSIFIED Job Postings
Systems Development Coordinator Closes 1/20
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandi?page=1
REMINDERS
- FOOD SERVICES SUPERVISORS AND AREA SUPERVISORS.
As many of you know, last year the State offered a summer assistance program for all 10-month classified employees whose earnings fall within a certain range. In the AASD unit, our Food Services Supervisors and Area Supervisors qualify for this voluntary program. AASD has once again entered into an agreement with the District whereupon our members can participate in the 2021-22 fiscal year. All information regarding this voluntary program will be posted on the district website and shared with those employees who are eligible. Please see the agreement at the following link . Agreement
- SEE'S CANDIES See's is now offering a new product! Instead of the paper gift certificates, they now have plastic gift cards. (The paper gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through their discount program.) Of course, if you have any of the paper gift certificates, they are still valid and will be honored at stores.
The new gift cards are available for purchase from AASD by members in good standing, affiliate members and retired members. The gift cards are valued at $25, but the discounted cost for our members is just $21.25. This is a savings of $3.75 per gift card!
As you know, the AASD office is closed and staff is working remotely, but we can still offer this benefit to you. If you are interested in purchasing gift cards, simply email Linda Crout-Hamel (linda@aasdcs.org). Please email your request and provide your phone number so she can call you to discuss your order and payment options (credit or debit card, check). The gift cards will then be mailed to the address you provide.
In addition to these gift cards, Administrators Association of San Diego (AASD) members qualify for quantity discounts on See's candy at the Quantity Discount store on Rosecrans. To redeem your discount, show a valid photo ID, your AASD member card, and provide our account number 6472612. You can also give them the AASD office phone number (619-295-2118) for the discount. This discount is only valid at 3751 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110.
- NEGOTIATED HOTLINE FOR AASD MEMBERS IS UP AND RUNNING! In the Return to Instruction MOU, AASD negotiated the following language:
The District will establish a “hotline” available to AASD unit members and other management who are charged with enforcing the health and safety policies and procedures where they can call or e-mail and get immediate assistance when conflicts arise, clarification is needed, or decisions must be made regarding health and safety matters. This hotline will be available on all District workdays, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be staffed with a person in authority who has the capability to make decisions or who has direct access to those who can make decisions. In the rare event that a message must be left, all calls will be returned promptly, within the same day.
The Hotline is up and running. AASD is pleased to announce that our AASD member, Brian Kenworthy, who is a classified manager (Operations Specialist) is the voice on the other end of the hotline. Many of you know Brian as he has worked for the district for 18 years in departments such as Human Resources, Summer School/ESY, Leadership and Learning, Labor Relations, Office of the Superintendent and the Charter School Office. Brian will be a great resource for our members and is a well-respected manager. Thank you, Brian!
This hotline is for ALL AASD represented members, both classified and certificated. The Hotline phone number is (619) 981-0760.
- AASD OFFICE CLOSURE. The AASD office remains closed, and staff are working remotely, until further notice.. The Daily Update will continue to answer any questions and address any of your concerns with regard to school closures, return to instruction and COVID-19 updates. The Weekly Update will continue as usual on Thursdays with a variety of news and information for AASD members.
- IMPORTANT - PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS. AASD communicates with members via personal e-mail address. We do not communicate via "sandi.net." If you know of a colleague that is not receiving the Update, or if your personal email address changes, please remember to notify AASD by e-mailing our Office Clerk, Jim Costello, at Jim@aasdcs.org.
- UNION PLUS - MONEY-SAVING PROGRAMS FOR AFSA MEMBERS! AFSA membership is provided to all AASD Members in Good Standing at no additional cost. For more information regarding AFSA and Union Plus benefits, please visit their website: https://www.theschoolleader.org/
IMPORTANT: For Members in Good Standing and Affiliate Members who have added AFSA -- If you have not turned in the “Combined AFSA Benefits Information Form,” please submit the form immediately. This form must be submitted in order to be eligible for the professional liability, legal services, etc. You do not need to list your full social security number on the form; however, AFSA has requested that you provide at least the last four digits. For a copy of the form, click here
For all our Members in Good Standing, and Affiliates and Retirees who have selected to be members of AFSA, there are many money-saving programs offered to you. Click here to review your many options!
- IMPORTANT – ELECTRONIC LINK AVAILABLE! FILL OUT YOUR AASD MEMBERSHIP RECOMMITMENT FORM NOW! This information pertains to current AASD members who were AASD members prior to June 28, 2018. It does NOT apply to Affiliate members or Retired members. Many have asked how to “re-join” AASD in light of the Supreme Court Decision, Janus v. AFSCME. If you were an AASD member on June 27, 2018, per the Decision, you automatically stayed as an AASD "Member in Good Standing" and will remain so. However, we are asking all AASD members to re-commit to AASD by completing the google form (link below). This re-confirms your AASD membership and ensures that you have access to the benefits of being an AASD member – legal representation, AASD representation, discounted services, scholarships for your children, professional development reimbursements, etc.
Some of you have already filled out the new membership form over the past year – if so, it is not necessary to complete it again. If you have any questions regarding the re-commitment form, please contact the AASD office at 619-295-2118 or e-mail one of the AASD staff members for assistance. Thank you in advance for your commitment to our Union – AASD.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQN05VdAieFTxevIu1yg5L_03zLGgIWt3Xl4Igv-Horazxcg/viewform
To review the benefits of being an AASD member, please Click here.
- AASD COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS POSTED ON THE AASD WEBSITE. The collective bargaining agreements (contracts) for the AASD classified unit and the AASD certificated unit are posted on the AASD website. The District no longer provides a hard copy to AASD members. You are welcome to view the contracts on our website and feel free to print a copy, if you wish. To view the contracts, visit the AASD website at www.aasdcs.org and click on Governance/Contracts or Collective Bargaining/Contracts.
- AASD WEBSITE. Click here www.aasdcs.org to view our website. The website is kept up-to-date and current for all of our members (members in good standing, retirees and affiliate members). Visit the website to view the AASD calendar and for forms and information on our Union, as well as discounts for members.
If you have any feedback on the website, please e-mail jim@aasdcs.org with your comments. We hope our website is a great resource for you!
- ESTATE PLANNING – DISCOUNT FOR AASD MEMBERS! AASD has a partnership with Greg Runge, Estate Planning Attorney. Greg is an estate planning attorney with approximately 10 years of experience practicing in the areas of wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney and advance health care directives. In addition to his legal work, Greg is also currently a Lieutenant with a local police department, where he is in his 19th year of service as a sworn officer. As a public employee, Greg is very aware of the unique estate planning issues that can come into play with our members. Greg has focused his legal practice on providing essential estate planning services to public employees and their families at an affordable rate. This benefit is available to all AASD Members in Good Standing, AASD Affiliate Members and AASD Retired Members. Greg is offering this service to our members for a flat fee of $750, which is 50% off the going rate for estate planning (very complex or very large estates may require a higher fee that would be individually negotiated with the member). To contact Greg Runge, please e-mail gregrunge@gmail.com or call (858) 395-4011 and be sure to mention you are an AASD member so you receive the discounted rate.
- MEMBERSHIP IN THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (ACSA).
There are many benefits of being an ACSA Member – as detailed in this handout. (click on link) Dues are deducted 10 times a year (September-June).
If AASD members are interested in membership with ACSA, please click on link for information on applying via the website.
- AASD PROFESSIONAL GROWTH GRANT. The Administrators Association San Diego City Schools (AASD), in conjunction with the San Diego Unified School District, provides financial grants to members to assist them in their professional growth. Unit members who participate in professional development activities related to job-connected skills or potential careers with the District may qualify to have the cost of registration fees defrayed by available funds up to $100. This includes ACSA-sponsored Academies, Conferences and Institutes. Click here for more details.
- "BENEFIT HUB" Benefit Hub is an online discount program. All AASD members have access to thousands of discounts which allows you to save on everything from movies and theme parks to restaurants and sporting events.
This free service provides discounts to car rental companies, theme parks, hotels, and entertainment destinations (i.e., San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.). Register online to take advantage of these terrific discounts. Special offers and discounts are always changing, so check back frequently. You can purchase and print tickets from the convenience of your home.
The Benefits Portal - In addition to discounts and specials, BenefitHub also offers CASH BACK on some products and services! Get to know the benefit portal by visiting the BenefitHub website. The site is very user friendly. It is easy to do a search under various headings and categories, including Newest, Most Popular, Local Deals, Health and Wellness and Pay Over Time, just to name a few.
Benefit Hub Service - Gift Card Outlet - Save up to 15% on gift cards from over 70 popular merchants. The NEW Gift Card Outlet is in the Discount Marketplace.
Enter the following address in the browser bar, with no leading w's - aasd.benefithub.com Do not do a "search" for Benefit Hub as it will take you to the wrong website. Click on "Guest" at the upper right-hand side of the screen. Fill in the information and create a password. If you have any questions about registering, or encounter any problems, call the AASD office for assistance. If you have any questions about or need assistance with the Benefit Hub website, you can contact Support at (866) 664-4621.
- AASD Contact Information During the District Closure:
Executive Director, Donis Coronel -- donis@aasdcs.org 619-813-8792
Office Manager, Linda Crout-Hamel -- linda@aasdcs.org 619-861-2701
Office Clerk, Jim Costello -- jim@aasdcs.org
Please keep informed via the District’s website www.sandi.net, Daily and Weekly Updates from AASD and via the AASD Website www.aasdcs.org.
Contacts
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