|
January 2010
YTA E-Newsletter
Happy New Year
|
Presidents Message
 This past 2010 was a successful year for YISD, and 2011 is our year to spotlight our profession and the contributions you make to our community. We must begin the journey to take control of our profession and it all begins with you. Each one of you is part of a circle of influence within your family, friends, and community. Be proud of what you do to shape and mold our future and share your stories. It's time to brag about what you do. Whether you provide nutrition for our students, keep the classrooms and grounds looking their best for learning to occur, ensure that the scheduling and paperwork is in order, enrich the minds of students, deal with instruction, observation and development, provide instructional leadership or any of the other multitude of functions that keep our district rated one of the best in the country not only as a Recognized district, but a Broad Prize finalist. Regardless of who is steering this great ship, our success in this district is because of you!
The recent winter edition of the YISD Communicator featured a photo of YISD officials in New York attending the announcement of the 2010 Broad Prize winner announcement, unfortunately, the photo selected did not feature the ones who made it happen, our teachers! In attendance and representing the teachers, were our elementary and secondary teacher's of the year, Jude Palacios (Parkland ES) and Julie Oshiro (Bel Air HS).  
Thanks to your hard work and dedication, we are primed for greater success in 2011. The greatest reward in our profession is that the success experienced in the classroom translates to success in creating a greater community for the Great city of El Paso!
As your YTA President and on behalf of the YTA Board of Directors, we thank you for the success we experienced in 2010!
Wishing you a healthy and Happy 2011!
Respectfully,
Noel Candelaria
YTA President
|
|
|
|
82nd Texas Legislature and Public Education
As we prepare for the new year, the 82nd Texas Legislature prepares for the new session in dealing with a projected budget shortfall of estimated around $20-24 billion. Public education makes up more than 40% of the Texas budget, so public education funding and programs will be the target as lawmakers find ways to trim the budget. Already, the State Comptroller is recommending eliminating the 22-1 ratio in grades K-4. There have been several bills already filed and be assured that TSTA is keeping track and fighting on your behalf in Austin.
Click below to track the Bills and to sign up for the Briefing form TSTA. |
|
YISD Time Keeper System & YTA Survey
 In the last few issues of the Principals Memo from the Superintendent, Dr. Zolkoski stated that "all employees will use the Time Keeper". The Time Keeper is a new system being installed throughout YISD to replace the time card system for the hourly staff. The Time Keeping system cost the district $1,165,132. In the last couple of meetings with Dr. Z, he has gone from only requiring hourly staff in early November to a memo in December stating all "All employees" will be required to us the system. In our last conversation regarding this issue, Dr. Z stated that he is considering requiring the contract staff to use the system only at the beginning of the work day to ensure that all faculty and staff are present and that all employees are in place for the beginning of the instructional day. Our complete position on the issue from an association stand point, will be dependent on the letter that Dr. Z promised will go out to all employees upon returning from the Holiday Break describing the procedure and requirements for "All employees". At this point, we oppose the requirement for contract employees to utilize the system as required by hourly employees who currently are required to fill out time sheets.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey by YTA regarding the new Time Keeping system and give us your feedback. The survey is confidential and the results will be shared with district officials.
|
YTA's 2011 Membership Drive
iCan Too Campaign
Last Semester, YTA rewarded several members for their recruitment efforts. We gave away an iPad and four Shuffles to members who recruited at least 5 new members.
Congratulations to the following members:- Bobby Lerma, Cesar Chavez Academy - IPad (recruited 21 members)
- Becky Beltran, Marion Manor ES - iPod Shuffle (recruited 7 members)
- Irma Rosa, Capistrano ES - iPod Shuffle (recruited 5 members)
- Laura Garcia, Ysleta HS - iPod Shuffle (recruited 5 members)
- Suzanne Duarte, Ranchland Hills MS - iPod Shuffle (recruited 5 members)
The success of the iCan Campaign prompted the YTA Board to continue it with iCan Too Campaign now through Thursday, March 31, 2011.
Click on the links below for more information and recruiting tools:
iCan Too Campaign Flyer
iCan Campaign Rules
Organization Comparison Form
YTA Membership Form
|
NEA Launches Blogger Community
The site is a one-stop destination for educators, bloggers, policy makers, reporters and others looking for fresh viewpoints on public education. It is a resource for the most pressing issues facing public education today, including education policy, education technology, and classroom management.Education's top bloggers, all in one place. Come join NEA's online community at edvoices.com
 |
Who Are Your Classroom Superheroes?
They don't have the cape or the flashy tights, but educators are rising to a superhero challenge every single day. Often, we take them for granted. But few people have such an impact on all of our lives, and the lives of our children, as educators.
ClassroomSuperheroes.com is a project of the National Education Association. It allows parents, students, and community members to show educators the support they deserve. more
Nominate your colleague's, create your profile, and show our everyday superheroes your support! click here
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
YTA Campus Leader Meeting - Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 4:30 pm, Vista Hills Country Club
YISD School Board Meeting - Wednesday, January 19 at 6 pm, Ysleta ISD ACAC Ysleta Room
|
|
|
|
|
