LETTER FROM PRESIDENT MARIE BLISTEN
To: Executive Committee, County Presidents, GR chair
Hi, everyone. It is a holiday weekend and we normally only send out communications wishing everyone well. However, as Governor Murphy shared again today, our world crisis continues and New Jersey is in the forefront with the pandemic. Things are not normal in any sense of the word. As we continue to hear the news about COVID-19 in our state, I know we all want to hold our loved ones a little closer, even if we have to do that remotely for the time being. At a time like this, we remember how important it is to stick together.
As you know, the Legislature remains at work considering legislation related to the COVID-19 crisis, so NJEA remains at work to advocate for our members, our students and our values. Sometimes that means opposing legislation that has potential harmful consequences, like the bill that could have allowed municipalities to withhold payments to school districts. So far, that bill is not moving in the Senate as Senate leaders consider amendments we and other education advocacy groups have proposed to protect schools and students.
In other cases, we need to advocate for legislation that will help members, schools and our state. That includes our Ch. 78 Relief and ESP Job Justice bills, which passed the Senate and are now awaiting Assembly action. At a time when the state and local districts desperately need funds, the savings offered by that bill make it more important than ever. And at a time when our ESP members are stepping up in heroic ways to serve students, they deserve Job Justice even more than before, if that is even possible.
We received confirmation today that the Assembly will be voting on some bills on Monday. Please take a moment to email the Assembly<https://www.njea.org/ask-the-assembly-to-act-today/> and ask them to act now. And please reach out to the members you represent asking them to do the same.
As always, we remain grateful for your leadership and advocacy, especially in this difficult time.
In solidarity,
Marie
[New Jersey Education Association]<https://www.njea.org/>
Marie Blistan
NJEA President
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
180 W. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08607-1211
p: 609-599-4561 x 2323
f: 609-278-0688
WTEA donates to Long Valley families
The WTEA collected and donated $1,115 To LVCAP. These funds will help families in need of Home Heating Oil. Mrs. Woodring was very appreciative and grateful for this donation. “THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE GENEROUS DONATION FROM THE WTEA, YOURSELF, AND OTHERS. REST ASSURED WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR FAMILIES WHO USE THE PANTRY.”
WTEA is proud of it’s members for this donation.
WTEA MEMBER GOES THE EXTRA MILE FOR “HARVEY SURVIVORS!!”
8th Grade LVMS Math teacher, Melissa Udelsman, organized a huge collection (540lbs) including school supplies, toiletries, and linens for a school district in Texas. This school district was damaged by Hurricane Harvey a few weeks ago. Melissa showed her true colors and great “Moral Fiber” by getting fellow LVMS staff members and students to donate anything school related that could help this district in their time of need. Mr. Myles is the Texas school teacher who will be receiving this donation and is extremely excited and appreciative of this act of true generosity.
Mrs. Udelsman would like to thank everyone who made any donation or helped with this process.
The WTEA is extremely proud of Melissa’s efforts in this charitable collection. She is not just a great math teacher but a great human being with a big heart. Great job Melissa Udelsman. (There are pictures below of the collection.)
