Each year as my spirits dip,

the BTA rallies together and slowly

then rapidly builds up the holiday

spirit. It begins with the small things

we each do in our classroom by

reaching out to a student who

doesn’t have supplies, is hungry, or

needs a kind ear. Next we begin

pledging our dollars for research to

help those with breast cancer and to

hopefully stop this illness from

occurring. We buy shirts, we pledge

money, and we walk to raise support.

Then we gather ingredients together

to create baskets, ensuring that our

students have a truly thankful

Thanksgiving.

In building this momentum,

our BTA men pledged to not shave

for November and to donate what

they would usually spend at the

barber. We carry on with coat drives

so that our students do not have

brave the cold, unarmed. Our

members gather hats, gloves, and

scarfs to give our students extra

warmth this brutal winter season.

The BTA continues with adopting

families in need. Many members go

shopping and pick out sweaters,

jeans, sneakers, and other necessities

so that their students do not go

without.

The Official Newsletter of the Bellport Teacher’s Association

At this point, holiday spirit has

reached an all time high but the BTA

does not stop there. At this point,

members of the BTA team up with the

Lighthouse Mission to create a truly

unforgettable event. Members donate

toys and gifts to the Lighthouse

Mission. They purchase elf costumes

and dress up to create a truly special

experience. Teachers and other staff

donate their time to distribute toys,

gifts, and clothing to families in our

distr ict. These families would

otherwise be unable to celebrate in

such a merry way without the

L i gh thou se M i s s i on and th e

contributions of the BTA members.

This year, this team was not able to

just supply 220 families with holiday

gifts but they were able to create

memories these families can hold on to

for a lifetime.

As you celebrate the holidays

with your family, forget the Common

Core, forget test scores, and forget

those things that create turmoil for

you. Instead take a moment on

Christmas morning (perhaps 220

moments). Take these moments to

think of 220 families squealing with

delight as they open up their gifts.

Picture 220 families, whose parents

can be proud to provide Christmas for

their children. Imagine 220 families,

December/ January 2014

showing each other what

they got for Christmas and

then spending the day as a

family together. They will

share their toys with each

other and happily talk about

these new gifts they re-

ceived. Some children will

even take their presents to

bed and curl up with them.

So as you celebrate

this season with your family,

remember to take this time

to celebrate all that is good

in the world. Take time to

celebrate not only what you

accomplish in the classroom

but what you strive to ac-

complish for your students–

outside the classroom.

Be proud to be an

educator who remembers

to care for the whole child.

Be proud that you remem-

ber what is important for

children and that you have

not gotten lost in what the

commissioner, the state,

and other non-educators

deem valuable for our stu-

dents.

Happy Holidays and

Happy New Year!

A Message from Our President

Dear Brothers and Sisters, During all of my years teaching, I have never seen or felt the amount of stress that educators have experienced over the past two years. We are approaching a major crossroads in public education. Many of us have experienced some type of struggle in our collective education career. Many seasoned educators have already been through some of these struggles before. What makes the difference now is that this struggle is for public education itself. This is not Chicken Little claiming that "the sky is falling." It is for real. This is a fight for our profession. This is a fight for our stu-dents and our children. This is a fight for our careers. I have personally seen and heard Commissioner King speak. At this point, I (as well as many others) have lost all faith in his leadership as the Commissioner of Education. His policies have created a united front of parents, admin-istrators, and teachers, which I have never seen before as an educator. He has not responded to many of the concerns

brought to him by this united front. Commissioner King’s expectation for educators to learn about the Common Core by

looking at a website, his thought that this is effective professional development is ridiculous. If we told our students the way to learn a subject is to just to look at a website, we would be rated as ineffective. Under his authority a test was created where 69% of the students failed. If we were evaluated on the effect of an assessment where only 31% of our students passed, we would have been deemed ineffective. At this point, I strongly feel he needs to be removed from his position as Commissioner of Education in the State of New York. On November 20, the BTA Representative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution calling for the resignation of Commissioner King. We must send our education repre-sentatives on the Board of Regents a message that is loud and clear. Many other locals are also following this path. Please be sure to see your building representatives for the letters asking for the resignation of Commissioner King. We

will be sending them collectively to Regents Tilles. The BTA’s voice will be heard on the direction of public education

along with the voices of our brothers and sisters statewide. We also need to effectively teach our neighbors about the misdirection of public education. With the implemen-tation of Common Core, many parents are confused about their role in their children's education. Many proponents of the Common Core have grouped our concerns into one bundle saying that teachers don't want to be evaluated and that is why we are against the new Common Core standards. We have to make sure to educate the public that there are specific separate concerns: 1) We are not against raising standards. We always want more than the best for our students. We are against haphaz-ard and rapid implementation of the Common Core. There aren't any studies suggesting that this will work. Would you give your child a medicine not knowing the effects until many years down the road? The speed of the Common Core implementation is commonly compared to building a plane in midair. We all know planes will work as long as you build them on the ground first. 2) We are not against assessing our students. We need to know what our students know so we can effectively create instruction. We are against over assessing our students. We know as professionals that teaching is more than a stu-dent's score. Teaching is about using many modes of instruction to drive creative thought and bring out the best in our students. We are not teaching assembly line robots. We are teaching human beings. 3) We are not against being evaluated. We have always been evaluated through classroom observations by other edu-cation professionals. We are against using student test scores from commercially mass produced standardized exams to be a part of our evaluations. There are too many variables that affect student performance. Our district has constant-ly struggled with the variable that has the largest effect on instruction, poverty. This is a flawed system that does not take into account all of the variables. We are in a people driven profession. On November 20, I addressed the Board of Education to stand by the resolution they passed in May. I myself had given them the resolution, to CALL UPON THE NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION AND THE NYS BOARD OF REGENTS TO STOP THE OVERRELIANCE ON STANDARDIZED TESTS AS A MEASURE OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND PRINCIPAL/TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS. With that being said, I implore you to speak to parents and board members. Get out and join some of the forums on Long Island that address testing con-cerns. Join some of the grassroots groups of parents and teachers that are against the over reliance of testing. Hope-fully you joined me in representing public education by wearing blue on December 9th. Teach parents about the re-sources available to them to prepare their children for these assessments. Even though it is our legal requirement to

administer these tests, it doesn't take away our 1st Amendment right to express your concerns about testing on your own time.

I look forward to seeing ALL of you in the fight for public education. As always, I am proud to serve you.

In Unity,

Wayne White BTA President

BTA Highlights Making Strides Against

Breast Cancer

The BTA took part in the annual ‘Making Strides

Against Breast Cancer Walk.’ This has become a tradi-

tion for our members. This year we even had wonderful

t-shirts to purchase which also created donated dollars.

Many people contribute donations to this worthy cause

and a few members join countless others at Jones Beach

for the walk. The total raised for each building is as fol-

lows:

Totals by building:

Bellport High School $336.

Bellport Middle School $179.

Frank P. Long $340. Brookhaven Elementary $544. Verne W. Critz $660. Kreamer Street $900. BTA shirt sales $1121. Total: $4080.

This is almost a S1500. increase from last year’s contribu-tions. Great job BTA members!

Annual Bellport Tree Lighting

Contributed by, Michelle Stiriz

On Saturday December 7th, The

Kreamer Street Third Grade Chorus sang at

the Bellport Village Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The children sang many holiday favorites that

included “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer”,

“Jingle Bells”, “We Wish you a Merry Christ-

mas”, and an all time children’s favorite,

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”.

The chorus also sang some selec-

tions from their winter concert, with one of the songs guid-

ing the way for Santa Claus to ride into the Village on an

old fashioned fire truck. As the children sang “Santa Claus

is on his way, he’s filling up his magic sleigh…”, Santa Ho

Ho Hoed his way into the community’s hearts, and sat in

front of the beautifully lit Village tree in his rocking chair.

All the children at the ceremony had a chance to sit

on Santa’s lap and tell them their wish for Christmas. The

chorus did an amazing job lifting our spirits for the holidays,

while their beautiful voices surrounded the village tree and

traveled through the ears of all of us, merry and bright!

Editor’s Note: L.A.P. provided goody bags that were passed

out to our local children. Children were delighted to

receive these wonderful holiday gift bags!

BTA Highlights Welcome Party

On October 16, 2013, Kreamer Street Elementary School once

again held a Welcome Party. Over a hundred students, parents, relatives,

teachers and friends spent the evening at Kreamer Street sharing delicious

food and activities from many different cultures. Children and their fami-

lies were welcomed with profound rhythm and beat thanks to the Boys

and Girls Club Steel Drummers. A special thanks to all the talented

drummers! Some of the dishes included Vegetable Pilau with Raita,

Papusas, Spanish Rice, Pizza, Eggplant Parmigana, Bread pudding, Latin

Roast Pork, Perogis and Kielbasa and sauerkraut. Children and their

families had an opportunity to learn and make cultural crafts such as, mak-

ing Guatemalan Worry Dolls, Mandalas, Jianzi (a Chinese Hacky Sack),

African quilting, Mexican Hot Chocolate and the popular pizza dough

station. The staff at Kreamer Street was especially vital in making this

evening such a success by organizing the event, setting and cleaning up as

well as providing numerous donations. In addition, students from the

High School program Future Teachers of America came down to lend a

hand at the craft stations. Thanks to everyone for helping Kreamer Street

welcome families to a night of fun, learning and friendship.

Contributed through a press release by Sean Clark

Special Note: Teacher Christine Daniels is instrumental in the success of

this enjoyable event.

No Shave November

Contributed by Joe Malandro

The answer is quite simple. No-

Shave November is a unique way to raise can-

cer awareness. What better way to grow

awareness than with some hair? The goal of

No-Shave November is to grow awareness by

embracing our hair, which many cancer pa-

tients lose, and letting it grow wild and free.

Money that is usually spent on shaving and

grooming for the month gets donated to the

American Cancer Society, to educate about

cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those

fighting the battle.

If you would like additional infor-

mation about the American Cancer Society or

you would like to donate, please check out

their website at www.cancer.org.

This November, members from the BTA decided to take

part in "No Shave November". Why would they do that? What is

that? These are some of the common questions that were asked.

BTA Highlights The BTA Joins the Lighthouse Mission for

an Unforgettable Event

Contributed by: William Champlin

The Lighthouse Mission, in partnership with the BTA and other faculty and staff of the SCCSD, hosted their

3rd Annual Toy Giveaway on December 18, 2013 at Kreamer St. This year, the BTA alone had almost 40 volunteers,

and district-wide staff brought us over 50! It was such a warm feeling to once again see everybody present working

together with the volunteers from the Lighthouse Mission, many in their elf costumes, ALL with smiles on their faces as

they helped serve their community.

After all was said and done, we had 220 families receive toys, gifts, clothing, games, and stocking stuffers for

their children. The Lighthouse Mission does an amazing job putting this event on every year, and it's such an honor for

the staff to be asked to participate year after year. This event is such a huge success every year in part because of the

tremendous effort of the faculty and staff of the SCCSD, and I hope that you will all be inspired to participate again

next year as we continue to help serve our community.

To sum it up, I think Mr. Sean Clark, Principal of Kreamer St., a man who truly has a passion for children and

our community said it best "Thank you to everyone who gave of their time, resources and hearts to help the Light-

house Mission provide Christmas gifts for all of our South Country children in need. The way you impacted lives could

never be measured with a test score. “

Special Note: The Lighthouse Mission is not just at work during the holiday time. As our members know, the mission could always use a helping hand. Please think of reaching out

to this selfless organization. Check out some of their good works at their website: www.lighthousemission.net

BELLPORT TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

Bellport Teachers Association

PO Box 443

Bellport, NY 11713

(631)286-7511

Dear Loyal Readers,

As we embark through another holiday season, we

all feel a bit more rushed this year. Thanksgiving came late

this year and in turn, Christmas seems early. As we contin-

ue through this season, try to take a few moments to ap-

preciate all that you have. This year, we have two weeks of

break. Take this time to reconnect with your loved ones

and spend some time on yourselves, Enjoy!

As always I welcome “Letters to the Editor” where

you can voice your opinion on the happenings in our dis-

trict. Of course I will respect your anonymity if you wish.

Contributions can be sent to Stephanie at

stephpirozzi@gmail.com. Please send information from

your home email address. I can also be reached by pony at

Kreamer Street. Thank you for all of you support and con-

tributions.

Yours in Unity…Stephanie Pirozzi

Executive Board:

President and NYSUT Delegate: Wayne

White

Vice-President and NYSUT Delegate: Pat

Brady

2nd Vice-President and NYSUT Delegate:

Teri Palermo

Treasurer and NYSUT Delegate: Don

O’Hanlon

Recording Secretary and NYSUT Dele-

gate: Christine Napolitano

Corresponding Recording Secretary and

NYSUT Delegate: Donna Snyder

NYSUT/Ed Delegate: Trish Gallina

NYSUT/Legislative Delegate: Debbie

Becht

Building Representatives:

Bellport High School: Matthew Feddern

(Senior Rep) Lisa Conk, John Romanshko,

Wendy Palladino, Joe Malandro

Middle School: Matt Kinigson (Senior

Rep) Eric Kramer, Heidi Devitoi, Ann

Metz, Jason Burmeister

Frank Long: Diane Etzel (Senior Rep), Bill

Freda, Tracey Behl

Brookhaven Elementary: Victoria Suarez

(Senior Rep), Jeanine Madrigales

Kreamer Street: Nicole Albrecht (Senior

Rep) and Michelle Stiriz

Verne Critz Karen Hughes (Senior Rep),

Lori Klamut ,Judi Lindo

Southaven: Drew Cameron

BTA Website: Dave Perkins

Beacon Editor: Stephanie Pirozzi

Ed Problems: Christine Schlosser, Kevin

Glynn, Erika Watson

Chief Negotiator: Donna Snyder

BTA Sickbank: Teri Palermo, Laurie

O’Hara

Grants: Rodney O’Neal

SCOSH: Chris Belford

Budget: Don O’Hanlon

Mentoring: Daria Hagemeyer

Elections: Jamie Calise

Community Relations: Mark Nolan

Public Relations: Camille Masem

Grievance: Sue Hartmann

APPR: Ellen Plain, Aimee Volk, Debbie

Becht

Social: Mary Zaffarano and Glenn McAvoy

Letters to the Editor

www.bellportteachers.org

Dear Editor,

This is my favorite season at work. I am always so proud

of how my fellow union members come together to help others. I

enjoy coming to work because of the holiday spirit many of us

have. I’m glad that people take the initiative to start fundraising

projects, adopt a families, coat drives, etc. It is such an important

part of the holiday season for me and really puts me in the holi-

day mood. Thanks to everyone that spearheads these endeavors.

Sincerely, A Grateful Member

Letters from the Editor

Important Information:

Please be on the look-out for ways to contribute your

time. There will be emails and texts. If you are not re-

ceiving them, please go to the BTA website or speak to

your union representative.

Please don’t forget that we are sup-

porting others through Denim Dol-

lars. Whenever you wear denim,

please donate a dollar to a repre-

sentative in your building. If you are

not sure who your representative is,

please ask your union representative.

Thanks for your continued support

of this worthy cause!

Calling All Retirees:

Don’t forget if you plan on retiring this year or

within the next five years, you should attend any

retirement meetings that are provided for you.

If you are retiring this year, please contact Presi-

dent Wayne White.