a message from your president site calrta ...calrta91.org/july2017funtimes.pdf · president’s...
TRANSCRIPT
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Book Club..........................................p. 3
Cheer & Courtesy.........................p. 11
Communications...........................p. 5
Cost of Luncheons……………..…p. 4
Directory Changes......................p. 3
For Your Interest……….…….p. 3-5
Grant Funding………………p. 11 & 12
Have You Heard ……………….p.10
Here’s the Scoop…………..…….p.5
In Memory..................................p. 11
Insurance......................................p.6
Legislation................................p. 2 & 9
Luncheon.......................................p. 8
.
Membership.................................p. 7
Mini Grants……………………..p. 13 & 14
President’s Message………….p.1 & 2
President-Elect’s Message……p. 2
Resource Services……...............p. 3
Treasurer’s Report......................p.3
Volunteers Hours.........................p. 4
California Retired Teachers Association Area IV Fremont, Union City, Newark Division 91
Volume 14 Number 4 “Your partner in pension protection..............” Summer 2017
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
Marge Leonard
Visit the CalRTA web
site www.calrta.org
CalRTA 91 web site
www.calrta91.org
OFFICERS AND CHAIRPERSONS
President: Marge Leonard Mini-Grants: Florence Griffin
President Elect: Sharon Blattel Resource Services: Sharon Yool
Secretary: JoAnn Houk Book Sales Lyneil Lansing Wasser
Treasurer: Gene Amaral Reservations: Janie Caldwell
Membership: Muriel Rodrigues Historian: Dawn Scott
Financial Secretary: Judy Molander Member Contact: A. King/S. Hoffman
Newsletter Editors: Maureen Addiego, Circulation: Carolyn Zeljak
Dorothy Hann, and Jeanette Rauscher Insurance: Yvonne Brown
Communications: Mary Kay Henderson Cheer/Courtesy: Florence Griffin
Publicity: Melinda Pickens Web Master: Jerry Sabo
Legislation: Stella Torres Web Editor: Jeanette Rauscher
Events: Carolyn Zeljak Ducks for Bucks: Florence Griffin
Communications Area IV: Mary Kay Henderson
Membership Area IV: Sharon Yool
An English Major’s Math Lesson
Run these numbers, and check my calculations because this
process is the anticipatory set of the point of today’s
President’s Column.
Start with the number of years in your teaching career. Now
multiply that number by 186, the annual contracted days.
The product is the number of teaching days in your lifetime.
Multiply that number by 8, and you will have the number of
hours you spent on the job and also in the presence of
dedicated colleagues. And this brings me to the point of this
column.
(President’s Column continued on page 2)
President’s Column
Continued from Page 1
As you know, CalRTA Division 91
encompasses the Fremont, Union City,
and Newark areas--11 schools in the
New Haven District, 12 schools in the
Newark District, and 39 schools in the
Fremont District. Since I became a
Division 91 Board member 5 years ago,
I have been interested in determining
how many school staffs socialize in
addition to the quarterly Division 91
lunch meetings. For example, certified
and classified retired staff members from
Schilling School in Newark meet
monthly for lunch. So do retired teachers
from Ardenwood School in Fremont.
Some Walters Jr. High retirees have a
thriving poker club. A group of former
Newark teachers and administrators
travel together. Anyway, it just occurred
to me that I had better start the survey as
I have only two President’s Columns
remaining.
So, on the lunch reservation form, you
will find a very short and simple
opportunity to respond. Please take time
to do so. Or you can reply directly to me
(510 792-9344
Please include your name, your former
school site, the types of gatherings you
and your colleagues have in place, and
their regularity. If the answer is “0” and
you are interested in developing some
connections, state that, too.
Oh, by the way, these staff gatherings
are an excellent opportunity to recruit
new members of CalRTA Division 91.
Invite a friend to July’s lunch meeting.
You can be that link.
Marge Leonard, Division 91 President
Ardenwood School retirees at their
monthly gathering. Great school!
Great staff! Great Division 91
members!
____________________________________________
CalRTA Advocacy Day 2017
Advocacy or Lobby Day was held in
May 2017; I say proudly that I got to
be part on that. The day started with a
breakfast given by Dianne Feinstein in
which she spoke and introduced her
staff and interns. She illustrated her
work with conservation and climate
change. Next it was off to our local
representatives and state senator
offices where we discussed social
security offsets and health care. The
Windfall Elimination Provision hurts
California’s ability to attract qualified
educators.
As we visited the various offices I was
surprised to find out that Ro Khanna
was unaware of these offsets.
However, after our visit, he will join
those in favor of H.R. 1205 – Social
Security Fairness Act of 2017. Ro
Khanna is a strong advocate of
teachers. This day made me realize
the importance of political action. ---
Dorothy Hann
CalRTA 91 Page 2 Summer 2017
For Your Interest
Please join us for the CalRTA “Book Club”. Meetings are held the first Monday of every month at 11:00AM. At present we are meeting at El Patio on Fremont Blvd. Our coming attractions include: July 10: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson August 7: Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson September 11: The Kitchens Of The Great Midwest
by J. Ryan Stradal October 2: Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance
By Gene Amaral The balance on the checking account as of May 31 was $14,946.64. The Grants Account had a balance of $3,016.63 on that same date.
NEW MEMBERS:
None,
We offer condolences for the passing of:
Sam Cesare
Bill Lezchuk
Ursel Bloxsom
DIRECTORY CHANGES:
Dan Carscadden moved Bruce Edwards added email Amal Elmashni added email Lil Fujino moved Harry Gleason moved Michele Keys McIntire moved Melinda Pickens updated phone number Catherine Rost updated email Joy Schulze moved The 2017 directory of members was available at the January and April luncheons. Members who did not attended either luncheon had their 2017 directory mailed the first of May. If you have not received yours, please let Judy Molander know. Also, please check your entry and if there is a correction, let Judy know.
SPAM AND IDENTITY THEFT AVOIDANCE
In an effort to keep your identity from unscrupulous people, the CalRTA Division #91 board has voted to no longer publish home addresses, email addresses, or phone numbers of our members where they might get into the wrong hands. Since some of our members receive their FUN Times via email, this information will not be submitted to the FUN Times. If you want to contact a new member, get the address of a member that has moved etc., you may call or email Muriel
Rodrigues, membership chairperson, or Judy
Molander, financial secretary and she will provide contact information in a responsible way.
by Sharon Yool
What’s Their Name?
I recently read an article in Division 55’s newsletter
who spoke to a problem many of us seem to have
now. That is, the need to remember. Here are a few
tips ( from AARP Bulletin, Nov. 2016) that might
help.
• Prepare. If you are going somewhere with a
group try to picture each of their faces,
saying their names a few times.
• Take a Hint. This is one that I do. Go
through the alphabet until the same comes
to you.
• Association. When learning a name
associate it with something like their job,
where you usually see them, or an activity
that you share.
• Relax. Stressing will only hamper recall. And
if it doesn’t come don’t worry. Just smile and
continue talking or listening until that
person’s name comes up.
CalRTA 91 Page 3 Summer 2017
COST OF CalRTA LUNCHEONS Carolyn Zeljak and the Event Planning Committee The cost of the Division luncheons at our regular venues has gone up dramatically this year. As expenses go up at the places we gather, costs for members go up, too. For example, at the spring lunch, the cost per person for our usual menu at Massimo’s including tax and tip was $32, an increase over the previous year. To contain costs for members, the board authorized Division 91 to defray the expense by $5 per attendee, asking the attendees to pay $27. Survey results show that members’ primary interest in attending Division 91 lunch meetings is the socialization, followed by presenter/program, and then menu/setting. Keeping this feedback in mind – and with an eye to costs – the Event Planning Committee will be hunting for attractive and creative alternatives to our traditional three-entrée meals. And we invite any and all ideas in doing so. Thank You for Submitting Volunteer Hours by Judy Molander Thank you to each of you that sent in your volunteer hours. We had 81 members reporting for a total of 30938 hours. Last year the state said the hourly rate was $26.00 per hour. That means the financial value of our volunteering was $804388. WOW!!! Isn’t that terrific? But, I don’t think it reflects what we really do. We have about 500 members and only 16% sent in hours to be tabulated. Let’s really show what we can do. Anything that you do that benefits another and you are not paid counts as volunteer hours. If you keep a note on your calendar or phone can help jog your memory for a more accurate report for next year.
23,579 20,735
30,938
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
2014 2015 2016
VolunteerHours
* Unidentified (people didn’t tell which category) 4812
CalRTA 91 Page 4 Summer 2017
COMMUNICATIONS CalRTA's spring delegate assembly convened at the LAX Hilton May 17-19. Our division was
represented by our President-elect, Sharon Blattel, Area IV Membership, Recruitment and Resources
Representative, Sharon Yool, and yours truly, Area IV Communication/Technology Representative.
Leaders from 85 divisions throughout the state met in large and small groups to discuss how to
strengthen our retired teachers' organization.
And, as always, improving our membership numbers was a #1 priority. Our keynote speaker,
legislative advocate, David Walrath, reminded us of the importance of the "safety in numbers" for
protecting our pensions. The California State Supreme court will hear a case within the year centered on
whether or not municipalities and districts throughout the state might refigure pension promises.
Another excellent reason to recruit retired teachers who have not yet signed on to help our cause!
On a more upbeat note, Governor Jerry Brown appointed a CalRTA member, Karen Yamamoto of
Sacramento, to fill the retiree seat on the CalSTRS Board. This is excellent news and assures that our
concerns and causes will be more fully heard.
And in the Communication/Technology meetings, we were given the compilation of the End of the Year
Reports from all 85 Divisions. Again, my thanks to all of our Division #91 members who did so much to
make our division's stats so outstanding--volunteer hours, teacher grants, community service projects,
Retired Teachers' Week, Day of the Teacher events, our ambassador program, our informative
newsletter, and so much else combine to make Division #91 so FUN and so Outstanding!
Again, have a delightful summer knowing that at the end of summer you will still be enjoying your
delightful summer. (My son, the teacher, informed me he does not appreciate this observation.)
Mary Kay Henderson, Area IV Communication/Technology Representative
Here's the Scoop by Stevie Moody (Board Meeting 4/11/17)
*Should we hold more casual, less expensive luncheons? *We'll donate $300.00 to Abode at our luncheon. *We now have 511 members, six of them are new. *We'll donate Raffle Tickets for Abode at our July Luncheon. *Our Ducks for Bucks collections should be expanded.
CalRTA 91 Page 5 Summer 2017
CALIFORNIADEPARTMENTOFINSURANCE
Yvonne Brown, Insurance Representative
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) The California Department of Insurance (CDI), established in 1868, is the agency charged with overseeing insurance regulations, enforcing statutes mandating consumer protections, educating consumers, and fostering the stability of insurance markets in California. The CDI has authority over how the insurance industry conducts business within California, and licenses and regulates the rates and practices of insurance companies, agents, and brokers in the state. CDI has over 1,300 employees charged with the responsibility of protecting consumer interests. Its budget is primarily derived from funds generated by license fees, assessments, and Proposition 103 recoupment fees. The CDI licenses over 1,500 insurance companies and more than 320,000 insurance agents and insurance brokers. HISTORY In the early 1900’s, the California State Legislature transformed the CDI into a law enforcement agency when it passed new anti-fraud insurance legislation. The legislation provided sworn peace officers to investigate and arrest those who commit fraud. PROPOSITION 103 (1988) On November 8, 1988, California voters passed Proposition 103, by a narrow margin (51%), on the promise of providing consumers with a 20% rate rollback. It also broadened the Department of Insurance’s responsibility for enforcement to include property insurance, automobile insurance, life insurance and other types of casualty coverage, including a requirement that the property and casualty insurance premium rates must be pre-approved by the department. Proposition 103 also changed the status of the California Insurance Commissioner to that of an elected official, from being a governor-appointed position. Proposition 103 also expanded the department’s important role in consumer affairs. In 2001, the CDI implemented and began overseeing the Slavery Era Insurance Registry, as per new legislation requirements signed into law in 2000. The registry was created to require insurance companies to disclose any historical data regarding slavery insurance policies they might have from the early days of California for the purposes of historical research, genealogy, and to preserve any evidence which might be material to the reparations claims. CONSUMER PROTECTION The CDI publishes brochures and maintains a website to help consumers become aware of their rights, and to aid them in making informed insurance decisions. As part of the department’s mission to protect consumers, an Education and Outreach Program has been established to provide speakers who participate in public events such as town hall meetings, business and community fairs, and professional association events. EXTERNAL LINKS Insurance.ca.gov (http://www.insurance.ca.gov)-California Department of Insurance website California Insurance Laws (http://www.insurancefiles.com/articles/new-2012-california-insurance-laws.html)-New California Insurance Laws for 2012.
CalRTA 91 Page 6 Summer 2017
Membership June 2017
Day of the Teacher Project 2017 If you attended the April luncheon you heard an explanation of a very nice new way to say “Thank You” to teachers at Day of The Teacher time. CalRTA Division 13 in Pomona Valley shared this idea which we adapted. The local three districts were asked to send our bright colorful flyer via district mail to each teacher. It thanked each teacher for dedication and tireless effort. It also offered a chance to send in an entry and participate in a drawing for a fifty dollar check to be spent any way the teacher wished. We received 92 entries and had enough budget to choose 27 winners. The teachers were enthusiastic about this possibility. Here are some of the replies from those 27 winners:
“HOW EXCITING! I shared with my class and they were so happy. Thank you very much.” “Thank you so much! Exciting news to get on a day of testing in my 5th grade classroom. Thank you for supporting teachers!”
“ I received the check today. Many thanks. I appreciate the work you do for our teacher community!” **************************************************************************************** New Retirees CalRTA information will be sent to the 2017 retirees later in the summer when they get a chance to realize they really are retired. Mention us to those you meet that should join our organization and help support our cause. CalRTA works to protect pensions, keep us informed of legislative decisions that affect public pensions, and keep pressure on legislators about the unfair WEP/GPO Social Security situation. CalRTA has worked for the last 88 years to bring us pension security and improvement. Don’t take it for granted. *************************************************************************************** Born in 1937? We are looking for anyone who has turned /will turn eighty by our October luncheon next fall so we can treat you to lunch at that October #91 luncheon. Letting us know at this time doesn’t mean you promise to come. It just means that we’ll know to send you an invitation next September. Please let Muriel know soon. We have 3 new octogenarians so far. Muriel Rodrigues * Membership Chairperson * CalRTA Division #91 Area 4 ******************************************************************************************
NEW MEMBER ENROLLMENT FORM CalRTA Division #91 Name ________________________________________ e-mail ________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ Phone ( )___________________ City ___________________________ State ___________ Zip ________________________ Retired from ______________________________ When ______ School______________________________ Please check your selected payment method:
_____Cash $54.00 annually ( Make check out to CalRTA.) _____ Dues Deduction ______$4.50 monthly SS#____________________________(needed for dues deduction)
I authorize the State Teachers’ Retirement System,(STRS) to deduct my association dues. Should the amount of dues be adjusted, as deemed necessary by CalRTA, I authorize that the adjusted deductions shall continue unless I notify the CalRTA business office in writing to the contrary. To terminate dues deductions, I agree to make my request in writing to the CalRTA office.
Signature_____________________________________ Date________________________ Did a particular person encourage you to join CalRTA? If so, who?_______________________________________ After indicating payment method, mail to : Muriel Rodrigues CalRTA #91 5342 Westbury Ct. Newark, CA 94560
CalRTA 91 Page 7 Summer 2017
LUNCHEON/MEETING AT RESHAM EVENT CENTER (located at the back of the Sizzler on Walnut Ave.)
301 Walnut Ave., Fremont CA 94538
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
PROGRAM
RAISING PUPPIES FOR GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
Presented by Donna Hahn and one of her dogs
Buffet Luncheon Menu
(catered by The Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon)
Grilled Chicken Breast with Tomatoes, Capers and Feta or
Vegetarian Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Green Salad
Potatoes
Salt and Pepper Roasted Green Beans
Rolls and Butter
Dessert
Coffee/Tea
Luncheon cost: $25.00 per person (The actual cost of the luncheon is $30.00 per person, but CalRTA#91 will pay $5.00 toward the cost of each meal to keep the cost low for our members. If you would like to contribute more, you may pay an amount up to $30.00.) Reservations must be received by Wednesday, July 5. Please send your reservation to Janie Caldwell, 37111 Elm St., Fremont, CA 94536. Phone: 510-797-2462
NAME(S) __________________________________________________________
PHONE _______________________________ E-MAIL _____________________ Check below your preferred entrée:
Grilled Chicken _______ Vegetarian Ravioli _______ Make your check for $25.00 (or more) payable to CalRTA#91. Check amount _____
PLEASE NOTE THE DUE DATE IS TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT!
Please answer the survey question below:
I spent most of my teaching career at _____________________School. My staff or interest groups among my staff gather: ______monthly ______yearly _______occasionally _______never. (Please check) Add details regarding activities (optional):
Legislative News By Stella Torrez
Our CalRTA members joined in our efforts in Washington, D.C., to voice our concerns. Our main focus was to inform Congress about the government pension offset, the Windfall Elimination Provision, and Social Security penalties, also to protect public education and support health care revision. To check out our action that we participated in Advocacy Day, please go to California Retired Teachers Association on Facebook. You can see photos, videos, and even see live streaming of the events.
The highlight of our trip was having a breakfast meeting with Senator Dianne Feinstein on the morning of April 26. We also met there with other groups from California, and Senator Feinstein introduced all of her staff. Since it was the weekend of the changing climate march, she addressed the focus on legislation and gave three main points on ways to make a difference on climate control change.
We need legislation to solve the problems and to encourage our representatives in Congress to join the fight. Both houses of Congress, as well as the White House, need to look at refining ways of making our claims for changes, so please help us. One way is to communicate with your Congressional Representative and your Senators. Please let me know if you can visit our local leaders with me.
House Representative Eric Swalwell House Representative Ro Khana
CalRTA 91 Page 9 Summer 2017
Have You Heard? Compiled by Dolores Wright
Cora Alameda recently visited one of America’s most famous colonial cities, Williamsburg, VA. She also visited all of the Revolutionary War battlefields in Yorktown, and even walked in Jamestown where Pocahontas and John Smith had walked. Other special highlights of the trip were the awesome governor’s mansion in Williamsburg, as well as all of the settlement reconstruction going on in that city. A surprise to Cora was that people who were there at the beginning of Williamsburg were quite wealthy. She felt that it was a grand experience to visit the history of the beginning of the United States. ___________________________________________ How would you like to get big hugs and kisses from Donald Duck? Barbara Erickson not only enjoyed those, but had pictures taken at a family reunion with her grandchildren in Disneyland. Her trip was scheduled for the last week of February with Airbnb, resulting in a beautiful house they all enjoyed.
___________________________________________ Mosaics anyone? Barbara Schlein attended a class in Venice, Italy, taught by Mireille Swinnen of Belgium. The class of six Americans first viewed mosaics at Spilimbergo School of Mosaics, Aqualea, and then Venice. In Venice they stayed in rooms at Orsoni’s smalti (colored glass tiles) and gold tile factory. Here they saw the creative process of melting glass in a furnace, the cutting of glass “pizzas” into small tiles, to
loading boxes of smalti onto a small boat to be shipped. Their specialty gold tiles have been used to make temples in Bangkok and subways in New York, as well as churches worldwide. The class had three days of fun at Orsoni's studio learning how to use the smalti and gold for their own mosaic creations. Barbara had quite a nasty surprise at the beginning of her trip. When she arrived in Venice her suitcase didn’t. It was delivered, two days later. Whew! All in all, it was a great trip.
CalRTA 91 Page 10 Summer 2017
CHEER AND COURTESY Florence Griffin, Chairperson
Cards were sent out to cheer these members: Judy Molander - pneumonia Stevie Moody - fall, arm & shoulder Mary Kay Henderson - fall, wrist
WE OFFER CONDOLENCES FOR THE PASSING OF:
Sympathy cards have been sent to the families of these members who passed away recently. Bill Lezchuk Sam Cesare, member; Bill Lezchuk, member and husband of Margaret Ursel Bloxsom, member and wife of David, sister in law of Jean; Dr. Howard Buschke, husband of Shirley; Father of Sharon Blattel
What Is It????? It’s a card reader at the grocery store. While the checker is tabulating your groceries, you input your telephone number in this machine, press the green button, and the Grant Fund gets 3% of your grocery total. Before this works, you must register with eScrip.com. It doesn’t matter how you pay – you can still use coupons or gift cards – just input the number and press the green button. Easey peasey! Go to eScript.com to sign up.
There Will Be ! ! ! ! At the July luncheon, we will not have baskets to raffle, but we will have CASH! For every $5.00 you donate to Abode Services, you will receive a ticket to try to win some cash. Please make your checks to Abode Services, and if you want to specify where you want your donation used, i.e. vets, homeless, children, women, etc., write that in the memo line on your check. Some of our members are on the Board of Abode, and will deliver your checks to them.
GRANT FUND – If you would also like to donate to the Grant Fund, please feel free to deposit your
donation in the school house boxes in the middle of the table, and we thank you for your donations.
Florence Griffin, Chair of Grant Fund
Ducks 4 Bucks Congratulations to Charlotte & John Lowrey who won the 5th prize in the Duck Race – a $450 bicycle! Couldn’t happen to a nicer couple! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fund raiser. We raised $898.00 this year – enough to fund three or four grants to some lucky teachers in Fremont, New Haven, or Newark. The Grant Fund Committee and those teachers thank you for your generosity.
CalRTA 91 Page 11 Summer 2017
An Invitation…
Those of you who shop at Lucky’s, Save Mart, or Food for Less, I would like to invite you to sign up for eScrip at the July luncheon. I will bring my laptop and guide you through the very quick process of registering your telephone numbers (up to 3) with eScrip. Then, every time you shop, you input one of those numbers into the card reader while the checker is tallying up your groceries, and the Grant Fund will get 3% of the total. It doesn’t matter how you pay – check, cash or card, atm card, gift card – all you need to do is input one of the telephone numbers you registered with eScrip. Florence Griffin Grant Chairperson
Donations to the Mini Grant Fund since Spring
IN MEMORY OF: Tena Menzies by Barbara and Gene Amaral Tena Menzies by Florence Griffin Tena Menzies by Judy Molander Ruth Teshera by Toni Daniel Sam Cesare by Carmen and John Melendez Jose Palacios by Yvonne Brown Joan Mullen by Ruth Bell Bill Lezchuk by Muriel Rodrigues Ursel Bloxsom by Jean Bloxsom Sam Cesare by Division #91 Bill Lezchuk by Division #91 Ursel Bloxsom by Division #91
IN HONOR OF:
Grandson Evan Bell’s 9th birthday by Ruth Bell By Judy Molander, Financial Secretary
A Gift to CalRTA F.U.N. Division 91 Mini-Grant Fund www.calrta91.org
Name of Donor ____________________________________________________________________________ Street Address, City, Zip Code_______________________________________________________________ In Memory of ______________________________________________________________________________
In Honor of ________________________________________________________________________________ Send acknowledgement to (no amount will be shown) _____________________________________________
Street Address, City, State, Zip Code __________________________________________________________
Amount Enclosed: $________________
Make check payable to: CalRTA Division #91
Mail to: Scholarship, CalRTA #91, PO Box 643, Fremont, CA 94537-0643
Please return this form with your gift
CalRTA 91 Page 12 Summer 2017
$5,423 in Grants Awarded FlorenceGriffin–GrantsChairperson
Once again, those who bought books, raffle tickets, turned in unused BART tickets, made memorial or honorary donations, and participated in Ducks for Bucks, you have raised $5,500 this year which we have used to give grants to teachers in Fremont, Newark, and New Haven. Excellent job! We received 67 applications this year, and our Committee read & evaluated the applications without regard to the school or district. One of the criteria we looked for when reading the applications was, “Is the item requested going to be used in more than one classroom?” and another criteria, “Is it something that can be used in succeeding years?” As usual, we received many excellent applications, and we were able to give 6 grants to Fremont teachers, 11 to New Haven teachers, and 5 to Newark teachers. When the Board members delivered the checks, the teachers were very appreciative, and we have received many email thank yous. Thank you for making a continuing impact on the education of the children in your former Districts! Grant Committee – Gene & Barbara Amaral, Florence Griffin, Mary Kay Henderson, Stevie Moody, Sharon Yool, and Dawn Scott
Above: Wendi Brown, a Special Ed teacher at Birch Grove Intermediate in Newark is presented her grant award by Vice-President Sharon Blattel. Left: Marla Franklin of Warwick School in Fremont and Chair of Grant Committee, Florence Griffin
Grant Recipients 2016-17 Fremont Unified
• Sanyukta Jain, 1st grade, Cabrillo Elementary – Breakout Edu Kit that includes critical thinking games created for grade level-teach teamwork & complex problem solving
• Claire Lynne Barr, Pre-K, Glankler, Spec. Ed – purchase 10 concept books for the 10 units of study, and 2nd 10 books for student book shelf
• Michelle Sheng, Pre-K, Glankler, Spec. Ed. – students with autism, purchase toys and tools to engage students’ participation, and meet student’s sensory needs
• Jenny Otrosina, Pre-K, Glankler, Spec. Ed. – visit of animals from Sulphur Creek Nature Center for several classes, and bring live animals into classroom for wk.to teach children the concept of basic animal care.
• Susan Condio-Hernandez, K, Mission San Jose Elem., multi-sensory materials to improve the children’s fine motor skills
• Marla Franklin, 5th, Warwick – Breakout Edu Kits which teach critical thinking, teamwork, complex problem solving CalRTA 91 Page 13 Summer 2017
Dawn Scott presented Glankler pre-K teacher Mingxia Sheng her Grant check. Ms Sheng teaches preK at Glankler School in Fremont New Haven (Union City) Grant recipients.:
• Carmen Galli, TK, Alvarado Elem. – materials to increase student’s fine motor skills to help them to be more independent when they enter kindergarten.
• Kathy Frye, K-5, Kitayama, Literacy Coach – purchase 7 copies of The Writing Strategies Book by Serravallo, one copy for each grade level.
• Carmen Kraska, 2nd grade, Searles Elem. – purchase of high-interest leveled books for use in guided reading groups.
• Amy Kruschke, 3rd-5th, Pioneer Elem., Spec.Ed.- purchase noise tracker light to help special educ. students to self monitor noise levels in order to learn more effectively
• Lynn DeForest, 3rd gr., Pioneer Elem. – purchase books, board games, and board game supplies to help increase vocabulary, social skills, critical thinking skills, and practice listening and speaking skills.
• James Hermens, 6th-8th, Cesar Chavez Middle, Math Dept. – purchase 3 quadcopter drones to create a 3D map of the school to benefit 6th graders & visitors in Math Club.
• Alisha Valine, 6th-8th, Cesar Chavez Middle, Media Center – 5 copies of 6 books to enhance the semi-monthly Lunchtime Book Club we financed in 2014, additional books, CA Young Reader Medal books – 15 students on wait list to join
• Erin Sandoval, 8th gr Core, Itliong Vera-Cruz Middle School – purchase 20 copies of Mockingbird novel girl with Asperger syndrome coping with loss of brother, and Inside Out & Back Again novelauthor’s childhood experience of fleeing Vietnam – both award winners.
• Aileen Pagtakhan, 8th gr. Core, Itliong Vera-Cruz Middle School – purchase 17 copies of Does My Head Look Big in This? Girl makes decision to wear hijab, and Angel de la Luna and the 5th Glorious Mystery Angel, Filipina, has just lost her Father & Mother’s grief
• Sonja Rodriguez, 8th gr. Core, Itliong Vera-Cruz Middle School – purchase 20 copies of Monster teenage boy in juvenile detention and on trial, and 20 copies of Brown Girl Dreaming living in 1960s and 1970s as an African American girl
• Linda Thomas, Gr.9-12, Decoto School for Indep.Study, Eng./Lang.Arts – purchase of 5 computer tablets (school does not have a media center or library)
Newark Unified • Michael Dalmadge, PreK, Whiteford, Autistic – purchase materials to help with sensory needs, and gross motor
movements to help with learning & getting ready for K. • Courtney Perry, 6th, Lincoln – Breakout EDU games to teach critical thinking, teamwork, complex problem
solving to be used in all content areas • Georgia Vicente, K-6, Schilling, Resource – purchase ELL Collection by Learning A-Z for school where 70% of
students in school are ELL • Wendi Brown, 3rd-6th, Birch Grove Intermediate, Spec.Ed – purchase 6 math and 6 ELA books – Drop In the
Bucket series • Victoria Arfsten, 9th-12th, Newark Memorial, Math/Spec.Ed – purchase one year of IXL Classroom License for 30
students – subject: math
CalRTA 91 Page 14 Summer 2017