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Like our Facebook page for all the latest updates! =**Week of Action!**= Statewide testing is about to get even worse, unless we speak up Some information about the PARCC (the new slate of tests developed by British-based multi-billion dollar Pearson company and based on the Common Core standards, which recession-hit/ cash-starved states were incentivized to adopt by Arne Duncan's federal Race to the Top program, which also led to tying test scores/ DDMs to teacher evaluations): 1. More days of testing. Formative and summative. March and May. 2. More grades of testing. 9th and 11th. 3. Tests the Common Core, which hundreds of respected developmental psychologists have deemed to be developmentally inappropriate for each grade, especially the early elementary grades. Not a single K-3 classroom teacher or early childhood professional was involved in developing the Common Core standards. 500 early educators and developmental psychologists, including Howard Gardner, wrote a joint statement to the common core developers about their concern but were outright ignored. 4. Requires computers to take the exam. Getting access to computers in the spring for actual teaching will become even harder. 1. Sign the MTA/STA resolution (located in the faculty lounge) calling for a moratorium on statewide testing, so there is time to consider different options before moving forward with PARCC. As more and more towns send their resolution to the state, this puts pressure on the DESE’s decision in the fall of whether or not to move forward with the PARCC. 2. To voice ideas, concerns, and stay in the loop, join the group of 100 parents and teachers (and growing) at [] Monday, June 8: Sticker Day — The MTA will supply locals with stickers to wear. Tuesday, June 9: Contact Your Legislator Day — Visit legislators' offices, make phone calls and tell your stories. Call for legislators to support H. 340, the MTA bill calling for a three-year moratorium on PARCC and high-stakes testing. State senators: James E. Timilty, 617-722-1222, e-mail; Brian A. Joyce 617-722-1643; e-mail State representative: Louis L. Kafka, 617-722-2960; e-mail Wednesday, June 10: Social Media Day and PARCC Forum Day — Spread the word through social media. Attend the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education forum on PARCC and high-stakes testing at Bridgewater State University (5-8pm) and tell board members why high-stakes testing is bad for our students and our schools. Thursday, June 11: Public Speak-Out Day — Attend the hearing at the State House if you can. The MTA will provide reimbursement for a substitute in each local to allow one member to attend. If you cannot get to the hearing, arrange a gathering in your community or join one of the regional actions being planned with the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance.
 * What you can do:**
 * Join the MTA week of action:**





** Who’s who in the STA for 2014 – 2015 **

This list is provided to all STA members. Please contact your building representatives directly with any questions and/or concerns that you may have over the course of the school year; they will direct you to the appropriate person(s) and/or resource(s).


 * President: ** Chuck Fazzio, S.H.S., ‘15
 * Vice President: ** Bernadette Murphy, S.H.S., ‘15
 * Secretary: ** Lisa Scarborough, S.M.S., ‘15
 * Treasurer: ** Bill Fine, S.M.S., ‘15


 * Chair of Negotiations: ** Thor VanVaerenewyck, S.H.S., ‘15

Lisa Scarborough, S.M.S., ‘17 Pete Schoonmaker, S.H.S., ‘16
 * Co-Chairs of Professional Rights and Responsibilities [PR&R]: [3 year position] **


 * Building Reps: [2 year position] **
 * Early Childhood Program: ** Venera Emmi, ‘15
 * Cottage: ** Linda Fowler, ‘15, Eileen Meisner, ‘16, Trish Shea, ‘15
 * East Elementary: ** Beth Henry, ‘16,Sue Nardone, ‘16**,** OPEN,‘15
 * Heights Elementary: ** Carol Bratt, ‘16, Cathy Friedman, ‘15, Betsy Pedro ‘16
 * S.M.S.: ** Susan Lechter, ’16, Valerie Ordway, ‘16, Carrie Pearson, ‘15
 * S.H.S.: ** Dorothy Macoritto, ‘16,Tom Sanborn, ‘16, Karen Wise, ‘15


 * Negotiating Committee: [3 year position] **
 * Elementary: ** Scott Tarantino, Heights Elementary, ‘17
 * S.M.S.: ** Lisa Scarborough, ‘16
 * S.H.S.: ** Thor VanVaerenewyck, ‘15 [Chair]
 * S.H.S.: ** Mara Georgi ‘15
 * Unit B: ** OPEN, ‘17
 * At-Large: ** Julia O’Brien, Heights Elementary, ‘16


 * Professional Rights and Responsibilities [PR+R]: [3 year position*] **
 * Cottage: ** Candi Hurwitz, ‘16
 * East Elementary: ** Janis Markman and Stacey Small, ‘16
 * Heights Elementary: ** Scott Tarantino, ‘16
 * S.M.S.: ** Lisa Scarborough, ‘17 [Co-Chair]
 * S.H.S.: ** Pete Schoonmaker, ’16 [Co-Chair]
 * At-Large: ** Shawn Flaherty, S.M.S., ‘15
 * IA: ** [one year term*] Jessica Gabriel, S.H.S., ‘15
 * Consultant: ** Steven Garneau

Stephanie Quintal and Jessica Gabriel, S.H.S., ‘15
 * Instructional Assistant Representative: ** **[1 year position]**

Lisa Fireman, East Elementary, ‘15, Diane Halpern, S.M.S., ‘15
 * Sick Bank Committee: [2 year position] **


 * Joint Health and Safety Task Force: [2 year position] **
 * Elementary: ** Cathy FriedmanandSue Molinda__,__ ‘15
 * Middle School: ** Diane Halpern, ‘15 [Chair]
 * High School: ** Cathy Collins, ‘16
 * Admin: ** OPEN

Chris Brillant, S.H.S, ‘15
 * Norfolk County Teachers Association Representative: [1 year position] **


 * Retired Member Liaison: ** Judy Brown


 * MTA Consultant: ** Donna Buckley

Rebecca Fuller, S.M.S., ‘15
 * Wiki Administrator: [1 year position] **

**__ KNOW YOUR WEINGARTEN RIGHTS!!! __**

In 1975, the Supreme Court ruled in the Weingarten decision that an employee is entitled to have a __union representative__ present during **ANY** interview, which may result in his or her discipline. It is up to **YOU** to insist on union representation. If you fail to do so, you may waive your rights. ** "If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative or steward be present at this meeting. If this discussion could lead to my being disciplined and you deny my request for representation, I choose not to answer any questions." ** Prepared by Lisa A. Scarborough, STA Secretary

**Quick Links:****Who's Who in the STA**

**Frequently Asked Questions**

**Member Information Form**

media type="custom" key="11374818" To view a complete set of the pictures from the STA Soiree, please click here.
 * __ STA – UNITED __**
 * IN ORDER TO BE TOGETHER **
 * YOU HAVE TO GET TOGETHER! **