Community Schools Leadership Institute

As I write this, I am heading back to New York for a week-long collective bargaining conference. However, part of last week I was also in New York with Chelsea Folini, 8th grade math teacher at Pennichuck, Dr. Mario Andrade, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Kimberly Sarfde, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education attending the AFT CSI Community Schools Leadership Institute at the United Federation of Teachers headquarters in New York. AFT locals and administrators from their districts attended to learn about community schools. Locally, colleagues from the Boston Teachers' Union and the Chelmsford Teachers Union were at the table. This will be helpful to us to have colleagues near by who are looking at community schools.

What are community schools?

We do a lot of the work around community schools already. Think about all the great partnerships we have with community organizations like the United Way of Greater Nashua, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Adult Learning Center. Many times, these organizations work in their own silos - independent from one another. Community schools organize and connects all of these great opportunities into one giant partnership. By moving beyond the normal confines of the school and partnering with local stakeholders, community schools provide real solutions to the unique problems of the students and families they serve, and are another major step forward in reclaiming the promise of public education. As President of the NTU, I know a lot of what's going on around the district. Would it surprise you that I learned of some resources being used in some schools? This strategy could help better coordinate those efforts. And, what I love the most about this, is that it isn't a one-size fits all program - it is a strategy that evolves around the school site. A quote they use a lot is "if you've seen one community school, you've only seen one community school."

Where is Nashua in this process?

We are at the very early stages of investigating this process. We met with about 20 community partners in late fall. The invitation was sent jointly from Dr. Andrade and me. Every organization invited attended, and the reaction was extremely positive. The comments: what's the ask from us and how do we help. The conference last week gave us a lot of great information and a lot to think about over the coming weeks and months. As we continue through this process, I will keep you updated.

Teacher Retirement Deadline Notice

Attention teachers considering retirement at the end of this school year!!!

Under Article 4.9A of the contract, in order to be eligible for your severance, you must submit a binding letter of retirement to the Superintendent no later than February 1, 2023.

Sample Retirement Letter

I would also suggest that you set up an appointment with the New Hampshire Retirement System.  In order to receive your severance, you must provide a copy of your first retirement check.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Our colleague, Bill Ivers, has written a play that is gaining international attention. It is currently on the short list being considered for a production at the prestigious Royal Court Theatre in London.

However, it is debuting at The Hatbox Theater in Concord, NH in February (Details below).  As an additional enticement, I am playing a small role as painter Bob Ross in it.

I wanted to let you know in case you could make it and see this terrific, funny, and thoughtful play.  Dates, times, and ticket info are in the poster JPEG below. I know this play is destined for big things.

Thanks,

Walt Freeman

Bill Ivers and Walt Freeman are both English teachers at Nashua High School North.

AFT-NH Legislative Bulletin 2023-03

Action Request   

You can sign in OPPOSED to HB 272 and HB 533 and make sure the Education and Judiciary Committee knows that New Hampshire does not support increased charter school funding or further wrongful intimidation of our teachers.

Here’s the link to submit your opposition:  Remote Sign-In

CLICK HERE FOR REMOTE SIGN-IN

You will need to submit your opposition to each bill.

Step 1: Fill in your personal information.

Step 2: Select January 25th for HB 272 and January 26th for HB 533

Step 3: Select House Education Committee

Step 4: Select Bill Number (HB 272 and HB 533) [You need to submit the form twice.]

Step 5: Select a member of the public and you are representing yourself.

Step 6:  Select OPPOSE.

Step 7: Click Submit.