House unanimously approves school funding Constitutional Amendment
State House lawmakers unanimously approved a bill Tuesday to ask voters whether the state should be empowered to impose a tax surcharge on investment properties to help fund public education. The proposed constitutional amendment would ask voters this fall whether the Legislature should be authorized to levy a surcharge on property taxes on investment properties to support education.
As soon we find out what's happening next for the ConAm, we will let you know. 
HSTA State Convention a success
Oahu social studies teacher wins HSTA Teaching Excellence Award
 Congratulations to Ewa Makai Middle School Social Studies Teacher Cynthia Tong, who has been honored with the Hawaii State Teacher Association’s S.T.A.C.Y. Award for Teaching Excellence.
The award, which Tong received April 7 during HSTA’s State Convention, is given annually to a teacher for exemplary actions in the following areas: scholarship, teaching, advocacy, community and youth. Tong has taught at seven public schools during her 23-year teaching career. Watch a video of Cynthia Tong talking about her approach to teaching.
“Teaching is different every single day,” Tong said. “There’s nothing I do that’s exactly the same week-to-week, day-to-day, month-to-month. And I love the challenge. The best part of my job, though, is helping other teachers and helping the students. That’s pretty much the reason I get up in the morning.”
HSTA's Friend of Youth Award goes to...
 Kudos to Jason Routon, the winner of HSTA's 2018 Friend of Youth Award. He has worked as a security guard for 14 years at Highlands Intermediate School, but his real work goes beyond the school day. He serves as a volunteer basketball coach for both boys and girls teams, and stays after practice, comes in during school breaks and works with students who want extra practice. In between games, Jason checks in on the students' grades and makes sure they are attending any necessary tutoring. If not for Jason’s presence, many students would not be academically eligible to play. As a single dad of six sons, Jason understands the importance of organized sports in the lives of young people, and he truly exemplifies a caring mentor to the students of Highland Intermediate School.
Health coverage Open Enrollment runs now until April 30
The Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, more commonly known as the EUTF, provides medical, chiropractic, prescription drug, dental, vision and life insurance benefits to all eligible State of Hawaii, City and County employees and retirees. Each year the EUTF holds an open enrollment period starting Monday, which allows employees to modify their plan enrollments. Read EUTF’s open enrollment flier here Watch the HSTA-EUTF Open Enrollment presentation on HSTA's Facebook page. (You can read questions and responses here too)Watch the HSTA-EUTF Open Enrollment presentation on HSTA's YouTube Channel.The open enrollment period for EUTF health plans began Monday, April 2 and runs through Monday, April 30. Click here for more information about Open Enrollment. What are the new rates and when do they go into effect?The new rates go into effect on July 1, 2018. Coverage dates are from Sunday, July 1, 2018 through to Sunday, June 30, 2019. Premium deduction amounts will come from paychecks starting Friday, July 20, 2017 through to Friday, July 5, 2018. The rates can be found in the links below. EUTF (Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund): https://eutf.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Active-Rates-Eff-July-1-2018-All-BUs-Except-12-s.pdfHSTA VB: https://eutf.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Active-Rates-Eff-July-1-2018-HSTA-VB-s.pdfWhat is the difference between the 2017 rates and 2018 rates?HSTA developed a comparison sheet for members use. Please note this comparison is an UPDATED version as EUTF officials have updated rates since they first provided HSTA numbers in January.Open Enrollment FAQs, including...
What is the difference between EUTF and HSTA VB plans?
Who can enroll in HSTA VB plans?
How are the EUTF premium rates determined?
What types of things should I take into consideration when selecting my plan?
What is meant by 75/25, 80/20, and 90/10 PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO Plans?
What plan(s) am I currently on?
What do I need to do if I want to make a change?
Who can I contact if I have questions?Informational sessions throughout the state and webinars are being held throughout the month of April and last about an hour and a half. HSTA understands how difficult it is for our members to attend these sessions as most of them happen during the work day. So at our request, the EUTF added three webinar briefings after school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on April 18 and 25. See 2018 EUTF Open Enrollment seminar times and locations here.
HSTA core organizers engage our members
HSTA's first cadre of core organizers from across Hawaii spent Sunday training and then headed to Oahu schools Monday to meet with teachers. It's an important new effort to reach out to our members more to keep them engaged and help HSTA understand their needs.
"The core organizing program was established to allow fellow teachers to go into schools to have conversations with members," said HSTA President Corey Rosenlee.
Interested in becoming a core organizer? Email info@hsta.org and we will put you on the list in the next round of applications for these important positions.
Alu Like offers National Board certification scholarships to Native Hawaiian teachers
Read more about the NBCT scholarship program
Click here for the NBCT Jump Start scholarship application.
HSTA, NEA offer free justice circle training
 To address the need for professional development in restorative justice for its members, the National Education Association (NEA) has partnered with Advancement Project, HSTA and the Department of Education to offer a FREE restorative justice circle training Monday, June 4 - Thursday, June 7 on Oahu. This experiential training will provide attendees with an understanding of the circle process and its potential for building relationships within the school community; promoting healthy communication; preventing and resolving conflicts; developing social emotional learning and youth competencies; and creating safe spaces to address difficult issues, trauma and healing. Learn more and apply to attend restorative justice circle training by May 4.
HSTA dues are tax deductible!
From Civil Beat: Hawaii teachers think your kids are taking way too many tests
The frustrations are palpable: hours sucked out of classroom instruction time to prepare for multiple statewide assessments; school facilities unavailable for use due to reserved test taking; anxiety weighing on students subject to an average 10 standardized tests a year.
Many teachers across Hawaii contend the number of statewide assessments given to their students, as early as the first grade, detracts from instruction, provides little valuable feedback and puts kids from a lower socioeconomic rung at a disadvantage. An Op-Ed From Civil Beat: Are standardized tests valid and reliable?Civil Beat reported recently on a bill supported by the Hawaii State Teachers Association that seeks to limit testing. An important aspect of this question that I would like to address is the educational impact of the Smarter Balanced Assessment, which Hawaii students take in grades three to eighth, then once more in grade 11.
From Civil Beat: Ige's pick to lead school board has an unusual background: education
Among Catherine Payne's priorities as BOE chair will be helping the board play a more active role in setting policy for the 256 public schools and 36 charter schools in the school system, which serves roughly 179,000 students across Hawaii.
    Universal Studios Hollywood discountHSTA members enjoy new pricing on our custom web store. These special discounts are not available at the theme park. General Admission: Save up to $34!
- Date specific pricing, prices start at $95 vs. $129 at the front gate
- Currently available for purchase through August 31, 2018
2018 Season Pass: BEST VALUE!
- $119 – Limited Time Discounted Offer
- Come any day on your 1st visit, limited blackout dates apply to return visits only
- Use all visits by December 13, 2018
- For reference, the lowest priced pass sold at the theme park starts at $189
As always, you may purchase up to 9 tickets or passes at a time to share with friends and family. For more information, visit the Universal Studios Hollywood custom HSTA website.
Subscribe to and follow HSTA's social media accounts
Be sure to subscribe to HSTA's YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for the latest videos, photos and news about our Association and public schools in Hawaii.
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment