Additional Resources for Educators During the On-Going COVID-19 Pandemic

Dear AFT NM Members:

It seems much longer than a week since we learned Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced her decision to suspend the remainder of the academic year and move to a remote learning format.

Through this unprecedented period, we have been in constant contact with the Governor’s staff, NM PED, NM HED, and other appropriate agencies to ensure you are being supported as you continue to deliver educational services to our students, their families, and our communities.

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NYSED Guidance on Standardized Assessments June 2020

The State Education Department announced the cancellation of the June 2020 administration of Regents Exams and today (April 7th, 2020) released guidance on modifications to requirements for students to graduate and earn their high school diplomas, credentials and endorsements. In addition, due to the school closures related to COVID-19, the Department delayed the rollout of state assessments a

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Still Sane?

Many have been home for a few weeks and every day has become what we now refer to as 'blursday'...in an effort to get everyone up to speed, A&R has decided to give you today's Public Service Announcement:

Today is Thursday April 9, 2020
It is the 100th day of the year.
There are 266 days left in 2020.
It is the 15th Thursday of the year.
It is the 22nd day of spring.
There are 165 days left until Summer ends.
It is Passover.
It is also Holy Thursday so the Catholic Church wants you to wash your feet today as well as your hands.
It is also National Unicorn Day (whatever that means).

That is today's Public Service Announcement...hang in there everyone....

John Elliott's passing

It comes with great sadness that I report that John Elliott, former Detroit Federation of Teachers president, has died. He led our local from 1981 to 2001 and holds the distinction of being the first African American to serve in the post.

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Women in History

A collection of interviews with people who were there at key moments in women's history.

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American Federation of Teachers "Lessons learned on COVID-19"

HIlary Reilly pariticpated in an International Zoom Meeting with Randi Weingarten (President of AFT) and World Teachers' Union Presidents across the Globe March 19th, 2020. 

World leaders shared their experience with dealing with the COVID-2019 crisis and how it is impacting education in their respective countries. It was a humbling experience hearing from China, South Korea, and Italy, among others. 

Please read the Public Service announcement here

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Quick Items

COVID TELECOMMUTING
After the initial workplace disruption and ensuing chaos caused by covid19, things are finally settling down at most agencies.  Many employees have adjusted to a work-at-home situation for most days of the week, settling in to a productive routine and, in coordination with their managers and colleagues, getting the work of the state done.  We are still working to resolve some issues.  For example, many employees were initially categorized as "Intermittent", meaning that they had to report to the office to perform some "critical" function from within the agency building.  If you have been so designated, yet you have been able to perform the "critical" function remotely (or if the critical function is accomplished in some other fashion and your physical presence at the office is no longer required) then by all means please communicate directly with your management team and the reduced need for you to physically report to the agency.  Do this with your safety in mind, as well as the safety of your colleagues.  We are approaching the critical point in turning around this pandemic and continued social isolation is the key to stemming the increase of infection.  With the goal of defeating the virus, let's ensure we minimize social contact for just a bit longer.  If you do not need to physically report to the office, yet still are doing so needlessly, discuss this with your management team.

HEP – OPEN ENROLLMENT DELAYED
The Comptroller's Office announced that the Health Insurance Open Enrollment will be delayed until September 2020 and that the transition from UnitedHealthcare to Anthem will not begin until October 2020.

MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION
The union has been reaching out to members via email during this crisis.  If you did not receive yesterday's email from A&R then please provide us with your email address and update your membership information by completing the online membership card

ANNUAL CONVENTION
The A&R Annual Convention has not been postponed.  It remains as scheduled: Thursday, April 16th at 6:00 pm, however it will be held at the union office and not at the Chowder Pot.  Our intent is to hold the convention in our parking lot where social distancing can be maintained.  Registration begins at 4:30.  All attendees must register by 6:00pm to participate in the Convention.  This will be a business only meeting with only 2 items on the agenda; as we anticipate a brief meeting, no meal will be provided.

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