Some of the McAllen Team at Lobby Day!
Volume 4, Issue 7
March, 2011
SCOPE FOR PARAS, CUSTODIAL, PLANT OPS., BUS DRIVERS AND OTHER EDU. EMPLOYEES
MCALLEN TEAM LOBBY FOR ALL MISD EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS!
Thanks to everyone that took the time from their spring break to get on the bus with us on March 14, 2011. We had a wonderful team made up of teachers, librarian, support personnel, parents and children that represented McAllen. They did an outstanding job speaking to our legislators and lobbying for the use of the Rainy Day Fund to save jobs and schools.
Legislative Sessions Continues!
Lobby day may be over but you still need to write and call your legislators and let them know your concerns. http://action.aft.org/c/44/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_it…
Tele Town Hall: School Funding
Sunday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a statewide Tele Town Hall to discuss the crisis in public education and the state budget shortfall. With projected public school layoffs of 100,000, your job or the job of someone you know is on the line…and so is the future of Texas.
So get on the phone on April 3, and find out how you can take action and move our state forward!
WHO: Special guests (to be announced); Texas American Federation of Teachers President Linda Bridges, Secretary-Treasurer Louis Malfaro, Legislative Director Eric Hartman andthousands of concerned citizens across the state.
WHAT: Tele Town Hall to let you ask questions about the budget crisis, class sizes, possible layoffs and other important topics.
WHEN: Sunday, April 3 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Wherever you are! We'll call you at 7 p.m.
RSVP: Go to www.TxCanDoBetter.org or visit http://svy.mk/apriltownhall
Members testimonials on Lobby Day:
It was an early start to the day for our Lobby Day trip. We did not know if we could make a difference, but we had to do something to let our legislators know how we felt about what they are about to do to our students. We visited our legislators and expressed our concerns and most of them are on our side. Later, we attended a rally on the capitol lawn with parents and teachers from across the state. I felt we got everyone’s attention in the capitol as they were watching out of the capitol building windows. It made me feel good knowing we had all pulled together to make our voices heard. After all, at the end of the day it is all about the students. ~ Rita Berry—Student Data Management Clerk.
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I decided to bring my son who is completing his bachelor’s degree in music at UTPA. Knowing that he plans on being a teacher, I wanted him to see what he needs to do to support children and his career. He understands how tough it’s going to be, and there will be a lot of challenges along the way. It was a good experience for him to talk to the representatives about what their views are and how they are trying to address the situation that we face today . ~ Victor Partida— Support Personnel.
Catfish with Summer Succotash Salad
Ingredients:
· 2 cups frozen lima beans
· 4 4-to 6-oz. catfish fillets, about 1/2-inch thick
· Olive oil
· Garlic salt and ground black pepper
· 1 cup purchased corn relish
· 1 cup fresh baby spinach
Directions:
· Cook lima beans according to package directions. Drain in colander; rinse under cold water to quick cool.
· Meanwhile, rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Brush catfish with oil and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Place in a well greased grill basket. For a charcoal grill, place grill basket on grill rack directly over medium coals. Grill for 6 to 9 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, turning basket once halfway through grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place grill basket on grill rack directly over heat; cover and grill as above.)
· Place fish on serving platter. In a large bowl toss together cooked beans, corn relish and spinach. Serve with fish. Make: 4 servings
Benefits
If you have questions about any benefits please contact Barbara Lightheart, Texas AFT Benefits Director, 1-800-222-3827 or
Discounted Mortgage Service
AFT+ and Chase Bank have teamed up to offer a variety of mortgage services at discounted rates.
AFT+ and Chase Bank have teamed up to offer a variety of mortgage services at discounted rates.
Call your local Chase Bank and ask about the AFT/Union Plus program
PCI—CLINIC
For all employees and dependents on the McAllen ISD Health plan
Located:
500 S. Bicentennial Blvd.
McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: 956-971-0077
Making a Difference
Would love to hear from you if you have a story of someone making a difference at your school. Please email (mcallenaft2@yahoo.com) or call us at 682-1143 with your story for our next Scope newsletter.