TALB Update: Saturday, March 12, 2022
City of Long Beach COVID-19 data. Click Here
California COVID-19 data. Click Here
National COVID-19 data. Click Here
Saturday, March 12, 2022
On Monday, March 14, students and staff will have the option of wearing masks. Masking is still “highly recommended” but not “required”. We hope that EVERYONE can be respectful of an individual’s decision to choose.
Guidance for Staff and Students
Based on the latest information from the state and local levels, here are the current guidelines:
- Existing masking requirements for those who are returning after COVID isolation still apply if they return with a negative test between day 6 and day 10.
- Students who develop COVID like symptoms at school should be given a mask to wear while they wait to be picked up.
It is important that students and staff understand that masks will be strongly recommended but not required, staff who want additional protection in classrooms or departments may request an N95 mask.
COVID Protocols and Practices Still in Place
- Based on the current legal requirements, all unvaccinated employees will continue to undergo weekly testing as a condition to reporting to work.
- All of the COVID protocols related to reporting, contact tracing, and quarantine are still in place for students and staff who may be COVID-19 positive.
Staff and students who are sick, exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough, difficulty breathing, or other COVID-19 symptoms) must stay home.
Site Posters and Communication
Signage requiring masks on campus will be removed on March 14. The posters regarding COVID symptoms and self-checks should remain in place.
Organizing to support OUR Bargaining Team
On Wednesday, March 9 an email went out to all TALB Site Representatives. Hopefully you’ve all been invited to a 10 minute meeting at your school site.
The ask…
- Write an email to the Board of Education, explaining your trials and tribulations in this past year with your profession. A fair and rational settlement should be a priority.
- Take the Bargaining / Administrator / Site Climate Survey – should be going to your personal email address on Monday, March 14. If you don’t receive the survey, reach out to Ingrid Perez at ingrid@talb.org
- Watch the Board of Education meeting via YouTube on Wednesday, March 16 @ 5:00 p.m. TALB Leadership will be speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting.
- Feeling adventurous? If you are comfortable, consider attending (being a presence) at the Board of Education meeting in-person. 1515 Hughes Way, L.B. Wednesday, March 16 @ 5:00 p.m.
The Bargaining Team appreciates your support! Thank you for sending in your pictures!
Our next, hopefully last, bargaining session is Thursday, March 24.
TALB Bargaining Team
Corrin Hickey – Bargaining Chair, Lakewood HS
Gerry Morrison – McBride HS
John Kane – Jordan HS
Julie McCall – Nelson MS
John Solomon – MacArthur ES
Kevin Quinn – Los Cerritos ES
Maritza Summers – Mann ES
Sybil Baldwin – CDC
Maria Garcia – HS
The Board of Education needs to hear from all of us. We’ve ALL (certificated & classified) been through an enormous amount of challenges for the past two years, a fair and equitable contract settlement is warranted.
Senate Bill 328 – Later School Start Times
Will your E.S. or M.S. start at 8:00 a.m.?
Background
Approved by the Governor on October 13, 2019. Senate Bill 328 (Portantino) enacted Education Code Section 46148, mandating specific earliest start times for middle and high schools, including those operating as charter schools. The provisions of SB 328 outlined below become effective July 1, 2022 = next school year 2022-23.
Start Times
SB 328 sets the following start times for the school day:
Middle schools or charter schools operating as a middle school may start no earlier than 8:00 a.m. High schools or charter schools operating as a high school may start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. The definition of “school day” for this use is the same as defined by the school district or charter school for purposes of calculating average daily attendance (ADA) in order to compute any apportionment of state funding = revenue for the District.
SB 328 does not prohibit schools from offering classes or activities prior to the school day to a limited number of students if those classes/activities do not generate ADA for purposes of computing any apportionments of state funding. These classes are commonly referred to as “zero periods,” and typically include music, athletic, and other elective type classes, although some sites also offer additional support/core classes.
It should be noted that SB 328 does not apply to “rural” school districts and that, currently, the California Department of Education provides no explicit or consistent definition of a rural school district.
Summary
Transportation of students has been a major driver of school start times in public schools. The District is researching how the required later high school start time would impact student transportation. To be clear this is not a local decision. This legislation is from Sacramento. Governor Brown had vetoed similar legislation in the past. There are two options being discussed right now.
- In order to accommodate student transportation, move all late start (9:00 a.m.) elementary and middle schools to an 8:00 a.m. start.
- Contract and hire more transportation – costly and may be unavailable for 2022-23.
Contact your CA Legislature
We can certainly agree students need to be rested before attending school, but there is this Pollyannaish belief that if school starts later, students will get more rest. In actuality, students will probably just stay up later and not get more rest. The legislature should allow for “local control”, what works best for each school district. The District has not indicated how it intends to comply with Senate Bill 328.
Wellness Checks
Since the pandemic struck, many people have put off routine exams to screen for a variety of diseases. We understand that some of these exams may be invasive and are not particularly fun, but the payoff of catching a disease early can be the difference between a polyp and an invasive cancer. Health care providers are urging everyone who postponed their screenings to schedule soon. Our ability to keep under the District Annual Maximum (DAM) is largely dependent on the amount of claims. Diseases that are further along are more complicated and therefore more expensive to treat.
Transfers
The window to apply for transfer to another site is open. The District has an online application – link here. We are working with the District on assessing the dynamics of “transfer & assignment”. Many of our members have challenges transferring and with our counselors and psychologists now being represented by TALB, a streamlined, transparent approach to the transfer process would help members understand the transfer process. We will keep you updated as things evolve.
Summer School / SEAL
Applications – CLICK HERE – Deadline – April 11, 2022
Human Resource Services will issue notifications of placements by May 27, 2022.
LBUSD – HRS’s COVID Leave Portal is Up – Click HERE
If you have had to use leave for any of the 3 situations described below. Use the portal to reclaim your sick leave.
- Supplemental COVID-19 Sick Leave – January 1, 2022 through September 20, 2022. 80 hours or 10 days of additional sick leave to recover from COVID-19, care for a sick family member, attend a vaccination appointment, recover from immunization or take care of a child who cannot attend school because of virus-related closures or quarantines. A big shout out to our State affiliate CTA (California Teachers Association) for working so hard to get this legislation passed.
- Exclusionary Pay – An employee who was excluded from work because of a workplace COVID-19 exposure. If you were sent home from work for exposure or told to quarantine from October 1, 2021 going forward, you may now recoup those sick days.
- Worker’s Compensation Pay – An employee who became ill with COVID-19 and can reasonably attribute their work location as the nexus of exposure and infection from October 1, 2021 going forward, may now recoup those sick days. How to document you were infected at work? A staff general notification of exposure, administrative communique of exposure, parent/student contact notification of COVID-19 positive.
REAC Newsletter –
Erin Mendez – Minority At Large Director
REAC Spotlight – Terence Booth – Counselor – TALB BOE Interview Committee Member
Terence Booth is a Counselor at Millikan High School and has worked with many grade levels for LBUSD throughout his career. He first got involved with our union to make sure the voices of counselors would be heard. He also wanted to be able to better share the needs counselors have on a larger scale throughout the district. Mr. Booth feels having the union behind counselors will support them and fight for them when changes need to be made. Mr. Booth’s wife was an integral part of him learning about union work and shared her many insights about union work with him. Mr. Booth hopes to be able to advocate for his peers and be a person they can come to for support. He is dedicated, hard-working and tries to push for what he feels is the best interest for all involved. Mr. Booth also feels strongly about getting more counselors involved in union work and hopes to use our collective strength to push for beneficial changes for counselors in LBUSD. With the support of TALB, Mr. Booth hopes that counselors will get more representation and feel more supported when issues arise. Sharing the additional union members benefits with other counselors so they will gain a better understanding of the many union benefits available to them is also an important part of his hopes for counselors in the future.
REAC Resources
NEA National Leadership Summit- March 11th-13th (In-person/Virtual)
https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/leadership-development/national-summit
Envision Equity Grants
https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/envision-equity-grants/
Learning and Leadership Grants
https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/learning-and-leadership-grants/
Student Success Grants
https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/student-success-grants/
Thinking of hanging up your saddle?
There are many things to consider when retiring. Your first step is CalSTRS. Go to calstrs.com and create an account. The website has different tools to give a ball park estimate on your pension benefits. For more accurate data you need to make a “one on one” with a CalSTRS counselor.
Individual Benefits Planning Session
Explore your CalSTRS benefits and services with the help of a CalSTRS benefits specialist in a confidential, one-on-one setting.
- Your personalized CalSTRS benefit estimates.
- Beneficiary options and how to leave a lifetime benefit to your loved ones.
- How to purchase service credit and what happens to your unused sick leave.
- Concurrent retirement—retiring from more than one California public retirement system.
- Considerations pertaining to health benefits, Medicare and Social Security.
For available session dates and times, simply call 800-228-5453 and select option 3.
When should I let the District know I’m going to retire?
Ideally, as soon as possible. We know that making the decision to retire can be hard and very personal. Some folks want to retire and go quietly in the night, with little or no fanfare. Others want to shout their retirement from their rooftops and dance! You can submit your retirement paperwork electronically to the District and not have it be publicly disclosed until after school is out for the summer. This helps the District plan for your replacement, but more importantly, it may help one of your colleagues avoid the unnecessary anxiety and stress of potentially being displaced/transferred from your school site.
Welcome Counselors & Psychologists to TALB!
You are not automatically a member. You must sign up.
If you are interested in becoming a member CLICK HERE
Representation, The Value of Membership, Leadership, and more!
Deadline Approaching: TALB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The benefits of membership!
The TALB Outstanding Student Scholarship Award recognizes outstanding student achievement in the areas of academics, leadership, and civic engagement. Recipients are well-rounded individuals that demonstrate a notable capacity for learning and service to others. Up to two recipients will be awarded $1,000 each and up to ten runners-up will be awarded $200 each.
The TALB Career Advancement Scholarship Award recognizes educators pursuing higher education in order to grow one’s capacity as an effective educator. Recipients are current members that demonstrate a notable desire to grow as a more effective educator. One recipient will be awarded $1,000 and up to two runners-up will be awarded $300 each.
Applications, instructions, and information about eligibility are now available at www.talb.org/scholarships.
The deadline for each scholarship application is March 25, 2022 by 4:30PM.
Update your Beneficiaries
The cycle of life. Every year we have a few members pass. Your TALB/CTA/NEA membership provides a survivor’s benefit up to $6,000.00. Sadly, every now and again, we have a member pass who did not update their beneficiaries. We can only issue the benefit to the individual(s) listed on your survivor’s benefit form. Life comes at you fast. Relationships change. If you have any questions about your survivor’s benefit please call the office at 562-426-6433.
LBUSD Board of Education Meeting | Wednesday March 2, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m. Watch it LIVE!
Virtual Site Visits will be sent to individual members. Check your personal email for Zoom invitations
We are slowly venturing into outdoor spaces and in-person activities. Back by popular demand!
Beer Club
Friday, March 18 @ 4:00 p.m.
Trademark Brewing Company
233 E. Anaheim, Long Beach
CTA Conferences & Grants
For full details and to apply for a grant, go to www.CTA.org/grants.
EASE-Y ANSWERS
GET SUPPORT FOR DIFFICULT TIMES
A little known benefit we have as educational employees in Los Angeles County is the Employee Assistance Service for Education program. EASE is a leading regional service that provides district staff and their families with the opportunity to assess and resolve their difficulties with the assistance of a professional counselor through an assessment and brief counseling service. EASE offers high quality, confidential assistance in:
- Personal and family problems
- Job-related issues
- Stress
- Substance abuse
- Grief, loss and traumatic incidents
- Worksite and phone consultations
All calls and consultations with EASE are confidential and will not be reported to the district, your school, or the Association. There is no reason to suffer in silence. If you feel you need assistance, please take advantage of this very important benefit by calling (800) 882-1341. A confidential counselor will be available to take your call. More information is available on-line at
https://www.lacoe.edu/Home/EASE
Trauma Resources
Reorienting to campus life has been challenging for students and staff. The pandemic has left invisible wounds and scars. There are 144 school days left in the 2021-22 school year. Do something for yourself, take care of yourself. We have a long road ahead.
~ Resources ~
Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute Handouts
Behavior Change
Crisis Response Checklist
Cyberstalking/Cyberbullying Safety Tips
Health Habit Log
How To Be An Ally
Mindful Breathing Tips
Myths About Suicide
Suicide Warning Signs
Principles for “Trauma – Informed”
Recognizing Anxiety
Self-Esteem Inventory
Find Your Words
Depression & Suicide Support
Number Story
Resources on adverse childhood experiences (ACES), ideas for support, healing, etc.
Books
Conscious Connections – Maggie Kline
Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof our Schools
Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar
Onward Workbook: Daily Activities to Cultivate Emotional Resilience and Thrive
Trainings
Kaiser Mental Health Awareness Video
30 minute asynchronous training
Kaiser Mental Health Training Materials
Slide deck, Notice-Engage-Support model, conversation starters, mental health resources
Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute
Free monthly webinar, online training, train-the -trainer, public workshops, etc.
Trevor Project CARE (Connect, Accept, Respond, Empower) Training
An interactive and intensive training that provides adults with an overview of suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) youth, and the different environmental stressors that contribute to their heightened risk for suicide.
Cultivating Resilient Communities During a Crisis
Bright Morning is an international education, coaching and consulting firm that exists to bring new learning practices to organizations that aspire to interrupt inequities, build resilient communities, and heal and transform the world. Our work transforms schools into equitable places of learning where every child gets whatever they need, every day, in order to be successful and to thrive. Process matters. The journey is the destination. Therefore, we lead processes of creation and transformation that honor and nurture all of those involved
WATCH LIVE – BOE – Meeting 2/16/2022 @ 5:00 p.m.
Long Beach Unified School District’s YouTube ChannelWatch Live on Wednesday, January 19 @ 5:00 p.m. LBUSD YouTube Channel
The Bargaining Team appreciates your support! Please send us your pictures from today. 
