This is the page where we talk about current events going on in our district and our union.  Important dates and deadlines will also be listed here.  Be certain to check back regularly for new news and updates on old news.

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Important Upcoming REA Meeting Dates:
     REP COUNCIL - THURSDAY, MAY 4, 4 PM @ VO-TECH
From February 2010:
- Please see the SAC and MSVP Reports archived above.  Thanks!
- The February Rep Council meeting had too few attendees for a quorum, so business could not be done.  Please be sure to attend your monthly meetings so that bills can be paid, motions can be voted up or down, and reports can be approved, etc.

From January 2010:
- On Tuesday, January 26, there was a General Membership Meeting at the Vo-Tech at 4:00 to discuss Race to the Top, and REA's position.  Details regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the REA, the RSD, and the School Board were be provided.  Anybody who needs information, please e-mail me and I will be sure you get it.   Thanks! 

- I am happy to report that the Administration has heard our concerns raised at the Superintendent's Advisory Committee concerning lesson planning for co-teachers, especially ELA and Special Education instructors.  Be sure to e-mail me if you are interested in receiving a packet of sample plans and accomodation checklists - prepared and approved by Central Administration, and I will send the information out to everybody in the beginning of February.

- I attended the PSEA Political Institute in Camp Hill on January 15 and 16, where I had the opportunity to interact and meet with candidates for Senator and Governor.  All candidates that were present expressed a desire to include educators - and PSEA specifically - in any future education budgets.Click here for more information.


From December 2009:
  • Please make sure to always have a hard copy of your daily lesson plan available!
  • Beginning in January, all Gateway and Middle Schools should be open by 6:30 AM with swipe cards.
  • Beginning in January, RSD has agreed to provide coursework for advanced Reading Edge students.
  • Your pension could be under attack!  There is pending legislation that would try to change the system from a defined benefit to a defined contribution.  Although the PA Constitution would not allow this law to change your current pension, it could affect future pension plans for state employees as well as cost of living adjustments.  Stay alert, and visit www.psea.org/pensions for more information!
  • RSD is one of the districts targeted by the Obama Administration for Race to the Top funds.  Although money would be offered, stipulations would be attached, some which might negatively affect staffing.  Only RHS is affected right now, but you should stay aware of this situation.  PSEA is working tirelessly to protect our members.  For more, visit www.psea.org/racetothetop.
  • On December 4, I was one of your elected delegates attending the PSEA House of Delegates in Pittsburgh, PA.  Here, New Business Items affecting members statewide will be offered and voted on.  Thank you for electing me to attend this event, as we continue to tend to the important work of our Association.
  • On November 20, PSEA offered an Urban Issues Conference at Penn State University.  Thanks to your approval at the most recent RepCo meeting, I was able to attend and learn about the Race to the Top Initiative, as well as ideas on closing the Achievement Gap that exists in Urban districts.  Click here for urban information.
  • Please remember to alert your Building Reps any time you have an issue or concern about happenings in your building.  They are your first (and often, best) line of defense!

From November 2009:
- Our Association has been busy addressing member concerns, but this could not be possible without the hard work of the Building Representatives.   Thank you for all your hard work.
- If any concerns arise regarding AFLAC supplemental insurance, please refer to the memo sent out via e-mail by the RSD Business Office.  This memo was created in cooperation with the Association in response to member questions and concerns.
- Whenever a problem in your building arises, please address it with your Building Representative.  If your Rep needs assistance, he or she should contact me.  It is essential that the proper procedures are followed so that the lines of communication remain open at all times.
- Please make sure if you use Facebook, Twitter, etc. that everything is appropriate!
- According to wfmz.com, on November 3, 2009, the following candidates were successful in their bids to serve on the Reading School District Board of Directors:
22% Storch Jr, Harry (DR)
20% Stroman, Yvonne (D)
18% Torres-Figueroa, Isamac (D)
18% Washington II, James (D)

From October 2009:
- For many of you, 2009-2010 is the last school year to obtain all of your Act 48 Professional Development credits, required to maintain your teaching certificate.  To access the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website regarding Act 48 info, click here.   If you would like to check your status regarding these credits, click here.    If you are planning to gain these credits by taking college classes, remember to fill out and submit your class approval / tuition reimbursement form PRIOR to signing up for the class.  These forms can be found in your Main Office.

From September 2009:
- Did you know that Reading School District offers an Employee Assistance Program, through a company called Diakon, for those needing counseling?  You will receive up to three free confidential sessions, if necessary. Call 610-378-1191 for confidential help in these areas:
- Marital & Family Counseling
- Alcohol & Drug Counseling
- Psychological or Emotional Concerns
- Legal or Financial Challenges
If, after those three free visits, Diakon refers you to a physician for further assistance, please first make sure that the doctor participates in the Berkshire Health Plan network so that you will be covered!
- If you have gotten married, plan to get married, or plan to move over the summer months, please remember that PDE and the district both require that you inform them each of the change.  You will need to complete PDE Form 338D for a name change and/or 338AC for an address change.  Also, please complete the RSD form so that Payroll and Human Resource can make the necessary changes to your personnel file.  Name changes require a copy of the marriage license/divorce decree, a copy of your new social security card, and a new W4.





  • Elections for REA Officers, as well as Delegates to NEA and PSEA are coming up in May.
  • Be certain to get your credentials in to the REA Office as soon as notices go out. Good luck!  The following positions are up for election this year:
- As per the REA Constitution By-Laws, to be elected to a 1-year term:
- Legislative/PACE Officer
- Treasurer
- Public Relations Officer
- As per the REA Constitution By-Laws, to be elected to a 2-year term:
o First Vice-President
o Membership (Assistant Treasurer)
o High School 2nd Vice-President (Obviously, only teachers of grades 9-12 may run)
o Secretary
o Member Services Officer
o Social Officer
o IPD Officer
- As per the REA Constitution By-Laws, to be elected to a 1-year term:
o Eastern Region delegate
o PSEA State delegate 
o NEA Representative Assembly delegate
  • Reps, please keep your list of building members up to date.  This is especially important since election season is upon us.  Remember, only members may vote.
  • Want to get involved with REA, but not TOO involved quite yet?  Please consider running for Building Rep in May.  Each building is allowed 1 rep for every 20 members or major fraction thereof.  Be a part of the legislative body of your Association.   YOU are the voice of REA!!!
  • Because of the snow days, we no longer will have off of school for the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Easter.  We will also need to make up the Monday after Easter.  Please be certain to show up to work unless you have a personal day, an emergency, or you are legitimately sick.  Although it is unfortunate that much of our "spring break" is lost, we do have an obligation, as professionals, to make these snow days up.  Thanks for understanding.




Click below for Monthly Middle School REA Reports for 2009-2010
September 2009October 2009November 2009     December 2009
January 2010February 2010     March 2010

NEW!
Click below for Monthly SAC Minutes from 2009-2010
September 2009October 2009November 2009December 2009
January 2010

NEW!
NEW!