Syracuse Teachers Association
The professionalism of Syracuse TA members at the Webster school were on full display when they were asked to feed the entire student body in just under one hour. Above, from left, School-Related Professionals members Lynette Warren, Suzanne Pena, Larry Brennan and Marilyn Sutliffe served more than 600 lunches in record time when they learned the school was closing early due to a water main break. Kudos!
Wappingers Congress of Teachers
More than 150 union members, retirees, community residents, school board members and staff showed up at a district warehouse to help the Wappingers CT sort 21,000 books. The books were part of an ongoing AFT/NYSUT First Book, Inc. project that puts books in the hands of students.
Books were handed out to students in 10 elementary schools, two junior high schools, two high schools, and one alternative school; classroom libraries were also stocked.
Pasquale Delli Carpini, president of the 899-member local union, said each school in the district had a giveaway day and invited parents. First Books were also distributed at community day events and the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome awareness.
Working with NYSUT, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and the Kids in Need Foundation, the WCT also secured 50 backpacks and filled them with school supplies and First Books. WTC member Kate DeGroat spearheaded that project.
The WCT, using a grant from their participation as a NYSUT Local Action Project local, also purchased Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, by Joseph Slate for the district's newest students. Each book featured a bookplate with the union's name and logo.
Delli Carpini noted Wappingers CT members Diane DiChiara, Rena Finsmith and Kerrie Roger were among those who led the charge. Share news about your local's union or community events at united@nysutmail.org; include "LIA" in the subject line.