With NYSUT’s help, local
unions have been
reaching out to help
students in need —
the numbers
of which have increased due to
COVID-19.
In September, the union provided
backpacks loaded with school supplies
to 250 young school children in
Albany’s neediest areas.
Laura Franz, president of the
Albany Public School Teachers
Association, helped deliver the
backpacks to Pre-K and kindergarten
children at Arbor Hill
Elementary School
and Giffen Elementary
School.
Inside each backpack
were crayons,
notepads, glue
sticks, a whiteboard,
construction paper,
folders, rulers, activity
pages and Play-Doh.
With the pandemic,
students cannot share
classroom supplies
and the backpacks
will serve as a “locker” on their back
for use at both home and school.
“NYSUT cares about teachers.
We know there is a need here,”
said Secretary-Treasurer Philippe
Abraham, who oversees social justice
initiatives for NYSUT. He spoke at
the backpack give-away event along
with Franz and NYSUT President
Andy Pallotta.
“Given all the complications with
school reopening, and the amount of
individual supplies that are limited for
students to have in schools, having
these backpacks is wonderful,” said
Franz.
“Having 250 students who don’t
have to worry was really greatly appreciated
by those classroom teachers,”
said Franz, noting what a bonus
it was that each pack came already
loaded.