Harvard Club of L.I. Names Two From Connetquot
as Distinguished Teachers
Ronkonkoma, NY --- Judith B. Esterquest, Treasurer of the Harvard Club of Long Island (HCLI), recently notified two of Connetquot’s senior teachers that they had been named Distinguished Teachers by the HCLI. Mrs. Janice Fisher (Connetquot HS) and Mrs. Mary McGonnell (Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School) were two of only 12 teachers selected from among the professional staff of 125 school districts on Long Island!
Ronkonkoma Middle School Teachers Host RG-Games For Tyler
Ronkonkoma, NY --- On Friday night, March 16th, Ronkonkoma Middle School (RMS) teachers and 6th grade students joined forces from 7:00-9:00 PM to confirm their belief that ‘Ty Will Win’ his battle against Hodgekins. Tyler Ponzio, who attended RMS, is now a 9th grade student at Connetquot High School. According to RMS Athletic Director Ms. Dee Kirwin “ … our Recreational Games for Ty (RGFT) was attended by 43 sixth grade students, and teachers, for a night of fun and games. Students participated in games of Basketball, Four Square, Volleyball and BINGO, renamed TYLER, and lettered accordingly!” Mrs. Mongiello, another teacher-volunteer said that the “… kids had a blast, won great prizes, and helped Ty and his family during a very difficult time.”
Arthur Prem Teachers Develop Super Bowl Activities for Their Students
Oakdale, NY --- On February 2nd, CTA President Tony Felicio, Jr., had the opportunity to take in the Super Bowl festivities at the Arthur Premm Alternative pre-school. The program, designed by Premm’s veteran teachers, involved developing fine motor skills, as well as stretching, exercise, passing, running and ‘TD Celebration’ skills!
Connetquot Teachers
Association Addressing
An Unsafe Learning Environment
The Connetquot Teachers Association is steadfast in its commitment to inform the community regarding issues that directly affect the education of students. Please click on the link below to read a WHEREAS regarding the inability to regulate classroom temperatures in many if not all of our District buildings that was sent to the Board of Education for its review and possible intervention. The Association has made every effort to understand the problem addressed in the WHEREAS and has remained patient while waiting for a viable plan to be put into place to remedy this problem, but its effort to obtain information and a plan from Central Office administration has been to no avail. The Association is hopeful that by illuminating the problem, remedies will be found.
Connetquot Teachers Association Commends
Ronkonkoma Middle School Teachers
Anthony Felicio, President of the Connetquot Teachers Association, recently congratulated a group of Ronkonkoma Middle School (RMS) teachers who worked with their students to complete a project that would continue the fight to end the scourge of bullying. The RMS Anti-Bullying Task Force developed a project where students in grades 6-8 could use their writing and, or, art skills to express how they feel about bullying. Entries were carefully reviewed by members of the task force and several were chosen to be reproduced on an Anti-Bullying quilt.
Connetquot Teachers
Association Member
Suzanne Neske One of Four Finalists for New
York State Teacher of the Year Award
CTA President, Tony Felicio,
Jr., proudly announced that High School English
teacher Suzanne Neske was one of four finalists
for New York State Teacher of the Year Award.
An interview with Ms. Neske revealed that she
was one of the four finalists from an original
pool of over 1000 candidates. Her selection
as a finalist was made by a panel that included
New York State Education, NYSUT, former Teacher
of the Year winners, parent and principal members.
The application process required approximately
two months of work which included several essays
regarding her educational idealology. She also
traveled to Albany where she interviewed with
several panels. "The process was well worth
it and I am proud that I was able to represent
the District and Connetquot Community in such
a positive way." Tony Felicio added, "The
Association is proud of Ms. Neske's accomplishments
and is pleased that she received the recognition
that she deserves."
CTA President, Tony Felicio,
Jr., congratulates Ms. Suzanne Neske on her
being one of the four finalists
for the New York State Teacher of the Year Award.
(photo by Joe Maniaci)
Connetquot Teachers
Association
Commitment to Education
The Connetquot Teachers Association is steadfast in its commitment to inform the community regarding issues that directly affect the education of students. Please click on the link below to read a WHEREAS regarding the BOCES run Alternative Learning Center that was sent to the Board of Education for its review and possible intervention. The Association made every effort to understand the problem addressed in the WHEREAS, but its effort to obtain information from Central Office administration has been to no avail. The Association is hopeful that by illuminating the problem, remedies will be found.
Connetquot Teachers
Association
Says NO to Bullying
YES to Respect and Professionalism
The
Connetquot Teachers Association has always endorsed
professional and respectful treatment of colleagues,
whether be a teacher, administrator, central
office personnel or any other staff member in
the District. It has encouraged its members
to bestow this belief on the students they teach
on a daily basis. The Association has also emphatically
communicated to the District that it will not
tolerate its members being treated in anything
less than a professional and respected manner
by those who supervise and administrate in the
District.
In an effort to enforce this
belief, the Association has recently addressed
an ongoing issue with an administrator in the
District. Please click on the link below to
read a document that calls upon the Board of
Education to investigate and address the apparent
professionally inappropriate, threatening, intimidating
and harassing actions of the Director of Technology
toward Association members.
CONNETQUOT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION CONGRATULATES
NEW CITIZEN – TEACHER!
The Connetquot Teachers Association
(CTA) recently congratulated one of the organization’s
newest members on achieving a life-long dream:
of becoming an American citizen! Elena Vladimirovna
Kushins, born in the Bashkortostan Republic of
Russia, began this school year as an ESL (English
as a Second Language) teacher at Connetquot’s
Edith L. Slocum Elementary School in Ronkonkoma.
On November 8th, 2010, Ms. Kushins took the Federal
Oath of Allegiance, and became a naturalized American
citizen!
Connetquot
Teachers Association Hosts Third Annual Scholarship
Awards Ceremony for Essay
Contest Winners
The Connetquot Teachers Association
(CTA), hosted an awards ceremony at the organization’s
headquarters on May 7th to honor six Connetquot
High School seniors. Ms. Nancy Dunlop (CTA Coordinator
of Community Advocacy) and Ms. Beth Albert presented
certificates and $500 scholarships to each of
the six students for their winning essays.
For the third year, all Connetquot
High School seniors were eligible to submit a
250 word essay on the topic The Teacher Who
Made A Difference In My Life. Close to 100
essays were submitted, read and graded without
the student’s name written on that essay.
Each essay was assigned a number and when the
winning essays were selected the names would be
revealed.
The following student essay winners
were selected, and invited to attend the award
ceremony along with their family and the teachers
who were the focus of those essays. Matthew Marion
wrote his essay about teacher Brad Drinkwater.
Stephenie Guercio believes Debbie Molinari made
a difference in her life. Caissa Kunins wrote
about Mauricio Arias, while Briana Young singled
out Justin Drzal. Jane Farino credits Janice Fischer
for being such a positive influence.
Connetquot Teachers Association Supports Connetquot
Cobras Baseball Program
Coach Patrick Brennan of the
Connetquot Cobras baseball team recently contacted
Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA) with an
update on his team's current record. Brennan was
proud to be able to report that his team of 7th,
8th and 9th grade student athletes is 8-0, undefeated,
and sitting atop the standings. The Cobras are
a travel team of community youngsters and the
CTA helps to financially support them.
CTA
and District Personnel Coordinate Daffodil Days
Fundraising Efforts
Raise Most
Money of all Suffolk County School Districts
Connetquot High School teacher
Nancy Dunlop has announced another successful
conclusion to the Daffodil Days fundraising effort.
According to Mrs. Dunlop the District raised $3500.00
for the American Cancer Society through the Daffodil
Days promotion. This effort represents the largest
monies raised by any district in Suffolk County.
In addition to the generous sales of daffodils,
Mrs. Dunlop was please to add that 16 community
members also purchased 'Gifts of Hope.' These
$25.00 donations afforded for the delivery of
flowers and teddy bears directly to cancer patients
in area hospitals
Connetquot Teachers Association Warm Hearts - Warm Hands
Connetquot Teachers Association
(CTA) announced the successful conclusion to the
2008 effort to collect gloves, hats and scarves
for the Children’s Center at the Cohalan
Courthouse. “Again, motivated by the wonderful
organization and dedication of Kristine Abbinanti
the CTA was able to deliver over 500 hats, mittens,
scarves and socks today.” Abbinanti is a
5th grade teacher at the Cherokee Street School,
and the catalyst for this worthwhile event.
Connetquot Teachers Host Volleyball Fundraiser
to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
On October 15, 2008 Justin Hertz,
Connetquot’s Girls’ Volleyball Coach,
and Physical Education teacher at Ronkonkoma Middle
School, had his team take to the court against
rival West Islip High School as part of the ‘Dig
Pink’ fundraiser in support of Breast Cancer
Awareness. Justin’s team was up to the challenge,
and raised $2,500 while defeating the visitors
in the first three matches.
Connetquot Educators
Honored by State Senator Caesar Trunzo
The Connetquot Teachers Association
(CTA) was recently notified that three members
of the association had been singled out by Senator
Caesar Trunzo (R-Brentwood) as outstanding teachers.
As part of the National Teacher Day celebration
Trunzo awarded Certificates of Appreciation to
Ms. Jane Murphy (Edith L. Slocum School), Ms.
Carol Pustay (Idle Hour School) and Mrs. Agnes
Gaeta (District Mentor - Connetquot HS).
Mr. Charles Trupia to be Honored by University
at Albany
Charlie Trupia has been teaching
Social Studies in the Connetquot School District
for 23 years, and the impact he’s had on
his students has always been apparent. Outside
the classroom his work with students in the Habitat
for Humanity Club has helped generate thousands
of dollars in donations for that organization.
This year alone, along with co-advisor Jason Willans,
Trupia has helped donate $18,000 to Habitat for
Humanity of Suffolk County. Recently Trupia was
contacted by the Director of the Honors College
at the University at Albany.
Connetquot
Teachers Association Congratulates Spanish Language
Teacher Cheryl Sosa
The Connetquot Teachers Association
was recently notified that Spanish language teacher
Ms. Cheryl Sosa had been honored on March 28th
by the Spanish Embassy. At a special ceremony
in NYC, sponsored by the Ministry Education of
the Spanish Embassy, Ms. Sosa was awarded an academic
scholarship to study at a Spanish University during
the month of July. This financial award will pay
the cost of tuition, room and board during her
time in Spain.
Association Recognized for Commitment
to Health and Safety for Students and Staff
The efforts of the Connetquot
Teachers Association in addressing health and
safety issues in the district were covered in
the New York Committee on Safety and Health's
publication.
Connetquot Teachers Association Hosts Scholarship
Awards Ceremony for Essay Contest Winner
The Connetquot Teachers Association
(CTA) hosted an awards ceremony at the organization's
headquarters on May 6th to honor six Connetquot
HS seniors. Ms. Nancy Dunlop (CTA Coordinator of
Community Advocacy), presented certificates and
$500 scholarships to each of the six students for
their winning essays.
Connetquot Teachers Association Recognized
in the Fight Against Cancer
Mrs. Anne K. Thorsen, Senior Director
of Income Development for the American Cancer Society,
visited with the Executive Board of the Connetquot
Teachers Association (CTA) on April 8th. Thorsen
stopped by the Ronkonkoma office of the CTA to present
a plaque, and express her gratitude, to the members
of the organization for this year's effort to fight
cancer. The CTA effort raised $4,000 this year as
part of the ACS annual Daffodil Days program.
Connetquot Teachers Spearhead The Fight
Against Cancer
For the past several years Connetquot
Teachers have joined forces and collected money
for cancer research by selling daffodils. Again
this year, an effort spearheaded by Connetquot Teachers
Association Coordinator of Community Advocacy, Nancy
Dunlop brought together teachers, secretaries, AP's,
Food Service Workers, Central Office personnel and
retirees to raise more than $4,000 for the American
Cancer Society (ACS).
Connetquot Teachers Association Shares Championship
The Connetquot Teachers Association
(CTA) was recently presented with a championship
trophy from the Connetquot Youth Association team
the CTA sponsored last year. The CTA is commited
to support community organizations such as the Connetquot
Youth Association and will continue for years to
come. The Association encourages other individuals,
businesses and organizations in this community to
make a commitment to the youth of Ronkonkoma, Bohemia
and Oakdale.
Connetquot teachers fed more than
600 poor and homeless adults and children at 'Every
Child's Dream' Holiday Celebration held at St. Lawrence
the Martyr auditorium on December 19th.
Connetquot Teachers Collect and Donate More
than 1000 Mittens and Hats to Needy Children
The Connetquot Teachers Association
today announced that a program that ran for only
one week (December 3-7) was totally embraced by
the community and teaching staff.
Teachers Walk to Raise Money for Breast
Cancer Research
Teachers and their families walked
at Jones Beach on October 21st in the Strides
Against Breast Cancer Walk. The CTA participants
raised thousands of dollars for the cause as a result
of their efforts.
Connetquot
Teachers Association's First Annual Awards Ceremony
Establishing a new tradition, the
Connetquot Teachers Association held its own awards
ceremony to acknowledge six students who submitted
winning essays.
Connetquot Teachers Join Habitat For Humanity 'Build' In Central Islip
Ronkonkoma, NY --- On February 8th, Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA) President Tony Felicio, Jr., joined Habitat for Humanity Club advisor Jason Wilans on a trip to Central Islip to help build a home for the Arevalo-Quezada family of Freeport, NY. Wilans brought along 12 student volunteers and several additional teachers to begin work on this Habitat for Humanity home. Long-time construction volunteer Charlie Trupia, a member of the Habitat’s Board of Directors, and a veteran Social Studies teacher at Connetquot HS, also worked on this Habitat ‘build’. This Central Islip project is one of more than a dozen homes that will be built and made available to needy Suffolk families this year.
On January 19th, at Ronkonkoma MS, Connetquot teachers and members of the community joined forces to support Tyler Ponzio and his family. At an exciting event organized by CTA members Dee Kirwin and Cathy Mongiello over 250 students, teachers and members of the community enjoyed a spirited series of contests pitting one group of teachers against another! Connetquot Teachers Association President Tony Felicio, Jr., was there to cheer on the teachers’ efforts to support Tyler.
Connetquot Teachers Raise $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity
Dr. Brad Lindell, Vice President of the Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA), congratulates Mr. Jason Wilans, Connetquot High School Special Education teacher (advisor to the Habitat for Humanity Club) and Mr. Charles Trupia, Connetquot High School Social Studies teacher (past advisor of the Habitat for Humanity Club) for their efforts and those of their club members in raising $10,000 for the Habitat of Humanity Suffolk County. The $10,000 was raised last month in Connetquot’s first-ever 5k Santa Fun Run! According to Mr. Wilans, the $10,000 is the highest amount ever raised in Nassau or Suffolk County for a one day fund raising event. Tony Felicio, Jr., President of the Connetquot Teachers Association, said that, “once again we see the efforts made by our Connetquot teachers in working with their students and the positive impact and benefit it has on the community.” Felicio went on to offer congratulations to Mr. Wilans and his Club for a “job well done!”
(photo by Joe Maniaci)
Connetquot Teachers Association Helps Make
6th Annual ‘Every Child's Dream’ A Reality
‘Every Child’s Dream’ is an annual charity event created, organized and ever-expanded, by Mr, Ken Mangan, of Sayville. On December 16th Mangan, along with over 100 volunteers including members of the Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA), hosted the 6th Annual Every Child’s Dream dinner at Sayville High School, in Sayville, NY.
According to Mangan over 700 invited guests were served dinner, while volunteers would distribute coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and school supplies to needy neighbors. CTA President Mr. Anthony Felicio, Jr., was proud of his membership’s continued support of Mr. Mangan’s wonderful effort to help the needy.
Connetquot High School
‘Habitat For Humanity’ Club
Hosts
Inaugural 5K Santa Fun Run!
On Sunday, December 11th more than 400 runners registered to take part in the Connetquot School District Habitat for Humanity Club’s first-ever 5k Santa Fun Run!
Habitat advisor Jason Wilans said that “,,, the Santa Fun Run had over 60 sponsors that generously supported our efforts. This event was so successful because of the support of dozens of fellow teachers, more than 100 Connetquot student-volunteers and more than 10 additional school groups.”
Mr. Tony Felicio, Jr., President of the Connetquot Teachers Association attended the Bohemia Historical Society’s holiday meeting on Thursday evening, December 1, 2011. The Connetquot H.S. Brass Band Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Greg Johnson performed for the audience.
The Connetquot band has been a part of this festive evening for the past nine years. In front of a packed house, the band played Christmas carols and helped put everyone in the holiday spirit.
The Bohemia Historical Society was very thankful to Mr. Johnson and the musicians for taking time out of their busy schedules to spend time with them.
Congratulations to Mr. Johnson and the students for a fine performance.
Tony Felicio, Jr., Judy Pednault, President BHS, Greg Johnson, Connetquot Teacher (H.S. Band Ensemble)
Connetquot Teachers Association Organizes
Heart Health Fundraiser
Mr. Anthony Felicio, President of the Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA), recently commended the CTA members at the Idle Hour Elementary School, in Oakdale, for working with their students to raise money for the American Heart Association. According to Idle Hour Phys Ed instructor Mr. Paul Rondenella, “… each year the Physical Education staff holds a jump rope party to help raise money for the American Heart Association. This year’s event raised more than $11,500; $4,000 more than last year’s effort.”
Connetquot
Teachers Assist
Bohemia Historical Society in Food Drive
Connetquot Teachers assisted the Bohemia Historical Society in collecting over 6 boxes and 6 grocery bags full of food. All of it will benefit the Saint John Nepomucene Food Pantry.
Melanie Mannino, Joann Kristoff (Food Drive Chairperson), Lisa Manzo
(Connetquot Teacher's Association), Judy Pedneault (President of the
Bohemia Historical Society), and Gianna Manzo
Connetquot
Teachers Raise Over $1500.00
in Breast Cancer Walk
Teachers and their families
walked at Dowling College on October 1st in
the Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The
CTA participants raised over $1500.00 for the
cause as a result of their efforts. According
to Joanna McManaman and Lisa Manzo, co-coordinators
of Community Advocacy, "The CTA has many
plans to expand its charity raising efforts
to include many more staff and students. We
are proud of our teachers and the support they
offered us. Our collection efforts continue
and we have a goal of raising $2500.00."
President of the Association, Tony Felicio,
Jr. added, "I am proud of the work of the
CTA coordinators of Community Advocacy, Joanna
and Lisa. Their efforts have resulted in monies
being raised for a very important cause."
President of the CTA, Tony Felicio,
Jr. (center),
is pictured with co-coordinator of Community
Advocacy, Joanna McManaman (left) and CTA Vice President for Negotiations, Brad Lindell (right)
New
Connetquot Teachers Association
Leadership Meets with Retired Members
Newly elected Association President,
Tony Felicio, Jr., met with retired Connetquot
teacher members at a luncheon on September 15,
2011. Mr. Felicio discussed his enthusiasm and
commitment to protecting members in the Association
and acting as a resource and advocate for the
Association's retired members. He was welcomed
by all and congratulated on his election to
the President of the Association.
Tony
Felicio, Jr. (second from right), pictured with
Marilyn Dygus (third from right), President
of the
Retired Connetquot Teachers Association,
as well as members of the Association
Tony Felicio, Jr., President
of the CTA, shows support for the CWA in their
stuggle to maintain their wages, benefits and
work conditions.
Connetquot Teachers
Association Leadership Shows Support for Verizon
Workers
The Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA)
President, Tony Felicio, Jr., joined members
of the Communication Workers of America (CWA)
as they picketed in Patchogue. CWA Verizon
workers went on strike after management demanded
almost $20,000 in givebacks and would not
move from its position. Verizon is looking
for these givebacks despite billions of dollars
in profits. CWA and all unions believe that
this is a direct attack on unions and the
middle class.
Tony Felicio, Jr., elected
President of the CTA in June 2011, helps a child
find a coat.
Connetquot
Teachers Association Vice President Brad Lindell
helps organize the distribution of winter wear
for the needy.
Many of the
Connetquot teachers that volunteered to help
make Every Child’s Dream a success.
Connetquot Teachers
Association
Helps Make 5th Annual
‘EVERY CHILD’S DREAM’ a
Reality
The Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA)
led an enthusiastic group of colleagues over
to Sayville, NY, to help make ‘Every
Child’s Dream’ come true. More
than two dozen current members of the Connetquot
Teachers Association, and their families,
volunteered to distribute coats, sweaters,
hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and school
supplies to more than 600 of Suffolk’s
homeless and needy neighbors. Event organizer
Ken Mangan was pleased with the turnout of
volunteers and guests, which made this 5th
annual event the biggest and best so far.
Invited guests were served
on linen-covered tables, by waiters and waitresses
wearing white gloves, in the colorfully decorated
auditorium of St. Lawrence the Martyr (founded
in 1895) Church in Sayville, NY. CTA member
Christine Dassler arranged for the teachers
to sort and distribute coats, or assist in serving
the guests. Suffolk’s homeless and needy
guests were served snacks, dinner and dessert,
and then had the opportunity to select from
hundreds of pieces of gently used, as well as
new, ‘winter wear’ that had been
donated for their use.
Connetquot Teachers
Association and Connetquot Clerical Association
Raise Funds for the American Cancer Society
The Connetquot Teachers Association
recently announced the successful conclusion
to the 2010 Daffodil Days fundraising effort
to the teachers, clerical staff and other staff
members who made it possible. Coordinated by
Nancy Dunlop (Connetquot Teachers Association)
and Dorothy Schweers (Connetquot Clerical Association),
the 2010 Daffodil fundraiser raised close to
$3,500 for the American Cancer Society.
Mrs. Dunlop revealed that “…besides
the generous donations made for the sale of
the daffodils, 20 community members made $25
donations for the ‘Gift of Hope’,
or a ‘Teddy Bear & a bunch.”
‘Gifts of Hope’ donations led to
the delivery of flowers and teddy bears directly
to pediatric cancer patients in area hospitals.
This year’s fund-raising
effort was coordinated by members of the Connetquot
Teachers Association, Connetquot Clerical Association,
building secretaries, Central Office personnel,
Food Service workers as well as Custodial staff.
Connetquot High School’s ‘Helping
Hands’ club members, under the supervision
of advisors Sue Schiappa and Laurie Schwartz,
wrapped and packaged the flowers for delivery.
Elementary
Computer Survey Indicates Many
Computer Problems and and an Adverse Impact of
the Elimination of Elementary Computer Positions
The Elementary Computer
Survey was developed with the goal of understanding,
in greater detail, the impact on student education
from the many simultaneous changes in software,
hardware and the network at the same time that
the elementary computer positions were eliminated.
A total of 149 elementary teachers answered the
survey, representing approximately 44% of the
elementary teachers.
The results indicate there are many problems with
the computer software and hardware that are adversely
impacting the education of students. The survey
also indicated that the elimination of the elementary
computer teachers has had an adverse impact on
the teachers' ability to integrate technology
and curriculum in their classrooms, which is not
being addressed through the newly implemented
Ambassador Program. Finally, many teachers indicated
that they thought the many changes to the computer
hardware, software and network at the same time
that computer teacher positions were eliminated
were poorly planned and that insufficient thought
was given to the impact on the education of students.
Connetquot Teachers Association
Supports Every Child's Dream Holiday Celebration
(click play button to
view video of celebration)
...we will do so much more with
help from organizations like yours. I hope every
time people see your video, they will remember
fondly this very special night and the warmth
they brought to so many... its not yet the end.
- Kenneth Mangan
Coordinator, Every Child's Dream Holiday Celebration
Ronkonkoma, NY
- The Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA) proudly
announced that the district’s teachers played
a vital role in the third annual ‘Every
Child’s Dream’ Holiday Celebration
on December 12th. Twenty-five current, or retired,
Connetquot teachers and friends helped distribute
coats, blankets, scarves and gloves, as well as
serving dinner to almost 600 guests.
Over the course of the last 15
months, the Association has on at least three occasions,
notified the District of serious issues at the Connetquot
High School. Our concern was due to continuing toxic
waste back ups into the classrooms overflowing from
the chemical waste tank. Our concerns center around
the improper handling, analysis and disposal of
such waste.
The District has maintained on
their website and through direct communication with
the Association that they have addressed our concerns
on many occasions. Furthermore, they denied that
back ups into classrooms took place (see photographs
below). They assured the Association and the community
that the classrooms were free of any contamination.
Due to the ongoing health and safety
problems at OBMS, health and safety training was
provided by NYCOSH and the Association to more than
60 teachers at OBMS.
Report on the Health and Safety of the District
School Buildings
The Connetquot Teachers Association
brought the New York Committee on Safety and Health
(NYCOSH) to inspect buildings in the District. This
resulted in a report that indicated many health
and safety problems that can affect the health and
safety of students and staff.
New York State Education law requires
that all District's form a Health and Safety Committee.
The Connetquot Teachers Associations brought the
District's lack of compliance with this law in October,
2006. The District held its first Health and Safety
Committee meeting in January, 2007.
The
Connetquot Teachers Association has always endorsed
professional and respectful treatment of colleagues,
whether be a teacher, administrator, central
office personnel or any other staff member in
the District. It has encouraged its members
to bestow this belief on the students they teach
on a daily basis. The Association has also emphatically
communicated to the District that it will not
tolerate its members being treated in anything
less than a professional and respected manner
by those who supervise and administrate in the
District.
Mr. Anthony Felicio, President of the Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA), recently commended the CTA members at the Idle Hour Elementary School, in Oakdale, for working with their students to raise money for the American Heart Association. According to Idle Hour Phys Ed instructor Mr. Paul Rondenella, “… each year the Physical Education staff holds a jump rope party to help raise money for the American Heart Association. This year’s event raised more than $11,500; $4,000 more than last year’s effort.” 
