“There is a place in America to take a stand: it is public education. It is the underpinning of our cultural and political system. It is the great common ground. Public education after all is the engine that moves us as a society toward a common destiny…it is in public education that the American dream begins to take shape.”    —Tom Brokaw

#RedForEd on Monday

Tomorrow, Monday, September 16, the Illinois Education Association (IEA) has called for a statewide #RedForEd action in which our members wear red to support public education. Betsy DuVos will be visiting a public high school in Rockford.  The IEA wants to remind her that Illinois has a state full of strong public school educators!  Don’t forget to post your photos of the members in your building in wearing their RED on social media and use the hashtags #RedForEd, #IEAStronger, #SEAStrength

SEA Spirit Wear

SEA spirit wear is BACK!  This year we have more choices and new designs for you to choose from.  To place an order, please visit: http://coachsassistant.gtmsportswear.com/SchaumburgEA

Orders will be taken from now until Monday, September 30.  You will receive your orders at your schools by the end of October.  Please continue wearing your SEA spirit wear on what we referred to last year as “Better Together Tuesdays”.  Thank you to Kelly O’Reilly for putting this order together for us!

First SEA Building Representative Meeting of the Year

Our first Building Representative Meeting of the year has arrived. We will be meeting in the Board Room from 3:30-5:00 PM on Monday (Sept. 16). After the meeting, your building reps will be scheduling their monthly meeting with you and another meeting with administration to go over some of the information shared at the meeting. Be sure to share any of your own questions, concerns, or shout-outs with your building representatives, so they can let SEA know. They will be updating your SEA boards with important information from our meeting as well.   We are excited to welcome a special guest in attendance at our meeting, Kathi Griffin, the President of IEA. When she reached out to me about coming, of course I told her she could attend, as she is one of our SEA members! Any of our members are welcome to attend. If you have never come to an SEA Building Rep meeting, come and join us!

Support the District 54 Education Foundation

As a reminder this Wednesday is not only a Teacher In-Service Day, but it is also District 54’s Education Foundation’s fundraiser at Lou Malnati’s. Both the Lou Malnati’s on Roselle Road and Barrington Road are participating. Just mention the fundraiser and Lou Malnati’s will donate 20% of your pre-tax purchase (excluding alcohol) from every dine-in, carryout, or delivery (within zone). How about having your lunch delivered for the In-Service day? I’ll definitely be making a stop there on my way home to bring home food for the family!

Building Visits

Last week I had the opportunity to visit with the principals at Dirksen, Hanover Highlands, Churchill, Lincoln Prairie, Keller, and Fairview. It was nice to take a tour of your schools and continue to get-to-know our District 54 administrators. This week I have appointments at the following schools:

*Monday – MacArthur 9 AM; Eisenhower 10:15 AM
*Tuesday – Dooley 1 PM; Fox 2:15 PM

*Wednesday – Muir 9 AM; Lincoln Prairie’s Career Fair

*Thursday – Mead 9:15 AM; Einstein 10:30 PM, ELC 12:30 PM

Important Dates in September

*September 16: First SEA Building Representative Meeting of the year, 3:30-5:00 PM in the Board Room (ALL members are invited to attend!)

*September 18: Half-Day In-service; Fundraiser at Lou Malnati’s to support the District 54 Education Foundation

*September 22: Run to Read (Are you signed up to run or volunteer?)

*September 23: NEW Building Representative Training @the RAC 3:45 – 5:45 PM

This Day in History

On September 16, 1620, English colonists aboard the Mayflower set sail for America, where they founded Plymouth, Massachusetts, after 41 men, including William Bradford and Myles Standish, signed the Mayflower Compact.

Have a great week and maybe I’ll be seeing you this weekend at District 54’s Run to Read!

Lori Mobley

Schaumburg Education Association President

lorimobleysea@gmail.com

Cell: (847) 344-5249

Office @IKE: (847) 357-5450

www.sea54.org

“F-E-A-R has two meanings:
‘Forget Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’
The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar

SEA’s Mission

What is the purpose of the Schaumburg Education Association? In order to best understand it, I wanted to remind you our mission in the SEA…

To advocate for our membership and to provide leadership for them in such areas as professionalism, ethical standards, member welfare, and political advocacy

To be educational leaders and effective, caring teachers in the classroom

To advocate for the welfare of all school children.

To engage in political action to enact legislation that supports public education.

I’ve been exploring the power of WHY a lot this year and when I think about the role of your building reps and the role I serve in as your president, it’s really to advocate for you. If you think something just doesn’t seem right or are unclear of anything in our contract, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your building representatives or the SEA’s Executive Board. I have linked a copy of SEA’s WHO TO CALL LIST and the current list of SEA’s BUILDING REPRESENTATIVES for you to use as additional resources this year.

Human Resources Department

Yes, there have been some changes in District 54’s HR Department and you may not know whom to call. Be sure to visit the Human Resources site on District 54 Intranet. There’s a great chart on its main page of whom to call with your HR questions…

Building Visits

Throughout the months of September and October, I will be visiting your buildings to meet with your administrators. I am still in the process of scheduling the visits, but this week I begin my District 54 tour at Dirksen, Churchill, Keller, and Fairview. Last year it was a great experience for me to talk to your principals, walk around your buildings, and even stop into some of your classrooms.   Looking forward to making it to all 28 schools, especially to see all of D54’s work in the area of innovation and SEL!

Important Dates in September

*September 16: First SEA Building Representative Meeting of the year, 3:30-5:00 PM in the Board Room (ALL members are invited to attend!)

*September 18: Half-Day In-service; Fundraiser at Lou Malnati’s to support the District 54 Education Foundation

*September 22: Run to Read (Are you signed up to run or volunteer?)

*September 23: NEW Building Representative Training @the RAC 3:45 – 5:45 PM

This Week’s School Visits

*Monday – Dirksen 1 PM

*Wednesday – Churchill (time TBD)

*Friday – Keller 10 AM; Fairview 1 PM

This Day in History

On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally declares the name of the new nation to be the “United States” of America. This replaced the term “United Colonies,” which had been in general use.

Lori Mobley

Schaumburg Education Association President

lorimobleysea@gmail.com

Cell: (847) 344-5249

Office @IKE: (847) 357-5450

www.sea54.org

“Almost every student you meet may be fighting a battle you know nothing about.

Stop. Think. Then make your response accordingly.” ~Robert John Meehan

Time to change those classroom calendars from August to September! Take a moment to reflect on how the first couple of weeks back have been and what you are going to do in September to continue to encourage and bring joy to the students you encounter each and every day. YOU are an amazing educator!

First Pay Check of the Year

Take a moment to look at your paycheck from last Friday to make sure it is accurate. Since this was one of three “Free Pays” this year, no insurance, 403(b), or dues were taken out, look at the regular salary line and multiply by 26 weeks. That number should be matching up with what your annual salary is listed as on the Employee Access Center. Any questions regarding your paycheck can be directed to Julie Chaudhary (x. 5025) or Kim Sanders (x.5029) in the payroll department.

Planning Time

Elementary teachers (which includes Jr. High) and ELC classroom teachers who receive 270 minutes of planning time, should have 150 minutes of non-administration directed time (a.k.a., personal planning time). If this is not the case check with your building representative. Also, Karen Chin (Addams Jr. High), our Contract and Grievance chair on our SEA Exec Board, is available for you to contact with any other contractual questions. Her personal email is: karenvonchin@gmail.com.

#SEAStrength

SEA and SEEO have maintained nearly 100% membership that has allowed us to bargain numerous items that support our roles in the classroom as well as strengthen the education of our students.  The district recognizes SEA and SEEO as the voice of our educators and advocate for our students. The Illinois Education Association is aware of the anti-union mailings being sent out to its members across the state from the Illinois Policy Institute. If you have received one of these postcards or mailings and want to know more of the facts about these organizations, please visit IEA’s Proud Member Website.

Important Dates in September

*September 16: First SEA Building Representative Meeting of the year, 3:30-5:00 PM in the Board Room (ALL members are invited to attend!)

*September 18: Half-Day In-service

*September 22: Run to Read (Are you signed up to run or volunteer?)

*September 23: NEW Building Representative Training @the RAC 3:45 – 5:45 PM

This Day in History

On September 2, 1969, America’s first automatic teller machine (ATM) makes its public debut, dispensing cash to customers at Chemical Bank in Rockville Center, New York.

I hope you had a great, refreshing Labor Day weekend (and that you aren’t reading this until Tuesday because you took time away from the labor and made time to do something you enjoy on your day off)!

Lori Mobley

Schaumburg Education Association President

lorimobleysea@gmail.com

Cell: (847) 344-5249

Office @IKE: (847) 357-5450

www.sea54.org

“Champions aren’t made in the gyms.

Champions are made from something they have deep inside them –
a desire, a dream, a vision.”  ~Muhammad Ali

Welcome to all of SEA’s New Members

I just want to give a special shout out to all of District 54’s new teachers! This SEA distribution list has been updated and you will now be receiving communication from the Schaumburg Education Association each Monday. Beginning in September, the SEA Building Representatives in your buildings will be having 10 minute meetings just to recap some highlights from our monthly SEA meetings.  Your building representatives will be in contact with you in September, but don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any current questions you may have.  Just so that you have it, here is the link to our current Agreement Between the Schaumburg Education Association and the Board of Education.

Good luck Early Childhood Teachers & Kindergarten Teachers

This is it…the first day of kindergarten and our early childhood programs! Hopefully the rain didn’t add an extra tears to the little ones (and for the parents too) on this rainy Monday morning. We thank you for all that you do as you lay the foundation and teach the building blocks necessary for the students to be function independently in our elementary classrooms.

Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for some opportunities to help out District 54? The Schaumburg District 54 Education Foundation is looking for volunteers to help out with Septemberfest this Saturday, August 31, through Monday, September 2. They are looking for people to help with the parking at Collins school on Saturday and Sunday, as well as volunteers to help with the Riccardo’s food tent on Monday. If you are at all interested, check your email from Donna Anderson, Foundation Secretary, or contact her directly to see what time slots are still available. I’ll be at the food tent Monday afternoon from 5-7 PM with other members of our SEA and SEEO, so stop by and say hi!

Another way you can help support district 54 is volunteering at Run to Read. This event is just a little less than a month away, Sunday, September 23^rd. District 54 is always looking for volunteers to help out in various capacities that day. Check your email from Terri McHugh or you can register here.

Visit the SEA Webpage

If you haven’t had a chance, please take a moment to visit SEA’s Webpage to read SEA & SEEO’s joint response to the anti-union attacks currently taking place.

Getting in touch with me

Just a reminder, there are several ways you can get in touch with me this year. My office is located at Eisenhower in Room 103, x. 5450. You can call my cell (847-344-5249) or reach me via my personal email: lorimobleysea@gmail.com. Visit our SEA Facebook page or follow SEA on Twitter @D54SEA. Feel free to share not just concerns, but I like to hear some good news every once in a while too!

I hope you have an amazing week with your students! Also, take a moment to thank a colleague for the ways in which they have helped you start this year off right!

Important Dates in August/September

*August 26: SEA Executive Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 PM in the Board Room

*August 31-September 2: Volunteer at Septemberfest (contact Donna Anderson at District Office for more information)

*September 16: First SEA Building Representative Meeting of the year, 3:30-5:00 PM in the Board Room (ALL members are invited to attend!)

*September 22: Run to Read

*September 23: NEW Building Representative Training @the RAC 3:45 – 5:45 PM

This Day in History

On August 26, 1939, the first televised Major League baseball game is broadcast on station W2XBS (later known as WNBC-TV). The game was Cincinnati Reds versus the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.

Lori Mobley

Schaumburg Education Association President

lorimobleysea@gmail.com

Cell: (847) 344-5249

Office @IKE: (847) 357-5450

www.sea54.org

“What a teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.”   ~Karl Menninger

The 3 Percent Salary Cap Was Repealed!

Thank you for the phone calls you made and emails you sent to legislators and for signing the petitions to repeal the 3 percent salary cap. Last week was an intense week which began with our IEA President, Kathi Griffin, along with members, delivering the 55,000 petitions to Governor Pritzker’s office. Both the House and the Senate have approve the repeal! The return to 6 percent salary threshold will take effect when Gov. Pritzker signs the budget package. Check out IEA’s Facebook page for a special thank you from IEA President Griffin.

8 Smart Things to Do During Your Summer Break

I’m sure you have your own personal to-do lists for this summer. I stumbled across this fun read on the NEA Member Benefits website called “8 Smart Things to Do During Your Summer Break”. Of course ‘rejuvenate’ is #1 on that list! Take some time to see what else NEA Member Benefits has to offer by visiting their website. Our representative, Justine Sallee, is wrapping up her rescheduled school visits to Einstein, Collins, Fox, Hanover, and Link.

This is it!

Can you believe you made it to the last week of school?!? Thank you for making this year a special one for your students. Your patience, your caring and kind words, and your dedication to all of your students is something that did not go unnoticed.   You’ve been a guide, a friend, a mentor, a leader…so many hats you have worn as an educator. Thank you for never giving up! One of my favorite ways to end the school year with my students was by reading the Dr. Seuss book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” So instead, I’ll end the year with you sharing some of it with you…

Oh, the places you will go!

You’ll be on your way up!

You’ll be seeing great sights!

You’ll join the high fliers

Who soar to high heights.

You’re off to great places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So get on your way!

~Dr. Seuss

Here are some fun ways to celebrate this week:

June 3^rd: National Repeat Day – National Repeat Day

June 4^th: National Cheese Day

June 5^th: National Running Day

June 6^th: National Yo-Yo Day

June 7^th: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day…great way to kick off summer vacation!

Important Dates in May/June:

June 6^th: Last day of student attendance (half-day); ½ Day Teacher Work Day

June 7^th: ½ Day Teacher Work Day – Kick off to summer!

Lori Mobley

Schaumburg Education Association President

lorimobleysea@gmail.com

Cell: (847) 344-5249

Office @IKE: (847) 357-5450

www.sea54.org

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” ~Joseph Campbell

Happy Memorial Day! Be sure to take a moment to remember the brave and heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They deserve our lasting gratitude.

IEA Score Grants

The window is still open for early career teacher to apply for an IEA Score Grant. Score grant applications are not being accepted and are due by 11:59 PM on July 15, 2019. To apply or for SCORE highlight videos, visit the SCORE Grant page on the IEA Website.

Save the Profession: Repeal the 3%

The Illinois General Assembly gavels out May 31^st. Our petitions were delivered to JB Pritzker last week by IEA President Kathi Griffin and some members of the IEA. Make those phone calls to your legislators! Thanks to the building representatives for filling out the ‘Repeal the 3%’ postcards at last week’s building rep meeting.

Report Card Timeline

The report card website is now open. You will be able to post grades as of 10:45 AM on Thursday, June 6^th. Your comments and grades need to be completed by 5 PM on Friday, June 7^th. The website will close on June 10^th and parents will be able to access the report cards online as of June 11^th.

IEA Retired

If you would like to receive a packet of information about joining IEA Retired, please let me know and I can send you what you need via inter-office mail. If you have questions regarding IEA Retired, you may reach out to Linda Stolt, our SEA retired liaison, via her home email: lindast05@hotmail.com.

Here are some fun ways to celebrate this week:

May 27^th: National Memorial Day

May 28^th: National Hamburger Day

May 29^th: National Paperclip Day

May 30^th: National Creativity Day

May 31^st: National Smile Day

Important Dates in May/June:

May 27^th: Memorial Day – No School

June 6^th: Last day of student attendance (half-day); ½ Day Teacher Work Day

June 7^th: ½ Day Teacher Work Day – Kick off to summer!

Lori Mobley

Schaumburg Education Association President

lorimobleysea@gmail.com

Cell: (847) 344-5249

Office @IKE: (847) 357-5450

www.sea54.org