​Dear Members, 
Please know that the BTA is working very closely with administration to follow the guidelines of our contracts and every effort will be made to do so. Unfortunately, in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order, we will not have Spring Break. As the year continues and additional information is provided, we will keep you updated. Please know we recognize this is a difficult situation and appreciate your hard work, support and dedication! 
Sincerely,
Melissa

​Dear Members,
In the event of an extended closure, the BTA and administration have agreed to the following guidelines:

• Teachers, clinicians, speech teachers and related service providers will continue to have the option of instructional planning remotely or in person. The following expectations were set forth:
  
  • Checking email to keep informed and responding to emails as appropriate
    
  •  Periodically reviewing resources and updating them as appropriate
    
  • Providing feedback as appropriate to students
•  Additional information will be provided by program supervisors as to the specifications and requirements. 

 

• If the district requires Teachers, clinicians, speech teachers and related service providers to attend their sites or a specified SWBOCES location in person, they will be afforded 48 hours notice.   

• Assistant and Aides will continue in their present roles to support their teachers remotely, but will not be required to report.

• This agreement is specific to this closure and cannot be used for future closings.

​Dear Members,
By now you should have received a letter from Jackie regarding the updated plans for Monday and Tuesday March 16th and 17th. 
On behalf of the BOCES Teachers' Association, I want to thank all of you who took immediate action! You demonstrated courage through your willingness to make your voices heard. By speaking up you took a stand for your colleagues, students, and communities. Working together and speaking with one unified voice we were able to make an impact.
I also want to take a moment to thank administration for recognizing our concerns and acting upon them.
In this difficult time, I ask that you continue to be patient and kind, support one another and lend a hand when possible.

Dear BTA Members,
The decision to open SWBOCES on Monday and Tuesday by administration was not made in collaboration with the union.
We appreciate all of you who have shared your opinions and concerns with us.
We are now asking you, the members of the BTA take an additional step forward together and email Jackie directly with your concerns [email protected].  
You may copy and paste the following:
Subject: Monday and Tuesday
I respectfully disagree with your decision to put SWBOCES students, employees and our surrounding communities at risk by opening on Monday and Tuesday.
In Solidarity,
 
Please cc [email protected] on your email so that the BTA has a copy.

Dear Members, 

Moments ago, I sent a letter to Jackie and Jim requesting that SWBOCES close for an extended period of time. It is my hope and intention that the entire county closes its schools at the same time to help alleviate the spread of this deadly virus.

Please know this situation has weighed greatly on us continues to do so. With this said we as union leadership appreciates all of the feedback that we have received during this difficult time.
 
Over the past 2 weeks the BTA has been working diligently to investigate member concerns as well as gather and distribute information regarding COVID19.
We have been communicating with administration, in contact with our regional and state NYSUT offices as well as county and state officials.
On your behalf we requested

• increased cleaning
• additional safety supplies
• updates from administration
• designation of a contact person for questions.
• We are also monitoring school closings and student attendance.

We understand this is a difficult time and encourage you to reach out to the contacts provided in emails, letters and on the SWBOCES website for additional information. Ultimately the health of our students, staff and families is a priority, so we remind you to follow the suggested safety practices.

​As things continue to change rapidly, we ask you to continue to stay strong, be kind to one another and offer support whenever possible. Together we can!
 
In Solidarity, 
 
Melissa and the entire BOCES Teachers' Association