East Hartford Education Association

Good afternoon valued members,
Today is a day of remembrance for the tragic events that happened on 9-11-01. It’s hard to believe that 22 years have already gone by. I still remember exactly where I was at EHHS when I first heard the news. That day and the months and years that followed showed the world of the resolve that we have in our country. 
Every day in our classrooms, public educators show their resolve, albeit in a much different way. We are currently enduring a massive teacher and support staff shortage that have left many exasperated by the coverage issues (or there lack of) that have resulted. We deal with budget shortfalls that result in deficient infrastructure (modernized A/C, copiers, etc.), as well as the expansion of societal issues that plague many of the students that we have. Yet we push forward despite all of these obstacles to learning. For that alone, I am extremely proud of the work that you all do. 

Each year through the Holiday Bear Project, the CEA works with locals to sponsor needy children for the upcoming holiday season. I know it can be difficult to be already thinking about the holidays with the recent heat wave, but preparations have already begun. Please consider being a sponsor for a child that you know in your classroom or building. If you have any additional questions about this fantastic program, please reach out to me. The link is below: 

https://cea.org/make-the-holidays-brighter-for-children-in-need/
Please check out details on the Holiday Bear Project and the many other wonderful opportunities that our union offers at cea.org.

It is my hope to be out and about at all of the schools in the next couple of months. I’ll be working with your building reps to set up a schedule. I want to see you in action and be of service in any way possible. I’ve already started to make the rounds and I’ve had some great conversations with some of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out in the meantime with any issues or concerns.
Appreciative,

Paul 

Hello everyone and happy Tuesday,

When I began teaching at EHMS in 1996, I didn’t give much thought to the many years in education that lay ahead of me. I was mostly just thrilled that I had a job. And now as I start my 28^th year in East Hartford, I find myself reflecting more and more on those past years and the people that I’ve come into contact with during that time. We often never know of the impact that we have on our students when they leave our buildings, but sometimes we are lucky enough to realize the influence that we did and do have. Maybe it’s a visit from a former student. Maybe it’s a chance encounter out in the community. Maybe it’s an email telling us how we made a difference. With that sentiment, I’m encompassing not only the students, but also their families, and our many colleagues.

This past Thursday, I had the pleasure of joining with many members of our EHEA Executive Board, CEA Vice President Joslyn Delancey, and our CEA rep Marty Deren, in welcoming the new educational staff that were hired over the summer. Many are brand new to teaching and many made the trek from somewhere else to continue their careers in East Hartford. The “New Teacher Luncheon” as it has come to be known, is one of my favorite days of the year. I get to have conversations with these folks about their experiences and expectations. I also get to talk about the tremendous value of our union. I am a proud advocate of what our EHEA and CEA staff does to represent teachers and the educational profession. Please don’t get confused by the anti-union rhetoric that is out there. Those bogus organizations see us as a major threat to what can be done when we all work together for the common good. We certainly are stronger together!

As you prepare to welcome your students tomorrow, please know that you are a difference maker in the lives of so many. You might not see instant results, but realize that we work in the most noble and important profession there is. There isn’t a career out there that doesn’t start at some point with the influence of a teacher. There isn’t a community out there that doesn’t have their public schools as its centerpiece. Be that agent of positive change in a young person’s life. My support in your endeavors is unwavering. Have a great first day! 😊

*The first pay period will be on Friday, Sept 8. I’ve been assured by the payroll department that your final check(s) of the school year will be on or before the last day of school in June.

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out.  

Appreciative,

Paul Apostalon

EHEA President   

ABOUT EHEA

The East Hartford Education Association is a proud union comprised of over 600 education professionals committed to serving our students, our schools, and our community.

When we say “EH Strong” we mean that EHEA members provide all of our students with opportunities for academic, social and emotional growth.

When we say “EH Strong” we mean that EHEA members work collaboratively within our schools and across our district to develop our professional skills and enhance instruction.

When we say “EH Strong” we mean that EHEA members reach beyond our classrooms and schoolhouse doors to our greater East Hartford and Connecticut community to build bridges and foster community-school relationships.

We are the EHEA and we are EH Strong!