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 28th 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