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