Don't forget to claim unemployment on this holiday ... although you can do it throughout the week.

Happy Easter, everybody.

Amazing magic trick!

The Wage Adjustment checks will be available tomorrow, the 15th. They will be CHECKS, not direct deposit.

People working next week will receive ONE day's pay for each day worked. That will be paid the week we come back in a check separate from our regular paycheck.

If you are not working you should claim unemployment on Easter Sunday ... however, if you have to open a new book do it on Monday, the 18th (or certainly before Good Friday).

On the topic of the wage adjustment, there has been some discussion as to whether guys who have retired during the past months are entitled to the Easter Adjustment. The answer is "No." It is not an "accrual" as is the payment we get in June. They do get a pro-rated portion of the summer accrual.

They do not get the Easter Wage Adjustment because it is not an accrual. It is intended to compensate for the "limited work year" as stated in the contract. If someone has retired, they are no longer subject to a "limited work year" ... they no longer work.

Also, the contract states that it is to be paid "in addition to regular wages." If someone is no longer working here, there are no "regular wages" and there is nothing to be added.

Recall due to possible fire hazard. No idea if this involves any of ours ... http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/08/autos/blue_bird_school_bus_recall/index.htm

I've heard, but have not confirmed, that Salerno's slate is falling apart with several former running mates withdrawing ... not the least of which are [supposedly] Nero and John E. Care to tell us what the story is, John?

And the [other?] Members for Change slate has yet to be announced. Seems there's a lot of in-fighting as to who is going to run for what position.

Neither of these groups can hold a slate together. They're going to hold our local together?

Appeared in a Michigan newspaper about a year ago. Wish I had written it ...

I still can't understand why the big guns ... Rush, Hannity, etc., haven't made more of this issue in the past 2 years ...

Here's next school year's calendar ... http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/1F681438-24B4-4752-8AF6-027CC344FB10/101881/20112012SchoolYearCalendar1.pdf

Eddie and Ernie are asking everybody to attend the nomination meeting on May 3. Please be there.

Executive Board election will be on June 10.

One of them even tongues the poor chimp!

 Just in time for St. Patty's Day ... Guy's girlfriend has him phone tapped.

Warning! Not politically correct. Contains phrases such as, "McCracker," "Potato eater," and "You with the small schwankies" ... LOL.

http://www.hark.com/clips/vvvkbkqhvw-elvis-durans-phone-taps-irish-guy

I don't usually find the NY Times good for much, but these interactive overlay photos of Japan "before and after" are terrific. Move the line in the middle from right to left to see the effect.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=thab1

In a previous post I said ...

Quote from: Buzz on March 02, 2011, 03:19:50 AMIn all the years we went without a bus was I don't think they've ever gotten a violation for dirty exteriors. Let's hope there are none for anybody.

As of the recent yard inspections, I stand corrected. Violations were issued for dirty exteriors ... drivers will not be held accountable.

In fact, the total number of violations for both the odd and even inspection combined was 46. Of that only 2 will result in hearings for the drivers. I would say management is exhibiting a phenomenal amount of cooperation with our union reps and discretion as to which violations drivers will be answerable. (Even though, I might add, many of these violations were unfair for even the company to get.)

Kudos to all involved for bringing about this level of fairness ... at least to drivers ... to these out-of-control OPT violations. We do notice, and we do appreciate it.

Early dismissal for public (elementary) schools tomorrow ... check window for times.

Again we have to perform the ridiculous ritual of adjusting our clocks ... ahead an hour this time.

What can't we just keep it the same all year? 

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/staten_island_muslim_leaders_d.html

As Charlie Brown said, "Why's everybody always pickin' on me?" No reason to profile, that I can see ...

Maybe some muslim leaders should take this quiz:


In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by:
(a)Olga Corbutt
(b)Sitting Bull
(c)Arnold Schwartzeneger
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 1979, the U.S. embassy in Iran was taken over by:
(a)Lost Norwegians
(b)Elvis
(c)A tour bus full of 80-year-old women
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnaped in Lebanon by:
(a)John Dillinger
(b)The King of Sweden
(c)The Boy Scouts
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 1983, the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by:
(a)A pizza delivery boy
(b)Pee Wee Herman
(c)Geraldo Rivera making up for a slow news day
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked, and a 70 year old
American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard by:
(a)The Smurfs
(b)Davy Jones
(c)The Little Mermaid
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a U.S. Navy diver was
murdered by:
(a)Captain Kid
(b)Charles Lindberg
(c)Mother Teresa
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by:
(a)Scooby Doo
(b)The Tooth Fairy
(c)Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by:
(a)Richard Simmons
(b)Grandma Moses
(c)Michael Jordan
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 1998, the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by:
(a)Mr. Rogers
(b)Hillary, to distract attention from Wild Bill's women problems
(c)The World Wrestling Federation to promote "Mustapha the Merciless"
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked and destroyed and thousands of
people were killed by:
(a)Bugs Bunny, Wiley E. Coyote, Daffy Duck, and Elmer Fudd
(b)The Supreme Court of Florida
(c)Mr. Bean
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against:
(a)Enron
(b)The Lutheran Church
(c)The NFL
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by:
(a)Bonnie and Clyde
(b)Captain Kangaroo
(c)Billy Graham
(d)Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

Congratulations to the driver who won a trip to St. Lucia on a CBS-FM call-in contest yesterday!

Unfortunately, there is no consolation prize for the other driver who called in about the same time but was not the  lucky 11th caller.

(Coincidentally, both drivers have the same first name and share the initials G.S. At least the one who didn't win the trip won a raffle prize a few months ago ... a Lionel Santa Fe Train Set ... but you can't get to St. Lucia by train, especially if you only have the tracks.  )

Fortunately no serious injuries, (this time), but no sidewalks on parts of Cleveland Ave. puts kids bounced from the bus in danger ...
http://blog.silive.com/around_the_block_column/2011/03/no_bus_service_no_sidewalkand_no_chance_against_a_reckless_driver_on_staten_island.html

Mike Reilly is the Co-Chair of the Community Education Council (CEC) Transportation & Safety Committee. I received this e-mail from him today ... he's really been busy in Albany, not limited just to the issue of parents providing their own transportation. Read on ...


Hi Buzz

Below is some issues and resolutions that were discussed concerning transportation and overall education. I will keep you informed of any further information I receive

Thanks
Mike

Hello everyone,

Today I went to Albany with the S.I. Federation of PTA's for Lobby Day. I was able to meet with Senator Lanza and Assembly Members Cusick, Titone, Tobacco, and Malliotakis. They were very receptive and responsive to our needs in District 31.

Below is a list of topics discussed and the action proposed by our representatives:

1) The DoE's proposal to pay special education parents for transporting their children to school in order to offset transportation cost.

I explained how this would create even more hazardous traffic conditions in the vicinity of our schools. It also would violate NYS Education Law which mandates a school district to provide Yellow Bus Transportation for Special Education students. All our representatives suggested that they would advocate to stop the DoE's proposal.

2) Child Safety Zones Authorized for City School Boards with a Populations above 1 million people to provide Yellow School Bus Service to otherwise non-eligible students. (to include the lack of adequate public transportation as one criteria (proposed at Legislative Forum at Petrides on 2/11/11)

Senator Lanza introduced Bill # S3521 on 2/24/11 - which will authorize the NYC DoE to designate certain areas of NYC (Staten Island and Queens) as Child Safety Zones and provide yellow bus service.

3) Cameras on Special Education Buses (discussed at S.I. Federation of PTA's Legislative Forum at Petrides on 2/11/11)

Assemblyman Cusick will be introducing legislation in the coming weeks to require school districts to install on board cameras on school buses that transport special education/special needs students as a means to protect student and driver/matron safety.

4) Traffic Cameras on Stop Arms of School Buses to deter vehicles from overtaking buses loading and discharging students.

Assembly Bill # A4416 was reintroduced by Assemblyman Rivera (Bronx) - The entire Staten Island NYS Assembly Delegation has signed on to as Co-Sponsors of this legislation. I asked Senator Lanza to consider drafting a same as bill in the NYS Senate, which he will do.

5) Last In First Out -- Legislation Senate Bill # S3501b.  It passed out of committee, but they promised it will be revised.

(Strictly my opinion)  I read the bill and believe that it has potential. There are as many good points as flawed ones. Some key points that I consider acceptable as first line layoffs:
a) teachers convicted of a criminal offense
b) teachers who have SUBSTANTIATED rulings by The Office of Special Investigations for serious issues (not just accused) 
c) teachers who have a high amount of unexcused absences or tardiness (time frame to be determined in final bill)
d) teachers who have failed to obtain proper certifications

Not Acceptable
a) Teachers who receive a U rating within the last 5 years. (too arbitrary)
b) 4th - 8th grade Teachers who's students score in the bottom 30% of the system on NYS State Exams.
c) All special education teachers EXEMPT from Layoffs.

6) A New Dorp H.S student explained the following : In January High School Regents exams were canceled because of the last snowstorm. No make up exam date scheduled. The students would have to wait to take the Regents exam in June and those students who were eligible to graduate in January with a Regents Diploma had to accept a Local Diploma if they wanted to graduate in January with the option to return in June and take the Regents.

Senator Lanza took the student's suggestion to require a make up Regents exam within 15 days of a canceled exam. He will be drafting legislation to prevent such an incident in the future.

Talk to you soon,


Mike Reilly
Community Education Council 31



As you can see, Mike is certainly not one to let grass grow under his feet. He is a great advocate for the kids, schools and support services, not the least of which are us. Thanks for your efforts, Mike.