Author: Andrew Wallace

All Hands on Deck: So-called “Right to Work” Legislation Heads to House

by Andrew Wallace

rtw
NH’s so-called “Right to Work” bill (SB11) has already passed the NH State Senate and will soon be headed for a vote in the House in three to four weeks (Mid-February) Despite research that suggests that the law reduces a typical full-time workers’ wages by an average of 1,558 a year and NH already has a nation-low unemployment rate, the bill has support in the Republican Party. Coupled with the upcoming Dues Collection Elimination Bill (HB 438), the effects on public and private workers’ unions in NH could be devastating to membership and negotiations.  In the coming weeks, SEA will be joining forces with other unions to contact our state government representatives, spread awareness and rally at the statehouse.  Talk to a SEA rep for details and check the “Right to Work” tab often for updates.

Read the proposed bills here:
Right to Work Act (SB11)
Dues Collection Elimination Bill (HB 438)

Understand the bill and how it affects workers’ rights and NH jobs here:
What Is So-Called “Right to Work?”
8 Things You Should Know About the proposed “Right to Work” Legislation
Facts to Know About “Right to Work” and the Economy/Jobs/Rights
FAQs About “Right to Work”

All Reps to Attend Monday’s Exec Meeting w/ NEANH’s Communications Expert George Strout

by Andrew Wallace
We’re urging all SEA reps to attend an important Exec. Bd. meeting on Monday, 1/9.
Joining us will be guest speaker, George Strout, NEANH Coordinator of Communications, to deliver a presentation on Messaging, Organizing, and Mobilizing (MOM) as part of our Political Action initiative. This is an important meeting for ALL building representatives. George is a very engaging and informative presenter. Our hope is to infuse enthusiasm and mobilize all membership. Please spread the word in your buildings and invite members to join us on Monday, 1/9 at 3:30 in the WHS Lecture Hall. You may know some members who may be ready to start getting involved more. This presentation could help that happen.

All Hands On Deck: Budget Committee Meeting Rally this Monday, December 19th

by Andrew Wallace
Attention all SEA members: Your participation is requested in order to support the passage of the SAU 21 Teacher’s contract. On Monday evening, 12/19 at 5:30, the WHS Budget Committee will be ready to vote on supporting the negotiated contract. The committee’s recommendation is printed on the ballot for voters to see. We’re convinced that last year’s failed contract was due, in large part, to the non-support by this committee.
Members are rallying on Monday evening at Winnacunnet HS as a peaceful show of solidarity to the WHS Budget Committee. Your attendance is requested at 5:10 so that the committee members see the faces of who they are impacting before they go into their meeting. Bring your family members.
See you there!

‘Tis the SEAson for Reading! Book Drive Needs Your Used Books

by Andrew Wallace
bookpiles
Once again SEA is celebrating ‘Tis the Season for Reading!  We will be collecting books to distribute to all kindergarteners and 1st graders throughout SAU 21 and 90. What we need from you is gently used books.  Your building reps should have a central place for those donations.  We are collecting through December 19th and will be distributing the books on the 22nd and 23rd.
Thank you for your support!

“Turkey Day Dash to the SEA” Road Race Needs Runners and Volunteers

by Andrew Wallace

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Seacoast Education Association (SEA) Teachers have formed a nonprofit fundraising organization, THINK (Teachers Helping Individuals, Neighbors, and Kids). This Thanksgiving Day, THINK will run the second annual “Dash to the SEA” Road Race and Walk.
The running course is 5 miles and starts at Hampton Academy. New this year: There will be a 5k walking course that turns off 1 mile into the route to make it more user friendly for non-runners, senior citizens and families. (Please make note that this is only for walkers, we are not offering a 5k for runners).
To register for the race:
http://www.dashtothesea.com/
Last year THINK’s “Turkey Dash to the SEA” raised $4,750 for: Hampton Academy Class Trip Fund for Needy Families; The Hampton Academy Giving Tree providing holiday gifts to students families who are less fortunate; Hobbs House; Families First. This year we are hoping for $6,000.
We absolutely still need volunteers to help on the race course.

Below is the link for volunteer sign up for the Dash to the Sea as well as race registration. There are several ways that members can help:

1- Sign up to walk or run! We’d love to have a lot of teachers participating. Even if you can’t participate, you can sign up as a donation.

2- Volunteer to assist during the race. It is a two hour commitment. You will be done before 10am.

3- Volunteer a baked good. We really need donations to feed the runners (and volunteers) after the race. We have some great business donations, but the baked good table offers a personal touch. We are looking for breads, muffins, pastries, etc.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4aa8a828a2fe3-volunteers

FAQs:
Do the organizers run?  Generally only one, John Croteau from WHS. The others are needed with race prep. Several of us are runners and provide a lot of input.
How many teachers are running?  Several teachers throughout SAU 90 and SAU 21 are signed up to walk or run. We expect as many as 20.
Benefit to students?  We have many students either running or helping. We feel it teaches them the importance of community service and also the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. Running 5 miles is extremely challenging. In order to accomplish this, students have obviously done the right thing in terms of training and nutrition. This is a great message that goes well beyond what they could learn from hearing it in a classroom.
Our biggest challenge?  It’s a very time consuming activity pulling everything together. Since teachers organize this, it’s often difficult to get everyone together regularly with their demanding schedules.
What we enjoy most? We love bringing the community together on a family oriented holiday to celebrate together.  We feel that this is a perfect event since our ultimate goal is to help Hampton area families. In addition, we love providing a road race for residents in the area so that they don’t have to travel far for their race.

Volunteer for “Dash to the SEA” Road Race

by Andrew Wallace

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Below is the link for volunteer sign up for the Dash to the Sea as well as race registration. There are several ways that members can help:

1- Sign up to walk or run! We’d love to have a lot of teachers participating. Even if you can’t participate, you can sign up as a donation.

2- Volunteer to assist during the race. It is a two hour commitment. You will be done before 10am.

3- Volunteer a baked good. We really need donations to feed the runners (and volunteers) after the race. We have some great business donations, but the baked good table offers a personal touch. We are looking for breads, muffins, pastries, etc.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4aa8a828a2fe3-volunteers

The “Dash to the SEA” road race is being sponsored by the THINK – Teachers Helping Individuals, Neighbors and Kids. We are looking for people to help on Race Day next Thursday November 24, 2016 at 8:30 AM Hampton Academy | 29 Academy Avenue | Hampton NH. Come celebrate the 2nd annual Turkey Day Dash to the Sea!

To register for the race:
http://www.dashtothesea.com/