August 2, 2003 / Volume 22, Number 1
The big push is on to increase our membership! In order to assist everyone with recruitment, we are running a New Member Contest beginning August 4. Bring a new member on board and you will receive $10! And that’s not all,the new member will get a $30 cash rebate! The $30 rebate applies to first-time OCEA members. Hurry! Offer ends Wednesday, September 17, 2003.
But wait,that’s not all! The school that recruits the most new members (must be 8 or more) from 8/4/03 through 3/11/04 will receive a free breakfast for their membership and each member in attendance will be eligible for a drawing for $50 cash! That’s right, $50 cash! Ask the Pryor teachers how much they enjoyed their breakfast for winning the contest last year! (and how generously Sue spent her $50 cash)
AND...if you act now, ALL schools that have 100% OCEA membership by 3/11/04 will each receive a breakfast for their membership!
July 31st and Aug.1st Flex Days
Aug. 4th Teachers’ First Day
Aug. 7th SCHOOL STARTS
Aug. 7th 4:15 P.M. - Exec. Board Mtg.
Aug. 11th School Board Meeting 6:00
P.M. District Office
Aug 14th BR Mtg. OCEA Office
(error in calendar this is the
BR meeting) 4:15 PM
Aug. 25th School Board Meeting
4:00 P.M. Crestview
Sept. 1st NO SCHOOL Labor Day
Sept. 4th - Exec Board Mtg. 4:15 P.M.
Sept. 8th School Board Meeting 6:00
P.M. District Office
Sept 11th - BR Mtg. OCEA Office
4:15 P.M.
SICK LEAVE POOL Don’t forget to join the sick leave pool. Look for the flyer in your school mailbox that explains how and when to join the sick leave pool. DEADLINE IS AUGUST 29th. Questions, ask your BR or call Diane 678-5940.
Sunshine State Teachers
The Residence Inn by Marriott – Boca Raton is offering
a Florida Teachers Discount available now through September 31, 2003!
The Residence Inn Boca Raton offers studio suites with either 1 king
bed (3 people max) or 2 double beds (5 people max). Each unit has a
fireplace, full size sleeper sofa, full kitchen with refrigerator,
stove, microwave, and coffeepot.
Amenities include our complimentary breakfast buffet each morning and happy hour Monday-Thursday. Complimentary newspapers: (Sun Sentinel daily and USA Today Monday-Friday). We have 1 outside pool, 2 Jacuzzis, and sport court for basketball or tennis. Pets are welcome at an additional charge.
Ask for the Florida Teachers rate and receive 15% off our studio rates. All you need is your school identification at check in. In order to book this great rate, give us a call at 561-994-3222 or 1-800-331-3131.
OCEA
348 Highway 190
Valparaiso, FL 32580
Office: 850-678-5940
Fax: 850-678-0984
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Executive Director -
Denise Megiel-Rollo
President -
Sheila Olsen
Secretary -
Diane Jenkins
Editor -
Monica Miller
Webmaster -
Lynn Kane
Sheila's ShoutsWELCOME BACK!!! OHMYGOSH!!! It seems that summers are getting shorter and time will always be our worst enemy. Yesterday we walked out the front door for summer and now school is ready to start again.
As your President, it gives me great pride to represent you. I want to thank each of you for your support. This year there will be many new faces at each of our worksites. Please take the time to introduce yourself to the new staff, and discuss the benefits of joining OCEA and ask them to join their Professional Organization.
This summer we have been busy negotiating the new contract and submitted the letter for our annual step increase. The School Board approved the request from the Superintendent and everyone will start with his or her step increase. We now turn to our veteran teachers and we are hard at work discussing their raise.
We would love to have an email address for everyone this year. If you have an email and would like to have information delivered to you by email, please give your email address to Diane at 678-5940.
Have a great year and if we can help you ALWAYS call us at 678-5940 or my home phone number is 863-2582.
Remember that your membership dollars go to purchase a $10,000 AD/D policy on your behalf. If you have not filled out a "PINK" beneficiary card please contact Diane at 678-5940
Remember A-plus money will be coming soon. The new law states that if your school cannot decide on a plan by November 1st, the money will be distributed among the faculty at the school at that time.
Remember the state is sending the $100.00 supply money to the District and then it will be sent to your school. We will let you know when the money is sent to your school.
Remember that your school computer is for school business. Although I do not agree with this statement, - Remember that anything that you write on your computer is open for anyone to read.
Once again your Association will offer up to 15 in-service points for your professional development. Each month we will discuss a different professional issue during the BR meeting. Attend the BR meetings and learn about what is happening locally, in your state and nationally. Learn and receive in-service points.
For more information, call Bonnie (862-3483) or check your newsletter for upcoming topics
Be sure to elect your Building Reps NOW!! You are allowed one per ten members or major fraction thereof. The BR's job is very important. The BR needs to be willing to attend the monthly meetings and distribute information timely. If you have not already done so, please call the OCEA office with the names of your BR's as soon as possible.
We need members to serve on the various OCEA committees. If you are interested, please clip the following ad and send it to Diane at OCEA office ASAP. Your input is vital!! (Note: If you have signed up for a committee, they will begin in September.)
I will serve on the following OCEA committees during the 2003-2004 school year:
__ Newsletter
__ Sick Leave
__ Scholarship
__ IPD
__ Negotiations
__ Calendar
__ Constitution/Bylaws/
Elections
__ Grievance
__ Legislative
__ Retirement
__ Teacher of the Year
(I am willing to chair the circled committee.)
NAME______________________
SCHOOL________________
Did you know that Gulf Coast UniServ-Retired is now a standing committee of OCEA?
So, as you approach retirement, remember we are there to help you Continue the Commitment to Education.
Our 7th Pre -Retirement Seminar will be held on January 27th at Edge Elementary. Watch this space for details.
NEA CONVENTION
New Orleans was wonderful! NEA is the most democratic organization ever! Look for details in the next issue.
