WCT COMMENTATOR - Wappingers Congress of Teachers

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E
W A P P I N G E R S C O N G R E S S
O F T E A C H E R S
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
S T A Y I N F O R M E D 3
W H A T A R E T H E Y
D O I N G I N R E T I R E -
M E N T ?
G O O D N E W S ! 4
J J S T U D E N T S A C-
C E P T E D T O A R T I S T
M E N T O R P R O G R A M
A R E A A L L S T A T E
2012
CAREER DAYS 5
H O W M A N Y B I L -
L I O N S A R E W E R E -
A L L Y S P E N D I N G O N
T E S T I N G ?
S O L A C E F O R
S A N D Y
L O C A L S T A C K E R S
T A K E P A R T I N S H A T -
T E R I N G R E C O R D
N E W T E A C H E R
W O R K S H O P
N O H I G H S C H O O L
B A S K E T B A L L P L A Y -
E R L E F T B E H I N D
S T A N D I N S U P P O R T
O F M I C H I G A N ’ S
U N I O N S
O A K G R O V E W I N S
10- D A Y W A L K I N G
C H A L L E N G E
R O A D M A P S T O T H E
C O M M O N C O R E
MADE IN AMERICA HOLIDAY
GIFT AND STOCKING STUFF-
ER GUIDE
RETIREE EMERGENCY SUB
PROGRAM
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V O L U M E 4 1 , I S S U E 4
D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PAD
Happy Holidays!
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the middle of the holiday season, we cannot help but
become overwhelmed with both responsibility and joy. However, we ought to
take a second to reflect on the aspects of our vocations that we may have disregarded
during the Thanksgiving break.
The person that I depend on the most is our Administrative Assistant
and Welfare Trust Fund Administrator Ronnie Dwyer. Her dedication, sense of
duty, and professionalism make her a veritable asset to the union.
During these challenging times, I'm thankful to have a hard-working
and dedicated Executive Board. My sincerest gratitude goes to: Michael Lyons
(VP Elementary), Raymond Koretsky (VP Secondary), Flip Gertler (VP Political
Action), Mary Ann Moran (VP External Communications), Kim Mahusky (VP
Internal Communications), Martha Bilsback (Secretary), Donna Kart
(Treasurer), Theresa Stowell, Michelle Ross, Dawn Sala (Elementary at Large),
Diane Di Chiara, Paul Nostrand, and Ann Liebergot (Secondary at Large).
The negotiating team: Martha Bilsback, Flip Gertler, Raymond Koretsky,
Michael Lyons, Michelle Ross, Steve Berman (NYSUT's LRS) and I are
working diligently with the District to attain a successor agreement. It is our
sincere hope to reach a fair and equitable settlement. As always, we will keep
the membership informed of any developments. We will also continue to monitor
the effects and possible consequences of the APPR to ensure that the
members are not penalized by this flawed evaluation process.
Great appreciation goes to the trustees of the Welfare Trust Fund:
Christine Romano (Chairperson), Kim Mahusky (Treasurer), Erin Mulligan
(Secretary), Flip Gertler (Trustee), and Ronnie Dwyer (Administrator) for the
invaluable service they provide in preserving, protecting, and improving member
benefits.
I would like to welcome back and thank Meredith Inkeles for reprising
her role as the WCT Commentator Editor. Heartfelt thanks to Ellen Mead
(Webmaster) and Tad Herman (Membership Chairperson) who keep us updated
on important information.
(Continued on page 2)

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PAD (continued from front page)
Gratitude also goes to the WCT Building
Representatives who protect and safeguard our
interests and rights. I recognize the WCRT members
and their president Susan Roger for their continual
support in our numerous endeavors.
Hurricane Sandy left some New York communities
devastated. Many families lost everything.
I commend Ray Koretsky (VP Secondary),
Ann Liebergot (Secondary at Large) for their initiative
in organizing the WCT Hurricane Relief Effort.
The many contributions of the WCT and WCRT are
much valued and appreciated by countless families
during these difficult times of hardship.
Congratulations to the newest WCT members
who have earned National Board Certification:
Linda Gilmartin (Special Education), Kerri Roger
(Math), Jen Cotelino (Math), Norma Chlus (Special
Education), Mandy Scalzo (Generalist/Middle
Childhood), Cheryl Urquhart (Generalist/ Middle
Childhood), Amy Manfredi (Generalist/Middle
Childhood), Brenda Maiolo (Generalist/Early Childhood),
Christine Sullivan (English), Aileen
Basuljevic (Librarian), Barbara Procario (Science),
Jennifer Nevel (Special Education). This achievement
of the highest level of professional excellence
places them amongst the elite of educators.
I encourage the WCT members to participate
in the 'Tell It Like It Is' e-mail campaign. "Tell It
Like It Is" is a web initiative from NYSUT that empowers
its members to send a clear message to
the State Ed Commissioner, John King, and the
Board of Regents to stop the obsession with standardized
testing, to invest in student learning, and
to devote time and resources to get evaluations
and common core right. As educators, we should
be sending compelling, personal stories about how
the state's budget cuts and the obsession with
testing are hurting students. If possible, we should
also offer solutions to address our concerns.
NYSUT’s Member Action Center is another
great way of staying informed and corresponding
with elected officials: you will receive one e-mail a
week when the state and federal legislatures are in
session. It will update you on pending legislation or
Page 2
ask that you contact a given legislator. You will receive
the necessary information to communicate
with legislators in the form of an e-mail or fax. This
process generally takes less than five minutes.
When we take action as a group, we amplify NY-
SUT’s legislative voice.
The State School Boards Association agenda
now includes a proposal to cap health insurance
for active members and retirees. The SSBA
attacks the Triborough Amendment to the Taylor
Law and aims to eliminate step increases for
teachers. The Triborough Amendment protects negotiated
benefits under an expired contract. It does
not allow the employer to unilaterally lower wages
or diminish other contractual terms and conditions
of employment insofar as the union refrains from
striking. If eliminated, however, at the end of a contract
the employer would have the opportunity to
change terms and conditions of employment, while
the union would remain unable to strike. Eliminating
or altering the Triborough Amendment would
be a direct assault on collective bargaining.
The relentless attack on our pension system
continues, and it eventually could negatively affect
present and future members and ultimately the
economy of the state. The Pew Center for the
States and the National Association of State Retirement
Administrators recognize the New York State
Teachers Retirement System as one of the most
well-managed retirement systems in the nation.
The Retirement System's investment portfolio returned
2.8% net of fees for the fiscal year, which
ended June 30, 2012. The System's funded ratio
of 96.7% far exceeds the industry average of 75%,
making NYSTRS also one of the best funded plans
in the nation. Fiscal year benefit payments totaled
$5.9 billion. More than 80% of these benefits were
paid to New York residents, whose spending is vital
to the local, state, and national economies. Our
pension is guaranteed by the New York State Constitution
Article 5, Section 7 which reads, "After July
first, nineteen hundred forty, membership in any
pension or retirement system of the state or of a
(Continued on page 3)

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PAD
(continued from page 2)
civil division thereof shall be a contractual relationship,
the benefits of which shall not be diminished
or impaired." If we are not vigilant, this could
change with the Constitutional Convention in
2017.
On behalf of myself and my family, I wish
you and your loved ones a very happy and blessed
holiday season filled with peace and prosperity!
In solidarity,
Pasquale Delli Carpini
Pasquale Delli Carpini
WCT President
(*Information obtained from NYSUT's Leader Access
and NYSTRS)
Iannuzzi weighs in on looming deadline for teacher evalua-
tion plans—NYSUT Media Relations - December 3, 2012
Richard Iannuzzi, president of New York State United
Teachers, said he stands firmly behind the law - including
the Jan. 17 deadline set forth in it.
Teachers should be evaluated this year using the
new plans, he said.
But Iannuzzi said that both state and local school
officials failed to give teachers enough information
about the national Common Core standards that
were implemented statewide this year. As a result,
he said, students will be tested at the end of the
school year on material they might not have been
taught. And student scores count for at least 20 percent
of each teacher's evaluation under the new law.
Because of that, the state should advise districts not
to use this year's teacher evaluations as part of employment
decisions, he said.
"The state Ed Department should be giving guidance to
school districts, saying they should be extremely cautious
about how they use these [evaluations] at this point," he
said.
Page 3
STAY INFORMED – IT’S UP TO YOU!
Respectfully submitted by: Flip Gertler, VP Political
Action
Below are some important articles to keep you up to date
with current educational issues. These issues will directly
affect your job on a daily basis.
NYSUT UNITED –December 2012
What tenure really means: (p.11)
Brief Summary: Unfortunately our profession continues to
come under attack at the national, state and local level.
With the holiday season upon us, you can bet that your job
will be the topic of conversation at a get together or too.
Chances are it won’t be someone thanking you for your hard
work in educating the youth of our society. Please read this
article so you can confidently defend and explain the misun-
derstandings of what tenure really is.
NYSUT UNITED – December 2012
Tell it like it is!: (p. 20)
Stressed out students. No time for instruction. Pointless
reforms. Educators lay it on the line in letters to commission-
er, Regents.
Brief Summary: The WCT has reached out to you a few
times urging you to visit www.nysut.org and tell it like it is.
NYSUT has a form letter with a section for you to type your
message to the State Education Commissioner, John King
and the Regents. These personal messages give educators,
parents, and friends an opportunity to convey their true senti-
ments about student testing, teacher evaluation, and the
direction of education in New York State. On pages 21-23
are excerpts from letters that have already been sent.
Useful FACEBOOK links for teachers
Visit us on Facebook at Wappingers Congress of Teachers
NYSUT United (formerly known as NY Teacher) http://
www.facebook.com/NYSUTUnited
AFT – (American Federation of Teachers)
http://www.facebook.com/AFTunion
NEA – (National Education Association)
http://www.facebook.com/NEA.ORG

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
WHAT ARE THEY DO-
ING IN RETIREMENT?
Do you remember Mrs.
Bert-Mary Brady? She taught in
Wappingers for 24 years at both
Myers and Oak Grove. Well, she
recently published her first book
entitled Bert-Mary Who? This
book is available by contacting
Mrs. Bert-Mary Brady at
jandb32444@aol.com.
JJ STUDENTS ACCEPT-
ED TO ARTIST MENTOR
PROGRAM
Five John Jay High School
students have all been accepted
into the Artist Mentor Program
organized by the Garrison Art
Center: Annona Giam, Lauren
Levrini, Lindsey Siller, Jason Dinelli
and Vincent Esposito!
To get in to this program,
students each created a proposal
for an independent study
project of their own design. For
the next nine weeks, they will
have a chance to develop their
project outside of school under
the mentorship of a working artist.
The experience lasts for nine
weeks starting in December, and
culminates with a show (at the
Garrison Art Center) of the work
they created in the program.
GOOD NEWS!
Page 4
� A new baby boy was born to Colleen
Tortarella and her husband! Baby Max
was born on July 10th at 11:22
pm. He weighs 6 pounds 15 ounces
and is 20 inches long. Colleen is a fifth grade inclusion teacher
at Gayhead Elementary.
� Lisa Speidell and her husband welcomed James Louis Speidell,
III. He was born May 8, 2012 at 7:17am. He weighed 8lbs.4 oz.
and was 21 1/2 in. long. Lisa is a fifth grade teacher at Gayhead
Elementary.
� Tim Kermani (JJ Math) and his wife Rebekah are pleased to announce
the birth of their 2nd daughter Sophie Kay born November
9th.
� Congratulations to Lauren (JJ PE) and Brandon Johanson on the
birth of their first child Hayden Leigh (8.3 lbs) on November 29th.
� Jim Mealy (JJ Math) and his wife Kim gave birth to a baby
boy, Matthew Vincent on December 11th. He weighed 7lbs.
AREA ALL STATE 2012
Congratulations to the following students for getting into Area All
State this year. These students were accepted into Area All State
based on their outstanding evaluations and scores at NYSSMA solo
festival.
CHORUS
Marissa Collins
Corey Crysler
Christian Fronckowiak
Kylie McDonald
Matt McNamara
Caroline O’Brien
Chelsea Pagano
Robin Schnepf
Lindsay Towers
BAND
Joe Geraci
Jared Gonzalez
Ashna Gupta
Joe Gusmano
ORCHESTRA
Aditi Athavale
Grace Cham
Adam Freeman
Allie Gusmano
AJ Knickerbocker
Joyce Lee
Sabrina Lee
Sarah Lee
Julie Oh
Emma Pogge
Jimmy Jiang

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
WJHS HOSTS ITS FIRST CAREER DAY
Submitted by: Paul R. Nostrand, Counselor in
Charge, WJHS
A special event happened for the first time ever at
WJHS on October 25 th, 2012. More than 40 exhibitors
ranging from paramedics, nurses, firefighters,
and fitness trainers to bankers, lawyers, computer
engineers, orthodontists and police officers filled
the gymnasium for students to meet and talk. Our
very own WCSD Human Resources Department
participated as well. Cablevision was there as an
exhibitor and also filmed the event for a piece that
aired on the local cable channel. As a special treat
K104 FM broadcasted live from the school for the
entire two hour event. DJs Bill Beale and Woodman
were a big hit with the students.
All 875 7 th and 8 th grade
students participated and
were prepped for the
event. Students spent
one hour in classrooms
with teacher guided activities.
Some teaches had
students fill out job applications
and conducted mock interviews, others
incorporated the NYSED career planning materials,
while some brought in outside speakers. Students
also attended a 30 minute motivational
presentation in the auditorium. Each student received
a career folder containing a tip sheet explaining
types if information to keep for future use
and a bag in which they could collect the handouts
given by the exhibitors. The folders were assembled
in advance by student volunteers.
As with any first time event concerns for success
always exist. From the feedback given by students,
teachers, parents and the community at
large the event was obviously a HUGE success.
Many teachers expressed how seriously the students
were engaged in the activities and how well
suited it was for the age group. Students were not
Page 5
only exposed to paid career information but to volunteer
opportunities to foster a sense of community.
The School Counseling Department along with parent
volunteer, Diane DiDominicis, and school administrators
organized the event. Many thanks go
to Ms. DiDominicis as her expertise was invaluable.
Given the successful outcome we hope to
make this an annual event at WJHS.
CAREER DAY 2012 AT RCK
Submitted by: Jeanne Paino
On Thursday, November 15th, Cathy Kim, Ginny
Woych and Jeanne Paino had the privilege of representing
the WCT/WCRT during Career Day
2012 at Roy C. Ketcham High School. We were
there to answer questions about our teaching profession,
encourage students to consider the opportunities
of being a teacher, and hopefully guide interested
students in how to prepare for their future.
It was a great day! The event was very well
planned and the students seemed genuinely interested
in the experience. It also gave the three of
us, a time to reflect on our careers and realize
"once a teacher, always a teacher".

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
Page 6
HOW MANY BILLIONS ARE WE REALLY SPENDING ON TESTING?
By Anthony Cody on December 5, 2012
Reprinted from Education Week Teacher - http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-indialogue/2012/12/how_many_billions_are_we_reall.html
The Brookings Institute released a report last week that purports to calculate the amount of money
being spent on standardized tests.
The number researcher Matthew Chingos comes up with is $1.7 billion, which, when we consider
that we spend more than $600 billion a year on education, does not sound like all that much. However, it
turns out that all he is actually counting is the contract cost that states pay directly to test vendors.
He explains:
This report focuses on the costs of contracts between states and test-making vendors because
they constitute the lion's share of state-level expenditures on testing. According to assessment
cost data gathered by PARCC from its member states, of 21 states that provided both total assessment
cost and contract cost data, 18 states reported contract costs making up more than 85% of
total costs. Other state-level costs are surely important, such as the salaries paid to state assessment
officials who play a vital role in selecting contractors and overseeing the vendors through
test development, administration, and scoring. But such costs are difficult to track consistently
across states, and usually represent a small fraction of the testing budget.
The roles played by school and district employees who aid in test administration and scoring are
important as well, but the cost of this work is challenging to measure. Calculating such costs requires
information on which employees have these responsibilities, their compensation levels,
how much time they devote to test-related activities, and what work they would be doing if they
weren't involved in testing. Future research should attempt to measure how significant these costs
are, how they vary across different types of tests, and whether there are efficiencies to be gained
by outsourcing more of the responsibilities currently delegated to teachers and administrators.
Indeed future research SHOULD look at all these costs, and until we have such research, the number
that Mr. Chingos provides us is really meaningless. It is like calculating the cost of raising a child by
looking at the hospital bills associated with its birth.
Meanwhile, the experts over at Pearson publishing, which makes its money from tests and associated
products, believe that we should not worry too much about the money and time spent on testing.
Steve Ferrara writes,
Let's estimate that students in grades 3-8 spend about ten hours on end of year tests. In a 180
day, six hours per day school year, that amounts to just under one percent of the school year (i.e.,
6 x 180 = 1,080 hours; 10/1080 = 0.93 percent), or about a day and a half of school per year.
Compare that to the time that may be lost on the day before school vacations, the last week of the
school year, assemblies, organizing at the beginning and end of the school day, disruptions, etc.
Ten hours a year seems like time well spent, to me.
(Continued on page 7)

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
HOW MANY BILLIONS (continued from page 6)
Once again, I think these estimates are rather
remarkable. When high stakes are applied to
tests they consume far more time than the minimal
figures cited here. As one commenter, Katie
Stafford Strom points out:
Students DO NOT spend "ten hours" on
testing. Only someone who has never spent
time in a classroom would make this claim.
The average school spends two weeks on
the state's standardized tests--because if
you know anything about children, it's that
their natural inclination is not to sit perfectly
quietly and fill in bubbles for six hours
straight. To ensure that students stay focused,
schools test for a few hours in the
morning-- they often have abbreviated days
on testing, or they have students go to one
other class and watch movies (any teacher
will tell you that little actual learning happens,
if any, during testing weeks). Add to
this other testing days- in New Jersey, there
are a whole assortment of tests that kids in
different grades get, and in Newark (where
my work is centered) there are districtmandated
standardized assessments for
core subjects. And accountability mania- all
centered on standardized tests as the gold
standard of measurement- means the time
spent on testing is time not spent on learning
(perhaps the one thing I agree with you
about). So students don't lose HOURS of
learning, they lose WEEKS of learning.
Another educator, Mary Beiger, comments:
I think you do not realize what the weight of
these tests is doing to our education system.
It's not just the time with the students.
Staff meetings and Staff Development
Days have become centered around the
results of these tests. We analyze data, try
to find the root cause for what went wrong
with certain questions, and then bend over
backward to find a better way to teach this
concept. Students must take benchmark
Page 7
tests, practice tests, so we can analyze
more data, discover if there is growth or if
we are still in danger of getting the answer
wrong on the following year's test. Of
course, the questions change from year to
year, and inevitably it becomes impossible
to compare separate tests. Teachers will be
evaluated on the ratings, nonetheless.
Teachers no longer have the time to communicate
and collaborate with each other.
We are too busy crunching numbers, filling
out forms, trying to keep up with the many
new incentives that have been forced upon
us.
Last summer at the National Education Association's
Representative Assembly,
9,000 teachers voted to approve New Business
Item (NBI) #82 which calls on the NEA
leadership to make available a toolkit and
assist and encourage Union locals to collect
and publish all manner of data relating
to testing and test prep. Through a battery
of surveys and tools accessible through the
NEA web resources, rank-and-file members
will be able to get a comprehensive analysis
of precisely how much taxpayer money
and instructional time schools, students,
and teachers are being spent on testing
and test-prep in their municipalities, states,
and ultimately in the nation.
We have not heard any results from this investigation
yet, but this is obviously critically important
information that we may not get from any other
source. What do you think? Are we getting accurate
estimates of costs and time spent from these
experts? Or is it time for those with direct expertise
to weigh in? Continue the dialogue with me on
Twitter at @AnthonyCody

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
SOLACE FOR SANDY
By: Kristy Pardo
The week of October 28th, 2012 was a
frightful one for the East Coast as Hurricane Sandy
devastated homes and took the lives of about 113
people. Some families lost everything and were
forced to evacuate into one of the many shelters
provided by states. In New York alone, the damage
caused by Sandy is estimated to be about $32.8
billion dollars. With the given circumstances and
the desire to help out, many organizations have
donated money to relieve the victims of the tumultuous
hurricane. Here at John Jay, the Sociedad
Honoraria Hisparnca, also known as the National
Spanish Honor Society, made it their mission to
lend a helping hand.
The Spanish Honor Society decided to run
and oversee a Hurricane Sandy Relief Drive, open
to the entire school from November 8-14, with the
intent of acquiring as many needed items as possible
to send down to those affected in New York
City. The response was overwhelming and besides
receiving the items asked for- blankets, sweaters,
coats, cleaning supplies, non­ perishable foods,
(Members of the Spanish Honor Society with supplies for victims of
Superstorm Sandy)
Page 8
bottled water- the John Jay students and staff also
donated gently worn clothes, gloves and shoes.
Additionally, $505 was collected to send out to the
victims as a result of monetary donations.
On the 14th of November, members of the
Spanish Honor Society and a few helpful bystanders
loaded, well over a hundred boxes, filled with
the collected donations onto a large truck provided
gratis by Auchmoody Funeral Home in Hopewell
Junction. The drive was an immense success and
truly displayed the fervor of the John Jay student
body to help those in need. A huge thank you goes
out to everyone who participated and donated
items, money, and their time for this great cause.
As we slowly recuperate from the devastation of
the hurricane it is assuring to know that solace
can be found when people come together.
(Donations at the firehouse in Innwood)

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
LOCAL STACKERS TAKE PART IN
SHATTERING THE GUINNESS
WORLD RECORD IN SPORTS
STACKING - “Most People Sport Stacking at
Multiple Locations in One Day”
On Thursday November 15, 2012 students
from Brinckerhoff Elementary School and Oak
Grove Elementary School took part in the 7 th annual
World Sports Stacking Association (WSSA)
STACK UP! More than 2,600 schools and organizations
representing 30 countries including Hungary,
Germany, Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, and
Taiwan participated in this year’s huge event.
Although the results are still coming in, as
of Sunday, November 18, 2012, 434,654 people
had participated. This number beats last years’
record of 412,259. Each person involved agrees to
“up stack” and “down stack” specially designed
cups in various pyramids as fast as they can for at
least 30 minutes during the course of the Guinness
World Records Day.
At Oak Grove Elementary 160 eager students
participated using 20 different stations and
were given homework with a verification paper to
allow their results to be counted. Physical Education
Teacher Dawn Turpin-Orgetas also coordinated
the event with the annual school blood drive so
that students could stack while their parents donated
blood and attended parent conferences.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town,
Brinckerhoff Elementary was stacking with 125
enthusiastic participants. Students rotated through
stations incorporating fitness challenges, cooperative
activities, and a canned goods stacking station
where donated items went to a local food pantry.
Physical Education Teacher Janet DiLascio spoke
with pride when recalling how excited her students
were to take part in this global event. “They really
got it! I loved how so many of the kids spoke of being
a small part of something so big, that if everyone
does a little, big things can come of it”.
Follow the results of the 2012 WSSA STACK
UP! and learn more about sports stacking by going
to: thewssa.com.
(Brinckerhoff
Stackers)
Page 9
OAK GROVE BLOOD DRIVE
(Oak Grove
Stackers)
Oak Grove Elementary School’s
4th and 5th grade Peer Mediators, and
Dawn Turpin-Orgetas, PE Teacher hosted
their annual Little Doctors Blood
drive program on Thursday, November 15, 2012
from 1 pm-7 pm.
We set our new record this year with donating
75 pints of blood. This was a great program
where elementary students gained a lot of experience
in Volunteering and Community Service by
organizing and hosting the drive at their school.
Every day the Hudson Valley needs 350 pints of
blood. We have a blood shortage with only 2% of
the population donating blood.
We would like to
thank all the teachers/
staff/and community
members that helped
make this year’s drive
so successful.

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
NEW TEACHER WORKSHOP: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Submitted by Diane DiChiara
Page 10
On Thursday, November 8 th, the WCT sponsored the first of five new teacher workshops through
NYSUTs ELT. The two-hour seminar covered the basics for a parent-teacher conference: benefits, common
elements, environment, documentation, professional communication, and appropriate questioning
skills. Under the new teacher evaluation system Communication with Families is Domain 4 of Professional
Responsibilities and requires teachers to engage parents and students in the instructional process.
The participants also reviewed and discussed the dos and don’ts for a successful conference.
Besides the useful information, the new teachers enjoyed the camaraderie of meeting other new
teachers from around the district. At the end of the seminar, the participants were asked if they would
like to meet as a group to meet other new teachers and to discuss teaching from the distinct eyes of the
new teacher. As there was a positive response from the group, there will be an upcoming meeting at the
union office and all new teachers will be invited to attend.
The next new teacher workshop, Effective Discipline Strategies, will be on January 15, 2013 at
JJHS from 4:15 – 6:15. Look for it on MLP.
All new teachers will receive 2 hours in-service credit for each course. The 175 hours will be given
to those who have a Master’s degree. Furthermore, the courses also demonstrate Enhancement of Content
Knowledge and Pedagogical Skill under Domain 4: Growing and Developing Professionally, which is
part of the new teacher evaluation system.

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
NO HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
PLAYER LEFT BEHIND
Reprinted from Undernews at http://
prorevnews.blogspot.com/2012/11/no-high-schoolbasketball-player-left.html?utm_source
=pulsenews &
utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+prorev
feed+%28UNDERNEWS%29
All teams must make the state playoffs and all
must win the championship.
If a team does not win the championship, it will be
on probation until they are the champions, and
coaches will be held accountable. If after two years
they have not won the championship their basketballs
and equipment will be taken away until they
do win the championship.
All players will be expected to have the same basketball
skills at the same time, even if they do not
have the same conditions or opportunities to practice
on their own. No exceptions will be made for
lack of interest in basketball, a desire to perform
athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities of
themselves or their parents.
All students will play basketball at a proficient level
Talented players will be asked to workout on their
own, without instruction. This is because the
coaches will be using all their instructional time
with the athletes who aren't interested in basketball,
have limited athletic ability or whose parents
don't like basketball.
Games will be played year round, but statistics will
only be kept in the 4th, 8th, and 11th games. If
parents do not like this new law, they are encouraged
to vote for vouchers and support private
schools that can screen out the non-athletes and
prevent their children from having to go to school
with bad basketball players.
- Author unknown
Page 11
STAND IN SUPPORT OF MICHI-
GAN’S UNIONS
Reprinted from NYSUT Communications - December 11, 2012
If it could happen in Michigan, it could happen anywhere.
That nightmare scenario is galvanizing union members
across the country to rise up against a Michigan
bill that decimates union rights in a state that
is bedrock to the labor movement.
Add your voice to the protest by signing this
online petition supported by NYSUT and AFT.
(http://action.aft.org/c/44/p/dia/action3/
common/public/?action_KEY=5200)
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and fellow Republicans
are backing controversial "right-to-work-for-less"
legislation at the behest of corporate donors who
see it as a way to weaken unions in this stronghold
of the American auto workers.
President Obama denounced the bill, calling it "the
right to work for less." A White House spokesman
said: "The president believes our economy is
stronger when workers get good wages and good
benefits, and he opposes attempts to roll back
their rights. Michigan - and its workers' role in the
revival of the US automobile industry - is a prime
example of how unions have helped build a strong
middle class and a strong American economy."
AFT notes that so-
called"right-to- work" laws drive
down wages for
all workers by an
average of
$1,500 a year-
whether they are
in a union or not.

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
OAK GROVE WINS THE 10-DAY WALKING CHALLENGE
The goal was to motivate students to increase
their level of physical activity outside of
physical education class. Physical Education teachers,
Anne Seymour and Dawn Turpin-Orgetas coordinated
a plan to challenge Kinry Road and Oak
Grove students, staff members, and their families
to compete in a contest to see which school could
do the most walking over the ten day period from
October 16 to 25. Oak Grove kicked off the program
on the Walkway Over the Hudson after school
on October 16. The totals after ten days were Oak
Grove 6,548 miles compared to Kinry’s 3,440
miles. Oak Grove had 114 students turn in their
walking logs and 14 teachers/staff. Kinry Road Elementary
had 73 students/teachers/staff turn in
their walking logs. Those forms contributed an average
of 50 miles per day to the each school’s total.
Shoelace tokens were distributed during P.E.
classes to all students who turned in a family walking
log forms. The championship trophy is on display
at Oak Grove Elementary School this year.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this fun
event.
What the Healthy Steps Program did for our
schools:
1. Brought the school community together to
achieve a common health goal.
2. Increased students' math skills as they added
up their daily miles.
3. Allowed opportunity for classroom teachers to
incorporate geography via the virtual hike, as students
track their school's progress across North
America. (Oak Grove made it to California and Kinry
Road stopped in New Mexico on the virtual
hike.)
4. Increased energy levels of students and staff.
5. Increased school spirit and teamwork.
6. Encouraged walking as an excellent lifelong
form of exercise.
Page 12
We would like to thank Mrs. Martha Jones
(Oak Grove Art teacher) for the great banner and
the design of this year’s trophy; it looks amazing in
the trophy case! (photo attached with her and Mrs.
Turpin-O holding the trophy).
We would also like to thank Mrs. Turpin-O’s
student teacher from
Cortland University,
Mr. Robert Flannigan
(shown holding the
trophy with Mrs. Turpin-o)
helping make
this year’s event a
success.
Thanks again
to everyone who participated
and keep
walking.

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
ROADMAPS TO THE COMMON CORE
The Council of Great City
Schools has developed a set
of Parent Roadmaps spanning
K-8 for ELA (there are some for
math, too).
Here's the link:
http://www.cgcs.org/
domain/36
Page 13
MADE IN AMERICA HOLIDAY GIFT AND STOCKING STUFFER GUIDE
Reprinted from the AFL-CIO web site—not a complete list
Apparel and Accessories
Brooks Brothers (UNITE HERE)
Joseph Abboud (UNITE HERE)
OshKosh B’gosh (UFCW)
Majestic Athletic (UNITE HERE)
Beauty Products
Avon (UFCW)
Caress skin care (UFCW)
ChapStick (USW)
Dove beauty products (UFCW)
Revlon (UAW)
Old Spice (UFCW)
Games (All made by RWDSU/UFCW)
Barrel of Monkeys
Battleship
Candy Land
Chutes and Ladders
Clue
Connect 4
Game of Life
Monopoly
Mouse Trap
Operation
Pictionary
Scrabble
Taboo
Twister
Yahtzee
Stocking Stuffers
Rayovac batteries (Teamsters and UAW)
Bic Lighters (USW)
Ghirardelli chocolates (BCTGM)

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
RETIREE EMERGERNCY SUB PROGRAM
The new Retiree Emergency Sub Program has been activated!
We are very excited about this! WCSD retirees have been subbing
for active teachers in the case of an emergency for years, but the
calling has been very haphazard.
I hope you will print this and keep it for your reference. We
hope not to need it, but it is always advantageous to be prepared.
When an emergency occurs, the active teacher who needs
coverage will go to his/her principal's secretary. They will have the
packet of volunteer forms with names, numbers, grade levels, etc.
which we have copied for them. The secretary may begin calling. If
more subs are needed than the secretary can find during the day, she
will give some names and numbers to the teacher who needs coverage
to call at night. In the morning the teacher will advise the secretary
who will be covering for them.
We hope this will spread out the calling and enough retirees
will be contacted. Please remember we are an active group, and are
not always home during the day or available on a day's notice. This is
a service we provide for the district and our active teachers. If there
are glitches in this system, please feel free to call Ronnie at the WCT
office and I will get the message.
Have a healthy and happy holiday season. Susan Roger,
WCRT President
PUNT, PASS, KICK
Congratulations to Amanda Arvelo in Mrs. Segal’s
2 nd grade class for winning
1 st place in the Punt,
Pass, Kick Competition.
Amanda represented Oak
Grove in the 6-7 year old
girls age division on Sunday,
December 2, 2012
before the NFL Jets VS.
Cardinals football game.
Page 14
U P C O M I N G P A Y
D A T E S
December 28, 2012
January 15, 2013
January 30, 2013
February 15, 2013
February 28, 2013
March 15, 2013
March 28, 2013
April 15, 2013
April 30, 2013
May 15, 2013
May 30, 2013
June 14, 2013
June 28, 2013

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
SED ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO GRADES 3-8
TESTS
SED has released grades 3-8 test guides for this
spring's ELA and Math exams. They can be found at http://
engageny.org/resource/test-guides-for-english-languagearts-and-mathematics.
In recent weeks there have been many questions
from math teachers about the use of calculators on the
grades 3-8 tests. The math guides clarify that calculators
may not be used on Book 1 of the exams.
Page 15
COMMENTATOR
PUBLICATION
DATES:
�January 15, 2013
�February 15, 2013
�March 15, 2013
�April 15, 2013
�May 15, 2013
�June 14, 2013
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
Please email your arti-
Jan 14 - Myers, Evans, Oak Grove
Jan 28 - Brinckerhoff, Sheafe, Wappingers Jr
cles, ads, good news,
Feb 11 - Gayhead, Fishkill Plains, Fishkill
etc. for the Commenta-
Feb 25 - JJ, Vassar, Kinry
tor by the 7th of the
March 11 - RCK, Orchard View, Van Wyck
March 25 - Myers, Evans, Oak Grove
month to ensure it will
April 8 - Brinckerhoff, Sheafe, Wappingers Jr
appear in that issue. If
April 22 (Tues) - Gayhead, Fishkill Plains, Fishkill
late, it will be placed in
May 7 (Tues) - JJ, Vassar, Kinry
the next month’s issue.
May 20 (District Offices) - RCK, Orchard View, Van Wyck
June 3 (District Offices) – Myers, Evans, Oak Grove
June 17 (RCK cafeteria) – All buildings for the Retiree
Recognition
NEW TEACHER SEMINARS
The Wappingers Congress of Teachers Presents New Teacher Seminars:
(A new teacher is defined as a teacher with one to three years experience.)
January 15, 2013 — Discipline Strategies
March 7, 2013 — Understanding English Language Learners
May 14, 2013 — Achieving Tenure: What You Need to Know
All workshops will take place at John Jay High School from 4:15-6:15
Questions? Contact Elementary-at-Large, Theresa Stowell or Secondary-at-
Large, Diane D. DiChiara

W C T C O M M E N T A T O R
HOUSE FOR SALE: Fishkill - 2
Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths.
1,000 sqft. COMPLETELY
RENOVATED inside and out -
including new electric,
plumbing, Andersen win-
dows, siding, insulation, oil
burner and central air. Large
work kitchen with granite
counters and floor; including
cherry cabinets and stainless
steel appliances. Oak hard-
wood floors throughout, tiled
bathroom floors, and custom
tiled shower in master bath.
Many extras include laundry
room on main level, fenced
in back yard, two Trex decks,
barn shed, full basement
and attic for storage. Brand
new driveway and stone pav-
er sidewalk just completed.
$249,999. Make an offer
897-2815 - Nicole. See full
listing and pictures for 364
Cedar Hill Rd. Fishkill, NY at
Zillow. com.
FOR SALE: Wurlitzer Con-
sole Piano—88 keys, good
condition, original cost
$2,840. Asking $800, call
896-7643
MEMBERS’ CLASSIFIED ADS
MARCO ISLAND, FL: Weekly
rentals, summer and holi-
day weeks available. 2 BR
condo, 2 full bath, newly
renovated. Discount for
WCSD teachers. See info at
http://www.vrbo.com/
434183. Call 845-656-
1408 for details—John.
FOR SALE: New iPad 2. 16
GB WiFi. One year extend-
ed/Apple Care warranty,
life-time screen saver, port-
folio case. $325 OBO. 845
-494-2174.
Chris Capasso
Interior & Exterior
Faux & Decorative Painting
Power Washing & Staining
FOR RENT: Fishkill condo -
2 br, 1 1/2 bth, 1st fl unit
at THE COMMONS. In beautiful
condition; community
room, indoor pool, sauna,
whirlpool. $1400/month
plus utilities. Security and
good credit. January availability.
Call or text Vince at
(845) 702-3724 for details.
FOR SALE: Futon Bunk
Bed. Full size bed and premium
futon mattress on
the bottom. Bunk bed on
top. White metal frame.
More suitable for a girl's
room. Asking $300.00.
Excellent condition. Call
Rosie at 845-518-4539.
Free Estimate
Phone: 845-242-8228
Page 16
As one of the Hudson Valley’s top DJ and area entertainment
companies, Enriquez Entertainment has performed at numer-
ous WCT Weddings, retirements , Sweet 16’s, Bar/Bat mitz-
vahs, Dances/Proms, Holiday Parties & more! Contact us
today for your next event!
FOR SALE: Lovely 1871 traditional
home in Beacon. True
pride in ownership reflected
throughout this 3 bedroom,
2.5 bathroom residence. The
property features a fenced in
back yard, Koi pond, and
Unilock patio, brand new
kitchen w/large lighted pantry,
Central Air, new windows,
ample closet space, renovated
garage, solid wood doors
and new molding, 200 amp
electric, plumbing and electric
both updated, side porch
and front porch, Hard wood
floors & ceramic tile, Master
suite w/ 2 large lighted closets
& brand new carpeting,
attached bathroom features
a Jacuzzi tub. Taxes $4,000.
Minutes to train and Main
Street. For more information
call Bethann Dexter at Exit
Drake Realty (914)456-

D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 2
FROM THE WCT
WELFARE TRUST FUND
A financial planner from Stacey
Braun Associates, Inc. will be at the
WCT office on the following dates:
� January 30, 2013
� February 27, 2013
Appointments are one-hour
blocks available between 2:00-6:00 pm
on a first-come first-served basis. Ap-
pointments are available at no cost to
you; this is a benefit through the Welfare
Trust Fund.
When you call the office to
schedule an appointment, we will for-
ward a questionnaire to you. Please com-
plete it and bring it with you to the meet-
ing.
The planner can advise you on
any financial topic in an objective fash-
ion, since sales are prohibited under this
program.
Since these slots fill up very
quickly, call as soon as possible! If the
above dates are not convenient for you,
call Stacey Braun Associates, Inc. direct-
ly and other arrangements may be possi-
ble.
Stacey Braun has no affiliations
with any 403(b) providers.
DIRECTIONS TO THE WCT OFFICE
� The WCT Office is in the Heritage Square Complex at 2537
Route 52 in Hopewell Junction.
� Heritage Square is a short distance east of the intersection of
Routes 376 and 52 and west of the Taconic State Parkway.
� Enter the lot and make the second right into the parking area.
� Enter the main entrance of the building. The sign over the
entrance reads “PRUDENTIAL.”
� Take the stairs of elevator to the 2 nd floor.
� Go right all the way to the end.
� Look for the “Wappingers Congress of Teachers” sign posted
on the Suite 15 door.
Page 17
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE
WCT WELFARE TRUST FUND
Trustees:
Christine Romano….. …..Chairperson
Kim Mahusky….. …..Treasurer
Erin Mulligan….. …..Secretary
Flip Gertler….. …..Trustee
Pasquale Delli Carpini….. …..Trustee
Ronnie Dwyer….. …..Administrator
� You must let the WTF know of any changes in your personal infor-
mation ASAP.
� Student verification forms must be sent to Daniel H. Cook every
semester.
� Dental & prescription reimbursement forms are on-line at the WTF web
site at WCTeachers.org
� Please direct all questions & concerns to the WCT office or directly to
Daniel H. Cook.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Daniel H. Cook
(1-800) 342-6651
Davis Vision
(1-800) 999-5431
Health Advocate
(1-866) 695-8622
Mirkin & Gordon (attorneys)
(914) 997-1576
Stacey Braun Associates (fin. consultant)
(1-888) 949-1925
WCT Office
(845) 227-5065

We are on the web!
wcteachers.org
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E
W A P P I N G E R S C O N G R E S S
O F T E A C H E R S
Wappingers Congress of
Teachers
2537 Route 52, Suite 15
Hopewell Junction, NY
12533
Phone: (845) 227-5065
Fax: (845) 227-1977
E-mail: wct@frontiernet.net
WCT President:
Pasquale Delli Carpini
V.P. of Internal
Communications:
Kim Mahusky
Editor: Meredith Inkeles
Proofreader: Diane Davis
Distribution: Peg Nikola &
Alice Heusinger, WCRT
NYSUT 13-270
AFT 1989
WCT COMMENTATOR Policy
The content of the WCT COMMENTATOR shall reflect the official
positions and policies of the WCT, with the following three ex-
ceptions:
1. The President of the WCT should present his/her views in a
message to the members from time to time, but not less than
bimonthly.
2. Signed Letters to the Editor (of responsible length) contain-
ing personal views from members and subscribers shall be
published subject to laws of libel.
3. Members of the WCT may place articles adhering to the
Canons of Journalism concerned with WCT positions, policies,
and issues of interest to teachers in the Commentary Section.
(For both Letters to the Editor and the Commentary Section,
the writer’s name and WCT affiliation shall be attached, and an
editor’s note shall accompany these sections indicating that
“The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official
views and policies of the WCT.”)
Reprints of articles from the WCT COMMENTATOR are allowable
only with the permission of the WCT President.
WCT COMMENTATOR
Advertising Policy
The WCT COMMENTATOR advertising policy as adopted by the
Executive Board is as follows:
Noncommercial (Personal) ads for WCT MEMBERS only will be
run for two issues at no charge.
Commercial (Business) ads for WCT MEMBERS only: guaran-
teed placement for half of the school year, $35.00 per half
year payable Sept. 15th and Feb. 1st or $5.00 per issue.
For prompt placement of advertisements and articles in up-
coming issues of the WCT COMMENTATOR, e-mail the infor-
mation to commentator@wcteachers.org. Information can
also be sent to the editor at the WCT Office. Do not send arti-
cles or ads through the GroupWise email system.