Dear Parents...

Hello to my favorite parents!

I hope this note finds you well and you are ready to spend 10 days with your awesome kids!!

I'm sure you've heard by now that our teachers' union, FCTA, has initiated a work to contract action with its members beginning today. I want to assure you that your child's instruction will not be impacted by this decision. Your kids will continue to have challenging, thought provoking lessons and assignments...the same quality instruction they have had all along. However, there will be a few things impacted and I just wanted to give you a heads up. I use my weekend time to blog. I spend quite a bit of time with pictures, Animoto, and text. I'm not sure I'll be able to do as thorough a job as I like during this time ahead. Also, I respond to and answer many emails in off hours. This is something I like to do, but will only be able to do during my work day in the upcoming weeks. And last, I really do try to get your kids' work back to them graded as quickly as I can...and that quick turnaround will definitely be affected. My 45 minute planning time will HAVE to be spent planning lessons...in order to make sure instruction is not impacted. There are many days that I leave school between 6 or 7pm...that is NOT a complaint...I happen to LOVE what I do and I like having time to plan, organize, and make sure I'm 100% ready for my week...I will not be doing that, so something will have to give.

I hope you understand that the work to contract is not my idea of the best solution...it is my hope that the work to contract action will be resolved as the BOE and FCTA enter into negotiations. Your support is always appreciated, and I just hope I have yours as I join my colleagues and stand up for something that I am incredibly passionate about...teaching your kids!

I hope you have a fantastic Spring Break and I look forward to seeing your kids on April 10th!!! Can you believe we'll be apart that long?!?!?

Sincerely,
Karen Wills