As teachers, we often assume that our good intentions show in everything we do, and that we are immune to accusations of improper or unprofessional conduct. Sadly, many teachers have found through bitter experience that this is not the case. Have you ever wondered what you would do if faced with an unfounded charge made against you? Do you know what your legal responsibilities are if a child is injured while under your supervision? Do you know what a grievance is, and how to file one?

Join us from 4:30 until 6:00 pm on October 21 at Colonial Forge High School to discuss these issues and get the information that you need about your professional rights and responsibilities. You will find it interesting, informative, and essential to protecting your position as a professional educator. PDS points may be available to participants. To register, contact Lucy Burns  at Hartwood Elementary (752-4641) or the UniServ Office (361-7011).

At a public hearing on September 21, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted to allocate only a portion of the money needed to fund the School Board’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Instead of the approximately $26 million that the School Board had requested—money needed to proceed on schedule with the construction of much needed schools—the Supervisors approved only $10 million… for now. The difficulty is that a “structural imbalance” exists in which County revenues are insufficient to support the capital improvements in the County CIP. Members of our School Board have expressed concern that this situation may cause even more delays in the construction of new schools. The School Board has been asked to look into other cost saving options for accommodating our ever-increasing student population, which increases by more than 1,000 new students each year.

Can we really afford to wait any longer for new schools to be built? As the people who will be held accountable for the education of Stafford’s children, it is our obligation to remain informed of these events and to support efforts to maintain our educational quality in the face of burgeoning population growth. Let your voice be heard! You can contact your Supervisor and School Board member via links on the S.E.A. website and let them know your concern for quality education in Stafford County. Even better, show your concern and support by joining other S.E.A. members at School Board or Board of Supervisors meetings. Let's be PROACTIVE and secure a BRIGHTER FUTURE for Stafford County Schools!

November 15 through 19 marks the celebration of American Education Week. As part of our support for American Education, the Stafford Education Association will be holding a week long scholarship fundraiser to benefit the S.E.A. scholarship fund. Each year, S.E.A. has given $500 scholarships to one senior from each of the four high schools in Stafford County. The recipients are students who will be entering college with the stated intention of becoming future educators. This year, we are hoping to raise the $2000 to cover the cost of the scholarships—and maybe even make them larger. During American Education Week, building representatives across the county will be collecting donations to the scholarship fund. Contributors are then entitled to celebrate with a “jeans day” on Thursday Nov. 18th.

The culmination of the fundraiser will take place on Thursday, November 18, from 5:30 until 8:00 pm with a family friendly social event held at Castiglia’s Restaurant in the Doc Stone Commons on Garrisonville Road (behind Anne E. Moncure Elementary School). We have reserved a section of the restaurant for fun, food, and relaxation. Appetizers will be provided, and Castigilia’s is donating 10% of the proceeds to the scholarship fund. We will also have some great door prizes, including a local “Weekend Getaway” package. You have to be there to register and to win! Please help us support our future educators by donating generously to the scholarship fund, and by joining us at Castiglia’s on November 18. Remember— families are welcome!

The Virginia Education Association will be providing a workshop on classroom management on October 30 from 8:30 until 3:00 pm. The training will provide valuable ideas that you can use immediately to help maintain a positive atmosphere in your classroom. The instructors are experienced teachers with great ideas on communicating with students and parents, positive interventions for dealing with difficult behaviors, how to create an appropriate classroom climate, and other topics. The training is intended for beginning teachers, but the strategies are appropriate for anybody interested in fresh ideas for classroom management. Participants must register by contacting their building principals— this is NOT available on Mylearningplan.com. The deadline for registration is October 22, so talk with your principal right away!