Burbank Teachers Association

We’ve got this!

The Burbank Teachers Association wishes you a fun and happy Independence Day.

When President Lincoln declared an end to slavery, it did not truly end anything as the southern states were still fighting for independence. In order to enforce this, as the Civil War ended, Lincoln sent troops to every state who had seceded to ensure they freed all enslaved people immediately. The last state was Texas. On June 19, 1865 troops entered Galveston, Texas to ensure the freedom of the enslaved people there. As a result, Juneteenth became a holiday to celebrate the true day of freedom for all Americans.

In 2021, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday. Coincidentally, 2021 was the same year the last state, Delaware, ratified the 13th amendment which made forced enslavement of anyone illegal, except as punishment for committing a crime.

For this Juneteenth, take the time to recognize how you can continue to honor the legacy of those who created this holiday. How do you support marginalized people in your life?

The San Fernando Valley Pride 3rd annual LGBTQIA+ Youth Leadership Scholarship aims to provide a San Fernando Valley LGBTQIA+ student with a $2,000 scholarship towards their pursuit of a higher education degree or post-secondary plans. This year scholarship funding was provided by Mr. Christopher Street West 2023 Christopher Velasquez and Kendra Scott Jewelry. Deadline to apply is Sunday, June 16, 11:59pm(PST). For any inquiries or application assistance, please contact Kevin Franco at [email protected]

Eligibility Criteria:
* Must be a graduating High School Senior
* Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA
* Must graduate from a San Fernando Valley High School
* Anyone regardless of immigration status may apply
* Must have a higher education or post-secondary plan (University, Community College, Certification Programs, & Post Technical School)

Selected scholarship candidate will be asked to submit their unofficial high school transcript for verification purposes*

IMPORTANT NOTE: If selected, scholarship recipient is required to be present at our annual San Fernando Valley Pride event during June Pride month to receive their award. A photo will be taken to show our donors and community for social media purposes.

Application Requirement:
* Applicants must submit application via this google form
*Applicants must submit a 500-word or less statement answering the following prompt:

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Writing Prompt: What does being a San Fernando Valley LGBTQIA+ individual mean to you and how will your education play a role in making your valley community stronger?

Senator Caroline Menjivar (Senate District 20) will host San Fernando Valley Pride in collaboration with Mayor Karen Bass and Somos Familia Valle, on Saturday, June 29, 2024. We will start with a Rally and March at Van Nuys Blvd and Sherman Way culminating in a Block Party at the Van Nuys Civic Center located at 14410 Sylvan St, Van Nuys, CA 91401.
Join us for an unforgettable Pride event that will celebrate and honor the diversity and resilience of our LGBTQ+ community in the San Fernando Valley! The event will kick off with an empowering Rally followed by a lively March through the streets, sharing our message of love and equality. After the march, we'll continue the festivities with a fabulous block party, featuring music, food, live entertainment, art installations, and resources. We invite you to support San Fernando Valley Pride in bringing our Valley Communities together for this celebration.

San Fernando Valley Pride unites San Fernando Valley communities under one Pride celebration created by and for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate the diversity and amplify the voices of these communities. SFV Pride is organized by Senator Caroline Menjivar, the only q***r elected official in the San Fernando Valley, in collaboration with Mayor Karen Bass and their community partner Somos Familia Valle. SFV Pride consists of an empowering rally and lively march, starting at the intersections of Van Nuys Blvd. and Sherman Way, making its way down to the Van Nuys Civic Center. Here, we will host a celebration of the diversity and resilience of our LGBTQ+ community. Our block party will feature live entertainment, music, art installations, food, vendors, and a resource fair.

More info can be found here: sfvpride.org
RSVP here: sfvpride.eventbrite.com
facebook.com/818pride

BTA would like to pause and honor those who sacrificed while serving in the military.

Their bravery and dedication have safeguarded the freedoms we cherish today. We owe them a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot fully express.

To the families who have lost loved ones, your strength and resilience are a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation.

Let us take a moment of silence to reflect on their sacrifices and renew our commitment to uphold the values they fought to protect. In their honor, we strive to build a future worthy of their legacy, where peace and justice prevail.

In the wake of tragedy, the teachers and staff of Bret Harte Elementary School donned their dancing shoes and brought light and levity to the campus and community with a spring dance that paid a beautiful tribute to Karyn Lombardo, former kindergarten teacher and beloved staff member.
BTA would like to recognize the strength these members showed and the love they have for their students. Despite struggling with their own grief, they have supported their classrooms and held their students close as they learned what it is to feel this loss. These members exemplify the strength and compassion that the teaching profession brings out in all of us.

May Day is a day that recognizes the historical struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement, celebrated in numerous countries on May 1st. In the United States and Canada, a similar event called Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September.

In 1889, an international coalition of socialist groups and trade unions designated May 1 as a day to support workers, in remembrance of the Haymarket Riot in Chicago (1886). Five years later, U.S. President Grover Cleveland, concerned about the socialist roots of Workers' Day, passed a bill to establish Labor Day as the official U.S. holiday to honor workers. Canada also adopted this observance shortly thereafter.

In honor of those workers who have stood up and fought for our rights, enjoy a break and make it a point to relax this upcoming weekend.

BTA wants to take this moment to remind you that we only have one home and we need to make her the best she can be.

Burbanks Teachers Association would like to remind you to take time for you this spring break. You deserve this time to rest, regroup, and reset before returning for the final stretch.

Let's go support our brethren out in Santa Clarita as they fight for fair pay. The district is claiming they can't afford to pay teachers what they are worth. Join Hart District Teachers Association as they march on the Board Meeting to say it's time to stop crying "broke" and pay their teachers what they are worth. Everyone is meeting at the District Office at 6:00pm tomorrow, Wednesday 3/13. Let's show them that we support the fight!

Reach out if you need more details on parking.

With women making 83.7% of what men in the same position make, this International Women's Day should serve as a time for you to reflect on how you can help right this wrong. Remember to use your voice, use your vote, and thank your for fighting for equality today and every day.

For Read Across America, BTA President Nicole Drabecki, enjoyed spending time with a 3rd grade class reading Dream Street, written by Tricia Elam Walker and collages by Ekua Holmes.

愿龙年吉祥如意，福禄双全

Wishing you success and good fortune this year of the Dragon

The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks: A Heroic Figure in Biomedical Science

Henrietta Lacks was a woman who didn't fit the mold of a leader, scientist, judge, writer, or revolutionary. She was a mother of five who succumbed to cervical cancer at the age of 31. It was at the end of her life that a doctor extracted some of her tumor cells without consent, leading to a groundbreaking discovery in biomedical science.

The cells harvested from her tumor had a remarkable ability to reproduce and survive for extended periods, opening up new possibilities in medical research. Her cells facilitated the development of the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and in vitro fertilization since 1951. Despite the immense value of her cells in medical science, her family remained unaware of their significance until Rebecca Skloot, an author, published a book on the topic.

Henrietta Lacks, an unwitting contributor to the scientific community, has saved the lives of millions. Although the methods used to obtain her cells were unethical, her story has become a beacon of hope for many who have benefitted from her powerful legacy.

Robert Abbott, the son of former slaves, founded one of the most influential black newspapers in history. With only 25 cents, he made his way to become a prominent black millionaire, paving the way for other successful black publishers.

Abbott's newspaper encouraged black people to leave the oppressive South and seek better opportunities in the West, Northeast, and Midwest. This led to the banning of the paper in much of the South. However, Abbott refused to let this stop him and used a network of black railroad porters to distribute his paper to those who needed it the most.

Abbott's determination and hard work paid off. He went beyond what many expected and used his voice to empower those who couldn't speak for themselves. Although the Defender is no longer published in print, it is still available to read online.

What does it mean to be powerful? What is influence? How can we teach our children about true power and influence in this world of content creators and influencers?

We speak of people like Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Born in Washington, D. C., Ketanji grew up in Miami, FL. With a father who became the chief attorney for the Miami-Dade County School Board and a mother who was a school principal, Ketanji was raised in a well-educated household. She showed great promise in school and eventually made it into Harvard, despite her guidance counselor telling her to aim lower.

Ketanji never aims low. She has served in numerous important positions in the public sector as well as in private practices. President Obama nominated Ketanji for the position of U. S. District judge for the District of Columbia, a position that was confirmed on March 22, 2013. She left this position to be appointed to the court of appeals. Though Ketanji has received her fair share of criticism for her rulings, she has shown consistency in upholding the values of equality and justice.

During her confirmation hearing, Ketanji gave the following advice to young people. You can view her 4 minute speech here and use the handouts at the bottom to encourage discussion about her and her accomplishments, as well as the expectations we Americans hold for our highest court.
https://www.c-span.org/classroom/document/?18835

When you open her website, scrawled across the top in simple and clear text it says "Wordsmith. Change-maker."

Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U. S. History and a trailblazer of enormous power. Her writing is brilliant and bold and leaves you feeling like you too can be a change-maker.

A Los Angeles native Gorman has always been a writer. After graduating from cm laude from Harvard University, Gorman has published two books and given countless speeches and readings of her work. Her work talks about the African diaspora and focuses on issues of oppression, sexism, racism, and the marginalization of entire groups of people.

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem can be purchased on the link below and is a great resource to teach children about the power they have inside them.

https://amandagormanbooks.com/?ref=PRHF7EB692848&aid=25778&linkid=PRHF7EB692848 -sings

Simone Biles, born on March 14, 1997, is the greatest American gymnast of all time, with more accolades than any other gymnast in the nation's history. She is currently set to participate in the Olympics for the third time as a member of the United States gymnastics team.

Biles was born as the third child in a family of four and spent her early years in and out of foster care. Eventually, she was adopted by her grandfather and his wife and began training in gymnastics.

Despite numerous obstacles, Biles emerged as a talented, self-aware woman who inspires many. She is an advocate for mental health and withdrew from the 2020 Olympics due to a case of the "twisties," putting her mental and physical well-being first. Biles returned to the competition when she felt ready.

Simone Biles is an exemplary role model who prioritizes her own needs while also caring for her team, and continually striving to be her best.

Do you want to teach your class about Basquiat? Check out this YouTube video about him made just for kids.
https://youtu.be/PVSd4ZHV0TQ

Today we learn about the incredible and brave Phillis Wheatly. Born in West Africa, Phillis was stolen when she was 7 years old and taken to America on the Transatlantic Slave Trade. She was found to be too weak for the rigorous work of the south, and therefore was taken to Boston to be sold. She was purchased by the Wheatly family in 1761 to be a house slave.

She showed great intelligence and a desire for academics. Though she was not excused from her domestic duties, the family began to teach Phillis to read and write. This led to Phillis writing poetry as early as 13 years old. She continued to write and publish with the help of her enslavers until she died in 1784.

Phillis wrote about religion, morality, America, and racism. She became the torch abolitionists would carry to signal their desire to change to others. She was the symbol of what slaves could be if educated and free. Though emancipation didn't happen for almost another 100 years, she is still seen as a voice in that change.

On Being Brought from Africa to America
BY PHILLIS WHEATLEY

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic die."
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/phillis-wheatley

"African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans."
From the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
More information about this can be found at the link below.
https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/

Come back tomorrow to learn about a Black artist and the beauty they have added to the world.

BTA supports our brethren in the CSU system. With tuition as high as it is and student debt up to $1.77 trillion, the California Faculty Association (CFA) is asking for fair pay, a correction of racial, sexual, and other forms of discrimination, smaller class sizes, an increase in faculty, and other services students deserve. For more information on the strike and why it is happening, go to https://www.calfac.org/strike/ -FAQs.

TikTok · Josh Grisetti 526.6K likes, 7984 comments. “California State University faculty strike. Governor Faculty Association Musical Theatre New York Times Theatre Professor @404 [by L.A. Times]”

If you can’t come, be sure to tune into to Facebook for a live stream.

You've got this! Keep your eyes on your email for upcoming social events. We're sure you're going to need it!

Take some time for yourself in the upcoming year and prioritize your own needs. Keep in mind that you are important and your overall well-being holds great significance: your emotional well-being is just as crucial as your physical well-being. As we embark on a fresh year, make it a point to allocate time for rejuvenation, starting anew, and taking breaks. And of course, don't neglect to engage in activities that bring you joy.

As we reflect on the year, it is easy to focus on our challenges, but it is important to remember our victories, and we have had some good ones.

Since January 2023 we have received 11.5% in on-schedule raises, a 1% off-schedule bonus, and increase in the medical cap to that of the median for our area, a $4,500 increase over January 2023. We also guaranteed elementary PE until 2025 and got 15% raises for the ATB and Adult School teachers who have been woefully underpaid for years. These accomplishments can't happen without an active and vocal membership.

Go into the new year with a pat on the back and a reminder that you can make a difference and you do have the power. BTA is you and you are BTA.

A little humor to share as we exit 2023.

Whatever you celebrate, may it be relaxing.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and refreshing Thanksgiving holiday. Remember to set aside some time for yourself and enjoy this well-deserved break.