Moments that inspire and educate

Event: Breast Cancer Walk

Date: October 19, 2025

Location: Woodbury Common

Donate or join our team: Rockland BOCES Staff Association

T-Shirts are available for purchase.

Click Here to purchase your shirt for the Breast Cancer Walk.  Share with your members.  Shirt orders are due by 9/18.  

GCN Training

The 25-26 GCN mandated training has been assigned. At the bottom of your work email, you will find your login information. Please note the deadline to complete all training is October 20, 2025, with the exception of the Emergency Response Training which has a deadline of September 12, 2025. GCN Training Click Here

New Hires 

Member must pay dues to be represented by the union.  Please contact Joe Rousseau at edjoecate@gmail.com if you notitce that dues aren’t being taken out or if you have any questions. Contact Joe Rousseau  . Please make sure you give him your full name, position, and work location.  Please  DO NOT USE YOUR BOCES EMAIL.

NYSUT Member Benefits Member Alert

Link to Heat USA

HEAT USA participants receive the following:

1. A free or discounted service contract (worth approximately $300 annually) that includes 24-hour emergency service during the heating season.*
2. Extensive parts and labor coverage on their heating system.
3. An annual cleaning and tune-up of their heating system during the spring or summer.
4. A discount of 15-25 cents per gallon on the price of heating oil.

NYSUT Member Benefits Member Alert

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time. The NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Term Life Insurance Plan provides benefits up to $1 million, if under age 65.

Cell Phone Policy

All school districts and BOCES in the State of New York are now required to have a cell phone policy that bans student use of personal electronic devices for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.

The Board of Education has acknowledged the need for teachers and staff to model appropriate cell phone usage and devices during the instructional school day. Additionally, all cell phones and personal communication devices must be concealed and silenced during instructional time.

Rockland Teacher Center

Rockland Teachers’ Center provides grant-funded professional learning opportunities and Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) for educators and support staff.

Please check for updates on the center’s activities 

Blood Emergency 

New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency following a sharp and sustained drop in local blood donations.

Despite a population of approx. 19.5 million, only 2% of New Yorkers donate blood, compared to the national average of 3%. To reliably meet patient needs, at least 4% of the population, about 780,000 active donors, is required in New York. Right now, the state is short by nearly 390,000 donors.  To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment to donate, visit nybc.org or call 1-800-933-2566.

Jump-Start Retirement Planning

Members often tell us they wish they started preparing for retirement earlier. Assign yourself some summer homework to plan ahead and think of your future financial needs. Whether you’re new to NYSTRS or nearing retirement, this study guide will help you do just that!

Service Credit 101

There’s more to retiring than just notifying your employer – you must also file a retirement application with NYSTRS to receive your pension payment. Read up on retirement filing and review the Retirement Checklist in this issue of Your Source.

NYSUT Member Benefits

• Theme Park Deals You'll Love Click Here
• Disability Insurance -Helps replace your income if you become too ill or injured to work. Click Here 
• Traditional Long Term Care Insurance - NYLTCB offers a comprehensive portfolio of insurance and annuity products to plan for your future, protect your assets and preserve your independence.
• Coverage for your pet -  Click Here 
• Farmers Insurance Choice - AUTO INSURANCE: Vehicle & Motorcycle. HOME INSURANCE: Homeowners, Renter's & Landlord's Rental Dwelling. SPECIALTY INSURANCE: Personal Excess Liability, Fire, Boat, Snowmobile & Recreational Vehicle Auto & Home Insurance
• Welcome to TrueCar Member Auto Buying - With TrueCar, you can get upfront price offers on local inventory and see dealer fees and accessories before visiting the dealership. Get access to additional discounts on select new and used cars, exclusive manufacturer incentives and post-sale coverage benefits worth up to $2,000.
•  Easy Way to Save Every Day  - MB DISCOUNTS & DEALS. Simply visit mbdeals.enjoymydeals.com to find premium travel discounts.
• WrapPlan®II flexible premium adjustable life insurance - NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed program
• NYSUT Members Get Exclusive Benefits from Heat USA - In a time of volatile energy prices and weather, there has never been a more important time for NYSUT members to have the buying power, system coverage and safety provided by a membership with Heat USA.
• Purchasing Power NYSUT Member Benefits - Purchasing Power is provided through your NYSUT Member Benefits with Purchasing Power unlock your Spending Power and ditch the stress that comes with high-interest credit cards and other Buy Now, Pay Later programs. With Purchasing Power, you have access to: 40,000+ brand-name products & even travel/Upfront delivery & no hassles/Easy, fixed payments right from your paycheck/Financial health resources
• Nationwide NYSUT Member Benefits - Get more for your pet with employee-only pet insurance from Nationwide
• Long-term Care Insurance Program Request Rates and a Complimentary Long-Term Care Planning Guide
• Mortgage Savings - Mid-Island Mortgage Corp. Provides NYSUT Members Discounts on Home Mortgages.