Current Information

BSA Scholarships

Please review each of the scholarship applications. The student and recommending staff member both need to submit a letter supporting why the student deserves the scholarship.  If you should have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Elena Temple or Phil Rucker 

To support the scholarships, we will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets starting Friday, May 9th.  Tickets will be $2 each, ask your building rep.

1. Jose Minaya - students must be graduating from a Rockland BOCES Student Services program.  Student must be continuing his/her education at a college or technical school.  The student must demonstrate characteristics that model Jose’s positive influence on the students and staff that he touched here at Rockland BOCES
2. Portia Davis - students must be graduating from or completing a Rockland BOCES Student Services program and continuing his/her education at a college or technical school.  The student must demonstrate characteristics that model Portia’s positive influence on the students and staff  that she touched here at Rockland BOCES
3. Helene Krane - students must be graduating from or completing a Rockland BOCES Student Services program, Career and Technical Education program or the TASC program.  Student must be continuing his/her education at a college or technical school
   The student must demonstrate characteristics that model Helene’s positive influence on the students and staff that she touched here at Rockland BOCES

MAY 2025 CERTIFICATION WEBINARS

Register now for FREE

• MAY 14 Expiring Certificates and Changing Assignments 4:30 p.m
• MAY 21 Registration and CTLE Guidance 4:30 p.m.
• MAY 22 Teaching Assistant Certification Guidance 4:30 p.m.

May is School Board Election Season 

• Need: strong school board members that support public education 
• We should all be aware of who’s running and support NYSUT-approved (education-friendly) candidates 

Fix Tier 5 and 6

June 6th - Walkway Over the Hudson 

Tier 6 will result in significant reductions to employee’s pensions. 
Penalties for early retirement, prior to age 63, are devastating to an employee’s retirement security.

It is a problem for our new members to have such a reduction in their overall retirement security but that is not all; it is a problem for all our members.  

• The shortages caused by the lack of people entering public service is real; we see it every day in our schools, colleges, universities and public hospitals.   
• These shortages impact our current members with larger class sizes, fewer classroom assistants, fewer substitutes and higher burnout rates.  
• Without measures to retain current employees and recruit new hires — such as fixing Tier 6 — the lives of our members and those they serve, including students and patients, will be negatively impacted.  

Join NYSUT President Melinda Person and local labor leaders from across the Hudson Valley for a march and rally to demand fixes to Tier 6 so that we can recruit and retain the next generation of public employees. 

All attendees are directed to join us on the WEST side of the Walkway Over the Hudson (87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY 12528). Ample parking available. Questions? Email Regional Political Organizer Emiljana Ulaj at emiljana.ulaj@nysut.org.

PD Surveys Coming Soon

Self-directed needs to be brought back for Student Services 

RCTA bowling fundraiser raised $10K to support Hospice of Rockland 

Thank you to Phil Rucker for organizing the RBSA team  

New Hires 

Contact Joe Rousseau  . Please make sure they give him their full name, position, and work location. 

Member must pay dues to be represented by the union 

Please contact Joe Rousseau at edjoecate@gmail.com if someone notices that dues aren’t being taken out or if you have any questions 

New Law

Classroom temps not to go above 82°(excluding gyms when class is in session) 

Recommendation - check you ACs now; help is available now, it may not be later 

Rockland Teacher Center

Please check for updates on the center’s activities 

The Auto Collision Program at CTEC is holding a Car Wash

Minimum donations of $25 for a basic wash (with vacuum) and minimum of $40 for complete detailing (with coat of wax) Schedule an appointment, please call:

Mr. Cappiello - Auto Collision Technology Program

845-627-4770  extension 4423  

2025/26 School Calendar

Click Here

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

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

• An Easy Way to Save Every Day Spring Break?  - 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.