New in this issue:

Because there was no clear directive from the district, and due to the lack of a Music or PE program coordinator to oversee programs district-wide, specialists are teaching anywhere from 6 to 20 live classes depending on the school, deployments, and how classes were scheduled in each building.

Encourage your administrators and union to make this change now so that we have viable programs in place when we can finally return to seeing and interacting with our students in real time and space.

Contact Christa Erolin and Forrest Griek, and your principals TODAY!

1.   In the moment, make note of any unsafe practices (student behavior, room arrangements, etc.)

2.   At the end of every day, email your principal a list of what unsafe things occurred in your classroom; cc your TEA Building Rep(s)

3.   At the end of every week, your Building Rep(s) will send a compilation of all unsafe practices to Thu Ament, the district COVID Safety Supervisor.

tacomaspecialists@gmail.com

We teach for the love of making music together. We teach for the community. We teach for those moments when the students “get it.”

I miss greeting my students at the door.

I miss seeing their smiling faces and hearing their laughter.

I miss their moving and grooving to the music.

I miss the community singing and music making.

I miss saying hi to students in the hallways with little quiet waves.

I miss the hugs and the “Music class was awesome today….that’s my favorite song ever…..I can’t wait until next time.”

But it’s different now:

Lessons are posted.

Directions on how to find lessons are sent.

Then silence.

Links to live classes are posted.

Directions on how to find live classes are sent.

Then we wait.

1st class starts: Kids arrive, and mute themselves (thankfully they are getting really good at this-thank you classroom teachers for teaching and practicing this skill). And it begins……..share screen, hope it works. More kids arrive, click, click, click.  Give directions and continue lesson.  It is silent.  Void.

When I teach, I watch for the reactions: the smiles on kid’s faces, the look of fear on that kid’s face that says “I am not feeling comfortable participating right now,” the laughs at the silly jokes and the bodies moving to the music.

I had to remind myself yesterday that all of this is still happening.  I just can’t see it in real time.   A couple of parents emailed me that their kids really enjoyed their music lesson.  That was a really helpful reminder. A few students were on camera so I could see them move and grove. That was fun to witness. A couple parents spoke up for their kiddo so I would know that they were uncomfortable. A few students emailed that they had completed their assignments and hoped that I got them.  Students are missing these connections, too.

We teach differently now because it’s not safe to teach the way we have been taught.  We teach differently now because we care for our students, their families, and our colleagues. But we must remember that this is not forever.

-Penny Cramer, Music Teacher, Sherman and Jefferson

Bargaining continues. We are still wondering:

Check Your Schedule

CBA language is still in force during remote and hybrid instructional models. Be sure that your schedule falls within the parameters of the contract. If you choose to participate in an alternative schedule or take larger-than-prescribed classes there is a waiver process that you and your building must use. This ensures that all parties are aware and in accord, and protects those who choose not to waive their contract rights. Here are some specific items to consider.

Staffing levels are inequitable within buildings and across the district.

Click below to see how your school and schools across the district will be impacted. Current as of 7/23