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Featured post
Oregon Health Authority's FAQ Regarding Vaccines and COVID-19
The Oregon Health Authority has released a lengthy list to answer the incalculable questions regarding the coming vaccine and COVID-19. We have listed some of their answers below, but please click here to see the whole document. Please also visit OHA's website for more information.
General
Q4. How soon after the second dose will the vaccine become effective?
A4. Clinical trials measured the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Each vaccine
requires two doses.
• The Moderna vaccine is 94% effective two weeks after a person receives the
second shot. The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective one week after the second
shot.Q5. Will I still need to wear a mask after I get the COVID-19 vaccination?
A5. The vaccine will keep you from getting sick, but it still may be possible to get,
carry and transmit the virus. Preventing illness and severe illness is certainly a
reason to get vaccinated. It will also take time for us to get everyone vaccinated.
We don’t yet know when we’ll be able to stop wearing masks and maintaining
physical distance, but OHA will continue to watch the spread of the disease in
Oregon. When the spread of disease is low enough, these additional protective
measures can be stopped.Q6. How much will it cost for me to get the COVID-19 vaccination?
A6. For now, vaccine doses will be given to everyone at no cost.Q7. Will there be enough COVID-19 vaccine for everyone?
A7. The vaccine may be scarce at first, so distribution will be prioritized. But as
COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing ramps up, eventually there will be enough
vaccine for everyone. This timing depends upon how many vaccines are approved
and the total supply of vaccine available through manufacturers. We hope by fall
2021, everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination can get one.Q8. How will Oregon ensure equitable vaccine distribution?
A8. As COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will
ensure the distribution process is based on community involvement that will
provide an equitable system challenging the roles of power, privilege and racism—
informed by a newly assembled COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC).
The individuals who may receive vaccinations in Phase 1a are specified in
Oregon’s Phase 1a Vaccine Sequencing Plan which can be found on the OHA
COVID-19 vaccine website: https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov.Q9. How will Oregon implement Phase 1a?
A9. Oregon’s Phase 1a Vaccine Sequencing Plan can be found on OHA’s
COVID- 19 vaccine website: https://covidvaccine.oregon.govQ10. Will OHA force me to get a COVID-19 vaccination?
A10. OHA does not plan to require the COVID-19 vaccination, but we do strongly
recommend vaccination for the safety and health of the entire community.
OHA 2390U (1/22/2021) 3Vaccine distribution in Oregon
Q1. When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available in Oregon?
A1. COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Oregon on Dec. 15, 2020. The first rounds of
doses are going to health care workers who are exposed to COVID-19 through
their work. This includes people who work in hospitals or EMS staff. Also, people
who work or live in long-term care facilities are included in the first round.Q4. Who decides which workers will get the vaccine first?
A4. OHA is committed to an equitable distribution of vaccine. OHA’s community
engagement team assembled a COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee to listen to
community members and provide input on how to prioritize vaccine distribution. This
committee will identify and prioritize which critical workers will receive vaccine first,
knowing that, in time, there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants one.Q5. I am an education worker. When will I get vaccinated?
A5. Child-care and K-12 school and school district staff will be in the first group of
Phase 1b, after Phase 1a is complete. Information on where and when to get
vaccinated will be provided as soon as it is available.Vaccine details:
Q1. I’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get vaccinated
with a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available?
A1. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to people
regardless of a history of COVID-19 infection, with or without symptoms. They
don’t recommend testing to check for prior infection when deciding to get the
vaccine.Q2. I’m pregnant. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?
A2. CDC doesn’t have any COVID-19 safety data on pregnant women, though
animal and human studies are ongoing, and more are planned to begin in
Jan. 2021. mRNA vaccines are not “live virus” vaccines. If a woman is part of a
group (i.e., health care worker) recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine and is
OHA 2390U (1/22/2021) 5
pregnant, she may choose to get the vaccine in consultation with her medical
provider’s help in making an informed decision. Things to consider:
• Level of COVID-19 in the community and the risk of transmission
• The personal risk of acquiring COVID-19 (occupation or other activities)
• The risk of COVID-19 to her or her fetus
• The efficacy of the vaccine
• The side effects of the vaccine
• The lack of data about the vaccine during pregnancy
• Women who take the vaccine and have fever as a side effect should take
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Routine testing for pregnancy before vaccination is not recommendedQ3. Are the vaccines interchangeable?
A3. Though Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are made the same way, people must
get the same second dose from the same manufacturer of the first. Both are
equally effective and stop the spread of virus in the same way, so the people
should take whichever vaccine is available to them.Q4. Is the COVID-19 vaccine a live virus?
A4. The mRNA vaccines are not a live virus.Q8. When should I get the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
How will I remember?
A8. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine require two doses to promote a full
immune response. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine should be administered
21 days after the first dose, and the Moderna vaccine should be administered 28
days after the first dose. The ALERT IIS vaccine system will help make sure you
get a reminder.Q9. Can a person receive the COVID-19 vaccine while they are sick?
A9. Those with mild illness may receive the vaccines with no effect on vaccine
safety or effectiveness. However, it is better that you recover from your illness, with
no symptoms, before getting vaccines to keep from spreading your illness to health
care workers who are administering the vaccine.Q10. If one spouse or partner qualifies for a vaccine (i.e., over 65, doctor, nurse)
would the other spouse who does not fit qualification criteria also get the
vaccine?
A10. No. There will be very limited quantities of the vaccines in the early days of
distribution, so only those who are in priority groups in the first phases, such as
health care workers, identified workers, older adults and those with underlying
medical conditions will be able to receive the vaccines.Q11. Are both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine the same amount? Is the second
dose less or more than the first dose?
A11. Both doses are the same amount for the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna
vaccine also uses two doses that are the same.Q15. Do I need to be vaccinated in the same county I live in? Or work in?
A15. If you are eligible to receive a vaccination, you are encouraged to get
vaccinated in the county you live in but you can get vaccinated in any county in
Oregon. -
Featured post
What is Limited In-Person Instruction?
Many of you have noticed the tension that has developed between the understandable desire to have children return to school, and the sensible insistence on safe working environments under COVID-19 conditions.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, health experts have advised that individuals avoid the “Three Cs” – Close Contact, Closed Spaces, Crowds. Thankfully, there is a way that some in-person instruction can still take place while meeting health and safety guidelines; ODE calls it LIPI (Limited In-Person Instruction).
According to the Oregon Department of Education, LIPI is when schools operating in the Comprehensive Distance Learning instructional model bring a limited number of students, for limited hours and with specific conditions, on-site.
Per ODE Guidelines:
- LIPI cohort groups are limited to no more than 20 students.
- Students cannot be part of more than two cohorts (including transportation) in any given week.
- Any one staff member (even in multiple roles) cannot interact with more than three cohorts in a given day and five in a week.
- LIPI cannot take the place of any CDL instruction.
You can read the full Guidance for Limited In-Person Instruction During CDL HERE.
Your PAT bargaining team has worked over the last three sessions to negotiate the fine points of LIPI activities in PPS. Key to our conversation:
- LIPI instruction will be provided by educators on a voluntary basis. If the District cannot find a volunteer from the regularly employed PAT membership, PPS will open the positions to PAT substitute educators.
- Volunteers who agree to provide LIPI during teacher-directed time in their regular schedule will be paid at their individual per-diem hourly rate for all lost teacher-directed time, plus for an additional hour per week for time spent planning LIPI sections.
- Educators who volunteer can rescind their volunteer offer if they do not feel safe once they inspect the space provided for LIPI.
We reached conceptual agreement on all points last week and you can look for the final copy of the language attached to the next Bargaining Brief.
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Featured post
Black Lives Matter in Schools: Curriculum Fair
Join Teaching for Change and Howard University’s School of Education for a virtual curriculum fair featuring workshops, keynote speakers, and time for educators to learn more about the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, taking place February 1-5, 2021. This virtual event is free for educators and takes place on January 30th from 8:00am-10:30am. Register here for this awesome opportunity- this might fill up fast, so register soon!
If you are interested in planning for Black History Month and Black Lives Matter Week of Action/Year of Purpose with the Racial Equity Committee and the Social Justice and Community Outreach Committee, please fill out this interest form.
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Featured post
OEA Winter Retreat for Early Career Educators--January 30th, 2021
For the third consecutive year, OEA will be hosting a Winter Recharge retreat for aspiring educators and early career educators. This is an event tailored to the needs of aspiring educators and professionals in the first few years of their career.
This year, the event will be held virtually in a new, more flexible format on January 30th, 2021, with content offerings available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity to network with educators across the state in roles of mutual support, and delve into professional development opportunities which best suit your current role and goals for your career in education. This is one of many professional development supports that OEA offers its members. Please check out the OEA website for additional opportunities.
For more information and to register for the Winter Retreat please click here.
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Featured post
Upcoming Events List
The PAT office and Advocacy Cadre will be closed Monday, January 18th to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January Committees Meeting, RSVP Here
- Substitute, Jan. 20, 4:30-6:30pm
- Advocacy, *Re-scheduled* Jan. 21, 4:30-6:30pm
- Membership, Jan. 21, 4:30-5:30pm
- Legislative, Jan. 21, 5:00-7:00pm
- IPD, *Re-scheduled* Jan. 22, 4:30-6:30pm
- Racial Equity, Jan. 27, 4:30-6:30pm
- SJCO, Jan. 27, 4:30-6:30pm
See the PAT Calendar for more
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Featured post
Joint Letter to Gov. Brown from Union Presidents
Continue readingSent to PAT Members 1/7/2021: See the PDF here.
Dear Educator,
First, I want to acknowledge that the violence and disruption of the peaceful transition of power in Washington DC yesterday has been rightfully pulling our attention away from "normalcy" this week. Educators play an important role in helping students process these events and helping students learn about this moment in our nation's history - thank you.
Meanwhile, conversations across the state continue about the appropriate timeline to safely open schools for in-person instruction.
I wanted to share the attached letter, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to in-person instruction, from the presidents of the Portland Association of Teachers, the Beaverton Education Association, the Salem Keizer Education Association, the Hillsboro Education Association, and the Eugene Education Association. The text of the letter is below.
Elizabeth Thiel, PAT President
http://www.pdxteachers.org/ -
Featured post
Sick Leave Bank Donation Drive: Now Paperless!
Donate up to 40 hours of your sick-leave to help a colleague in need.
Last school year, PAT members helped dozens of colleagues in need thanks to contributions to the PAT Sick Leave Bank. These colleagues had exhausted their accumulated leave balances, but were unable to work due to extended or recurring personal illness. With the help of the Sick Leave Bank, they avoided the additional hardships of lost salary and lost insurance coverage.
Thanks to your generosity, last year we met our goal of collecting the maximum number of voluntarily donated hours allowed under our contract. Recent improvements in our contract (CBA Article 17.2.1.2.F) mean that we can now fulfill almost all applications for assistance prior to running out of Sick Leave Bank hours. This shows the District that PAT members act on their belief that an injury to one is an injury to all.
It’s a new school year, with new needs, and a new Bank to fill. We can accept up to 4000 hours and have a long way to go to reach that goal.
This year, it is easier than ever to donate hours: you can donate hours by filling out this online form! You will need to log in with your PPS email account and include your PPS employee ID number on the form.
Thank you for being part of this crucial program that allows us to support our colleagues through our union.
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Distance Learning Agreements
Continue readingLIPI FAQ (1-22-21)
Tentative 10 Point Agreement for LIPI Safety Conditions
Tentative Agreement for ReOpening School under COVID-19 Pandemic, and District PLC Guidelines (signed 10-16-2020)
Distance Learning Evaluation
Resources and Documents
- Timeline for Evaluations
- Administrator Observation Tool
- Observation Debrief Preparation
- Educator Self-Assessment and Reflection
Evaluation Samples:
- Counselor Evaluation Sample
- Library/Media Specialist Evaluation Sample
- Non-Classroom Employee Evaluation Sample
More Information on CDL Evaluations:
Given the specific challenges we’re facing with Distance Learning, a majority of educators can still expect an “in process” for many of the evaluation elements, because all ratings must be based on evidence.
Annual Goals
As part of this process, educators will be required to have two student learning goals and one professional goal for the year. Unlike prior years, you may focus student learning goals on:
- social and emotional learning for students;
- student engagement; and/or
- family engagement.
Professional goals are areas that you decide you would like to work on, and academic goals may be considered with mutual agreement.
Key Steps in the Evaluation Process
There are four steps in this year’s evaluation process, a Pre-Observation Conference, a Formal Observation, a Post-Observation Conference, and a Summative Meeting.
This year’s Pre-Observation Conference for classroom teachers will be based on the Educator’s Self-Assessment and Reflection worksheet. Separate rubrics will be used for Library Media Specialists, Counselors, and other Certified Educators not in the classroom.
Educators must be given at least five school days’ notice before the Formal Observation, and administrators will share their notes from the observation using the Administrator Observation Tool.
Generally, within five school days of the observation there should be a Post-Observation Conference. If the educator’s self-assessment and the administrator’s rating significantly diverge, the administrator will provide a written copy of the Administrator Observation Debrief Preparation Form.
For probationary educators this evaluation process will be conducted in both fall and spring, with a Fall Summative Meeting held prior to December 18, 2020 and a Spring Summative Meeting held by March 1, 2021.
For contract educators there is one annual observation cycle. Formal observations must be completed by April 1, 2021 with Annual Summative Meetings completed by May 1, 2021.
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PAT Advocacy Cadre
Continue readingIntroducing the New PAT Advocacy Cadre Hotline
We are excited to launch the PAT Advocacy Cadre, a group of 10 member-educators who will work closely with the UniServ Consultants to become experts on our contracts, and to support members who need help navigating the language of our union contracts.
PAT Advocacy Cadre Hotline Hours
Mondays, 5:00-6:30 pm, starting August 31st.
- Phone: (503) 495-2144 (leave a voicemail and you will get a call back during hotline hours)
- Zoom Drop-In (open 5-6:30pm on Hotline Mondays)
- Email: askpat@oregoned.org (send a message and you will get a response during hotline hours)
Meet The PAT Advocacy Cadre
¡Hola a todos! My name is Angela Bonilla and I am an Instructional Coach at Scott School K-5. This will be my 5th year teaching at PPS and first year out of my Spanish DLI classroom. I am extremely excited to be an advocate and resource for educators; ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!
Tom Aaron Gevurtz teaches 2nd and 3rd graders in the Chinese Dual Language program at Harrison Park K8; the English side. 2020-2021 is my 27th year teaching Kindergarten through 8th grade. I look forward to advocating for all PAT members!
Emily Golden-Fields is a substitute teacher who has worked in PPS since 2016. She teaches in schools throughout the district, and has taught a variety of grade levels: kindergarten through high school. She is excited to support and empower members as an advocate!
Adama Goudiaby My name is Hanna McGrath and I am currently teaching 8th grade Language Arts at Lane Middle School. Before joining PPS, I worked in a number of Portland’s youth-based non-profits with a focus on our youth houselessness crisis and literacy. Jackson Mowe started with PPS as a paraeducator in 2013. He is currently teaching fourth grade at Grout Elementary. He believes strongly in the power of collective action and is ready to advocate on your behalf.
My name is Nahir Pérez. I am a 3rd grade Spanish Immersion teacher at Rigler Elementary. This is my 4th year teaching for the district.I am originally from Panamá City, Panamá and moved to the United States when I was 7. I went through PPS for schooling starting at Beach Elementary, DaVinci Arts Middle School and Benson High School.My name is Charity Powell, I am a Special Education Teacher at Laurelhurst School, and mom to an incoming kindergartener. I have worked for PPS since 2002. Over the years, I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade as a General Education Teacher, and Kindergarten through 8th grade as a Special Education Learning Center Teacher. My name is Maggie Raczek. I am a Science teacher at Lincoln High School. This is my 22nd year with PPS. I look forward to advocating for PAT members. Michele Stahlecker -
PAT Committees
Continue readingJoin a PAT Committee!
PAT is known around the state and country for being a strong and powerful union. Part of what makes this possible is the strength of our committees within the union. Our committees give members a way to be involved based on their own interests. Most of our committees are open to all members. We want you to get involved. Your voice will make a difference.
RSVP for any PAT Committee Meeting here.
Those who RSVP will be sent a Zoom Link.
Most Committees meet about once a month in the evening. Committee meeting dates and start times are available on our calendar. Committees with an * are open committees, and all PAT Members are welcome to attend.
ADVOCACY
Chair: Charity Powell, Laurelhurst ES
Board Liaison: Mike Bauer
Staff Liaison: Cynthia Campos
2020-2021 meeting dates:Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30:September 23, October 21, December 2, January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 26
A little bit about Advocacy Committee
Charity Powell
BARGAINING
Chair: Steve Lancaster, Lincoln HS
Staff Liaison: John BerkeyA little bit about Bargaining Committee
Steve Lancaster
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH*
Chair: Alisha Chavez, Atkinson ES
Board Liaison: Adolfo Garza-Cano
Staff Liaison: Peter Brogan
2020-2021 meeting dates:Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30: September 30, October 28, December 9, January 27, February 24, March 31, April 28
A little bit about Social Justice Committee
Alisha Chavez
RACIAL EQUITY*
Co-Chair: Jacque Dixon, DART @ Benson
Co-Chair: Nedra Miller, Lee ES
Board Liaison: Jacque Dixon
Staff Liaison: Cynthia Campos
2020-2021 meeting dates:Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30: September 30, October 28, December 9, January 27, February 24, March 31, April 28
A little bit about Racial Equity Committee
Jacque Dixon
Nedra Miller
INSTRUCTIONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT*
Chair: Elizabeth Israel Davis, Grout ES
Board Liaison: Rachel Hanes
Staff Liaison: Peter Brogan
2020-2021 meeting dates:Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30: September 23, October 21, December 2, January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 26
A little bit about IPD Committee
Elizabeth Israel-Davis
LEGISLATIVE*
Chair: Ami Fox
Board Liaison: Tina Lamanna
Staff Liaison: John Berkey
2020-2021 meeting dates:Thursdays, 5:00-7:00: September 3, October 1, October 29, December 10, January 21, February 25, April 1, May 6
A little bit about Legislative Committee
Ami Fox
PAT PAC
Chair: Rebecca Levison
Board Liaison: Erika Schneider, Llewellyn ES
Staff Liaison: John BerkeyMEMBERSHIP & SPECIAL SERVICES*
Chair: Julie Pedersen, Jason Lee K-8
Board Liaison: Vincent Chirimwami, Faubion K-8
Staff Liaison: Peter Brogan2020-2021 meeting dates:
Thursdays, 4:00-6:00: September 3, October 1, October 29, December 10, January 21, February 25, April 1, May 6
Julie Pederson
NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS
Chair: Ailien Tran, Winterhaven K-8
Staff Liaison: Cynthia CamposA little bit about Nominations & Elections Committee
Ailien Tran
SUBSTITUTE*
Co-Chair: Judith Kleinstein
Co-Chair: Dustin Starke
Board Liaison: Greg Burrill
Staff Liaison: John Berkey
2020-2021 meeting dates:Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30: September 23, October 21, December 2, January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 26
A little bit about Substitute Committee
Judith Kleinstein
Dustin Starke
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