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First Chance to Get Involved

11/29/2016

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If you are so inclined, you could ask questions or share your feelings regarding the choice of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. 
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Tester to Hold Online Townhall Wednesday
 
(U.S. Senate)— As part of his recently launched #Montennial initiative, Senator Jon Tester will be hosting his first ever online townhall via Facebook Live, where he will take questions and comments from constituents through Facebook and Twitter. Tester will be responding, in real time, to comments and questions being posted during the event, as well as questions posted on the Facebook event beforehand.
 
#Montennial Online Townhall
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
6-7 p.m. MST
Facebook Live
 
“I launched my #Montennial tour to have a conversation with the next generation of our state’s leaders—Montana’s millennials,” Tester said. “That’s why I’m hosting my first ever online townhall, to hear directly from the folks who will be most impacted by today’s policy decisions, and hear about the issues that matter most to them.”
 
Reporters, editors, and news directors are invited to logon and watch the Senator respond to questions.
 
While the focus will be on issues impacting millennials, Montanans of all ages are encouraged to participate in Tester’s online townhall and can submit a question in advance HERE.

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Thankful for you

11/22/2016

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As we approach the Thanksgiving break, enjoy the time to rest, relax and rejuvenate.
You deserve it!

 

This holiday allows us to reflect on the many positive things
for which we have to be thankful.

I am thankful for the opportunity you have given me to represent you. I am also thankful
for each and every one of you…

The work you do with students is truly remarkable.
Thank you for the extra hours you spend planning, grading and organizing.
Thank you for believing in our students when they may not believe in themselves.
Thank you for showing them the way when they are lost. 
Thank you for inspiring them to be the absolute best they can be.
 Your positive impact touches not only our students, but our community, state
and the future of our country. 

Thank you for changing the world – one child at a time.
​ 
Shelli Lavinder Schwalk
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The Result

11/10/2016

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 My heart is heavy today as I think of the work our teachers will have in front of them as they continue to do what is best for students.

As teachers, union officers, community members and U.S. Citizens, we marvel at a process which aspires to give voice to everyone and respects the rule of the majority. We also marvel that its results almost always leave many people happy and many others unhappy. Some people are feeling heard, while others go unheard; some are excitedly feeling “part of” moving ahead. Others are feeling disenfranchised and upset because it seems as if they are moving backwards.
 
Elections based on a particular type of discourse and variety of things said as well as values expressed over the past year, make these feelings even stronger. It reminds us of the critical need to do better – to develop future leaders who seek to understand all perspectives, embrace difference, think critically, solve problems creatively and collaboratively, and who truly look out for all. 

Love, kindness, tolerance, decency and justice are concepts teachers will need to teach, model and reinforce daily. I have the utmost faith that our teachers will rise to the occasion and care for our next generation as they always have. As I said in my convocation speech, humanity is counting on our young people to make this world a better place; and teachers have been entrusted with the responsibility and honor of making sure our students are prepared to make that happen.
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The results of our state elections will make our ground game critically important.  Governor Bullock is a great goalie.  He has the best interests of all students in mind, but he cannot do what needs to be done for our educational system alone. Unfortunately, this election has left him without what could be considered a comfortable level of support. When the time approaches, we need work to provide that support by involving ourselves in legislative contact.  Now, more than ever, we must activate; we must unite!
 
We are a union that celebrates diversity in identity and celebrates difference in beliefs, views, perspectives and opinions.  As union members, we have a very serious mission:  to develop ethical, socially-minded, action-oriented leaders of all kinds. Leaders who can truly work together with other leaders to use their diversity to solve complex problems, ranging from poverty to peace – in fundamentally new ways. 
 
Remember. Democracy necessitates continued participation. As with each election, this one is historic; however, it is only a moment in a long history of change. Most certainly, it is only a moment in a long future yet to be shaped and built by you. We all must work to advance the causes we hold close to our hearts. We each must strive to do this important work in a way that truly embraces and engages all others.
​

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Early Education Preschool Video 

11/9/2016

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Click here for video
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Every Vote Counts - Just Vote

11/8/2016

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​Each and every one of the following have been driven by politics and politicians:  NCLB, ESSA, school choice, public versus private, school funding, testing mandates, Title I, II, III, IV and more… Yet, teachers take the “I’m not political” stance.  Can you seriously afford not to be political?  Can you just be silent given the current political choices facing us in our state?

​Phone calls have been made; postcards sent; doors knocked and rallies attended.  We have one week left to cast our votes for the candidates of our choice.  Year after year, I have heard that a fairly large percentage of teachers did not exercise their right to vote.  Didn’t vote…. let that sink in for a minute. Curriculum is political.  Standards are political.  Testing is political.  Education is political. Please take time to fill in your ballot and vote.  I’d be very pleased if I saw 100 percent of our teachers vote, but even 80 percent would be remarkable to see.  

​

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Two More Evenings to Contact Voters

11/3/2016

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This Thursday and again Monday we will be contacting voters already identified as supporters to be sure they vote. Nothing controversial, just reminders to get out and vote.  We may also need to let people know it is to late to safely mail their ballots.  At this point it is better to drop it off at their election office or on election day at their designated voting site.  If all 18,000 MEA-MFT voters actually vote, the outcome Tuesday will likely be a favorable one for education. 

When: TODAY 11/3/16  and again MONDAY 11/7/16
Time: 5:00 - 7:00
Where: GFEA office 511 13th Ave. S Great Falls, MT


​Hello all,
We are going to be doing the last 2 sessions of phone banking this Thursday 11/3 and Monday 11/7 at the GFEA Office from 5-7 pm if you can join us this is the last chance to get people out to vote or to turn in their ballots! Stay an hour or stay two, we'd love to see you! Fun times calling members and having some treats. We have some treats and drinks and it is member to member so the calls have been fun!
Hope you can make it and feel free to share with others who might be interested in getting involved in this important election!
Thanks for all you do!
Tom Cubbage
899-7441

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    2021 Legislative Issues
    GFEA-GFPS CBA
    2022-2023 GFEA Calendar
    GFEA Constitution
    GFEA Bylaws
    GFEA Policies
    Issue Form
    MFPE

    GFEA's 2022
    ​EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTION RESULTS


     OFFICERS
    1st Vice President
     Lance Olson

    Secretary-Treasurer

     * Stephanie Olson

     
     REPRESENTATIVES
    Elementary
     * Eric Bush
     * Kari Rosenleaf

    Middle School

      Nick Herd

    ​High School

     * Dawn O’Leary

    Member-At-Large
     * Arienne Konesky


     * Asterik indicates unopposed position elected
    by acclamation.
     Terms run
     June 2022 – June 2024.

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    Youth Art Month

    The Youth Art Month
    2022 Art Show
    at the Montana State Capitol is fast approaching!
     
    ​
    • If you would like to participate please beginning preparing artworks for the show!
    • Each teacher can send two to three 2-D pieces, pending scale & response
    • Works must be mounted/matted and hang-able (hot glue and string works great)
    • We use Command strips on marble to hang, so works can’t be too heavy
    • NO FRAMES unless YOU provide the easel
    • 3-D works are encouraged, number is not as limited but please think of media when shipping

    To register artworks, please fill out a separate form for each student located at the following link: ​https://forms.gle/x5HvLozL9rTfkK9UA//forms.gle/qSyhFfCGRqj96JQE8 
    (The registration link is also available on the Youth Art Month Website)

    Important Dates:
    Feb. 3 - Mail art:
    Victor Daniel,
    MAEA Youth Art Month Chair

    C/O Helena High School
    1300 Billings Ave
    Helena, MT 59601

    Feb. 23 - Show Install
    Youth Art Month Show : Through March
    April 6 - Takedown
     
    Please email 
    vdaniel@helenaschools.org

    Belgrade art teachers welcome students, teachers
    to the Montana
    ​Art Invitational

        Hello,
    Art Teachers of Montana!
       This April 29-March 1, come join us here in beautiful Belgrade, Montana, for our annual Montana Art Invitational (MAI).
        What is MAI exactly? Well, my friends, it's an amazing opportunity for your students to experience art outside of the classroom.
       It includes classes showcasing local artists who are excited to share their techniques, a look at what it is like to go to art school here at MSU, and fun games to get to know our awesome Montana art community.
        Students will be housed over the weekend here at Belgrade High School, meals provided, with a small fee of $35 to cover costs of materials.
        Our Covid-19 policy reflects our district's decision to strongly recommend masks.
        Please consider this opportunity. As a fellow art teacher, we all know the power of creative communities. Let us help facilitate the future of Montana.
    -Belgrade Art Department

    MEMBERSHIP     EVENTS

    WHEN:
    Thurs., Dec. 9, 2021
    from 6- 6:30 p.m. MT

    The registration link:
    https://secure.ngpvan.com/KJvCz8522UGo6BnGEzIFMQ2 
    WHO: 
    Presenter: Sarah Piper
    WHAT: 
    Contract rights and workplace protection are critical reasons to be an MFPE member – but your union membership comes with lots of other benefits too. Learn more about free college for your family, life insurance, trauma counseling, home/auto insurance, discounts, and more. Find out how your membership can help you have more freedom in ALL areas of your life.

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