GBEA Activities
GBEA Holds Successful AR Training
On May 28th, the GBEA held an AR training, the first in over ten years. The training covered contract issues, the GBEA structure and the three lenses of unionism.
 |
 |
|
WEAC RA - May 24-26 Over 900 delegates attended the WEAC RA in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. New business items brought up at the RA and passed by delegates included: |
 |
Revenue caps: WEAC leadership was directed to aggressively lobby and advocate for draft legislation lifting the state-imposed revenue caps.
Online disparagement: The WEAC Legal Department and the Government Relations Department, in consultation with our allies in the educational community and in state government, were charged to revise all applicable state statutes to better protect teachers, ESPs and other education professionals from online and computer-based harassment, defamation, bullying and/or intimidation.
Emerging Voices: The WEAC will allocate $75,000 for the purpose of funding Emerging Voices Programs for UniServs. This funding will be used as a supplement to WEAC program support of Emerging Voices Programs.
WEAC-Retired: WEAC was required to investigate the possibility of offering a voluntary payroll deduction option (similar to PAC dues or NEA children’s Fund) for future membership in WEAC-Retired. For example, a $1.00 deduction over 24 pay periods creates a WEAC retired member in under 15 years.
Local associations: The WEAC officers and Board of Directors were charged with investigating an initiative for Building Full Capacity Locals. The WEAC Officers and Board of Directors were asked to consider regional training for local leaders and a statewide residents Academy. The WEAC Officers and Board of Directors will appoint a steering committee to study the feasibility of an initiative focusing on Building Full Capacity Locals to report out a recommendation to the WEAC Board of Directors at the January 2010 board meeting.
ELL resources: That WEAC provide, through its publications and website, resources to assist English language learners (ELL) and Bilingual teachers.
  |
 Emerging Voices participant Jaime Rannow spoke in favor of the New Business item which requested funding for Emerging Voices training. She was joined by Amanda Griggs and Kim DeTennis who also participated in Emerging Voices. |
Winners of GBEA's Read Across America Contest Receive Prizes. The GBEA held its second annual Read Across America contest. The theme of this year's contest was "Read It. Dream It. Do It." Students were encouraged to submit a poster, audio clip or video clip that expressed the theme. The winners were given a "Cat in the Hat" hat and a $25 gift card to Marcus Theatres. In addition, each school received a plaque of the students' drawings.
The winners in the divisions were:
|
Tyrianna, a first grader at Nicolet Elementary |
|
 |
|
 |
| Jessica, a third grader at Langlade Elementary, won in the Grades 3-5 division. |
 |
 |
| Xia, a sixth grader at Edison Middle School, won in the Grades 6-8 division. |
 |
 |
| West High School's Andy Heimerman's 1st Hour Language Arts class won in the 9-12 division, with this video. Rather than a gift card, the entire class was treated to bagels and muffins. |
|
|
GBEA Holds Second Emerging Voices Training, January 22-24
Fifteen GBEA members attended the second Emerging Voices Training. During the two days they learned about GBEA structure and history, discussed perceptions, and delved into the three frames of unionism. Based on Cohort II's evaluations, the training was a huge success.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Give-A-Kid-A-Book Campaign Kick-off, November 13, 2008
On November 13, the Friends of the Brown County Library kicked off its 19th annual Give-A-Kid-A-Book Campaign. The Friends held a news conference at the Brown County Central Library. President David Harswick spoke. Several students from Fort Howard School were also present and spoke about why they loved to read. Honorary Chairperson Tina Driver (Green Bay Packer Donald Driver's wife) was there with her children and cut the ribbon to kick off the campaign.
GBEA members are encouraged to donate NEW books by December 5th. Books are being collected in faculty lounges. Members may also donate, by writing a check to "Friends of the Brown County Library: GAKAB."
 |
 |
New Teacher Social - October 13, 2008
On October 13, the GBEA held a New Teacher Social. Instead of the annual New Teacher Dinner, teachers new to the District were invited to visit the GBEA office, meet Member Services representatives and chat with Board members and staff. Thanks to Horace Mann, AAA and Wisconsin Vision, a light supper was also provided. Members services provided raffle prizes which included a Sonic toothbrush, gas cards and apparel.
 |
 |
 |
Fourth Annual GBEA Scholarship Trust Fund Golf Outing - September 20, 2008
On September 20, with beautiful weather, the fourth annual GBEA Scholarship Trust Fund Golf Outing teed off at noon. Sixty golfers participated.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Thanks to the many sponsors:
- Financial Consulting Services
- Mid-Vallee Golf Course
- Green Bay Packers
- Horace Mann Insurance
- Dental Associates
- Hinkfuss, Sickel, Petitjean & Wieting
- Tax Management Services
- WEA Trust
- Kaplan Automotive
- Wisconsin Vision
Also thanks to the many contributors: Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley, Packer Pro Shop, AAA, Best Golf, Feldhausen Retirement/Consulting Service, Oneida Bingo and Casino, Jeff Hoppe, Bay City Smokehouse, Hooters, PDQ Car Wash, Schreiber Foods, Mackinaws, SC Grand, Green Bay Gamblers (PMI), WEAC, von Stiehl Winery, and Amanda Smithson.
