Welcome back! I hope you had a restful summer and spent some well-deserved time to relax. If you worked in summer schools or programs, I hope you found some time to relax as well. It's now time to get ready for the 2024-25 school year.

I would like to extend a special welcome to new school counselors. Greetings and congratulations on joining one of the most dedicated chapters of the UFT! If you previously worked in another title, such as a paraprofessional or secretary, congratulations on advancing to the next stage of your career. Your experience will serve you well in your new role.

I’ve included some relevant information below that should be helpful to you throughout the school year. These are good reminders for new and returning members alike. I also shared some upcoming events that may interest you.

As school counselors, we help create supportive learning environments that position our students for future success. We should all be proud of the contributions we make in the lives of children in our schools. I look forward to seeing current members again and welcoming new colleagues.

Please remember that your union is here for you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email.

In solidarity,

Rosemarie Thompson
RThompson [at] uft [dot] org (RThompson[at]uft[dot]org)
 

Labor policy guidance on the 2024-25 school year workday for UFT school-based titles

The DOE published guidance in the Aug. 27 edition of Principal's Digest regarding the first week of school and remote work for UFT school-based titles for the 2024-25 school year.

• Related service providers all create their own schedules, based on students’ instructional programs and subject to supervisory approval. Staff schedules should reflect the employee’s assignments, and roles and responsibilities and may include up to 55 minutes per week for administrative work that may be conducted remotely. The schedule and time allotted for remote work is subject to supervisory review and approval.
• Please review the 2024-25 calendar to see dates for this year's parent-teacher conferences. All evening PTCs (including Meet the Staff night, Curriculum Night, etc.) shall be conducted remotely unless a school has an SBO for an in-person conference. All afternoon PTCs shall be conducted remotely provided that staff are able to commute home or to an alternative location in time to participate in the conferences.

For more information, please read the item as it was published in Principal's Digest.

Review the guidance

School counselor hours and repurposed time

Please review the current guidance on repurposed time and hours for school counselors. You can make sure that you are working your contractual time based on your school’s lunch period. If you work in a single-session school, you can review the times that school counselors are required to work for the four annual parent-teacher conferences.

I advise you to reach out to your supervisor and building chapter leader so they’re aware of these rules.

Read the memorandum

Summer school evaluations 

If you completed your assignment in summer schools or programs, please make sure you received your rating (either "S" or "U"). The DOE's deadline to publish all ratings in the EIS was Friday, Aug. 16. If you haven't received your rating yet, please contact me and your building chapter leader as soon as possible.

Assigned roles in Galaxy

Some school counselors have been assigned roles in Galaxy for the 2024-25 school year. These roles contain specific responsibilities outside our normal job functions. I urge you to speak with your supervisor or principal as soon as you can to see if you've been assigned a role for this year.

You may also need to find out what other responsibilities this role entails and specific deadlines that must be fulfilled for each assignment.

If you have any questions or concerns, or feel that your rights have been violated, please email me.

Save the date for the 21st annual UFT School Counselors Conference

Our annual conference is a great opportunity to network with colleagues, attend informative workshops, listen to guest speakers and develop your skills as a school counselor.

Please save the date for next year's conference. I will provide more details as the event approaches.

• Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Location: Shanker Hall, 2nd floor, UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway
• Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Save the date for the UFT Middle Schools Division Anti-Bullying Conference

Your middle school students will learn how to identify and prevent bullying at school at the UFT Middle School Division's annual Anti-Bullying Student Conference.

Space at the conference is limited, so we're asking each school to bring a maximum of 12 students. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunch, snacks and giveaways will be provided. You will receive your registration link via email in the next few days.

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 24
• Location: Shanker Hall, 2nd floor, UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway
• Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.