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September 12, 2025


    Happy Friday!  I hope everyone had a great week.

    We had our first Delegate Assembly meeting of the year on Monday--we are still looking for Building Reps at the following locations: Campbell, Glebe, Montessori, Randolph, Science Focus, Taylor, Nottingham. We also have spots open one of our many active committees.  Please email admin@aeava.org if you're interested in becoming involved in your union!

    Please note that our office admin will be out for at least another week--be sure to leave a message if you call the office, and we will get back to you promptly.

    On Wednesday, our Support Staff Bargaining Team met to prep and plan for negotiations. We offered an informational session for Support Staff on Wednesday evening--a chance to ask questions about the current contract and make suggestions for the next round of negotiations. There will be another event at Central Library on October 22. Look for flyers on the AEA bulletin board, and this space for more information.

    The support survey is also still open for comment:  https://forms.veanea.net/view.php?id=1304078

    These are

     opportunities to provide feedback to those negotiating on your behalf! If you can't make a session, please or can't complete the survey, please contact the AEA office.  

    We also hosted our "Welcome New Educators"/first "Union Power Happy Hour" of the year at Bronson Bierhall. We had a great time networking and shared some great appetizers.  

    On the 18th, NEA Member Benefits will be holding the first of monthly Zoom calls---this month's installment will be:

    Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

    With the news claiming all Federal Student Loan assistance is over, that may not be the case for you as a public servant. Come listen and ask if your loans can be reduced or even eliminated. If so, how to file the applications. Calls start at 5--use the link below.

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    The issue of 10-month vs. 12-month employees, and why 'the union" doesn't do anything about it. This issue has been addressed before, and this office has responded to direct inquiries. Within our union, we have both 10- and 12-month employees. We need to advocate for what is just for all, and that will not include advocating for a reduction in hours/pay, etc. What we will advocate for is more for 10-month employees, as a way to bridge the gap. What ideas do you have?--Contact the office, and we'll pass your suggestions on to the team.




    Share Your Comments on Draft School Board Policies

    Review and comment on draft APS policies that are available for public comment on the APS Engage website. Comments can be provided by September 26 on the following draft policies:



    School Board Now Accepting Applications for School Board Advisory Councils for the 2025-26 School Year

    The School Board Advisory Councils and Committees provide the School Board and administrators input and feedback on the instructional and support programs, facilities, and operations of the Arlington Public Schools. The School Board values input from parents and members of the community as part of the APS decision-making process on operations, teaching and learning, and student support. The School Board is now accepting applications to serve as a School Board Advisory Council member. Click on the link to read more: https://www.apsva.us/citizen-advisory-groups/ or click here for an application.


    Please note that appointments will be for a one-year term only, in preparation for the new advisory committee structure that will take effect in 2026–27.

    NoVA Labor Activities

    Saturday Sept. 13 - Canvass Launch- 9 am4536 B John Marr Drive, AnnandaleJoin our labor-to-labor canvassing for labor-endorsed candidates. We also knock doors Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm. For more information contact Amy Aiotte 516-316-0634 or Andrea Rodriguez 713-428-1013.Thursday Sept 18th - Special In-Person Airport Union Caucus Meeting - 4 pmUnions representing airport and airline workers at DCA National Airport and Dulles are invited to an important meeting of the airport union caucus.NoVA Labor office, 4536 B John Marr Drive, Annandale, VAThursday Sept. 18th - NoVA Labor Monthly Meeting - 7 pmEveryone who wants to help grow the labor movement is welcome to attend our monthly meetings. Pizza and cupcakes are served!4536 B John Marr Drive, Annandale, VAIf unable to attend in person you may observe on Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83243316002October 3 through 5 - Inside Organizer School - Noon Friday through Noon SundayThis is a free 3-day training for people who want to learn how to organize a union. Network with organizing directors from several unions. Friday noon through Sunday noon at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.Register here:  https://www.insideorganizerschool.com/registernovaUPCOMING BOOK CLUB MEETINGSTuesday Sept. 30 - 7:30 pmNothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869, by Stephen E. Ambrosehttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/81476761172?pwd=hc3VgoO4naTE1URAZ0K6ZJTlE4E2ni.1Tuesday Oct. 28th - 7:30 pmA. Philip Randolph;: A biographical portrait, by Jervis A. Philip and Anderson Randolphhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/89254769846?pwd=eXNmTkX9Hrj3gtP1DbvO8CbBbMfWVe.1Tuesday Dec. 2 - 7:30 pmAmerican Lightning: Terror, Mystery, and the Birth of Hollywood, by Howard Blumhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85680474504?pwd=TlW5vFxShLyJxGabTbSv4wdwIrNmmM.1


    You are invited!

    Attend Equality Arlington's Coming Out Party on Saturday, October 11 from 4-6 PM at Freddie's Beach Bar (555 23rd St S, Arlington, VA)! Come celebrate National Coming Out Day with us including:

    • Coming Out Stories from Arlingtonians

    • A Drag Performance

    • Remarks from a special guest

    • Food and drinks

    Please RSVP to the free event here: https://forms.gle/TwEj53gKhtagSiW1A.

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