June 6, 2025

Happy Friday, Happy June!  We are down to single digits in remaining school days! I had the pleasure of visiting Gunston Middle School this week and am already looking forward to Summer School visits.  We will have our final Delegate Assembly meeting of the year on Monday.

Lots of information about events below.  

Wishing those who observe Eid a safe and joyful celebration.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to AEA member Enid Dunbar of TJMS for being named an APS All-Star for the month of June!

It's PRIDE Month

We have a supply of "All are Safe in Virginia" pins and stickers in the office, along with "I'm Here" lanyard tags. Please email president.arlington@leavea.org if you would like one.

From NEA:

Greeting NEA World Pride Parade Participants:

We are so excited that you will join us as Team NEA for the 2025 World Pride Festivities on Saturday, June 7, 2025:

Here are the parade logistics for Saturday, June 7, 2025:

• 11:00 AM: Meet at NEA Headquarters at the M Street Guards Station. (1527 M Street NW)

  • Pick up NEA World Pride SWAG (T-Shirts, Hats, Banners, Water, Ponchos etc.)

  • Assemble as a contingent to walk to our parade staging zone .NEA parade vehicle:

• The vehicle will be picked up on Friday, June 6, 2025

  • The vehicle will leave from NEA HQ.

  • NEA vehicle riders:

    • VP Princess Moss

    • Mark Jewell

    • Ron “Duff” Martin

    • Driver: Anthony Brisson

• The vehicle will have water and snacks for those who are marching

• 11:45 PM: Movement to Parade Staging Zone

  • NEA parade vehicle will leave to the Parade Staging Zone

  • NEA contingent will walk to the Parade Staging Zone

Parade Staging Zone: Yellow - S (Enter from S & 15th St NW)Parade Staging Time: 12:00PM - 12:30PM

• NEA parade participants will only be permitted into the staging zone listed above after the time listed. One permit per registered vehicle; the parade marshal will compare your permit with your registration record.

• The NEA parade vehicle will drive along S and 15th NW between 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm.

• Parade marshals will guide the NEA contingent to our lineup location in the Yellow Zone.

• 2:00 PM: World Pride Parade Begins

  • Yellow zone participants can expect to start moving approximately between 2:30 – 2:40 pm.

  • The parade route is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Depending on the pace of parade vehicles and walkers, it may be shorter or longer.

PARADE ROUTE

Starting in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood and winding its way down 14th Street, the parade transforms Pennsylvania Avenue into a colorful corridor of joy, with the iconic U.S. Capitol as a stunning backdrop. Featuring ornate floats, grand marshals, and a vast array of groups representing the LGBTQ+ community.

• 4:00 PM: Conclusion of World Pride Parade

• After the parade, the NEA parade vehicle will return to NEA HQ.

• Post-Parade + Closing Concerts: FREEDOM TO CELEBRATE

• Street Festival + Concert Grounds

  
  

  3rd Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW (between 9th and 3rd Streets)

• Free to the Public

• For more information and concert schedule: Post-Parade + Closing Concerts - WorldPride Washington, DC 2025

From Equality Arlington:

Pride Month! We are so excited to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community all June with events throughout the month. Don't forget to RSVP to Equality Arlington's Pride Party on 6/21 HERE and mark your calendars for our LGBTQ+ Town Hall with elected leaders on 6/30. Below are a number of exciting Pride events happening this week.

Please mark your calendars for all of the other upcoming Pride events in Arlington through June 30th! You can find more Pride celebration events listed at: Ultimate Guide to Arlington, VA Pride 2025 Events | Arlington Convention & Visitors Service or check Equality Arlington's website at: https://www.equalityarlington.org/events.

• 6/14 (10 AM - 11 AM) - Rooted Rainbow Yoga’s celebratory Pride Flow at Quincy Park

• 6/16 (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM) Education as a Form of Queer Activism at Arlington Central Library (FREE)

• 6/20 (1 PM - 3 PM) Dance with Pride! at Lubber Run Community Center (FREE)

• 6/21 (7 PM – 9 PM) – Equality Arlington Pride Party at Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington--Pride Karaoke goes from 9 PM to 1 AM! (FREE)

• 6/30 (6:30 PM – 8 PM) – Equality Arlington's LGBTQ+ Town Hall with Elected Leaders at Clarendon Presbyterian Church (FREE)

Take Action

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 June 14 on the following draft policies:

• B-3.6.37 Electronic Participation in School Board Advisory Committee Meetings

• B-4.4 Electronic Participation in Meetings by Individual Members

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.

Upcoming APS Community Engagement Opportunities:

Tue, June 10      School Board Work Session on the Preparations for the 2027-36 Pre-Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Agendas, background information, and minutes are posted, when available, on BoardDocs.6:30-8:30 pm   Watch Work Sessions Live or at Syphax Education Center, Rooms 254-258

Thu, June 12      School Board Meeting: Student Recognitions: National Scholastics, Athletics Awards, Latin Honors, Music Honors and the Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN); FY 2025 3rd Quarter Fiscal Monitoring Report; Internal Audit Status Report; Information on Revisions to School Board Policy J-5.3.30 Admissions7:00 pm               Watch School Board meeting online, on Comcast Ch. 70, Verizon Ch. 41 or at Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204

Share Your Comments on Draft School Board Policies by June 14Review and comment on draft APS policies that are available for public comment on the APS Engage website. Comments can be provided by June 14 on the following draft policies:

• B-3.6.37 Electronic Participation in School Board Advisory Committee Meetings

• B-4.4 Electronic Participation in Meetings by Individual Members

Tue, July 8          School Board Organizational Meeting: School Board Code of Conduct, Election of the Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Board, and more.10:30 am            Watch School Board meeting online, on Comcast Ch. 70, Verizon Ch. 41 or at Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204High School Students Can Apply for Teen Network BoardThe Teen Network Board (TNB) is a County & School Board-appointed teen advocacy group of students in grades 9-12, from different backgrounds, who provide community voice and service for youth. They discuss issues, make recommendations, and act to improve the lives of Arlington teens. Learn more/Apply by 7/1!Arlington Community Events:Sun, June 8       Arlington Chamber is offering a unique Travel experience to Japan – Early-Bird Deadline is June 8! The trip takes place Nov. 1-8

Tue, June 10      Volunteer Arlington's next Causes & Cocktails5:30-7 pm           William Jeffrey's Tavern, 2301 Columbia Pike, Suite 101, Arlington, VA 22204Wed, June 11     Advance Arlington’s 2nd annual Soiree celebrating Community Conversations6:30-8:30 pm    Buy tickets here. Museum of Contemporary ArtMore at: Community Engagement Opportunities with automatic translation into: Español Монгол   አማርኛ    العربية (Other languages)Summer Camp Registration is OpenCheck out the Arlington Parks & Recreation Summer Activities Webpage for a variety of options to keep kids engaged and active

NEWS FROM VEA

Advocacy Can Pay—Literally!

Big shout-out to members of the Newport News Education Association! Their months of #Red4Ed advocacy at city school board meetings won them bonuses of $1200 for all eligible full-time employees and $600 for all eligible part-time employees, including substitute teachers. NNEA’s efforts resulted in Newport News Public Schools adding some funds to those set aside for bonuses by the state, which had been targeted for $1000 for full-time and $500 for part-time workers. Newport News school employees get their checks June 11.

VEA Fund Recognizes Several Statewide Candidates

After interviewing statewide candidates who participated in VEA’s election recommendation process, members of the VEA Fund for Children and Public Education have designated several candidates as “Friends of Public Education” as the June 17 primary approaches. The Fund carefully evaluated the candidates' positions, commitment to public education, and their body of work.  In the race for Lieutenant Governor, the candidates singled out as Friends are Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Babur Lateef, Sen. Aaron Rouse, and Levar Stoney. For Attorney General, candidates Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor received the Fund’s approval to be designated as a "Friend of Public Education."   I’d like to specifically thank the Fund’s Executive Committee and members for their important work in supporting candidates who are committed to our public schools!

Speaking of Elections…

We’ve got a primary coming up on June 17, with contests in the races for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, House of Delegates seats, and many local offices. Be sure your voices on behalf of students, educators, and schools are heard in the voting booths that day! Every vote counts! The last day for early in person voting for the primary is Saturday, June 14.   Also, the special election to fill Gerry Connolly's vacant seat in Congressional District 11 will be September 9.

Changing School Divisions?

If you’re a VEA member going to work in a new school division in Virginia next school year, I’d like to remind you that your Union membership doesn’t transfer automatically. To prevent unintentional cancellation and/or a gap in your membership, please reach out to vea.membership@veanea.org.

NEA Representative Assembly

Congratulations to the elected VEA Delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly. They will be representing Virginia's members in Portland, Oregon July 3-6, will debate and adopt issues before NEA, and will advocate for public education in solidarity with our union siblings across the country. You can advocate too, by supporting public education through the NEA Fund.

Donate to NEA Fund

NEA Offering Facilitated Classroom Management Courses

Effective classroom management is a key to success for both students and educators. To help hone your skills in this area, NEA is offering online blended learning courses that provide research-based strategies and reflect on how practical classroom management skills can lead to better educational outcomes. These NEA-facilitated offerings run six weeks with suggested deadlines to help you pace yourself and provide a certificate for professional development upon completion. The classes are free to NEA members; non-members may enroll for $100. Space is limited and enrollment closes June 27.

Register Here

Time to Register for Summer School!

Elevate Your Organizing at the Summer Organizing Institute!July 15-17, Open to all members

Transform your organizing approach by learning winning strategies from locals across Virginia through engaging workshops, including VEA history, campaign fundamentals, storytelling techniques, and rapid response networks. You’ll also get hands-on experience with optional canvassing and outreach activities. Space is limited—secure your spot today! Register here.

Leadership Training: Strengthen Your Union Skills!July 13-15, Calling all local presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, and secretaries

Learn to create a vision for growth, lead with a social justice perspective, identify diverse leadership talent, navigate governing documents, manage finances properly, foster teamwork, and handle membership reconciliation and cancellations. It’s just before the Summer Organizing Institute (July 15-17) at the same location—consider staying for both events! Register here.ESP Conference: Amplify Your Voice in the Union!July 17-19, Education Support Professionals—your time to shine is here!

Build your organizing skills and ensure your essential role is recognized: Through member-led panels, interactive workshops, and hands-on programs, you'll discover effective strategies for advocacy and building union power. Don't miss this chance to amplify the ESP voice in our union! Register here.

National Board Certification Workshops Coming in June

VEA is offering two valuable workshops to support educators pursuing National Board Certification this summer:

VEA's Jump Start - A comprehensive three-day workshop (June 26-28, 2025) for educators beginning their initial certification journey. NBCT facilitators will guide participants through certificate requirements and foundational elements of the certification process, providing essential tips and strategies.

VEA's MOC Jump Start - A specialized one-day workshop (June 27, 2025) for current NBCTs embarking on their Maintenance of Certification process. Participants will review National Board fundamentals, explore MOC requirements, and develop individual plans for completing the one-year process.

Both workshops will be held at Embassy Suites by Hilton Richmond (2925 Emerywood Parkway).

Register for Jump StartRegister for MOC Jump Start

NEA Offers Book Suggestions for Pride Month

June is Pride Month and in an effort to spread the word on books about diversity, the LGBTQ+ experience, tolerance, and pride, NEA has provided this list of books for possible classroom use.

Click Here

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