GFT ADDRESSES CONCERNS OVER HIGH SCHOOL START TIMES

As many of you know, GFT has been meeting with GDOE to discuss teacher concerns regarding working from home and virtual learning during these abnormal times. One of the topics discussed this week was around school start times for high school students. GFT raised the issue of school start times to begin the process of garnering feedback from the school community, especially since the lack of bussing services was no longer a hinderance. The GDOE management agreed with the importance of adjusting the school schedules during the online model of learning. Schedules will revert back to the 6:45am start times for three schools, where some students ride the bus at 6:00am when face-to-face sessions resume. While many teachers are used to starting the school day before 8am, research has shown it is more effective and a more conducive learning environment for students to begin the school day after 8:00am.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that both middle and high school students begin the school day at 8:30am or later. This ensures they get the proper amount of sleep needed to combat certain health issues and to increase academic performance. The full article can be found here. 

GFT-GDOE TELEWORKING CONCERNS

As many of you know, GFT's President and Vice-President have been working with GDOE to bring forth teacher concerns regarding teleworking during this pandemic. Here are some things that have been discussed:

• Issues with hard copy curriculum
• Grading criteria for online instruction
• Grading concerns with both hard copy and online curriculum
• Technology issues
• Adapting the grading criteria
• Attendance expectations

Please note that GFT can only recommend and bring forth concerns. Any decisions that are ultimately made are decided on by GDOE.

GFT'S STANCE ON BILL 239-35

The Guam Legislature held a hearing on Bill 239-35, a bill that would seek to bring more off island nurses to Guam and in turn potentially create an exodus of nurses here on Guam to the States. GFT stands against this bill as it has the potential to hurt our nurses and patient care. You can view GFT's statement here.

GEB CANDIDATE CONTACT INFORMATION

GFT's COPE (Committee on Political Action) is looking to reach out to candidates running to serve on the Guam Education Board. COPE would like to send them a list of questions with the intention of deciding if there is a candidate to endorse based on how their ideals will best support GFT. We are asking if you know any of those candidates to please ask them to email us at membership@gftunion.com so that we can distribute that questionnaire.

COVID ALERT APP

On behalf of GFT, we are proud to support the Guam Department of Public Health's new app to help stop COVID-19 in Guam. Add your phone to the COVID fight and protect your community while protecting your privacy. Download Guam Covid Alert for free in the App Store and on Google Play. To better understand how the app works, click here, or visit guamcovidalert.guam.gov.

GFT OFFICE TO REOPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY

Beginning Monday, October 5, the GFT staff will be back in the office at 25% capacity. Should any member or prospective member need assistance, please call the office at 735-4390 to schedule an appointment. Entry into the building is only permitted if you have an appointment. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

MEMBERSHIP CARD UPDATE

While membership cards are in, delivery and distribution has been delayed due to COVID and the island's return to PCOR1. Once the lockdown has been lifted and our office is reopened to members, we will resume distributing membership cards to Stewards and members. We appreciate your patience and your understanding. For the time being, your existing membership card is still valid.

CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL AND NATIONAL MEMBER BENEFITS

Take Advantage of your member discounts in retail, auto care, health, dining and more on the GFT website. You can also see a list of your national discounts with AFT Union Plus, Hilton Hotels, Google Certified Educator, Identity Theft, Free College opportunity and more! Visit www.aft.org to see more and visit www.gftunion.com for your local discounts.! For more information, contact the GFT Office at 735-4390.

FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION CONTACT THE GFT OFFICE AT 735-4390 OR VISIT WWW.GFTUNION.COM

Enjoy, GFTUnion