welcome back- president's introduction

Dear Colleagues,

Hello and greetings.  First let me introduce myself.  I am Tod Critchlow your new VTA President. I am looking forward to a great year and to working for you and with you to help make Vista an even better place to be.  As summer comes to an end and thoughts turn back to the classroom and our students I wanted to share some information about the first couple of days that I hope you will find helpful.

The first day for teachers is Thursday, August 13th.  This is now called a professional development day, formerly a mandatory staff development day.  This day is a normal non-student work day and you must sign in and sign out; there will not be a make-up day.  If you are unable to attend due to illness or personal necessity you do not need to report this absence via the SmartFindExpress sub finder system.  Report the absence to your office manager and be sure to check the monthly attendance reports at your site to make sure the day is recorded correctly.

50% or less certificated staff are obligated to attend as per their contract hours or as per
customized calendar. If less than full time certificated staff want to attend professional
development in excess of their contract or customized calendar, it would need to be
pre-approved by the supervisor with a funding source identified. A time sheet would need to be
completed by the teacher and a PR processed by the site.

Friday, August 14th is a teacher prep day.  This includes an opening staff meeting at the beginning of the day that may not be longer than 90 minutes The rest of the day is yours to prepare your room and curriculum.

Monday, August 17th is the first student day of school.  

See you on August 13th.

Sincerely,

Tod Critchlow
President
Vista Teachers Association
 
August 13 - District Professional Development Day
     Sign in and Sign out by site
     You do not need to record this absence in SmartFindExpress (sub finder)
     There will be no make ups for this day
August 14 - Teacher Prep Day 
     This is your day
     This is a regular non student day (7.5 hours with lunch)
     FOLLOWING a 90 minute staff meeting  - The staff meeting should happen first thing in the morning
August 17 - First Day of School
     ENJOY!!!