November President's Message

Dear Members, 

    As I sip my coffee this quiet Monday morning, I look out my front window at the sunny Southern California autumn, I see the start of the desert Santa Ana winds in the swaying of palm fronds.  I don’t know about you, but I love this time of year.  The weather is generally beautiful, there is football on t.v., and it is time to pause to focus on friends and families.  It’s a time to honor the relationships that we value as priorities in our lives.  Whether it’s a Friendsgiving, a large family gathering, or however you celebrate, please pause and enjoy your break.  I can not say it enough.  You deserve it.  

As we pause to honor the relationships and connections that bring value to our community, I can not miss the opportunity to send tons of gratitude your way for how you have served the students of Vista Unified.   Being an educator certainly wasn’t easy before the pandemic, and the challenges of Covid hasn’t made the profession any easier.  As I have visited sites, and spoken to our diverse membership, I hear your deep commitment to our students and for that VTA says “Thank You!”

Bargaining: I know many of you want to know more about bargaining.  A bargaining update will be going out after our next bargaining meeting (date to be determined).  We will keep you posted about any upcoming information.  As of now the last bargaining update has the most current information.  

Please watch for us at your site: Vista Teachers Association Listening Tour.  Ask your site Rep when we will be out.  We will bring Gifts and Food and are there to answer questions, address concerns, and meet our membership so we can develop those important relationships and know how our membership feels so we can represent you.  

Know Your Contract: Article 16 goes over the different types of leaves and when and how they can be used.  To know the difference between Sick Leave(16.1), Personal, and Personal Necessity Leave (16.9), please check out the Contract 

The Standard: The last day to enroll in the Standard is NOV. 30, 2021.  If you do not have Standard Disability Insurance do not let this opportunity pass.  Here is the link to find out more information.

Thankful Thursday:  VTA will be holding a Thankful Thursday Happy Hour at Wildwood Bar and Grill in Vista on December 16, 2021 from 3:30-5:30.  First 20 people get a free cocktail.  All other drink tabs will be 10% off.  Appetizers will be provided. Come out and see old friends and maybe make some new connections.   

As I watch the Santa Ana winds grow stronger, I think of our association, Local #1088, and how it grows stronger everyday as we continue to grow in membership. We will continue to focus on our working conditions, hours, and wages because your working conditions are the learning environments of our students.  VTA will continue to reach out to all membership to hear your voice and represent you.  If you have any questions, you can always reach out to your site rep, or to me.  I value building relationships with you, our membership; after all it is all about those important relationships.  Please continue to wear your shirts on Thursdays to show solidarity as we stand up for working conditions, hours, and wages.  
 We are #strongertogether.  

Question of the Month: What are you thankful for?  
To be entered into a raffle for a Belching Beaver gift bag answer at [email protected]


​In Unity, 
Keri Avila