A Message from Linda Waldbaum, Newsletter Editor
As the school year begins, we find ourselves adjusting to new schedules, new students, new colleagues, and administrators. Through all of this, one constant remains: the Plainedge Federation of Teachers. The PFT is more than a safeguard for our contract; it is the stabilizing force in our professional lives. While we take comfort in knowing our Union enforces these hard-won protections, we must also recognize that its strength depends on the active participation of each and every one of us.
As teachers, we often speak of the importance of relationships with our students, but one of our most vital relationships is with our Union family. When PFT President Perry Fuchs addresses us as “Sisters and Brothers,” it reflects more than a greeting; it affirms that we are part of a family. Like any family, our strength comes from standing together, supporting one another, and working collectively to keep the PFT strong. Our Union protects our livelihood, our working conditions, our health care, and our retirement. None of this is guaranteed by mere existence. It was won by the actions of those before us and will only be preserved through the continued commitment of us all. The PFT is not a passive structure but a living organization, built on the participation of its members, guided by building representatives, and led by our duly elected Union officers.
A strong Union is synonymous with strength in numbers. Simply paying dues is not enough. Showing up is what demonstrates our collective strength. As members of the PFT, we should reflect on the direct actions we have personally taken to maintain our Union’s strength. The general membership is the backbone of the PFT. Without strong participation from each member, none of the other levels within the organization can effectively function.
So how can we, as individual members, help ensure our Union remains steady amid the constant changes around us? First, it's essential we work to recognize and promote all the good the PFT does within the Plainedge community. Disagreements may occur, but we must keep in mind that our effectiveness comes from standing together. Union policies and actions are not designed for personal gain of any member or leader, but rather for the collective benefit of all teachers, students, and the Plainedge community as a whole. We need to demonstrate this idea in all our actions regarding our Union.
Another meaningful way members contribute to our Union is by attending the monthly PFT building meetings. These gatherings give building representatives the chance to share important updates from the Union, while also giving members the opportunity to raise concerns or ideas that can be carried back to the leadership. In many ways, these meetings are like a family dinner –an essential time to connect, share what’s happening, and stay engaged with one another. Just as families connect with each other at family meals, our Union thrives when we take the time to come together at our monthly building meetings.
The PFT works hard to provide a safe and educationally sound working environment for the teachers and students of Plainedge. We have established positive relationships with administrators and community members through our Union initiatives. These positive Union initiatives have been successful because of our high member participation. For example, more than twenty-five years ago, the PFT created the We Make a Difference Awards ceremony to celebrate students who exemplify good citizenship. It is a reminder to the community that teachers do more than simply provide instruction within the classroom. We are educating children on how to be positive role models in their community. This ceremony is organized, presented, and paid for entirely by the PFT, and our individual participation is critical to its long-term success. This year’s We Make a Difference Awards Ceremony will be held on April 22. Will you be there to support our Union?
In addition, the PFT supports graduating seniors through scholarship initiatives. We raise money for these scholarships through events such as The Wizards and Adventureland Night. Individual member participation, again, is what makes these two events so successful and well received by the community at large. This year’s Harlem Wizards Game will be held on November 12. Will you be there to support our Union?
Beyond PFT organized events, our Union also looks to support important causes within the Plainedge community. Every year the PFT raffles off baskets in each building to raise money for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer cause. PFT members will also gather at Jones Beach Field 5 on October 19th at 8AM to walk as a Union in support of the fight against breast cancer. Will you be there to support our Union?
Every year, PFT members also attend the annual Plainedge Season of Lights festivities where we hand out free gifts for the children in attendance. This year the Season of Lights Festival will be held on December 11. Will you be there to support our Union?
Other initiatives which may be less visible, but equally important, include our long-term financial support of community groups including the Brian Moore Memorial Fund, Rocco’s Voice for Autism, Vinny’s Army, The Andrew DeMarco Foundation, Plainedge Youth Baseball and Softball, and Bobcat’s Football. These contributions are made with our members' dues money in order to support our larger Plainedge family.
While engaging with the community through participation in these positive and fun events, it is also important to be present for more official business such as the monthly Board of Education meetings. Our President attends every meeting, but one person alone cannot represent the strength of the entire PFT. When administrators and board members see our faces, they see our commitment, our vigilance, and our unity. Will you be at BOE meetings to support our Union?
https://bit.ly/PFTBOESignup2025-26
It is the participation of each individual member that gives the PFT its strength. Participation takes many forms: showing support, fostering positive relationships, attending Union sponsored activities, or standing together at community events. Each act of engagement, whether large or small, adds to the vitality of our Union and ensures it continues to thrive. The future of our protections and progress rests on this collective commitment. As you look ahead to this school year, ask yourself: What will I do to help strengthen our Union? In addition to attending monthly PFT meetings, take another deliberate step - attend a Board of Education meeting, join your colleagues at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach, or stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow members at rallies to call for changes to Tier 6. Every action, no matter how small, strengthens the PFT family and keeps our Union strong for the future.
Download the PFT calendar of events using this link below to stay abreast of what is happening throughout the year with our PFT.
In solidarity!