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Protect our Schools!

Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals wore orange on April 20 and took a stand against gun violence in American schools.

On the 19th anniversary of the tragic Columbine shootings in Colorado, schools organized and mobilized as a community. Students at more than 2,000 educational institutions from California to Connecticut walked out again—and the men and women of Detroit Federation of Teachers, Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals and Detroit Association of Educational Office Employees stood with them in the call for commonsense gun reform.

Their members declared: #NoMore.

Food Service Specialist is a “diamond in the rough”

More often than not, teachers and principals come to mind when one thinks about the men and women who work in our public schools.

But other staff also help to make a positive impact on the lives of Detroit Public Schools Community District’s 45,000 students.

Katina J. Laird is one of them.

Laird, a state certified food service specialist, has worked for DPSCD for 16 years. She started as a satellite aide and then earned an opportunity to become a specialist. She currently supervises two assistants and group of about 20 current Drew Transition Center students. The two assistants are former DPSCD students.

Charles R. Drew Transition Center, located at 9600 Wyoming Road on the city’s west side, educates students aged 18 to 26. They attend the program, which is a unique post-secondary vocational center for moderate and severely cognitively impaired, visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically impaired, otherwise health impaired and students with autism.

Laird is part manager and part big sister. For a few hours a day she helps to prepare students to learn and develop work skills. 

The students learn commercial kitchen skills from “Ms. Tina” and also what she calls “tough love,” preparing them for the real world.

“I let them know what I expect in this kitchen,” she says. “We don’t play around in here. We’re working around hot food. This is serious.” 

They place watermelon slices in small plastic cups and scoop green beans on serving plates that were home grown in the school’s garden.  Drew is the largest Farm to School program in America, according to the DPSCD. Students help to harvest vegetables in the school’s garden and outdoor Hoop House, and then prepare meals onsite.

Donna Jackson, president of the Detroit Federation of Para-Professionals, calls food service specialists “Katina Laird is a diamond in the rough.”

“The focus is students,” Jackson says about employees like Laird who work behind the scenes. “She’s helping to shape those minds. She’s a jewel.” 

Detroit Hosts 40th Annual Para-Professionals and School-Related Personnel Conference April 28-30

Our President Donna Jackson is joined by Conference co-chair Ruby Newbold, AFT Michigan President David Hecker, her Executive Board Members Jacqueline E. Washington and Andella White as well as AFT Michigan's Gail Spencer.

See photos in the News Section under Photos. 

Ratification Meeting

ATTENTION ALL

LOCAL 2350 RECOMIT MEMBERS ONLY!!!

 

Detroit Federation of Para-Professionals

and

Detroit Public Schools Community District

has reached a tentative agreement.

This contract agreement is contingent upon ratification by the members.

Must be a member to vote.

Must be present to vote.

ONLY RECOMMITED MEMBERS CAN VOTE!!!

It is important that you plan to attend the ratification meeting on

Saturday, October 29, 2016 to vote.

Location

Detroit Association of Educational Office Employees

115 W. Willis

Detroit, MI

(between Woodward and Cass)

 

School Service Assistants

General Education, Early Childhood

Family Case Technicans, Schools Culture Facilitators and

Computer Science SSA’s

Saturday, October 29, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

___________________________________________

 

Food Service Specialist, Food Assistants,

 Noon Hour Aides (Food Service)

Noon Hour Aides (Early Childhood)

Saturday, October 29, 2016

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

 

Please plan to attend

If you have any questions contact us at 313 835-2699

In Solidarity, Donna Jackson - President

 

STAND IN SOLIDARITY!!

By now you may know that once again the District will run out of money. Judge Rhodes has released June 30th as the last day that the district can cover its financial responsibilities and that an additional 37 million is needed.  This would have a huge impact on all of us! This is absolutely unacceptable. We are unclear as to what services and payments are included in this additional amount and so we support and stand with the leadership of DFT in demanding a financial audit.

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