.

                     NOVEMBER 2007                      

Strength in Adversity

October was a very difficult month for our education community.  Although we did not experience directly the fires that we suffered through just a few short years ago, we were involved in helping others deal with loss caused by the conflagration around us.  Six teachers lost their homes in the fires, and the loss was that much more palpable because they were our own.  How can we quantify that impact, and more importantly, what do we do when these calamities befall our colleagues in the future?  As for measure, only those who have been through similar circumstances will ever know the degree of loss felt by those who are currently moving through this grief.  I hope that they have been embraced their families, friends, and colleagues as they rebuild their lives and property.  In the wake of this tragedy, I am pleased that the Leadership Council has embraced the concept put forward by our Executive Board to create an ongoing Emergency Fund for our members.  Teachers across the District, along with your TVEA have donated over $2000.00 to the fund, and that money has already begun to be placed in the hands of our fire victims.  As importantly, however, we now have the capability to aid membership almost immediately when future circumstances such as these occur.  As an organization, there is no higher calling than to provide service to our teachers when they are in need.  Thanks to everyone who provided that service to others, whether it was to help in the evacuation centers in our schools, or even to donate to the Fund. Your assistance is a piece in the puzzle that will help our members put their lives back together.