Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT President with Ingram, Care Moore, Morgan

Reading Opens the World Features Honored Guests

Detroit was ecstatic to have these three people participate in our book giveaway. AFT National Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick C. Ingram welcomed families and educators to Reading Opens the World. He announced that in May the organization will have given away 10 million books for free. We are thrilled to have had a hand in distributing 50,000 of those books. Poet Jessica Care Moore read one of her poems, I used to be a roller coaster girl and author Ellen A. Morgan, Ed. D read her book, Ellie’s Formal Table. They are standing with President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins.

Election Committee is Sworn In

Four Election Committee members were sworn in at the April General Membership Meeting. Serving a two year term will be Onza Stokes, Laura Watts, Devette Brown and Julia Hunko. We thank these members for their service to the members of the DFT. Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, looks on. Be sure to say hello to Election Committee when you sign in at the May General Membership meeting.

Posey, Wilson-Lumpkins, Weiss, Martin at town hall

DFT Leadership Participates in Town Hall Meeting

At a town hall hosted by State Representative, Regina Weiss, three of our leaders attended the forum: DFT Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, DFT President, Lakia Wilson-Lunmpkins, and AFT Michigan President, Terrence Martin. Many union members were in attendance to listen to the information.

US Senate Candidate Addresses the Membership

.A candidate for the US Senate from Michigan, Hil Harper, came before the DFT General Membership meeting in April to ask for an endorsement by the union. He spoke to members about his support for unions, being a card-carrying member of one himself, as well as the reasons he would like our support in the upcoming August primary. The union will be hosting other candidates who are also seeking our endorsements.

Thank You to Our Members

Thank you to all of the teachers and support staff for everything you have done to make what could be a difficult transition during the most difficult of times enjoyable and feasible. You have trained yourself, your students, parents and each other on distance learning and technology! You are worthy of recognition!

We salute our mighty DFT Members for all that you do! Thank you for servicing our children when we need it the most. We appreciate you.

Please click the link to see some of our members in action
Thank You to Our Members

Terrence Martin, President

Lakia Wilson, Executive Vice

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed Executive Order 2020-65 to extend and clarify Executive Order 2020-35, which ordered all K-12 school buildings to close for instructional purposes to students for the remainder of the school year, and provided continuity of learning infrastructure by setting guidelines for remote learning. In addition to continuing the actions taken in the previous executive order, Executive Order 2020-65 also suspends in-person instruction of both the Great Start Readiness Program and early childhood programs for the reminder of the 2019-2020 school year. GSRP is Michigan

NEW: Agreement reached on student distance learning plan

DFT and the DPSCD administration have reached an agreement regarding distance learning. See the agreement here: 2019-20_covid-19_school_closure_student_support_program__04.18.20__20.55pm__signed_1.pdf

WHAT'S NEW: Health Blue Living Deadlines Extended

The Office of Benefits was informed by Blue Care Network (BCN) that due to the current public health emergency, they have extended your Healthy Blue Living deadlines for the 2020 plan year only.

Here are your new deadlines to remain at, or earn back, the enhanced level with lower out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments and deductible:

• Your health assessment is due by June 30, 2020.

• Your Blue Care Network Qualification Form is due by June 30, 2020.

• If applicable, your Tobacco Cessation Coaching program deadline to enroll is July 31, 2020.

• If applicable, your weight management program

WHAT'S NEW: Recap of Resources and Tips for March 16-20, 2020

The Detroit Federation of Teachers wants to share informative tips and resources with our members during this public health emergency. Here's a recap of the information we shared this week. We want to hear from you. What are some of the incredible things you are doing to provide instruction from home? Share with us by sending an email to lhenry@dft231.com by Tuesday, March 24.

Detroit National Action Network starts free grocery, medication delivery service

Did you know that everyday at 3 p.m. the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden host a “Live Safari” from their Facebook page? It’s a great

WHAT'S NEW: March 2020 General Membership Meeting Temporarily Postponed

Greetings Members,

We are temporarily postponing the March General Membership Meeting. This is a precautionary measure as we want to protect the health of our membership. As many of you are probably aware, there have been two cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Michigan. Please make sure you adhere to the necessary precautions and tips provided by the Detroit Health Department.

HEALTHY TIPS FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

To best ensure you and your family remain healthy, always practice good hygiene habits:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer