Here are the:

2018-2019 Academic Calendar: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/2018-2019_academic_calendar.pdf

Letter of Agreement regarding 2018-19 Academic Calendar: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/letter_of_agreement_.school_calendar_and_prep_periods_.pdf

Unfair Labor Practice document: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/ulp_charge_-_draft_attachment_statement_of_charge_-_08.03.18.pdf

WASHINGTON—AFT leaders respond to concerns with the drinking water at Detroit public schools.

AFT President Randi Weingarten:

“Every child and every educator should be guaranteed safe drinking water at school. What’s happening in Detroit is the latest illustration of the harm inflicted on children and their teachers through the systemic underinvestment in Detroit public schools by this governor and state leaders. We’re working to get water, coolers and hand sanitizers to the schools, and will continue to do everything we can to work with our locals and the district to ensure our members and the

On Tuesday evening, August 14, the Detroit Board of Education approved a revised academic calendar for the 2018-2019 school year. It includes a new set of dates for spring break: April 1-5. The previous academic calendar outlined April 19-26 as a break.

It is unfortunate that the dates were changed, however, the district needed to comply with the Wayne RESA common calendar and student testing schedules. The revised calendar also eliminates one-hour-early releases on Wednesdays.

To remedy the situation, the DFT negotiated with the district that our members be compensated for all missed

More than a dozen DFT members participated this week (July 31-Aug. 2) in a three-day Activist Boot Camp (ABC.)

Plaintiffs plan to appeal a closely watched federal lawsuit — dismissed Friday by a  judge in Detroit — that accuses Gov. Rick Snyder and other state officials of depriving Detroit children of their right to literacy.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III asserted in his ruling that as important as literacy is, the U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee a fundamental right to literacy.

The students and families who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit said Monday they would appeal the ruling to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

"Friday's decision is as deeply disappointing as having to file a lawsuit

WASHINGTON– The following statement was issued by leaders and members of AFSCME, AFT, NEA and SEIU following the decision by the United States Supreme Court to rule against working people and in favor of billionaire CEOs and corporate interests in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, holding that requiring fair-share fees in the public sector violates the First Amendment of the Constitution.  Read more by clicking here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/america-needs-unions-now-more-ever-supreme-court-sides-corporate

An awesome time had by all during the "For the Teachers, By the Teachers" 4th Annual Teachers Appreciation Gala on June 16. Detroit Police Chief James Craig was keynote speaker.

The meal was delightful, the band was entertaining and laughter filled the air. The speakers’ inspirational stories gave motivation to the career we hold so dear. The Teachers, the sponsors, the speakers and the entertainment were acknowledged at the 4th Annual Teachers Appreciation Gala planned "For the Teachers, By the Teachers."

Every person walked away with a word of encouragement and a token of appreciation.

It is

Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD general superintendent, recently was a guest on the metro Detroit broadcast "The Teachers' Lounge." 

What's missing from Michigan's proposed social studies standards? Read Bridge magazine feature: 

https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/history-gets-conservative-twist-michigan-social-studies-standards

Today, June 18, 2018, all schools will dismiss three (3) hours earlier than the normal dismissal time. The early dismissal is due to high temperatures developing into the afternoon.

Please see the following DFT/DPSCD contract language:

Article Twenty-Five: Emergency School Closures

Emergency Weather Conditions

"When individual schools are closed after the start of the school day, teachers will also be dismissed."

In the case of students who are not picked up immediately after dismissal:

Article Seven: School Schedules

Section seven:

"At the elementary school level, teachers will escort their students to the designated dismissal door; any students not picked up will be escorted by the teacher to a place identified in the building procedures. At the middle and high school levels, teachers will clear the halls of students in their area of the building."