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READING OPENS THE WORLD BOOK GIVEAWAY
The Red Hook Faculty Association was proud to host a Reading Opens the World Book Giveaway at this year’s Apple Blossom Day in honor of Martha Strever’s extraordinary 64-year teaching career in the Red Hook Central School District. We were deeply honored to welcome AFT President Randi Weingarten and NYSUT President Melinda Person, who both spoke at the event, recognizing Martha’s unmatched dedication to generations of students and her lasting impact on public education.
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated RHFA volunteers who helped organize and staff the booth, distributing hundreds of free books and LEGO sets to local children. We are also grateful to our community for showing up in full force to celebrate reading and support this joyful event. Together, we continue to open the world for our students—one book at a time.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Ice Cream Social during the school budget vote! Your presence and support made the event a joyful celebration of community, education, and connection. We were thrilled to share a treat, chat with neighbors and parents, and see so many familiar faces come together in support of our schools. Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and standing with public education!
BOE ELECTIONS
The RHFA is excited to celebrate Kelly Borrelle and Patrick Boyd, who have been elected to the RHCSD Board of Education. We are thrilled to have these two dedicated volunteers serve our school community and look forward to working with them in this coming term.
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Congratulations, Kelly and Pat!
ASCIENZO FAMILY FOUNDATION, THANK YOU!
On December 23rd, the Red Hook Faculty Association received a generous check from the Ascienzo Foundation in the amount of $11,924 for the Nourish Your Neighbor Food Drive. This remarkable total was made possible by the food and monetary donations contributed by RHFA members, students, and staff.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of everyone who participated. Your contributions not only demonstrate the strength of our school community but also make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we are fostering kindness and care, building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Thank you to the Ascienzo Foundation for partnering with the RHFA and working to better our school community through their charitable giving. Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to making a difference for our students and their families!
April and Kyle accepting the check from Nick Ascienzo on behalf of the Ascienco Family Foundation
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RHFA SPIRIT WEAR
Inspired by a great idea from member Andrew Strawinski, the RHFA has worked hard to make our gear better and more accessible to members.
We have partnered with BSN Sports and have created a Sideline Store with t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, blankets, and outwear from your favorite brands such as Nike, Adidas, Carhart,
RHFA MEMBER HANDBOOK
Members of the RHFA Executive Committee have created an RHFA Member Handbook. This handbook is a reference guide for members with valuable information regarding union initiatives, protocols, important contact information, your rights and benefits as members, and what to do when you are having an issue at work. We are looking to be transparent, shed light on our practices, and engage our membership. It can be found on the "Member's Only" section of our website.
AFT SUMMER CONFERENCE
In July, RHFA President April Montgomery and First Vice President Kyle Pogemiller-Kermani represented the RHFA as delegates at the 2024 AFT Conference in Houston. On Monday, July 22nd, the AFT became the first major union to vote to endorse Kamala Harris for President. The RHFA was represented in that vote and in several others that took place addressing issues that face educators and students across the nation. The conference was a powerful reminder of the collective strength we hold as educators and members of the strongest education union in the country.
The highlight of the conference was the surprise keynote address by Vice President Kamala Harris. In her speech, she echoed what we already know: "educators are the backbone of our democracy." We play a crucial role in shaping the future. Vice President Harris challenged us to "stand strong, fight hard, and never back down" in our advocacy for equitable education.
We returned from Houston with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a commitment to continue fighting for our students, our colleagues, and the future of public education.
AFT President Randi Weingarten
