ATA Weekly
September 12th, 2025
President's Message
Creating Safe Spaces in Our Schools
The symbols in our schools carry meaning. Even small gestures—a poster, a sign, or a display—can shape how students, staff, and families experience a space. These choices help set the tone of a school and often communicate more powerfully than words or policies.
In today’s climate, many students live with uncertainty and fear—unsure if they or their families might be affected by circumstances beyond their control. In that context, the presence or absence of welcoming symbols in our schools takes on added importance. For some, these small signs of care can offer reassurance that school is a place where they belong and can feel safe.
As we reflect on the spaces where we work and learn, it is worth asking: What messages are we sending through what is displayed? What might be heard in what is absent? The choices we make, however small, quietly shape the culture of our schools. Symbols are never just decorations—they speak, and their message can stay with students for years to come.
Ralph Hernandez
Reminder Regarding Reasonable Accommodations
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act requires AUSD to provide reasonable accommodation for employees with a physical or mental disability to allow you to perform the essential functions of your job. Under the ADA, a Reasonable Accommodation is any “modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done during the hiring process.” The modifications to your job/work environment are meant to enable any person with a disability (whether temporary or permanent) to successfully perform their job duties to the same extent as someone without a disability.
Reasonable accommodations usually include (but are not limited to):
- Ramps
- Accessible Restrooms
- Ergonomic Workstations/Modifying the layout of a workspace
- Change of job duties/Job restructuring
- Leave for medical care (can be intermittent leave like days to go to see your doctor)
- Change in work schedules
- Relocation of work area
- Acquiring or modifying equipment
- Training materials
- Providing readers or interpreters
- Providing screen reader software
Once AUSD knows that you need an accommodation (either because you ask for one or they are aware of the possible need for one) they are required to initiate the “interactive process.” AUSD might become aware of such a need either by a third party, observation (ex. you are using crutches), or because you have exhausted leave benefits.
In CA, it is unlawful for any employer to fail to engage in a timely, good faith, interactive process. This process requires an individualized assessment of both your specific job/position and specific physical and mental limitations related to the need for a reasonable accommodation. AUSD is not allowed to simply deny your request for accommodation request without going through this process.
Please note that if you have a disability/injury (either temporary or permanent) and do not need an accommodation, there is no requirement for you to provide AUSD with any information or doctor’s notice.
On a related note, if you are injured at the job, you are required to let AUSD know. This initiates the workers compensation process. ATA urges all members to fill out district paperwork so, if you are injured on the job, you go to your own physician instead of a workers compensation doctor (see below). The process is lengthier if you do not have your own doctor on file BEFORE an on-the job injury.
If you need an accommodation or were injured on the job, please call ATA as soon as possible. We will guide you through the process and, if needed, provide you with attorney referrals (for workers compensation) or assign you legal assistance (for denials of accommodations).
Lastly, if you are ever requested to share a note from your doctor with the District or are considering doing so, please don't hesitate to contact ATA for guidance and support.
Liz Pinkava
Executive Director
Maximize Your Savings Potential
Looking for a way to make your money work as hard as you do? Schools First Credit Union offers two programs—Summer Saver and Paycheck Planner—that currently pay a 6.5% APY. These accounts help stretch your paychecks across 12 months or build a summer cushion for the months you don’t receive a paycheck.
Summer Saver
- Earn 6.5% APY.
- Save up to $2,000 per month.
- Optional “catch-up” deposit per term of up to $3,000.
- Access funds anytime with penalty-free withdrawals.
Paycheck Planner
- Earn 6.5% APY.
- Deposits made automatically through payroll deduction (16.7% of each paycheck for 10-month employees).
- An optional $3,000 additional deposit each school year.
- Funds are held until summer to ensure income replacement.
Why it matters:
Even moderate participation can generate hundreds to a couple thousand dollars in interest annually, helping educators make the most of their hard-earned pay.
Have a Grievance?
Please speak with your representative if you have any concerns or issues at your site/workplace. It could be a problem others are facing too and might be quickly resolved. If it violates your contract, you can file a grievance. To learn more about the grievance process, click on this link.
The Grievance Team includes individuals skilled in problem-solving and trained in addressing grievances. They are here to help you. Give your representative and association the chance to assist you.
Grievance Team Members:
- Alana Acosta-Martin (Chair)
- Mailin Chan
- Ernie Chen
- Susie Young
Vote Yes on Prop 50: The Election Rigging Response Act
Defending Democracy and Public Education
The Election Rigging Response Act is California’s bold response to unprecedented redistricting efforts led by Texas and other states working with the Trump administration. These efforts are designed to consolidate power and maintain control of Congress after the 2026 midterm elections—all to slash funding for public education, healthcare, and essential services while providing tax cuts for billionaires.
Why Does It Matter to Union Educators?
Congressional Republicans are attempting to rig elections specifically to cut funding for public education and services for our communities. Critical funding for special education, school meals for hungry children, and other essential programs has already been slashed and jeopardized. Now is the time for union educators to stand together and fight back against the nine members of Congress in California who threw our students under the bus and voted to cut critical funds for public education.
Download Your CTA Digital Membership Card
On Friday, September 5th, CTA sent out an email with directions on how to download your new 2025-26 CTA digital membership card. For a complete list of discounts and resources, go to www.CTAMemberBenefits.org.
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendars
September 16
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
September 23
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 7
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
October 13
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 14
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 21
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 28
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
Contact Us
The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just equitable and democratic society.
Email: ataoffice3030@gmail.com
Website: www.alhambrateachers.org
Location: 3030 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626)289-1933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlhambraTeachersAssociation/