Retirement Incentive Information

**The window for Chapter 105 Part A has closed.**

**Retirees under Part B must complete this form and submit to the district no later than August 10th. Click here to download the RCSD Intent to Retire Form. **

On July 8th, the Board of Education unanimously passed two retirement incentives.

The Intent to Retire form must be sent either by certified mail, return and receipt requested, or by personally handing in the original letter at the reception desk at Central Office and having a copy date-stamped.

The Part B open window period has been adjusted to 6/18/10 through 8/31/10. If you have already sent your retirement application to the NYS Teachers Retirement System, there is no further action required with TRS. Retirement experts at TRS have advised that teachers not rescind their retirement AS LONG AS THEIR EFFECTIVE DATE IS WITHIN THE OPEN WINDOW.

The RTA cannot provide members with any guidance as to which incentive is best.
Members must consult with the New York State Teachers Retirement System at 800-348-7298. The NYSTRS website is www.nystrs.org

If you are retiring, the last purchases of services or goods must be made by August 31, 2010. Claims must be submitted within 90 days.

Click below to read the specific Board resolutions:

• Chapter 105 Part A (Open Enrollment Window has closed.)


• Chapter 105 Part B

Interns of Year Honored at RTA Rep Assembly

During the April RTA Representative Assembly, four new counselors, six new teachers and one new psychologist received recognition as New Interns of the Year. The Award Ceremony, sponsored jointly by the Rochester Teachers Association and the Career in Teaching Program, began at the RTA Rep Assembly. After an introduction by RTA President Adam Urbanski; Marie Costanza, Director of the CIT Program, announced the award recipients to the Rep Assembly. The interns were accompanied by their mentors and administrators, who had collaboratively nominated them. After the interns publicly thanked their colleagues and families, together they celebrated in the East High Faculty Cafeteria, where they ate dinner together and participated in the Award Ceremony. CIT Panel member, Judy Ingutti, and CIT secretary, Kay Cordello, assisted in the celebration.

The first five awards were given to the new counselors and psychologist.

Stephanie Bliss, a counselor at East High School, was nominated for her award by her mentor, Dan Vega, and her administrator, Denise Quamina. Stephanie is a former student from East, which has helped her a great deal since she knows many of the teachers. Stephanie is considered by many of her colleagues as a team player and she is always coming up with innovative ways to motivate students. Danny says that Stephanie is that “rare counselor that will do whatever it takes to help students graduate.” She is considered “down to Earth” and has the ability to put others at ease. Students clearly look up to her and regard her as a role model.

Adam Laycock, another counselor from East High School, was also nominated for his award by his mentor Dan Vega and his Assistant Principal, Denise Quamina. Dan states that Adam “understands that in unity there is strength.” Adam is willing to work long hours and on Saturdays in order to make sure that his students’ needs are met. He mingles with his students during lunch time and during passing time. He regularly sends letters to parents and hand delivers important information to his students. He also takes the time to speak directly to teachers and administrators. All of these actions have caused Adam to gain a great deal of respect from everyone with whom he interacts.

Crystal Clark was the next counselor who received an award. Crystal was nominated by her mentor, Sally Altobello and by Principal Toyia Wilson. Crystal is in an unusual situation because she is a school coordinator for two separate schools within the same building. She has done an admirable job of creating good relationships with both staffs and administrators. In order to meet the needs of all her students, Crystal is in constant contact with her students, their families and outside agencies. Because of her consistency, knowledge and eagerness to continuously learn, Crystal’s mentor refers to her as the Energizer Bunny.

Kelly Garner, a counselor from Dr. Freddie Thomas High School, was nominated for her award by her principal, Sandy Jordan and her mentor, Susan Barnhart. Kelly sees her students as her number one priority. She does not hesitate to put paperwork aside in order to immediately address the needs of her students. She conferences regularly with her students’ teachers and parents. According to Ms. Jordan, Kelly presents herself with a “professionalism and positive demeanor that is usually found exclusively in veteran school staff.” She is highly respected because of her outstanding ability to work in demanding situations that require level-headedness.

The next award recipient was Nicole Vincellette, a New Psychologist of the Year, who works at Nathaniel Rochester School. Nicole was nominated by her mentor, Paul Fiduccia and her administrator, Pamela Ferris. Paul says that Nicole is clearly comfortable around children and she generates a nurturing and invested demeanor. Her approach puts her students at ease because she conveys the message “you are important.” Nicole is often visible in the classroom to observe the students with whom she interacts. Her colleagues respect and appreciate the input she provides when making instructional recommendations regarding intervention plans. Her recommendations are based on the data she has collected. The suggestions she makes can be practically implemented by her colleagues in their classrooms.

The next six awards were given to new teachers.

The first recipient was Hercilia Cassell, who teaches Bilingual Special Education students at Monroe. Hercilia was nominated by her administrator, Sandra Chevalier-Blackman and her mentor, Polly Miglani. Ms. Blackman says that Hercilia has established a great rapport with her students. She has used the students’ cultural background to enhance her lessons. She makes the class fun while creating an environment of trust and mutual respect. Hercilia’s mentor says that Hercilia is always willing to try different strategies to motivate and challenge her students. Ms. Chevalier-Blackman says that Hercilia has the potential to be one of the best teachers in the Bilingual Special Education field.

Amy Cody, a social studies teacher at Edison IIT, was nominated by her principal, Bonnie Atkins, her assistant principals, Kathleen Denaro, and Adam Rodger and her mentor, Howard Krug. All of them agree that Amy exemplifies positive nurturing interactions with students at all times. Students feel valued and respected in her room. They say, “this has been evident through 100% student participation!” Ms. Cody connects with her students and helps them to develop a sense of pride, purpose and civic duty to help one another. Ms. Cody has boosted morale amongst the staff because of her genuine concern for others. She emphasizes positive and respectful interactions at all times.

Sean Coffey, who teaches science at Marshall, was nominated by his administrator, Susen Hart and his mentor Joanne Niemi. Both agree that Sean is an enthusiastic teacher whose students are eager to participate in his lessons. He has infused a love of science in them. He has made science real to his students through his use of hands-on activities. These real life experiences have led to a high attendance rate, improved student achievement and well motivated students. Sean listens to his students and constantly reflects on his practice in an effort to continuously improve student performance. He is eager to learn from his colleagues while being willing to share his ideas in a positive manner. He is highly respected by all.

Raea Dimassimo, who teaches a combined English/Math class at Dr. Freddie Thomas, was nominated by her administrator, Rita Lancy and her mentor Gaya Shakes. Both agree that Raea keeps her students engaged and challenged. She moves effortlessly between literal and critical levels of questions. Her mentor has frequently heard students say, “Oh, I never thought of it like that!” She uses exemplary student work to focus on instructional strategies. Raea is reflective and continuously makes connections to her students as she fosters a classroom learning environment that is nurturing and warm.

Mariely Santana is a bilingual kindergarten teacher at #17 School. She was nominated by her mentor Marie Rice and her administrator, Pat Jones. Marie says that Mariely has distinguished herself as an exemplary teacher because of her ability to interact with her students. Her caring and compassion is immediately obvious to anyone who enters her room. She is student-focused and incorporates high-interest activities that include music, movement, and culturally relevant hands-on activities. Her students have made remarkable growth. Many of her students have transformed from non-readers to learners that can read independently. She continuously reflects and seeks ways to meet the needs of all of her students. Mariely is highly respected by her students, their parents and her colleagues.

Kimberly Sawdey, who teaches special education at Edison School of Engineering and Manufacturing, was nominated by her principal, Linda Kantor and her mentor, Judith Drury. Ms. Kantor says that Kimberly brings solid content knowledge to her students who are typically engaged 100% of the time. Kimberly’s mentor says that Kim designs excellent student-centered lessons and establishes a hands-on environment conducive to student learning. In addition to the success in her classroom, she has helped students meet success in after school activities such as the Lego League and the Robotics Team.

Lisa Hofstetter is a Social Studies teacher at Edison Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship School. Lisa was nominated by her principal, Joseph Baldino and her mentor, Rick Amico. Both agree that Lisa makes her lessons relevant to the lives of her students through real-life examples. She is well respected by students, colleagues and parents, whom she readily invites to shadow her classes so that they can be actively involved in her students’ learning.

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