DUBLIN, CA–The Dublin Unified School District sent the following email to the community, and OneDublin.org, with details of the latest offer in the ongoing negotiation between DUSD and the Dublin Teachers Association (DTA).
On the DTA Facebook page the following statement was posted yesterday: “We will always deliver on our commitments #ForDublinStudents and as we stated yesterday, at the close of business we can officially announce: WE ARE CERTIFIED FOR FACT FINDING. DUSD has given an “On the Record” proposal that does not put the needs of Dublin students, educators and community first. In fact it puts the needs of DUSD Management above all. We will be moving forward with our March on Tuesday, the process of fact finding and hopefully DUSD Management will realize that Dublin deserves the BEST for our students: Best class sizes, Best supports for our Students and the Best Educators! We do not want to STRIKE, but we will #ForDublinStudents”
Below is the communication sent by DUSD:
Superintendent Boozer
Dear DUSD Community,
Earlier today, we made a new formal offer to the DTA union leadership (attached) in our ongoing negotiations. Today’s offer seeks to meet DTA as closely as possible to their proposed contract terms, while ensuring the long-term fiscal health of our schools. We feel that today’s offer provides equitable pay for our dedicated teachers and allows us to have the ongoing resources to invest in critical needs like new text books, professional development, educational programs and services and counselors. Read more…
DUBLIN, CA–On Monday, March 11, 2019, the Tri-Valley SELPA and the Dublin Unified School District will host a special screening of “Angst” at the Dublin High School Center for Performing Arts & Education.
The goal of the documentary is to raise awareness about anxiety by starting a dialogue between local families, community leaders and experts. Through candid interviews, the producers utilize the power of film to tell the stories of many kids and teens who discuss their anxiety and its impacts on their lives and relationships, as well as how they’ve found solutions and hope. The film also includes a special interview with Michael Phelps, a renowned Olympic athlete and mental health advocate. Free tickets are now available and space is limited! The evening will begin with light refreshments at 6:00 p.m., followed by the special screening at 6:30 p.m.
Attendance is limited to 500 persons. Should we reach this capacity and have a “wait list”, we will consider a second showing on a different date. To RSVP, visit http://bit.ly/DUSD-Angst-RSVP. Read more…
Seemandhra Forum Book Reading Event: Viriah – a story of slavery, sugar, and indentured servitude in South Africa
Written by Keertana Katuru (freshman, UC Santa Cruz) and Akhila Bordag (sophomore, Dublin High School)
“The only way to dampen the pangs of hunger was to eat raw rice” (Gubili 92).
After the abolition of slavery in 1835, the British Empire required another source of cheap labor to supplement the rapidly growing demand for sugar during the 19th century. By the late 1850s, hundreds of acres of land were dedicated to sugar mills and plantations. In 1860, the first group of Indian laborers was brought to Durban made possible by the Natal Coolie Law, Law 14 of 1859. The legislation allowed for Indians to immigrate to South Africa as indentured servants under a five-year contract with the option of an extension. Eventually, 1.3 million Indians were brought to work on the sugar plantations. While there were minimal regulations that outlined how workers were to be treated and what provisions must be given, there was little to no enforcement. Most were forced to work in subpar conditions of fourteen hour days- six days a week- with their wages and rations being either inadequate or even withheld. Indians working on the plantations were charged unreasonable fees for food, lodging, and other amenities that could not be paid fully by their wages resulting in a virtually inescapable cycle of debt. In addition to the debt, many of the workers were drafted from areas in India that were ravaged by droughts or extreme poverty. With nowhere to turn to, the indentured servitude continued for generations. Read more…
Top 10 Reasons to Travel from Dublin to Planet Batuu and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in 2019
DUBLIN, CA–For Dublin Star Wars fans the trip to Planet Batuu will get a lot quicker later this year – just 371 miles to Disneyland or 2,864 miles to Disney’s Hollywood Studios where Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is opening this Spring and Fall respectively.
[UPDATE: During the Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting of Shareholders CEO Bob Iger announced that Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will open early than planned – May 31 in Disneyland and August 29 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with a catch. The Rise of the Resistance ride will open later this year.]
Haven’t heard of Batuu or Galaxy’s Edge? According to the Star Wars Databank Batuu is “a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge. Batuu was once a busy crossroads in the days prior to lightspeed. With the rise of hyperspace travel, however, the world — notable for the lush trees and mountain spikes that decorate its surface — was left behind, its prominence lost to planets on more popular trade routes. Today, Batuu is home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, and a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders, and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. Significantly, it has also become a safe haven for those looking to avoid the attention of the First Order.”
If that sounds like a cool destination for your summer vacation here are ten more reasons to be excited. Read all the way to #1 and #2 – we’ve saved the best for last!
#10: 14 Immersive Acres
At 14 acres Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is the largest single-themed land ever created in a Disney park. At D23 Expo 2017 a massive scale model was unveiled that demonstrated the extraordinary immersive detail of the new land. The music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature original themes created especially for the land and its attractions by Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams.
Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees Member Dan Cunningham Announces Resignation
Dublin, CA – During the February 26, 2019, Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) Board meeting, Trustee Dan Cunningham announced his resignation effective March 1, 2019. Mr. Cunningham has served on the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees since 2008 and his current term was scheduled to end in November 2020.
“I have enjoyed being active in the community and working to make where I live a better place for everyone. My family has been extremely understanding during this time and have sacrificed so that I could serve. That said, I believe that the time has come for me to pursue other endeavors,” said Cunningham in a statement during the Board meeting.
Mr. Cunningham helped the district navigate a tremendous amount of change during his tenure on the board, including rapid student growth, the addition of three new schools, securing land at Camp Parks for a future school site, the selection of a new high school site, and the changes at Dublin High School.
“I have witnessed the transformation of Dublin High School, both physically and academically. Dublin High School is now one of the best high schools not only in the Tri-Valley but also in the State of California,” continued Cunningham.
While there was always a strong focus on elevating the academic excellence in Dublin schools, Mr. Cunningham has also been an ardent supporter of athletics, music programs, and focusing on the wellness of all students and staff.
Next Steps
The District plans to provide details on how the seat will be filled in the near future.
Mr. Cunningham’s resignation creates a second board seat that needs to be filled. A special election to fill the seat vacated by Joe Giannini in October 2018 for Trustee Area 4 is scheduled for June 4, 2019.
“Throughout his years of service, Dan never lost sight of why he was doing this work. He truly made a difference for students and always based his decisions on what he thought was in their best interests. I am saddened to see Dan leave and his leadership will certainly be missed,” said Board President, Amy Miller.
Dr. Leslie Boozer, Superintendent, commented, “We are so incredibly thankful to Mr. Cunningham for his more than a decade of service to our students and community. We will miss his leadership and wish him well in his next steps.”
About the Dublin Unified School District
The Dublin Unified School District serves over 12,300 students, from preschool through adult education, in a diverse suburban environment. The district has 12 school sites, including seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one K-8, and two high schools. The Dublin Unified School District mission is to ensure that every student becomes a lifelong learner by providing a rigorous and relevant 21st-century education that builds resilience and prepares them for college and career or service to our country and for success in the global economy. Dublin schools have been recognized with numerous accolades, including Advanced Placement Honor Roll, National Blue Ribbon School, Gold Ribbon Award, Project Lead The Way Distinguished School, California School of Character, National School of Character, California Distinguished School, and Title 1 Academic Achievement Award School.
TEDxEmeraldGlenPark 2019: Ali O’Grady on How to Get Over It and Start Asking The Hard Questions
DUBLIN, CA–Our theme for this year’s TEDxEmeraldGlenPark event is ’What If’. What if it’s you that has to start difficult type of conversations with family or close loved ones? Perhaps discussing a serious illness, the possibility of death, addressing an unspoken addiction issue, depression, anxiety or grief is something that could save a life and it’s all within your power. Where do you begin? How do you ask the complex, tough questions? Is there a recipe to prepare us to better deal with the elephant on the room? Come and found out from Ali O’Grady’s experience and how she anchored her strength as thoughtful human, helping and inspiring many.
City of Dublin Hosting Teen Job & Career Fair Saturday March 2, 2019
DUBLIN, CA–The City of Dublin is partnering with other Tri-Valley Cities and organizations (including San Ramon, Pleasanton, Danville and the Dublin / San Ramon Women’s Club) to hold a Teen Job & Career Fair this Saturday, March 2, at the Dublin Senior Center from 12pm – 3pm. Admission is free and there will be food available for job seekers.
Job-seeking teens can meet with employers, apply for jobs, participate in mock interviews, attend resume workshops, and learn how to sell themselves and more. Teens are encouraged to bring a copy of their resume and dress in professional attire.
Additional resources for job-seeking students: Read more…
