The Brewster Teachers’ Association recently concluded its annual food drive, continuing the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting local families and strengthening the Brewster community. Donations collected throughout the drive were distributed to Putnam Community Action Partnership and the Brewster School District’s Bears Essentials Program.
As part of the effort, BTA President Paul George and Public Relations Co-Chair Sara Goetschkes visited Putnam Community Action Partnership to deliver donated food and essential items collected from BTA members across the district. The organization provides critical assistance to individuals and families throughout Putnam County, including access to food, housing support, and other community services.
The annual food drive reflects the BTA’s ongoing dedication to serving not only students and schools, but also the broader community. Through the generosity of members and staff, the association was able to contribute a variety of nonperishable food items and household necessities to help support families experiencing food insecurity.
In addition to supporting Putnam Community Action Partnership, donations were also provided to the Bears Essentials Program, which assists Brewster students and families by supplying food, clothing, hygiene products, and other basic necessities throughout the school year.
The Brewster Teachers’ Association extends its sincere appreciation to all members who participated in this year’s drive. Their contributions helped make the initiative a success and reinforced the spirit of service and solidarity that continues to define the BTA and the Brewster community.

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Earlier this month, the BTA was well-represented in Albany as BTA President Paul George and Secretary Jeannie Sherman joined thousands of educators and healthcare professionals for the 2026 NYSUT Representative Assembly. Held from May 1–2, the assembly serves as the union’s highest policy-making body, where delegates from across New York State gather to debate resolutions and set the legislative agenda for the coming year.
Under the banner of "Democracy, Solidarity, Action," the two-day event featured high-level discussions on the future of public education. A major highlight was the address by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who provided a reassuring update on the state pension system. DiNapoli noted that New York’s pensions remain the best-funded in the country and credited the relentless advocacy of members for the growing momentum to finally Fix Tier 6. He signaled that because of this collective pressure, meaningful changes to retirement security are within reach.
The assembly also took a firm stand on the evolving needs of the modern classroom. Delegates approved a bold proposal calling for a $22.5 million state investment to revitalize civics education and media literacy. This initiative aims to ensure students are "democracy-ready" by supporting the Seal of Civic Readiness and guaranteeing that every school has a certified library media specialist. Furthermore, in response to growing concerns over student well-being, the body passed resolutions advocating for limited screen time and the protection of unstructured, play-based learning.
Beyond policy and pedagogy, the RA was a forum for labor rights and social justice. Second Vice President Ron Gross highlighted the "One Job Should Be Enough" campaign, which seeks to ensure that all educators and staff earn a salary that allows them to live with economic dignity. The assembly also demonstrated the "Union for Life" philosophy with a moving standing ovation for colleagues facing immigration challenges, reinforcing the message that the union will always stand together to protect its own.
Financially, the organization remains on solid ground. Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham reported that NYSUT’s financial strength is the bedrock that allows the union to defend members' rights and provide high-quality benefits.
President George and Secretary Sherman have returned from Albany with a clear roadmap for the year ahead. Their participation ensures that the voices of BTA members are not only heard in local boardrooms but are also a driving force in the halls of the State Capitol. As Vice President Gross reminded the assembly, educators are not just witnesses to the challenges of 2026 - they are the authors of the solution.

The Brewster Teachers' Association was proud to participate in this year’s Book Bash, a community event that celebrates reading and helps connect families with books and literacy resources.
Throughout the event, families had the opportunity to explore a variety of activities designed to encourage a love of reading. The BTA hosted a table where members welcomed students and families, giving away free books and other fun items to the many children who stopped by.
Events like Book Bash help reinforce the importance of literacy and highlight the role reading plays in students’ academic success and lifelong learning. The BTA was excited to be part of a community celebration that puts books into the hands of young readers and promotes enthusiasm for reading.
Thank you to the organizers and community partners who made this year’s event possible. The BTA always values opportunities to connect with students and families while supporting initiatives that inspire a love of learning.

The Brewster Teachers’ Association (BTA) is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Coat Drive, collecting over 200 coats to support families in need throughout the local community.
This year, the BTA partnered with the Brewster Rotary Club, joining forces to expand outreach and ensure that warm winter gear reached as many households as possible. Thanks to the generosity of BTA members, school staff, and community donors, dozens of children and adults will receive needed outerwear as the temperatures drop. 
“Supporting our students and families is at the heart of what we do,” said BTA President Paul George. “This partnership with the Rotary Club allowed us to make an even greater impact. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making the coat drive a success.”
The collected coats will be distributed through community networks identified by the Rotary Club and local service organizations, ensuring that every donation goes directly to families who need them most.
The BTA looks forward to continuing its tradition of service and collaboration with the Brewster community.

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