Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1437090
Compiled by Julian Peeples Quotes & Numbers "Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nation's core values. Those who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that our children receive a proper education in a safe environment deserve to be able to do their work without fear for their safety." —Merrick Garland, U.S. attorney general, in an October announcement on combating the "disturbing spike" in violent threats facing educators and school officials. 140,000 Number of U.S. children who have lost a parent or grandparent caregiver during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study in Pediatrics. Even before the pandemic, 1 in 14 U.S. children lost a parent before they turned 18. 900,000 Number of children ages 5-11 nationwide who received a COVID-19 vaccination during the first week following its November approval by federal regulators, according to the White House. 4.3% Percentage of California students (more than 269,000) who experienced homelessness at one point during the school year in 2018-19, the most recent year data is available. 97% Percentage of school meal program directors who have concerns about supply chain disruptions, according to the School Nutrition Association. "Educators speaking with one voice are a force to be reckoned with. We must stand strong together to beat back any effort to privatize one of California's oldest and most valuable resources: our public schools." —E. Toby Boyd, CTA president, speaking to State Council of Education in October. "We have so many people that are at the brink, and this is not good for the school system." —Manuel Bonilla, Fresno Teachers Association president, in a Fresno Bee article on grievances the union filed against Fresno Unified in October. "This resolution with these 380 teachers' signatures is the result of a failure to listen and a failure to lead." —Kim McCarthy, Campbell High School Teachers Association president, delivering a resolution of no confidence in the district superintendent to the school board in November. Amount of federal COVID-19 relief funds allocated to Los Angeles Unified School District, according to EdSource. billion $4.6 13 D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 I