Lab Specialist

Welcome to the Lab Specialist home page.

Welcome Back!

I hope you all had a happy and restful summer vacation. This year promises to be a busy one, and a challenging one as well. Budget cuts and the continuing economic crisis mean that in the short term we must do more with less. It also means we must keep up our advocacy at all levels of government for adequate school funding. I wish all of you a successful year!

Monthly Meeting Dates

Please join us at the chapter’s monthly meetings!

December 2, 2009
February 3, 2010
March 3, 2010
April 7, 2010
May 5, 2010
June 2, 2010

All meetings are from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 50 Broadway, 2nd floor, Classroom C.

Contract negotiations

Our current contract expires October 31, 2009. Negotiations for a new agreement are underway. Due to the current financial climate it is not going to be an easy process. Watch for updates on the Web site and in the New York Teacher.

Teacher’s Choice

Our allotment this year is $75. Purchases must be made between August 1, 2009 and March 15, 2010 and you need to save the receipts.

Certificate of Fitness

The UFT and the DOE have not reached an agreement with the DOE on certificates of fitness. In the meantime, principals may not require that lab specialists become a certificate of fitness holder. Please let me know if any lab specialist or lab tech are being told to take the test or if your school has received a violation.

New Earth Science Reference Tables for January Regents Exam - Middle and high schools

The 2010 edition of the Physical Setting/Earth Science Reference Tables is now available. This version replaces all previous editions and will be used in conjunction with the Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents exam beginning in January 2010. Please begin using this new version and arrange for the recycling or disposal of all copies of previous editions in your building. You will receive English and Spanish editions of the new edition between August 24 and September 9. You can request Braille, large-type, or other translated editions (traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean or Russian) by faxing your request (with the type and quantity clearly itemized) to (518) 474-2021.

The need for lab specialists

Aside from the services we provide as described in our list of duties, the following is a list of reasons to keep laboratory specialists in our schools. I have compiled this for your information and reference should you become aware of possible excessing in your school or district.

• The state requirements for the laboratory component of Regents’ science classes is 1,200 minutes (equivalent to 30 lab sessions of 40 minutes each).
• The state has mandated new designated laboratory exercises in Regents sciences.
• A practical examination is required for the earth science Regent, which requires the set up and maintenance of three stations.
• Practical examinations for chemistry, physics and living environment will soon be implemented.
• The state now requires an 8th grade Intermediate Level Science Examination that requires laboratory classes in preparation for this physical examination.
• Due to the additional science classes there are now more science teachers who rely on the laboratory specialist to provide equipment for demonstrations and lab set ups and other science materials.
• There are more new science teachers who require instruction and guidance regarding the availability and safe use of science equipment and materials.
• Laboratory specialists maintain chemical and equipment inventories.
• Laboratory specialists do all the purchasing for the science department.
• What will become of the chemicals left unattended in our schools if there is no laboratory specialist to attend to them?
• What will become of the valuable science equipment if there is no laboratory specialist to maintain it?
• Who will ensure that schools are in compliance with the regulations set up by OSHA, OOSH and the FDNY if there is no laboratory specialist on staff?
• Laboratory specialists are the only pedagogues currently trained in chemical handling, chemical waste removal and chemical spill response. Who will ensure the safety of staff and students if there is no trained specialist on staff?
  

Science Safety Manual

The new version of the Science Safety Manual is available on the New York City Department of Education Web site, under Educator Resources. It is now considered a living document. Therefore, changes can be made when necessary. I would suggest that you print out a copy for your own handy, personal reference.

Contact Numbers

I am in the office on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. I split my time between Manhattan and Staten Island. If you wish to see me please call for an appointment. My phone number for Manhattan is 212-598-7764. My Staten Island number is 718-605-1400. Please keep in mind if you wish to leave a message I only have voice mail for the 212-598-7764 number. In addition, I can be reached by e-mail: lcampetellauft@yahoo.com.