UFT President Michael Mulgrew paid a visit to the Stapleton section of Staten Island on the second day of school to meet educators at PS 78/PS 14, one of the UFT’s 10 new Community Learning Schools this year. Mulgrew discussed the Community Learning Schools model with the staff from both schools, which are co-located. The staff then met Vice President Karen Alford, the point person for the union’s initiative. PS 78 Chapter Leader Gloria Morales said her colleagues are excited about the possibilities of the relationship. “Our children have a lot of needs,” she said. “Many come to school without coats in the winter, for example. Now teachers will be able to just concentrate on teaching.” Mulgrew also discussed the status of contract negotiations and the new evaluation system.