Dear Colleagues,
 
A few weeks ago in Albany, we joined 15,000 union members to advocate for fixes to Tier 6. But the fight isn't over. Despite overwhelming support from politicians and legislators on both sides of the aisle, NYS has not yet released specific details about how (or if) they'll make changes to Tier 6 this year.
 
We need to act this week to keep up the pressure. Here's what to do:
 
1. Visit https://fixtier6.org/takeaction to learn how you can take action today.
2. Post on social media and tag state legislators and media outlets.
3. Most importantly, call your legislators. Visit these links to find your NYS assembly member (https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/) and senator (https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator). Tell them that Tier 6 reform must be in the final budget.
4. Finally, encourage your colleagues, friends, and family to get involved. 
 
The budget deadline is April 1, so now is the time to take action. Please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you.
 
Best,
Dennis

BMUST belongs to the Long Island Teachers’ Benevolent Fund (LITBF), which offers a yearly scholarship—the Len Motisi Memorial Scholarship—to high school seniors graduating this year who will be attending a post-secondary institution on a full-time basis and whose parent is an active member in a Long Island local. Many of our members’ children have been awarded this scholarship over the years. This year, the LITBF will be awarding 280 scholarships of $250. For the past several years, over 900 applications have been submitted. Winners are selected using a rubric that awards points for GPA, number of parents in NYSUT, and need based on the number of college-aged dependents, among other factors. 
The attached application must be sent back to the BMUST office no later than March 2, 2026 to get my signature on it and for me to send it to LITBF before the deadline of March 9, 2026. 
You must include a copy of the school transcript, with the current GPA on it.  If the transcript does not contain the GPA, your Guidance Counselor must submit a statement with the scores. Please fill the form in as soon as possible and forward it to me through interoffice mail.
Please note, you are required to include your NYSUT Member Number on the application. If unknown, please reach out to Meg in the BMUST office.
 
Good luck,
Rob

In honor of International Women’s Day, we are coming together as a union and school community to support local women and families in need. Each school is collecting specific donated items for our annual drive benefiting the Community Cupboard and Bethany House. We kindly ask our members to participate by donating the items assigned to your school (see below) or by making a monetary contribution via Venmo (@BMUST). Every contribution — big or small — makes a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children who rely on these vital community resources. Let’s show the power of supporting women and come together to make this year’s collection as impactful as previous years. 
Also, please remember to wear purple this Friday as Sunday is International Women’s Day  

Calhoun
Grand
JFK
MAMS
MAP
Mepham