November 7, 2001
Union monitors health, safety of reopened schools; Reminders abound of twin towers collapse a few blocks away

As some schools in the neighborhoods near the World Trade Center reopen, the United Federation of Teachers is monitoring the health and safety of students and staff.

Complaints of headaches and breathing problems have subsided at Stuyvesant High School, just a few blocks north of the site.

Jerry Goldman, the UFT's Manhattan borough representative, said the union continues to send a number of staff reps and environmental experts to make sure that the Stuyvesant environment is safe.

"We have kids and teachers who have to walk past Ground Zero and we can't do much about the air around there," Goldman said. "But the school is clean."

The UFT is New York State United Teacher's local affiliate in New York City schools.

To date, three of the nine schools dislocated by the attack have reopened. PS 150, PS 89 and IS 89, PS 234, the High School of Leadership and Public Service and the High School of Economics and Finance have yet to reopen.

When UFT industrial hygienist Ellie Engler gets off the subway at Chambers Street, she often smells the smoke. "Then there's the added stress from seeing the security in the area, including National Guard, and everyone at the school still has a great view of lower Manhattan and the debris pile.

"Once you're inside the school, it's very pleasant," Engler said.

The UFT, led by Randi Weingarten, is reaching out to 200 members who lost family in the World Trade Center disaster. The union is providing help in sorting out legal, financial, professional and emotional problems.

Support is also coming from fellow unionists around the state (see box). "Everywhere I go, people are coming together, coming up with ways to help the kids in their own schools and those in Manhattan," said NYSUT President Tom Hobart. "This tragedy is only strengthening our connections to each other."

Here's a way to offer direct help

Your union offers a way to directly help those who are in need. New York State United Teachers has established a 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund to aid NYSUT members and other union members who have suffered great losses. There are no administrative costs - every cent will be funneled directly to those in need. Send checks to NYSUT 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455 . Emergency funds also are needed for supplies for students who were evacuated and are now doubling up at other schools. If you wish to earmark your donation, write "school supplies" in the memo line. A portion of contributions will support relief efforts by NYSUT's national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers.

NYSUT is asking local union leaders to notify NYSUT of any members in severe financial need as a result of the Sept. 11 tragedies. Noting that more than 10,000 children lost a parent in the World Trade Center attacks, NYSUT Second Vice President Walter Dunn said: "We can respond quickly in cases where a family needs immediate help."