Bay Alarm Medical
A medical alert system with an added measure of security — and a big discount.
Bay Alarm was rated the best by Consumers Report. Through a special deal negotiated by CSA, all members, both in service and retired, and their families are eligible for significant discounts on services from Bay Alarm Medical, a provider of 24/7 monitored medical alert systems.
How the Service Works
Each system includes a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband, that has a help button. If assistance is needed, pressing the button connects the user directly to a trained, U.S.-based emergency operator. Some devices also offer optional automatic fall detection, which can trigger an alert even if the button is not pressed. Members may choose from several types of coverage - in-home systems or Mobile GPS-enabled devices. Plans are offered on a month-to-month basis, without long-term contracts. For many families, it also provides peace of mind knowing that support is only a button press away. The member pricing makes it more accessible than ever to add this extra layer of protection
Prices start at $18.95 a month for home cellular to $30.95 for a Smartwatch that provides nationwide coverage. It comes with free shipping and a fifteen-day money back trial period. You need to mention CSA in order to receive the discount. For more information about the available plans and member savings, either call a dedicated CSA number – 866 984-05065 or visit https://www.bayalarmmedical.com/csa/
Required Minimum Distributions
If you are 73 years of age or turning 73 in 2026 and you have a TDA account (403B), you will have to begin making annual withdrawals, RMD’s, from your TDA. TRS will notify you by mail and also through your secure TRS account regarding the amount you must receive in order to avoid a possible penalty. If you do not make an election, you will receive that amount on the last workday in December. You can request more than that amount, you can change the tax withholding, and you can request it earlier in the year. If this is your first time, you can request payment in 2027, but you will then get two RMD’s in 2027.
CEC Meeting Incident
From our in-service update:
As many have now seen in the press, a young student spoke at a virtual CEC meeting in District 3 earlier this month in defense of her school during a conversation about a potential phase out. At that moment, a parent’s biased comment on a hot mic interrupted her. That video has been made public this week for all to see, and we join in with all those condemning such hateful ideas and language.
We can’t imagine the hurt that child felt, or the hurt felt by her family, classmates, teachers, or our members who lead those school communities being discussed at that CEC meeting. We stand with them in outrage. The comment in question was racist and unacceptable, and it has no place in our public forums and our school communities, especially in any space where children are speaking about their lived experiences.
We must work together to collectively ensure that stakeholders can always voice their experiences safely, without fear of being cut down by hateful comments on a hot mic or subjected to personal and biased attacks. We’re pleased that the Chancellor has sent a clear message that we will not tolerate comments like those in the DOE’s public forums. Click here to read the Chancellor’s message.
We believe this incident has now made it significantly harder to deliberate a proposed phase out of the school in question if that possibility is presented to PEP next month. The Chancellor shared that District 3 is building a support plan for the school and the district, as well as a broader systemwide plan to address such matters. We support those efforts, and we look forward to collaborating with the DOE and all stakeholders to ensure no further damage because of this incident.
CSARC Mystic CT Trip
Travel in comfort aboard a deluxe motor coach and enjoy three days, April 30 – May 2, 2026, with hotel accommodations and four delicious meals included. From charming seaside sights to fascinating historic and unique local experiences, Mystic has something for everyone. We hope you’ll join us for this special adventure.
For more information and reservations, please contact Rosemarie Sinclair: Rsinclair@csa-nyc.org / 212-823-2080.
Spring 2026 Retiree Chapter Program
Click here to register for any of the sessions below: Spring 2026 CSARC Educational Calendar Registration
Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be issued only if the canceled slot(s) are filled from the waiting list. No exceptions.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to Paula Lombardo at plombardo@csa-nyc.org or Lucie Elio at luicie@csa-nyc.org.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Retiree Office at (212) 823-2075.
2026 SAANYS Retiree Student Scholarship Application
Open to any New York public high school senior graduating in June 2026. By completing the information required on this application the student will enable the committee to determine eligibility to receive funds provided specifically to help public high school students graduating in June of 2025. Students must have demonstrated good school and community citizenship, are planning to go on to higher education, and who otherwise satisfy criteria by the SAANYS Retiree Scholarship committee. Students are responsible for seeing that this form is accurately filled out. Be sure to collect all supporting documents before beginning this application. Applicants must sign into their Google account to upload supporting documents (transcript and two letters of reference). The SAANYS Retiree Board reserves the right to not process applications found to be incomplete as of the application deadline (11:59pm, April 19, 2026).
NYCESPA Convention
The 93rd Annual NYCESPA Convention will be held on Saturday, March 14th at Marriott Brooklyn Bridge. NYCESPA will be honoring Deputy Chancellor Isabel DIMola and Former CSA Legislative Director John Khani. NYCESPA will also recognize NYCESPA member principals who are celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. The convention includes opportunities for principals and their teams to attend workshops and a keynote address from Dr. Clay Cook, Implementation Specialist and Dr. Alisha Hill, Director of Professional Services at Character Strong. Registration is found at: NYCESPA.93rd Convention Attendee Registration. The Sole Source vendor letter can be found at: 26 Sole Source Vendor Letter. For additional information, please contact: nycespanyc@gmail.com
OWE – Organization of Women’s Empowerment
You are lovingly invited to join us for a special spring celebration luncheon in honor of International Women’s Day, on March 8, 2026 at 12:30 PM at RUSSO's on the Bay. The purpose of this event is to recognize and celebrate the amazing leaders of today and the bright leaders of tomorrow. This joyful occasion embraces the beauty and spirit of the season—featuring elegant bonnets, blooming flowers, and stunning spring colors that reflect renewal, strength, and inspiration. Together, we will gather in fellowship and gratitude to honor the achievements, resilience, and impact of women in our community and beyond. Here’s to longer days, fresh beginnings, and a joyful spring filled with beauty, hope, and celebration.
This special gathering is more than a luncheon — it is a celebration of purpose, sisterhood, and the bright futures we help create together. Your presence makes a difference. If you have not done so as of yet, please purchase your tickets here: https://owe-csa.org
The Black Caucus of the CSA
Will hold its annual Legendary Luncheon on Juneteenth, June 19, 2026 at the Swan Club on the Harbor from 11:30am to 4:30pm. Click here to learn more and register. The Black Caucus invites members to submit nominations honoring leaders who exemplify Legendary Leadership. Nominations should include specific examples highlighting the nominee’s impact, leadership practice, and influence. Email black.caucus.of.csa@gmail.com to confirm your nominee’s BCCSA membership before submitting the nomination form.
LGBTQ+ Alliance
CSA’s LGBTQ+ Alliance will host a Spring gathering on Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 in Brooklyn from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with bites, celebrations, and networking. Click here for the link to RSVP; please RSVP by March 9th. Click here to become a member. If you are interested in running for a board seat, this event is a chance to introduce yourself to your peers or nominate your colleagues. They will collect nominations digitally and at the event, and the election will be digitally held after the event.
Association of Assistant Principals
The Association of Assistant Principals will hold its General Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Puttery NYC. Hear important updates related to assistant principals while enjoying an evening of networking, mini golf, and food. Registration required. Register at www.nycaap.org.
Remember the Triangle Fire
The 115th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. Wednesday March 25th at 11:30 at the corner of Washington Place and Greene Street in lower Manhattan. A fire broke out on the top floors of the Asch Building. Because management had locked the exit doors and fire escapes were flimsy or non-existent, 146 garment workers—mostly young immigrant women—perished. Many victims died from fire, smoke inhalation, or by jumping to their deaths to escape the flames. The tragedy sparked widespread public outrage and led to a massive overhaul of labor laws. It resulted in the creation of the Factory Investigating Commission, which pioneered modern safety standards, including:
· Mandatory fire drills.
· Requirement for outward-swinging exit doors.
· Enhanced fire sprinkler requirements.
· Better working conditions and reduced hours.
CATHOLIC TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL MASS & COMMUNION
Luncheon Saturday, March 28, 2026, Memorial Mass at ST. Francis de Sales Church at 12 Noon. Communion Luncheon at Kennedy’s Restaurant at 1 PM $80. Per Person.
The Distinguished Honorees:
CARL CAMBRIA Senior Assistant to the UFT President
ELISA GOMEZ Principal, P.S. 110Q, The Tiffany School, District 24
INES LOVERAS NYC Public Schools, Supervisor, Queens High Schools Alternate Learning Center, District 79
Former Assistant Principal DANIELLE NOLA Principal, P.S. 200K, The Benson School, District 20
ELISABETH NOVAK Assistant Principal, for 3K and Pre-K: P.S. 389Q, P.S. 78Q, P.S. 397Q, P.S. 972Q, District 30
DEIDRE QUINN NYC Public Schools ESL Teacher, Cyberarts Studio Academy High School, 463K, District 15
YVONNE RICHTER Second Grade Teacher, P.S. 277K, District 22
DENISE SCHIRA Former Assistant Superintendent; CSA Retiree Executive Board