Issue: 2020-2021-17 * Justina Ketyer, Editor * June 3, 2021
In this issue

  • HCT End of Year Luncheon
  • Reminder - HCT Budget Vote and Constitutional Amendment Ratification - June 8th
  • Hicksville Hits Broadway - Call for Volunteers
  • LAST CALL - End of Year Retiree & 20 Year Honoree Celebration
  • Special Refresh My Summer Look Event
  • NYSUT Certification Day Workshop
  • HCT Supporting Those Most in Need
  • Professional Learning Opportunities
  • Special Theme Park Offers
  • Adventureland
  • Sesame Place
  • Recommendations for Members Affected by the Recent Unemployment Scam
  • NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund Shares News of FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Benefit
  • School Related COVID Questions & Reporting
  • Congratulations
  • It's a Boy!
  • Celebrating June Birthdays
  • HCT Office Summer Hours
  • News Around the Schools
HCT Budget Vote & Constitutional Amendment Ratification
Tuesday, June 8th

Please see your building reps to cast your vote on an HCT Constitutional Amendment and to approve next year's budget
Join the HCT as we celebrate the students of Hicksville!
The HCT will be participating in this fun community event, and we can use your help.

Please join us between the hours of 1 PM and 3 PM on Saturday, June 5th at the Broadway Mall as we pass out individually wrapped treats to the students of Hicksville.

Activities and Performances will include:

Student artwork displayed throughout the mall
Musical performances each day
Games & activities for students
Photo opportunities
Raffles and more!
DEADLINE TO RSVP IS TODAY

If you have not already done so, email Corey Cohn at Hicksville_Teachers@verizon.net to let him know you will be joining the celebration!
Friday, June 11th
6:30 - 8:30 PM
LOFT
Woodbury Plaza
417A South Oyster Bay Road
Plainview

RSVP June 9 by 5 PM
Alison Silvestri at ajsilvest@hotmail.com.
August 12, 2021
10 AM

Presented by NYSUT Certification Specialists Glenn Jeffers and Catharine McHugh, this workshop is intended for any Teacher or Teaching Assistant who is currently seeking to complete State Certification Requirements.

Register here for Certification workshop ZOOM 8/12/21 @ 10:00am
Registration deadline 8/05/21

Certification for Teachers and TAs in New York can be confusing and intimidating. With complications from COVID-19, it has not become any simpler. That's why our union is hosting a series of webinars to help address your Certification questions.

• Initial-to-professional Certification requirements
• How to manage issues with SED
• Effects of a change in employment status
• Changes to the certification process in light of COVID-19

This workshop will prove extremely valuable to any teacher or teaching assistant in the process of completing their complex certification requirements on the road to obtaining tenure. A general overview of the certification process and requirements will be presented. Following the presentation, workshop attendees will have the opportunity to schedule an individual Zoom meeting with Glenn or Catharine to discuss their specific situation and questions.

Workshops are available to NYSUT Members only. Space is limited.
HCT Supporting Those Most in Need
India is currently facing staggeringly high amounts of COVID-19 cases, with the country struggling to handle overwhelming hospitalizations and deaths. In an effort to support those most in need, the HCT has voted to donate $200 to the India Association of Long Island for COVID relief. If you would like to contribute to this donation, you can do so in one of two ways:

1.     Interoffice your donation to Alison Silvestri at Hicksville High School
2.     Visit the India Association of Long Island at


Thank you in advance for whatever you can donate. 
Professional Learning Opportunities
A Trusted Space, Redirecting Grief to Growth

Available on Demand
FREE

The film A Trusted Space, Redirecting Grief to Growth is a unique and powerful respite for educators. Acknowledging teachers for their value, the unparalleled year they are having, and the extraordinary heart and effort they offer our most precious population, this film and discussion will fill your bucket and offer hope, while empowering self-care. As a gentle reminder, putting your oxygen mask on first is critical so that you are able to put them on the kids you serve.
Meditation and Mindfulness Practices for the Busy Mind: Part 2

Now on Demand
FREE

In a world full of chaos and chronic busyness, it can be difficult to find a state of presence and clarity. Commonly reported benefits of mindfulness and meditation include reduced anxiety, improved focus, reduced blood pressure and pain management. In this follow-up session with Kelly Trautner, AFT director of Healthcare, attendees will learn how to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into their self-care toolbox and try some new beginner-friendly techniques.
SPECIAL THEME PARK OFFERS
Food vouchers are available for $11
Includes Hamburger, Hot Dog or Chicken Nuggets, French Fries and a Drink.
Pizza is available as a vegetarian option upon prior request - please indicate if this is necessary on your order form.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Due to park regulations, a ticket must be purchased for anyone entering the park.
  • All ticket sales for this offer must be purchased at one time. Add on ticket purchases may not be made.
  • If you are a season pass holder, you may join the HCT on July 15 at no additional cost
  • A minimum of 25 Pay One Price bracelets must be sold to receive this rate. Payment will be returned if the minimum is not met.
Print payment voucher and return to Alison Silvestri at the High School no later than June 18th. Email Alison at ajsilvest@hotmail.com with any questions.
Sesame Place Teacher Pass

2021 Teacher Passes are now available for all teachers of grades K-12 in PA, NY, NJ and DE. The Teacher Pass allows you unlimited park admission, now through 1/2/22. To be eligible for the free Teacher Pass you must have a valid teaching certificate and register online by 11/3/20. Once you register online, you will receive a voucher that must be redeemed at Guest Relations in the park by 1/2/22. If you had a Teacher Pass for the 2020 season, your pass will automatically renew, and all you need to do is visit the Guest Relations or Welcome Center upon your next visit to update the pass for the new 2021 season.
Recommendations for Members Affected by the Recent Unemployment Scam

Imposters nationwide have been filing claims for unemployment benefits using personally identifiable information (PII) stolen from unsuspecting individuals. According to Attorney Jacqueline Kagan, from the Department of Labor, completing the online reporting form is the most efficient way to report ID theft. Employees might still receive correspondence. This may even include a bank card. Those letters can be ignored, and the bank card can be shredded. After reporting the fraud, read about the many options you have to create additional layers of security.

If you believe your personal information has been compromised, you should contact the following:

  • Hicksville School District
  • The NYS Department of Labor (888-598-2077 or labor.ny.gov).
  • The Federal Trade Commission (IdentityTheft.gov)
  • NYSTRS at (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6250 to discuss options for adding a theft of ID flag to your System account
NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund Shares News of FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Benefit

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance of up to $9,000 for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Read more information here.
School-related COVID questions should be directed to Gail Hunker.
Her numbers are: 516-733-2149 and 516-315-0494
Congratulations to Kathy Nicolich (Middle School) on the engagement of her daughter Brittany.
Congratulations to Michelle Pavelka (Fork Lane) and her husband Alex on the birth of their daughter Ava Jean on May 6th.
During the summer months of July and August, the HCT office will be operating on a summer schedule. As such, the office will not be open during its usual Tuesday through Thursday schedule. Email will be monitored closely. If you need to contact anyone during this time, please email the HCT at Hicksville_Teachers@verizon.net.

The elected officials treat the concerns of the members of the HCT with the utmost care, efficiency, and discretion. We pride ourselves on being a responsive unit. To ensure an orderly process as the summer approaches, please read on for more information that will help us to continue these practices.

Please remember, when considering a concern you feel warrants the involvement of an HCT official (building representative, executive board member), there is a proper protocol which should be followed. Use the following guidelines to ensure your concerns and the concerns of others are prioritized and may addressed in a timely manner as well:

  • If the concern can effectively be handled at the building level, seek the advice of a building representative, who will work with you to decide what action is necessary or will direct your concern to the appropriate Executive Officer.

  • If the concern is of a confidential matter or is serious in nature, please email the HCT Office at hicksville_teachers@verizon.net with your concerns. The matter will be referred to the proper Executive Officer.
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535 South Broadway, Suite 212
Hicksville, NY 11801
Phone: 516-937-1288
Fax: 516-937-1925