Issue: 2020-2021-16 * Justina Ketyer, Editor * May 20, 2021
In this issue

  • General Membership Meeting
  • Announcing the 2021-2023 HCT Leadership Team
  • Thank You for Serving
  • NYSUT Health and Safety Conference 2021
  • Make Your Voice Heard - NYSED Seeks Public Input in Developing New York’s American Rescue Plan
  • Hicksville Hits Broadway - Call for Volunteers
  • HCT Supporting Those Most in Need
  • Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Plan
  • Professional Learning Opportunities
  • Special Theme Park Offers
  • Virtual Retirement Planning Q&A
  • Recommendations for Members Affected by the Recent Unemployment Scam
  • NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund Shares News of FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Benefit
  • A Virtual Workshop Helping You, Your Family & Friends be Prepared Through the Journey of Life
  • School Related COVID Questions & Reporting
  • Congratulations Graduates
  • Retiree News
  • News Around the Schools
Tuesday, June 1st via Zoom
Check your personal email soon for the link to join.

  • HCT Budget Presentation
  • HCT Constitution Amendment Presentation
2021-2023 HCT LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE BOARD

President - Stephanie Sullo
1st Vice President/Grievance Chair - Kyrstin Stehle
2nd Vice President/Public Relations Chair - Justina Ketyer
Treasurer - Corey Cohn
Secretary - Meg McElroy
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

High School
Christine Anderson
Michael Caruso
Dena Civello
Laura Durning
Erik Knudsen
Joanne Paraskevopoulos
Petrice Peppers
Pnina Powell
Alison Silvestri
Grace Vangi Delise

Middle School
Kevin Boyle
Kevin Kerley
Lauren Kranz
Bernadette Massa
Anthony Tussie

Burns Avenue
Kelly Cutrone
Jen Roth

Dutch Lane
Leigh Phillips

East Street
Andrea Ferrara
Jessica Ficke

Fork Lane
Laurie Haddock
Tammy Lao

Lee Avenue
Susan Goldman
Tina Pilotte
Marissa Pressler

Old Country Road
Rob Casale
Lauren Degen

Woodland
Rob Morris
Erica Sabatella
Lauren Dilena *alternate
The Executive Board Thanks the following members for their service to the
HCT Board of Directors.

You will be missed.

Katherine Alvino
Julianne Dunn
Sara Smith
Christine Steinkraus
Katherine Suppa
NYSUT Health and Safety Conference 2021

This weekend, May 21st-23rd, your Executive Board Members will attend NYSUT's annual Health and Safety Conference, which will be held virtually. Matt Jacobs, NYSUT Regional Staff Director writes, "The importance of health and safety issues in our schools and workplaces has never been more evident than in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the disconnect between how we as workers identify health and safety hazards and how we ultimately work with employers to remove or control them." Session topics include: protecting workers, indoor air quality, chemicals in the workplace, drinking water safety, and mental health and resiliency.
State Education Department Seeks Public Input in Developing New York’s American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Plan. Public comment will be accepted through May 24. Responses received through the ThoughtExchange platform will be reflected in NYSED’s final ARP ESSER plan. For additional information, read the May 17, 2021 SED press release.
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!
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
Strengthening Mind and Body: Standing Poses and Chair Yoga

Wednesday, May 26, at 6 p.m. EDT
FREE

Join Eleanor Harris, a classroom teacher in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District, and a health and fitness professional, for another motivating virtual yoga session. This session will focus on standing poses and chair yoga. Participants should have space to stand and sit, and either a yoga strap or belt.
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
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.
Tickets $33

Valid on any operating day through 9/6/2021.

Parking $25

COVID Restrictions:

  • Reservations are required to enter the park.
  • Parking must be purchased before your visit.

DEADLINE MAY 21

Send check payment payable to
Hicksville Congress of Teachers to Alison Silvestri at the High School
Virtual Retirement Planning Q&A
Please join us for a virtual Q & A session. We will be discussing the following:

  • NYSTRS Pension options
  • NYSTRS Pension Tier specific age and service credit thresholds
  • 403(b) investment strategies
  • Post retirement investment strategies
  • Purchase years of service credit

Zoom Meeting Information will be given upon RSVP registration.
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.
A Virtual Workshop
Helping You, Your Family & Friends be Prepared Through The Journey of Life

with Live Q&A

Durable Power of Attorney
Medical Directives
Wills
Trusts
Gifting to Children
SECURE and CARE Acts

Presented by Guest Speaker:
Donna M. Stefans, Esq., AIF®
WHEN: May 26, 2021
TIME: 4:30 PM
Donna is the founder and lead Estate & Elder Law attorney at Stefans Law Group PC with over 20 years experience.
School-related COVID questions should be directed to Gail Hunker.
Her numbers are: 516-733-2149 and 516-315-0494
  • Congratulations to Angela Walsh (Holy Trinity) on her daughter Sam's graduation from Binghamton with her MPA.
  • Congratulations to Jennifer Stanzione (Holy Trinity) on her sons' graduation from high school. In the fall, Andrew will attend Binghamton University and Jonathan will attend SUNY Oneonta.
  • Congratulations to Alia Khan (Middle School) on her graduation from Long Island University with a Doctorate in Education. 
Congratulations to Henry Euler (Middle School, retired 2003) on his reappointment to his local Community Board by the Queens Borough President for a two-year term. He was also reelected as a Vice Chair of his Board by his colleagues for a one-year term.
Want to celebrate or share news about a colleague? Complete this short form. We'll post the info in the next Connected!
535 South Broadway, Suite 212
Hicksville, NY 11801
Phone: 516-937-1288
Fax: 516-937-1925