• It's What We Do!
• HCT Executive Board Attends Nassau Regional Leadership Conference
• HCT Retiree & 20 Year Honoree Party
• The HCT App - Download it TODAY!
• Lotto Fundraiser - You Have to be In It to Win It!
• Scholarships for HCT Members' Graduating Seniors
• HCT Special Midterm Election - Second Vice President
• 2024-2025 BOE Approved Instructional Calendar
• LOFT Spring Events for Students
• International Night
• Enjoy a Meal for a Good Cause - The HCT Scholarship Fund
• Blaze Pizza
• Monaco's Family Meal Deal - Now through June!
• Stay Connected
• Calm App Free for In-Service Teachers and Retirees
• Are You Interested in Tutoring?
• NYSUT's Peer Support Line
• FREE NYSUT Member Benefits
• Information and Programs Brought to You by NYSUT
• It's a Girl!
• Congratulations!
• With Deepest Sympathy
• News Around the Schools
• Retiree News

The last two weeks in Hicksville have been tumultuous due to numerous budget meetings and discussions. After the final budget proposal, and based on the recommendations proposed by the district to minimize the deficit, HCT sprang to action.

• I sent a formal, signed letter to the Board of Education declaring our dissatisfaction with the budget proposal. This letter included testimony about how  dedicated the potentially excessed teachers are to this district. It also included avenues we were willing to explore to help the district trim the budget to save these positions.
• A series of productive and collaborative conversations occurred between the BOE, the HCT and district office, in which proposals were addressed to trim unnecessary, one-time expenditures from the budget 
• Finally, and just as importantly as anything else that was done, our members met with district office. There were countless, face-to-face meetings held that demonstrated unity among members, across departments, and across buildings. Teachers spoke out and voiced their unwavering support for our colleagues.

Together, these actions forced the district to reconsider the initial proposal and return with a modified budget that eliminated a number of one time expenditures, reallocated some future positions, and cut expenses that were not pertinent. The HCT did this together. 

For those of you in attendance at Wednesday’s BOE meeting where the future projections for Hicksville were shared, the next couple of years do not offer much initial hope. However, this year we demonstrated what we can do when we work together and fight for a cause. That is what a union does. That is what the Hicksville Congress of Teachers does. We do not “accept” an outcome - we fight for an outcome. Next year, the budget conversation will start early and the HCT will be in the middle of that conversation every single step of the way. We will demand accountability, answers, and action. We may have a long road ahead, but we will walk it together. I want to thank all of you who “stepped up” and fought for your colleagues, for fellow educators who care about this district and the profession that we love. 

Always in solidarity, 

Corey

HCT Executive Board Attends Nassau Regional Leadership Conference

HCT executive board members Corey Cohn, Kyrstin Stehle, Justina Ketyer, Leigh Philips and Meg McElroy attended the NYSUT Nassau Regional Meeting this past weekend in Tarrytown, NY. Workshops focused on building leadership in locals, communications, negotiations, health and safety, and legal issues. NYSUT Executive Vice President Jamie Ciuffre presented "hot topics" in education right now such as Science of Reading (SOR), artificial intelligence, and possible certification changes for future teachers. President Melinda Person said NYSUT is "laser focused" on fixing Tier Six for our newer educators. She added, "We will chip away at this, little by little, until we can get parity with Tier Four." She also highlighted a new bill which would return APPR to local control and create a system for measuring teacher accountability that focuses on professional development and support, rather than on testing. Read more about the bill here. Corey and Kystin attended the leadership workshop where they discussed different leadership styles. They also worked on ways to strengthen current union management and identify and inspire future leaders. Justina, Leigh and Meg's workshop focused on legal issues such as tenure, contract protections, discipline, due process, excessing and reinstatement. 

HCT Retiree & 20 Year Honoree Party

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

6:00 PM

Please join us as we celebrate milestones and another successful school year!

4913 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

$70 includes:

Appetizers and Entree, Beer, Wine, Sangria, Dessert and Coffee

RSVP by Friday, May 10th

Complete and return the RSVP form to Leigh Phillips at Dutch Lane School

Honoring Our Retiring Members

Frank Barbera - Lee Avenue School

Mary Ellen Baumann - Dutch Lane School

Maureen Cervantes - Woodland Elementary School

Adam Clive - Hicksville High School

Dina Fusco - Woodland Elementary School

Alice Hannon - Hicksville High School

Lauree Iovine - Hicksville High School

Angela Keane - East Street School

Justina Ketyer - East Street School

Patti Lisa Korenshtein - Old Country Road School

Evelyn Korzendorfer - Fork Lane School

Paulina McPhillips - Hicksville High School

Christine Moir - Old Country Road School

Phillip Moshoyannis - Lee Avenue School

Ellen Nietsch - Hicksville Middle School

Tina Pilotte - Lee Avenue School

Pnina Powell - Hicksville High School

Jacqueline Purcell - Hicksville High School

Beth Taylor-Devlin - Dutch Lane School

Celebrating 20 Years in Hicksville

Frances Blaney - Burns Avenue School

Suzanne Calo - Burns Avenue School

Robert Casale - Old Country Road School

Alisa Cataldo - Hicksville Middle School

Jason Cetron - Hicksville High School

Jaqueline Connors - Hicksville Middle School

Julie Covelli - Burns Avenue School

Laura Cummo - Hicksville High School

Ellen Feaster - Hicksville High School

Stephanie Fries-Fontana - Hicksville High School

Danielle Fumagalli - East Street School

Dana Garelick - Old Country Road School

Diana Germinario - Dutch Lane School/East Street School

Shannon Keeley - Administration Building

Jennifer McEvoy - Old Country Road School

Paulina McPhillips - Hicksville High School

Dianna O'Neill - Burns Avenue School

Kristin Powell - Hicksville Middle School

Brian Stanley - Hicksville High School

Heather Stavrinadis, Hicksville High School

Jason Surdi - Hicksville High School

Courtney Wall-Hance - Hicksville High School

Alyssa Wilson - Hicksville Middle School

The HCT? There’s an App for That!

Perhaps you've heard... the HCT has released NEW APP! Members can now easily access information about our contract, MOA's and more. The app also provides a convenient way to communicate with your building representatives and the executive board.

*** REGISTRATION IS EASY ***

YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW YOUR HCT WEBSITE LOGIN TO JOIN!

SIMPLY DOWNLOAD THE APP AND CREATE A NEW USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO REGISTER.

Recent additions include:

• Monthly Board of Directors Agenda and Minutes (starting April 2024)
• The NYSUT FMLA Workshop Presentation 
• Updated Benefit Info (and soon information regarding a Vision Plan)
• Easy access to past issues of The Connected
• Recently signed Memorandums of Agreement

DOWNLOAD AND REGISTER TODAY TO EARN A FREE ENTRY

in our Scratch Off Basket Member Benefit during the Month of May!

It's available through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Scan the QR code located below or use the following link: Download HCT App

The following are features you can access via this *free* download: 

• A calendar of upcoming events 
• Identify and communicate with the HCT executive board and your building representatives
• Ability to join groups pertaining to unique interests across the district
• Direct access to local politicians 
• Easy access to new and past issues of the HCT Connected
• Immediate access to all future announcements and presidential addresses

This is one more way you can feel connected to the HCT and the work we are doing each and every day. Your rights are now in the palm of your hand, whenever and wherever you need them.

In the near future there will be a published “How-To” video to show you all of the features you can expect with the app. 

We hope that you find this to be useful and worthwhile. As you navigate the app and use its features, if you find you have suggestions or comments on things you would like to see added, do not hesitate to contact the HCT at hicksville_teachers@verzion.net!

And yes… the report a contract violation button works, you do not have to test it! 😊

Scholarships for HCT Members' Graduating Seniors

Students must be graduating high school seniors and must be the child or dependent of an HCT member in good standing.

DEADLINE WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024

The HCT office must receive all applications by Wednesday, May May 8, 2024

Applications may be sent via USPS mail or dropped off in person Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Download HCT Member's Family Scholarship Application

 Download Commitment to Community Service Scholarship Application

HCT Special Midterm Election - Second Vice President

This spring, the HCT will be holding a special midterm election for the second vice president position. Our current vice president, Justina Ketyer, will be retiring. The term will run from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. 

The following are the requirements and expectations of the position:

• Write and edit the “The HCT Connected” newsletter which is published twice a month with the help of our office secretary
• Manage and maintain Social Media Accounts (currently Instagram, Facebook and X)
• Act as PTA Council Liaison
• Attend monthly PTA Council meetings, and other related PTA organized meetings
• Attend one additional District Level Committee meeting per month
• Attend two HCT monthly meetings (Executive Board and Board of Directors) 
• Attend District-based functions, such as Homecoming and Founder’s Day
• Attend NYSUT sponsored functions, including but not limited to two overnight trips - The Representative Assembly and the Nassau Regional Office Training Session (in Tarrytown, NY)
• Spearhead and/or institute new methods of communication with HCT members that can include but is not limited to the preparation of our new app
• Order and gift wrap end of the year gifts for retiring teachers and those with 20 years of service
• Chair student scholarship committee
• Attend Scholars Tea to present scholarships
• Act in accordance with our HCT Constitution 
• Fulfill the responsibilities as provided for in the HCT Constitution
• Must be a tenured teacher and a member in good standing with the Hicksville Congress of Teachers (meaning all dues are currently paid in full)

Interested members can attend a brief informational meeting with Corey Cohn and Justina Ketyer at the HCT Office (address listed below) to get more information. 

The election timeline will be forthcoming, however according to our Constitution any and all interested teachers must formally declare their interest in the position by May 15 at 4:30 PM.

2024-2025 BOE Approved Instructional Calendar

Download/Print

Join the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium for select games in June as we show our appreciation to the dedicated men and women of New York and nationwide who serve as our Educators.

Each Special Event Ticket includes:

• Either a New York Yankees Lunch bag or tumbler co-branded with our Educator appreciation logo

• $15 New York Yankees Food & Beverage Voucher (ONLY FOR THE 6/18, 6/19 and 6/20 games. Games 6/21, 6/22 and 6/23 DO NOT INCLUDE the Food/Beverage Voucher.)

Purchase tickets here.

For groups of 10 or more, contact JGrande@Yankees.com

Enjoy a Meal for a Good Cause - The HCT Scholarship Fund

Calm App Free for In-Service Teachers and Retirees

All in-service and retirees now have free access to Calm, a leading app for meditation, sleep and relaxation. NYSUT Member benefits is offering this program to its members, and up to five dependents 16 and older. Click here for more information about how to set up a Calm account.

The HCT is updating its tutor referral database. When a request for a tutor is received, we will contact members on the list who meet the criteria. It is up to the individual teacher to make arrangements as to times, fees and location. We cycle through the lists to ensure that everyone will have an opportunity to tutor. Replies must be made within 48 hours so that we can respond to requests in a timely manner. Once we hear back from you, we will forward the parent's phone number and student information.

If you are interested in participating in our tutor referral program or would like to continue tutoring, please complete this short form.

Help us keep you up-to-date on important HCT news and current events. The HCT Connected bi-weekly newsletter, Hicksville employment opportunities and political action items are just a few of the ways we aim to keep members informed.

Let us know if you have had a change or address or cell phone number. If you are not receiving emails or text messages, we may not have your current contact info.

Send us a quick email and we will update our records.

NYSUT has established a free, confidential helpline to provide members with resources, information and emotional support. Staffed by qualified in-service and retired individuals, the Peer Support Line can assist members with finding mental health and medical providers as well as other community resources. Contact the Peer Support Line at 844-444-0152.

STUDENT LOAN COUNSELING -- NYSUT members can speak with a Cambridge Credit Counseling loan counselor, attend a NYSUT Student Loan Workshop, or visit the Cambridge Student Loan Portal through this helpful resource.

FINANCIAL LEARNING CENTER -- Powered by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, this platform offers numerous articles designed to assist NYSUT members with achieving their personal financial goals and better understand the nuances of insurance, savings, investing, and more.

DEBT COUNSELING -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are eligible to receive a free, no obligation debt consultation with a Cambridge Credit Counseling certified counselor.

NEW MEMBER LIFE INSURANCE POLICY -- New NYSUT members are eligible to receive a free term life insurance policy providing coverage for up to $25,000 for one year, guaranteed renewable at the end of the year.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are automatically provided with a $5,000 accidental death & dismemberment insurance benefit (previously, the coverage amount was $1,500 per member)

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are automatically provided with travel assistance services from Europ Assistance that focus on providing coordination services to travelers.

NATIONAL AFFILIATE RESOURCES -- Your status as a NYSUT member provides you with access to complimentary life insurance from the National Education Association, along with an accidental death & dismemberment insurance benefit and trauma counseling services from the American Federation of Teachers

Learn more about individual benefits here.

• We know you spend a lot more, but save those back-to-school receipts for the educators tax deduction, which increases to $300 this year. Hit hard by inflation, a recent report says teachers are spending an average of $820.14 out-of-pocket for school supplies this fall.

• The State Education Department has launched a Welcome Back to School Ready To Learn initiative offering health and safety guidance, learning resources and a place to highlight efforts supporting students academically, socially and emotionally.

• Donate to a scholarship fund established by NYSUT and Say Yes Buffalo to honor the victims of the Tops shooting in Buffalo.

• Want to know what the new student loan forgiveness means for you? Are you nearing retirement and concerned about those hidden snags that can slow you down? Perhaps you and your loved one are looking to take the next step with your finances? Explore the NYSUT Member Benefits Financial Learning Center – powered by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

• Find out if you qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Hailing a new union-backed law that expands eligibility for thousands of higher ed adjuncts, NYSUT is ramping up efforts to get the word out about Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Melissa Morales (Dutch Lane) and her husband on the birth of their baby girl. Kennedy Jean was born on Saturday, April 6th at 1:58pm. She was 6 pounds, 15 ounces and 19 inches long

Maria DeRosa (Lee Avenue) on her nomination for the Scholars Honored Teacher. Her colleagues are so proud of her hard work and dedication!

Condolences to Chrissie Morgan (Lee Avenue) on the passing of her mother. Her colleagues wish the deepest sympathy to her and her family. 

Want to celebrate or share news about a colleague? Complete this short form. We'll post the info in the next Connected!

Send your news here.

Bill Lemmey writes, "The cost of health Insurance continues to be a major issue for retirees. Retirement Council 19 is monitoring the increasing cost of Medicare and the Empire Plan. Read carefully the details of any health plan before you make a decision to change your coverage."

Hicksville Congress of Teachers / Hicksville Federation of Retired Teachers

2023-2024 Annual Dues Reminder

If you have not already submitted your dues for this year, we've made it easy. Simply mail your payment of $15 to the Hicksville Congress of Teachers with a note stating retiree dues to the address below. In order to continue your contributory life insurance, excess major medical insurance and any NYSUT or AFT programs you subscribe to, you must maintain your membership in our organization.

If you are 75 years of age or older, your membership is on us! Let us know, and we will update our records.

Email us at Hicksville_Teachers@verizon.net with any changes to your contact information.