The Member Engagement Committee will be holding its final meeting of the school year on Tuesday, May 2 at 3:45 PM in the Dutch Lane Library.

Although this academic year is quickly drawing to a close, we are already beginning to make plans for next year! Come and be a part of the planning process and have your voice heard. Don’t just be a participant, be a plan maker and a game changer! Have an idea for an event? We would love to hear it!

If you can’t make the meeting, but would like to learn more about the committee or you want to share an idea, please email Alison Silvestri at ajsilvest@hotmail.com.

After almost 6 years, Dr. Edward Denaro, former physical education teacher for the Hicksville Public School District and member of the Massapequa and Baldwin communities, has finally returned to his home and family! Let us pull together and help him to purchase the van that he needs to truly re-enter society and live a complete and fulfilling life. Contributions for Ed can be made here.

by Alison Silvestri

Many teachers are considering retirement. If you or a co-worker you know is getting ready to retire next year, use this one-stop shop for the NYSTRS retirement process:

This link provides you access to videos, publications and additional links, such as those to PREP Seminars, which are designed to help you as you plan one of the biggest decisions you will make in your lifetime. It is information provided by NYSTRS, written by NYSTRS, all with NYSTRS members in mind..

HCT has secured five tickets to each of three Long Island Ducks Games this Spring. Use the Google Form to enter your name in the raffle for one game. If your name is selected, you will receive all five tickets for that game. Please make sure you use your personal email account to complete the form. Good luck!

Print and complete payment voucher and send with cash or check (made payable to the HCT) to Alison Silvestri at the High School. Questions, email Alison at ajsilvest@hotmail.com

 Download Commitment to Community Service Scholarship Application

For groups of 15 or more, suites, or season ticket packages email Joe Grande at JGrande@Yankees.com.

New York Yankees Hicksville Congress of Teacher Discounts

Purchase individual discounted tickets here.

Discount is good for all games except the premium matchups.

please reach out to Joe Grande at JGrande@Yankees.com.

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.

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.

School-related COVID questions should be directed to Gail Hunker.

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.

NEW: PEER SUPPORT LINE -- Created in partnership with NYSUT Social Services and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, this confidential helpline can provide answers, resources, and empathetic support when you need it.

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.

NEW: 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.

Congratulations Brittany Tortorella (Reading, Lee Avenue) on her engagement. Your Lee Avenue colleagues are so happy for you

Condolences to Angela Walsh ( Resource Room, Holy Trinity HS) on the passing of her mother Karen Wieman on March 24, 2023.

Send your news here.

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.

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