High school art teacher Jennifer LaCava won New York State Art Teachers Association’s Regional Art Educator of the Year Award at its annual conference in Binghamton last month. Congratulations, Jen!

From Jen’s colleague, Craig Mateyunas:

HCT friends gathered for a holiday happy hour Friday, December 9th, at The Lost Farmer in Mineola. Organized by the ME committee, the event gave HCT members a drink discount and a place for hockey fans to watch the Islanders beat the Devils, 6-4. Keep an eye out for the next get together!

Island Harvest supports a wide network of community-based non-profit organizations, as well as individuals, veterans, families, and seniors directly. Many families and individuals rely on Island Harvest for its support. We are so close to reaching our goal of $1,000! Your contributions will strengthen our community by helping others in need. Please donate by December 31st to reach the neediest in our communities.

There's still time to make a donation here.

Congratulations to Riva Kaplan (Speech, Fork Lane) on winning the 50/50 Raffle! She takes home $345, just in time for the holidays. Thank you to everyone who participated. Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to our scholarship fund.

In November, I attended the annual NYSTRS Delegate Convention, which was held in person for the first time since November 2019 in Saratoga, New York.

At the convention, legislative changes from 2022 were discussed. They are as follows:

Two pieces of legislation that are pending approval by the state legislature were also discussed. They are as follows:

NYSTRS remains committed to being an exemplary pension system and to providing excellent customer service.

The Jersey Mike’s new Hicksville location is offering teachers 10% off their order.

Just show your teacher ID.

The Islanders are excited to offer our Family Packs for the 50th Anniversary season. Every ticket purchased includes a $15 Food and Beverage credit. We can’t wait to see you at UBS Arena!

View 50th Anniversary dates here.

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.

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.

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.