Two members of the NYSUT Board of Directors are working with a coalition of locals from across the state to write a resolution for the 2022 RA. The resolution focuses on working with the Governor and other leaders in the state to expand the use of COVID days. The resolution would urge NYSUT to advocate with the Governor and other leaders in the state to expand the use of COVID days to include parents/caregivers in addition to infected persons.

Since this is a negotiations year, we want to present a unified front by wearing HCT-branded clothing every Wednesday. In addition, we'll be sharing photos on social media of our members proudly wearing their HCT gear.

Use the hashtag #WeAreHCT on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If you do not use social media and/or would like me to post your photos, feel free to email them to jketyer@gmail.com and I will share them. Remember to Wear it on Wednesdays!

If you missed our fall clothing sale, there is a limited supply of HCT apparel available for sale at the HCT office. View items here.

We wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season. Here's to a new year full of hope and peace.

Andy Pallotta and Randi Weingarten released a statement regarding the recent student threats on social media. Below is an excerpt; you can read the entire statement here.

"We were in contact with TikTok Friday, Dec. 17, about what they’re going to do to put a stop to the disturbing trends circulating on their platform. First, they assured us that they are working with law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security regarding any threats that appear on their platform. Secondly, they have said that they are taking these issues seriously. Third, they have agreed to meet with us in January to discuss how to stem the spread of dangerous misinformation and disturbing trends that are creating only more trauma for our members, our students and our communities."

NYSUT needs your help to spread the word about our #FutureForward initiative. There’s no better way to highlight the needs of our schools than to share real stories from real educators, students and parents.

This informative AFL-CIO podcast on the #FutureForward initiative features three teachers/task force members: Jen Wolfe, Oceanside FT; Adrienne Cohan, Starpoint TA, and Amy Hysick, North Syracuse EA .

K-12 educators and SRPs can learn how to reverse the impact of trauma on students’ abilities to trust and behave in school through @NYSUT ELT Professional Learning. Here are more topics for Getting Back On Track.

ELT offers a variety of wellness seminars to help members cope with these difficult times. For example:

Learn about more topics available to NYSUT members here.

A new round of our popular student loan debt webinars has been added to the schedule for December and January. More information and registration for these Zoom webinars can be found here.

The new issue of Educator’s Voice, NYSUT’s professional journal, on Leveraging Student Strengths through Project-Based Learning and Authentic Assessment, is now online. The journal also seeks proposals for its next edition, on the topic of Sustaining Democracy through Civics Education. The proposal submission deadline is February 1st.

The HCT's Virtual Food Drive for Island Harvest is being extended until the end of the year. The system is set up like a supermarket where donors scan virtual grocery items, which are listed at wholesale price, and are meant to illustrate what a contribution like that could provide to the community. Please note the system accepts only credit card donations, not food. Below please learn how your donations help people on Long Island. You can access the HCT Virtual Food Drive here .

Purchase online and use the code HCTHOLIDAY

Complete the order form and return along with your check or cash payment to Alison Silvestri at Hicksville High School.

Questions: Email Alison Silvestri @ ajsilvest@hotmail.com

Members who need to be tested, do not have to use the district testing site. Members can go to their own doctors, pharmacies, or other testing sites and bring in proof of a negative test.

If an HCT member does not comply, the member will be declared ineligible to report to work and will be suspended without pay. The NYSUT Nassau Regional Office has informed us that the district is within its legal rights to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions about Covid-19 Testing and Vaccine Mandates for P-12 Employees can be found here.

After several weeks of behind the scenes work by NYSUT, the New York State Department of Labor has updated the guidance for Labor Law Sec 196-C, which allows paid leave time for COVID vaccinations, to include vaccine booster shots.

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

If you are interested in being listed in our tutor database or would like to remain in the database, please download and complete the Tutor Referral Form and mail it to the HCT at 535 South Broadway, Suite 212, Hicksville, NY 11801. If you prefer, you can scan the completed form and email it to Hicksville_Teachers@verizon.net.

Congratulations to Lauren Dollinger (Woodland) on her engagement to her fiance. Phil.

Michelle and Jonathan Shmuel (High School) on the birth of their baby Arianna. Mom and daughter are healthy.

Bill Lemmey, President of Hicksville Federation of Retirees, is asking our members to consider resolutions proposed by locals to be brought to NYSUT's general assembly this year. HCT Board of Directors has already done this.