• NYSUT Speaks Out Against Foundation Aid Cuts
• Fix Tier Six Happy Hour
• HCT FMLA Chairperson Pilot Program
• LITBF Scholarship and Grant Applications
• Get Ready for Spring at the HCT Clothing Store
• Earn 2 CTLE hours for Language Acquisition
• Take a Look at Teaching
• Founders Day 2024
• Mets vs. Braves at Citi Field
• Gloss NY Salon Special Professional Discount
• Hershey Park Season Tickets
• Enjoy a Meal for a Good Cause - The HCT Scholarship Fund
• Monaco's Family Meal Deal - Now through June!
• Embassy Diner
• Update from Your Union Lawyer - Feldman, Kramer, Monaco
• Soundview Catering Discount
• 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
• Congrats!
• With Deepest Sympathy
• News Around the Schools
• Retiree News
• NYSUT Member Benefit

NYSUT Speaks Out Against Foundation Aid Cuts

NYSUT released numbers showing that Governor Hochul's plan to cut Foundation Aid would negatively impact every New York school district. The executive budget proposal would slash more than $400 million in public school aid, with harsh effects on the neediest districts. More than half of the $419 million in cuts will be taken from districts classified as High Needs Districts. The plan represents a sharp turn for an administration that took the historic step of fully funding Foundation Aid for the first time in state history just last year. Read the rest of the article here.

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WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

HCT FMLA Chairperson Pilot Program

The HCT will create a new position regarding communicating FMLA law and rights for our members. This position may be filled by any member in good standing who feels confident in speaking with both members and administration regarding Family Medical Leave.

This person would be responsible for:

• Being well versed in FMLA language, including updates as they occur (NYSUT Workshop is available).
• Acting as the contact person for all HCT members who have questions regarding FMLA as it pertains to our contract and federal law.
• Acting as the contact person for the Personnel Dept in matters that require interpretation or clarification for our members.
• Communicating with the HCT Executive Board regarding updates.
• Attending the new teacher orientation in August for introductions to new members.

As this position is a pilot program, pay would be provided upon passage of the 2024-2025 HCT Budget.

Job would commence on July 1, 2024. Training would occur prior to start date.

All interested members should forward a letter of intent to the HCT email, Hicksville_teachers@verizon.net. Deadline for interested applicants will be Friday, February 2nd. If there is more than one applicant, there will be an informal interview process conducted by the HCT Executive Board in February. 

LITBF Len Motisi Scholarship

HCT members with children who are high school seniors graduating this year and who will be attending a post-secondary institution on a full-time basis are eligible for the Long Island Teachers Benevolent Fund Len Motisi Scholarship.

Completed applications MUST be delivered to Corey Cohn, at Hicksville High School, on or before MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024. Please ensure a copy of the student's transcript (NOT ORIGINAL) with a Current GPA highlighted is attached to their application.

Download Scholarship Application

LITBF Grants

Burial Grant

EFG Grant

Military Grant

L.I.T.B.F.

100 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 205

SAYVILLE, NY 11782

*Credit card charge will appear as Welo Ink Designs

Join us for an immersive and dynamic training designed specifically for teachers of English language learners (ELLs). This 2-hour session focuses on equipping educators with practical strategies to foster an inclusive atmosphere, heighten their understanding of language development's role in instruction, and employ engaging activities that facilitate student learning and linguistic advancement, including Newcomer and SIFE students. By utilizing a case study, attendees will have a unique opportunity to apply the strategies learned, encouraging practical implementation and deeper comprehension of how to effectively support linguistically diverse learners in their educational journey.

Participants will earn 2 CTLE hours for Language Acquisition. The 2-hour sessions are free. We are scheduling it for 3 additional dates. Register for one.

Intended audience – teachers. Registrants will receive the Zoom link before the seminar.

Thursday, February 29, 3:30 - 5:30 PM

OR

Tuesday, March 12, 3:30 - 5:30 PM

OR

Tuesday, April 16, 3:30 - 5:30 PM

Congratulations to this years’ Founders Day Honorees on this well-deserved recognition. A special congratulations goes to Fine Arts Chair and former music teacher Chad Wyman on being named District Honored Guest for his dedication to the students and families of Hicksville. The Founders Day celebration takes place Thursday, February 29th at Crest Hollow Country Club. We're looking forward to celebrating with everyone!

Mets vs Braves

Citi Field

Saturday, May 11

4:10 PM

$47 Per Person

Includes best available seat in sections 140-142 and a Jersey of a to be announced player. Includes a Bobblehead for the first 15,000 fans entering the stadium. Mr. Met London Phone Booth, is the last artifact in a set of 3 for the “Mets Go to London” Giveaway Series and the first in the “Bobblehead Trio” Giveaway for the season. A must have for any fan.

Complete voucher and send cash or check (payable to the HCT) to Alison Silvestri at the High School ASAP

Questions? Email Alison at ajsilvest@hotmail.com

Tickets - $44 per ticket*

• Includes the preview the day before you visit the park. Check the website for preview hours.
• Tickets required for any visitor 3 years and older
• Tickets are valid until January 1, 2025 - click here to view 2024 hours of operation.
• See the Hershey Park website for hours of operation (weekends only in May until Memorial Day and weekends only in September after Labor Day

Meal Voucher - $19 per meal

Parking - $25 (save $5)

*20 tickets must be sold to receive this discount

ORDER DEADLINE -- FRIDAY, MARCH 21



Download payment slip and return with cash or check (to payable to HCT)

Alison Silvestri at Hicksville High School by March 21.

Email Alison with questions and to let her know your payment is on the way.

Please include Hershey Park in the Subject Line

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

4280 Hempstead Turnpike

Bethpage, NY 11714

Visit Embassy Diner March 3 through March 9.

20% of sales will go toward the HCT Scholarship Fund.

Mention the fundraiser at the time of ordering.

Support a local business and have a great meal.

Your Union Lawyer!

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.

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.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Ryan (HS Math) on her marriage to Paul on January 12th.

Condolences to Renee Andolina (HS Art) on the passing of her mother. 

Any newly retired teacher interested in joining Hicksville Federation of Retired Educators and Retirement Council 19 should contact Bill Lemmey at 917-312-0117. Congratulations!   

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.