On Friday, February 10th, Middle School teachers, staff and students celebrated P.S. I Love You Day, an annual community-based event that brings awareness to the importance of mental health. This year’s theme is Love All Your Chapters, highlighting the triumphs and challenges we all face. Love All Your Chapters reminds us that each moment in life creates our story; cherish each of these moments because they are truly what make us stronger. HMS Health teacher Anthony Tussie organized the event this year and last.

“Being a part of P.S. I Love You Day will continue to strengthen our commitment to being kind and compassionate to others,” said Anthony Tussie. The health department and advisory have implemented lessons and activities that promote both social and emotional growth. "Participating in this event truly lifts all of our spirits.Seeing the purple wave, the balloons and the doors makes for the perfect day."

Tussie says planning such a large event is absolutely a team effort. Advisory Co-coordinator Glen Alexander helped organize classroom door decorations. Jan Siegal and Tricia Wilson Lord named the February Dance the PS I Love You Day Dance and sold various purple items. Proceeds will be donated to the LI Crisis Center. Sixth grade activity coordinator Madlyn Brandstetter, with help from students, placed nearly 200 purple flags around the school grounds. On the morning of February 10th, middle school students encountered purple hearts lining every locker in the school, each with an uplifting quote. Tussie hopes more Hicksville schools and businesses will participate in the future. "Seeing how my hometown community of West Islip turns purple is so inspiring and uplifting," he added.

P.S. I Love You Day was created in 2011 by co-founders Jaimie and Brooke DiPalma, along with their mother, community members and the help of West Islip High School Class of 2014. It celebrates the memory of their father, Joseph DiPalma, Jr. and others lost to suicide. The last three words Brooke said to her father were "I love you," thus the inspiration for this day.

Want to be more involved in the union but not sure how? We've got you! The HCT will host informational sessions about becoming a building representative, an integral part of any local. Secondary teachers can attend a meeting, led by HCT Treasurer Corey Cohn, to gather information and ask questions. A session for Elementary teachers is planned for later this Spring. Please email Corey Cohn at ccohnteach@gmail.com with any questions.

Thursday, February 16th

Kristoff Theater

2:30-3:30 pm

Tuesday, March 21st

MS Auditorium

2:30-3:30 pm

Tuesday, February 28th

East Street Library

4:00-5:00 pm

If you have any questions please email Michelle Iadevaia at miadev4@gmail.com or Melissa Seguna at mseguna88@gmail.com.

Completed applications MUST be received by Stephanie Sullo, HCT President, on or before Friday, March 3, 2023. Please ensure a copy of the student's transcript (NOT ORIGINAL) with a Current GPA highlighted is attached to their application.

Completed applications MUST be received by Stephanie Sullo, HCT President, on or before Friday, March 3, 2023.

HCT Unity Month begins soon and is jam-packed with special events including a Happy Hour get together, a 50/50 Raffle and Thankful Thursday!

Any teachers interested in coaching at the Middle School or High School level, please reach out to Matthew Calarco at your earliest convenience. He can be reached via email at mcalarco@gmail.com. There are many anticipated positions starting for the Fall of 2023!

1. What are the duties of a delegate?

2. What are the duties of an alternate?

Alternates serve as backups to their corresponding delegates. Should the delegate vacate his/her position for any reason, the alternate would automatically assume the delegate position and the alternate position would remain vacant until the next regular election. (Note: Delegates and alternates are elected as a ticket and cannot be split.)

3. What defines eligibility to be elected as a delegate or alternate?

4. How long of a term does the delegate/alternate serve?

6. When is a delegate election held?

7. If a delegate does not have an alternate, can she/he still be elected?

8. Is it mandatory for a delegate or an alternate to attend the Annual Delegates Meeting?

9. How do I submit my name for consideration in the NYSTRS Delegate/Alternate election?

Interested applicants can contact the Hicksville Congress of Teachers office via email at Hicksville_teachers@verizon.net to request an application.

10. What is the deadline for submitting an application?

11. What is the of the election?

If contested, the date of the election will be Wednesday, April 19..

The following school calendar was approved at the February 15, 2023 Board of Education meeting.

Kidd Squid Brewing Company

Just show your Hicksville ID for 20% off all drinks.

Download payment slip and return to

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

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.

 PAYMENT DUE BY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 

 Please send cash or check (made payable to the HCT) along with your order form to

A total of 10 tickets must be purchased to receive this offer.

Questions? Email Alison at ajsilvest@hotmail.com

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.

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.

Welcome back to Brittany Tortorella (Reading, Lee Avenue)! You were missed!

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.