Issue: 2022-2023- * Justina Ketyer, Editor * January 19, 2023
In this issue

  • Governor Hochul Commits to Fully Funding Education
  • Union Starts with YOU
  • Step into Spring with HCT Style - The HCT Store is Open
  • Celebrate and Congratulate Founders Day Honorees!
  • Five Great (and delicious) Ways to Support the Scholarship Fund
  • Emily Rose Cookies - Sweeten Your Day!
  • Smashburger
  • Blaze Pizza
  • Jersey Mike's Subs
  • Monaco's Brick Oven Pizza & Restaurant Family Meal Special
  • Kidd Squid Brewery February Break Offer
  • NY Mets vs. Atlanta Braves at Citi Field
  • NY Islanders Family Packs Offer
  • The Beat of Broadway in the Heart of Long Island
  • Stay Connected
  • Are You Interested in Tutoring?
  • School Related Covid Questions
  • FREE NYSUT Member Benefits
  • Information and Programs Brought to You by NYSUT
  • Credits for Sale
  • It's a Girl!
  • Congratulation on the New Home
  • Condolences
  • News Around the Schools
  • Retiree News
Governor Hochul Commits to Fully Funding Education

At her January 10th State of the State Address, Governor Kathy Hochul reiterated her commitment to strengthen education by fully funding Foundational Aid across the state. NYSUT President Andy Pallotta called the commitment "historic" and said this would dramatically improve the lives of New York State students, educators and families. Hochul also proposed broadening in-school student access to mental health services. Read the entire article here.
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. 

High School Meeting
Thursday, February 16th
Kristoff Theater
2:30-3:30 pm

Middle School Meeting
Tuesday, March 21st
MS Auditorium 
2:30-3:30 pm
Store closes Friday, February 10th
Celebrate and Congratulate Founders Day Honorees!

Show your support for your colleagues with a congratulatory message in this year's Founders Day journal. Honorees are chosen for their extraordinary efforts to serve the children and Hicksville school community.

Journal Ads and Founders Day dinner ticket information can be purchased here.
Five Great (and delicious) Ways to Support the Scholarship Fund!
The Jersey Mike’s new Hicksville location is offering teachers 10% off their order.
Just show your teacher ID.
Kidd Squid Brewing Company

11 Spring Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Sag Harbor, NY

Special HCT discount during the February school break!
Just show your Hicksville ID for 20% off all drinks.
NY Mets vs Atlanta Braves
Citi Field
April 29
7:10 PM
 
Includes Darryl Strawberry Shirsey
first come, first served on sizes small to xxl
 
Seats in Sections 140-143
 $47 per person

 PAYMENT DUE BY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1  
 
 Please send cash or check (made payable to the HCT) along with your order form to
Alison Silvestri at the High School.
 
A total of 10 tickets must be purchased to receive this offer.

Questions? Email Alison at ajsilvest@hotmail.com
NY Islanders Family Pack Offer

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.
Her numbers are: 516-733-2149 and 516-315-0494.
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

Information and Programs Brought to you by NYSUT
  •  NYSUT Member Benefits has launched the Peer Support Line844-444-0152, a confidential, peer-to-peer, dial-in helpline available at no cost to members and their families.


  • 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.



  • 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.

  • Daniel and Karissa Luu (Phys Ed and ENL, Lee Ave.) on the purchase of their new home!

  • Ali Iannarelli (Special Education, Lee Ave.) on her new home!
Margaret Congero (Grade 2, Dutch Lane) and her husband Tom on the birth of their baby, Lainey Lyn, who was born December 23rd.
  • Condolences to Natalie Ann Ranallo (Special Ed, East Street) on the loss of her father.

  • Condolences to Danielle Tanzi (Social Worker, Lee Ave) on the loss of her father. Her friends at Lee are sending hugs.

  • Condolences to Erik Knudsen (Science, High School) on the loss of his stepfather.
  • Laura Durning has 3 LIU Post credits for sale. If interested, please call Laura at 845-304-5536.
  • Christina Werner has 6 LIU credits for sale. Email Christina @ tete74@aol.com.
  • Elizabeth Ryan has 1.5 Molloy credits for sale. Email Elizabeth at elizabeth.ryan@hotmail.com
Want to celebrate or share news about a colleague? Complete this short form. We'll post the info in the next Connected!

Hicksville Congress of Teachers / Hicksville Federation of Retired Teachers
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.
535 South Broadway, Suite 212
Hicksville, NY 11801
Phone: 516-937-1288
Fax: 516-937-1925
HCT office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM when school is in session.