Issue: 2022-2023-13 * Justina Ketyer, Editor * March 2, 2023
In this issue

  • HCT Kicks Off Winter Break!
  • Next Gen NYSUT Holds Portfolio Roundtable
  • March is HCT Unity Month!
  • LITBF Scholarship Application - DEADLINE TOMORROW
  • Union Starts with YOU
  • ME Committee Invites You to a Paint and Sip
  • Interested in Coaching?
  • NYSTRS Delegate Election
  • 2023-2024 Hicksville Public Schools Calendar
  • A Delicious Ways to Support the Scholarship Fund - Monaco's Brick Oven Pizza & Restaurant Family Meal Special
  • Hershey Park Discounted Tickets
  • New York Yankees Special Deals
  • 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
  • NYSUT's Peer Support Line
  • FREE NYSUT Member Benefits
  • Information and Programs Brought to You by NYSUT
  • March Birthday Wishes!
  • Credits for Sale
  • News Around the Schools
  • Retiree News
  • NYSUT Member Benefit
HCT Kicks off Winter Break

On Friday, February 17th, teachers from all Hicksville school buildings met at Croxley's Ale House in Farmingdale to kick off winter break. All who attended had a great time chatting and getting ready to enjoy the vacation. The next happy hour is Friday, March 10th at Prime Burger Bar in Plainview. See you there!
Next Gen NYSUT Holds Portfolio Roundtable

On behalf of our Next Generation NYSUT committee, thank you to everyone who attended our Tenure Portfolio Roundtable. We had an amazing turnout with over 30 teacher attendees! We hope the information you were given was helpful. We look forward to assisting each and every one of you in the future. -Melissa Alves and Michelle Pavelka
March is jam-packed with special events including a Happy Hour get together, a 50/50 Raffle and Thankful Thursday!
Len Motisi Memorial 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 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.


Applications may be dropped off for Stephanie Sullo at Dutch Lane School or in-person at the HCT office. The HCT office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Completed applications MUST be received by Stephanie Sullo, HCT President, on or before Friday, March 3, 2023.
Want to be more involved in the union but not sure how? We've got you! The HCT is hosting an informational session about becoming a Middle School building representative, an integral part of any local. Attend the meeting, led by HCT Treasurer Corey Cohn, to gather information and ask questions. Please email Corey Cohn at ccohnteach@gmail.com with any questions.

Middle School Meeting
Tuesday, March 21st
MS Auditorium
2:30-3:30 pm
The Member Engagement Committee Invites You to a Paint and Sip
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!
2023-2024 Hicksville Public Schools Calendar

The following school calendar was approved at the February 15, 2023 Board of Education meeting.
A Delicious Way to Support the Scholarship Fund!
AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5th
NOTICE OF ELECTION
NEW YORK STATE TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES

1. What are the duties of a delegate?

Delegates attend a two-day annual meeting held in the fall at which a teacher member is elected to NYSTRS' Board. The delegate may also act as a liaison between NYSTRS and the members of their school district.

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?

  • Both delegates and alternates must be in-service, full-time (e.g., per-annum) employees who are NYSTRS members.
  • Delegates and alternates are elected as a ticket and cannot be split. In other words, an alternate for Delegate A may not serve in place of Delegate B if the latter is unable to attend the meeting.

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

The delegate/alternate serve a two-year term. The term during a regular election year (odd-numbered year) begins on August 1 and runs for two years ending July 31 of the following odd year. Delegates elected via special election serve out the remaining year of the two-year term served by a delegate elected through a regular election.

6. When is a delegate election held?

Regular elections of a delegate/alternate are held between March 1 and June 1 of odd-numbered years, with results to be submitted to NYSTRS by July 1.

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

Yes. It is not mandatory for a delegate to have an alternate. However, should a delegate retire or vacate the position and there is not an alternate, the delegate position would be vacant until it could either be filled during the special election or during the next regular election.

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

No, it is not mandatory. However, if neither attend, the school district/college which they represent will not be entitled to a vote for the teacher member of the Board up for election that year.

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?

Deadline to apply is March 23, 2023. Petitions must be returned to Stephanie Sullo at Dutch Lane School via inter-school mail.

11. What is the of the election?

If contested, the date of the election will be Wednesday, April 19..
Tickets - $43 per ticket

  • Includes preview two hours before the park closes the day before you visit the park.
  • Tickets required for any visitor 3 years and older
  • Tickets are valid from April 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024 - click here to view 2023 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

Meals Vouchers - $15 per meal

Parking - $20*

*20 tickets must be sold to receive this discount

ORDER DEADLINE -- FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Download payment slip and return to
Alison Silvestri at Hicksville High School by March 10.

Checks should be made payable to HCT

Email Alison with questions and to let her know your payment is on the way.
Please include Hershey Park in the Subject Line

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.

Use Promo Code: HCTTIX

Discount is good for all games except the premium matchups.
For groups of 10+ tickets or season ticket packages
please reach out to Joe Grande at JGrande@Yankees.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.
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

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.

  • 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.