• NYSUT President Visits Long Island
• Call to Action: Budget Cuts Proposed by Governor Hochul
• Congratulations 2024 Founders Day Honorees!
• Tomorrow - Hicksville Celebrates Read Across America
• Committee of 100 Report
• Last Chance to Get Ready for Spring at the HCT Clothing Store - Deadline March 10
• HCT Special Midterm Election - Second Vice President
• 2024-2025 BOE Approved Instructional Calendar
• Scholarship Readers Needed
• Earn 2 CTLE hours for Language Acquisition
• Take a Look at Teaching
• 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 - Felman Karmer & Monaco
• Did you take the staples out of your will?
• What's the right age to have a will?
• When's the last time you grieved your taxes?
• 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
• With Deepest Sympathy
• Congratulations!
• News Around the Schools
• Retiree News

NYSUT President Visits Long Island

As part of NYSUT's effort to combat New York State's cuts to Foundation Aid, NYSUT President Melinda Person traveled to Long Island last week. She visited Three Village and Central Islip districts in Suffolk County. While different in demographics, both districts are struggling to provide necessary support to students with less funds. Read the entire article here.

Due to the egregious budget cuts proposed by Governor Hochul, school districts across Long Island are facing significant staffing issues and budgetary concerns. In a show of solidarity, PLEASE join all Suffolk school districts at a rally on Saturday, 3/16 at 10:00 a.m. in Hauppauge at the Dennison Building. WE NEED EVERYONE’S HELP FOR AN HOUR!

Dennison Building

100 Veterans Memorial Highway

Hauppauge, NY 11788

If you plan on attending, please wear your HCT gear to show that we stand in unison with the districts in Suffolk county in opposition to these excessive and unnecessary budget cuts, cuts that slashed the Foundation Aid that Hochul gave to districts just one year ago. Hicksville, as a result of these cuts, is losing $440,000 dollars - their fight is our fight.

Thank you in advance for your support!

or RSVP here.

Congratulations 2024 Founders Day honorees and District Honored Guest, Fine Arts & Theatre Supervisor, Chad Wyman.

HCT members, near and far

It’s time to read a book, wherever you are

On Friday March 8 we celebrate

An extremely fun and literary date 

Make sure you tune in to our live stream event,

Where teachers, the BOE and even our superintendent,

Shall reads books! Delight you they will! 

Its Read across America, right here in Hicksville

If you own a fun shirt, wear it with pride,

Show off your Dr Seuss, don’t let it hide

We hope to see you there, on our big screen

While from the HS Library we stream!

The HCT is excited to participate in Read Across America on Friday, March 8th. Tune in to the Google Meet during the day to watch teachers, Board of Ed members and administrators read some our favorite books! Hope to see you there! 

Committee of 100

by Stephanie Sullo, PAC Chair

In a time where education funding hangs in the balance, NYSUT PAC chairpersons across New York State took a stand to ensure that every child has access to quality education. Recently, I embarked on a journey to Albany, to join the ranks of those advocating for increased public school funding, reforming IDAs, and for the fixing of Tier 6 and APPR.

On Monday evening, at the meeting to prepare for lobbying, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and determination. I listened as both the President of NYSUT, Melinda Persons and special guest speaker, Senator Robert Jackson, hyped up the enormous crowd. As the meeting drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of unity and purpose among the educators.

On Tuesday morning, as I stepped into the bustling streets of Albany, I was filled with a sense of purpose and determination. Armed with statistics, personal anecdotes, and a passion for education, I made my way to the State Capitol, where decisions that shape the future of education are made.

The corridors of power were abuzz with activity as lobbyists, activists, and lawmakers engaged in discussions about various issues facing the state. Among them, the topic of education funding loomed large. With budgets stretched thin and competing interests vying for attention, the need to prioritize education was more pressing than ever.

I, along with other PAC chairpersons from Senate District 5, had the opportunity to meet with several lawmakers and their staff, sharing stories of the impact that adequate funding can have on students and communities. The first lawmaker we met with was Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz. He was well versed on many of the topics we came to speak about. He was in complete agreement that Foundation Aid needs to continue to be fully funded as it was last year, unlike the governor’s budget for this year which would have half the state’s school districts receiving less aid next year then the current year. He was also in agreement that Industrial Development Agencies need to be reformed, especially the length of the IDAs. No business should be given a 20 or 30 year tax abatement agreement. We also brought up Tier 6 needing to be fixed. We spoke about fairness and about keeping the teaching profession attractive to new candidates. We asked for the first fix to be to reduce the final average salary calculation from five to three years which would increase their pension earnings. Assemblyman Blumencranz had some questions about our pension system and by the end of the day we were able to get him all the information he needed to understand our position. 

We then went to meet with Senator Steve Rhoads. We discussed all of the same issues with him as well. He was very receptive. He told us that he had already sent a letter to the governor asking for foundation aid to be returned to what had been promised and that cuts should not be made. He had an ask of us, to bring back to NYSUT the governor’s mandate of electronic buses and how he believes will negatively impact Long Island schools financially.

As for Hicksville specifically, I thanked both Rhoads and Blumencranz for putting forward a bill in both the senate and the assembly that would provide transportation aid forgiveness for the Hicksville School District that would ensure the district receives its full share of transportation aid and not be penalized for an inadvertent clerical error. If you are interested in looking up the bill, the reference numbers are S.7666 (senate) and A.8077 (assembly).

Outside the halls of power, I joined fellow NYSUT members in rallying support for the fixing of Tier 6. We chanted and cheered on the Assembly staircase calling for “Fix Tier 6” and “What do we want?” “Fairness!!”, “When do we want it?” “NOW!!”

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on the impact of our collective efforts. By elevating the voices of those directly impacted by funding decisions, we had shed light on the urgency of the issue and laid the groundwork for future action. Leaving Albany, I felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. The fight for education funding is not just about dollars and cents; it's about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

LAST CHANCE to Get Ready for Spring at the HCT Clothing Store - Deadline March 10

*Credit card charge will appear as Welo Ink Designs

HCT Special Midterm Election - Second Vice President

This spring, the HCT will be holding a special midterm election for the second vice president position. Our current vice president, Justina Ketyer, will be retiring. The term will run from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. 

The following are the requirements and expectations of the position:

• Write and edit the “The HCT Connected” newsletter which is published twice a month with the help of our office secretary
• Manage and maintain Social Media Accounts (currently Instagram, Facebook and X)
• Act as PTA Council Liaison
• Attend monthly PTA Council meetings, and other related PTA organized meetings
• Attend one additional District Level Committee meeting per month
• Attend two HCT monthly meetings (Executive Board and Board of Directors) 
• Attend District-based functions, such as Homecoming and Founder’s Day
• Attend NYSUT sponsored functions, including but not limited to two overnight trips - The Representative Assembly and the Nassau Regional Office Training Session (in Tarrytown, NY)
• Spearhead and/or institute new methods of communication with HCT members that can include but is not limited to the preparation of our new app
• Order and gift wrap end of the year gifts for retiring teachers and those with 20 years of service
• Chair student scholarship committee
• Attend Scholars Tea to present scholarships
• Act in accordance with our HCT Constitution 
• Fulfill the responsibilities as provided for in the HCT Constitution
• Must be a tenured teacher and a member in good standing with the Hicksville Congress of Teachers (meaning all dues are currently paid in full)

Interested members can attend a brief informational meeting with Corey Cohn and Justina Ketyer at the HCT Office (address listed below) to get more information. 

The election timeline will be forthcoming, however according to our Constitution any and all interested teachers must formally declare their interest in the position by May 15 at 4:30 PM.

2024-2025 BOE Approved Instructional Calendar

Download/Print

If you are interested in serving on the HCT Scholarship Committee and evaluating applications submitted by Hicksville High School seniors, please email the office at hicksville_teachers@verizon.net.

Volunteers will be emailed a password-protected link to online applications for each of the four scholarships we offer. At home, you will rank the top five students for each scholarship and then everyone will meet as a committee on Thursday, May 2 to determine the winners.

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.

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

OR

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

Join the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium for select games in June as we show our appreciation to the dedicated men and women of New York and nationwide who serve as our Educators.

Each Special Event Ticket includes:

• Either a New York Yankees Lunch bag or tumbler co-branded with our Educator appreciation logo

• $15 New York Yankees Food & Beverage Voucher (ONLY FOR THE 6/18, 6/19 and 6/20 games. Games 6/21, 6/22 and 6/23 DO NOT INCLUDE the Food/Beverage Voucher.)

Purchase tickets here.

For groups of 10 or more, contact JGrande@Yankees.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.

• Lia Leone (Reading/AIS at Lee Ave.) on the passing of her mother-in-law.
• Terry Kelle (1st grade, Lee Ave.) on the passing of her father. 
• Alia Khan (ENL, Middle School) on the passing of father-in-law.

Congratulations to Jaclyn Svaral (Special Education, Lee Ave.) on your well-deserved Founder’s Day honor, from your building level colleagues.

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.