Issue: 2022-2023-17 * Justina Ketyer, Editor * May 4, 2023 | |
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- Representative Assembly 2023
- NYSUT Under New Leadership
- Read Across Hicksville Celebrates its Second Year
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Pledge to Vote May 16th
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HCT Retiree & 20 Year Honoree Party- RSVP May 12th
- You're Invited to the Membership Engagement Committee Meeting
- Help Ed Regain His Freedom with Some New Wheels!
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NEW - AFT LifeBrand Discount
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NEW - Premium Calm Service for NYSUT Members
- Beware of Fake NYS Retirement Mobile App on Google Play
- Are You Ready for Retirement?
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Free Long Island Ducks Ticket Raffle! - Last Chance
- Day Off at Adventureland
- HCT Happy Hour Hosted by Mutual Inc
- HCT Teams Up with Monaco's Support the Scholarship Fund
- New York Yankees Special Deals
- The Beat of Broadway in the Heart of Long Island
- 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
- Congratulations on Tweny Years in Hicksville!
- Celebrating May Birthdays!
- Credits for Sale
- News Around the Schools
- Retiree News
- NYSUT Member Benefit
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Representative Assembly 2023
HCT Executive Board members traveled to Albany this past weekend for NYSUT's 51st statewide Representative Assembly. Both NYSUT president Andy Pallotta and Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango are retiring from their positions this year, and various leaders in education, government and labor came to honor them. Delegates voted on many resolutions, including an initiative to spread awareness about Diwali and one to provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in education. Delegates overwhelmingly passed a special order of business that would call for an end to over-testing in schools. Read the text here. HCT won two awards: the Ken Kurzweil Award for Social Justice for its commitment to equality and NYSUT Community Service Award. Other RA speakers included AFT President Randi Weingarten, NEA President Becky Pringle, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and NYS Assemblymember Pat Fahy. For more information on the RA, visit https://www.nysut.org/news/2023/april/ra-saturday
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Elected NYSUT officers (L-R) Ron Gross, Second Vice President; Jaime L. Ciffone, Executive Vice President; Melinda Person, President; and Philippe Abraham, Secretary-Treasurer. | |
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NYSUT Under New Leadership
At this year's Representative Assembly, delegates elected a new NYSUT President and Executive Vice President to replace the outgoing leaders Andy Pallotta and Jolene DiBrango.
The new NYSUT President is Melinda Person, former Executive and Political Director for the organization. Person has initiated many programs statewide intended to strengthen members' voices and has acted as organizer to help improve union relationships at all levels. “There is no greater honor than to represent hard-working professionals in education from across this state. I believe they are the backbone of our classrooms, communities, and society. They deserve a strong voice in Albany and Washington and I’m proud to be that voice,” Person said. To learn more about Melinda Person, click here.
Jaime Ciffone of New York City’s United Federation of Teachers was elected as Executive Vice President, replacing Jolene DiBrango. A 21-year veteran teacher from the NYCDOE, Ciffone has direct classroom experience as an ENL teacher and literacy coach. To learn more about Jaime Ciffone, click here.
Rounding out NYSUT's Executive Board are returning members Ron Gross, Second Vice President and Philippe Abraham, Secretary-Treasurer.
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Read Across Hicksville Celebrates its Second Year
Elementary School students across the district celebrated Read Across Hicksville on Wednesday, April 5th which was broadcast live from the Hicksville High School Library. Teachers, administrators and board of education members shared their favorite books with students throughout the day via Google Meet. Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone. View the entire photo gallery here.
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Pledge to Vote May 16th
It is critical for our members to vote in their home districts' school budget and school board elections this year. Anti-public ed activists “are encouraging their followers to run for local school boards to push out pro-public ed members and undermine public trust,” said Former NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. “This is a direct threat to districts and the budgets that support public education in our communities.”
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HCT Retiree & 20 Year Honoree Party
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
6:00 PM
Please join us as we celebrate milestones and another successful school year!
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4913 Merrick Road
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
$70 includes:
Appetizers, Entree, Beer, Wine, Sangria, Dessert and Coffee
RSVP by Friday, May 12th
Complete and return the RSVP form to Corey Cohn at Hicksville High School
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Honoring Our Teacher Retirees | |
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Anne-Marie Geandomenico-Leahy - Lee Avenue
Michelle Lombardi - Burns Avenue
Bernadette Massa - Middle School
Andrea Maxeiner - High School
Kathleen Nicolich - Middle School
Lynn Oliviero - East Street
Jan Siegel - Middle School
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Celebrating 20 Years in Hicksville | |
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Cristina Abbatiello - Fork Lane
Dawn Amodio-Pecoraro - Lee Avenue
Michael Biondi- High School
Amanda Blayne - High School
June DiBello - Middle School
Daniel Gibson - Middle School
Susan Gregorie - Middle School
Wendy Holland - Middle School
Erin Lawlor - High School
Lia Leone - Lee Avenue
Michelle Lesser - High School
Melinda Lopez - Middle School
Jennifer Mackie - Fork Lane
Kelli McCutchan - Dutch Lane
Maria Mezzanotte - East Street
Caryn Napchan - Woodland
Lisa Nowakoski - High School
Robert Ostroff - High School
Concetta Pena - High School
Jennifer Presti - Middle School
Zeny Rodriguez - High School
Florence Ryan-Vining - Woodland
Erica Sabatella - Woodland
Alison Silvestri - High School
Stefanie Sterenfeld - Dutch Lane
Michelle Sweeney - Middle School
Lucia Vieco - OCR
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The Membership Engagement Committee | |
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The Member Engagement Committee will be holding its final meeting of the school year on Tuesday, May 9 at 3:45 PM in the Dutch Lane Library.
Although this academic year is quickly drawing to a close, we are already beginning to make plans for next year! Come and be a part of the planning process and have your voice heard. Don’t just be a participant, be a plan maker and a game changer! Have an idea for an event? We would love to hear it!
If you can’t make the meeting, but would like to learn more about the committee or you want to share an idea, please email Alison Silvestri at ajsilvest@hotmail.com.
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After almost 6 years, Dr. Edward Denaro, former physical education teacher for the Hicksville Public School District and member of the Massapequa and Baldwin communities, has finally returned to his home and family! Let us pull together and help him to purchase the van that he needs to truly re-enter society and live a complete and fulfilling life. Contributions for Ed can be made here. | |
NEW - Free Premium Calm Service for NYSUT Members
NYSUT Member Benefits is excited to announce the availability of the premium Calm subscription as a free benefit for all NYSUT in-service members.
The premium Calm subscription provides in-service members with unlimited access to the full library of content at calm.com and in the Calm app, which can be utilized via a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android).
Learn more.
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Beware of Fake NYS Retirement Mobile App on Google Play
A fraudulent mobile app claiming to be "NYS Retirement" is currently available on Google Play. Do not download or use this fraudulent app. It is not affiliated with NYSTRS and may be an attempt to steal your personal data. If you think your personal identity has been compromised, contact us immediately at (800) 348-7298, Ext. 6190.
NYSTRS does offer a valid, secure mobile app titled "NYSTRS Mobile," which is available on Google Play and the App Store.
Visit our Beware of NYSTRS Imposters page for important tips to protect yourself from scammers.
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Time for Retirement?
by Alison Silvestri
Many teachers are considering retirement. If you or a co-worker you know is getting ready to retire next year, use this one-stop shop for the NYSTRS retirement process:
This link provides you access to videos, publications and additional links, such as those to PREP Seminars, which are designed to help you as you plan one of the biggest decisions you will make in your lifetime. It is information provided by NYSTRS, written by NYSTRS, all with NYSTRS members in mind..
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FREE - Long Island Ducks Ticket Raffle!
HCT has secured five tickets to each of three Long Island Ducks Games this Spring. Use the Google Form to enter your name in the raffle for one game. If your name is selected, you will receive all five tickets for that game. Please make sure you use your personal email account to complete the form. Good luck!
Enter the Raffle Here
Winners will be chosen at the next Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, May 10th
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Day Off at Adventureland
School is closed on June 19th! Enjoy the day with the children at Adventureland.
June 19, 2023
11 AM to Closing
(rain date Saturday, June 24)
$31.50 per person
Each person needs a paid admission to enter the park
As always, parking is free!
Have a season pass? Come down and enjoy the park with other HCT Members and their families.
Payment due by Thursday, May 11
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Information and Programs Brought to you by NYSUT | |
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NYSUT Member Benefits has launched the Peer Support Line, 844-444-0152, a confidential, peer-to-peer, dial-in helpline available at no cost to members and their families.
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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.
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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.
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Congratulations to Lia Leone and Dawn Amodio-Pecoraro (Lee Avenue) on 20 years in the district, from your colleagues at Lee Avenue. | |
- 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
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Want to celebrate or share news about a colleague? Complete this short form. We'll post the info in the next Connected!
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Condolences to Terry Leahy (HS Science, retired 2019) on the passing of her father, John P Leahy. | |
535 South Broadway, Suite 212
Hicksville, NY 11801
Phone: 516-937-1288
Fax: 516-937-1925
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HCT office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM when school is in session. | | | | |
