• Teacher Appreciation Week Thank You!
• HCT Retiree & 20 Year Honoree Party
• NYSUT RA in NYC
• HCT Retiree & Honoree Party - DEADLINE - Friday, May 10
• Support your Local School Budgets - Tuesday, May 21
• General Membership Meeting & Candidate Forum - Tuesday, June 4
• The HCT App - Download it TODAY!
• Lotto Fundraiser - You Have to be In It to Win It!
• Spend Time with Family, Friends, and Colleagues at Adventureland
• Become a Leader in Education
• HCT Special Midterm Election - Second Vice President
• 2024-2025 BOE Approved Instructional Calendar
• Enjoy a Meal for a Good Cause - The HCT Scholarship Fund
• 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
• News Around the Schools
• Retiree News
• NYSUT Member Benefit

My Fellow Teachers,

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation week, I felt compelled to reflect on my first year as president. As it draws to a close, I have gained a tremendous amount of appreciation and respect for our faculty over the course of this year. 

I’m not sure if there is a person in our district more privileged than I am to see the heart, passion, and tireless effort that is manifested on a daily basis by all of you. I have been welcomed into many of your lives and classrooms this year and have learned so much about who so many of you are as educators and as people. I can say confidently, emphatically, that there is not another faculty like ours. I have seen with my own eyes, and communicated to every administrator and Board member that would listen, the love our members have for this profession and the students that come to our buildings. 

I want to thank all of you for trusting me with this position, for being patient with me as I learned some of the ropes, as I let my ideas run wild with what the HCT can be. I want to thank you for making my life easier - it is easier to have a seat at the table, to bargain for better conditions, to get agreements passed, when we have 500+ members putting their hearts into this career and when I have 500+ members that I can turn to and say they make this happen. Those 500 members are the reason our students succeed, they are the reason we show up to art shows, Marching Band competitions, Robotics competitions, Science Olympiad competitions, and so much more, and we win. It is your heart, your dedication, your drive that propels our students forward. 

So once again, thank you for making this job enjoyable, worthwhile, and easier. Thank you for trusting me, for your kind words throughout the year, for your “thank yous” and for being such a wonderful group of teachers. 

I have always been proud to be a member of the HCT. After my first year being your president, I am proud to say that I represent the best faculty on Long Island, and I am lucky to do so. 

Happy Teacher Appreciation week!

In solidarity,

Corey

NYSUT RA 2024 in NYC

HCT Executive Board members traveled to New York City this past weekend for NYSUT's 52nd statewide Representative Assembly. Delegates voted on many resolutions, including one brought by the HCT which supports Universal 12-week Family Leave. NYSUT president Melinda Person and other leaders discussed the organization's recent successes such as the NYS budget changes, improvements to Tier Six final average salary calculations and efforts to diversify and expand the educator pipeline. NYSUT representatives also discussed the challenges that lay ahead such as increasing foundation aid and improving APPR and Tier Six benefits. 

HCT won three awards: the June Smith award for its members' contributions to VOTE-COPE, the Ken Kurzweil Award for Social Justice for its commitment to equality and NYSUT's Community Service Award. Other RA speakers included AFT President Randi Weingarten, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, NY Attorney General Leticia James and NY Senator Chuck Schumer. For more information on the RA, visit NYSUT.org.

HCT Retiree & 20 Year Honoree Party

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

6:00 PM

Please join us as we celebrate milestones and another successful school year!

4913 Merrick Road

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

$70 includes:

Appetizers and Entree, Beer, Wine, Sangria, Dessert and Coffee

RSVP by Friday, May 10th

Complete and return the RSVP form to Leigh Phillips at Dutch Lane School

Honoring Our Retiring Members

Frank Barbera - Lee Avenue School

Mary Ellen Baumann - Dutch Lane School

Maureen Cervantes - Woodland Elementary School

Adam Clive - Hicksville High School

Dina Fusco - Woodland Elementary School

Alice Hannon - Hicksville High School

Lauree Iovine - Hicksville High School

Angela Keane - East Street School

Justina Ketyer - East Street School

Patti Lisa Korenshtein - Old Country Road School

Evelyn Korzendorfer - Fork Lane School

Paulina McPhillips - Hicksville High School

Christine Moir - Old Country Road School

Phillip Moshoyannis - Lee Avenue School

Ellen Nietsch - Hicksville Middle School

Tina Pilotte - Lee Avenue School

Pnina Powell - Hicksville High School

Jacqueline Purcell - Hicksville High School

Thomas Stephens - Hicksville Middle School

Beth Taylor-Devlin - Dutch Lane School

Celebrating 20 Years in Hicksville

Frances Blaney - Burns Avenue School

Suzanne Calo - Burns Avenue School

Robert Casale - Old Country Road School

Alisa Cataldo - Hicksville Middle School

Jason Cetron - Hicksville High School

Jaqueline Connors - Hicksville Middle School

Julie Covelli - Burns Avenue School

Laura Cummo - Hicksville High School

Ellen Feaster - Hicksville High School

Stephanie Fries-Fontana - Hicksville High School

Danielle Fumagalli - East Street School

Dana Garelick - Old Country Road School

Diana Germinario - Dutch Lane School/East Street School

Shannon Keeley - Administration Building

Jennifer McEvoy - Old Country Road School

Paulina McPhillips - Hicksville High School

Dianna O'Neill - Burns Avenue School

Kristin Powell - Hicksville Middle School

Brian Stanley - Hicksville High School

Heather Stavrinadis, Hicksville High School

Jason Surdi - Hicksville High School

Courtney Wall-Hance - Hicksville High School

Alyssa Wilson - Hicksville Middle School

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Tuesday, June 4th

Hicksville High School - Kristoff Theatre

4:00 PM

Agenda

-Budget Meeting

-State of the Union Address

-Special Election Candidate Forum

The HCT? There’s an App for That!

Perhaps you've heard... the HCT has released NEW APP! Members can now easily access information about our contract, MOA's and more. The app also provides a convenient way to communicate with your building representatives and the executive board.

*** REGISTRATION IS EASY ***

YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW YOUR HCT WEBSITE LOGIN TO JOIN!

SIMPLY DOWNLOAD THE APP AND CREATE A NEW USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO REGISTER.

Recent additions include:

• Monthly Board of Directors Agenda and Minutes (starting April 2024)
• The NYSUT FMLA Workshop Presentation 
• Updated Benefit Info (and soon information regarding a Vision Plan)
• Easy access to past issues of The Connected
• Recently signed Memorandums of Agreement

DOWNLOAD AND REGISTER TODAY TO EARN A FREE ENTRY

in our Scratch Off Basket Member Benefit during the Month of May!

It's available through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Scan the QR code located below or use the following link: Download HCT App

The following are features you can access via this *free* download: 

• A calendar of upcoming events 
• Identify and communicate with the HCT executive board and your building representatives
• Ability to join groups pertaining to unique interests across the district
• Direct access to local politicians 
• Easy access to new and past issues of the HCT Connected
• Immediate access to all future announcements and presidential addresses

This is one more way you can feel connected to the HCT and the work we are doing each and every day. Your rights are now in the palm of your hand, whenever and wherever you need them.

In the near future there will be a published “How-To” video to show you all of the features you can expect with the app. 

We hope that you find this to be useful and worthwhile. As you navigate the app and use its features, if you find you have suggestions or comments on things you would like to see added, do not hesitate to contact the HCT at hicksville_teachers@verzion.net!

And yes… the report a contract violation button works, you do not have to test it! 😊

Become a Leader in Education

Long Island M.A. in Educational Leadership With Critical Consciousness Program

Further your career while taking courses at $600 per credit.

Candidates in the Educational Leadership Program will develop the skills and dispositions that will enable them to be agents of change.  

Their leadership will shape a school system that fosters respect for diversity and care for the dignity of all. Critical to their leadership in the school community is a consciousness of the barriers that impede full life and participation by all and a commitment to act for the elimination of those barriers. Candidates will build a skill set for leadership in the reflective teaching process and in supervision for instructional excellence.

This program is supported by the Child Study and Education Departments on both campuses.

Graduates of this program have a strong foundation for taking the NYS SBL and SDL certification examinations.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum undergraduate overall 3.0 GPA
• Initial teaching certification
• Minimum three years of teaching

For more information visit St. Joseph's University website.

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

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

Enjoy a Meal for a Good Cause - The HCT Scholarship Fund

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.

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.

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.

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.

Congratulations to Marissa Pressler and her family on the birth of Jack! Thomas has a little brother to play with! -Your friends at Lee Avenue 

Want to celebrate or share news about a colleague? Complete this short form. We'll post the info in the next Connected!

Send your news here.

Bill Lemmey writes, "The cost of health Insurance continues to be a major issue for retirees. Retirement Council 19 is monitoring the increasing cost of Medicare and the Empire Plan. Read carefully the details of any health plan before you make a decision to change your coverage."

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.