Regents Commission Calls for New Grad Pathways

NYSED's Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures released recommendations that are very similar to the ones found in NYSUT's More Teaching, Less Testing Task Force Report. From the NYSUT article, "The new recommendations — which are now under consideration by the Board of Regents through spring 2024 — would include expanding state graduation requirements to include additional pathways to a diploma outside of the traditional Regents exam-centered standard." Read the full article here.

HCT Virtual Food Drive for Island Harvest

Island Harvest supports a wide network of community-based non-profit organizations, as well as veterans, families, and seniors. Please consider helping HCT reach its goal of $1000. Your contributions will strengthen our community by helping others in need. Even a small amount can make a huge difference in the life of a neighbor who is struggling with food insecurity.

50/50 Raffle to support HCT Scholarship Fund!

See Your Building Rep for Tickets

CASH ONLY

Last day to purchase 12/12

Raffle will be called on 12/13

Thank you to everyone who sent messages of friendship and support to their HCT colleagues!

Tina Ithier and the Faculty and Staff at Old Country Road School - Thank you to the amazing faculty and staff at Old Country Road School with a special thanks to Tina Ithier! This year's History Night program was just one example of the programs we run together resulting in a night of learning and fun!! Great teamwork makes our students succeed! We are truly blessed! ~ Christine Moir

My New HMS Family - Special shout out to the 1st floor planning room and my mentor teacher: I can't thank you all enough for the support, encouragement, and laughs during my first few months at HMS. I am honored to work along side such amazing teachers and human beings!! ~ Emily Markakis

Jen DeTomaso - A special thank you to Jen for her constant support in, and out of the classroom. Thank you for helping me get my 10th grade bearings, never thinking twice before offering an ear to listen or a helping hand, and for being a source of inspiration. And thank you for believing in me, always.~ Corey Cohn

Mayra Martínez - I am thankful to have Mayra join our bilingual family at East Street. We are so happy to have you here. ~ Kyrstin Stehle

Jessica, Lauren, Pam, Denise, Eddie - I am thankful for my co-teaching team! ~ Kyrstin Stehle

Elementary Coverage Meeting

Topic: Elementary Coverages

Host: Corey Cohn

Time: Dec 5, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Meeting ID: 850 4257 4927

Passcode: BB6RJ7

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85042574927?pwd=vE72Y5E9j7Cq8QZcQxbTAuds5AZHgC.1

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.

Congratulations to Diana Guarino (Burns Avenue) and her husband on the birth of their first child, Jax Nicholas Guarino. Your colleagues are so happy for you!

Congratulations to Ashley Hershkopf (Lee Avenue) on her engagement. Your colleagues wish you all the best in your wedding planning!

Condolences to Gina Mauro (Lee Avenue) and family on the loss of her mother.

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.