All HCT gear has been delivered to building reps and they should have distributed all items. Since this is a negotiations year, we want to present a unified front by wearing HCT-branded clothing every Wednesday. In addition, we'll be sharing photos on social media of our members proudly wearing their HCT gear. Use the hashtag #WeAreHCT on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If you do not use social media and/or would like me to post your photos, feel free to email them to jketyer@gmail.com and I will share them. Remember to Wear it on Wednesdays!

Please email Justina Ketyer at jketyer@gmail.com if there is any problem with your order. 

The Hicksville community enjoyed a beautiful Fall day for Homecoming on Saturday, October 9th. Students, families and staff took pictures in front of HCT's photo wall, designed and created by Cathy Temps, Michelle Lesser, Alison Hagedorn and Craig Mateyunas. A huge thank you goes to them and their students for their hard work in creating this beautiful backdrop!

All funds raised at Homecoming go towards HCT scholarships for high school seniors. Congratulations to HS football Head Coach Rod Modik and Coach Matt Canty on a great win! Thanks to all who volunteered to make this event a success!

We ask that all HCT members wear pink or their HCT Making Strides shirt on Friday, October 15th. Please send pictures of yourself and colleagues wearing pink to Justina Ketyer at jketyer@gmail.com. Consider making an online donation to NYSUT's efforts here. If you would like to make a donation in person, please give cash or check made payable to American Cancer Society to your building representative. In addition, please consider participating in the annual walk at Jones Beach Field 5 on Sunday, October 17th to raise awareness and help combat this disease that is so prevalent here on Long Island. Check-in officially opens at 7 AM at Field 5 Boardwalk. Find more details.

For further information, email 

Team Leader, Christine Anderson (christineking@optonline.net)

Competitive Edge Studio

132 North Wellwood Avenue

Lindenhurst, 11757

Registration is open to HCT members and their friends and family.

You have to be In It to Win It! The HCT is holding a 50/50 raffle. Chances to win will be sold beginning today. The last day to participate is Monday, November 8.

See your building rep for details.

Winning ticket will be drawn on November 10 at the Board of Directors meeting

During the Governor's press conference on September 27th, she announced availability of the Covid-19 booster for select occupations. The booster is available at pharmacies, doctor offices and locations all over the state. You can find a location by sending a text to 438829 and enter in your zip code. You will receive a message with locations near you offering the shot. Educators in pre-K-12 and higher education are eligible for the booster. The COVID vaccine leave legislation adopted by the Legislature does not cover the booster shot at this time. NYSUT will be pursuing legislation to have it included this coming legislative session.

In a huge win for educators and other public service workers, the Biden administration this week announced a much-needed overhaul of the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, click here.

Minimum of 10 tickets must be sold to get this special offer.

Questions: Email Alison Silvestri @ ajsilvest@hotmail.com

What You Need to Know.

Members who need to be tested, do not have to use the district testing site. Members can go to their own doctors, pharmacies, or other testing sites and bring in proof of a negative test.

If an HCT member does not comply, the member will be declared ineligible to report to work and will be suspended without pay. The NYSUT Nassau Regional Office has informed us that the district is within its legal rights to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions about Covid-19 Testing and Vaccine Mandates for P-12 Employees can be found here.

If you are interested in being listed in our tutor database or would like to remain in the database, please download and complete the Tutor Referral Form and mail it to the HCT at 535 South Broadway, Suite 212, Hicksville, NY 11801. If you prefer, you can scan the completed form and email it to Hicksville_Teachers@verizon.net.

Donations are being taken at NYSUT’s Disaster Relief Fund. The 501(c)3 can help union members impacted by Hurricane Ida, as well as Tropical Storm Henri. If you know of a member who has been affected by the storms, direct them to NYSUT.org/DisasterRelief to apply for assistance.

Bill Lemmey, retired HS teacher and member of Hicksville Federation of Retired Teachers, sent information about a health insurance seminar he attended at the Retiree Conference. He writes, "the most important thing is to read the Medicare Booklet, especially pages 124-129." He said to check out-of-network doctor providers if you are signing up for Medicare Advantage, since some plans can drop your provider. For more information, call the NY State Health Dept. at 800-701-0501

Happy birthday to HCT members celebrating a birthday during the month of October!