HCT FMLA Chairperson Pilot Program

The HCT will create a new position regarding communicating FMLA law and rights for our members. This position may be filled by any member in good standing who feels confident in speaking with both members and administration regarding Family Medical Leave.

This person would be responsible for:

• Being well versed in FMLA language, including updates as they occur (NYSUT Workshop is available).
• Acting as the contact person for all HCT members who have questions regarding FMLA as it pertains to our contract and federal law.
• Acting as the contact person for the Personnel Dept in matters that require interpretation or clarification for our members.
• Communicating with the HCT Executive Board regarding updates.
• Attending the new teacher orientation in August for introductions to new members.

As this position is a pilot program, pay would be provided upon passage of the 2024-2025 HCT Budget.

Job would commence on July 1, 2024. Training would occur prior to start date.

All interested members should forward a letter of intent to the HCT email, Hicksville_teachers@verizon.net. Deadline for interested applicants will be Friday, February 2nd. If there is more than one applicant, there will be an informal interview process conducted by the HCT Executive Board in February. 

Teachers Get Crafty

HCT members enjoyed an afternoon of being crafty and designing their own pillows at the AR Workshop class organized by the ME Committee. Look for information on other events soon!

Old Country Road Celebrated Spirit Week

Congratulations to this years’ Founders Day Honorees on this well-deserved recognition. A special congratulations goes to Fine Arts Chair and former music teacher Chad Wyman on being named District Honored Guest for his dedication to the students and families of Hicksville. The Founders Day celebration takes place Thursday, February 29th at Crest Hollow Country Club. We're looking forward to celebrating with everyone!

Important Information for Those Planning to Retire

If you are planning to retire after completing this school year, your letter of intent needs to be sent to the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel by Tuesday, January 16th. Please email and hand deliver a copy of your letter to the administration building before or on Tuesday, January 16th. Your letter should clearly state that it is your intention to resign effective June 30, 2024 for the purpose of retirement.

It is important that you make an appointment with NYSTRS (New York State Retirement System) if you haven't already done so. Visit www.nystrs.org

HCT Virtual Food Drive for Island Harvest

Thank you for all of your generous donations to the annual HCT Island Harvest Virtual Food Drive. We donated around $600.00 to help our Long Island Neighbors in Need. The drive is now closed but feel free to contact islandharvest.org to see how you can help in the future.

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.

• Condolences to Amanda Dellacona (MS Guidance) on the passing of her father.
• Condolences to Chris Mammone (Fork Lane, ENL) on the passing of his father-in-law. 
• Condolences to Christine Janda (Fork Lane, Library) on the passing of her sister.
• Condolences to Lisa Combattante (Fork Lane, 4th Grade) on the passing of her mother.
• Condolences to Terri Kelle (Lee Avenue, 1st Grade) on the passing of her mother-in-law.
• Condolences to Alisa Cataldo (MS, French and Italian) on the passing of her father.

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.