• Fund our Public Schools Rally in Hauppauge
• Read Across Hicksville
• State of the Union - A Message from HCT President
• Save the Date - End of Year Gala
• The HCT? There's an App for That!
• Scholarships for HCT Members' Graduating Seniors
• HCT Special Midterm Election - Second Vice President
• 2024-2025 BOE Approved Instructional Calendar
• International Night
• Earn 2 CTLE hours for Language Acquisition
• LOFT Sale this Friday!
• Hershey Park Season Tickets
• Enjoy a Meal for a Good Cause - The HCT Scholarship Fund
• Smashburger - April 9th
• Monaco's Family Meal Deal - Now through June!
• Real Estate Seminar for HCT Members
• Update from Your Union Lawyer - Feldman Karmer & Monaco
• Did you take the staples out of your will?
• What's the right age to have a will?
• When's the last time you grieved your taxes?
• 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
• With Deepest Sympathy
• Congratulations!
• News Around the Schools
• Retiree News

Fund our Public Schools Rally in Hauppauge

by Corey Cohn

Current HCT President Corey Cohn and former HCT President and current PAC Chair Stephanie Sullo attended the rally to Fund Our Public Schools held on March 16th at the Dennison Building in Hauppauge.

Hundreds of teachers from across Long Island joined forces to demand the return of fully-funded Foundation Aid. The hour-long rally featured speeches from NYSUT President Melinda Person, AFL-CIO NY President Mario Cilento, multiple congress people and two superintendents, Dr Maria L Rianna from Glen Cove and Dr Timothy Hearney from Bayport-Bluepoint. The chants for “Fund our Future, Fund our Schools” were persistent and crossed both party lines and job titles. This demonstration united us all under the common umbrella that public education is our future and it is our duty to protect and preserve it.

After promising to fully fund Foundation Aid just a year ago, Governor Hochul has walked that back, and has introduced over 400 million dollars in budget cuts that will impact public education statewide. Many of our neighboring school districts have already felt the impact of these cuts, announcing layoffs and the removal of programs and services to our students. This is unacceptable. Our Governor cannot lead us with false promises and then abandon our schools and students. NYSUT, and the HCT, will not allow that to happen.

The time is NOW to act. If you have not done so already, please download the MAC App. (Tap here to learn more about the app and to download). Reach out to your legislators, push the agenda, and make your voice heard. You are not just fighting for you or your colleagues; you are raising your voice with all teachers across New York State demanding that Hochul reinstate full Foundation Aid. You are demanding that she stop playing games with our livelihoods and the futures of our students and children. Enough is enough. 

Read Across Hicksville

Hicksville elementary students enjoyed many read-alouds Friday, March 8th, during HCT's Read Across Hicksville event. Teachers, administrators and board of education members shared their favorite books with students across the district 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. Visit us on Social Media for more great photos!

Read the latest "State of Our Union" message from HCT President, Corey Cohn, where he writes about the following important subjects.

• Retiree Update
• HCT App
• HCT Sponsored Vision Plan
• MOA - Sick Day Donations
• MOA - Chaperone Pay
• Take a Look at Teaching

The HCT? There’s an App for That!

The Hicksville Congress of Teachers is announcing the release of a new app representing all things HCT. What can you do with this 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
• Many HCT specific resources, including: our full contract, current Memorandums of Agreement, the HCT Constitution, and more.

The app is live! Future events, deals, issues of the HCT Connected, and important information will be located here, as well as through our current email notifications. 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. 

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

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! 😊

Scholarships for HCT Members' Graduating Seniors

Students must be graduating high school seniors and must be the child or dependent of an HCT member in good standing.

DEADLINE WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024

The HCT office must receive all applications by Wednesday, May May 8, 2024

Applications may be sent via USPS mail or dropped off in person Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Download HCT Member's Family Scholarship Application

 Download Commitment to Community Service Scholarship Application

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 us for an immersive and dynamic training designed specifically for teachers of English language learners (ELLs). This 2-hour session focuses on equipping educators with practical strategies to foster an inclusive atmosphere, heighten their understanding of language development's role in instruction, and employ engaging activities that facilitate student learning and linguistic advancement, including Newcomer and SIFE students. By utilizing a case study, attendees will have a unique opportunity to apply the strategies learned, encouraging practical implementation and deeper comprehension of how to effectively support linguistically diverse learners in their educational journey.

Participants will earn 2 CTLE hours for Language Acquisition. The 2-hour sessions are free. We are scheduling it for 3 additional dates. Register for one.

Intended audience – teachers. Registrants will receive the Zoom link before the seminar.

Tuesday, April 16, 3:30 - 5:30 PM

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

Tickets - $44 per ticket*

• Includes the preview the day before you visit the park. Check the website for preview hours.
• Tickets required for any visitor 3 years and older
• Tickets are valid until January 1, 2025 - click here to view 2024 hours of operation.
• See the Hershey Park website for hours of operation (weekends only in May until Memorial Day and weekends only in September after Labor Day

Meal Voucher - $19 per meal

Parking - $25 (save $5)

*20 tickets must be sold to receive this discount

ORDER DEADLINE -- THURSDAY, MARCH 21



Download payment slip and return with cash or check (to payable to HCT)

Alison Silvestri at Hicksville High School by March 21.

Email Alison with questions and to let her know your payment is on the way.

Please include Hershey Park in the Subject Line

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

REAL ESTATE SEMINAR FOR HCT MEMBERS

HCT member Chris Robson will be hosting two real estate seminars on Thursday, April 11th. The seminars will take place at the HCT office - the first will begin at 3:00 PM for secondary schools, and the second will begin at 4:15 PM for elementary schools. Anyone interested in learning about the real estate market, home purchasing, important documents to have ready, or the steps to procuring a home for the first time is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Chris Robson at: chris@educatorsrealty.com if you are planning to attend. 

Your Union Lawyer!

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 Phil Moshoyannis (Lee Avenue) on the passing of his mother. 

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.