In my speech on opening day, I touched upon the importance of the idea of collaboration and its impact on our profession. Robert John Meehan, commonly referred to as the "Voice of the American Teacher" once said, "The most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other. Without collaboration, our growth is limited to our own perspectives."

In the hectic day-to-day trials and tribulations that work concertedly to make education the special and challenging field that it is, it's important to bear in mind the notion of unity in the larger picture of collaboration. Leaning on colleagues in times of need and distress, taking the time to talk with a new teacher, and sharing ideas with seasoned veterans all open the door to building relationships upon which great deeds can be accomplished. This is the very essence of collaboration.

I also spoke of the "Heart, Head, and Hands" model that commonly serves as a guide to collaborative efforts. Below, I have included the graphic for your reference. I hope you will explore new ways to reach out to others, to the HCT and to the community to find out what initiatives we may undertake together this school year.

 

The HCT hosted its annual luncheon for  36 of the new teachers on Thursday, September 1, 2016. President Tom Glenn spoke about the benefits of union membership and the importance of participating in our union and the other officers spoke about their roles and ways in which our newest members could contribute to the union and the school district in many positive ways. Tom Glenn went on to further explain what "Vote-Cope" is and how the funds collected from it are used to advocate for educators and the public education system.  New members were encouraged to contribute to NYSUT's Vote Cope to help further our goals.

Marc Zimmerman from The Legend Group gave a presentation about the importance of educators planning for their future financial security by contributing to a 403(b) plan. 

Each new member received special welcome gifts from our union.  We wish them the best of luck this year as we stand behind and support them every step of the way!

HCT President Tom Glenn addressing the our members on opening day.

On August 2, 2016, I attended the New York State Teacher Retirement System Workshop at the NYSUT regional office in Woodbury, New York. Some people may think that the only time it is necessary to think about retirement and the benefits afforded to us by the retirement system is within a 5-year or less window of retirement. However, it is important to think about the value of the New York State Teacher Retirement system and its benefits for the duration of your teaching career. For example, all members, regardless of age should be aware of their tier and know the duration of time that it takes to become vested, the minimum age and/or number of years to work without incurring a pension deduction, the percentage points earned per each year of service, the duration of time the member must pay in and what percentage of their salary will contributed. Those individuals hired in January 2010 have a different set of criteria than a member hired just the month before in December 2009 and an even more significant change from a member hired in April of 2012. In a small window of time we saw the end of Tier 4, the beginning and end of Tier 5 and the emergence of Tier 6. If you are uncertain of your tier or you know your tier, but are uncertain of what that tier designation means, you have a number of resources available to you to help you attain the information that you need. They are as follows:

1. https://www.nystrs.org/ (a comprehensive webpage that provides information and forms for members at all stages of their careers - even retirees)
2. NYSTRS Mobile App (available for both Apple and Android devices, members can access myNYSTRS and NYSTRS general information)
3. myNYSTRS (an individual account available to all members that is accessed through the NYSTRS webpage above. Members can view yearly statements, do pension calculations, check beneficiaries, sign up for retirement seminars and individual consultations, etc)
4. Retirement Preparedness Seminars (large group seminars that discuss a diverse array of things to consider as you prepare to retire. It is suggested that individuals begin these seminars around the age of 45 and go every 5 years after that)
5. Individual Conferences (one on one conferences specific to the member looking to retire, here your FAS and subsequent calculations from that will be derived. It is suggested that individuals attend such a conference at least once within 2 years of his/her retirement date)
6. Yearly Individual Statement (usually received between the end of November and the middle of December) 

Lastly, something new that recently became available to members of NYSTRS and other public pension programs is that any member that served in the military, regardless if it was in a time of peace or conflict, is able to buy back this time for service credit. If you would like to know more about being able to buy back prior military service or have a question about other prior service credit, you can contact NYSTRS via their webpage.

I encourage all of the members of the HCT to delve further into this interesting subject so that they are able to maximize the benefits afforded to them in retirement and their beneficiaries.

   

Wednesday, Thursday 2-5 P.M. and 7-9 P.M.

Friday 1-4 P.M.

Saturday 7-9 P.M.

Sunday 1-5 P.M. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to:

The R.U.T.H (Retired United Teachers of Harborfields)

Family Scholarship

A scholarship for graduating seniors of Harborfields High School

c/o Mrs. Joanne McNamara, 44 Butterfield Drive, Greenlawn, NY 11740

 

or

The Lend A Hand Project

Serving needy families on Long Island

74 Hauppauge Road, Commack, NY  11725

Condolences to Bruce Gordon (Middle School) on the passing of his father.

Condolences to Justina Ketyer (East) on the passing of her mother-in-law Renee Ketyer in July.

Congratulations to J osh Morrow (Middle School)  on his marriage to Becca this summer.

Congratulations to  Julianne Dunn (Dutch)  and her husband on the birth of their son Landen Joseph.

Congratulations to Jackie Lever (Middle School) on the birth of her son Reid. 

Happy Birthday to All HCT Members with Birthdays in September!

If your birthday is in September and you don't see your name, please let us know and we will update our records. Lisa Combattente 9/1 Christine King 9/1 Zeny Rodriguez 9/1 Laura Fanelli 9/4 Christopher Mammone 9/4 Justina Ketyer 9/5 Kim Sconzo 9/5 Margaret Giuntini 9/7 Christine Moir 9/9 Rachel Kalman 9/12 Jamie Murray 9/12 Joan Belmonte 9/17 Danielle Fumagalli 9/19 Jenna Brazel 9/20 Elizabeth Ryan 9/20 Craig Mateyunas 9/21 Kelly Cutrone 9/22 Melinda Berrios 9/23 Nicholas Naccarato 9/23 Michael Blinn 9/25 Angela Galante 9/25 Dawn Beyer 9/27 Kristin Powell 9/27 Krista Biedenbach 9/30 Robert Trenkle 9/30

Gail Ash (1996) - I have served as the Mayor of Clermont, the largest city in Lake County, Florida for the past two years. In July, I filed to run for election for another term. No other candidates filed to run against me, so I have automatically won my seat. I will serve my second term as Mayor of my great city until the 2018 election. I'm delighted that I didn't have to run another time-consuming and expensive campaign.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

8:00 am to 3:30 pm

 

Estee Lauder

80 Ruland Road

Melville, NY 11747

 

For tickets, call (516 937-1288) or email the HCT office and they will be sent to your building.