Issue:  9
  Justina Ketyer, Editor
November 2, 2017  
In this issue
  • President's Pen 
  • Life After Janus
  • Long Island Nets Season Opener
  • Hicksville School District Bond Support Survey
  • Rally Against a NY Constitutional Convention
  • Con Con Countdown
  • Birthday Wishes
  • Condolences
President's Pen


We're a mere five days away from the culmination of one of the largest, statewide organizing campaigns of our lifetimes. Shortly after the polls close on Tuesday, November 7th, we will know if our efforts paid off. 

Most, if not all of you, have in some way given resources to the cause. You made donations to NYSUT's VOTE-COPE which allowed for statewide advertising campaigns. You wore buttons, adorned your vehicle with magnets, and displayed lawn signs. You had conversations in public places and with family, friends and neighbors. You've implored anyone who would listen to consider all the detrimental affects an open New York State Constitution would pose on us all. You are the reason why a full 57% of polled New Yorkers oppose a convention. 

You pursued this all in the name of solidarity, whether you realize it or not. Whatever your reason, if we are successful in our endeavor on Tuesday, you will have been a part of an enormous undertaking. A feat so monumental, it will be almost incomprehensible to fathom how we were able to pull it off. When we learn the results of Proposition 1's vote, please bear in mind an African Proverb that is most appropriate:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. 
If you want to go far, GO TOGETHER."

We have the means, the will, and the capacity to "GO FAR". In the remaining days before Election Day, make sure you have a plan to get to the polls!
  • Know your polling place
  • Know what time you will vote
  • Know who you will bring with you
  • And of course don't forget to TURN the BALLOT OVER and Vote NO for  Proposition 1: "Shall there be a convention to revise the Constitution and amend the same?"
If you would like to be a part of one last push to get out the vote, you can still make use of the phone banking instructions outlined in a previous HCT Connected to make calls from home. Or, click HERE to find No Con Con Labor Walks near you!
Life After Janus

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the HCT Executive Board gathered with other locals to attend the Nassau Leadership Conference at the Huntington Hilton. The theme of the conference was "A Post-Agency Fee World," and NYSUT staff spent the day preparing representatives for "life after Janus." The Janus vs. AFSCME decision, expected by June 2018, could change the way unions collect dues, thereby jeopardizing how unions function.

If the Supreme Court sides with the plaintiff Mark Janus, New York would join many other states and become "Right to Work." This may affect our ability to collectively bargain and protect our teachers. NYSUT's message for locals post-Janus is: Organize. The HCT Executive Board is currently planning for the likely event that the the decision will NOT be in our favor. We will keep the membership updated on our plans going forward. In the meantime, members should keep themselves abreast of this case and consider how the HCT has worked tirelessly to represent its members over the years.
Long Island Nets Basketball Season Opener!

Looking for something to do this weekend?! How about a fun, family friendly, inexpensive way to see professional basketball played right in our own backyard!?

The HCT has a limited number of $10 tickets available to Saturday's Home Opener of the Long Island Nets basketball game at Nassau Coliseum-- 7 P.M. tip-off. 

If you're interested, please email [email protected] by noon on Friday to claim your tickets! A member of the Executive Board will make arrangements to get the tickets to you by the end of the day on Friday.
Hicksville School Bond Vote Support?
Are you in favor of the Hicksville Congress of Teachers supporting the district's Bond Vote on November 14th?

Please take a moment to answer this one question survey.
Rally Against a NY Constitutional Convention
The Con Con Countdown
NOVEMBER 7, 2017

Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday to Members Celebrating Birthdays in the Month of November

Jan Siegel Hicksville Middle School 11/3
Jason Surdi Hicksville High School 11/4
Margaret Congero Dutch Lane Elementary School 11/5
Susan Simon-Benay Old Country Road Elementary School 11/5
JoAnn Stimac East Street Elementary School 11/5
Lisa Christie East Street Elementary School 11/6
Maria DeRosa Lee Avenue Elementary School 11/7
Shannon Keeley Hicksville High School 11/7
Meg McElroy Hicksville Middle School 11/7
Regina Daniel Dutch Lane Elementary School 11/8
Karissa Calamari Lee Avenue Elementary School 11/8
Michael Evans Hicksville High School 11/8
Jacqueline Lever Hicksville Middle School 11/9
Nicole McMahon Lee Avenue Elementary School 11/9
Jennifer McLeer Hicksville Middle School 11/11
Patricia Tarsoly Hicksville Middle School 11/12
Wendy Holland Hicksville Middle School 11/13
Michelle Koehler Old Country Road Elementary School 11/13
Mary Shurley East Street Elementary School 11/13
Sanjay Paranandi Hicksville High School 11/15
Angela Walsh Holy Trinity 11/16
Josh Morrow Hicksville Middle School 11/17
Lisa Dawber Woodland Elementary School 11/19
Helene Mendoza Hicksville High School 11/20
Corinne Taylor Old Country RoadElementary School 11/20
Stephanie Novick Pre-K 11/21
Karen Felber Hicksville High School 11/22
Heather Stavrinadis Hicksville High School 11/22
Andrea Maxeiner Hicksville High School 11/23
Michael Biondi Hicksville High School 11/26
Bruce Gordon Hicksville Middle School 11/26
Jennifer Roth Burns Avenue Elementary School 11/26
Rachel Kempton Hicksville Middle School 11/27
Adam Clive Hicksville High School 11/28
Paulina McPhillips Hicksville High School 11/29
Joanna Rocco East Street Elementary School 11/29
Patricia Wilson-Lord Hicksville Middle School 11/29
Sandra Bauer Burns Avenue Elementary School 11/30
Joann Liguori Lee Avenue Elementary School 11/30
Condolences

Condolences to Lydia Butler (Burns Avenue) on the passing of her father in October.
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