Issue: 16
   Mary Masterson, Editor
January 11, 2017 
A Call to Action

WEAR RED ON THURSDAY JANUARY 19TH, 2017 in a show of
SOLIDARITY TO SUPPORT OUR GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS & OPPOSE the Appointment of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education.

BETSY DEVOS:
  • has no training or experience in education

She has never worked in a school in any capacity, and does not hold a degree in education (nor did she or her children ever attend a public school).

  • is an ardent supporter of "school choice" privatization schemes, despite a complete lack of evidence that privatizing public schools produces better education
In Michigan, DeVos has pushed for decades for so-called "choice" schemes and corporate charter schools, most of which have performed worse than the state average. She's a long-time donor to groups who support pro "school choice" candidates, & has served on the boards of two major groups leading the charge to privatize public schools.
  • has invested millions lobbying for laws that drain resources from public schools
Betsy DeVos has promoted these measures as chair of the American Federation for Children and  has spent millions   to push for the expansion of vouchers in other states .
  • has fought against the regulation of charter schools
The DeVos family  gave nearly $1 million   to lawmakers in the Michigan legislature who gutted a bill that included keeping charter schools in Detroit accountable.
  • is not a good fit for a position overseeing the civil rights of all students
The nomination of DeVos is deeply concerning to many civil rights groups, because school choice schemes promote racial segregation and undercut civil rights enforcement that is routine in public schools. 

The Plan: 
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?? CALL MEMBERS OF THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSION AND VOICE YOUR CONCERNS OVER THE IMPENDING APPOINTMENT OF BETSY DEVOS AS EDUCATION SECRETARY, A MOVE THAT WILL HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR ALL OF US.


Con-Con Countdown
THE NEW YORK STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
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THE "CON-CON COUNTDOWN"


HCT Family Movie Day

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 

Saturday February 11, 2017 
10 AM
Elwood Cinemas
1950 East Jericho Turnpike
East Northport, NY 11731

$5 per person, includes admission, popcorn, and one soda or water


DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS FEBRUARY 3rd

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made "The LEGO® Movie" a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble - LEGO Batman - stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker's hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.
Congratulations  

  • Congratulations to the High School teachers Elizabeth Ryan (Math), Karim Hafiz (Science), Erik Knudsen (Science), and Christine King (Library) on their December engagements.
  • Congratulations to Terry Kelly (Lee) who got engaged to her fiancé, Ed over the vacation!
  • Best wishes to Stella Drakos (High School) on her upcoming wedding to her fiance George on February 18th.
Our Condolences  

Condolences to Margaret Lehmann (Dutch Lane) on the passing of her grandmother.
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