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Issue: 8
Mary Masterson, Editor
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November 10, 2016
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Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Hicksville Congress of Teachers,
The day after an election, particularly one as contentious as this, can be filled with hopeful optimism and a sense of excitement. Still, others experience feelings of apprehension, despair, and even fear. As the nation was divided on the matter, it is important to remember that so too, is our membership. We each showed our support in various ways whether by working phone banks on behalf of our candidate, knocking on doors to get out the vote, engaging others in conversation about the issues (civilly or otherwise), employing social media to share information, making campaign contributions, or simply lending moral support from afar. Whatever your level of involvement, you were emotionally and physically vested in the process and, win or lose, the campaign has concluded. To that end, there is both a sense of relief and foreboding.
Just as the onerous task of attempting to bring about the syncretism of the nation falls to the incoming administration, so too is it my responsibility to coalesce our members while simultaneously preparing them for an understanding of the implications this election will have on public education and the labor movement in general.
It is essential to bear in mind that we are exactly that--a movement--- one that doesn't travel a linear uphill path. Rather, this movement often grows through set-backs and struggle, climbing and descending peaks and valleys along the way, ever hopeful the ground of the next valley is just slightly higher than the top of most of the previous peaks.
There are many uncertainties with regards to precisely how policy decisions will affect our profession, our lives, and the lives of the students within our charge. Among the areas of concern for union members nationwide are the balance of the Supreme Court and subsequent decisions rendered, retirement security, economic equality, the Department of Education and its relationship with the states, and a host of issues pertaining to constitutional, social, gender, and civil-rights. Rest assured our national and state affiliates will be proactive in staying apprised of the issues and disseminating information to us in a timely manner.
As a peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of our nation's democracy, so too will it be our diligence to ensure we are prepared, energized, mobilized, primed and equipped to handle the challenges which will no doubt test our fortitude in this next chapter of activism and the advancement of our union.
In solidarity,
Thomas Glenn
HCT President
Educate,
Motivate,
Organize
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Veteran's Day
A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Friday November 11th, 2016 is the day to honor our nation's veterans. The HCT is truly grateful to the veterans throughout the country, and especially the ones among our ranks and in our families. Be sure to take the time to offer even a small word of thanks to any veterans in your life. Start a tradition where your children call a veteran you know to say thank you. Volunteer at, or donate to the local VA hospital. Visit the Department of Veteran's Affairs website for a history of Veteran's Day and links to useful information on the subject.
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School-Related Professionals Recognition Day
School-Related Professionals Recognition Day, celebrated this year on November 15th, recognizes the importance of the NYSUT members who are an integral part of students' educational experience. SRPs are cafeteria workers, custodians, building and grounds workers, clerical staff, bus drivers, monitors and attendants, mechanics, teacher aides and teaching assistants, health care professionals, security personnel and many other members.
SRP Recognition Day is the direct result of advocacy by NYSUT members. NYSUT-backed legislation, made possible through the extensive lobbying by NYSUT staff and members, resulted in a permanent SRP Recognition Day in New York State. It is celebrated annually on the third Tuesday in November. This year's November 15 date falls within American Education Week, November 13-19, and many locals can use this opportunity to incorporate an SRP celebration into other events planned for the week. Stay tuned for more information on how the HCT plans to celebrate with our SRP's.
On Tuesday November 15th, we ask that HCT members in each building distribute SRP stickers to the school-related professionals---secretaries, nurses, lunch monitors, TA's, custodians---and offer a word of gratitude for their work in ensuring success for our students. Cookie trays will be delivered to each building on Tuesday for our SRP's to enjoy! See your building representative for NYSUT's SRP stickers.
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International Tolerance Day
By resolution in 1995, the United Nations invited the member nations to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16. It has been celebrated every year since in an effort to bring about an understanding of and respect for cultural differences in the face of escalating violence and non-acceptance worldwide. The fast-paced, hectic, and oftentimes angry world in which we find ourselves today allows for so many to be complicit in fostering the indifference of the plight of others. Join your HCT sisters and brothers in being mindful on Wednesday November 16, and each and every day, of the struggles our students and colleagues may silently face. Be an ear or shoulder for those around you and model the acceptance we wish to see in all our students. Visit the United Nations website link below to read about the background of the resolution, resources on the subject, and an extremely powerful video that speaks volumes.
In a similar vein, members of the LGBTQ community often feel isolated in their daily lives for fear of not being accepted or understood. LGBTQ teachers are no different. It's important to know that NYSUT has many LGBTQ resources available, including an LGBTQ task force, and to understand that you are not alone. Follow the links below to learn more about the tremendous work that has been done for NYSUT's LGBTQ community since the inception of the task force.
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Your Union and the Community
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Hicksville Congress of Teachers Helps Fight Hunger
by Mary Masterson
Did you know that tens of thousands of children on Long Island are at risk of hunger? So the Hicksville Congress of Teachers held a food drive on behalf of Island Harvest on Superintendent's Conference Day, Tuesday, November 8th at Hicksville High School. Members contributed canned items, whole wheat pasta and cereal, nutritional beverages such as Boost and Ensure, and personal care items as well as monetary donations. Raffle tickets were distributed to each of our members who made a donation.
Kathy Rieger (Dutch Lane)
won the raffle for a $50 Visa gift card and
Jenna Brazel (OCR)
won
t
wo tickets to a New York Islanders hockey game at the Barclays Center.
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Kyrstin Stehle (left) and Justina Ketyer (right) of the HCT ME Committee gladly accept a donation made by Cathy Carey (East Street School).
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East Street teachers Polly Trocchia, Andrea Ferrara, and Kathy Suppa donating to a worthy cause.
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Best wishes for many years of happiness to
Erin Lawlor (High School) and her future husband Brendon on their upcoming nuptuals this Saturday, November 12th.
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Condolences to
Lauree Iovine (High School) on the passing of her monther.
Condolences to
Nick Naccarato (Middle School) on the passing of his mother-in-law.
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