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Issue: 11
Justina Ketyer, Editor
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November 15, 2017
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Several HCT members presented at
NYS TESOL's 47th Annual Conference
on November 3rd at the Huntington Hilton. This year's theme was
"Empathy in Action."
Nancy Velasquez and Johanna Mauro (Old Country Road, bilingual grades K and 1) shared their workshop, "Translanguaging Poetry for Bilingual Students." The teachers provided an overview of how to create a bilingual poetry project using visuals, videos and role play. Kyrstin Stehle and Justina Ketyer (East St., ENL) presented a session with ENL supervisor Lisa Estrada entitled, "Developing a Positive Parent Partnership," highlighting Hicksville's Parent Student University (PSU) which helps strengthen home-school connections for many English language learners. The teachers focused on how funding for PSU came from the HCT's participation in NYSUT's Local Action Project.
If you or an HCT member you know presents at a conference, take photos and send us a write up.
We'll be sure to highlight in an upcoming issue of the HCT Connected.
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Annual Meeting of NYSTRS Delegates
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On November 5-6th, I attended the
97th Annual Meeting of NYSTRS Delegates held in Saratoga Springs, New York. It was an informative two days, where I attended seminars which included a general overview of NYSTRS information,
Social Security information, and the unveiling of the
new online retirement application, which can be accessed via
MyNYSTRS on the NYSTRS webpage.
I learned about how the pension system works and the advantages of a defined benefit plan. Staff members explained what makes NYSTRS one of the top 25 pension systems in the world and one of the top six pension systems in the country. In fact, with over $115 billion in assets, NYSTRS was declared a role model pension system. Over the last 10 years, NYSTRS has taken in $3 billion in member contributions, $19.7 billion in employer contributions and earned an investment income of $118.4 billion, all contributing to its status of being 100% funded. This has allowed NYSTRS to pay out $88.2 billion in benefits to its members and their beneficiaries. The National Institute on Retirement Security estimates that every $1 paid in pension benefits generates $1.30 in total economic output. As benefit recipients spend their pensions, they return the funds to local communities.
The conference concluded with the unopposed election of three new teacher members to the NYSTRS Board. Each member illustrated a vast knowledge of NYSTRS and all were active members in their locals. I look forward to gaining more knowledge about NYSTRS and seeing the services that they continue to offer and improve.
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HCT Members "Have a Ball"
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On Saturday, November 4th, several HCT members, with friends and family, attended a Long Island Nets game at the newly renovated Nassau Coliseum. Tip-off was at 7 P.M. and the game served to kick off the season for the Long Island Nets, which are the local affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets.
The Nets dominated the game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and won 115 to 99.
With inflatables for the kids, t-shirt giveaways and an appearance by the legendary Julius Irving, the HCT outing proved to be fun for everyone.
Another HCT night is planned for Sunday, December 3rd. Tip-off will be at 3 P.M. Their opponent will be the Canada's Raptors 905. Tickets for this game will be $10 each and can be obtained by contacting the HCT Office at [email protected]. Children ages 3 and under are free and do not need a ticket to get into the game.
Come out and help the HCT cheer on the basketball stars of tomorrow.
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NEA Celebrates American Education Week
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Communities across the nation will join the National Education Association Nov. 13-17, 2017, to celebrate the 96th annual American Education Week. This year's campaign emphasizes that our nation's public schools are here for each and every student -no matter the circumstance, everyone is welcome and all deserve the support, tools, and time to learn... read more
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International Tolerance Day
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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
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.
Visit these great sites to see what other educators are doing to be more inclusive everyday!
NYSUT LGBTQ Member Resource Center
Take advantage of AFT's "Share My Lesson" about teaching tolerance in the classroom. The lesson may be tailored for students of amy age.
Click here to learn more!
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SAVE THE DATE(S)!
UN's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, culminating in Human Rights Day,
culminating in Human Rights Day on December 10!
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The massive damage caused by Hurricane Maria and the lack of electricity and clean water on the island of Puerto Rico continue to threaten the health, safety and lives of millions of American citizens. This is a humanitarian crisis the likes of which we have never seen in our country.
HCT Partners with the AFT for the Operation Agua "Every Drop Counts" Challenge!
AFT President Randi Weingarten spent several days in Puerto Rico after the storm, where she witnessed the devastation and the tremendous need firsthand. In most areas, it still looks like the hurricane struck three days ago, not more than three weeks ago. People are resorting to collecting water in contaminated waterways, or from runoff, and there are reports of some even drinking from toxic Superfund sites. And the danger is not over for those with running water; because water-treatment plants are still not operational, tap water may be tainted with raw sewage.
The HCT has endeavored to raise funds for the people of Puerto Rico. A $30 donation will provide a filtration device that will give a family clean drinking water! This is a human rights issue, and we can do our part to help alleviate some distress to families in dire need.
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It's Time to Show Your Appreciation
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SAVE THE DATE
School Related Professionals Day is November 21st, 2017
This day celebrated each year to recognize the importance of 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.
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There's Still Time to Save
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*** THIS SATURDAY ***
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DATE:
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Saturday, November 18th
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TIME:
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9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. |
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LOCATION:
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Hicksville High School Kristoff Theater
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COST:
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$22.00
check/money order
made payable to NTSI |
This class will decrease your auto rates for your car insurance
regardless of your carrier.
To reserve your spot, contact Ira Hochhauser by phone at 516-785-8500, Ext. 52791
or by e-mail at
[email protected]
Upon completion of this 6-hour class, you are entitled to 10% reduction on your liability, no fault, and collision
premiums for 3 years.
***PLUS***
Up to a 4 point reduction from your driving record for points accumulated in the past 18 months.
If you are interested in an auto quote, please bring a copy of your existing auto policy declaration page to the class.
Upon completion of this 6-hour class, you are entitled to 10% reduction on your liability, no fault, and collision
premiums for 3 years.
***PLUS***
Up to a 4 point reduction from your driving record for points accumulated in the past 18 months.
If you are interested in an auto quote, please bring a copy of your existing auto policy declaration page to the class.
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Special Invitation Warehouse Sale
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A "Closed Door" Sale for Invited Guests
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DATE:
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Saturday, December 9th, 2017
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TIME:
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8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. |
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LOCATION:
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Estee Lauder
80 Ruland Road
Melville, NY
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