Issue: 2019-2020-4
   Justina Ketyer, Editor
October 16, 2019  
In this issue:
  • Help Save Lives from Breast Cancer
  • Hicksville Homecoming 2019
  • Virtual Food Drive for Island Harvest
  • Workshops for All HCT Members
  • Introducing NYSUT's Nassau Regional Office
  • Professional Learning Center
  • Do you have what it takes?
  • AFT Member Benefit - Google Certified Educator Exam
  • Condolences
  • Wedding Bells
  • News Around the Schools
  • Six Flags Winter Season Tickets Deadline Approaching
Help Save Lives from Breast Cancer
On Friday, October 18th, 2018, the HCT will once again mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with our annual "Pink Out"!  

We ask all HCT members wear pink on October 18th and to consider making a  cash donation or check made payable to American Cancer Society, which may be given to your building representative. Donors will receive  an HCT Pink Out magnet, while supplies last. You may also donate directly through the NYSUT site  here.

In addition please consider marching in the   annual walk at Jones Beach on October 20 to raise awareness to help combat this disease that is so prevalent here on Long Island. Nassau's Walk will take place at Jones Beach, Field #5 and on-site registration will beginning at 7:30 A.M. Look for NYSUT Nassau's tent for registration and to walk with fellow NYSUT members.
Hicksville Homecoming 2019
Good times and a chilly wind blew through the Hicksville Homecoming Fair this weekend! Students who visited the HCT booth played beanbag toss and left with candy and HCT-branded cups. All funds raised at Homecoming go towards HCT scholarships for high school seniors. Thanks to all who volunteered to make this event a success!

Corey Cohn (HS)
Katie Coleman (East)
Stephanie Cristina (Fork)
Laura Durning (HS)
Andrea Ferrara (East)
Jessica Ficke (East)
Justina Ketyer (East)
Melissa Madsen (Woodland)
Susan Simon (East)
Stephanie Sullo (Dutch)
Brian Vollmer (East)
Rob Morris (Woodland)
Virtual Food Drive for Island Harvest
This year, HCT will host a  Virtual Food Drive for Island Harv est in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. The system is set up like a supermarket where donors scan virtual grocery items, which are listed at wholesale price, and are meant to illustrate what a contribution like that could provide to the community. Please note the system accepts only credit card donations, not food. Below please learn how your donations help people on Long Island. You can access the HCT Virtual Food Drive here .
Workshops for All HCT Members
Student Debt Clinic
TRS Retirement Workshop
Student Debt Clinic
Thursday, November 7 4:00-6:00
Nassau Regional Office
Deadline to Register: 11/7/19 

With college costs skyrocketing to unprecedented levels, two categories of NYSUT members struggle to avoid being overwhelmed by student debt - newer members who recently attended or are currently enrolled in college or graduate programs and middle aged members whose children are now entering higher education. Unfortunately, many members confronting this problem are unaware of the resources available to them to help manage and mitigate student debt burdens. Both of our national organizations, AFT and NEA, offer debt relief counseling and assistance. This workshop will assist members to figure out how to manage the college debt nightmare.

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TRS Retirement Workshop
Tuesday, November 20 4:00-6:00
Nassau Regional Office
Deadline to Register: 11/13/19
 
If you're planning to retire this year or if you're simply thinking about retiring sometime in the near future, this workshop will be extremely useful in providing you with the information you need to know in order to make informed decisions about retirement options and benefits. The workshop will be presented by Ron Gross who is one of NYSUT's four members of the NYSTRS Board of Trustees.

Introducing NYSUT's Nassau Regional Office
Professional Learning Center
This year the Nassau Regional Office is introducing a series of
CTLE credit-bearing professional development courses for teachers and SRPs presented by NYSUT's Education & Learning Trust (ELT). 

Below is a listing of the courses and dates. For more details and to register, click here.

10/17/19
Call to Action: Proactive Union Engagement in the Workplace and Community

10/19/19
 Understanding the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
This course cannot be used for CTLE credit because it is a state requirement for certification.

 10/21/19
Addressing Anti-LGBTQ Bullying and Harassment

12/4/19
Supporting the Social-Emotional Needs of English Language Learners Who Experience Trauma
1/16/20
 Working Safely in Schools: Preventing Illness and Injuries when Toileting Students
1/23/20
Trauma Awareness in Education: Supporting Resiliency and Preventing Conflict
Introducing NYSUT's Nassau Regional Office
Professional Learning Center
Imagine this.
You are trapped in a room. As you look around you start to notice strange objects and messages - or are they clues? Can you and your friends solve the puzzles, decode the locks, and escape within one hour ?
Join  fellow HCT colleagues for a night of fun, mystery and camaraderie as you try to Escape the Room!
180 Michael Drive
Syosset, NY 11791

November 16, 2019
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
$40 per person

Cash or check payable to the
Hicksville Congress of Teachers is accepted

DEADLINE to Register is November 6th
Please arrive by 4:15 PM
We don't want to begin without you!

Food will be provided from 5:30-6:30
(pizza, salad, garlic knots, soda & dessert)
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If you will be joining us, please download and complete the following form and send it via interoffice mail to Alison Silvestri at Hicksville High School. Please contact Alison at ajsilvest@hotmail.com with any questions.
AFT Member Benefit - Google Certified Educator Exam

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Condolences

  • Condolences to Terry Kelle (Lee Avenue) on the passing of her brother.
  • Condolences to the family & friends of Hal Buck (Middle School Retiree) on his passing this October.
Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Laura Rasulo (High School) and her new husband, Dave. They were married October 12th.
News Around the Schools

Want to celebrate or share news about a colleague?  Complete this short form . We'll post the info in the next Connected!

Six Flags Winter Season Tickets Deadline Approaching

The October 23rd deadline is quickly approaching
to take advantage of this fantastic offer!

Visit the HCT website events page for complete details.
STAY CONNECTED:
HCT office hours are 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday