2016 New Teacher Welcoming Reception

On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 the Hicksville Congress of Teachers’ Executive Board was invited to attend a “Welcoming Reception” hosted by the Hicksville Public Schools for new teaching staff. The reception was held on the patio of the Hicksville High School and featured musical selections by orchestra teacher Amy Noll…

Hicksville Homecoming 2016

One of the most enjoyable traditions that the Hicksville community can count on as each new school year begins is Hicksville High School’s Homecoming. This year the Hicksville PTA Council needed some brave volunteers to take turns sitting in their ever popular dunk tank, and wait as hundreds lined up…

A New School Year Begins

To herald the end of summer and the happy anticipation of the coming school year, the HCT held its fourth “Back to School Luncheon” at Hicksville High School on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. After the welcome back speeches delivered by Superintendent Dr. Bonuso and Board of Education President Phil Heckler,…

New Member Welcome 2016

The HCT hosted its annual luncheon for 36 of the new teachers on Thursday, September 1, 2016. President Tom Glenn spoke about the benefits of union membership and the importance of participating in our union and the other officers spoke about their roles and ways in which our newest members…

HCT Members Honored at Scholars Dinner

by Mary Masterson The Hicksville Public Schools hosted its 28th Annual Scholars Dinner on April 21st, 2016 at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Eighty members of the Hicksville High School Class of 2016 who earned a ranking in the top 20% of their graduating class, continued a 28-year tradition by…

My First RA

by Amanda Mayr I’ve attended numerous NYSUT functions since I started my role as an HCT leader. These conferences usually include workshops, lectures, group activities, time to collaborate on new initiatives, and free pens. The Representative Assembly that I attended from April 8-9th in Rochester was nothing like past NYSUT…

The Cost of High-Stakes Testing Educational Forums “Education at the Crossroads”

by Mary Masterson Springtime used to make us think about warm weather, daffodils, sunshine, and baseball’s opening day. Now, educators associate springtime with standardized high-stress testing resulting in anxiety-ridden young children whose natural spirit of learning is being destroyed. To advocate for children, evening educational forums have been held all…

Making His Hicksville Teachers Proud

by Justina Ketyer John Sazaklis knows there’s no place like home. The New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator recalled his Hicksville roots while writing his latest children’s book series Billy Burger, Model Citizen, in which the protagonist is a student at Fork Lane School. Dutch Lane School’s own Mary Masterson…

Celebrating the Careers of Our Friends and Colleagues

by Mary Masterson On April 1, 2016, the HCT held its annual celebration honoring retiring teachers and teachers completing twenty-years of service. The party took place at Honig Grill and was attended by 92 active members as well as HCT retirees. Retiring teachers each received the gift of a personalized clock….