The

C o m m u n i cato r

The Official Newsletter of the Half Hollow Hills Teachers Asssociation

Volume 45, Issue 1 - December 2016

What the 2016 Elections Will Mean for Us

by Richard Haase
The last year has revealed some serious challenges
we face as a country. Although the year ahead may
present glimmers of both fear and hope, depending
on your beliefs, we must take very seriously a
number of threats on the poli<cal horizon that will
directly impact us as public educators and union
members. Its cri<cal that every member read this
closely, think about these threats, and commit to
doing whatever you can (whether thats a lot or a
liAle) to helping us protect you and your families
moving forward.
For anyone who doesnt know it, I am ercely loyal
to my beliefs and values - moral, poli<cal, economic,
professional. Although I disagree with a lot of what
Ive seen and heard in the last year from both sides, I
always try to see the best in people. I assume most
people want something they truly believe is good,
but we dont always agree on what that means.
Personally, while doing the oGen poli<cal work this
job requires, I try to speak from a place of values
that are bound to unionism and educa<on. I work
hard to defend and advance the causes those two
ins<tu<ons embody while avoiding the aliena<on of
my friends, colleagues and members who dont
necessarily share my values.
I truly hope that the next four years bring increased
security and prosperity to Americans in all walks of
life, even if that means having to throw out some of
the core beliefs Ive held for years. In a non-par<san,
non-specula<ve way, however, I can comfortably say
that a lot of what we will see in the near future will
threaten or diminish the security and prosperity of
people who do what we do.

In the near future, opponents will resume and

aggressively expand their aAacks in areas that should
maAer to everyone reading this leAer: tenure,
priva<zing public educa<on, collec<ve bargaining,
and re<rement security. This is not so much a
personal theory as it is based on direct statements
made by leaders within those movements, and
holding seats of power that will render them able to
keep true to their promises.
Workers in the Midwest took
ac<on this November because
t h e i r l i v e l i h o o d s w e r e
threatened. When the <me
comes, will you? Elec<ons are only one opportunity
people have to let their government know that they
agree or disagree with whats happening. As a union,
weve spent the last several years expanding our
ability to reach, inform and mobilize members- to
get you out to ght against ideas that threaten what
you do and your quality of life. Weve had great
successes in reaching members, but theres s<ll a
tremendous gap between where we are and where
we will need to be when the threats escalate. You
need to ll that gap. When the <me comes to ght to
protect tenure, you cant be too busy to aAend a
building mee<ng. When we have to defend our
pensions, you cant be too busy to send a fax.
Workers deed the polls, and the odds, this elec<on
because many of them had hit rock boAom. We cant
wait for that moment. Maybe losing tenure will
inspire us to ght as these workers did, but we
shouldnt wait for that moment to recognize our
livelihoods are threatened. We cant wait to lose

collec<ve bargaining or unions to realize that salaries

and working condi<ons will quickly deteriorate to
mirror what they are in many schools throughout the
rest of the country. We cant wait un<l our
re<rements have been slashed to realize we can no
longer re<re with dignity or support our children
through college.
The elec<on is merely the end of the beginning. This
is not about the President-elect. Any other candidate
in any party whose agenda looks the same should
s<ll cause great alarm. Democra<c leaders like
President Obama and Governor Cuomo have already
demonstrated that ideas like charter schools are not
a par<san issue. This is about how the future looks
for things that maAer to us and whether or not we
are ready, willing and able to defend them.

Personally, I fail to see how priva<zing public

educa<on, dismantling unions and collec<ve
bargaining, eradica<ng tenure and undermining my
re<rement security will improve quality of life for my
family. But these are the arrows corporate interests
and many of our elected leaders will sling at us in the
coming months. As always, I intend stand in erce
opposi<on to these aAacks at every opportunity.
With 1,141 ac<ve members in our union, I pray that
EVERY ONE OF YOU, regardless of how you
tradi<onally vote, will be at my side when I do.

Third Annual East End Experience Trip

by Gloria Cucinello
Over 50 teachers and paraprofessionals enjoyed a
spectacular day on the third annual HHHTA Vineyard
trip ~aka~ The East End Experience Trip. We started
our day at Pelligrini Winery and enjoyed appe<zers
and wine tas<ngs. This was followed by a gourmet
lunch served at Laurel Lake Vineyard accompanied by
some more sipping and a liAle shopping. Lastly, we
relaxed at Bai<ng Hollow Vineyard with live music
and red or white, whichever you preferred. You can
be sure that a good <me was had by all.
If you havent joined us for one of our annual East
End Experiences, please keep it in mind this spring.
We look forward to seeing you on the bus for the 4ab
annual vineyard trip!

HHH Connects to Kick off the School Year

by Sarah Baptiste
The HHHTA joined the en<re HHH community in
welcoming all members back to school for the
2016-2017 school year!
The Public Rela<ons and Membership teams
reached out to our membership during the summer
to welcome them back for two specic purposes.
One purpose was to recognize the members who
were engaged in district and union ac<vi<es
throughout the 2015-2016 school year. Members
who par<cipated in the HHHTA's Count Me In
program kept track of their 15-16 union and district
involvement and were engaged in such ac<vi<es as
Family Movie Day, Founders' Day, Walking Food
Tours, and many more! Par<cipa<on in these
events led to members receiving rewards based on
their level of engagement. Happy reward recipients
visited the HHHTA tent at the Welcome Back
Barbecue and walked away with various reward
items, such as a new HHHTA polo shirt and lunch
box!

As this year con<nues, members are encouraged to

con<nue par<cipa<ng in future events by
embracing this year's Stay Connected theme. This
helps to strengthen our presence in our community
and enables our union to make a posi<ve impact
throughout the year. There will be numerous
opportuni<es to par<cipate in school, district and
union events during the year, so remember, we are
the HHHTA and we make a dierence every day!

Congratulations!
At its December meeting, the Board of
Education accepted Mrs. Fallon's retirement
and appointed Dr. Harrigan as her successor
effective September 2017. It will be months
before the changes occur, and we'll have so
many opportunities to say Thank You and
Congratulations.

Our second purpose for reaching out to members

during the summer was to encourage them to
support the local community by dona<ng needed
items to Long Island Cares. An email was sent to the
en<re membership aler<ng them to the need for
school supplies, baby items, food, etc. which would
be given to local needy families.

Having worked so closely with both Kelly and

Patrick these last six years, though, I wanted to
take this opportunity thank them both for their
leadership. We are so fortunate to work with
such fair, capable and supportive people, and I
am confident that the future will continue to
hold great things for our HHH community.

As has been done for the past 3 years, members

displayed an overwhelming amount of generosity
by lling over 7 large containers with their
dona<ons. We thank all members for their
con<nued generosity and willingness to help
others!
3

Food Fun and Fellowship

The HHHTA Spring Social
By Charese Cunningham
Its January and the beginning of the new year, full of hope and promise.
Football season is ending (and hopefully your team is s<ll involved) with
the an<cipa<on of annual super bowl par<es near, its like Christmas Eve
for football lovers, with visions of delicious appe<zers and quality
commercials in our heads.
The HHHTA is amongst these jovial football fana<cs, and planned a
fantas<c party for all our members. The prepara<ons were made and
the provisions ordered, but Mother Nature had a dierent idea when
she unleashed her fury on us, threatening to sideline our fes<vi<es.
Mother Nature might have put a damper on our plans, but HHHTA, as
always, persevered by making it a spring social baseball-themed party
on Friday, May 13, 2016.
We gathered to catch up with each other, play trivia games, and eat
great food. Raes, prizes, and keepsake mementos added to the
occasion. The Public Rela<ons CommiAee is hoping that as many
members as possible will join us for the next winter social. Although
it is dicult to do at <mes, we have to remember to give ourselves
break and a bit of a reward. Come, Eat, Drink, Play, and Be Merry.
Stay tuned for more details. See you there.

HHHTA - Together Doing Our Part | Highlights from Fall 2016

What We Did

Why Its Awesome

We raised more than $17,000 for this years Making Strides

Walk.

HHH was one of the largest contributors to this years efforts. Our efforts
will go far to support research in putting an end to breast cancer.

We had almost 100 members and their families a4end this

years Family Movie Day.

This is a tradition we use to kick off the holiday season. Its an

opportunity to bring our families together for some good times.

We had more than 70 members make calls at phone banks in

October and November.

Our calls may not always produce a win, but turnout from NYSUT voters
is a strong reminder to elected leaders that we have the ability to impact
elections, and that they need to listen when we speak.

We signed almost 700 pledges to vote.

When people make a tangible commitment, they are more likely to

follow through. With our retirement security on the ballot next year, its
important that each of us make a habit of voting when ask to do so.

We sold out our Walking Food Tour in NYC.

Our trip to the city is a fast-growing, popular outing we take each year. If
you havent head west with us to NYC or east with us to the vineyards,
youre missing a great time to unwind with colleagues!

We had around 50 people a4end our recent Pension

PresentaIon and Pre-ReIrement Workshop.

Our Retirement Systems are among the best-run in the country even
the world. Its up to us to understand them, appreciate them, and defend
them when called upon to do so!

We lled up almost 50 one-on-one Pre-ReIrement ConsultaIon

appointments with reps from the ReIrement System.

This year, weve gone out of our way to help members get informed
about retirement options. Three days with the System made it possible
for so many members to get their questions answered.

Your Greatest Benefit is in Jeopardy

By Richard Haase
As public employees in New York state, your retirements are protected by
the state Constitution, which says membership in any pension or retirement
system of the state or of a civil division thereof shall be a contractual
relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired. Over
time, new tiers have been passed to address any concerns about the
solvency of the system, but no one already in a system - whether actively
teaching or retired - could have his or her benefit diminished. This
constitutional language is sacrosanct. It has allowed employees to plan for safe and stable financial futures without
compromising the ability to make adjustments (through the creation of new tiers) as needed.
Every 20 years, however, the public votes on whether or not New York should hold a Constitutional Convention, wherein
the document may be amended. The next vote will take place November 7, 2017. This vote can have a huge impact not
only on NYSUT members but every citizen of the state. Among many other important protections, the NYS Constitution
safeguards these things, which should matter to you:

It guarantees the right to a free public education

It prohibits the reduction of public pension benefits
It safeguards workers compensation
It protects the right to join a union and bargain collectively

Learn more at
hhhta.com/pensionomics-2016

Although its possible to amend the Constitution without a full convention, you can expect an aggressive campaign to be
launched, insinuating that our system is a ticking timebomb or that a Convention is the only way to fix the problems in
Albany. Both statements are grossly inaccurate. Led by haters, the uninformed and the misinformed will turn out to vote
en masse. Start thinking now about what you can do to ensure your retirement security is not threatened. We will call
upon each of you to do your part.

Some Important Truths About Your Retirement

For every dollar contributed by taxpayers,

$9.61 in economic activity is supported in
NY.

What other investment could we make that pays out at

961% return?!

NY taxpayers contribute 11 cents on the

dollar of NYSTRS receipts.
Most (86%) of the revenue the system
uses to sustain benefits to its members
comes from interest on its own
investments.
For each $1 paid out in benefits, $1.41 in
economic activity is supported in NY.
Payouts to retirees support
137,000 jobs that pay $10.5B in income.

Maybe corporate tax breaks can create jobs, but so can strong
retirement systems. And those have the added benefit of giving
earned financial security to workers as they enter their golden
years.

$24B in economic output

$4B in tax revenue

Know Your Benefits - NEA Member Benefits

By Dick Lee
Our union is aliated with our state organiza<on, NYSUT, as well as two na<onal teacher organiza<ons, AFT
and NEA. Although we are rela<vely familiar with member benets from the HHHTA, NYSUT and AFT, were
probably less informed on membership benets from the largest teachers associa<on in the country, NEA.
Therefore, I thought we could highlight some of the many programs oered by our large na<onal aliate.
More detailed informa<on can be obtained on their website at neamb.com.
FINANCE
Cash Reward Card (cash back on your purchases)

neamb.com/cashrewards

Credit Card with Rewards (redeem points for cash, giG cards or travel)

neamb.com/rewards

Accelerated American Express Card (earn rewards 25% faster)

neamb.com/amex

Visa Prepaid Card (use as a debit card)

neamb.com/prepaid

Personal Loans (consolidate debt into one simple-to-manage loan)

neamb.com/personal loan

Smart OpIon Student Loan (Sallie Mae deferred payment loan)

neamb.com/student loan

Home Financing Program (loans on purchase and renance mortgages, home equity, and neamb.com/hf
lines of credit)
Online ReIrement Planning Center (<mely <ps and tools and an income calculator for
current or future re<rees)

neamb.com/retiree

ReIrement Program (products to help manage your re<rement savings and income
needs)

neamb.com

DISCOUNTS
Costco Membership (discounts for new and exis<ng memberships)

neamb.com/costco

H&R Block (save on tax prepara<on)

neamb.com/hrblock

Auto Buying Program (guaranteed savings on new and used cars)

neamb.com/autobuying

Click and Save (savings on online stores, local merchants and restaurants)

neamb.com/clickandsave

HeaIng Oil (save 15 to 25 per gallon and a free or discounted service contract)

neamb.com/heatingoil

IdenIfy TheX (discount Life Lock iden<ty theG protec<on code: NEA15MEMBERS

neamb.com/idtheftil

Vehicle ProtecIon ($100 saving on extended service contracts from CARCHEX)

neamb.com/vpp

Wireless Phone Service (save 15% monthly on AT&T cellphone service)

neamb.com/wireless

In a future ar<cle well summarize NEA Member Benets in the elds of Insurance, Travel and Professional

Development. You may also request a summary booklet of NEA Member Benets by calling 1-800-637-4636,
Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm.
We would appreciate your feedback on your experience with NEA Member Benets. Email us at
oce@hhhta.com or call 631-499-4240.

A Look at HHH Enrollment Trends

by Richard Haase
Total Enrollment Trend

Fifteen to twenty years ago, Half Hollow Hills was dotted

with big parcels of undeveloped land. In the late 90s and
early 2000s, we saw a population explosion as those
parcels were bought up, developed, and brought an influx
of students into the district. I believe this increase was
sustained a few years beyond its natural life as consumer
confidence and junk mortgages convinced homebuyers to
go for their stretch home before the market collapsed.
During that period, most (70% of our active members were
hired after Jan. 1, 2001) of us were hired to meet the needs
of the enrollment increase. Construction expanded our
schools, and additional staff was needed to fill the bell
shown to the left. In the last several years, however, weve
been charged with managing the impact the loss of
students has on staff. That impact is exacerbated by the
presence of a tax cap, which sometimes forces districts to
make less practical staffing decisions.

Prior to the Cap, it was less likely that a district would do

something like split or downsize (via excessing and recall) a FT
teacher to a .8, for example, because it lost a section. It would
have been easier for everyone involved and better for program
just to run classes smaller or add a new elective. Staffing today
is a full-court press that starts as early as January. Its a
process we stay actively involved in, in the hopes that we can
help identify solutions to personal and professional problems
that can occur when sections and FTEs are only numbers.

2015 Enrollment by Grade

Although we can not make staffing decisions ourselves, we

work collaboratively with the District to explore new programs,
class sizes and opportunities members may find in other
tenure areas. Again, these are increasingly difficult when the
Cap restricts revenue. We also developed the Job Share
program placed in our last contract and proposed a retirement
incentive this year in the hopes that these may also serve as tools in our arsenal for combatting enrollment decline.
When none of those things work, we do everything we can to help members land on their feet elsewhere on the Island.
This process is a constant challenge, and one that will be with us for the next few years as the decline makes its way
through the upper grades. It can get better or worse as budgeting dictates. If, for example, our President-Elects call for
$110B state support for expanding charter schools materiallizes, it may siphon off enough state aid to make sustainability
an even bigger challenge for local municipalities and school districts. We remain committed to working diligently and
closely with members and the District throughout the coming years. Make sure you do your part, too Every year we
lobby for state aid. Every year we make phone calls to ensure ensure our budget gets passed. You can be sure well
meet any attempt to defund our schools with fierce resistance. We cant stop everything, and the enrollment decline itself
is a force out of our control, but together - each doing his or her part - we do have the power to make a difference.

2015 Actual vs Projected Enrollment

HHHTA goes to the AFT Convention

by Jim Nolan
Through most of the third week of July, I had the opportunity of being one of
two HHHTA reps to represent our local at the American Federa<on of Teachers
(AFT) na<onal conven<on in Minneapolis, MN. Along with Sarah Bap<ste, we
navigated the hec<c halls of the Minneapolis Conven<on Center with thousands
of other representa<ves from across the country. Through our experience there, it really demonstrated the
sheer power of the unions from the en<re State of New York as leaders in both the union movement, and
educa<on issues across the United States today.
The AFT hosted a wealth of speakers from various walks of life, but centered
on the role of unions in educa<on today: successes from the past were
celebrated and concerns for the future of educa<on policies in various parts of
the country were shared. Speakers included union leaders, teachers, U.S.
senators, and presiden<al candidates. Not only did we focus on na<onal trends
and issues, but I had the opportunity to sit on the CommiAee for Interna<onal
Issues. Here, we discussed what the AFT should do to pressure elected ocials
to support various educa<onal agendas that promote the well-being of
individuals and students in schools around the world. Overall, the conven<on
was an absolute success and a source of posi<ve energy for the educa<on
community.

Political
Cartoons by
Richard Haase
Its gonna take a lot of
dough to fix problems like
the nations infrastructure
and lack of retirement
security.
Fortunately, people know
exactly where to look to
solve the problem.

Politics in Action: YOU Did It!

by Matt Gribbin/ PAC Chair
At NYSUT, we con<nue to ght for legisla<on that creates an improved school work environment. An
environment that helps strengthen teachers leads to an improved educa<onal experience for our students.
This past elec<on cycle has given NYSUT a chance to show its poli<cal strength. Of the 29 NYSUT endorsed
candidates in Nassau and Suolk, 25 won their bid for elec<on or re-elec<on!!! The fact that our endorsement
is valued by our elected ocials gives us more clout when we sit down and push for increased funding, posi<ve
changes to APPR, collec<ve bargaining, and due process rights (aka tenure).
What makes this all possible? We do! Our collec<ve
ac<ons do! VOTING, volunteering at phone banks,
mailings, canvassing neighborhoods, talking to friends
about why a par<cular candidate deserves their vote
are all the things that our members do to give NYSUT
its strength and inuence. For those that invested
their <me to help our profession, THANK YOU! To
those who haven't, it's never too late to get involved.
Right: HHH and NYSUT PAC Coordinator MaK Gribbin (L) at a
fundraiser for Assemblyman Lupinacci and Assemblyman Raia,
both who won re-elecSon.

Election 2016 and more..

by Mel Stern/NYSUT PAC and RC 20 President
As you can all imagine, I am very disappointed with the outcome of the elec<on. The voters have spoken
however, and have given us a loud and clear message: there is a great deal of discontent in our country and
they want a change- and we will just have to work even harder to maintain our hard fought union rights and
values. I expect a strong shiG towards funding for charter schools coupled with increased spending for private
and parochial educa<on, at the expense of public school funding. In addi<on, our victory last year with the
Supreme Court decision on the Friedrichs case will most likely be overturned and we will have to redouble our
eorts to maintain Union membership, which will be greatly impacted if we lose the ability to have automa<c
dues deduc<on. The poli<cal pendulum has a history of swinging and being the cau<ous op<mist that I am, we
will just have to regroup, gure out what we need to do beAer- and do it! For those of you that helped on our
phone banks, thank you so much-your help was greatly appreciated.
Our next major baAle will be waged on Elec<on Day 2017, as we concentrate on defea<ng the call for a New
York State Cons<tu<onal Conven<on. Every 20 years the voters in NYS have to decide whether or not to
rewrite our state cons<tu<on; for public sector union members this would be a disaster! We could lose among
other things: mandatory funding for K-12 educa<on, collec<ve bargaining rights, and even our cons<tu<onally
guaranteed pensions. This could hold true for re<rees as well as ac<ve members as, contrary to what many
believe, re<rees would not necessarily be " grandfathered" in. The present clause in the NYS Cons<tu<on
s<pulates that "pensions cannot be removed or diminished in any way". This could be eliminated if a new
cons<tu<on is adopted. In my future ar<cles, and in the NYSUT newsleAer, NYSUT UNITED, we will explain
how we can STOP this from happening. We CAN and MUST win this next challenge-we have no choice! Happy
and Healthy Holidays and, once again, thank you so much for all that you do.
9

Sunquams Got a Heart of Gold

by Angela Iannone
This year Sunquam par<cipated in the Heart of Gold Project
for Pediatric Cancer. A former student from Sunquam Jordan
Belous started this Heart of Gold program in the hopes of
bringing awareness and having September GO GOLD similar to
the support during Octobers Pink for Breast Cancer. Jordan was
in my second grade class in 2006 and even as a second grader
showed such great compassion and character towards others. I
was beyond proud when I saw what she was accomplishing with
her fundraising eorts as a young adult and I couldnt wait to
join her and help with such a great cause. Students, Teachers and Sta Members at Sunquam all joined
together to raise $1,387 that was donated to Memorial Sloan KeAering Cancer Center for pediatric research. I
am honored to have a former student making a dierence in so many kids lives. Jordan is such a GREAT
example of how ONE person can make a huge dierence! She is an example of what I try to ins<ll in all of the
kids I teach. I know she will con<nue to shine like the Sunquam Star she is. If you would like to learn more
about this program you can visit hAp://whippediatriccancer.org/

HHHTA Goes to the Movies

by Mike LoRusso
AGer all the turkey and scrump<ous sides were eaten and the
shopping season was started, HHH Teachers Associa<on held its 4th
annual movie day at the Elwood Cinema. Families gathered to see
Trolls on Saturday morning.
Popcorn and drinks in hand, the kids sat wide eyed and excited as they
watched Poppy and Branch save the Trolls from the Bergens.
The theatre was lled and the emo<ons were contagious as we all
watched the liAle long haired Trolls sing and dance along with some of the children in the theatre.
AGer the movie, the Haase brothers handed out candy canes to all the children.

A Reminder About this Years Teacher Contract Salary Schedule

As a reminder, this years raises included a 1% increase for all members on September 1 and a delayed step.
Eec<ve February 1, 2017, members who are not already on top step will receive their step increase for the
year, an average of 2.83%.
To calculate your earnings for the year, simply add your current salary to the salary youll earn eec<ve
February 1 and divide by two.

10

Jump Rope For the Heart

by Matt Gribbin
Every year the Sunquam physical educa<on
team of MaA Gribbin and Brian Pierce run their
annual Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser to help
support the American Heart Associa<on.
Throughout the year, the importance of
cardiovascular and overall tness is taught and
encouraged. During this event, we con<nue
this theme but also highlight the importance of
community service. Throughout our event, our
students come to understand that as a
combined group, they can make a huge
dierence. They realize that small ac<ons of
many can lead to something special.
Due to this past year's collec<ve eort of the
Sunquam community, Sunquam has been
recognized as the top fundraising school on
Long Island, and we are in the top ten of New
York State.

More importantly, the $25,000+ that was raised

will be used to poten<ally save over 500
LIVES!!! We look forward to helping more
children experience a life of ac<vity as well as
educa<ng others on the importance of service!

Pic CapSon; Brian Pierce(R) accepts a plaque for Sunquam's top

fundraising performance from NYS AHPERD Suolk President,
Drew Walker.

Baby News!
AntoineAe Toscano on the birth of her son
Jessica Avloni<s on the birth of her son
Jean Szigethy on the birth of her son
Peggy Grodin on becoming a grandmother

One credit from Molloy College - $400 - Contact

Cindy Schwartz at cindy11746@hotmail.com

Congratulations on
Your Engagements!
Lindsay Kuschel
Jackie Greenspan

Do you have news to share from your building?

Dont forget to tell us about it!
Email us at oce@hhhta.com to get
into the next edi<on of The Communicator.

Just Married!
Jordan PraA

11

HHHTA Building Representatives

Otsego - Tracey Kueck, Carrie McCabe and Deborah
Rossi
Paumanok - Francine Bliss, Linda Lewter, Kelly Sassone,
and Colleen Mulligan (Liason)
Signal Hill - Renee Carlo, Debbie Polidora, and Danielle
Reed
Sunquam - Lynne Berke, Gina Cortina, and Sheri
Ferdinando
Vanderbilt - Shirley Cooke, Gloria Cucinello, and Sharon
Kaplan

Candlewood - Barbara Geis, Debby Gosse, Jeff

Krautheimer, Emily Prinzevalli, TIna Spy, and Allison
Zusmer
West Hollow - Maria Beatty, Christine Bistany, Dawn
Montelle, Michelle Nolan, and Kerri Page
HSE - Charese Cunningam, Mike Lorusso, Matt Mayo,
Kevin McKeever, Marianne Mead, Jim Nolan and Jodi
Rosenzweig
HSW - Jim Christian, Irene Davison, Kristen Di Pietro,
Carol Lislevatn, Nanette OGrady, Denise Salatti, and
Anne Votta

Committee Chairs

NYSUT/AFT Delegates

Marianne Pastoressa - Grievance

Public Relations - Debra Rothar
Membership - Sarah Baptiste
Political Action - Matt Gribbin
Elementary Special Education - Gloria Cucinello
Elections - Colleen Balsamo

Sarah Baptiste, Mike Falen, Matt Gribbin,

Richard Haase, Lori Levine, Dawn Montelle,
Heather Neary, James Nolan, Marianne Pastoressa,
Christina Papachristou, Suzann Schmanski

NYSTRS Delegates/Alternates
Christina Drake, Matt Gribbin, Richard Haase,
Nanette OGrady

The

C o m m u n i cato r

is the official newsletter of the

Half Hollow Hills Teachers Association
6268 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 10, Commack, NY 11725
Tel: (631) 499-4240 | Fax: (631) 265-2926
office@hhhta.com | www.hhhta.com
Newsletter Contact: Debra Rothar
The HHHTA Communicator is always looking for great
articles and pictures by, from and about our members.
Please contact Debra Rothar at secretary@hhhta.com or
Chrissy James at office@hhhta.com with any content
youd like to share in our next issue.

HHHTA Executive Board

Richard Haase - President
Heather Neary - First Vice President
Mike Falen - Second Vice President
Sarah Baptiste - Treasurer
Debra Rothar - Secretary
Lori Levine - Paraprofessional Trustee
Marianne Pastoressa - High School Trustee
Suzann Schmanski - Middle School Trustee
Matt Gribbin- Elementary School Trustee
Office
Chrissy James - Office Manager
Karen Fulep - Office Assistant
Dick Lee - Welfare Trust Coordinator