March 2022

Volume 14, Issue 2

Published by the Oceanside Federation of Teachers:

Affiliated with the NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS, AFT/AFL-CIO
“YOUR CHILD...OUR PRIORITY”

The Award Winning Newsletter of the Oceanside Federation of Teachers

The Rewards of Teaching

By Rob Pittman, OFT President, #9M
Ugh, homework! No one likes it. As a teacher, the one thing I dread doing is my homework;
grading assignments, labs, tests, etc. As union president, the one thing I dread is the email from
our OFT Times editors asking for my article. It is currently 4:30am on the first Sunday of Feb-
ruary vacation and I’m up typing this article in my kitchen. One reason I am up so early is be-
cause I’m over fifty, and the curse of waking up in the middle of the night (the one I heard
from the older male staff say would hit me when I got to their age). A second reason is that I can’t sleep be-
cause I’m anxious about getting my homework, this article, finished. Before I decided to give up on trying to
sleep, ideas popped into my head about what I should write. I knew I would forget by morning, so I decided to
strike while the iron was hot.

At this early hour, I’m reflecting and thinking that homework isn’t all bad. Mundane? Yes. But it is a learning
experience and sometimes entertaining. Kids say the funniest things. Students occasionally write quirky re-
sponses or short, funny notes that make me laugh. Grading gives me an insight into my students that leads me
to reach out to some with more attention and help. Writing this article three times a year isn’t so bad either. It
forces me to think and reflect on life, choices, and experiences.

I could certainly write a hardcore union article about solidarity, contract negotiations, or hot topics like educa-
tion funding and the tax-cap. Some members would want to read something of that nature, but NYSUT covers
much of that in their monthly newspaper, and I want a distraction from all the negative news.

Thursday before the February break was a great day for me as a teacher. A police officer walked into my room
with school security while I was teaching my period 4 class. I jokingly asked, “Which student are you here
for?”

Security responded: “She’s here for you!,” and followed by saying the police officer is one of my former stu-
dents. I asked her to remove her mask and I immediately recognized the face. I couldn’t remember the name at
first, so I asked for her last name and “Maleigha” immediately popped into my head. She gave me a hug, and I
proudly introduced Maleigha to my students whose attention was undivided at this point. Maleigha and I
talked for a while after class. The whole time I was talking with her, I felt happy; happy that she is doing well,
happy she has a rewarding career serving the community, and happy she took the time to visit me. Truthfully,
it did also hit me that I’m getting older. Maleigha is thirty-six years old now and I was twenty-seven when she
was in my class. (continued on page 3)

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President: OFT Officers Affiliates Vice President:
Rob Pittman, #9M 2021-2022 Tom Morreale, #7
rpittman@oceansideschools.org tmorreale@oceansideschools.org

Executive Vice President: Secretary:

Donna Gales, #2 Amy Brown-Rand, #9M
dgales@oceansideschools.org abrownrand@oceansideschools.org

Elementary Vice President: Treasurer:

Jen Whyte, #9E Sue Tantleff, #7
jwhyte@oceansideschools.org stantleff@oceansideschools.org

Middle School Vice President: Membership and Welfare:

Mike Demarco, #9M Vicki Trum, #5
mdemarco@oceansidechools.org vtrum@oceansideschools.org

High School Vice President:

Gavin Kalner, #7
gkalner@oceansideschools.org

OFT Additional Positions

OFT Times Co-Editors-in-Chief: Jeanmarie Johnson, #9M and Brian Weinstein, #9M
Eyeglass Coordinator: Kristine Ryan -ofteyeglassvoucher@gmail.com
Grievance Chair: Frank Nappi, #7 VOTE COPE Coordinator: Amanda Iemma, #9E
Public Relations/Outreach: Christine Blake-Jeremias, #8
New Teacher Coordinator: Stephanie Bragman, #9M
Maternity Leave Specialist: Heidi Burns, #8 Webmaster: Stephen Melish, #9M

OFT Affiliate Representatives

Administrative Assistants: Victoria Ramalho, #9M Monitors: Laurie Denson, #3
Nurses: Sharon Hughes, #2 and Mary Beth Murphy, #7 Security: Leo Bonacasa, #7
Teacher Aides: Susanne Cavale, #9E, Stacey Formont, #6, Donna Fulgieri, #7,
Andrea Johnson, #9M , Roe Palette, #7, Michele Worley, #6
Pre-K: Maria Cantone and Christina Peruffo, #6 Eyeglass Coordinator: Susanne Cavale, #9M
OFTRC (OFT Retirees): oftrcmail@gmail.com Executive Committee - Susan Henkus, Rita Kaikow,
Sharonann Katcher, Leslie Krasnoff, Roslyn Lorge, Lois Nevitt, Arlene Wegard and Bonnie Zebalese.

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 The Committee System:
The Key to Teacher Empowerment
By Gavin Kalner, #7
I have a riddle for you: What can have more than 30 people and can lead to teacher empower-
ment? I think you guessed it: The Committee System! We have task forces and advisory boards.
These mechanisms allow teachers, administrators and other stakeholders to come together to solve complex
problems through negotiation and rigorous debate. Committees encourage problem solving in a very collabo-
rative manner, typically involving teacher-driven initiatives created by and for teachers. Teachers can elect
chairs, investigate school-wide issues, conduct research, and play a most important role in reporting back to
the faculty with solutions that were generated from their work. Committees can even opt to form sub-
committees, completing niche work that can allow for further deliberation in a more specialized manner.

Committees can help to reconcile disparate opinions while simultaneously allowing us to practice the very
skills that are tantamount to our democracy in and out of the classroom. Committee reports are public and
therefore serve as an important reminder that we can help the community become more informed about issues
that affect all of us. The teachers that came before us most certainly used the committee system. The physical
structure of our schools and their very working conditions are a product of the committee system

Over the course of the last three years, OHS has used the committee process in the spirit of collaboration. We
have worked with administrators to ensure input in regards to re-entry during the pandemic, in addition to cre-
ating a committee that explores race and equity issues. They were teacher-initiated and involved ALL staff
members in our school community. not excluding custodians, security, and secretaries. We used these com-
mittees to offer sound solutions to complex problems. We encouraged teachers to lean on one another hoping
that a singular mission would also enhance solidarity and togetherness.

So, please take a page out of our book. See the power of committees. They are not difficult to form and it is a
contractual right!

The Rewards of Teaching (Continued from page 1)

I told Maleigha how good it was to see her and that she made my day. I told her that I thought about her many
times since she graduated OMS. The house she grew up in was right on Alice Avenue outside the school and I
would see her sister often as I passed by. She was surprised when I pulled out a folder filled with memories
(pictures, letters, cards, etc.) of my years at OMS. Two letters I found were from her; one she wrote to me at the
end of eighth grade, and one she wrote in tenth grade when she came to visit me at OMS after school. I think that
made her day! She couldn’t believe I still had them and pointed out that in the second letter she asked me if I still
had the letter from two years earlier. She said she still had a photo of her and me at OMS graduation that her
mom made her take.

Maleigha was a good kid at OMS. She wasn’t a great student, and she didn’t always make the best decisions, but
she had potential. I was concerned about her, like many students, about what path she would go down. Later that
day, I spoke with Jen Whyte (9E teacher and OFT officer). Jen asked if Maleigha had visited me too. We talked
about how good it was to see her and how we had similar feelings about her. The visit made Jen’s day too. Jen
and I talked about why we love our profession and how it can be so rewarding. This visit from Maleigha, know-
ing she is happy and doing well, is an extra benefit of our job as teachers.

My conversation with Maleigha ended abruptly. She got a call to respond to a theft at a local business and rushed
off saying she’d visit again. Maleigha should be proud to be serving the community in which she grew up. I am
proud of her, and I pray that she will be safe.

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 KEEP UP YOUR GOOD HEALTH
By John Messina, #9M
In these times of Covid-19, contract negotiations, and unwanted stress, it is even more important to be
as healthy as possible and enjoy every single day. That can be achieved rather easily by moving your
body and applying good nutrition.

We will take moving first. Notice I didn’t say “exercise.” Just the word “exercise” turns many people
off. Exercise, to many people, means changing into workout clothes and sweating and feeling uncomfortable for the
dreaded 20 to 45 minutes. Firstly, when I’m asked, “what’s the best exercise you could do?” my reply is always “the one
that you’ll do.”

Joining a gym doesn’t work for most people. For those that like the gym – good for them – continue to do that because
that’s what they’ll do. For most of us, it’s a waste of money. It’s important to pick a few things you like to do and enjoy
them. Don’t just pick one because then you’re setting yourself up for boredom and for an injury.

Eating the right food is very important. I keep hearing, “I gave up carbs.” Well you may very well shed some pounds but
remember there are only three macronutrients and carbohydrates are one of them. By giving up carbs, you are giving up
33% of the good stuff you could be eating. The idea here is to eat good carbs. Whole wheat, whole grain, multigrain –
those are the good carbs that we hear about. The old-fashioned white bread should be eaten minimally or not at all. Turn
to brown rice, instead of white rice. How about whole-wheat pasta? When I hear, “I can’t eat that,” my reaction is to
remind them about the whole milk-skim milk controversy. You don’t just jump to skim milk – you ease into it by going
to 2% first, then 1%. Eventually skim milk doesn’t taste that bad.

By the way, there are so many pastas on the market today that I’m sure there’s one you’ll enjoy. Another culprit is too
many added sugars. Try reading labels and cutting down on sugar.

None of this should be new to you. We all read about it on a daily basis. Two bits of advice: Drink water every morning
when you wake up. Make it a habit. And now – go take a walk.

The Annual OFT Affiliate member social was held on

Wednesday, November 10th at Grandpa Tony's in East
Rockaway. Members had time to catch up and socialize.
A great time was had by all!

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 You Have Been a Victim of Identity Theft: Now What?
By Jen Whyte, #9E
In today’s world of computer technology, identity theft is a daily occurrence. Whether it is due to a
major corporation’s data breach, insurance company hack, or independent small time theft, we all
know someone who has been the victim of some type of identity theft. Such theft can range from a
minor charge on a credit card to a fraudulent IRS tax return, and a myriad other identity theft events.
Unfortunately, I know all too well the extent of these intrusive, time consuming and stressful events because I have been
the victim of a number of such thefts. In fact, I now keep my credit frozen with all three major credit reporting agencies
to prevent any future theft. Since identity theft is so common and easy to get away with, it is almost impossible to track
down the perpetrator. Luckily, businesses and organizations have recognized this and have set up methods to assist vic-
tims and will quickly redeem any loss of funds.

There are many important steps to take once you suspect that you have been a victim of identity theft,
as well as many organizations ready to protect you from being victimized in the future. One of the
more well-known such companies is LifeLock. I explored their website and found a very comprehen-
sive list of 14 steps to take if your identity is stolen, and I have copied it below. Their toll free num-
ber is 1-800-416-0599, and the full link to the article on their site is https://www.lifelock.com/learn-
identity-theft-resources-do-these-things-immediately-if-your-identity-has-been-stolen.html or please
scan the included QR Code. Be prepared, informed, take quick action and you too can recover from a
theft of your identity

1. Contact the companies and banks where you know identity fraud occurred.
Call the fraud department at the companies and financial institutions where you know the identity thief used your per-
sonal information. Part of this step may include closing or freezing your accounts that have been compromised.
2. Contact the credit reporting agencies and place fraud alerts.
You will need to contact at least one of the three major CRAs: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. The agency you con-
tact is required to contact the other two and share information. But you may want to reach out to each CRA individually
to be sure they are on alert as soon as possible that you’ve been a victim of identity theft. The CRAs collect information
about you and how you use credit, as well as whether any business has turned your debt over to a collections agency or
you’ve filed for bankruptcy. You’ll want to request a fraud alert, which will last one year. This will make it more chal-
lenging for someone to open new accounts using your identifying information. Once a fraud alert has been placed, a
business must verify your ID before issuing credit to the person requesting it. You can apply for a fraud alert in all the
ways listed below (phone, online, and mail).

If you’ve become a victim of identity theft, you also can request an extended fraud alert that lasts for seven years.

Equifax Alerts Experian Fraud Center TransUnion Fraud Alert

800-525-6285 888-397-3742 888-909-8872
Equifax Consumer Experian TransUnion Fraud Victim
Fraud Division P.O. Box 9554 Assistance Department
P.O. Box 105069 Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Atlanta, GA 30374 Chester, PA 19016

3. Ask for copies of your credit reports.

After placing the initial fraud alert, you can request a free copy of your credit report from each credit reporting agency.
It’s important to look at all three reports to help ensure you’re not missing anything important — because each agency’s
report may be different. Review the reports carefully for transactions you don’t recognize and follow the steps below to
remedy them. An extended fraud alert allows you to receive two free credit reports from each of the credit bureaus with-
in 12 months after you placed the alert.
4. Place a security freeze on your credit report.
If you know your identifying information has been stolen, you may want to place a security freeze on your credit report,
which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing any information in your credit report without your express approval.
Because a security freeze prevents prospective creditors from accessing your credit file, this could provide an extra layer
of protection by preventing a CRA from approving new credit, loans, or other services in your name without your au-
thorization. (continued on page 6)

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 Shannon Arquer, #9M,
and her husband, Larry
Stankaitis welcomed baby
Valentina Lynn on
December 20th. She
weighed in at 7lbs. 5oz.
Donna Gales, #2, welcomed And 211/2 inches. Danielle Lake, #6, and
her first grandchild, Dominic her husband, Gregory
Paul, on December 16th. He welcomed baby Emilia Matthew Sheinkopf,
Heidi Burns, #5/8, weighed in at 7lbs. 5oz. and Marie on February 16th. #7, his wife, Karen and
Is happy to announce 19 inches. Douglas She weighed in at 6lbs.,
DiDominica, an Oceanside proud big brothers, Josh-
the engagement of her 13oz. and 19 inches. ua and Jake are excited
alum, and wife Victoria are
daughter, Amanda proud first time parents. to announce the birth of
(OHS 2010) to Steven baby Brooke Harper on
Foglietta (OHS 2007) . February 23rd. She
A September 2022 weighed in at 5lbs. 12oz.
wedding is planned. and 19.5 inches.

Identity Theft (continued from page 5)

5. Obtain documents related to fraudulent transactions or accounts opened using

your personal information.
You have the right to ask creditors or other businesses for copies of any applications or other records related to transactions or
accounts connected to the use of your personal information for identity theft. You must ask for this in writing and may need to
provide proof of your identity, a police report, and an FTC Identity Theft Report.
6. Obtain information from debt collectors.
You have the right to ask debt collectors for any information about debt incurred due to the identity theft.
7. Block the reporting of damaging information in credit reports.
You also have the right to ask CRAs to block any information in your file that is the result of identity theft. For example, an
identity thief may make purchases in your name and never pay for them. If you don’t ask the credit bureaus to block this infor-
mation, it will remain in your credit report.
8. Prevent businesses from reporting information resulting from identity theft.
When you reach out to companies where you know an identity thief used your identifying information, ask that they stop re-
porting the inaccurate information to the credit bureaus, as well as report the revised, correct information. You’ll need to iden-
tify what information you don’t want reported and provide a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report.
9. Report ID theft to the FTC.
While you don’t need to report a stolen credit card to the FTC, you should report identity theft to the FTC right away. That
way the FTC can create a report that you can use to prove the ID theft to businesses and financial institutions. To do this, you
can fill out a report online or call 877-438-4338.
10. Reach out to local law enforcement.
The FTC says you may also want to alert your local police department. When you go to your local law enforcement office,
bring a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report, a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and any proof
that your identity has been used for identity theft — such as collections notices. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of the police
report in case you need it. You also can file an online complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, which gives
victims of cybercrime a reporting mechanism that alerts authorities. (Continued on page 7)

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 OFT Retiree Publishes Two New Books!
Retired school psychologist, Laurie Zelinger (School 8), just published her 6th and 7th books with Loving Healing Press: Please
Explain Alzheimer's Disease to Me: a children's story and parent handbook about dementia and Please Explain Vaccines to Me be-
cause I HATE SHOTS! Congratulations to Laurie! Please scan below for more information about each title.

"Dr. Zelinger's book helps take the mystery out of a truly mys-
tifying disease. The children's story will help reduce the anxie-
ty and fear a child may have when faced with one suffering
from Alzheimer's, and the adult portion of this book gives
practical examples to help guide the adult when questions
arise. A truly informative and inspired book."
-- Marilyn Cherney, occupational therapist; grandmother

"Dr. Laurie Zelinger has done it again with another excellent

child and parent-friendly book that helps to allay fears and
empower families and professionals with the tools to help
children develop healthy coping skills. Please Explain Vac-
cines to Me has it all: a relatable and simple yet engaging text
in rhyme that is fun to read aloud, as well as colorful illustra-
tions that provide an honest and relatable depiction of the
emotions involved. As an experienced nurse and health edu-
cator, I see this book as a "must-have" resource for all care-
givers, educators and health professionals."
--Darlene Glasser, RN, MSEd

Identity Theft (continued from page 6)

11. Contact the IRS.

Contact the IRS to make sure you aren’t the victim of tax-related identity theft. Someone with a combination of your
name, date of birth, and Social Security number could file a tax return in your name, hoping to receive a fraudulent
refund. And make sure you respond to any notices from the IRS that may alert you to fraudulent activity.
12. Alert your health insurance company and medical care providers.
While identity theft is more often associated with financial fraud, it also can infiltrate your medical care. Contact
your medical care providers to make sure the identity thief hasn’t used your insurance information to receive
healthcare services in your name. An identity thief who has your personal information could assume your identity
when seeing a doctor, receiving prescription drugs, having surgery, or visiting an emergency room.
13. Reach out to your state’s DMV or licensing agency.
An identity thief could use your driver’s license or state ID number to impersonate you. They can use your driver’s
license number on a check, during a traffic stop, or to make a fake license. If you lose your driver’s license or state
ID, ask your state’s DMV or licensing agency to place a flag on your license number to help put law enforcement on
notice.
14. Clean up all of your accounts.
You’ll also need to clean up things on a more basic level. Contact your phone and utility companies, and any other
places where you have accounts. Make sure you’ve cancelled all fraudulent accounts and, if you need them, open
new accounts — with new account numbers. Remember to create strong, complex passwords for each account.

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