United States Census Bureau
May 1st, The Census Bureau is beginning phase 2 of the Census taking. With less then half of New York State turning in their census forms, census workers will be visiting neighborhoods to count the people. To date only 44% of the people living in New York State have responded meaning billions of dollars in aid could be lost funding for roads and bridges and other public works projects, emergency services, hospitals and the number of Senior Centers. , Also the number of representatives awarded to NY State would shrink in the U.S. House of Representatives.
If a census worker comes to your door they will show you an ID Badge, hand you an information sheet and ask you a few simple questions. Your answers are confidential and protected by law. All US Census Bureau employees have taken an oath and are subject to a jail term, a fine or both if they disclose ANY information that could identify you or your household. Your answers are used for statistical purposes, and no other purpose. As allowed by law, your census data becomes public after 72 years. This information can be used for family history and other types of historical research.
You are required by federal law to provide the information requested. Visit the Census web site http://www.census.gov/2010census and click on “Protecting Your Answers” to learn more about their privacy policy and data protection
Who to count as of April 1st
Count all people where they live and sleep most of the time. Including babies and children, foster children, roommates, boarders, and people staying with you who have no permanent place to live. Do not include college students living away at school, Armed Forces personnel who live away, people in nursing homes, a mental hospital, jail, prison, or detention facility.
Participation isn’t just important it’s mandatory.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
GS USA National Agenda Meeting
Taking Action for Girls Be Part of the Conversation
Who: Girls (12 and up), parents, volunteers, community members
When: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Where: Girl Scouts of Nassau County
110 Ring Road West, Garden City
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
RSVP: aksakc@gsnc.org
Girl Scouts of the USA has set a national agenda to address the girl issues of bullying and cyberbullying, disordered eating, and unhealthy media images. Come and be part of our work as we turn people into power, advocate for girls, and make the world a better place.
Questions? Carole Aksak, Critical Issues Coordinator, 516.282.7521.
Visit: www.gsnc.org/criticalissues/events.asp
Who: Girls (12 and up), parents, volunteers, community members
When: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Where: Girl Scouts of Nassau County
110 Ring Road West, Garden City
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
RSVP: aksakc@gsnc.org
Girl Scouts of the USA has set a national agenda to address the girl issues of bullying and cyberbullying, disordered eating, and unhealthy media images. Come and be part of our work as we turn people into power, advocate for girls, and make the world a better place.
Questions? Carole Aksak, Critical Issues Coordinator, 516.282.7521.
Visit: www.gsnc.org/criticalissues/events.asp
Monday, April 26, 2010
West Hempstead School Budget Information
On May 18th, the residents of West Hempstead will be asked to go to the polls and cast their vote on the proposed 2010-2011 school budget. The economic climate is not in West Hempstead’s favor. While in recent year’s the Board of Education has been able to keep tax levy increases among the lowest on Long Island, including a year when the tax levy actually went down, this year West Hempstead’s tax levy increase is likely to be among the highest on Long Island.
As of today, Albany has still not adopted a budget. Any additional state aid that comes from Albany would be used to decrease the 2010-2011 tax levy.
On May 18th, residents are casting their vote on the proposed budget that supports the education of our children. The attached document outlines what programs and services the proposed budget provides. Likewise, it outlines what is at stake.
Make a Commitment to Education
Remember to Vote on May 18th. It's Important!
Look for more budget news at www.whufsd.com
Have questions? Email them to votemay18@whufsd.com
As of today, Albany has still not adopted a budget. Any additional state aid that comes from Albany would be used to decrease the 2010-2011 tax levy.
On May 18th, residents are casting their vote on the proposed budget that supports the education of our children. The attached document outlines what programs and services the proposed budget provides. Likewise, it outlines what is at stake.
Make a Commitment to Education
Remember to Vote on May 18th. It's Important!
Look for more budget news at www.whufsd.com
Have questions? Email them to votemay18@whufsd.com
Thursday, April 22, 2010
West Hempstead Board of Education Adopts Budget
On Tuesday, April 20th, the West Hempstead Board of Education adopted the proposed 2010-2011 School Budget. The budget supports all current educational programs and continues to maintain facilities with a budgetary increase of 3.69% over the present 2009-2010 school budget. As you recall, the 2009-2010 school budget presented a 0% increase over the previous year. Therefore, West Hempstead’s two year average increase is 1.85%.
The revenue side of the budget continues to be a struggle during these tough economic times. The combination of state aid cuts, reduced revenue from Island Park and lack of fund balance result in a revenue loss of over $1.8 million since July 2009. In addition, payments to the Teacher Retirement System, the Employee Retirement System and the New York State Health Insurance Plan have increased this expense area by almost $1.2 million. Due to circumstances beyond the control of West Hempstead, the 2010-2011 tax levy was already going to increase by 7.6%.
Through frugal budgeting and careful decision making, the Board of Education has been able to find a way to support our children and fund obligations to its employees while adding an additional 1.8% to the tax levy that was already a stark reality at the beginning of the budget process. While the projected 2010-2011 tax levy of 9.4% is admittedly very high, we ask that you consider the following:
Ø Including the projected 2010-2011 tax levy, the five-year annual average increase in the tax levy for West Hempstead is 2.74%.
Ø At the time of the budget adoption, New York State had yet to adopt a budget that finalized state aid to West Hempstead. Any additional aid provided by the 2010-2011 state budget will be used to decrease the tax levy when it is set in July.
Ø Since the beginning of the budget process, almost $1 million in expenditures has been cut from the proposal. These cuts have been made with the philosophy that we need to continue to help our children grow even when we struggle financially. Therefore, while some class sizes may be slightly higher, no programs have been cut.
Ø Before and after school activities and programs such as music and art help our children to become better educated and more cultured adults. They also give our children something to do during non-school hours at a relatively low price tag. These activities and programs have been maintained.
Ø The school district and education as our children know it would look vastly different with further cuts to the proposed budget. Someday, our children will be parents. They will look to the school to help their children learn, grow and mature just as our schools are doing today. We are worried that further cuts would severely undermine our ability to provide the support our children deserve.
We remind you to come to the polls on Tuesday, May 18th between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the West Hempstead Middle School Gym. We ask you to consider that while times are hard for all of us who are adults; it is incumbent upon us to protect our children.
Make a Commitment to Education
Remember to Vote on May 18th. It’s important!
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in West Hempstead MS Gymnasium
Look for more West Hempstead UFSD school budget news at www.whufsd.com.
Have questions about the proposed budget? Email them to votemay18@whufsd.com.
The revenue side of the budget continues to be a struggle during these tough economic times. The combination of state aid cuts, reduced revenue from Island Park and lack of fund balance result in a revenue loss of over $1.8 million since July 2009. In addition, payments to the Teacher Retirement System, the Employee Retirement System and the New York State Health Insurance Plan have increased this expense area by almost $1.2 million. Due to circumstances beyond the control of West Hempstead, the 2010-2011 tax levy was already going to increase by 7.6%.
Through frugal budgeting and careful decision making, the Board of Education has been able to find a way to support our children and fund obligations to its employees while adding an additional 1.8% to the tax levy that was already a stark reality at the beginning of the budget process. While the projected 2010-2011 tax levy of 9.4% is admittedly very high, we ask that you consider the following:
Ø Including the projected 2010-2011 tax levy, the five-year annual average increase in the tax levy for West Hempstead is 2.74%.
Ø At the time of the budget adoption, New York State had yet to adopt a budget that finalized state aid to West Hempstead. Any additional aid provided by the 2010-2011 state budget will be used to decrease the tax levy when it is set in July.
Ø Since the beginning of the budget process, almost $1 million in expenditures has been cut from the proposal. These cuts have been made with the philosophy that we need to continue to help our children grow even when we struggle financially. Therefore, while some class sizes may be slightly higher, no programs have been cut.
Ø Before and after school activities and programs such as music and art help our children to become better educated and more cultured adults. They also give our children something to do during non-school hours at a relatively low price tag. These activities and programs have been maintained.
Ø The school district and education as our children know it would look vastly different with further cuts to the proposed budget. Someday, our children will be parents. They will look to the school to help their children learn, grow and mature just as our schools are doing today. We are worried that further cuts would severely undermine our ability to provide the support our children deserve.
We remind you to come to the polls on Tuesday, May 18th between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the West Hempstead Middle School Gym. We ask you to consider that while times are hard for all of us who are adults; it is incumbent upon us to protect our children.
Make a Commitment to Education
Remember to Vote on May 18th. It’s important!
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in West Hempstead MS Gymnasium
Look for more West Hempstead UFSD school budget news at www.whufsd.com.
Have questions about the proposed budget? Email them to votemay18@whufsd.com.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Donald Clavin Announces Convenient Payment Options
April 7, 2010
Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin reminds residents to take advantage of the convenient payment options offered by his office as the deadline for paying the second half 2009-2010 school tax approaches. Taxpayers who prefer to make payments in person can avail themselves of satellite offices, the mobile tax office and the EZ-Pay drive thru payment window located behind the Town Receiver's office in Hempstead. In addition, tax bills can be paid by credit card or e-check, online or via telephone. Tax payments received or postmarked by May 10 will be penalty-free.
"Taxpayers who prefer to pay their taxes in person from the comfort of their car may choose to utilize the EZ-Pay drive thru payment window located behind the tax office at 200 North Franklin Street," said Clavin. "My office also accepts electronic payments via e-check and credit card."
Office hours at the main tax office located at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead will be extended during peak collection times. Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. The fully staffed main office accepts all forms of payment and can provide taxpayers with assistance regarding account inquiries.
Satellite offices established at Rock Hall Museum (located at 199 Broadway in Lawrence) and Levittown Hall (located at 201 Levittown Parkway in Hicksville) will be open to receive tax payments (checks and money orders only) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10.
"Our mobile town hall brings town government to local neighborhoods," remarked Clavin. "This is especially convenient for residents who have limited time or ability to travel to the main tax office and desire to make their tax payments in person by check or money order." The mobile tax office will visit the following locations from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as follows:
Monday, May 3, Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick
Tuesday, May 4, Town Parking Lot O-3, Davison Avenue, Oceanside (directly across from Oceanside Library)
Thursday, May 6, Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
Friday, May 7, Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square
The E-Z Pay drive thru payment window will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. Only checks and money order payments are accepted at this facility.
Residents who would like to pay via credit card or e-check may log onto the town's website at www.TOH.LI and follow the Receiver of Taxes link to "Online Tax Payments," or call Official Payments Corporation toll-free at 1-877-306-6056. A convenience fee of 2.5% of the total tax payment will be incurred for credit card payments. A flat fee of $2 will be charged for electronic check payments. Hempstead Town receives no portion of these fees.
"I encourage residents to utilize the services designed to make the tax payment process less burdensome," concluded Clavin. "Supervisor Murray and I continue to look for innovative ways to assist residents with all of their tax payment needs."
Taxpayers should bring their entire tax bill when making payments in person. Tax stubs should not be detached from the bill. For further information visit the town's website at www.TOH.LI or contact the Office of Receiver of Taxes at (516) 538-1500.
Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin reminds residents to take advantage of the convenient payment options offered by his office as the deadline for paying the second half 2009-2010 school tax approaches. Taxpayers who prefer to make payments in person can avail themselves of satellite offices, the mobile tax office and the EZ-Pay drive thru payment window located behind the Town Receiver's office in Hempstead. In addition, tax bills can be paid by credit card or e-check, online or via telephone. Tax payments received or postmarked by May 10 will be penalty-free.
"Taxpayers who prefer to pay their taxes in person from the comfort of their car may choose to utilize the EZ-Pay drive thru payment window located behind the tax office at 200 North Franklin Street," said Clavin. "My office also accepts electronic payments via e-check and credit card."
Office hours at the main tax office located at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead will be extended during peak collection times. Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. The fully staffed main office accepts all forms of payment and can provide taxpayers with assistance regarding account inquiries.
Satellite offices established at Rock Hall Museum (located at 199 Broadway in Lawrence) and Levittown Hall (located at 201 Levittown Parkway in Hicksville) will be open to receive tax payments (checks and money orders only) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10.
"Our mobile town hall brings town government to local neighborhoods," remarked Clavin. "This is especially convenient for residents who have limited time or ability to travel to the main tax office and desire to make their tax payments in person by check or money order." The mobile tax office will visit the following locations from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as follows:
Monday, May 3, Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick
Tuesday, May 4, Town Parking Lot O-3, Davison Avenue, Oceanside (directly across from Oceanside Library)
Thursday, May 6, Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
Friday, May 7, Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square
The E-Z Pay drive thru payment window will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. Only checks and money order payments are accepted at this facility.
Residents who would like to pay via credit card or e-check may log onto the town's website at www.TOH.LI and follow the Receiver of Taxes link to "Online Tax Payments," or call Official Payments Corporation toll-free at 1-877-306-6056. A convenience fee of 2.5% of the total tax payment will be incurred for credit card payments. A flat fee of $2 will be charged for electronic check payments. Hempstead Town receives no portion of these fees.
"I encourage residents to utilize the services designed to make the tax payment process less burdensome," concluded Clavin. "Supervisor Murray and I continue to look for innovative ways to assist residents with all of their tax payment needs."
Taxpayers should bring their entire tax bill when making payments in person. Tax stubs should not be detached from the bill. For further information visit the town's website at www.TOH.LI or contact the Office of Receiver of Taxes at (516) 538-1500.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
With Just One Click....
Cyberbullying is: Using technology in a hostile way that is intended to harm others.
Bullying has spread from the playground to the Internet. With one click of button it reaches into a mass audience further and faster then ever.
Although some may think cyber bullying is fun and entertaining, what they might not know is that is traceable and in some cases a crime.
Types of online bullying behaviors:
Flaming Angry rude arguments
Harrassment Repeatedly sending offensive messages
Denigration Dissing someone online by spreading rumors or posting false info
Outing and Trickery Disseminating intimate private information that is then sent to others who were never meant to read it
Impersonation pretending to be someone else and posting material to damage that person’s reputation
Exclusion Intentional exclusion from an online group by blocking them.
Cyberstalking: creating fear by sending offensive messages and other harmful online activities
Cell phones have been used to take pictures at school and then pictures posted on line
Kids might not tell you they’re being bullied because of fear of revenge by the bully. Some think no one can or will help them. Others think it will make things worse.
Kids might feel that they will lose privileges of using the computer.
How do you know if your child is a target?
Hopefully they’ll come to you. If not, pay attention to their behavior when they are at the computer. If you notice they are often upset ask what’s going on. Also go to the internet yourself and using the google search engine type in your child’s first and last name in quotes to see if there is anything posted on a website.
· Be observant, recognize the problem when it’s happening,
· Talk to your child about what you expect. Addressing this behavior will let your child know you will not condone it. Caution against joining in on bullying, it’s just as bad as starting it.
· Explain we don’t say anything online we wouldn’t say to someone’s face. Email is not private, a mean remark can be easily forwarded.
· Because email and instant messages don’t include facial expressions, communication can be misinterpreted.
· Stress that passwords should never be shared; someone else could send emails from your child’s account.
· Do not let your child respond to the bullying online. That can make it escalate.
· Let your child know your there for them.
· Make sure the Instant message “buddy list” is limited only to people they know and block all other incoming messages.
· Save the offending messages to your hard drive. The IP provider will want live communication not just a printout.
· Limit time spent online.
Bullying has spread from the playground to the Internet. With one click of button it reaches into a mass audience further and faster then ever.
Although some may think cyber bullying is fun and entertaining, what they might not know is that is traceable and in some cases a crime.
Types of online bullying behaviors:
Flaming Angry rude arguments
Harrassment Repeatedly sending offensive messages
Denigration Dissing someone online by spreading rumors or posting false info
Outing and Trickery Disseminating intimate private information that is then sent to others who were never meant to read it
Impersonation pretending to be someone else and posting material to damage that person’s reputation
Exclusion Intentional exclusion from an online group by blocking them.
Cyberstalking: creating fear by sending offensive messages and other harmful online activities
Cell phones have been used to take pictures at school and then pictures posted on line
Kids might not tell you they’re being bullied because of fear of revenge by the bully. Some think no one can or will help them. Others think it will make things worse.
Kids might feel that they will lose privileges of using the computer.
How do you know if your child is a target?
Hopefully they’ll come to you. If not, pay attention to their behavior when they are at the computer. If you notice they are often upset ask what’s going on. Also go to the internet yourself and using the google search engine type in your child’s first and last name in quotes to see if there is anything posted on a website.
· Be observant, recognize the problem when it’s happening,
· Talk to your child about what you expect. Addressing this behavior will let your child know you will not condone it. Caution against joining in on bullying, it’s just as bad as starting it.
· Explain we don’t say anything online we wouldn’t say to someone’s face. Email is not private, a mean remark can be easily forwarded.
· Because email and instant messages don’t include facial expressions, communication can be misinterpreted.
· Stress that passwords should never be shared; someone else could send emails from your child’s account.
· Do not let your child respond to the bullying online. That can make it escalate.
· Let your child know your there for them.
· Make sure the Instant message “buddy list” is limited only to people they know and block all other incoming messages.
· Save the offending messages to your hard drive. The IP provider will want live communication not just a printout.
· Limit time spent online.
West Hempstead Board of Education Budget Meeting
BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET HEARING and BUSINESS MEETING
April 20th 7:30 p.m.
Adoption of Budget and Vote on Boces Budget
West Hempstead High School
For more school budget news see www.whufsd.com
If you have any questions regarding the budget email them to vote18@whufsd.com
April 20th 7:30 p.m.
Adoption of Budget and Vote on Boces Budget
West Hempstead High School
For more school budget news see www.whufsd.com
If you have any questions regarding the budget email them to vote18@whufsd.com
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Senator Kemp Hannon Fights Cyber-Bullying
Hannon Fights Cyber-Bullying - Introduces New Legislation
Posted on March 29, 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senator Kemp Hannon, who’s been spreading cyber-bullying awareness on Long Island and across New York State, has introduced new legislation which prohibits bullying and cyber-bullying on school property and establishes a statewide central registry for bullying, cyber-bullying and hazing complaints.
“Tragically, cyber-bullying has become a new reality, and thus, a serious focus in our communities. We must respond by increasing awareness as well as prohibiting such dangerous behavior,” said Senator Hannon. “It’s important for parents to speak to their children about cyber-bullying and to review the warning signs,” continued Hannon. “We must send a message to everyone as parents, elected officials and community leaders that this type of detrimental behavior will not be tolerated in our schools nor anywhere in our community,” said Hannon.
Signs that your child may be a victim of cyber-bullying include: Avoiding the computer, cell phone, and other devices; appearing stressed when receiving e-mails, instant messages or text messages; withdrawing from family and friends, or acting reluctant to attend school and other activities and avoiding conversations about the computer.
Signs that your child may be cyber-bullying others include: Prior involvement in bullying, or the target of bullying; avoiding conversations about computer and cell phone activities; switching screens or closing programs when you, or others, are nearby; laughing excessively while using the computer or cell phone; using multiple online accounts or an account that is not his or her own; excessive use of a computer and/or cell phone and agitation if access to a computer or cell phone is restricted or denied.
For more information regarding cyber-bullying, visit http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/ and type “cyber-bullying” in the search bar located on the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Posted on March 29, 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senator Kemp Hannon, who’s been spreading cyber-bullying awareness on Long Island and across New York State, has introduced new legislation which prohibits bullying and cyber-bullying on school property and establishes a statewide central registry for bullying, cyber-bullying and hazing complaints.
“Tragically, cyber-bullying has become a new reality, and thus, a serious focus in our communities. We must respond by increasing awareness as well as prohibiting such dangerous behavior,” said Senator Hannon. “It’s important for parents to speak to their children about cyber-bullying and to review the warning signs,” continued Hannon. “We must send a message to everyone as parents, elected officials and community leaders that this type of detrimental behavior will not be tolerated in our schools nor anywhere in our community,” said Hannon.
Signs that your child may be a victim of cyber-bullying include: Avoiding the computer, cell phone, and other devices; appearing stressed when receiving e-mails, instant messages or text messages; withdrawing from family and friends, or acting reluctant to attend school and other activities and avoiding conversations about the computer.
Signs that your child may be cyber-bullying others include: Prior involvement in bullying, or the target of bullying; avoiding conversations about computer and cell phone activities; switching screens or closing programs when you, or others, are nearby; laughing excessively while using the computer or cell phone; using multiple online accounts or an account that is not his or her own; excessive use of a computer and/or cell phone and agitation if access to a computer or cell phone is restricted or denied.
For more information regarding cyber-bullying, visit http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/ and type “cyber-bullying” in the search bar located on the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
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