Volume 60, Issue 2 Marylin Nease, editor (neasem@sbcglobal.net) October 17, 2016

DKG Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

DKG Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

Volume 59, Issue 4 Marylin Nease, editor (neasem@sbcglobal.net) November 16, 2015

DKG Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

Volume 58, Issue 1 Marylin Nease, Editor (neasem@sbcglobal.net) September 15, 2014

DKG Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

The 4:15

President’s Pen By Lou McMillan, 2016-2018 President

Dear Delta Omicron Chapter Members, Welcome to a new year, or a new

biennium, as I should say! I am looking forward to working, having fun, learning, and enjoying Delta Kappa Gamma with each and every one of you!

Our year has gotten off to a good start with our gathering in September. We had a wonderful group attending and were thoroughly entertained and enlightened with Kimberly Johnson's lecture on "Texas Women Who Made a Difference." A special thank-you goes to Barbara Clinton for providing us with such an interesting and informative program. I also want to thank Sherri Negrete for organizing our delicious supper and decorating our lovely tables. You did an outstanding job, Sherri! The supper was delicious, and we appreciate each one of you who participated in providing such a sumptuous banquet!

Katy Kunofsky, you gave a wonderful and informative report on the Hillier breakfast that your ASTEF project committee hosted and reminded us we all need to sign up to help the students at the Hillier School in the activities available to us. We will be sending a sheet around at the October meeting to give everyone a chance to sign up to serve if you haven't already done so. Leesa Cole, we thank you for being so computer "savvy" and helping us check our information at our DKG website. You, and all you other computer "techies," are indispensable to our chapter, and we all are grateful for your help. Carolyn Miller, your inspirational message was timely and encouraging. I appreciate all the effort I know you invested in preparation, and I apologize again for my omission of not starting with you. I promise that will not happen again.

At our meeting in October, our very own Ashraf Mobh will be presenting our program, "Global Encounters," on her mission work this summer in Africa. It promises to be a very interesting and pertinent lecture. I know Ashraf has many exciting and relevant newsworthy items to share with us! Also, remember we will be meeting in a new room, H020.

President’s message continued on page 2…

Delta Omicron, Chapter 111, Dallas, Dallas County, Area 9, Texas State Organization, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

Inside This Issue…

pp. 1-9: Chapter News

pp. 9-10: Dallas County, Area 9 News

p. 11: Texas State Organization News

p. 12: SW Regional & International News

Chapter Meeting News Monday, October 17, 2016

Time and Agenda: 4:30 p.m. – Fellowship and Food

5 p.m. – Program

Special Guest:

We welcome Cathy Criner, our Area 9 coordinator!

Location: Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Room H020

3821 University Blvd., Dallas 75205

Program Presenter:

Ashraf Mobh,

Teacher, Grade 4,

Armstrong Elementary,

Highland Park ISD

Her Topic:

“Global Encounters”

What to bring to our October 17 meeting: (1) See info above for list of hostesses. (2) Your membership dues to Mary Gill, treasurer. (3) Box Tops for Education coupons for Hillier School to Carrie Parsons. (4) A guest/potential member to visit our chapter.

Social Arrangements: Committee Chair – Sherrie Negrete Committee Members – Elenora Asbury, Susan Endicott, Elyse Griffin, Mary Carol Hughes Hostesses – Margaret Arnold, Elenora Asbury, Maureen Baker, Denise Barker, Susan Bell, Leah Black, Lou Brown, Christine Brunner, Joy Burger, Jaime Callahan

Volume 60, Issue 2 Marylin Nease, editor, neasem@sbcglobal.net October 17, 2016

DKG Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes

professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

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Delta Omicron’S The 4:15*

Five-Star-Award Newsletter

To submit news, contact Marylin Nease, editor 3352 Townsend Drive, Dallas TX 75229 214-352-8387, 469-999-6356 neasem@sbcglobal.net * Delta = the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omicron = the fifteenth letter; also, on a good day 4:15 = the time we leave school; best of all, on a really good day, 4:15 = the time we head to Delta Omicron; hence, The 4:15 title for our chapter’s newsletter.

Chapter News…

Part 1 - Officers

President’s Message Continued

from Page 1… Please, remember to contact the chair of the committee(s)

you have been assigned to, and offer your assistance. Remember our teamwork motto.

I am leaving Monday, October 3, for a trip to see the fall foliage on the East Coast. It's my first time to see the leaves in their autumn garb, and I'm really excited. It's a "bucket list" kind of adventure!

I look forward to seeing everyone October 17 at 4:30 in H020 (across from our former meeting room). Thank you, Margaret Thompson, for arranging this new, larger room.

Programs and Service

Projects VP’s Report By Barbara Clinton, Programs/Projects VP

October 17 Program Delta Omicron member Ashraf

Mobh will share with us an audiovisual presentation of her adventures in

Kenya this summer, where she worked with youth from 22 countries participating in voluntary service to create sustainable programs that lead to a better future for Kenya’s young and old.

Ashraf received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in English and received a master’s degree at Dallas Baptist University in Educational Leadership. A 16-year educator, she is currently a fourth-grade teacher and team leader at Armstrong Elementary School in Highland Park ISD. Ashraf spends time twice monthly with students in Global Connections, a leadership organization that allows students to embark on a journey to become global citizens.

She has worked with the United Nations and Youth for Human Rights. Ashraf has served as Chairman for the Aga Khan Education Board of Central United States and has worked as a primary board member for the National Education Board.

Also, Carolyn Power, global awareness committee, will give

information about DKG’s Schools for Africa project. She will bring forms for members to make individual donations.

2016-2017 Service Projects CHAPTER: •All Hands on Deck for Hillier – ASTEF-funded program at Hillier School to support early-career educators, support students with diagnosed learning differences, and support the principal (August-May) •Denton State-Supported Living Center - donation of monetary gifts (December) TSO: •Week of Caring - chapters statewide develop service projects in local communities (February, March) •Unifying Project - project that serves needs of state convention community, unifies chapters across Texas in service (May, June) INTERNATIONAL: •Schools for Africa (SfA), a UNICEF and DKG international project (adopted in 2010) to “transform lives through education”

Chapter Website: http://deltaomicrontexas.weebly.com/ Chapter Webmaster: Carolyn Power Chapter Webwatcher: Marylin Nease

2016-2018 Executive Board: President: Lou McMillan Vice President, Programs / Service Projects: Barbara Clinton Vice President, Membership: Jaime Callahan Recording Secretary: Susan Bell Corresponding Secretary: Ashraf Mobh Treasurer: Mary Gill Parliamentarian: Kay Keeland Immediate Past President: Mary White

Immediate Past President: Carolyn Power

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on the African continent, with special focus on girls, orphans, and vulnerable children (October) •Support Early-career Educators (SEE), DKG international project (adopted in 2012) to strengthen the profession by empowering beginning teachers via mentoring and practical support from experienced teachers (August-May)

Membership VP’s Report

By Jaime Callahan, Membership VP Growing Our Chapter

Thank you to everyone who attended our September salad supper and meeting. Twenty-eight lovely ladies and two guests were present to kick off another great year!

Looking forward, it is always time to introduce new members to our chapter and DKG. Please be on the lookout for that special woman who will

welcome the honor of membership in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and development as an educator. If you would like to recommend an enthusiastic educator for membership, submit her name and contact information to me. I will follow up with a letter inviting her to attend an orientation meeting.

Recording Secretary’s Report

By Susan Bell, Recording Secretary September 19, 2016, Minutes

The Delta Omicron Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met on September 19, 2016, in room 229 on the Hillier School side of Highland Park Presbyterian Church campus. Twenty-eight

members and two guests were present. All members were hostesses for the first meeting and brought either sandwiches/salads or desserts. Our meal offered quite a spread of food, and all enjoyed it. Many thanks go to our new social arrangements committee chair, Sherri Negrete, for doing such a wonderful job for our first meeting of the year.

New Business:

President Lou McMillan called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Members approved the May meeting minutes as printed in the chapter newsletter.

Sherrie Negrete spoke about her plans for social arrangements this year. She

thanked all members for serving as hostesses this month. Mary White, immediate past president, spoke about the

proposed 2016-2017 budget document distributed earlier to

members on their dining tables. She pointed out the few changes from last year’s budget. Members voted their approval of the new budget.

Leesa Cole, technology committee member, offered to assist members in getting their profile information on the DKG international website.

Also, as scholarship committee chair, Leesa discussed scholarships available and urged members to apply. She gave the example of the Road Scholar program, for which scholarship money is available, as well as personal growth workshops or anything else members feel would assist them with personal and/or professional growth.

In addition, speaking as TSO Headquarters executive assistant, Leesa reminded members that TSO leaders are looking for a successor for Betty Vines, retired TSO executive secretary/treasurer.

Marylin Nease, past ASTEF/Hillier committee member, led members in considering the opportunities to participate in this year’s Hillier project (listed in the project brochure distributed to members) and asked them to sign up on the volunteer sheet at each table.

Katy Kunofsky, ASTEF/Hillier committee member, shared her thoughts on the August breakfast for the Hillier staff, provided and hosted by Delta Omicron members. This was also the occasion for Hillier’s teachers to receive their $200 Visa cards, with which they can use their professional judgment to purchase consumable supplies and teaching materials for their classrooms. Katy spoke of how appreciative the teachers are!

Lou McMillan introduced the chapter’s new executive board. They are Barbara Clinton, first vice president for programs and projects; Jamie Callahan, second vice president for membership; Susan Bell, recording secretary; Ashraf Mohb, corresponding secretary; and Mary White, immediate past president. Members ex officio of the board are Mary Gill,

treasurer, and Kay Keeland, parliamentarian.

Next, Lou reminded members to look at handouts on their tables to see the committees that each member has been placed on. She urged members to contact

committee chairs to ask how to help with the committees’ work. Also, Lou reminded members of our September 24 outing to

the Nasher Sculpture Center and lunch afterward at Savor Gastropub. In addition, she told members where to meet to carpool. Program:

Barbara Clinton, programs chair, introduced the program presenter, Kimberly Johnson, who spoke on "Texas Women Who Made a Difference." Johnson directs Special Collections in the Blagg-Huey Library at Texas Woman’s University in Denton.

Johnson discussed how the influence of women's organizations, such as AAUW and PEO and DKG—and others, were a large influence in Texas’ social and cultural development. She also stated that with women’s busy lives today, innovations

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such as virtual meetings may be needed for women to continue “meeting” to lead change in Texas.

According to Johnson, women’s organizations in Texas have had a rich history since the 1800s, when women began mobilizing. Some highlights from her presentation follow.

In 1897 the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs (TFWC) started, and in 1905, the Texas Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Through their volunteer service, these groups advocated for improvement in areas such as family and children’s health, education, and women’s working conditions. The TFWC initiated work on the 1911 child labor law. Not able to vote until 1918 (and then, only white women), Texas women instead lobbied legislators for civic and social reforms.

In 1918 Annie Webb Blanton was elected state superintendent of public instruction, the first female to hold a Texas state office. Blanton went on to found DKG in 1929.

Clara Driscoll, a leading woman of her day, provided the leadership and money to preserve the Alamo Mission in San Antonio and to lift out of debt the TFWC headquarters building in Austin.

Through their volunteer service in the 1930s, Texas women leaders made possible the establishment of places such as Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Big Bend State Park (later National Park).

And, 70% of public libraries were initiated by women. Johnson concluded by emphasizing that Texas history has

been written by women who made a difference and will continue to be written by women who make a difference, such as DKG’s key women educators. We women still have a big job to do and can find inspiration in Johnson’s presentation, encouraging us to continue carrying the torch. Conclusion:

Carolyn Miller, personal and professional enrichment committee chair, gave an invocation reminding us to tell family and friends we love them while we have an opportunity because sometimes there will not be a chance later on.

Lou told members our next meeting would be October 17 in room H020. Ashraf Mobh, corresponding secretary, will speak about her travels this past summer.

Lou adjourned the meeting by asking members to join hands and sing “The Delta Kappa Gamma Song.”

Treasurer’s Report By Mary Gill, Treasurer

On October 3 our bank balance was $4,731.94.

If you haven’t yet paid your 2016-2017 membership dues, please bring them to our October 17 meeting. $100 active, $50 reserve—check written to

Delta Omicron.

Chapter News continued…

Part 2 – Committees:

Society Business Communications and Publicity Committee Thank You to Committee Members By Marylin Nease, Committee Chair

Thank you to Chris Brunner for keeping our non-email members informed. Each month Chris prints and mails The 4:15 to our six members without email.

A thank-you also goes to Mary Louise Milliorn for making phone calls to members without email. Editor’s Note: Periodically The 4:15 will feature articles of special interest to members. These articles will be about the Society, the chapter, professional issues, women’s issues, and human interests.

This month’s article is about the Society and human interests.

Compiled by Marylin Nease, Editor

One focus of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is fostering members’ global awareness through the Society’s programs and projects. Note that International is part of DKG’s name.

DKG has five international regions with 77,000+ members in 17 nations:

European Region - Estonia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, The Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden;

Northeast Region - 16 US states, Washington, D.C., four Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico;

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Northwest Region - 12 US states and four Canadian provinces;

Southeast Region - 11 US states;

Southwest Region - 11 US states (including Texas), six Mexican states, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and Japan.

DKG members adopted the Society’s first international project, Schools for Africa, during our 2010 international convention. In the SfA project, DKG and UNICEF work together to “transform lives through education” in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with special focus on girls, orphans, and vulnerable children. DKG members have already donated over $300,000 to the project.

The Society’s emphasis on global awareness also includes a DKG/UN relationship. The Committee on Teaching about the United Nations offers teaching materials and programs that enable students to learn about the UN’s work. CTAUN’s next conferences are in Atlanta, GA, Oct. 22, 2016; at the UN HQ in NYC, Jan. 27, 2017; and in OKC, OK, Apr. 8, 2017. http://www.ctaun.org/ And, via DKG Texas E-pals, Texas members can communicate directly with members in Canada, Costa Rica, Estonia, and Guatemala. http://www.dkgtexas.org/global-awareness-committee.html

Beyond these and other DKG opportunities to raise our global awareness, a great way to learn about the world beyond Dallas/Fort Worth is for members to travel whenever they can.

Marylin Nease reports, “Attending DKG conventions in various Texas locations, I’ve visited with members from other urban/suburban school districts and from small, rural districts—and walked away enlightened about what’s happening in other parts of the state. At international conventions I’ve learned about differences and similarities in DKG in other states: for instance, some states have state conventions every other year instead of annually, and some states have only a few chapters compared to 268 in Texas.

“In addition, spending five weeks of college independent study in Mexico in 1969 showed me the lows of a-family-finding-breakfast-in-a-garbage-can poverty, eye-burning air pollution, and Montezuma’s-revenge water, as well as the highs of another culture enriched by language, fine arts, and traditions unlike my own growing up in Oklahoma. Similarly, spending 54 days in Europe in the summer of 1999 reminded me of how young the United States is compared to Europe and of how much the US and many European nations have in common through their shared cultural heritage, war history, and way of life.”

Lou McMillan shares, “I have not traveled extensively

outside the United States, but when I did, I was often with my

mother. Our first trip together was to Jordan, Israel, and Egypt. A marvelous olio of cultures and beliefs! Overall, my take on this adventure: though we speak differently and don't always agree on all issues, as human beings sharing this planet, we all have basic needs: family, faith, and fellowship.

“Mom and I also traveled to France (Paris and the south of France), where she introduced me to some of the great art museums and helped me develop an interest in 19th century Impressionists.

“My husband Neil and I traveled to Europe with my sister Ann and her husband, Tim. That was so interesting because I got to see a different side of my family as we all saw Europe for the first time. And, I might add, on a very tight budget!

“Recently, I traveled to Central and South America with a close friend. A take from this excursion was realizing how small Earth really is. Everywhere we toured, we saw relics and treasures brought from Europe by the early conquistadors from Spain. And, the unbelievable contributions of the Native American cultures!

“All of these experiences are very special to me and make me realize how important and valued each culture must be in order to truly appreciate what God has created for us all...not just a few!”

Membership Committee

Data May Attendance

Attendance at our September 19 meeting was 28 members and two guests.

Chapter Profile Our chapter has three members with more

than 50 years of membership, seven with 40-49 years, six with 30-39 years, 10 with 20-29 years, 12 with 10-19 years, and 20 with nine or fewer years of DKG membership.

We have 21 members employed full-time in education, and 37 members semi- or fully retired (including one reserve member and one honorary member).

Total membership is 58, with 56 active status, one reserve status, and one honorary status.

Part 2 – Committees:

Society Mission / Purposes Scholarship Committee By Leesa Cole, Committee Chair TSO Fall Mini-Grant – Apply before October 31.

Is there a workshop or training that you would like to attend between Nov. 1 this fall and Oct. 31 next fall? Have you been a DKG member since 2011? If so, the TSO Fall Mini-Grant may just help you out!

Last year’s fall mini-grant recipients attended training from the Texas Alliance

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of Black School Educators and an Educational European Tour. Recipients also received training in Researching Information Literacy as well as Inquiry-Based Learning and Global Competencies.

Contact Leesa Cole, and let her help you with the application and letters of recommendation that are due Oct. 31.

http://www.dkgtexas.org/state-scholarships.html

Part 2 – Committees:

Special ASTEF/Hillier Project Committee 2016-2017 ASTEF Project: All Hands on Deck for Hillier, Year Three For Becky Quigley, Committee Chair

Our Hillier project began year three with an August 16 breakfast—a time for Delta Omicron members to wish Hillier’s staff a successful school year, to share fellowship and mentoring time, and to give $200 Visa cards to each teacher. Hillier’s 13 thrilled and appreciative educators will use these cards, funded by ASTEF, to purchase teaching materials and consumable supplies, based on their own professional judgment.

At the September 19 chapter meeting, members received a project-info brochure and learned about other ways to participate in the project. They signed up to serve as after-school tutors, teacher encouragers, substitute teachers, spring-event fundraiser helpers, and/or Box Tops for Education coupon collectors. Twenty-eight members (50% of our active members) have already signed up!

At our October 17 meeting, we’ll have another sign-up sheet available. Our goal is 100% member participation.

Fellowship Committee For Denise Barker, Committee Chair

Nasher Art and Savor Food On Saturday, September 24, eight

chapter members met at the Nasher Sculpture Center shortly before 11 a.m. for a guided tour of the museum’s collections. At 12:15, members took a very short walk to Savor Gastropub for lunch and fellowship; the restaurant is immediately west of the

Nasher. Attending were Maureen Baker, Denise Barker, Susan

Bell, Barbara Clinton, Lou McMillan, Marylin Nease, Carolyn Power, and Kathy Rodriguez.

Marylin Nease reports, “Our excellent docent led us on a guided tour of the permanent collection; the temporary exhibit, “Run for President”; and the sculpture garden. Each stop was thought provoking. My favorite area remains the sculpture garden because of the setting in nature and the fun of discovering something new each time I look at the outdoor art. Our docent encouraged us to walk in, among, and around (but not touch) the

individual sculptures and groups of sculptures. I had stood back and looked from a distance in previous visits. This time I saw the pieces from new angles and experienced the art in new ways. Afterward, the food at Savor Gastropub was excellent. I loved my shrimp-and-scallop spinach salad with mango, ginger, and avocado! Thank you, Denise, for arranging our outing!”

Lou McMillan shares, “Our Saturday outing to the Nasher and Savor was a very special excursion! Not only did we have a very knowledgeable guide show us the highlights of the Nasher, but Denise Barker and Susan Bell picked a delightful restaurant where we could actually visit and hear what everyone was saying. Each person shared what they enjoyed most about the Nasher tour and gave ideas for places and events they wanted to explore for future gatherings. I really enjoyed each lady who was able to attend; everyone added to the conversation and made it a delightful experience. Thank you, Denise, Susan B., Barbara C., Marylin, Maureen, Kathy, and Carolyn P.”

Top: Our docent tells us about the Nasher’s first acquisition— American artist Jonathan Borofsky’s sculpture Running Man. Behind is American artist Claes Oldenburg’s Typewriter Eraser.

Middle: We listen to our docent discuss another sculpture in the Nasher’s permanent collection.

Side: In the outdoor sculpture garden, we learn about British artist Antony Gormley’s sculpture titled Quantum Cloud XX (Tornado).

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Chapter News continued…

Part 3 – Members’ News

Members’ Professional News Jaime Callahan Published in DKG Journal

Our Jaime Callahan received a letter dated September 13, 2016, stating, “The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Editorial Board is pleased to announce the publication of the article ‘Encouraging Retention of New Teachers Through Mentoring Strategies’ by Jaime Callahan in the 2016 Journal, Volume 83-1 issue of The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin.”

Jaime shares, “I am just thrilled!”

The article informs readers about the scale of teacher attrition; the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new teachers; the price of teacher attrition in Texas; the impact of teacher retention on student achievement; and the effect of mentoring programs on early-career educator retention.

Use this link to read Jaime’s article: http://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/Publications/Bulletin-Journal.aspx

Congratulations, Jaime, on the publishing of your article!

Christmas Pops By Kay Lutes, Research Committee

The annual Christmas Pops concerts at the Meyerson Symphony Center will once again feature the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Symphony Chorus, and the Children's Chorus of Greater Dallas. These programs will be offered the weekends of December 2, 9, and 15. You can order tickets online at

www.mydso.com. If interested, let me know, and I'll be happy to share information on discounts.

This is my 10th season with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, and it's always fun to be a part of this joyful series.

Come and enjoy the music of the season!

Members’ Personal News Family and “Bucket List” Travels

Susan Endicott emailed on September 29, “I'm so sorry not to have made the first meeting this year. I go home once a month to visit with my dad.

“Doug and I are on a three-week getaway to New England next week. Right now we're in Minnesota for the Ryder Cup! Now that he's retired, he's in heaven with plans to check off ‘The Bucket List!’”

Small World Reconnection By Katrina Maiman, Membership Committee

I attended Schelchty's Design for Coaching training in September in Grapevine and had the good fortune to run into my math teacher from junior high, Bill Waters!

Hadn't seen him in 26 years, and it was great to catch up. I remember his energy and enthusiasm and patience with me as I struggled through those geometry proofs and theorems. He is now the principal at my old high school, Central High School in San Angelo ISD. Small world!

We enjoy our lunch and fellowship at Savor Gastropub.

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Happy October Birthdays!

Melanie Rudebeck, 6; Susan Endicott, 14; Wanda Spoonmore, 16; Lou McMillan, 27; Jean Wallace, 27

September 19, 2016, Meeting Photo Album

Challenge: Do you know names to go with faces of our fellow chapter members and our guests who attended in September?

Hint: After you match the 30 names and faces, check your yearbook to see how many you had correct. Good luck!

Name Bank:

Margaret Arnold, Elenora Asbury, Maureen Baker, Susan Bell, Lou Brown, Joy Burger, Jaime Callahan,

Barbara Clinton, Leesa Cole, Sara Coleman, Grace Delatour, Liz Jackson, Kimberly Johnson, Kay Keeland, Shirley Kochman, Katy Kunofsky,

Marilyn Lamb, Penni Lewis, Lou McMillan, Carolyn Miller, Marylin Nease, Sherrie Negrete, Carolyn Power,

Mary Riddle, Kathy Rodriguez, Wanda Spoonmore, Margaret Thompson, Linda Tokoly, Jean Wallace,

Mary White

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Chapter News continued…

Dallas County News 2017 Spring Luncheon

Save the date: April 1, 2017, Fellowship/9:30 a.m., Program/10 a.m., Lakewood Country Club, Annual CCDC Spring Luncheon, with speaker Marilyn Gregory, TSO president.

SAVE

Area 9 News Heart to Heart Dear Area 9 Members,

October is here! Fall is in the air, and we can now experience cooler temperatures!

Thank you to all who worked so hard for the Area 9 Workshop! I

appreciate all of the presenters and facilitators and everyone else who gave of your Saturday to be with us. We created a beautiful symphony! Thanks so very much!

As we look toward the first year of this biennium, we can picture ourselves as butterflies flitting around gathering up caterpillars that need to turn into butterflies and be a part of our chapters. I know that everyone reading these words has someone they know who should be a part of our chapters. I hope you will use the recruitment plan that has worked for so many chapters. Maybe your chapter has a different recruitment plan that works best for your chapter. Whatever works for you, please make sure you are finding new butterflies to help make our chapters’ “symphony” a fantastic “piece of music.”

Treasurers (and I am speaking to myself), make sure you have filled out the 990N. I may need a treasurer to help me!

Also, remember that October 15 is the deadline to get your application in if you want to apply for the Leadership Seminar. It is a great way to meet and make new friends in DKG!

I look forward to another great year of visiting your chapter! Until next time, Cathy Criner Area 9 Coordinator

Members’ Reflections on Area 9 Workshop The 2016 Area 9 Workshop happened at Ennis High School

on Saturday, September 17. Attendees from Delta Omicron included Barbara Clinton, Leesa Cole, Mary Gill, Lou McMillan, Carolyn Power, Linda Tokoly, and Mary White.

Mary White reports, “The Area 9 workshop was outstanding! Cathy Criner, Area 9 coordinator, and her committee had so many extra touches to make this a memorable, fun workshop. Among those special touches: Food, food! Have you ever seen so much food?

“However, our Delta Omicron group managed to find room for more, and after the workshop we stopped in Ennis to enjoy lunch together, which is always fun!”

Lou McMillan shares, “I was very impressed with Cathy Criner and all the lovely ladies in Ennis who gave of their time and talents to make the rest of us feel so welcomed. It was the most interesting and informative Area 9 gathering I've attended since I have been going to these seminars. They really ‘rolled out the red carpet.’ The superintendent of the Ennis schools spoke, as did the mayor. Not only did I learn a lot about my particular duties as president, but I learned in such a fun and exciting way. My take on this Area 9 meeting: It was a day with educators who

Luncheon ticket: $30.00 Menu:

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, Baby Spinach, Pesto Dressing Chicken Parmesan, Angel Hair

Pasta, Buttered Broccoli Chocolate Mousse Cake

Gaining Full Access to the DKG International Website By Leesa Cole, TSO HQ Executive Assistant

If you have tried updating your profile on the DKG International website so that you have full access but have not succeeded, or if you just want to do it at Monday’s meeting, please take a few minutes to meet with me. I will have my laptop and be ready to give tutorials or one-on-one assistance.

It is DKG’s goal to have all of our members updated on the site. Why? Because many site areas are now only accessible when you are logged in. Also, when you keep your information updated on the site, International, TSO HQ, and your chapter president can have your most current information at their fingertips!

Apr

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a

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love what they do and want to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with the rest of us in new and relevant ways. It was a fun, profitable, and exciting adventure.”

AC Cathy Criner welcomes attendees to the workshop.

L-R: Linda Tokoly, Barbara Clinton, and Carolyn Power are

well fed and ready to learn.

L-R: Mary White, Lou McMillan,

Mary Gill, Linda Tokoly

Mary White presents the ceremonies committee’s breakout session. On the right, Delna Bryan (Delta Pi) and Leesa Cole in the general session.

Carolyn Power and Linda Tokoly present the legislation committee’s breakout session.

Door prizes! Mary White is a winner!

L-R: After the workshop, chapter members Lou McMillan, Leesa

Cole, Mary White, Barbara Clinton, Mary Gill, Delna Bryan (Delta

Pi), Linda Tokoly, and Carolyn Power enjoy lunch and fellowship at

Bailey’s in Ennis. Asked for a restaurant recommendation, Cathy

Criner advises, “Bailey’s Taqueria!”

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Texas State Organization

News TSO Website www.dkgtexas.org

Lone Star News, Fall Edition

http://www.dkgtexas.org/uploads/4/2/8/3/42835841/lsn.fall.2016.p

df Great convention coverage in news and pics!

TSO Projects Week of Caring, February, March 2017 Unifying Project, May, June 2017

TSO President and Theme, 2015-2017 Marilyn Gregory The Heart of the Society Is Its Members Biennium Goals: Health – to encourage members to practice healthy lifestyles, which promote healthier chapters Education – to educate members about the importance of membership and encourage them to make an impact on their communities and the world Achievement – to achieve our goals as leaders in our chapters and recognize our accomplishments as key women educators Reflection – to reflect on our heritage as we advance the Society Teamwork – to work as members of a team to strengthen involvement in all levels of the Society

TSO’s ASTEF

Q: What is ASTEF’s mission?

A: Impacting Education by Impacting Educators!

Q: How does ASTEF carry out its mission?

A: Through funding (1) scholarships and (2) leadership events,

which support the professional and personal growth of Texas women educators, and through funding (3) projects, which promote educational excellence for Texas students.

TSO Committees, 2015-2017 From Area 9 and Delta Omicron:

Marylin Nease, Headquarters Committee, Secretary

Carolyn Power, Legislation Committee, Member

Mary White, Ceremonies Committee, Member

The Texas Conference for Women The Personal and Professional Enrichment Committee

would like to highlight The Texas Conference for Women to be held in Austin, Texas, November 15, 2016. This is a great opportunity for you to grow personally and professionally!

Check out the information about sessions to be offered, speakers to present, and details for registration at www.txconferenceforwomen.org

Spectacular Texas Arts Retreat The next STAR is scheduled for January 13-15, 2017. The

deadline for STAR 2017 registration is January 1, 2017. Make a deposit of $100.00 now to hold your place. Final

payment of $125 is due by November 15, 2016. After November 15, 2016, the registration fee goes up to $250. STAR 2017 Registration Form STAR Facebook page.

2017 State Convention

Hint: Our Denise Barker attended STAR last year,

so she’s a great source of insider info. Talk with

Denise if you think you might be interested in

attending.

Make plans now to attend the June 2017 state convention in Houston!

12

Southwest Regional News

2017 Southwest Regional Conference

Save the Date: July 4-7, 2017, Sheraton Waikiki in

Honolulu, Hawaii—“Experience the Lifestyle of Aloha.”

International News

Website www.dkg.org

Purposes

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International has seven basic purposes that govern its program of work and study. The activities of each level of the Society implement the purposes of the Society. https://www.dkg.org/content/purposes

Vision Statement Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide

Projects Schools for Africa (SfA) https://www.dkg.org/content/schools-africa-0 Support Early-career Educators (SEE) https://www.dkg.org/content/see-support-early-career-educators

President and Theme, 2016-2018 Carolyn Pittman DKG—Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide Editor’s Note: Be sure to read Pittman’s essay “The Butterfly Effect and our vision”

on page 2 of the Sep/Oct 2016 edition of DKG News. http://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/Publications/DKG-NEWS.aspx

Communications and Publicity Committee Publication: Get Connected! Sept/Oct 2016 Issue file:///C:/Users/Marylin/Downloads/CandP_Get-Connected-Sept-Oct-2016%20(1).pdf

2018 International Convention

Save the date: July 16-20, 2018, JW Marriott, Austin, Texas. If you are interested in helping with this endeavor,

please contact Convention Chair JoAnn Brooks at joannbrooks@verizon.net

Lisbon, Seville, Madrid, & the Basque Country with DKG 13 days, Summer 2017

Within the borders of one small area, you’ll find impressively distinct destinations. Relive the Age of Discovery in Lisbon, and discover Moorish influences in exotic Andalusia. Fast-forward to the present day to feast on tapas, drink sangria, and join the night life in Madrid before ending in the Basque Country, where an impressive culinary scene shines. http://portugalandspaindkg.grouptoursite.com/

Photos in The 4:15 were taken by and/or used with the

permission of Elenora Asbury, Denise Barker, Chris Brunner, Leesa Cole, Cathy Criner, Marilyn Gregory, Katrina Maiman, Lou McMillan, Ashraf Mobh, Marylin Nease, Carolyn Pittman, Mary White, and Pixabay.

Graphic art is by Maura Anderson, DKG, and

Pixabay.

“DKG, because of what multiple individuals

do, moves lives.”