Alpha Kappa
Newsletter




The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Alpha Kappa of Mu State

Mission Statement

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

August 2007 Newsletter

What:   First Meeting for 2007-08
Where:   Westminster Oaks Clubhouse
When:   August 25, 2007 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Program:   The Communications Committee welcomes audiologist, Dr. Selena Snowden, who will share current      information and technology for enhanced listening at home and in the classroom.
Who:  Communications Committee members Jennie, Marie, Dawn, Melissa, and Janice will act as hostesses.

The hostesses will arrive 20 minutes prior to the meeting to arrange tables and set up the kitchen area for food and beverages.

Last names beginning with the letters A through L will be responsible for bringing breakfast foods.

The Professional Affairs Committee presented the program entitled "Storying Around" about the changing trends in education. Members presented interesting and varied topics about their early experiences in education.

Leonora Lawrence told about her experiences in the 1940's and 1950's when school participation revolved around strawberry picking schedules in Central Florida. Susan Womble told about her very humorous and varied career in education. Anne Black demonstrated the technique of the hectograph, a homemade copier. There was much laughter and amazement when her print worked! Joy Moore shared a bag of tricks used in her early days of teaching. What a "hoot" to remember the rotary phone, language master, riding a bike to parent conferences, working without air conditioning, using record players and wondering, "How did we do it?".
  • Concerns:
    We vote on new members, August 25th. The new president of Mu State, Dr. Barbara Van Dapien, called recently. She asked how we are doing with our membership drive. Alpha Kappa set our deadline for the summer. Currently we have only three applications with some members reporting that they are "working on it".

    Dr. Van Dapien shared some reminder:
    Our top priority is to recognize women educators who are potential leaders. From those chosen, we hope some of them will become actively involved. When you approach women educators, remember that it is an honor you are bestowing by inviting them for nomination to membership. Alpha Kappa is over 40 years old. It takes time to build networking, bonds of loyalty, and professional friendships. Tallahassee is a highly competitive place for membership in organizations. Perhaps we should follow her advice and approach candidates with the attitude of recognizing people as leaders.

    Dr. Van Dapien also advised us to get out of the "box". Look for women doing educational work in many fields i.e., instruction in church, museums, state organizations, etc. Good luck!
  • Personal News:
    Teresa's daughter is playing this summer on the Dutch softball team. Susan Vinson is a host again this summer to two French students who are participating in the international education program. These students are living in her home practicing English. Janice and Linda both have daughters entering Auburn University in the fall. Melissa and her husband are building a new home in Woodville. Rhonda is traveling to Russian! Nedra was awarded the Glenn-Howell Distinguished Minority Educator. Ida Manning was honored by A.M.E. Church for her contributions in working with young women. Sherrill has had recognition for numerous achievements. Most recently, Mercer College awarded her an honorary doctorate degree when she delivered their commencement address. Nancy and Anne went to the ceremony in Atlanta. They reported her speech as outstanding! Sherrill is now in the Hall of Fame of Alpha Kappa.

    Two Big Bend members were selected for Mu State Hall of Fame at the State convention. Sharon Lassiter of Quincy and Babs Bailey of Carrabelle were honored for their contributions to Delta Kappa Gamma. Don't forget to congratulate them!
  • Summer Luncheon:
    Jacque did an outstanding job of hosting the summer luncheon at St. John's Episcopal Church in July. Jacque presented an informative tour describing the history, beautiful artwork, and outstanding needlework seen in the church. It was a real treat. Thank you Jacque!
  • Newspaper article:
    We hope everyone saw the picture in the Northeast Chronicle of our Alpha Kappa Group at Founders' Day. We are working on recognition in the community. The survey taken in January revealed that teachers want recognition in the community. Interestingly, the results revealed at the State Convention were the same for all Florida Delta Kappa Gamma members. One way to gain recognition is to invite leaders in the community, who are non-members, to be our guests at meetings. Another way is to wear our pins once a week. It really works!
    Did you read the May-June issue of the Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin? Delta Kappa Gamma was one of fifteen organizations recognized by UNICEF as outstanding in not-for-profit volunteering. There is much more to read about in this issue.
  • Roses to:

    Roses go to five members who attended all four chapter meetings during 2006-2007. They are Anne Black, Teresa Horn, June Townsend, Susan Vinson, and Rhonda Work.

    Eleven members attended three meetings. Alpha Kappa averaged 20+ members in attendance at each meeting. Also, we appreciate those members who pay their dues on time, and who support the mission and aims of Delta Kappa Gamma, although circumstances presently prevent them from attending meetings.

    Thanks to all those members who gave their time and skills to the chapter during the first part of this biennium (2006-2007). Also, a special thanks to those who contributed through donations for the cost of the new yearbooks, reserve membership fees for one member, and for expensive items, i.e., giving a memorial to honor a recently deceased Leon school teacher(not a member of Delta Kappa Gamma). The benefactors wish to remain anonymous.

      Reminders:
    1. Applications for prospective initiates will be reviewed and voted on during our August meeting! PLEASE don't forget to bring them to the meeting. If you need an application, contact Linda Rogers (894-2268) or Betty Niedoroda (668-4929).
    2. If you are beginning your winter holiday gift purchasing, remember the new Member Mall. You can access the mall online at http://www.deltakappagamma.net. Vendors return to Delta Kappa Gamma a percentage of your purchase price for each item purchased! Using the Member Mall takes the stress out of shopping in crowded stores.
    • Last updated July 25, 2008