September 2021 KAPPAN

KAPPAN SEPTEMBER 2021

Share the Love 2021-2023

Alpha Delta Kappa ALPHA DELTA KAPPA

Alpha Delta KAPPAN VOLUME 50 NUMBER 5

SEPTEMBER 2021

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Features & Departments 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 19 20 22 24 26 31 32 33

International President’s Message Outgoing President’s Message Honor A Sister Membership: Finding Infinite Possibilities Meet Christi October, the Month for Celebrating Us The Meeting Will Come to Order Keys to Organized Chapter Meetings The Longest Day My Journey to A∆K Member Author: Introducing Socks and Mean Sister Member Author: Sharing the Love of Writing The KAPPAN Congratulates Bytes and Pieces #A∆K Amazing Members Altruistic Projects International Convention Omega Chapter Homeroom Humor A∆K Calendar

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Gardening is one of the many interests Alpha Delta Kappa sisters share. Throughout this issue are photographs of flowers and plants grown by our own green thumbers and photographs of beautiful flowers snapped by members who enjoy taking pictures. How many of the flowers and plants can you identify?

KAPPAN EDITOR Joanne Grimm, CA Alpha Alpha KAPPAN STAFF Susan Pelchat, CT Mu Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron Susan Whelan, NJ Kappa Erin Worthington, TN Chi Sara Armstrong, CA Alpha Alpha Julie Rehm, Communications Specialist International Headquarters KAPPAN REVIEW BOARD Mollie Acosta, International President Ann Marie Brown, International President-Elect Judy Ganzert, Immediate Past International President Bev Card, International Executive Board Chairman Alpha Delta Kappa empowers women educators to advance inclusion, educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

The KAPPAN magazine is published quarterly

by Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators.

Find the KAPPAN Publishing Guidelines online at www.alphadeltakappa.org.

Alpha Delta Kappa International Headquarters: 1615 W. 92nd St., Kansas City, MO 64114-3210 (816) 363-5525, (800) 247-2311, Fax (816) 363-4010 email: headquarters@alphadeltakappa.org Internet: www.alphadeltakappa.org The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily in conformity with those of Alpha Delta Kappa or the editor.

How to Submit Items for the KAPPAN

The deadline for submissions to the KAPPAN is two months before the issue publication date.

The deadline for the December 2021 issue is October 1, 2021. Authors should include their name, state/province/nation and chapter, highest A∆K office held and when.

The theme for the December KAPPAN is Sharing Memories. If you have a member who is 100 plus or who will turn that age in the next year, tell us about her. We would like to hear her stories about “the good old days” and share them with our readers. Please send a photo.

International President’s Message

Share the Love 2021-2023

Alpha Delta Kappa

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hare the Love of Alpha Delta Kappa.

With the challenges of this past year and a half, I feel that now is the right time for this logo and theme. Those of you who know me, know that I wear my heart on my sleeve so to speak. When I was California state president, board members carried tissues for me; it wasn’t uncommon for me to have tears -- tears Mollie Acosta of love -- trickling down my face. I am deeply passionate about Alpha Delta Kappa. I don’t hide it well.

I believe with all my heart that Alpha Delta Kappa makes significant contributions to our world. We make the world a better place through our support of students and educators around the world. Each year we provide thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants to working educators, to retired educators who continue to serve their communities, to future educators who are members of our collegiate clubs and to educators who choose to further their education at the graduate level through our International Teacher Education program. We not only increase World Understanding, we support a higher quality of education for communities in need through the generosity of our members and their support of our World Understanding projects. And speaking of generosity, there are no more giving hearts than those of our sisters. We heard at the convention how we as an organization have donated literally millions of dollars and millions of hours in service this past biennium -- you can be proud of the impact we each have as a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. We make this world a better place.

We know as educators that when we connect with our students emotionally, we are far more effective. John C. Maxwell, an American author who focuses primarily on leadership said, “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” I would argue that is true for all of us, especially as it relates to our membership in Alpha Delta Kappa. I have always believed that we don’t attend a meeting, a conference or a convention because of where it is; we attend because of WHO we will be able to spend time with. It is the sisterhood that keeps us coming back. It is because our hearts are encouraged.

Those of us who attended the 32nd virtual International Convention in July have shared incredible experiences. I will never forget during the Educational Symposium’s Learning Pathway when educator Denise Palmer was in tears as she described how hard it was for her not to be able to touch her 1st and 2nd graders last year. Many of us had tears in our eyes. Ellen Roderick’s emphasis on ‘Encourage the Heart’ during the Leadership Pathway struck a particular chord with me. She talked about the importance of connecting to the heart. I remember the passion I saw in our keynote speakers and the amazing generosity of our sisters in supporting the convention altruistic project, the Downs Syndrome Association of Central Texas or DSACT -- over $28,500 was collected. Every International convention creates special memories and this virtual convention was no different. I want to thank Judy Ganzert, her convention planning team, our Headquarters staff and the 2019 - 2021 International Chapter for all of the work invested to create such a rich experience for us all. We have truly experienced infinite possibilities.

And so I ask you -- each one of you -- to reach one and share the joy of membership in Alpha Delta Kappa. Share the pride that comes when we hear how many hours of service we devoted to a community in need, how many educators we supported as they poured their hearts into bringing out the best in each student. Share the love and support we give to one another, both in times of deep sadness and in times of great joy. Share this incredible gift we have to offer; there is no other like it. Alpha Delta Kappa is a bright light for educators. Our members are more than members of an organization united in its support of educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. Our members are a source of love and support for one another, open to the possibilities. In the 2021-2023 biennium, I invite you to Share the Love of Alpha Delta Kappa -- to spread it far and wide, with open arms, to celebrate who we are. Each one, reach one, and invite her to join Alpha Delta Kappa during this next biennium. We have our Founders behind us, and infinite possibilities in front of us.

Let’s Share the Love of Alpha Delta Kappa.

Sharing the love,

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Infinite Possibilities

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reathe… Just breathe... That’s how it all began two years ago in Minneapolis… And so it begins again.

I have with me those same emblems: my mother’s crocheted heart, Anne Creveling’s turtle, my chapter’s handkerchief, and Lue Sebren’s gavel. And tonight I add a special star, a gift from a dear sister.

Two years ago, when I stood before you, Judy Ganzert I shared that I imagined a bright future for Alpha Delta Kappa, moving forward in membership, recognition of excellence, altruism, world understanding, and technology, too. I believe with all my heart that our members have these same dreams for our sisterhood.

As I thought about what I would say to you tonight, I thought about sharing a humorous, lighthearted description of the biennium. I thought about writing a poem. I thought about using an acrostic. I changed my mind so many times. Finally, I decided to speak to you from my heart.

Earlier this evening our program began with the video and music of “Let there be Peace on Earth.” I specifically chose this song because it has a very special meaning to me, dating back to my days as a social studies teacher. It always seemed that I was teaching about one war or another. This song took hold of my mind. I don’t remember the occasion, but I can still see a young child, probably only five or six years old, standing on the stage of, I believe it was the Kennedy Center, singing that song. The events of 2020 also took me back to my youth, growing up in the 60’s. Then, I was reminded of the war of the 1860’s. The events of 2020 occurred while I am in my 60’s. Odd facts like that fascinate me, but I digress. The events of last summer brought me back once again to that song. In early June, I received a letter from a member. A single member. Her voice and the words I read spoke volumes. A discussion began. A very important discussion. For some of us, the discussion has been a bit uncomfortable. For others, it has been a discussion that has been too long in the making. While the events of the summer of 2020 have had many consequences, for me they prompted an awareness and a call to look within our organization.

A conversation began because of a single member. Each of us must look within ourselves. As we travel that well-traveled path, we will come to the point where the path will diverge, and we must choose the path we will take. Will we take the easy path, the one welltraveled … or will we take the one less traveled? Will we stand up to make a difference? I imagine that many of you think that I am referencing our work this past year with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee… Perhaps … but the parallel goes to so many other challenges and choices we had to make this biennium. The 2

loss and replacement of our Executive Director. The cancellation, rescheduling and reimagining of our S/P/N conventions and our regional conferences. The decision regarding just how we would even conduct a chapter meeting. The last nineteen months have not been easy. But look at what we have done … what we have accomplished! WOW!!! We have come so far. We have learned so much.

As Sandy told us a few days ago, we took the lemons we were given, and we made lemonade. A few of us may have even added a little gin. Infinite Possibilities for sure.

What a fitting theme! Most of you are probably not aware, Infinite Possibilities was not supposed to be the theme for this biennium. The theme and logo committee spent hours and hours brainstorming and attempting to be creative. We finally had it. Then, I took our ideas to Elaine Florimonte and asked her to create the artwork that would incorporate the theme and become our biennium logo. I described each element to her and the symbolism behind each one. Time passed. Finally, the day came, and I received the artwork. I studied it. I called Elaine to talk about it. I told her it was absolutely gorgeous, but the theme was wrong. The theme was supposed to be Pathways of Possibilities. Silence. And then she said, “but that isn’t what I heard as you spoke to me … I heard Infinite Possibilities.” WOW! She was right. That truly was the message behind the idea. I took it back to the committee, and they agreed. Elaine had listened. She had heard the message beyond the words.

And that is our challenge. We must listen. We must listen to every member. Every member deserves to be heard. Every member deserves our respect.

Yes, the music that opened our gathering has special meaning to me, and now perhaps to you. Let there be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin with Me. As I leave you this evening, and as the 2019-2021 biennium comes to a close, I want to express my deep gratitude to so many of you. There is no way to include each individual who has come to hold a special place in my heart as the love and support that I have received every day has been tremendous. Seldom did a day go by that I didn’t receive a note of kindness or a card or a gift from a sister. The wall hanging you see behind me was made by a Virginia sister and a gift from Virginia Sigma, the home chapter of Past Grand President, Lou Sebren. It was those messages and love that held me up and kept me moving forward. The leadership team, including our International Council of Presidents, our International committee members and chairmen, our Headquarters staff, the International Executive Board and the International Chapter, all were instrumental in the successes of this biennium. Personally, I am indebted to three women that I will hold dear forever. Immediate Past President Sue Pelchat. Whenever I had a serious dilemma, it was Sue that I called first. Sue

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has served as the standard for what the Immediate Past President needs to be. She was always available. She was never judgmental or the overbearing voice of experience who wanted me to do things her way. She encouraged me to do what I believed was right. Her gentle reminders were just that, gentle, and only when absolutely necessary. She was always supportive in public and a kind advisor in private. Thank you, Sue. The last two are a pair. Mollie Acosta and Sandy Wolfe. We had what we called a collaborative leadership. Each of us had very specific roles and responsibilities and owned our leadership in those areas. But, we leaned on each other, almost daily, to weigh the pros and cons of our plans and to offer support and suggestions for our actions.

I have served as your President, the one person who stands at the podium, but I stand on the shoulders of all of these women, because I only represent the work of this TEAM. There are other personal advisors, and I will share my gratitude individually with them later.

There is one individual that I cannot save for later … or maybe I can, but he deserves to be singled out in public. I owe more than I can say to my husband, Don. If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times, “He is a saint to put up with me.” If you send me an email in the next few weeks, and you don’t get a response right away, know that I am turning my attention to him.

Thank you, Sisters, for honoring me with your confidence and for providing me with an experience that I will cherish and remember for as long as I live. You have heard the old saying, “When one door closes, another one opens.” The door of the 2019-2021 biennium is closing … but a new door is opening … and your next president, Mollie Acosta, will lead the way. The infinite possibilities of our future will continue with Mollie’s gracious, compassionate and strong leadership. If you will share your love with her, as you have with me, Alpha Delta Kappa will SOAR.

Farewell address from President Judy Ganzert at the 2021 International Virtual Convention.

A∆K Honor A Sister

The following members contributed to the Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation to recognize fellow members.

Gifts received after July 9, 2021 will be published in the December 2021 KAPPAN. Candidate Qualifications Committee

In honor of Frances Revel, AL Gamma Marianne Nolan, PA Gamma

In honor of Shalon Doctor, PA Gamma

In honor of Genina Etlen, PA Gamma

In honor of Magna Diaz, PA Gamma

In honor of Celina Velez, PA Gamma GA Lambda Chapter

In honor of Hazel Stanton, GA Lambda Ellen Wixom, AZ Zeta

In honor of Sandy Wolfe, Immediate Past IEB Chairman

In honor of Judy Ganzert, Immediate Past International

President

In honor of Betty Jo Evers, IVP for Membership

In honor of Suzanne Maly, AZ Zeta Shirley Steinberg, MD Alpha

In honor of Janice Noranbrock, MD Alpha

In honor of Linda Toombs, TN Psi Susan Rae Long, Immediate Past IVP, Northwest Region

In honor of Marie Hurst, former IEB Member

In honor of Terry Peyton, Immediate Past IVP, Gulf Region

In honor of Karen Santos, WA Alpha Tau

In honor of Mollie Acosta, International President

In honor of Betty Jo Evers, IVP for Membership VA Pocahontas and Commonwealth Districts

In honor of Laura Beaton, VA State President

In honor of Adelaide Weeks, VA Delta

In honor of Kate Lyda, VA Beta Upsilon

In honor of Conway Blankenship, Immediate Past IVP,

Southeast Region

In honor of Cathy Durvin, VA State Treasurer

In honor of Eileen Atkinson, VA Delta Paula Davis, WV Xi

In honor of Linda Hoffmann, TX Beta Omicron

In honor of Jan Tuck, MD Upsilon

In honor of Karen Alexander, WV Xi SC Alpha Epsilon Chapter

In honor of Patricia Lee Pierce, SC Alpha Epsilon VA Alpha Delta Kappa

In honor of Conway Blankenship, Immediate Past IVP,

Southeast Region Virginia Mountain View District

In memory of Judy Fogle, VA Beta Iota Louisiana Alpha Sigma Chapter

In honor of Barbara Stainback, LA Alpha Sigma MI Gamma Alpha Chapter

In honor of Jean Pekkala, MI Gamma Alpha

In honor of Christy Hilgers, MI Gamma Alpha

In honor of all our sisters who courageously taught this year

with professionalism and grace Crescent City 8 members (2017-2019 IVPs)

In honor of Mollie Acosta, International President Sue Pelchat, Past International President, CT Mu

In honor of Marie Hurst, NC Alpha Chi

In honor of Su Wade, MA Epsilon

In honor of Sandy Wolfe, Past IEB Chairman, VA Alpha Rho

In honor of KAPPAN Editor Joanne Grimm, CA Alpha Alpha

In honor of convention first timer Nancy Nowak, CT Mu

In honor of Laura Lechner, A∆K Consultant

In honor of A∆K Executive Director Christi Smith

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MEMBERSHIP MESSAGE FL Fidelis Tau Share the Love

MDM = Making a Difference Matters “Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference.” ~CLAIRE FAGIN

By Betty Jo Evers, International Vice President for Membership 2021-2023

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sking questions is the basis of learning. Remember the three-year-old who asks “why” 100 times a day? She’s learning.

Where do you turn when you have questions? “Google it” seems to be the ready response these days. But where do you turn for answers to your Alpha Delta Kappa question? The ready response would be, “Refer to the MDM.” What is the MDM, you might ask? Well, it is the Membership Development Manual: the “textbook” of Alpha Delta Kappa membership matters. It “lives” on the MEMBERSHIP tab on the Alpha Delta Kappa International website.

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Every S/P/N Vice President for Membership/Membership Consultant, S/P/N president, chapter president, and chapter membership chairman should download a copy of the MDM and have it available for immediate access should questions arise.

The following are testimonies of members about the site.

“The Membership Development Manual is basically the core to membership and success of Alpha Delta Kappa. Mostly anything you need to know is in there (letter, forms, ideas), basically made easy and convenient,” says Debbie McLaughlin, a sister in NJ Lambda. She suggests that sisters bring the physical manual to a meeting and review the table of contents. Learn the

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MEMBERSHIP MESSAGE members of your S/P/N and chapter membership teams.

Joyce McAloon, International Vice-President, Northeast Region shared that “all Connecticut chapters use the MDM on a regular basis to gather content for their S/P/N and chapter newsletters, to support chapter meeting agenda items, and to create membership ‘blurbs’ which are individual articles written to the chapter membership chairman. We use the MDM as a guiding book for our chapter meetings, officers, the 4Rs (Recruit, Retain, Reinstate, and Revitalize), and as a reference for any questions that come up.”

Brendy Guilford, Louisiana Vice President for Membership, shared that the Louisiana Chapter Membership chairmen use the MDM to preview the Chapter Needs Assessment and the Member Needs Assessment documents.

Mari Page, California Vice President for Membership, says, “I trained membership chairmen and screen-shared the important parts of the MDM. I think the MDM is a valuable tool, a shortcut to find answers, and a support for all levels of leadership in our organization.”

Arizona Iota Fraternity Education Chairman Valdine Brower uses the MDM for ideas and the latest information for monthly fraternity education activities.

The MDM is a valuable tool for Membership Consultants.

Section 7: Four Key Elements of Membership is the most frequently viewed.

Caroline Gilford, Florida Vice President for Membership, explains it this way: “When responding to an email, I use the feature Microsoft has, ‘Snipping Tool,’ and snip a clip of the actual information in the manual, as well as refer to the page

where it is located when responding.”

Emily Hord, Mississippi Alpha Membership Chairman, reminds us, “The MDM is a wealth of helpful information and guidelines for the chapter membership team.” The following are some of the efforts that Mississippi Kappa chapter has made because of suggestions/ ideas/ guidelines given in the MDM: • The entire membership has become aware that growing the organization is the responsibility of every member.

• Sapphire sisters were recognized.

• Fraternity Education is a part of each meeting, even when not having in-person meetings.

• Since the manual recommends taking field trips in the place of the usual meeting place, they have done this several times in pre-pandemic years and will do that again as well in 20212022.

• The section about ENGAGING MEMBERS offers great ideas, many of which have been scheduled into their program plans.

• Also, the MDM is used as a guide in making sure that PEARLS are earned by gathering information and submitting reports on time.

I like to think of the MDM as: Making a Difference Matters. The MDM is YOUR tool to achieve knowledge on all levels of Alpha Delta Kappa membership. Achieving more knowledge, sharing that knowledge and knowing you made a difference could make a “shining moment” in your Alpha Delta Kappa life.

So, don’t be afraid if questions come your way. You’ve got “the book of knowledge.” USE IT.

“The Membership Development Manual is basically the core to membership and success of Alpha Delta Kappa.”

“Life is all about sharing. If we are good at something, pass it on. That is the pleasure I get from teaching - whether it is television or books. We should all share.” ~ Mary Berry, English food writer Jaye L. Masters, GA Beta Psi

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Meet Christi

New Executive Director Joins the Family “Sprinkle in a little love” is Executive Director Christi Smith’s favorite motivational quote. That fits just perfectly with this biennium’s theme, “Share the Love.”

Christi, who stepped into the position in June, collects quotes and displays them in her office. “Keep it simple” and “Grow where you are planted” are also favorites. To those who have worked with her, her colChristi Smith lection is not a surprise. Christi is all about motivating those around her to be their best.

Christi took over her duties at the busiest time of any biennium for Alpha Delta Kappa members. She not only had to learn the ins and out of her office, but she found herself in the middle of an International Convention. She described her first time experience as enjoyable and exciting.

International President Mollie Acosta referred to Christi as the “perfect fit.” She said, “We are delighted to welcome Christi into the Alpha Delta Kappa family. She brings experience, compassion and a dedication to improving the lives of children.”

Christi was born in Fort Worth, TX, and although her family left there when she was in the third grade, Texas still comes through when she talks about her passions, in particular her family. Christi and husband Jerry have been married 19 years and have two sons, Ethan and Wyatt. The Smiths live on the Missouri side of Kansas City. Ethan will be entering Central Methodist University in the fall. Wyatt, a sophomore in high school, plays the guitar and is very interested in music. Both boys are involved in track and field with emphasis on field events like javelin, shot put and pole vault. Ethan has competed at every level and will continue to participate in track and field at Central Methodist. Christi says this is the first year in some time that she will not be attending cross country races and she already misses them.

Jerry Smith is a Canine Officer with the Kansas City Police Department, stationed at the Kansas City International Airport.

Along with his partner, a Belgian Malinois named Baro he is charged with protecting the public from explosive devices. Baro lives with the family and shares walks but not his toys with the family pets, Labradors Hallie and Henry.

Supporting her sons in all their activities by taking leading roles in the PTSA and Booster Clubs and other community organizations is important to her.. Her family likes to camp and play board games. One of her favorites is “Ticket to Ride.”

Christi received a BS in Psychology from Missouri State University in 1994 and began working in childhood education with 6

an emphasis on health and nutrition. Her professional resume includes leadership positions at nonprofit agencies focused on children and families. In 2008, she earned an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology.

Before accepting the position at Alpha Delta Kappa, Christi was Director of Family Preservation with DCCCA in Mission, KS. Prior to that she was the Director of Strategy and Innovation with Child Care Aware of Kansas in Salina, Kansas.

Christi has been appointed to numerous state committees that focus on early childhood education and fitness. She currently serves on the Kansas Early Childhood Recommendations Panel, Kansas Strong and the Governor’s Council on Fitness. In a recent AΔK CONNECT message, Christi shared how pleased she was to be able to work closely with Let’s Move Child Care National Initiative, a focus of Former First Lady Michelle Obama.

In her senior year in high school, Christi had an opportunity to visit East Berlin where she saw first hand the differences a wall can make. The feelings that experience left with her continue to play a part in her life and in her management style. She believes in leading by example and creating an environment of open communication.

Why did she apply for the position of Executive Director? She gave three reasons. The position was in Kansas City, her hometown; she would be serving educators and she finds educators inspiring; and she would be giving back to the community. “Everything I love in one package,” she laughed.

And Christi is everything AΔK needs in an Executive Director in one package.

The Smith family (Jerry, Christi, Ethan and Wyatt) pictured at Ethan’s high school graduation celebration.

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October, the Month for Celebrating Us Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron and KAPPAN staffer contributed to this article.

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ctober is Awareness Month with special days like World Smile Day and Do Something Nice Day making it the perfect time for Alpha Delta Kappa Month.

In 1975 at the ninth annual International Convention in Los Angeles, CA, the delegates voted to name the second full week in October as Alpha Delta Kappa Week. Ruth Calhoun was International President. A week turned out not to be enough and in 1991 at the seventeenth International Convention held in Nashville TN, the delegates chose to make October Alpha Delta Kappa Month. Ruth Holland Walsh was International President.

“Just as we honor and celebrate other great leaders, we honor and celebrate our Founders during Alpha Delta Kappa Month. We join with our sisters to share the love of our organization and honor the women who had the vision and courage to act, leaving a legacy of outstanding women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. Thank you, Agnes, Marie, Marion and Hattie,” said International President Mollie Acosta.

Chapters looking for ways to celebrate can find ideas on the International website under Fraternity Education. The suggestions range from trivia games to videos to play scripts. A popular video is one of the Founders created by Helen Foster, AK Alpha.

KAPPAN staffer Susan Whelan, NJ Kappa, asked chapters in her state how they celebrated the month in 2020.

NJ Pi responded, “Since we were doing projects from home for October we made individual packages of puzzles and candy with a message in each stating that the packages were donated

by A∆K members and gave the packages to the Kearny Senior Center.”

In the past NJ Alpha Epsilon received a proclamation from the mayor naming October Alpha Delta Kappa Month. More recently, the chapter’s A∆K Month chairperson presented the

“We join with our sisters to share the love for our organization and to honor the women who had the vision and courage to act…”

members with goodie bags and laminated bookmarks with the lyrics to “The Lamp of Alpha Delta Kappa” on them.

NJ Iota celebrated on Halloween at Marlboro High School by setting out big bowls of candy, a basket of apples and lots of information about Alpha Delta Kappa. They also put bags of goodies in the mailboxes of all the women teachers. Chapter member Krista Hughes does something similar at the elementary school where she teaches in Freehold Township.

“A Tea Party, A Founder’s Day Ceremony” was read by the officers at NJ Phi on the chapter’s October Zoom. The link to the video “Founder Portrayed by Past Presidents” was shared with the members.

Senior members of NJ Psi put together a presentation outlining the history of the organization. Psi members say this was especially interesting to the newer members.

Members of NJ Kappa put out bowls of chocolate kisses with a sign about their chapter at the schools where they taught.

At schools where no member was teaching, retired members took apples and sat in the faculty room talking about the chapter and answering questions.

TX Beta Omicron members shared stories over zoom of “Teaching the Way It Was” at a chapter meeting. Carol Johnson said the seasoned teachers laughed over memories of the odor of dittos, reel to reel tape recorders, dress codes and movie projectors.

“Be willing to share your blessings. The only riches that last are the ones that are given away.” ~ David Khalil, relationship counselor Karen Porter, TX Beta Pi

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The Meeting Will Come to Order

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By Shannon Lorenzo -Rivero, TN Chi and Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron

ithout a doubt, the most difficult task before a chapter president is planning the meeting programs. It can also be the most fun.

There is no perfect way to plan a meeting. KAPPAN staff members asked chapters for the method they use.

AZ Mu calls a meeting for all members in June to give their meeting ideas. Large sheets of paper for world understanding, altruism and professional development are posted and members are asked to write their suggestions under the proper heading.

Members then choose three ideas from each category. The members whose ideas are chosen decide on the month, time, location and hostess.

The planning committee for TN Epsilon also meets in June to decide on programs and meeting locations. Officers and committee chairmen hear suggestions for topics, speakers and locations sent by members.

The president-elect for TN Alpha Theta plans all the meetings. Several chapters turn the program responsibility over to the meeting hostess while others ask for volunteers.

Emily Castillo and Lauren Balint of VA Gamma Chi say their chapter plans include world understanding, altruism and professional or personal development.

Suggested Programs Paula O’Neill, TX Beta, offered some ideas for chapter programs. She suggested inviting a member to speak on organic gardening with a video of the speaker’s garden or a visit to the garden. Among her other ideas were inviting a Yoga instructor to lead exercises, working on an altruistic project or holding a joint meeting with another chapter.

Margot Bologna, VA Gamma Omicron, recommends inviting the director of the local food bank and collecting non-perishable foods as the altruistic project for the meeting.

A program on Diversity and Inclusion with a speaker or a book discussion was an idea put forth by Linda Warren, VA Alpha. Another idea for a World Understanding program is to have each member share a country she would like to visit and why. With many chapters holding hybrid meetings, there are opportunities to hold joint meetings with chapters in other states and nations. Zoom can bring speakers from almost anywhere to meetings.

Showing videos of the presentations at the International Convention Educational Symposium Learning Sessions is another very good program idea. The symposium and the convention sessions were recorded and are available through the website

What Should And Should Not Go Into Meeting Minutes The minutes of a meeting are the written record of the official proceedings of a meeting. Their purpose is to document the group’s adherence to procedure and the bylaws of the organization. The minutes document what was done and not what was said. Minutes need to follow the agenda. Minutes must include: names of those in attendance, time of starting and ending of meeting, name of presiding officer, location and date, reports and acceptance of reports and old and new business and motions made. They should not include the meeting program, description of the food or decor, personal information, quotes or opinions.

“Your abundance is not measured by what you have, it is created by what you share.” ~ Heidi Catherine Culbertson, Wisdom and Recipes

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Keys to Organized Chapter Meetings

By Helen Foster, President AK Alpha 2020-2022, AK State President 2008-2010 and Barbara Nore, AK Gamma, AK State President 2020-2022

• The Chapter Executive Board should meet and create the chapter monthly agenda at least 1-2 weeks prior to the chapter meeting.

• Create a FOCUS or THEME for each meeting.

• Email the agenda to members at least one week prior to the meeting. Ask sisters to make hard copies of the agenda for members who do not receive email.

• Have ACCURATE meeting times and dates, and plan out the yearly calendar if possible.

• ACTIVELY involve as many members as possible in the meeting.

• FOLLOW the agenda.

• Plan your PROGRAM at the beginning of the chapter meeting to be respectful of busy active teachers, sisters, presenters and guests.

• The chapter chaplain sets the tone with an opening THOUGHT. Some chapters add a closing THOUGHT at the end of the meeting, along with singing “The Lamp of Alpha Delta Kappa.”

• Take time to SHARE about chapter sisters who may be absent, ill or out of the area.

• ENCOURAGE active teachers to SHARE what is happening in their classrooms. This is best done prior to the PROGRAM. • Agenda items should be shared by multiple members to INVOLVE as many as possible and to keep them ACTIVELY engaged.

• PLAN AHEAD for committee reports: • Keep them brief and newsy.

• They can be included in the written agenda as “line items” to save discussion time.

• ALWAYS include FRATERNITY EDUCATION: • Remind the chapter chairman 1-2 weeks ahead to prepare a short activity.

• Alert chapter members in advance if preparation is required.

• Do not forget WORLD UNDERSTANDING. A brief message from this chapter chairman reminds us that we are an international organization.

• BE FLEXIBLE. • SISTERS FIRST. Agenda and business come second.

• HAVE FUN, LAUGH.

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LIGHTING THE Sisters Make This Year’s TLD the Most Successful

By Sue Pelchat, Past International President, CT Mu

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edicated participants and creative activities combined to make The Longest Day (TLD) the most successful in Alpha Delta Kappa’s history of participation. Each year on June 20, the day with the most hours of light, supporters raise funds for research to end Alzheimer’s and to help people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers through services such as educational programs and a 24-hour hotline. This year marks the sixth time Alpha Delta Kappa sisters have joined in the fight.

“We wonder at what level we should pledge, but this year I was stunned,” ALZ Global Team Leader Sue Pelchat reported.

“We pledged to raise $50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, but we surpassed that goal before The Longest Day dawned.

On the morning of July 8, I checked the Alzheimer’s website.

A∆K members had already donated $165,000. By suppertime the total was up to $168,000. And by my bedtime, it stood at $171,054.99. The generosity of our sisters makes me so proud.”

By July 22, Alpha Delta Kappa donations had risen to an all time high of $193,176.10.

In addition to walking, running and swimming, sisters

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enjoyed tea parties and picnics, played Trivia, cooked for kids, held paint days, created cards, made care bags, rode bikes and held garage sales. Linda Warren VA Alpha cooked spaghetti dinners and delivered them to people affected by Alzheimer’s, while NC Gamma Theta sisters enlisted their mayor to shake a bucket and collect from passersby.

The leaderboard revealed the top ten team donations. They were: South Carolina Together We Can $21,940, California Cares $20,142, Georgia $19,623, Maryland Black Eyed Susans $12,398, Virginia $10,382, North Carolina Pearls $10,203, Texas Forget Me Nots $6463, West Virginia $5166, Ohio $5,156, and Florida’s Purple Cow Roundup $4,333. These ten teams combined raised $115,806.

Top individual fundraisers were Pippy Rogers, GA Beta Iota; Mary Futchko, VA Beta Lambda; Jill Stemple, WV Kappa; Michelle Gray, NC Beta Zeta; Dorothy Zielinski, FL Fidelis Rho; Dorean Barnes, and Linda Rissel, NJ Lambda.

“One wonders how we could ever outperform this year. But we all know we’ll try our best for the sake of loved ones who face the fight with Alzheimer’s every day,” said Pelchat.

CA Beta Omicron

CA Beta Omicron sisters participated in the annual The Longest Day RACE, a walking fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. With COVID, it was hard to get sisters to meet as a group, so many did the walk with family or on their own. Some met at Mission Bay in San Diego to walk for sister Carol Castlen. Beta 2 Omicron raised three times the expected amount. Next year’s walk is already being planned. #1: Left to right: Becky Johnson, Mary Ann Jones, Cindy Acerno, Catherine McAweeney, Holly Foster #2: Alice Bullard, Summer Cariss (Alice’s granddaughter), Melissa Cariss (Alice’s daughter)

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LONGEST DAY IA Nu

The sisters of IA Nu took a two and a half mile walk down the Lohrville, Iowa Nature Trail as their Longest Day activity. The June hike was the chapter’s first in-person meeting in almost a year.

SC Lambda

Lambda chapter met in person in June to celebrate The Longest Day and to complete its fundraising efforts. Christine Phillips, SC Alpha Beta member and SER Altruistic chair (2020-21), joined the members for a picnic lunch. She updated the members on the state’s fundraising past and present efforts. “It was great to have her join us and be in person, as well,” said Lynn Brown, SC Lambda past president and membership chairman. Between the May and June meetings, Lambda reached its fundraising goal of $1,500.

GA Delta

Sisters of GA Delta participated in the Longest Day activities with a picnic and walk along a garden path in Bartow Jenkins Park, Lawrenceville, GA. President-elect Beth Thompson and Altruism Chairman Carolyn Fetner planned the day. It was the first in-person meeting of 2021 for the chapter.

Fighting the Darkness

“To come together to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’s with a day of activity.” That is the purpose of the Longest Day according to a statement from the Alzheimer’s Association.

The fund raising event on the day of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is described as a “global call to action to shine light of hope and to fight the darkness” by the Association.

September is world-wide Alzheimer’s Month with September 21 designated as Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. According to the Association’s statistics five million American’s have this disease. The statistics worldwide are that one in every nine persons over the age of 63 will have the disease for which at this time there’s no cure.

MO Gamma Zeta

Melissa Bacon, MO Gamma Zeta, the state organizer for the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day, raised funds through themed daily walks. Pictured is Melissa in the themed outfits chosen by her daily sponsors that she wore on her walks.

Her sisters say she set a great example. They found her emails filled with helpful information.

Sarah Yaggi, Immediate Past President, Terry Starner, President, Lisa Lang, Secretary, Beverly Mayes, Treasurer, Dawn Davis Front row L to R: Terry Starner, Carolyn Fetner, Sarah Yaggi, Lisa Lang, Beverly Mayes, Dawn Davis; Back row L to R: Melanie Burdis, Louise Freeman, Simone Dreifuss, Judy Adcock, Priscilla Sukroo, Janis Smith, Beth Thompson, Lili Phillips, Judy Shaklee, Anne Chapman, Beth Vaughan, Nita Chambless (in attendance but not pictured: Diane Barnette)

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LIGHTING THE LONGEST DAY. The Magic of Rowing Intentional 10s

By Jessica L. Willis, AK Alpha, State Co-President-elect

Robby Bear and I are AK Alpha Chapter sisters. We are also Alaska rowers who accepted the A∆K challenge to fight Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day by rowing with our teammates and friends.

Robby recruited seven other dedicated rowers for our 8+. I volunteered to be the coxswain. On the serene, drizzly morning of Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Sand Lake, the lake where Anchorage Rowing Association Club members train from early May to early October, we gathered to row, to remember, to support those fighting and to find a cure. For this challenge and to show our support, we decided to row with intentionality.

Our 8+ was made up of rowers who have family members, friends, coworkers, or neighbors living with (and some who lost friends or loved ones to) Alzheimer’s. Our row began with our standard warm up, then we settled into a steady pace. Feeling we were in our groove, I began to call out “Intentional 10s.” For every ten strokes, I called out the name of a loved one with Alzheimer’s and my crew rowed ten strokes for that individual. We did this down the 1000m lake and back, for 8000m, until we rowed ten strokes for each Alzheimer’s connection. As I steered our rowing shell, calling out every set of ten strokes, I felt the power and intentionality of each sweep rower in my boat. I could feel them pouring their hearts and minds into each stroke, rowing to make a difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients.

How lucky was I to be a part of something so magical.

Rowers: Robby Bear, Joe Bear, Erin Baskaw, Vanessa Norman, Marietta Hall, Durelle Smith, Erin Duke, Elizabeth Embick, Jessica Willis, coxswain

Nebraska sisters participated in a walk for The Longest Day. Sisters of NE Lambda, Pi and Upsilon chapters are just a few who helped raise funds.

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My Journey to Alpha Delta Kappa

Share the Love 2021-2023

Alpha Delta Kappa

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By Elaine Williams, KY Kappa

y journey to Alpha Delta Kappa began when I was a GED student preparing for my exit exam. One night as I left, my instructor asked me if I had ever thought of going to college? Well, I almost laughed because I had not finished the ninth grade. Yes, I had constantly read novels from the public library during the seven years that I had been out of school, but I did not think that my increased vocabulary would get me into college. She insisted that she saw potential in me that I did not seem to see in myself. Mrs. Omer began to mentor me from that night on.

I was a ninth grade drop-out who married early and had three children when I was the twenty-one-year-old Mrs. Omer met. My parents were deceased by the time I was thirteen, and my grandparents tried to raise my four sisters and me.

Mrs. Omer encouraged me to take the ACT college entrance test to see what kind of scores I could make and if I would be college material. After taking the test and waiting anxiously for its return, the results arrived. Mrs. Omer sat down with me and we went over the results together. They showed that I could make average grades in college.

She asked if I had ever wanted to become a teacher myself.

My answer was surprising even to me. I told her how I had this huge blackboard that I used to “play school” with my children.

I taught them their alphabet and beginning Dolch words. I had never imagined that I would ever be a real teacher.

Because of Mrs. Omer’s attention, things were now changing for me rather rapidly. I now had an appointment with the registrar of a local college, and I was eager to learn more about the college experience even though I was twenty-three years old, married, and the mother of three.

When I met with the registrar and we looked over my paperwork, she said something that stuck with me for almost fifty years.

She looked me in the eye and proceeded with this comment, “What makes you think that you can come to college with only an eighth grade education?”

Well, after that statement, I felt about two inches tall!

But, I replied, “My GED teacher has confidence in me, and I think that I can do this too, according to the scores on the GED.” I could not wait to exit that person’s room. I decided right then that I would be cautious in what I said to my students.

She decided to let me try three classes. I made an A in all but the math class, and in that, I made a high C. I thought that I was flying!

It was a tough six years, but I had Mrs. Omer always by my side.

She would call frequently and make sure things were going well. This reassurance helped sustain me through those difficult times.

I continued to make A’s and occasionally B’s. One time, I did get a poor grade in Physical Science. I could not understand things that were not concrete. Luckily, I did not have to repeat this class.

Raising three girls and a husband was a tremendous task. During the 1970s, women were still supposed to stay at home, raise their children, and have dinner on the table when their husbands walked in the door. This attitude was how my husband was raised.

It took quite a few years of my education making its way over to him before he changed. The next thing that I knew he was asking questions, questions, questions, about everything that I was learning. He was learning it too. Times were changing.

I graduated in 1977 and started teaching special needs students in a middle school. I stayed in that position for about fourteen years, and then I changed to Language Arts for seventh and eighth grade students until I retired thirteen years later.

About 1981, Mrs. Omer invited me to join this sorority that she belonged to called Alpha Delta Kappa. It was a secret until you joined. There was a secret handshake; you were voted on before you were admitted, and there was this song that you had to learn, plus there was information about the Founders. Mrs. Omer then told me about the altruistic projects Kappa Chapter had, the informative programs, and all of the fun they had when they met! I was hooked.

Now, thirty-five plus years later, through many held offices and committee positions, I am so proud that I met this fantastic woman educator who changed my life and that of my children and grandchildren as well. Without meeting Mrs. Omer, my family would not have placed such an emphasis on education. I now have a granddaughter who not only got to meet Mrs. Omer but got to become a sister with her in this wonderful organization.

Another young teacher I spoke with while preparing “Sisterhood Connections and You”, my International Convention symposium presentation, shared the many trials that she faced during the pandemic. She is a chapter president and she was struggling with meeting all the demands of her office. She helped me understand that I needed to find other ways to help our members meet their goals. Taking a look at the whole person and their needs is one way to help.

I love AΔK as much as my mentor, who now has joined the Omega chapter and looks down upon me, hopefully smiling at what I have become.

Elaine, a sapphire sister, is a member of KY Kappa. She has served as KY State Corresponding Secretary, KY Sisterhood Connection Team Chairman, member of the International ARGO (Agnes Shipman Robertson Outreach) Scholarship committee and serves as a mentor for the 2021 International Leadership Academy.

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MEMBER AUTHOR

Introducing Socks and Mean Sister

By Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi

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ocks, a playful and inquisitive house cat, was introduced to young readers in June 2020 by Melanie Collins, TN Beta Theta, in her book “Socks on the Loose.” It was so well received that she followed it with “Socks on the Loose Again” published in November 2020 and “Socks and the Mean Sister” released in July.

In his first adventure, Socks finds himself in the jungle. In his second adventure, he is in space. The illustrations by Saba Ijaz add to the enjoyment of the stories.

The idea for her books began with Melanie’s love for her own three cats. Socks is named after her own Socks, and Mean Sister is like her cat, Kira. When COVID hit, Melanie decided to complete a manuscript she had begun years earlier and Socks was born. In the books, Socks lives with his Humans and Mean Sister.

The books are described by reviewers as enjoyable for young readers and cat lovers alike and are recommended for ages four to seven.

Melanie, a native of Nashville, TN, joined Beta Theta in 2019 and is currently the chapter’s vice president. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee and an M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision from Covenant College. She began her teaching career in 1992 as a kindergarten teacher in a private school. She also taught first grade in the Metro Nashville public schools and was a reading specialist for eight years in that school system. She retired in 2013, but returned to do reading intervention for three years.

Melanie is a past president of the Tennessee Reading Association and is now the Middle Tennessee District Coordinator for that association. She is also president of LEADER, a special interest group with the International Literacy Association.

Socks can be found at Target, Walmart and on Amazon.

“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.” ~ Brian Tracy, Canadian motivational speaker Carol Johnson , TX Beta Omicron

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MEMBER AUTHOR

Sharing the Love of Writing

By Betty Jo Evers, Arizona Iota

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h, how scary and wonderful it is that words can change our lives simply by being next to each other.”

– Kamand Kojouri When did I start writing books and teacher resources? I never intended to become a writer. All I ever wanted to do was to help educators help students achieve their potential without struggling and by enjoying the journey of learning. Therefore, I spent most every day as a classroom teacher helping fellow teachers by sharing ideas, solving issues, creating lesson plans and establishing classroom procedures.

Almost three decades in the classroom provided me the opportunity to teach approximately 1400 children ages 5-8. What a journey that was. To experience the excitement in the eyes of those dear children as they learned to read and write in a safe and enjoyable environment was the basis of the next segment of my professional journey.

Following twenty-seven years in the classroom, an opportunity to become an International Literacy Consultant came my way. Traveling twenty-two days a month at times in all fifty U.S. states, provinces, and nations, I presented educational workshops and was a keynote speaker at educational conferences specializing in reading, writing and classroom management.

One week I spoke in Jackson, Mississippi to around 200 K-3 educators. During the break as the participants perused the forty-eight feet of student-made products on display, one teacher asked where my book was. In my haste to keep the day on time, I said, “I’m thinking it through.” As fate would have it, I returned to the same city and hotel the next year. As the participants started to arrive, a lovely educator entered the room, threw up her hands and shouted from the back of the room, “I’m baaaack! I came to get your book!” Needless to say, there was no book. That’s the day I became a writer.

I returned home and started creating manuscripts to “float” to publishers. Knowing that hands-on activities are the way pri-

mary children learn best, I focused my books on interactive lessons. As the Chinese proverb states, “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.”

The day Scholastic called to confirm the manuscripts would be published was a time for celebration. A total of three books, “Lift the Flap Alphabet”, “File Folder Centers: Reading & Writing K-1”, and “File Folder Centers: Reading & Writing 2-3” came on the market during the same week…two years later. It was truly a labor of love, a journey never to be forgotten.

My writing career continues as I am an author on the open market, www.teacherspayteachers.com. I produce original teachermade resources for the K-3 classroom. This is a worldwide market where educators and parents can purchase products and, when they do, they own them for life. Rewarding? Absolutely. I internalized the meaning of the World Wide Web (www) when I started receiving comments from teachers in Argentina, Australia and beyond. It reminds me of Dr. Seuss and his book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” I never dreamed these opportunities would come my way.

I’ve been asked which of my books or products is my favorite. Asking that of an author is like asking a parent which child is their favorite. I love them all, but as a former primary teacher, I’m especially partial to the ones in color. Two of my books and all of the Teachers Pay Teachers products are in full color. “Poems

By Me” and the “Research and Report Series” have been big hits with children and teachers.

The Power of Sharing is amazing. It brings to mind the words of John D. Rockefeller, Jr: “Think of giving (sharing) not as a duty but as a privilege.” I am proud to be an educator, proud to be an author, and proud to be a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. Sharing the love of writing with a purpose is rewarding. All writers have a reason/purpose for writing.

Cynthia Mazzaferro says it best, “I believe we each walk our paths so we can learn and share those lessons with others.”

That is my purpose, “sharing the love of writing.”

Betty Jo is beginning her second term as International Vice President for Membership and is proud to be a Sapphire Sister.

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The KAPPAN Congratulates Members Elected to Serve on A∆K Program Boards Superintendent Karen Gaborik of the Fairbanks North Star Borough congratulates Clarice Mingo.

Alaska Sister Makes History

Clarice Louden-Mingo, a member of AK Gamma, was named the 2021 Alaska Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals. She is the first African American female recipient of the award given to administrators who provide high quality learning experiences for students. Clarice is also the Alaska Region Six Assistant Principal of the Year.

Clarice has been an educator for 21 years, the last six as an assistant principal at Lathrop High School, Fairbanks, AK. She went into administration because she felt that was where she could better serve the needs of students and to help their voices be heard.

She is a native of Ninety Six, SC. She holds degrees from South Carolina State University, William Carey University and the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Her original goal was to go into the criminal justice field, but after doing substitute teaching while living at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, she discovered her calling.

Sandy Boyle, a coworker at North Pole Elementary School, North Pole, AK, introduced her to Alpha Delta Kappa. Clarice joined in 2012.

Paying it forward is what she says resonates most with her when she thinks of the award. She “enjoys being an advocate for all her students, building positive relationships and having an impact in their lives while simultaneously supporting teachers.”

Each biennium, the International Executive Board elects qualified members to serve on the International Teachers Education and Fine Arts Grants boards. This year, IEB established two additional boards to monitor and carry out the work related to the A∆K collegiate clubs and the recently launched Leadership Academy.

The International Executive Board is pleased to announce the election of Robin Leebardt (above, left), AZ Sigma, as a sixyear member of the Fine Arts Grants Board and Barb Eason (above, center), VA Alpha Tau as a six-year member of the International Teacher Education (ITE) Board Su Wade (above, right), MA Epsilon was elected as two-year member and chairman of the Leadership Academy Board. Also elected to the Academy Board were Lynn Blosser, MO Beta Xi, as a four-year member and Jamie Hawkins, NV Eta, as a six-year member.

The rotation of the leadership of the newly established boards is similar to that of the ITE and Fine Arts Grants boards. Board members grow in knowledge and skills, and ultimately chair the work of the board in their final biennium of service.

Kudos to Linda Stephens, OH, Alpha Rho, winner of the 2020 Agnes Robertson Global Outreach (ARGO) Scholarship.

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Glad Loreen, Northwest Region Mentor, congratulates International Teacher Education Scholar Trang Hoang on Trang’s graduation from the University of Washington, Seattle.

Trang is from Viet Nam and received an MA in International Education Policy. Glad, WA Beta Alpha, and Diane Thompson, WA Alpha Delta, were Trang’s ITE sponsors.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROSE LADY

“The Rose Lady,” Elizabeth Moody of AZ Fidelia Zeta, turned 103 in May and celebrated with her AZ Fidelis Zeta sisters. Elizabeth received her nickname because for over sixty years, she has been known for her spectacular roses. She is a member of the Yuma and the MGM Garden clubs. One of her favorite roses is the Charlotte Armstrong, a rose with dark pink blooms and dark green foliage that grows well in the Yuma weather.

Elizabeth joined AZ Alpha Kappa in 1974, the year the chapter was chartered. She continues to attend Fidelis Zeta meetings regularly. Her chapter sisters say she is a true role model and inspiration to them.

Mary Covington, current copresident of NC Tau in Alamance County, was recently named the Alamance Arts Council’s Volunteer of the Year and received the Council President’s Award.

Lexi Glaser, a graduating senior at Marquette High School in the Rockwood School District, was recently awarded the $1,000 Jan McVicar Scholarship by MO Beta Xi. The scholarship, given to a senior who plans to pursue a degree in education, is named for a former Rockwood teacher. Lexi will attend Missouri State University.

Lexi is the first Rockwood student to participate in the Parkway School District SPARK! Program. The program’s goal “is to exemplify how business, community and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of the future, especially in high skill, high demand jobs.” Through the program Lexi worked with elementary students at Highcroft Ridge Elementary School.

Member Honored

MO Beta Lambda

Jennifer Fritsche has been awarded the $500 MO Beta Lambda scholarship for 2021. Jennifer is using the scholarship to pursue a Masters in Reading from Arkansas State University.

This degree will allow her to become a Certified Reading Specialist and Dyslexia Practitioner. It is an online program that allows Jennifer, who has taught for 23 years, to continue working at Altenburg Public School, and to raise her six children with her husband, Dan. Bethany Zoellner was awarded the $500 MO Beta Lambda grant for 2021. Bethany used the funds to incorporate the use of graphic novels in her middle school English classes. She previously attended a Beta Lambda meeting and presented a program involving the literary aspects of graphic novels.

NY Upsilon presented its annual scholarship in a drive-by celebration.

Cindi Broughton, Scholarship Chair, presented Kaylee Miller with the scholarship while other members socially distanced in the roadway.

Kaylee will attend Niagara University, majoring in Elementary Teaching and Special Education. She will minor in Literacy. Kaylee follows in her mother Krista’s footsteps. Krista is a Middle School teacher in the Niagara Wheatfield School District.

Scholarship Awarded

Patricia (Pat) Valle, WA Alpha Delta, was recognized as a notable community member during Women’s History Month this year by Lift Every Voice Legacy (LEVL).

LEVL, an organization inspired by the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., engages, educates and empowers communities with artistic programs of cultural diversity, inclusion and equity. They do this while following Dr. King’s example of a “beloved community.”

Prior chairman and a founding member of the Edmonds Diversity Commission, Pat Valle celebrates mentors who have positively impacted her life. “Maria Valle, my mom, taught me empathy,” Pat says. “She gave me opportunities to interact with disabled people of all kinds.” Seattle Public Schools teacher Nohra Giraldo is another mentor Pat celebrates. “Nohra helped me understand the meaning of compassion. We worked with Latinx students who were struggling in school, facing a variety of challenges in their personal lives.”

Pat models her philosophy. “I believe the greatest gift we can give each other is compassion. My dad always said, ‘there are two sides to every story.’ We do not know what others are going through and what challenges they are facing. Considering the possibility of another’s story before I act is the epitome of compassion.”

An educator in the Shoreline School District, Pat was the 2020 Washington State Excellence in Education Awardee based on her dedication, knowledge, skills, professional achievement and success, as well as her school/community involvement, her contributions to the educational process and her active participation in Alpha Delta Kappa. –Adapted from “The Edmonds News”

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The KAPPAN Congratulates

Welcome New ITE Scholars

Five young women have joined the International Teacher Education (ITE) program, bringing the number of scholars sponsored by AΔK chapters up to seven.

The new additions are Ni Komang Darmini from Indonesia, enrolled in Ohio State University, Hoa Pham from Vietnam enrolled at Harvard Graduate School of Education College, Anahit Varanyan from Armenia enrolled in Boston College, Anukriti Jain from India enrolled in M.I.T. and Janett Perv from Estonia enrolled in the University of Minnesota, Duluth. At the time this issue was published, their sponsors had not been selected.

Alma (Karina) Munoz from Mexico, is a returning ITE scholar studying at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. Her sponsors are Helen Valliere, AZ Theta, Vaunee Ann Lewis, AZ Theta and Nora Castaneda. Also returning as an ITE scholar this year is Ramata Diallo of Mali studying at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Ramata’s sponsor is Denise Dragich, PA Mu. The ITE Board chairman is Sherryl Longhofer.

The Book of Lost Friends

After thoroughly enjoying Lisa Wingate’s book Before We Were Yours, I was eagerly anticipating her latest novel, The Book of Lost Friends, and it did not disappoint. This historical fiction novel contains copies of actual newspaper columns entitled “Lost Friends” which were found in Southern newspapers during Reconstruction. Through these columns, slave families who had been torn apart before the war, searched for spouses, children, siblings and parents, hoping to be reunited.

These newspaper clippings inspire the plot line of the novel which is told in parallel stories, one dated 1875 and one dated 1987.

In 1875, Hannie, a freed slave, joins her former master’s daughter Lavinia and Lavinia’s half-sister Juneau Jane for a perilous journey from Louisiana to Texas. Lavinia and Juneau Jane are searching for their father in hopes of obtaining their inheritance. Hannie hopes to be reunited with her mother and siblings who were lost to each other after being sold. Through Hannie’s flashbacks the reader learns about heart-wrenching separations and harsh conditions endured by many slave families.

These three women are forced into an unlikely sisterhood as they struggle to survive physical demands of the journey, as well as attitudes and beliefs of people they meet along the way.

In 1987, Benedetta Silva is a first year teacher hoping to eradicate some of her student debt by taking a job in a poor rural area in Augustine, Louisiana. Like all first year teachers, she has high hopes for what she will accomplish, but she finds her students

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Spring Mini-Scholarships Announced

Sixteen sisters have received spring Regional Scholarships. Each region shares up to $1,500 with members who apply to attend nonAlpha Delta Kappa sponsored conferences, classes or workshops.

Gulf: Deona Austin, LA Omicron and Kimberly Haggard, FL Gamma Kappa North Central: Lacey Woody, NE Epsilon, Michele Plater, IL Beta and Andrea Zagrodny, ON Sigma Northeast: Alison Levy, VT Beta, and Bouchra Benghziel, NJ Kappa Northwest: Paula Furick, WA Beta Iota South Central: Sarah Fash, MO Alpha Eta and Ronda Hughes, AR Alpha Epsilon Southeast: Christina Terry, SC Alpha Beta, Jessica Jackson, SC Beta, Jennifer Hill, MD Alpha Gamma and Elizabeth Perthel, TN Mu Southwest: Julia Cencioso, AZ Pi and Georgina Georgelos, AZ Sigma Information about the grants and how to apply can be found on the International website.

disinterested and mistrusting of someone new. The students are battling their own overwhelming issues of poverty, hunger, and instability at home and have little interest in any lessons she prepares. In an effort to motivate them, she suggests they research and role play a person from their family or town so they can learn and tell their own “stories.” It is through the students’ research and Benedetta’s strong desire to provide her classroom with a library that the parallel stories in this novel converge as the town’s connections to Hannie, Lavinia, and Juneau Jane emerge. As she pursues these projects, Benedetta must fight the town’s leaders, as many would rather the town’s history remain a secret.

I loved this book on many levels. First as a retired teacher, I could relate to Benedetta’s classroom experiences and her quest to motivate her students. Second, I admired all the strong women characters for their courage and determination to pursue their journeys against overwhelming odds. Third, from a historical perspective, I learned a great deal about the many struggles and roadblocks slaves faced while trying to start a new life as a freed person post Civil War. Lastly, I was emotionally touched by the many “Lost Friends” columns found in the book. As a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a sister, I cannot imagine the heartbreak of being torn from my family. And yet, against great odds, these columns were a testament of hope.

If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend The Book of Lost Friends. It will leave you with much to ponder at its satisfying conclusion.

Barbara Hargraves, CT Kappa

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Diversity and Inclusion Changes Result of Committee Work Following the 2019 summer of social unrest in the United States and member concerns about A∆K’s response, the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (D and I) was established.

In less than one year, the committee influenced changes in Alpha Delta Kappa. The first Alpha Delta Kappa vision statement and refined mission statement were adopted by International Chapter (IC) in March 2021. The organization’s purposes were revised in the Constitution by the International Executive Board (IEB).

And in June, IC adopted an equity statement proposed by the D and I committee. Here are the new documents.

Vision: A world that values diversity, all people and quality education.

Mission: Empower women educators to advance inclusion, educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

Purposes: • To honor outstanding women educators.

• To strengthen the education profession through commitment to diversity and inclusion practices that respect and value each person for their unique qualities.

• To nurture relationships and networking opportunities.

• To enrich personal and professional development.

• To support altruistic projects, grants and scholarships with time and resources.

• To embrace cultural differences and make an impact through world understanding.

Equity Statement: As we continue to promote educational excellence, altruism, and world understanding, Alpha Delta Kappa strives to serve its members by: • seeking out and providing opportunities to appreciate how experiences mold perspectives, • bringing greater diversity to our membership to reflect the educational communities we support, • increasing diversity in A∆K leadership, • addressing biases in a safe, welcoming and inclusive manner.

Through deepening our appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusion, we will develop a strong sense of belonging and respect for each other’s unique qualities.

“Frank, open and sometimes uncomfortable discussions focused the committee on needed action,” reported Su Wade, D and I Committee co-chairman. “This fall, regional teams will continue to consider what next steps might be taken to strengthen A∆K in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging.”

International President Mollie Acosta reported the D and I Committee was so impactful last biennium that the IEB voted to make it a standing committee of Alpha Delta Kappa. It will be called the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Resources for chapter programming are available on the Diversity and Inclusion tab of the International website.

Bytes &

pieces

New Foundation Directors Announced

The new Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation Board of Directors are Judy Ganzert, 3 year term; Ann Quinlan, 2 year term; Kathy Bulligan, 1 year term; Barb Stanfield, 3 year term; Ellen Roderick, 2 year term; and Sandy Wolfe, Chairman, 1 year term.

True Purple (Better than True Blue) Sisters When the ups are down and the ins are out Your A∆K sisters will make you shout.

We’re the True Purple Sisters, that’s Better than True Blue A∆K sisters will do anything for you.

For those who live around us experiencing need, Giving from the heart is the way our sisters lead.

They never stop contributing to change the global state Through scholarships and programs that alter people’s fate.

They team together, helping, whether working or at play, Like raising funds for Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day. They donate and they fundraise and give wholly from the heart For altruistic projects, they look forward to the start.

Side by side and hand in hand our sisters will come through For children, families, food banks, any worthy cause will do, We never stop assisting, in our world with so much need, Being there for others is our fundamental creed.

Side by side in laughter, sadness, caring and concern Supporting fellow sisters is a benefit, we learn.

For each of us, in times of need, our True Purple Sisters stand To mentor or to counsel, or to lend a helping hand.

Our True Purple Sisters mean so much to each of us that’s clear, Our bonds, and kindred loyalty will guide us through the years.

Among us there’s a network, friendships forged the Kappan way, So thumbs up to our sisterhood, and celebrate today!

Original rap by Sue Pelchat, Past International President, CT Mu, delivered at opening of Educational Symposium Day on July 9, 2021.

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A∆K

Hawaii Sisters Embrace Resilience and Reflection

“Desperate times call for Resilience and Reflection.” Hawai‘i Alpha sisters embraced and promoted this message in their meetings via Zoom during this pandemic.

To promote self-care, Naoko Page, a certified yoga and meditation instructor, shared the science behind meditation and taught members how to do deep breathing and stay in the moment to relax and de-stress. As a follow up, ten sisters participated in a Progressive Meditation Challenge for fourteen days.

In another personal development session, chapter sisters were introduced to the work and wisdom of National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones, who encouraged everyone to “celebrate what’s right with the world.” His inspiring words and photos motivated Alpha sisters to share their own photos and personal reflections exemplifying peace, hope, love, appreciation, joy and happiness through a positive lens by creating a collection of photographs called “Our Treasured Perspectives,” pictured, left Hope: Nurturing the un–known… the light at the end of the tunnel… a return to natural things… one’s strong faith overcomes… a butterfly as a symbol of youth, hope, promise and renewal.

Resiliency & Perseverance: Survival through a sense of community… faith, hope, love, resilience to overcome obstacles… a blackened tree suddenly sprouting and turning green… never giving up, as miracles do happen.

Appreciation: The light of my life… search for opportunities to appreciate and spend time with those you love… feel fortunate to live in this beautiful place… appreciate what you have… “ichigo ichie”– one opportunity, one encounter… treasure every opportunity.

Empathy: Ways to help even the smallest creature…empathy in teaching, empathy in learning…help another feel safe…bring comfort to others…bring joy.

Positivity: A glass of water half empty or half full…”ichigo, ichie” – one opportunity, one encounter…a positive perspective… choose your lens…simplify and refocus on what’s important to you…celebrate what’s right with the world.

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FL Fidelis Tau celebrated 260 Years of Sisterhood by recognizing Diamond and Golden sisters with an April luncheon in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

MI Gamma Alpha Follows Its Own Advice

Members of MI Gamma Alpha began their plan to show support for all teachers by purchasing a quarter page ad in the Daily Mining Gazette. They asked the community to thank teachers for their work during the pandemic and made suggestions as to how that could be done. Then the sisters followed their own advice.

With donations and a Thrivent Financial grant, the retired sisters were able to deliver 459 Valentine gift bags, one for every teacher in the twenty-two schools of their 2500 square mile area. During the last week of school, the chapter presented 164 gift bags, one for each of the secretaries and paraprofessionals in the schools.

The chapter honored its own members with special awards, four to sisters for their outstanding contributions. The Above and Beyond Award was given to Gladys and Greg Dupuis who led the chapter’s can and bottle drive, raising over $3,500 for an elementary playground project. Co-President Tiffany Scullion was given the Leadership with Abiding Kindness Award for keeping the chapter on track and making everyone feel like a valued member. Figuring things out and helping everyone to laugh produced the Whatchamacallit Award for Karyn Juntunen. And the Uplifter of Spirits Award was given to Maggie Vanek whose weekly e-cards provided laughter and love that the chapter’s teaching sisters counted on.

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NC Zeta

NC Zeta chapter participated in the Charlotte Family Housing “Happy Home Bucket” donation project at a recent meeting. Sisters brought basic house cleaning essentials and monetary donations for families signing new leases. Pedro Perez, Executive Director for Family Housing, described to the members how free housing/shelter, subsidized housing and financial literacy are provided to families in Charlotte, NC.

MI Alpha Sigma

“The more you give, the more you get.” ~ Zig Ziglar , author and motivational speaker Donna Layton , VA Gamma Omicron

The need for social distancing may have canceled MI Alpha Sigma’s annual Trivia Night fundraiser, but it didn’t stop the sisters from raising money for the chapter’s annual scholarships. Treasurer Paula Stuart suggested a “Cooler of Cheer raffle’’ and started it off by donating a new Cabela’s® cooler. Members filled it with snacks and beverages. With the help of their partner, the Saginaw Community Foundation, the sisters raised over $2,000 for scholarships and altruistic projects. “I am so grateful to be part of Alpha Sigma chapter,” said Chapter President Annette Card.

IN MEMORIAM

Remembering Grace

By Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron

“One of the prime reasons for our existence as an organization is to establish certain traditions and to share in concert our individual talents,” wrote A∆K Grand President Grace Hager Andrews in the December 1983 KAPPAN. Grace passed away at age 89 on April 12, 2021.

She lived what she wrote as was evidenced by her investment in many aspects of A∆K. Grace served as NC Upsilon chapter president (1963-64), NC state president (1964-65), SER Grand Vice President (1977-79), Grand President (1983-85) and International Executive Board Chairman (1985-87).

Grace taught at Carmel Junior High School, now Carmel Middle School, and was Assistant Principal at Providence High School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Ellen Roderick, MD Beta, who met Grace at the DC state convention in 1978, remembers her as a wonderful mentor. Ellen described Grace as “someone who worked in the background as she identified sisters who were destined for further leadership in A∆K; she was so articulate in a southern way; she communicated how to strengthen the organization; she encouraged us; she told us how we could enhance our skills without being critical; she was gracious and made me feel valued and important.”

Debbie Lesley, NC Gamma Theta, remembers Grace as “a driving force for A∆K not only in North Carolina but across the organization.” “A role model, mentor and ambassador for A∆K” is how Marie Hurst, NC Alpha Chi, described her. Ruth Ann Griggs, NC Alpha Mu, stated, “She always lit up when talking about A∆K. She was a quiet sister, very observant and worked for the good of A∆K.” Sharing stories about A∆K was a favorite pastime for Grace. She shared adventures she had with Agnes Shipman Robertson, including their shopping trips to Montaldo’s.

“The model of a great sister, a leader, supporter, critic and good friend” is how Flo Daniels, NC Beta Alpha, felt about Grace.

During her time as Grand President, A∆K’s relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was established. As the 1985 International Convention in Las Vegas was approaching, Grace shared one of her most gratifying experiences as Grand President, the opportunity to work with unselfish sisters from chapters, states, nations, provinces and across the globe. She was impressed by the growth in sophistication and sincerity found at every level in the organization. Grace said she knew that the future of A∆K was bright because the members are bound together as sisters.

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AMAZING MEMBERS

Reaching Platinum

I

By Barbara Corder, KS Immediate Past President

t was only my third year of teaching when Agnes Shipman Robertson came to my classroom door and asked if I would be interested in joining Alpha Delta Kappa. She was very convincing. I said yes and gave her my $5 pledge fee.”

That is how Platinum Sister Retabess Ling was introduced to the fraternity she has participated in for seventy years. She was nineteen when she joined the newly formed KS Eta chapter in a formal ceremony at the Hotel Kelley in Iola. After the Eta chapter disbanded, Retabess became a sustaining member.

She recalls chapter meetings as mainly social gatherings. She commented that it was great to meet and be with other teachers from all over the county. Before becoming members, city and rural teachers had no opportunity to meet one another and share ideas.

A group of Kansas sisters traveled to Iola in June and, along with former Eta chapter members and her family members, celebrated the anniversary with Retabess. The International Headquarters staff found the original forms she signed to join in an unused file cabinet. Photos of the forms, congratulatory cards

and other mementos were presented to Retabess. Her platinum sister guard and a certificate were given by the KS state executive board. The ninety-year-old is the second Kansas Platinum Sister.

After graduating from high school at sixteen, Retabess began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in the Waverly School District in Allen County, KS. The eight hours of college credit she earned in the summer and the shortage of teachers following World War II made her eligible to teach. She had seven students. One of the boys was fourteen, just two years younger than his teacher. She was the teacher and the janitor, which included cleaning the outdoor privies and carrying in coal and drinking water. Her salary was $1,000 a year.

Retabess taught for 44 years, first in one-room schools and then in grades four through six in elementary schools. For ten years, she was an art teacher. Retabess earned her Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees from the Emporia State Teachers College, now Emporia State University.

Retabess is a widow. She says, “I am treated like a princess by my eight grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.”

Diversity in the Arts, Theme of PA Conference Pennsylvania Gamma sisters selected “Diversity in the Arts and Beyond” as the theme for the spring PA Eastern District Conference. The goal was to present a virtual program that would stimulate, engage and entertain while talking about diversity and its many forms. All sessions were planned and led by members of PA Gamma.

Keynote speaker Marilyn Rodriguez is the youth arts director for Taller Puertorriqueno, an arts and culture organization with after school programs for children and youth in Philadelphia, PA. In her presentation, Marilyn explained how she incorporates her Latino background into art activities in “Exploring Identity Through the Arts.”

Taller, now in its forty-fifth year of “using art to promote development within its community and the Latino Diaspora and to build a bridge to the Greater Philadelphia area” was chosen by Gamma as the conference’s altruistic project. Sisters purchased and donated art supplies to the program.

Inez Recupido opened the conference with “Your Name,” an activity that encouraged participants to think about the origins of their given names.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in three other sessions. Shalon Doctor and Genina Etlen led a discussion of the book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent,” by Isabel Wilkerson. In the session led by Magna Diaz, members created a graphic design using their name, chapter or any meaningful work or shape.

The final activity, “Bach, BTS and Beyond: Diversity in Music Education,” was presented by Celina Velez. A classically trained musician, Celina described how she exposes her students to all music genres from classical to modern.

She also described the challenges and importance of virtual and hybrid teaching of music.

Information for article provided by Eleanor Smith, PA Gamma, PA Past State President 2008-2010

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~ Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister Audrey Mitchell, Jamaica Beta 22

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AMAZING MEMBERS

104 Candles on Arkie’s Birthday Cake

By Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron

D

uring the 2020 Presidential election, Arkie Neal Remley, “I remember when she came into our class to read a 1965 newswearing a mask and following all of the COVID-19 paper article about a white man who stopped to help change a guidelines, made her way to the voting booth in Hot tire for two black women. It was pouring rain. A few weeks later, Spring County, Arkansas. At 103, she had been a registered voter he received a television but told the delivery man that he had in the county for 70 years. For her, it was important to vote and not ordered it. The delivery man handed him a letter from Nat she was not going to break with tradition.

King Cole thanking him for helping his mother and sister get to Born in 1917, she remembers not having electricity until the airport in time to travel to visit him in the hospital. The fol1935. The electric bill was $1.00 and was paid through extra lowing year was our first year of desegregation. By sharing the work milking cows and separating the cream. She was not able to article, I think she was preparing us for what was to come.” begin college right away since the Great Depression had immense Cindy White, AR Theta, said, “Arkie Neal -- that’s what she financial implications for families such as hers across America. goes by -- is a phenomenal woman and has done everything.”

In 1936, she began taking college courses and, after earning 45 Gardening, both vegetable and flowers, has been a passion of credit hours, came home and taught for one year. Her salary was hers for many years. Her AR Theta sisters stay involved and take $50 per month. During the summer her to her favorite restaurant, Olive break, she took classes and eventually “Always do the best you can; Garden, each year. earned her teaching degree from HenIn a recent phone conversation, in don’t do anything halfway.” between chuckling and laughing out derson State University. She taught in rural areas of Arkansas for several years loud, Arkie’s daughter Daria shared before moving to Malvern, AK to begin teaching at North Malsome wonderful insights about her mother. While teaching in vern Elementary, later named the Fields School. Prior to inteStuttgart, AR, she met her husband, Ed, and they moved to Malgration in 1964, Arkie said, “Don’t choose teaching if you don’t vern, AR. She taught most of her 35-year career there, beginning plan on caring for your students.” with the first grade. Later, she taught fifth grade before returnThrough A∆K CONNECT, Arkie’s birthday was announced ing to the youngest students, her beloved first graders, where she and sisters were asked to “shower her with cards.” Responses to taught until her retirement in 1975. When her husband retired, the thread on the International website poured in as sisters from he asked her to retire too. All three Remley children became all over recognized and honored this amazing member. teachers. Daria taught typing and computers to eighth and ninth At 104, Arkie, who is most likely the oldest member of A∆K, graders. Her sister June, who is 14 months older to the very day, became a Diamond Sister in 2020, having joined AR Theta in taught art and elementary school, and their brother became a 1960. She has seen wars, major advancements in technology, band teacher. progress in civil rights and numerous breakthroughs in science Daria remembers how her mother would rise early, milk and medicine. Alpha Delta Kappa sisters and former students the cows, dress for work, get the children on the bus and go to shared some memories as well as some life lessons they learned work. “That’s what she knew; she knew how to work.” When from Arkie. she was 99, “she was on her knees in the garden mulching the When Claudine James, who is African American, entered green beans.” In 2000, Daria and her husband remodeled Arkie’s Arkie’s Fields School first grade classroom in 1974 after transferhome and the three of them enjoy living there now. When Arkie ring from another school, she was greeted by another child who turned 100, she was still canning beans and helping in the garsaid, “I know Claudine. Her grandfather cleans my dad’s busiden. At 103, Arkie began to slow down a little but still wanted ness.” Mrs. Remley’s response was, “Isn’t she so precious?” Clauto help in any way she could. “I told Mom that she didn’t have dine went on to experience stellar academic success and reflected to do anything,” Daria shared. upon that incident in first grade. “What if Mrs. Remley would Ingrained in her memory is the way her mother embraced have reacted differently and not ignored those remarks? Would I teaching every child. Desegregation gave Arkie the opportunity have even graduated? Was she even aware of how her actions had to reach out to all of her students, letting them know that they aided my intellectual and emotional growth?” were capable, valued and loved. Inspiring students was her pasBrenda Keisler, AR Theta, recounted that although Arkie sion, telling them, “Always do the best you can; don’t do anywas not her fifth grade teacher, she spent lots of time in her class. thing halfway.”

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Altruism

“Around the world, members combine their energies and talents to enrich their lives and the lives of others through thousands of heart-warming community based altruistic projects.

Because of these projects, it is a brighter day…” ~Alpha Delta Kappa Handbook

NM Kappa

NM Kappa is supporting Dressa-Girl Around the World as its World Understanding project. Members sew dresses from kits, available in various sizes and two styles, with all supplies and instructions included. They have also donated sewing supplies such as thread, pure cotton fabric remnants and odds and ends like trims and buttons. The dresses are delivered to countries around the world. For this year’s Dress-a-Girl project, the goal for participants in San Juan county, NM, is to “deliver 1,000 dresses to 1,000 happy girls” in third world countries.

CA Zeta

CA Zeta partnered with Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach (SIHB) in supporting the Salvation Army’s antitrafficking service division by donating more than $1,775 worth of household and personal supplies to help support safe houses for human trafficking survivors in California. The anti-trafficking services office is active in crisis response, victim advocacy, recovery, support and family reunification. It operates two shelters for trafficking survivors.

VA Rho Chapter Holds “Potluck and Puzzles” to Celebrate The Longest Day

In June, VA Rho began its Longest Day activities with a White Elephant Auction to collect money to make “care bags” for Memory Care Workers at Kroontje Healthcare Center in Blacksburg, VA. Care bags included gift cards for coffee along with pens, notepads, hand sanitizer, a beverage thermos and chocolate candy. The chapter raised over $300.

The auction was part of Rho’s “Potluck and Puzzles” event promoting healthy brains. Tables were set up with unfinished puzzles and coloring stations for members to enjoy.

Music from the 1940’s was played.

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GA Beta Nu

This year, the twelve members of GA Beta Nu donated approximately 100 emergency kits for children and youth who were removed from their homes to the local Division of Family and Children’s Services. The kits contained stuffed animals, coloring books and other art supplies, school supplies, blankets, infant items and toiletries, among other things.

The sisters also created snack baskets for local law enforcement agencies and donated more than 120 books to the school system’s bookmobile. The bookmobile is only one of the chapter’s 2021-2022 altruistic projects. Chapter president Amy London said, “We may be a small chapter in numbers, however, we are huge in spirit, dedication and altruism.”

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NC Alpha Iota

Members of NC Alpha Iota chapter made and donated 140 surgical caps to the Maynard’s Children’s Hospital at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Amy Cooper, chairman of the chapter’s Arts and Crafts Committee, led the project.

NJ Lambda

NJ Lambda members gathered with family, friends, scouts and veterans to participate in the “Wreaths Across America” project at Riverside Cemetery, Toms River. Wreaths were placed on graves to remember the sacrifices veterans have made in wars since the American Revolution.

NY Mu

Sullivan County’s Mu chapter chose Comfort Closet as their May altruistic project. Members collected personal hygiene items for high school students and donated them to Liberty High School’s Interact Club. The club manages the Comfort Closet in their building. Students can access items any time at no cost.

VA Beta Phi

VT Beta

VA Beta Phi sisters created fidget pillows for Alzheimer’s patients. These pillows provide comfort and relaxation for patients who are agitated by the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

NY Alpha

Sisters from NY Alpha assembled and donated hygiene kits for The Teacher’s Desk in Buffalo, New York. The Teacher’s Desk is a store where teachers can shop for school supplies, books and teacher resources for students in 250 Western New York schools at no charge. The store’s mission is to distribute free school supplies to students in need, to encourage teachers and to provide purpose through volunteerism.

Reaching out to help their sisters is the impetus behind two of the altruistic projects of VT Beta.

Sisters created a caring circle around the chapter’s eight virtual teaching members. A committee consisting of Dianne Arthur, Donna Burnett, Tanya Carpenter, Patti Diminick and Sue Wood created the AΔK Caring Circle to “honor and support” the teachers. Teams of three to four members were organized to create monthly theme baskets for an “adopted” sister.

The members adopted a Memory Care Center where a former AΔK sister and the father of one of their members are now residents.

Led by Donna Burnett, chapter members donated their time to help the care center residents give back to their community. They collected over forty children’s books for the residents to wrap and donate to nearby day care centers. Sisters also purchased several snack items, hand sanitizers, masks and other items so the residents could create “Care Bags” for first responders in the community.

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“Pathways of Possibilities” Thirty-Second Annual International Convention

Highlights of 2021 International Convention “Pathways of Possibilities” was the theme of the thirty-second in the wonderful times ahead. annual International Convention, and what an amazing path it was The keynote guest speakers brought much to each day. World from planning to reality. Sue Whelan, KAPPAN staff and a member of Understanding Speaker Avril Benoit was the 2021 A∆K Jacquethe Convention Action Committee shares the highlights. line Lougheed World Understanding Lecturer. Dr. Bertice Berry he virtual International Convention with 1852 registered inspired everyone to recognize the infinite possibilities in their stuattendees convened on July 5, beginning with Regional dents and themselves. And Mary Anne Radmacher told her audiMembership Training for S/P/N presidents, presidentsence that we never know which intersections we will encounter elect, immediate past presidents and vice presidents for memberin life, but we have to keep growing to become lifelong learners ship. The theme “Good Ship Membership” was displayed devoid and be eager to learn and to explore life’s infinite possibilities. The of sails. One sail was added for each of the key focus areas: 1 reviDueling Pianos provided a rousing Evening of Entertainment, raistalization, 2 recruitment, retention and reinstatement, and 3 proing over $4000 for the A∆K Foundation. grams. SPN leaders were told to constantly work on these areas to As the names of the sisters who joined Omega scrolled down be successful with growing their chapters. the screen during the service on Friday, memories of shared tears Each day the Educational Symposium kicked off with a pleand laughter came to mind. nary session focusing on the topic of the day: Diversity, LearnMembers used the chat box frequently to greet friends and to ing, Leading, and Sisterhood. Seventy-eight learning sessions comment on the beautiful music that played throughout the consupported these topics. Each day closed with a lively, interactive vention. Linda Hoffman, TX Beta Omicron, and her committee activity engaging members to the last minute. of Texas sisters found pieces to match the mood of each session. A The ICP Meeting on July 13 could have been “Share the Good moving musical moment was the cello solo of “Amazing Grace” News!” Mollie Acosta, International President-Elect, welcomed played by Audrey Pilafian, FL Chi. Another musical highlight president, president-elect and past president from each State, Provwas “The Dreamer in Me” by PinkZebra sung by the virtual Chilince and Nation, and asked them to share one thing they could celdren’s Honor Choir of Coppell, Texas. Technology synchronized ebrate about the first year of their biennium. As each region shared, the voices submitted by each child so that it sounded as though the list of celebrations grew. S/P/N they were in the same room singing leaders celebrated wonderful possitogether under the direction of their Intersections bilities that had happened with sisters teacher.

A surprise awaits at an intersection. An intersection creates something unexpectedly other from the two in their S/P/Ns. At the First Timers The final day ended with the distinct roads (ways, things, ideas) that cross paths. event, the presenters did a ‘skit’ on introduction of President Judy GanWill you live in the mundane, between potential and what is in the suitcase that they take zert by her colleague, mentor, and practical, between you and me? to conventions, explaining things like sponsor for membership in A∆K, Infinite possibilities dwell in the places where things badge holders and appropriate dress.

Florence Bishop, VA Zeta. Judy’s that matter intersect.

The business meetings started reflections of the biennium showed Poem by Mary Anne Radmacher, writer, artwith an inspiring Thought for the her pride in sisters’ ability to overist and motivational speaker, written for her keynote Day from International Chaplain come obstacles and to see the infinite speech at the International Convention.

Paula Davis. International Sergeantpossibilities in all they faced. Internaat-Arms Julie Kidd brought order tional Executive Board Chairman and announcements to each day. But it was International President Sandy Wolfe installed the officers for 2021-2023. The theme for the Judy Ganzert who truly reinforced the Infinite Possibilities of Alpha ceremony was “Among the Stars.” Each new officer was presented Delta Kappa as she thanked the many sisters who had overcome virtually with a bouquet of flowers and stars, which seemed to leave obstacles of virtual meetings and social distancing to continue the one screen and appear in the hands of the officer to be installed. work of the organization. Committee reports showed the positive International President Mollie Acosta introduced her theme “Share progress made during the biennium. the Love of Alpha Delta Kappa.” To share is the focus for the next Michele Davis, DE Epsilon, received a burst of virtual applause two wonderful years. when she was named the Excellence in Education Award recipient.

Recordings of symposium workshops and convention proceedings On Wednesday, regional celebrations focused on the can be found on the International website. Convention credentials are accomplishments of the biennium and encouraged all to take part required to access the recordings.

T

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“Pathways of Possibilities” Thirty-Second Annual International Convention

Bev Card Heads Executive Board

Leading the New Biennium

Installed “Among the Stars” were Judy Ganzert, Immediate Past International President, Mollie Acosta, International President, Ann Marie Brown, International President-Elect.

Welcome Dave!

Congratulations to Dave Sadler who is the new Alpha Delta Kappa Association President. Dave is the husband of Suzanne Sadler of TX Beta Delta. Dave succeeds Ron Spriggs of Alabama who led the group for the 2019-2021 biennium. A∆KA supports the women of A∆K, particularly at International conventions. This year A∆KA donated $1500 to the convention altruistic project the “Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas.”

Biennium Projects Chosen

Making a Children’s Home with Education and Agriculture a Reality (C.H.E.A.R.) in Tanzania was chosen by the membership as the World Understanding project for 2021-2023. The mission of the project is to empower disadvantaged children and youth in Babati through education. Donations will go toward completing a children’s home and building a school with a library technology center.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association are the International altruistic projects again this biennium. This is the thirty-fifth year that St. Jude has been chosen by the membership.

Directions for making personal and chapter donations can be found on the Alpha Delta Kappa website.

Bev Card is the new International Executive Board (IEB) Chairman. She was elected to the position at the first meeting of the new board. She succeeds Sandy Wolfe who has completed her term on the IEB. The twelve member board “deals with all Organization and Foundation financial matters and acts as a policy making board” as defined in the A∆K Constitution.

Bev, who is a Silver Sister, has always taken an active role at the chapter, state and International levels. She was elected to a four year term on the IEB in 2019. She was key in developing the Leadership Academy, which builds leadership capacity and extends A∆K and career leadership opportunities. Bev also serves on the KAPPAN committee as a contributor and reviewer. Before joining the International Chapter she was a member of MD Nu. Bev served as Maryland State President in 2008, MD Nu President in 2000 and International Historian in 2015-2017.

Her long list of service to A∆K includes leading and planning educational symposiums, sponsoring an International Teacher Education scholar, serving on the committee for bylaws and resolutions and on International Convention committees. Bev has visited A∆K-sponsored World Understanding projects.

She is a graduate of Michigan State with a degree in Home Economics. Her focus during her 44 years in the classroom was family and consumer science. Bev continues to serve on committees in that field.

When asked what she hopes to accomplish this biennium, Bev said, “In addition to our chief responsibilities, I’m excited to think I might help to empower sisters to continue shaping the future of Alpha Delta Kappa where all members feel welcome and connected with like-minded professionals, value our sisterhood, make a difference in the lives of others, and live our vision, mission and purposes.”

A∆K Past International President Sue Pelchat commented, “I wish I had Bev’s skill for organization. I once asked her to simplify a two-dozen page document. She returned with a three-page, bulleted list that was accurate, clear and concise.

Bev listens to people’s ideas and is able to synthesize input into a streamlined, workable plan. She’ll be a wonderful chairman of the board for our organization.”

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“Pathways of Possibilities” Thirty-Second Annual International Convention

Sisters Share Convention Impressions “The convention on Zoom was awesome. It is hard to pinpoint one or two things because everything was well planned.

The Omega service was truly inspirational.”

Madeline McCormick, CA Beta Xi “I so enjoyed the session on teaching through the pandemic. The presenters gave us a very human heart to remember for all the times to follow.”

Wendy Henderson, WA Alpha Rho “Wow, the International Convention was a fantastic event from beginning to end with a beautiful memorial service and phenomenal speakers. As a first-timer, it was wonderful, and I simply cannot wait to attend the next convention in person.”

Crystal Thompson, VA Gamma Upsilon “I walked away inspired by impressive internationally known speakers…..ignited a passion to continue to make a difference whether internationally, such as Doctors Without Borders, or in our own town as we were guided to self-reflect and realize that ‘courage doesn’t always roar’.”

First timer Dawn Hudson, GA Beta Epsilon “I realize the International Convention was far from usual.

I hadn’t attended in the past for various reasons but this was convenient. I appreciated the variety and quality of the workshops. Convention helped me see how connected we are to so many other women educators and how much our organization does for so many people.”

Linda Jones, OR State President, OR Epsilon, First timer “I gained new insights about Alpha Delta Kappa as I participated with sisters from so many different locations. It was fun to hear all the different accents. The presenters each shared their knowledge and expertise so willingly and passionately and were delighted to answer any questions that came their way. The participants were so appreciative of their sisters’ efforts. It was delightful to see so much encouragement popping up in the Chat Box. All the learning filled me up and I can’t wait to share some of my knowledge and insights with my chapter sisters. I am now feeling a much different interest in attending such as this where I can connect with sisters outside my own chapter and continue to learn and grow as a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. I feel so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend.”

Debra Parker, Ontario Sigma, First Timer 28

“I really liked the speakers and workshops, especially the one on lavender. Dr. Berry was very interesting. I identified with her because when I was in high school, a counselor told me that I was not going to be anything other than a factory worker. I, too, was told by another counselor not to give up.

He did what he could to get me to go to Glassboro State College. When I was hired as a teacher, I also tried to help anyone I could to see their potential. I would have loved it if we were there in person, but overall it was great. Love the new logo, too.”

Gloria Cruz, NJ Alpha Alpha “It was clear that a great deal of preparation had gone into the convention. The moderators and presenters engaged participants and made the virtual feel personal. I thought the fun activities at the end of the day were great. I particularly enjoyed Avril Benoit from MSF-USA. Her mission and her message truly underscored the idea of world understanding.

I participated in several sessions aimed at personal development. While my schedule did not permit me to take it all in, it was overall a good experience. It certainly hardened my resolve to attend the next one in person. I thought Judy Ganzert was so gracious and welcoming given the fact that this convention, her moment, was so altered by the pandemic.

She never missed a beat. The installation of officers was wonderful. The regional meeting was another opportunity to get connected with my Connecticut sisters.”

Nancy Nowak, CT Mu, First Timer “Although I have been a member for ten years, this was my first time attending the International Convention. While I knew this would be an unusual convention - with virtual sessions and the long distance Zoom style meetings and workshops that we have all grown accustomed to this past year and a half - other than that, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I quickly discovered that one of the main take-aways for me would be the sense of connection I would feel with my sisters from across the country and internationally. There is so much we can learn from each other. I am so thankful to the sisters who worked so hard to plan the event and to those who volunteered to share their personal stories. I am sure those who attended would agree that the convention succeeded admirably in bringing us together through our shared experiences as sisters.”

Karen Ellingson-Nonestied, NJ Kappa, First Timer

K A P PA N • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1

“Pathways of Possibilities” Thirty-Second Annual International Convention

Share The Love Biennium Theme

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Delegates Adopt Bylaws and Resolutions

n the cover of this issue is the logo of this new biennium.

“Share the Love”, the theme, is inside the large purple heart. Why this logo, why this theme?

“I believe it is ultimately our love of one another that binds us together as sisters in Alpha Delta Kappa,” International President Mollie Acosta said following her installation at the International Convention.

The four gold stars surrounding the heart in the logo represent the Founders and the “brilliant energy and optimism” they had as they shared their vision to honor outstanding women educators. The year 2022 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the realization of that vision with the chartering of the first chapters.

The hearts represent the seven regions. Each heart is a different color to show the unique attributes of the regions.

As Founders Agnes Shipman Robertson, Marie Neal, Marion Southall and Hattie Poppino shared their visions, the theme urges members to share the joy and the pride of membership and the love and support sisters give to each other. President Mollie urged members to “share the incredible gift we have to offer,” the gift of membership.

At the conclusion of her speech, President Mollie invited members to “Share the Love of Alpha Delta Kappa and to spread it far and wide with open arms, to celebrate who we are and what makes us different from other organizations.”

A theme focused on sharing with others is not an unusual choice for the new president. As California State President, her theme was “Making a Difference” and as Southwest IVP it was “Sisters Who Make a Difference.”

Joy Shaw, a graphic artist and Colorado President-Elect was instrumental in the design. Joy is a member of CO Alpha Lambda. On the Theme and Logo Committee were International Regional Vice Presidents Conway Blankenship (SER), Roberta Casabon (NCR), and Susan Rae Long (NWR). Marie Hurst, a member of the International Executive Board also served on the committee.

Share the Love 2021-2023

Alpha Delta Kappa

The adoption of all proposed Bylaws Amendments and Resolutions was announced by International President Judy Ganzert during the Second Business Session of the International Convention. A copy of the “2021 Revised Bylaws Proposals as Amended by the Delegates’’ document is available on the website under Meetings> International Convention. The document also includes the Resolutions submitted by the California and Tennessee Executive Boards. The International Executive Board will conduct feasibility studies on the two adopted resolutions in this biennium.

The International Bylaws and Resolutions proposals with debate and voting were conducted online for the 2021 International Convention. Discussion and amendments progressed through timed blocks for comments.

“The 2021 International Bylaws and Constitution” can be found under Documents and Forms> Guiding and General on the web site. The document incorporates all the adopted Bylaws Proposals from the convention.

EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT

Oldies Bring in Dollars for Foundation “Where it began, I can’t begin to know when…” Jeff and Rhiannon of Dueling Pianos rocked the homes of 574 members, several taking part in watch parties during the Evening of Entertainment, a tradition at International conventions. The duo filled the evening with energy and musical memories as members donated to hear their favorite songs. Seventy-two requests brought $3,516 in donations, and votes for the final song raised another $805, for a total of $4,321. “Sweet Caroline”, the number one pick, closed the evening, and as the song says, “Good times never seem so good.”

Mollie Acosta stumped the stars with her request for the instrumental “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy. Pippy Rogers topped the donor chart with a $300 request for Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” And International Executive Board (IEB) members, loving that “I got all my sisters with me,” made “We Are Family” the most popular song.

Members of IEB kicked off the evening with the parody “Grueling Pianos”, a movie that featured their musical talents. IEB members serve as trustees of the A∆K Foundation, which directly benefits members through scholarships and grants. It funds the ITE program and contributes $35,000 each year to each of the two International altruistic projects. A portion of each convention registration will be donated to the Foundation.

K A P PA N • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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“Pathways of Possibilities” Thirty-Second Annual International Convention

NE Region Sister Receives Excellence In Education Award

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s I think about their (my students) lack of choice, I realize the overwhelming responsibility that we have each day, the gift to choose,” Michele Davis told her audience when she was named the recipient of the Excellence in Education (EIE) Award at the 2021 International Convention.

Michele received a check for $5,000 to be used for educational materials for her fifth grade class at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School, Milford, DE. She is a member of DE Epsilon. Michele is also the recipient of the Northeast Region EiE award “As we receive students of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and orientations who do not choose their situations, we have the power to choose how we accept their arrival. We have the opportunity to choose how we embrace their abilities and empower them to reach higher than their highest potential. And we have a choice in how we accommodate, incorporate, and include them in our classroom. It is evident that Alpha Delta Kappa is an organization full of current and former educators who made or currently make the choice, each and every day, to equally value all students in their classrooms, no matter their different needs,” she said.

In her application for the award she wrote that she felt “the most effective method to build self-determination, work ethic and the ability to persevere through life’s problems is empowering students to live beyond their immediate surroundings.”

Michele holds a BA in Education from the University of Delaware, Newark and an MA in Education from Wilmington University, DE where she is completing work for her Ph.D. in Education.

She is the fifth grade instructional coach at her school and a Special Olympics Program Director for a nationally recognized Special Olympics Unified Champion School.

Also receiving the EiE award in their regions were: Pamela Hughes, Gulf - LA Eta; Valorie Sailors, North Central - NE Kappa; Laura Drake, Northwest - WY Delta; Pamela Winter, South Central - MO Beta Nu; Victoria Merritt, Southeast - SC Upsilon; Gina Lopez Ferguson, Southwest - CO Alpha Iota.

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Numbers Tell The Convention Story

Registered

Gulf

North Central Northeast Northwest

South Central Southeast Southwest

Collegiate Club ITE Headquarters

TOTAL

Delegates

350 266 226 185 171 136 88 64 235 172 469 333 299 193 10 2 2 1852 1,349

Contributions to Convention Altruistic Project Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas..................................................... $28,500 Evening of Entertainment Attendance .......................... 574 Donations to the A∆K Foundation.......................... $4,321 Altruism Donations 2020-2021........................ $16,155,842

Educational Symposium Attendance

Diversity Pathway................................................ 1041 Learning Pathway................................................ 1445 Leading Pathway.................................................. 1448 Sisterhood Pathway.............................................. 1566 Number of Sessions................................................. 78

A∆K and A∆KA Members Honored at Omega Service.. ....828

A Call to Share

Oscar Hammerstein surely knew that someday Alpha Delta Kappa would choose a theme about sharing love. His profound words epitomize the theme of this biennium. “Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay: love isn’t love ‘till you give it away.’”

Remember this and the first rule of Robert Fulghum’s famous essay, “Share everything,” especially love. The last two words are mine, but you get the idea, “Share the Love.”

Judy Barnhill, TN Beta Zeta, 2023 International Convention Chaplain

K A P PA N • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Ω Omega Chapter MEMBERS ADDED SINCE LAST ISSUE

Flora B. Adams...................... Maryland Epsilon

Eva L. Haverkorn.........Texas Gamma Omicron

Bonnie J. Presnell...........Washington Alpha Nu

Barbara A. Akridge...............Georgia Beta Rho

Carol Helmke......................... Iowa Alpha Delta

Mary Elizabeth Priest........Ontario Fidelis Alpha

Jean Anutta.................. Arizona Alpha Lambda

Gail Hollifield....................... North Dakota Beta

Janet B. Ramsey.............. Texas Gamma Delta

Jeanette R. Ashley.............Texas Beta Lambda

Crockett Huddle.........................Virginia ADKA

Dale Elizabeth R. Reed.......... Texas Sustaining

Wilma S. Barbery..........West Virginia Alpha Mu

Kathleen R. Jennings...... New York Alpha Beta

Leoma Roberts................West Virginia Upsilon

Lois M. Barnes...................... Iowa Alpha Delta

Jowanna Jester.....................Indiana Alpha Phi

Sharon K. Berg.............................Iowa Epsilon

Charlotte R. Rose..........Florida Fidelis Lambda

Evelyn R. Johnson.....................Florida Epsilon

Barbara B. Broadway.................... Georgia Phi

Jean K. Jurusik...................... New York Kappa

Ann L. Rourke..................... Michigan Beta Mu

Betty J. Browning......... Michigan Alpha Kappa

Madelon D. Knight............ Arizona Alpha Alpha

Jewell M. Burk........................ New Mexico Chi

Sue Knox................. North Carolina Fidelis Tau

Jeanine Byrd......................... Texas Gamma Xi

Doris Lee...........................Tennessee Omicron

Alma L. Carney................... Florida Alpha Delta

Maxine A. Leyendecker...........Iowa Sustaining

Lorene A. Corns........ North Carolina Alpha Phi

Sandra J. MacGillivray............... Vermont Delta

Mary A. Daughs............. Washington Alpha Chi

Jacquelyn C. Mann................ Georgia Lambda

Ruth Davis...................... Michigan Beta Sigma

Chandos Martin................Wyoming Sustaining

Susan R. Degeyter......................Louisiana Mu

Jane E. Mascia.............North Carolina Gamma

Elizabeth M. Doherty...............Ohio Alpha Rho

Betty J. Matheny..............Virginia Alpha Sigma

Louise B. Fallis.....................Georgia Beta Rho

Ruby L. McCoy...........Texas Gamma Omicron

Charlotte A. Fischer........California Gamma Mu

Bettye K. McGee.....................Alabama Sigma

Dalia Flores.................... Washington Alpha Chi

Gloria N. McGuire...........West Virginia Lambda

Tina Fortson-Rivers....................Maryland Rho

Betty B. McLean..............Alabama Fidelis Beta

Gloria J. Funston.....Washington Alpha Upsilon

Arlene M. Miller.....................Pennsylvania Rho

Marilyn Ward...............................Utah Gamma

Deborah H. Gillikin..... North Carolina Alpha Chi

Lynn R. Miller..................California Gamma Mu

Jennifer O. Whyte....................... Jamaica Zeta

Georgie Graham..............................Florida Chi

Janet Nunamaker....Washington Alpha Upsilon

Betty T. Williams.....North Carolina Alpha Theta

Regina Green Robinson... Tennessee Alpha Chi

Shirley E. Palmer....................... Ontario Sigma

Patricia W. Wix..................Alabama Sustaining

Mary M. Grimm............... Colorado Alpha Beta

Cynthia A. Panik................. Michigan Beta Iota

Cecile A. Woodmansee.......... Missouri Upsilon

Nancy A. Haislip............. Virginia Beta Lambda

Karna B. Petuskey..............................Utah Eta

Rosemary Yanes............................. Arizona Psi

Doreen Hasenwinkel.....................Iowa Epsilon

Maurine Pittman.....................Georgia Gamma

Barbara E. Yow.... North Carolina Fidelis Kappa

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K A P PA N • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Akemi M. Rush................... New Mexico Theta Joyce Russell.......................... Texas Alpha Psi Dolores M. Sanger......... Colorado Alpha Alpha Annetta C. Schwalm...Colorado Alpha Gamma Nancy A. Self..........South Carolina Fidelis Beta Betty D. Shipp....................Ohio Alpha Upsilon Beverly J. Shobe.................... Maryland Sigma Heather Singh............... Georgia Beta Gamma Margot Smith....................Wyoming Sustaining Bonnie J. Svare............... Nevada Fidelis Alpha Laurel L. Tarr............................Florida Beta Phi Tamara Taylor.................West Virginia Lambda Maria D. Villalobos Munoz.. Puerto Rico Epsilon

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Homeroom Humor IT’S TRUE

I was working at my computer early one morning. It was positioned facing a window. It was still dark outside, and I could see the classroom reflected in the window.

One mischievous boy took pride in being first into the classroom each morning. I could see him tiptoe into the classroom and sneak up behind me to startle me. I kept typing without looking up and said, “Good morning, Jimmy. You’d better have a seat and get busy.” His eyes got as big as saucers as he exclaimed, “Mrs. Johnson, you really do have eyes in the back of your head.” Elaine Chisolm Johnson, GA Fidelis Lambda

The Price of Pizza

My fourth grade Title I reading group had earned enough points for a pizza party. I ordered the pizzas and my husband delivered them. I met him in the parking lot with several students who helped me bring everything in. I gave my husband a hug and a kiss and thanked him for helping us out. As we were walking back to the classroom, one of the students exclaimed, “Gee, Mrs. Ingham, you kissed the pizza man and didn’t even pay him!”

Judy Ingham, NV Delta

What Did You Say?

Collin was an easily distracted child. I watched his eyes skip around the room during a small group reading lesson.

My colleague Aggie was reading a basketball story, explaining to the group that the author slowed down the action in order for the reader to imagine the ball spinning around and around and around the metal rim, each person in the crowd sitting on the edge of their seat, anxiously hoping, waiting to see if the ball would fall into the hoop or not.

After reading the story segment, Aggie asked what the author had done to keep the reader’s interest. Children raised their hands and offered their ideas of what had made the story so riveting. When Aggie called on Collin, he was in another world. “Collin, do I need to repeat the question?

What strategy did the author use to hold the reader’s attention?” Perplexed, Collin came to life and said, “What? Huh? I don’t know; I’m still trying to figure out what’s a hoopernaut.”

Sue Pelchat, CT Mu 32

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

As a seventh grade reading teacher, I was conferring with students about their book projects.

One girl came up for extra help and looked at the family pictures I had on my desk protector. She said, “Miss Lauria, I like the pictures of your family on your bladder.” I swallowed a laugh as I looked at the blotter on my desk and held my guffaw until closing the door after class.

Charlene Lauria, International

port intahisnprteschool Promny neophuewnswasAthrreee, IIm helped ou on picture

When lp came ed. The call for he ed ne n he w m oo me up with lips classr e first little guy ca Th . id sa I ,” to ve rest in having day. ”I’d lo l. He had no inte ow sc a in er th ter chalpressed toge going to be a grea as w is Th l. al at sed like his picture taken e a little girl dres m ca t ex N t. gh thou lenge than I had sat in the chair as hool photo. She sc st fir r he r fo er, smiling, a princess at the photograph ht ig ra st ed ok lo a comI directed and left and right like ad he r he g in ck bouncing, and co ticed, “she’s quite e photographer no th y,” “M . el od m r royal back and mercial ss straightened he ce in pr e Th .” m the little ha m; I’m a HER.” rtly, “I’m not a ha pter cu m hi ed ct rre co International Cha Charlene Lauria,

How to Make a PB&J Sandwich

In a writing lesson with my fifth grade class, I was teaching about order and sequence. Students had already practiced writing a recipe and understood how important it was to include every step of the procedure. I asked them to write directions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and told them we would act out their directions in class the next day. Of course, many steps were left out, opening the jar, how to spread it, forgetting to put the bread slices together.

I selected a few students whose directions we’d follow in a live performance. Well, correcting ‘not opening the cover’ was easy; however, leaving out what to spread the peanut butter on was a bigger problem. Instead of pretending there was bread on which to spread, I put the peanut butter up the child’s arm. The boys were more accepting than girls. The class went wild! When they didn’t explain HOW to put the bread together I put their hands together, one with PB and the other with jelly. By the third demonstration, most students wanted to act out their own written directions. It wasn’t necessary; the point had been made. For homework they got to rewrite their directions. The news ‘spread’ around the school like wildfire. It was a hit and hilarious and a very good lesson about steps in a procedure.

Denise Coolley, CT Gamma

K A P PA N • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1

A∆K Dates and Deadlines September..................... S/P/N & Chapter Treasurer packets emailed from Headquarters September 6............................................Labor Day / Rosh Hashanah September 15..............................................Classroom Grant deadline Yom Kippur September 16........................................... Independence Day- Mexico September 20............Deadline for S/P/N Membership Consultant to submit Chapter Needs Assessment checklist to Regional Membership Chairman

October 11..................................................... Thanksgiving - Canada October 12.......................... Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day October 15................................. Regional Mini-Scholarship deadline 990-N IRS E-Postcard deadline October 18.........................................National Heroes Day - Jamaica October 31.........................................................................Halloween November 1................... Deadline for Excellence in Education Award chapter or self-nomination

September 21.................................................. World Alzheimer’s Day

November 2....................................................All Souls’ Day - Mexico

September 22......................................................First Day of Autumn

November 7.........................................End of Daylight Savings Time

September 30.............S/P/N Presidents submit next convention date, city and hotel site to Headquarters

November 15..............Innovation Grant (for non-members) deadline

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada

November 19..........................................Discovery Day - Puerto Rico

October 1..........................Chapter Yearbook due to S/P/N President

November 25......................................... Thanksgiving - United States

KAPPAN submissions deadline for December issue

November 28...........................................................Hanukkah begins

Sharing Our Memories No matter what the weather is in your part of the world, whether it’s the sunshine of Mexico or the snow of New York, December makes us think of family, home and comfort food.

For the December issue of the KAPPAN, we are asking you to share photographs of your own handmade quilts, cookie recipes and memories of “the good old days.”

The quilt photo can be just the quilt or of you or a loved one wrapped in it. Include the name of the quilt pattern, a few sentences about the quilt and your name, chapter and state.

When it comes to comfort food, cookies head the list. Do you have a favorite cookie recipe to share? Send the KAPPAN the recipe and a brief history of the recipe along with your name, chapter and S/P/N. If you have a photo of you enjoying your cookies, please send that too.

Let us hear what your chapter or teaching was like way back when. Did you wear hats and gloves to meetings or use the handshake? Do you have stories about the days of dittos and dress codes? Remember to include your name, chapter and S/P/N. The deadline is October 1. Submissions are to be made using the JotForm on our website.

Garden List

1 Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi 2 Ellen Wixom, AZ Zeta 3 Viki Bozeman, GA Alpha Tau 4 Amanda Slaten, TX Gamma Kappa 5-24 Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi 25-26 Lisa Lang, GA Delta 27 Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi 28 Bonnie Devereaux, GA Beta Eta 29 Elaine Williams, KY Kappa 30 Sue Pelchat - CT Mu 31 Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi 32 Norma Ricketts, Jamaica Epsilon 33 Judy Ganzert, International 34 Judy Sikes, GA Beta Rho 35 Julie Brown, KY Alpha Eta 36 Kim Matthias, VA Beta Epsilon 37 Leesa Loggains, MO Alpha Eta 38 Margaret Simon, LA Alpha Nu 39 Sandy Wolfe, VA Alpha Rho 40-58 Lisa Lang, GA Delta 59 Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi 60-61 Meredith Ching, HI Theta 62 Mollie Acosta, International

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LIBERTY, MO PERMIT No. 1092

Alpha Delta Kappa

1615 West 92nd Street Kansas City, MO 64114-3210

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International Chapter and International Executive Board Actions Now Online The International Executive Board, Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation Board of Directors and International Chapter work to maintain the organization and provide programming for members. Decisions and actions of these bodies may be found on the website: ABOUT A∆K/International Chapter and International Executive Board/Agendas and Actions.

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