Kappa State News Of

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society Arkansas

September 2016 Vol. 58, No. 5

Over 30 Kappa State members were among the 2056 members and guests regis-

tered for the 2016 DKG International Convention July 5-9. From the opening session

which was concluded by music with a country flavor to the “Passages” Banquet that

installed Society leadership for the next biennium, it was a stimulating week promot-

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

The highlight for Kappa State was the election and installation of Carolyn Pittman as

International President for 2016-2018, but many others made major contributions.

Candi Martin served as a floor page during the business sessions and was elected South-

east Regional Representative to the US Forum. Dr. Teri Cox and Carolyn Pittman each

presented during breakout sessions. Many state officers and related personnel at-

tended sessions geared to their responsibilities. Those sessions were led by noted

guest speakers, International staff, officers or committee members.

Wanda Roe, Angel Owen, Sharon Rapp and Joy Graham sang with the International

Convention Choir at the “Passages” Banquet. Leisa Dodson contributed her musical

talent by playing before and after the fifth general session on Saturday, July 9.

The Celebration of Life service honored Kappa State sisters who died during the past biennium. Other recognition went to Pam Pruett for the recent com-pletion of her dissertation and to Norma Daniel, Charlotte Akelaitis and Wanda Roe who were among convention attendees with 50+ years of DKG member-ship. Musical “Traveling Mercies” sent DKG sisters from 17 countries home re-newed and looking forward to gathering in Austin in 2017.

I n s ide t h i s i s sue:

President’s Page 2

Member News with note from Carolyn 3

State & International News 4

Fall Meeting Information 5

Dates to Remember 6

Music City Memories—2016 International Convention

85 Years and Beyond—Advancing Key Women Educators For Life

The incoming DKG International Administrative Board gathered for this picture after the installation of elected

members. Kappa State’s Carolyn Pittman can be seen at right center wearing a bright lei.

2

Kappa State News September 2016

DKG—Our Journey Together

Candi’s Comments:

As we begin a new year in DKG, I look forward to meeting with chapters

around the state. We have such a wonderful collection of experience, tal-

ents, and ideas that it truly amazes me. I can think of no other group of pro-

fessionals that crosscuts every area of knowledge and talent. I would like to

encourage every chapter to put these assets to good use this year and every

year as we continue to support women educators, children, and education.

Every member has something to offer and is more than willing to give her

time and talent. Providing meaningful projects for our members is an espe-

cially good way to get members excited about chapter activity. Perhaps your

chapter does the same project(s) every year. As long as there is energy and

involvement, there is no reason to change. However, if members are losing

their enthusiasm for your projects, it might be time to enlist their help in

developing new projects. I have seen several chapters shake things up a bit

with regards to their projects and it has given a new energy to their mem-

bers. One interesting project that I recently received information about from

International President Carolyn Pittman is called, “The Crayon Initiative.”

This is one in which member teachers were involving their students, schools

and communities. What a great way to let people of all ages know who DKG

members are and what we do! I will be sending information about this pro-

ject to all chapter presidents soon. Perhaps this is something that will appeal

to your chapter. A young member in my chapter is already aligning it with her

standards and is excited about presenting it to her administrator. Whether it

is “The Crayon Initiative” or another project, I hope that you will give serious

consideration to whether your chapter projects need a shake up. Sometimes

the reason, “We’ve always done that,” just isn’t good enough anymore.

Good luck to you in all your projects,

Candi Martin 2015—2017 Kappa State President

Kappa State President Candi Martin (2nd from the right) was

introduced at the DKG International Convention with other state

presidents from the Southeast Region.

Look for KS Update!

August marked the launch of a new state publication, KS Update, a newsletter for all chapter presidents. Contents center on chapter deadlines and information important to Society business. The one page publication is prepared by Linda Davidson, chair-man of the Kappa State Communica-tions and Publicity Committee, and distributed at the beginning of each even numbered month.

Serving Beyond

State Borders

Dr. Teri Cox has been appointed

to the 2016-2018 International

Educational Excellence Commit-

tee. This committee identifies

and promotes programs and pro-

jects that empower women and

encourage excellence in educa-

tion. Both Schools for Africa and

support for early-career educators

are projects of interest for the

EEC.

3

Kappa State News September 2016

50 Year

Members Honored

Wanda Roe (Beta Pi), Charlotte Akelaitis (Delta) and Norma Daniel (Beta Epsilon) were recognized for over 50 years of DKG membership at the “Be the Change” Luncheon on Thursday of the Interna-tional Convention in Nashville.

Photo by Dee Ann Daniel

From the of Kappa State

Berry Awarded Scholarship

Congratulations to Nanette Berry, the

most recent recipient of a Kappa State

scholarship. Nanette, a two year mem-

ber of Alpha Sigma Chapter, will use the

$500 scholarship as she completes her

Ed. D. in Higher Education with emphasis

in Two-Year College Leadership at UALR.

A graduate of the University of Central

Arkansas, she has been a mathematics

instructor at the University

of Arkansas Community

College, Morrilton, for the

past 17 years. In her appli-

cation she says that the

scholarship will contribute

to her summer and fall tui-

tion for dissertation hours

leading to December 2016

graduation. After comple-

tion of her degree, she

plans to continue teaching

algebra, quantitative liter-

acy and statistics at

UACCM. She will also serve

as Alpha Sigma Chapter

treasurer for the coming biennium.

Below: Cathy Toney presents Carolyn Pittman with a full basket of good wishes—cards from many Kappa State chapters. Look-ing on are Candi Martin and Carolyn’s daugh-ter, Holcomb (back to the camera).

Nanette Berry

July 15, 2016

Dear Kappa State Family,

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: “You are the wind beneath my wings.” Kappa State has lifted me in every way possible for more than 30 years. Without the opportunities you have given and supported, I would not be the 2016-2018 international president. Your con-stant and true trust has given me the courage to be creative, to grow personally, to develop professionally, to know abiding friendship.

The congratulatory charm bracelet you gave me will take you with me wherever this DKG journey leads because I wear it as a reminder of our bonds and your support. I am humbled by the many cards signed by chapter members across the state. I treasure your good wishes.

Thank you for being the champions of education and of educators. May your great works continue. Much Love,

4

Kappa State News September 2016

2016 Kappa State Leadership Seminar Wrap-up Contributed by Leisa Dodson, Leadership Development Chair

The participants of Kappa State Leadership Seminar 2016 rowed their boats to beautiful Lake Point Conference Center on Lake Dardanelle, June 21-22. Eleven key Arkansas women educators received 12 professional development hours in leadership, advocacy, health/safety and technology from the Arkansas Department of Education. Sessions included: Leadership That Solves Problems led by Kappa State President Candi Martin and Leadership Development Chair Leisa Phillips Dodson; Leadership that Stretches led by Yoga Instructor Connor Duesterbeck; Leadership that Colors Outside the Lines led by Dr. Julie Robinson, University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture; The Leader’s 21st Century Toolbox led by KS Technology Committee Chair Heather Trusty; and Leadership that Advocates led by International President Carolyn Pittman.

The Kappa State Leadership Class of 2016 will be presented at the Fall Executive Board and Member Meeting on September 24. The 2016 Leadership Class from seven Arkansas chapters includes Karen Roe (Gamma Rho), Heather Eggers (Gamma Rho), Dale Anne McClellan (Gamma), Dr. Teri Cox (Gamma), Joy Graham (Gamma Beta), Joann Saarnio (Gamma Rho), Brandy Eddington (Chi), Rebecca Mills (Theta), Joye Ryan-Jones (Iota), Kay Johns (Alpha Theta), and Liz Vernon (Alpha Theta).

Not pictured, but very much present and accounted for was the 2015-2017 Leadership Development Committee comprised of Connie Gardner (Chi), Jenny Hodge (Chi), Candace Martin (Chi), Carolyn Pittman (Gamma Omicron), Claudia Smith (Gamma Omicron), Cathy Toney (Theta), Heather Trusty (Theta), Linda Vailes (Beta Epsilon) and Chair Leisa Phillips Dodson (Chi) who says thank you for a job well done.

Scenes From Nashville

Never doubt that a small group

of thoughtful ,committed citizens

can change the world. Indeed,

it’s the only thing that ever has.

- Margaret Mead

This group from Arkansas

helped pass a resolution

against bullying at the US

Forum on July 7.

Past State President Wanda

Roe congratulating Carolyn

Pittman at the conclusion of

the “Passages” Banquet

Each state has reserved seats during business sessions. Linda Vailes signals the Kappa State

area.

Several

from Kappa

State won

beautiful

door

prizes.

Here is

Charlotte

Akelaitis

with hers.

5

Kappa State News September 2016

DKG

DKG – Our Journey Together Fall Executive Board and Members Meeting

September 24, 2016 - Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, AR

Schedule At A Glance 8:30 — Registration Opens 8:30 – 9:10 — Committee Meetings 9:15 – 9:45 — General Session I

Welcome, Introductions, Report from International Convention 10:00 – 10:45—Break-out Sessions I 10:45 – 11:00 —Break 11:00 – 11:45 — Break-out Sessions II 11:45 – 12:00 — Visit with Vendors 12:00 – 1:15 — Lunch & General Session II

Leadership Seminar Video and Pinning Ceremony

Executive Board Meeting (All KS members welcome.)

Education Foundation Report 1:30 – 2:15 — Break-out Sessions III 2:30 – 3:00 — General Session III

Announcements, Door Prizes, Closing Remarks

Breakout Session I

1. Leading with Excellence led by Candi Martin (Chi) - Participants will discuss leadership strategies to create a collaborative effort to achieve group goals.

2. Using Book Talks for Chapter Programs led by Laquita Wisner (Epsilon) - In the novel Hannah Fowler, Janice Holt Giles creates a pioneer woman who with her husband conquers the Kentucky wilderness.

3. While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced In Their Heads led by Kay Calvert (Beta Beta) - Devel-oping leadership traits begins with a vision. Turning a vision into reality requires action steps with measurable goals.

4. Chapter Treasurers: Forms – Reports - Forms led by Linda Vailes (Beta Epsilon) - Discussion of the responsibilities of the chapter treasurers and their obli-gations to the Society and to the IRS.

Breakout Session II

1. Taking the Fear out of Parlia-mentary Procedure led by Leisa Dodson (Chi) - Through creative role play participants will learn how to participate and lead in any meeting, DKG or otherwise.

2. Leading From the Front led by Dr. Teri Cox (Gamma) - Partici-pants will benefit from encour-agement and reminders of how they can help mentor and em-power newer and potential mem-bers.

3. Roadmap to Retirement led by Janet Walker (Mu) - this presen-tation walks through important “mile marker” conversations that should be at the forefront when thinking about retirement and after retirement.

4. Membership, but Much More!(for 2nd VPs) led by Cathy Toney (Theta) - Participants will learn about membership, being a leader with new and current members and mentoring. Discus-sion will include the DKG revised program for recruiting new mem-bers.

Breakout Session III

1. Chapter 1st Vice Presidents – Educational Excellence led by Joy Graham (Gamma Beta) - Suggestions for chapter programs and keeping your chapter up-to-date with global activities.

2. Get Involved: Knowing More about the National US Legisla-tive Forum led by Beverly Cox (Beta Nu) - What our DKG sisters do to influence educational ini-tiatives in the United States that directly impact the well-being of women and children financially as well as educationally.

3. Sharing As You Should led by Norma Brown (Iota) – Certifying Society websites seems quite complicated to many chapters. Copyright and privacy laws must be complied with. These will be discussed with suggestions for satisfying those restraints.

4. So You’re the Chapter Secre-tary – Now What? led by Janie Hickman (Beta Omega) – Review of the responsibilities of the chapter secretary, the impor-tance of communicating, what really needs to go in the meeting minutes and obligations to the Society.

Kappa State Board and Members Meet-ing online registration is posted at kappastate.weebly.com. Early registra-tion cost is $35 and must be completed by September 2. After that the cost is $45. Payment may be made with credit card, Paypal or by mailing a check to Kappa State Registrar Sara Watson (Gamma Beta). All Kappa State members are welcome to attend and each chapter should have their president or her representative in atten-dance to participate in the Executive

Members may choose from four workshops in each breakout session.

Up to three professional credit hours for the day are available,

6

Kappa State News September 2016

Dates to Remember

KS Fall Executive Board and Members Meeting September 24, 2016

2nd Presbyterian Church, Little Rock

Kappa State Convention June 9-11, 2017

Lake Point Convention Center, Russellville

Southeast Regional Conference July 19-22, 2017

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel

Myrtle Beach, SC

International Convention July 16-20, 2018

Austin, TX

Deadlines

September 1, February 1, May 1,—Applications for Cornetet Professional

Development Awards (dkgef.org)

October 1— Kappa State Education Foundation Project Applications

October 1—Submissions to the DKG Bulletin: Journal

October 10—Items for November Kappa State News

October 31—Annual dues to chapter treasurer

November 1—Agatha Prator Applications

December 13, June 30—Kappa State Scholarshhip Applications

If any of you have pictures from chapter meetings or projects, area meetings this spring or International Convention that you would like to share, I would appreciate receiving them between now and September 15 for a “year in review” display at Fall Meeting. Please get permission to publish from anyone included in the pictures unless it’s from an event that had permission on the registra-tion form.

Thanks, Norma

Kappa State News is published online the first of each odd numbered month at kappastate.weebly.com.

Send articles, comments and questions to Norma Brown at

15132 Stephens Rd. Siloam Springs, AR 72761 or brownfarms@centurytel.net

Contributions to the Kappa State Education Foundation since July 1, 2016 Memorial for

Mr. W. C. Barger, brother of Faye Bittle by Earlene Hankins, Beta Xi

In Honor of Julia Sharp, Gamma Eta

by Gamma Eta Chapter

Special Gift of surplus funds from Area II spring meeting

What’s Up Right Now

at dkg.org? Contact information for 2016-2018 Ad-

ministrative Board

Video of Mike Figliulo, founder of

thoughtLEADERS, from convention

Current Society publications

at kappastate.weebly.com? Education Foundation project applica-

tion forms

Agenda and registration form for Kappa State Fall Executive Board and Members

Meeting

Now’s the Time

Annual dues should be paid to your chapter treasurer

no later than October 31.

Do your hard working treasurer a favor.

Bring your dues to the first meeting this fall.