DEADLINES

September, 2016 15 Send to 2nd VP/Membership Chairman Sandra Pruitt the following by regular or email: 25- and 50-Year Membership Recognition

24 SE District Meeting hosted by Omicron Chapter, Ponchatoula, LA, Kiwanis Log Cabin October, 2016 01 SW District Meeting hosted by Alpha Gamma Chapter, Pioneer Club at Chase Bank Building, Lake Charles 08 C District Meeting hosted by Alpha Pi, Parkview Baptist Church, Alexandria 15 NE District Meeting hosted by Beta Chi, Utility Baptist Church, Jonesville 22 S District Meeting hosted by Beta Upsilon, Holiday Inn Causeway Blvd., Metairie 29 NW District Meeting, hosted by Beta Epsilon, First Baptist Church, Gibsland 31 DEADLINE for dues to be paid to chapter November, 2016 01 Chapter treasurers must drop members who have not paid their dues.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE International News 1 First VP Report 2 Second VP Report 2 Recording Secretary Report 2 Presidents Message 3 In Memoriam 4 Southeast Shining Star 4 State Nominations Report 5 Personal Committee Report 5 State Contest & Project 6 International Convention 7 2016 Fall District Meetings 8 Spotlight on Our Sisters 9

STATE OFFICERS

President Judy Rongey, Upsilon--S 1st Vice President Kathye Blackburn, Alpha Rho--NW

2nd Vice President

Sandra Pruitt, Xi--SW Recording Secretary Gwen Traylor, Omicron--SE Parliamentary Advisor

Lori Myers, Theta--NE Executive Secretary

Peggy King, Alpha Lambda--SE Treasurer Linda Jackson, Beta Gamma--SE Deltion Editor

Wanda Lemoine, Beta Omicron--NW

LouisianaDELTION Volume LXXIV, Number 1 Fall 2016

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INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Dana Perilloux, First Timer from Upsilon Chapter

Howdy! As a DKG International Convention first timer, Gaylord's Resort in

Nashville, Tennessee was the place to be. We were over 2000 DKG Key Women

Educators that came together from 17 countries to share our "Blue Sky Thinking", to

dance country style, to chant "Born Ready", and to make new friends. It was truly a

blessing to be amongst so many dedicated and inspiring educators in a facility that

was filled with lush gardens, water fountains, and perfect inside climate like a

beautiful spring day. The keynote speakers, authors, presenters, and international

leaders were all so upbeat, inspiring, and motivating. I truly had a Rootin' Tootin'

time with my DKG Sisters. I am blessed to be a part of such a positive and

passionate professional organization. Now let's welcome aboard our new

International President of DKG for 2016-2018, Carolyn Pittman!

Photograph taken by: Yve Assad Photography

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

85 Years and Beyond: Advancing Key Woman Educators for Life

Remember you now need your user name and a password to enter some parts on the International website. The User Name is your six digit member ID# and the password is dkg2014society. Check out DKG history, involvement around the world, scholarships and grants available, and much more!

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CELEBRATE MEMBERSHIP...

Sandra Pruitt, 2nd Vice President and State Membership Chairman

Your membership is important. You are important. As we begin this year, remember to recruit, retain and reinstate. Use your new membership plan. Please email me to let me know if you have used the plan and your success stories. Celebrate your success. Remember to send in your Golden Rose, Rosebud, Rose-in-Bloom and the 25 and 50 Year Membership Forms. These are due September 15. Golden Rose awardees can only receive this award one time, so check with your members before sending in their names. Golden Rose is for those members who are age 55 or older and are still working in education. 25-year members were initiated in 1991 and 50-year members were initiated in 1966. Please send completed forms even if you do not have anyone’s name to put on the form. Forms must be completed and sent in by the due date in order to receive the Key Chapter credit. All forms are on the website. Please let me know if you have members with over 50 years and their initiation date. Either email me the form as an attachment – spruitt-dkg@bellsouth.net or mail it by snail mail to 2130 S Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526. My phone number is 337-788-2669 if you have any questions that I can help you with.

KEY CHAPTER UPDATE Gwen Traylor, Recording Secretary

First, let me say how proud I am of the many chapters who gained key chapter status. Thirty chapters worked hard and achieved their goal. I hope to see an even greater number of applications next February. There is one important change to the form on the website. At International Convention in Nashville we learned that no books nominated for the 2016 Educator’s Award met all of the criteria. Therefore, you cannot complete the goal on page two under “Educational Excellence.” Give yourself a free point in that box. Point values for the different key chapter awards will not change. I look forward to seeing all of you at the district meetings you are working so hard to produce. Epsilon State’s talent and creativity really did shine at last year’s meetings. I can’t wait what to see what you’ve planned

ON OUR WAY TO THE FUTURE…

Kathye Blackburn, 1st Vice President, kathyeb.dkg@gmail.com

As we prepare for the new biennium, I would like to address the following information to our 1st Vice Presidents:

1. Yearbooks-will be due at your District Meeting or by November 15. Yearbooks should be either given to me in hard copy format- 8 ½ X 11 or electronically. If you need to discuss your format with me, just contact me. The information on how to complete the yearbook is found on the state website, www.epsilonstatedkg.org. To cut down on paper, the push is for your chapter to send in a copy of your yearbook in electronic form. If you can’t, try to incorporate that for next year. Start now looking at the forms. Send the forms to me at kathyeb.dkg@gmail.com.

2. State Convention Workshop applications will be due to me by November 15. Because of the weather at the last convention, several of you couldn’t present your workshops, please resubmit it for this year. We will have opportunities for 8 workshops. Get your application online on the Epsilon State website. Go ahead and send it in now if you have it ready. Send it to kathyeb.dkg@gmail.com. Thanks again for stepping up to present at the convention. Everyone looks forward to these workshops.

3. International Projects-One of the projects is Schools for Africa. I am hoping to have all chapters participate this year. You will have a chance at the District Workshops to help provide things for these unfortunate children. Every little bit helps toward a great education. Let’s help make a Change for the Future.

4. EEC Report-You will not have a report. It is included in the President’s report. Help your president when she fills out the report. Ask her how you can help with the questions about Excellence in Education.

T h e L o u i s i a n a D e l t i o n

The Louisiana Deltion is published three times a year: fall, winter, and spring/summer in Natchitoches, LA, by the Epsilon State of Louisiana. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Deadlines are August 1, December 1, and April 1, respectively…Please send

correspondence to Wanda Lemoine, Deltion Editor, P.O. Box 34, Coushatta, LA 71019 Email: w_lemoine@yahoo.com

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Celebrating Our PastCelebrating Our PastCelebrating Our PastCelebrating Our Past - Advancing Our FutureAdvancing Our FutureAdvancing Our FutureAdvancing Our Future

A Message from State

President Judy Rongey At the International Convention in Nashville, I was so excited and nervous to share my reflections of "85 years and Beyond" with the International Executive Board. As I began my speech, I asked all the members to smile as I took this selfie to capture this moment. Even in the 20 years I have been a DKG member, we've come a long way, sisters! I posted this selfie on Facebook connecting with 1,000 DKG members in a push of a button. As I began reflecting on DKG’s journey that began in 1929, I realized how far this organization has come. It began in one state with twelve educators who had a vision to make a difference in education. During the first year of inception, seventeen chapters joined the journey, including Sigma chapter who telegraphed Rho chapter to say "We've just been born." Eighty-seven years later, we are able to connect with almost 2,300 chapters using our phones, tablets and computers. What would our founder, Dr. Annie Blanton think? I think she would celebrate seeing her dreams continued by recognizing achievements by educators, financially assisting educators with nearly $5,000,000, assisting Schools In Africa with over $320,000, and the expansion of DKG globally in 17 countries and over 75,000 members. What words would she share with us as we continue this journey to the beyond? I think of her timeless quote when she encouraged teachers, she said "Be progressive. Keep up with the moving world." To be progressive and to prepare for our journey to the beyond starts today with you and me. I think this journey is like preparing for an extended trip. We can't bring along everything from our past. Dr. Schmid, our immediate past International President, has encouraged us to prune away the things that no longer have value while finding the right balance for change. To pack for our journey to “advance our future,” we do need our vision, our mission and our 7 purposes from

the past. To ADVANCE, we need to attract attention to DKG in our community and in our state. We need to be mindful of making a difference in education. The number one reason people choose to be a member of an organization is to make a difference. Is your chapter making a difference in education, in your community and in our state? Also we need to make sure all members (young and more experienced) have a voice in our plans as we move forward. All members need to be aware of where we have been and where we are going. Download the Go-To-Guide to utilize in your journey. Plan for the needs of all members to ensure they are prepared for an ever changing world. Change is inevitable. Plan changes in your programs and projects to keep all members interested and engaged. Please join me in advancing our future in Epsilon State. Let's pack our bags with the appropriate balance of new and old because our future begins today. It begins with you and me. I'm excited and ready for the journey. Are you?

Celebrating our pas!

2017 Southeast Regional Conference2017 Southeast Regional Conference2017 Southeast Regional Conference2017 Southeast Regional Conference

July 19-22, 2017

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

at Myrtle Beach Convention Center

RECEIVING THE DELTION???

Wanda Lemoine, Deltion Editor

Visit our state website and complete the form to choose which version (Email or Postal) of the Deltion you want to receive. If you have already chosen, that’s wonderful. If not, please make your choice. Also make sure I have your current email account (for emailing purposes only). Some school email

accounts do not work properly.

LINDA RUTH JACKSON NAME SOUTHEAST STAR

AT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Epsilon State President Judy Rongey announced Linda Ruth Jackson as the Louisiana Southeast Star at the International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. During the Southeast Regional Breakfast each state in the region announced its star. Louisiana members heartily applauded when “The Money Lady” walked on stage to accept her award. Linda Ruth, a member since 1968, joined Omicron Chapter, transferred to Alpha Kappa, and then to Beta Gamma as her professional assignments changed. She chaired every committee at the chapter level, served as Second Vice-President and Treasurer. At the state level she served on committees and chaired Professional Affairs, as well as Finance. She has served as Epsilon State Treasurer since 2005 where she responsibly leads training for chapter treasurers. Professionally, with BA and MA degrees in business education, Linda Ruth served as a teacher, an instructor, and department head for vocational/tech schools. She belonged to several vocational organizations before retiring. Linda’s many community responsibilities indicate her dedication to public good. She taught Sunday School, as well as teaching and directing Vacation Bible School at her church. She also continues to serve on the Administrative Board, the Finance Committee, and works with after-school tutoring. She operates as Financial Secretary and Palmetto Cemetery Coordinator. She contributes to Christmas Gifts to the Public. After working several years with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Linda received an Award of Merit from Tunica District of Istrouma Area Boy Scouts of America. Epsilon Members salute Linda Ruth Jackson as the Louisiana Southeast Star.

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PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM “CHECKS”

Thank you for honoring me as a Southeast Shining Star during the 2016 international Convention. I will wear my pin with Pride and with Humility.

Linda

IN MEMORIAM

Juanita P. Lambert, Omicron, SE

Deborah Roux, Beta Upsilon, S

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It’s Time to CELEBRATE!!

EPSILON STATE OFFICERS NOMINATIONS Glenda Spurgeon, Beta Xi

It does not seem possible that two years have passed since our last nominations process, but it is indeed time to “CELEBRATE” Epsilon State by nominating 2017-2019 Epsilon State Officers and State Nominations Committee members.

On August 6th at our State Committee meeting, the State Nominations Committee will be updating the two nomination applications. You will be able to download them at our state website shortly afterwards in order to begin the nominations process. Remember the DEADLINE is November 15, 2016.

During your Chapter Meetings and your District Meetings, please discuss this nominations process and choose which Epsilon State sisters you wish to nominate. Once the updated forms are available, complete them and send them to the State Nominations Committee Chairman, Glenda Spurgeon, 5149 Hunters Grove Lane, Alexandria, LA 71303 or glenda.spurgeon@rpsb.us or spurgeong@bellsouth.net.

EPSILON STATE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

WANTED The Personnel Committee will be taking applications for the office of Epsilon State Executive Secretary. Guidelines and applications are on the Epsilon State Website or can be obtained by contacting Charlotte Elmer at CAElmer@aol.com. Deadline for applications

is January 14, 2017.

WRITE FOR THE BULLETIN

Research, write, and share ideas in The DKG Bulletin. Members of the Editorial Board encourage submissions. Go to the DKG website. Visit the Editorial Board under Committees, then Editorial Board and Resources. Find the manuscript submission guidelines,

grid, rubric and suggested themes.

A few Words from Central District Director

Amanda Taylor

Hello, Epsilon State! Time to get back in the swing of things for our new school year. Central District members have been very busy this summer. Check out their adventures as well as the adventures of all of our members on our Epsilon State Facebook page! Summer is always a time to enjoy life and rejuvenate ourselves. And there is no need to hunt for activities after summer has ended. Alpha Pi Chapter would like to invite Central District members, Epsilon State officers, and guests to our Central District meeting at Parkview Baptist Church on October 8, 2016. It promises to be a day of growth and renewal. Join us on this wonderful fall day!

Join sisters on Facebook Search for Epsilon State DKG Group currently 213 members

Download your copy of

GoGoGoGo----T0 T0 T0 T0 GuideGuideGuideGuide for for for for Chapter MembersChapter MembersChapter MembersChapter Members Find the guide under

resources on dkg.org site

Bookmark Contest

for literacy project

“Baskets of Books for Babes”

“Baskets of Books for Babes!”“Baskets of Books for Babes!”“Baskets of Books for Babes!”“Baskets of Books for Babes!” 2016 Epsilon State Project2016 Epsilon State Project2016 Epsilon State Project2016 Epsilon State Project

What?What?What?What? Epsilon State DKG members donate new board books for young children through Early Steps. Board books are durable books printed on thick cardboard which are most

suitable for small children.

Who?Who?Who?Who? Early StepsEarly StepsEarly StepsEarly Steps is a program provided throughout Louisiana for families with children

from birth to three years old with medical conditions or developmental delays. The goal of

Early Steps is to improve the children’s development including enhancing literacy. Epsilon

State’s district directors will present the books to the ten regions of Early Steps. The

providers of Early Steps services will distribute the books to the families of these young

learners.

WhereWhereWhereWhere to find appropriate titles? Check smile.amazon.com for titles by searching “board books for babies.” Members can purchase board books at various stores, including Walmart,

Target, Scholastic, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

When?When?When?When? Bring the board books to your district meeting this fall. If you are not able to attend the district meeting, please send your book with a member who will be attending.

Why?Why?Why?Why? Our state president, Judy Rongey, and many of our members work with young learners and understand the importance of books in the lives of young children. Many of our members’

students have benefitted from the Early Steps services provided in the home.

Let’s aim for 1600 books – 267 per district!

Design a bookmark for our state literacy project. One bookmark design will be selected to be printed and included with each donated board book for children receiving services from Early Steps. See guidelines below:

1) Dimensions must be 2 inches wide and 7 inches long

2) Include a tip for reading to young children on front side

3) Graphics must be copyright free

4) Include “donated by members of the Louisiana State Organization of Delta Kappa Gamma Society

International” on reserve side

Submit electronically by September 9th to jrongey@bellsouth.net

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2016 District Meetings

All registration and breakfast snacks begin at 8:30 a.m. All meetings begin at 9:00 a.m.

Northwest District Meeting Saturday, October 29, 2016

"Celebrating Our Past, Advancing Our Future" Gibsland First Baptist Church

1781 Main Street, Gibsland, LA Registration Fee $5 Luncheon Cost $20

Total Cost $25 Deadline Date to Register: October 8 Make check to: Beta Epsilon Chapter

(Please put NW District Meeting on Memo line.)

Mail Registration Form and Check to: Ann Holomon

3132 Driskill Street, Arcadia, LA 71001

Southeast District September 24, 2016 Kiwanis Log Cabin

255 W Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula LA Registration Fee: $5

Breakfast & Lunch: $25 Total Cost $30

Theme: “Celebrating Our Louisiana Heritage” Deadline Date to register: September 3

Checks payable to: Omicron DKG District Meeting Send Registration Form and Check to:

Diane Hughes 20470 Old Covington Highway,

Hammond, LA 70403

Southwest District Meeting October 1, 2016

Pioneer Club 127 W Broad St., Lake Charles, LA

Registration Fee $5 Luncheon Cost $25

Total Cost $30

Deadline Date to Register: September 9 Make checks to DKG - Alpha Gamma Chapter

(Put SW District Meeting on memo line.) Send Registration Form and Check to:

Carolyn Stewart 986 Wood Rd.

Lake Charles, LA 70611

South District Meeting

October 22, 2016

Holiday Inn 2261 N. Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA

Registration fee: $5 Luncheon Cost: $30

Total Cost: $35 Deadline Date to register: September 20

Checks made payable to: DKG Beta Upsilon Chapter (Put S District Meeting on memo line.)

Send Registration Form and Check to:

Sheila Borne 4461 David Drive, Kenner, LA 70065

Northeast District Meeting October 15, 2016

Utility Baptist church 2230 Hwy 84 Jonesville, La

Registration Fee: $5 Luncheon Cost: $25

Total Cost $30 Program: “Cooking Up a Storm”

Deadline Date to register: September 23

Make checks payable to: DKG Beta Chi Chapter (Put NE District Meeting on memo line.)

Send Registration Form and Check to: Ramona Spence

239 Spring Ridge Road

Grayson, LA. 71435

Central District Meeting October 8, 2016

"Celebrating Teachers" Parkview Baptist Church 2101 MacArthur Drive

Alexandria, LA Registration Fee $5 Luncheon Cost $20

Total Cost $25 Deadline Date for register: September 28

Make checks payable to: DKG Alpha Pi Chapter Send Registration Form and Check to:

Susan Crooks 267 Q. Stockman Road

Deville, LA 71328

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MISSON STATEMENT

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

Epsilon State 2017 State Convention – March 24-26, 2017 Hilton New Orleans Airport, Kenner

The Louisiana Deltion Wanda Lemoine, Deltion Editor P.O. Box 34 Coushatta, LA 71019

NON-PROFIT ORG. PRSRT STD

PAID PERMIT NO. 1015

NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457

Ce l e b r a t i n g Ou r S i s t e r s i n t h e Sp o t l i g h t C e l e b r a t i n g Ou r S i s t e r s i n t h e Sp o t l i g h t C e l e b r a t i n g Ou r S i s t e r s i n t h e Sp o t l i g h t C e l e b r a t i n g Ou r S i s t e r s i n t h e Sp o t l i g h t

• Mary Jane Clark and Renee Siccone, Gamma Eta, SE, will be the co-chairs for the 2018 Epsilon State Convention.

• Mitzi Quinn, Alpha Alpha, NW, will be the Secondary Curriculum Coordinator for Morehouse Parish.

• Omicron Chapter, SE, hopes to see you in Ponchatoula for the Southeast District Meeting. We will meet at the Kiwanis

Log Cabin on September 24. On your way into town notice the quilt squares on the sides of buildings as we celebrate our

Southeast Louisiana heritage. We hope you will allow time after the meeting to browse our many antique shops in the

downtown area.

• Connie Wilson, Alpha Rho, NW, will be Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Southern Arkansas

University.

• Alpha Sigma Chapter, NW, initiated six new members at their April chapter meeting.

• Beta Sigma Chapter, C, awarded Tiffani McArthur, an ECE educator who was awarded a $100.00 grant for classroom

supplies last year, will be initiated to their chapter this fall. In addition, they hope to offer at least five more grants this

year. Each recipient is invited to a meeting to share how she will use the funds.

• Margret Atkinson, Gamma Eta, SE, a teacher at Northwestern Middle School/Cooper Mills elementary in Zachary was

among 23 teachers selected to be a Behring Teacher Ambassador for National History Day during the 2016-2017 school

year.

• Tammy Jennings, Rho, SE, was named State PTA Educator of Distinction at their past Spring Convention. Tammy was

also named Tchefuncte Middle School's Teacher of the Year 2015-2016

• Tracy Hoffman. Rho, SE, was named St Tammany Parish High School Teacher of the Year 2016. Tracy was also

named Fontainebleau High School's Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016

• Marian Arrowsmith, Rho, SE, was recognized by LRTA at their past spring convention for her strong commitment to

Retiree Legislation

• Roxanne Lagarde, Rho Chapter, SE, is the newly elected President of the St. Tammany Retired School Employee

Association

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KEEP UP WITH EVERYTHING Visit the Epsilon State Website at www.epsilonstatedkg.org Visit the International Website www.dkg.org

The Deltion is now available online at our state website. Choose how you would like to receive the Deltion.

Technology Tip: Create Your Own Fillable Form with Microsoft Word

On the state and chapter level, members can develop their own forms to make it easier to collect information and to ensure consistency. To create the fillable form, follow the simple steps using Microsoft Word (2013 or 2016): https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Create-a-fillable-form-39a58412-107e-426b-a10b-ac44937e3a9f http://www.howtogeek.com/203892/how-to-create-fillable-forms-with-ms-word-2010/ http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U-YaqrFMbSs