Published: December 31, 2008 10:53 am      

Rho Chapter gathers for breakfast meeting

ADA — Members of Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma gathered for a breakfast meeting Dec. 6. President Donna Large led the invocation before the buffet breakfast, then called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Minutes of the November meeting were approved with corrections.

Mary Scalf reported that the silent auction at the November meeting generated $121 from the sale of items, and extra donations brought the total proceeds to $181 for the scholarship fund. Cathy Worley, the current scholarship recipient, has been paid $200 for the first semester. The treasurer’s report was filed for audit.

Kathleen Lehman of the membership committee suggested each member work to recruit one new member, and suggested that the March tour of the new performing arts center would be a good time to invite guests to acquaint them with Delta Kappa Gamma.

The budget presented by Edna Mae Cooley for the audit committee was accepted by all those present. Susie Stevens posed a question about the use and maintenance of the current web site, and she and Kay Gamble described the possibilities of a free Wikki page. Kay Gamble volunteered to build a “Rhowikki” page for use as a new web site.

Patsy West shared preliminary information about the essay project, with the topic “Why is it important for all American citizens to vote?” Packets will be mailed to seventh and eighth grade writing teachers in early January for a January 31, 2009, deadline. Prizes of $20 for first place, and $10 for second place will be given at each grade level.

In lieu of the planned sharing of Christmas traditions and memories, members shared teaching ideas and reported upon recent adventures. Jo Ann Hefley entertained us all with her report of a trip to Antarctica. She has now visited all seven continents. She described her travel aboard a ship to the icy continent, told of seeing four types of penquins, a fall through the ice, and gave a humorous account of the plane ride back to solid ground accompanied by new international friends. Kathleen Lehman shared ideas for using technology to begin classes with computer work, and a lively discussion took place concerning the uses and pitfalls of technology policies, and the challenges of balancing the protection of students with the benefits of freedom for teachers and students to explore the possibilities of technology. Comments were made about the benefits of having time to network and share ideas for the classroom.

Kay Gamble was congratulated on her award as a science teacher of the year, and Mary Scalf on her honor as the Pioneer Educator of the Year from the Retired Educators organization. Kathleen Lehman reported that the distribution of the Toys for Tots in Murray County is handled through the extension center with the help of 4-H members in Sulphur and Davis. She took the toys brought by members for delivery to the Murray County agency.

B.J. Smith and her students will prepare a brunch to be served following the tour of the Hallie Brown Ford Performing Arts Center at the next meeting on March 7, 2009. The meeting was adjourned following a group picture in front of the Christmas tree in the ballroom. Those attending the December meeting were Edna Mae Cooley, Kay Gamble, Judy Hanson, Jo Ann Hefley, Donna Large, Kathleen Lehman, Sandy Poe, Mary Scalf, Susie Stevens, and Patsy West.