Eta Zeta Press

Texas State Organization Five Star Award Newsletter

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Eta Zeta, Chapter 174, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas DKG Vision Statement:
Texas State Organization, Area 9 Leading Women Educators, Impacting Education Worldwide

Volume 54, Issue 3 The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes
December/January 2016-17 professional and personal growth of women educators and
excellence in education.

Lisa Bagley, Editor lisa@bagleyworks.com

Marys Musings
Happy New Year, Eta Zeta Date: January 23, 2017
Members! Time: 5:00 pm to eat and socialize
6:00 pm meeting start
Let me begin by saying I hope your
Holidays were joyous! Location: On The Border Mexican Restaurant
3130 Knox St.
On November 28 at our last chap- Dallas, TX 75205
ter meeting of 2016, Margo Baines (214) 462-7760
became an Eta Zeta member in the
Initiation Ceremony presided by Mary Claire Welch, who
was standing in for Ceremonies Chairman Tabitha Pruitt.
Diana Gonzalez and I assisted in the ceremony with Yvonne President: Mary Bixler
Manuel and Evelyn Hamilton, who sponsored Margo. The
First Vice President:
meeting was held at Chubbys Family Restaurant on North-
Second Vice President: Diana Gonzalez
west Highway.
Also at the November meeting, we honored Mary Recording Secretary: Seretha Merchant

Claire Welch for fifteen years as an Eta Zeta member, and Corresponding Secretary: Lisa Bagley

she received her fifteen-year pin. Thank you so much for Treasurer: Sandra McMillen
your dedicated service to our chapter, Mary Claire! Parliamentarian: Mary Claire Welch
Karen Keeter and Yvonne Manuel were hostesses. The Immediate Past President: Sandra Foster Brown
Social Committee Chair Beverly Leonard made sure that we Webmaster: Leigh Taylor
celebrated in style with cake and door prize distribution.
Evelyn Hamilton provided the Christmas door prizes and
Mary Claire Welch brought roses for decoration and as a gift Eta Zeta Press wants to know.we are looking forward to
to Margo; she also brought the materials for the induction hearing from you!
ceremony. Music Chairman Evelyn Hamilton and her com- Contact: Lisa Bagley
Corresponding Secretary
mittee provided music to celebrate our new member and
Sandra McMillen led us in the DKG song. Thank you all for By Mail: 8406 Baumgarten Drive
Dallas, Texas 75228
making the initiation meeting memorable! By Email: lisa@bagleyworks.com
I have been busy submitting the two end-of-year reports By Phone: (214) 770-2551
for our chapter. In preparation for a state officer position, I Please submit information for publication by Friday, March
recommended Mary Claire Welch for 10 for the upcoming issue.
Continued on page 2...

1

for a state committee chair position. I Continued from page 1...
would love to recommend other Eta
Zeta members who are interested in serving on a committee at
the state level. Its fun to expand your sphere of knowledge and
influencetry it! A copy of the application is on the state web-
site at www.dkgtexas.org/deadlinesforms.html . Look for
Application for State Personnel Appointments, click on it and
complete the form. I will help you if you ask! I dont need to
recommend you for this, but I would be glad to write a letter. At
the bottom of the form, you are directed to mail the form to the
TSO P.O. Box in Dallas.
Leigh Taylor expressed interest in the DKG opportunity to
teach English in China in the summer 2017. Good luck, Leigh!
On January 23, please plan to attend our chapter meeting at
On the Border on Knox Street to eat and socialize at 5:00 P.M.
We will begin the chapter meeting at 6:00 P.M. and welcome
former Eta Zeta member Kendall Hasse to tell her story of DKG
scholarship application success! I hope to see each of you Mon-
day, January 23.
We will have chapter meetings in February and March, but
in April we skip our chapter meeting in lieu of the Coordinating
Council of Dallas County Luncheon. The Luncheon is a wonder-
ful opportunity to visit with DKG members of Dallas County
chapters. It will be held at the Lakewood Country Club on April
1, 2017. We purchase the tickets as a chapter and sit together
at a table, so plan to reserve your place now!
Also, consider attending the state convention in Houston
this summer June 22-24. There is more information regarding
the state convention is this edition of the newsletter. You will
meet DKG members from all over the state, enjoy interesting
workshop sessions and find fun items to purchase. It will be
held at the Westin Galleria. Book a room at http://
dkgtexasconvention.weebly.com/hotel.html.
Finally, if you want a reason to go to Hawaii, the DKG South-
west Regional Conference will be there July 4-7, and they are
looking for presenters! You can find the forms at http://
www.dkg.org/DKGMember/
Events/2016_Regional_Conferences/
Regional_Conference_forms.aspx
Yours in sisterhood
Mary Bixler, President
A message from your
Area 9 Coordinator...
Happy New Year Dear Sisters!
2017 is here and we are looking forward to a lot of fun and
exciting events coming up.
If you signed up for the Spectacular Arts Festival, you are
one of the lucky ones. The weekend of Jan. 13-15 in Nava-
sota is when the festival will be taking place. I hope all of
you who are going have a wonderful experience while you
are there!
Our 88th State Convention is set for June 22-24 in Houston.
You may have heard that the venue has changed. We will
be at the Westin Galleria at 5060 W. Alabama, Houston
77056. Reservations are not open yet, but we will send an
all-points bulletin when they are ready for you to register.
Bonnie Moore and her committee are working hard for a
great convention.
July 4-7 is the Southwest Regional Conference in Honolulu,
Hawaii. I hope you are saving up for this great adventure as
well. I know those ladies in Hawaii are excited about all of
us from the mainland coming and having a great time in
their state!
Then we want to saddle up our horses, put on our boots
and grab our gear to pull out all the stops for the Interna-
tional Convention in Austin in 2018. The actual dates are
July 16-20th. I am so excited about this fantastic opportuni-
ty to show off our great state and our capital city! Not only
must we look like cowgirls, but WE MUST KEEP AUSTIN
WEIRD!
I hope each of you have a great start to 2017!!!!

Until Next Time,

DKG International Projects Cathy
Schools for Africa Cathy Criner
https://www.dkg.org/content/schools-africa-flyer-0 Area 9 Coordinator
S.E.E. (Support for Early Career Educators)
https://www.dkg.org/content/see-volunteer-hours

2
 August 29
St. Luke Community United Methodist Church
5710 E. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75223
Program: Salad Supper, 6:00 pm
September 26
Eta Zeta Birthday Wishes Chubbys Family Restaurant
11331 E. Northwest Highway #105f, Dallas, TX 75238
December Program: Legislative Educational Update, featuring Clifford
Sparks, Jr., Budget Director for State Senator Royce West, Dis-
Leigh Taylor December 7 trict 23
Kendra Perkins December 15 October 24
Tabitha Pruitt December 26 On the Border Restaurant
3130 Knox Street, Dallas, TX 75205
Sandra Foster Brown December 28 Program: League of Women Voters, What We Do to Educate
Melanie Moseley December 31 Voters, featuring: President Elect- Cecelia McKay, Dallas Chap-
ter
Margo Baines December 31
November 28
January Chubbys Family Restaurant
11331 E. Northwest Highway #105f, Dallas, TX 75238
Elizabeth Taheri January 2 Program: Expanding our Eta Zeta Bouquet: Initiation of New
Sandra McMillen January 7 Members
January 23
DKG Scholarship Oppor- On the Border Restaurant
3130 Knox Street, Dallas, TX 75205
tunities: Program: DKG Scholarship Opportunities: They Worked for
Me! , featuring Kendall Hasse, former Eta Zeta member and

They Worked For Me! multiple scholarship recipient

By Kendall Hasse
Kendall Ann Hasse was initiated into Del-
ta Kappa Gamma with Eta Zeta over 15 years
ago with the help of Bradley Sue Howell, with
whom she worked at Woodrow Wilson High
School in Dallas ISD.
Kendall taught English, coached tennis and
taught AVID at Woodrow.
To help with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction,
DKG gave her $6000 in scholarships. After being awarded
Teacher of the Year for Dallas ISD, Kendall earned her Mas-
ters in Leadership and has worked in administration since
2005.
Currently, DKG is helping Kendall pay for Doctoral studies
at Tarleton State University while she works as an assistant
principal at Worley Middle School in Mansfield ISD. She has
received a travel grant, been published in the DKG Interna-
tional Bulletin, twice served as recording secretary, yearbook,
and is now 2nd Vice President of the Theta Alpha chapter of
DKG International. Kendall loves DKG and its mission to help
support women educators!
February 27
Chubbys Family Restaurant
11331 E. Northwest Highway #105f, Dallas, TX 75238
Program: WiNGS: Women in Need of Generous Support Fi-
nancial Empowerment Program, featuring Sommer Neff, Direc-
tor of Special Initiatives
March 27
On the Border Restaurant
3130 Knox Street, Dallas, TX 75205
Program:How We Service Families/Community in Our 160 Unit
Complex, featuring Spencer Watkins, Buckner Hope Family
Hope Center at Wynnewood
April 1, 2017
Spring Luncheon of Coordinating Council of Dallas County
Lakewood Country Club, 10:00 am
6430 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75214
May 15
Chubbys Family Restaurant
11331 E. Northwest Highway #105f, Dallas, TX 75238
Program: Founders Day Celebration and Eta Zetas Chapter
Birthday. Guest Speaker Shirley Kochman, Charter Member of
Eta Zeta Chapter
**unless otherwise noted, all Chapter meetings begin at 6:00 pm, with mem-
ber Eat and Socialize beginning at 5:00 pm**

3
 Politics in the Classroom?
A Perspective
By Diana Gonzalez
Its now several weeks after the
November 8th presidential election, and
just days before our 45th president
takes office. While many of the stu-
dents in my classroom were very anx-
ious following the election, most now
seem to have become calmer about the election issues that
were keeping them from concentrating in school work and
worried about their families wellbeing.
Having worked in the public school system for sixteen
years, I never thought I would have to worry about what to
tell my students with regards to politics, but the immediate
days after the election were hard for my class. Having to see
my little ones crying and asking me Miss, did you watch the
election? Having them wonder if their parents were going to
get deported, and what was going to happen to their family if
their parents were gone. It was during this time that I realized
that teaching is not just a careerit is a life journey. A jour-
ney to make a difference in as many childrens lives as possi-
ble!
Being a teacher has taught me that my own political
views must be kept outside of the classroom, but this election
was a time when keeping my opinion to myself was hard to do
because of how upset my students were. Frankly, I was dis-
mayed by the number of teachers that seemed to have little
compassion for the students post-election anxiety. I decided
that remaining calm and focused was the best policy, not just
for myself but for my students, as well. I explained to my stu-
dents as gently as I could that they needed to not worry--that
everything was going to be alright for them and their families.
Keeping their focus on their schoolwork and education
was the key to calming them down, and I am pleased to say
that my students seem more comfortable now and havent
brought up the subject of politics as much. The much-needed
two week Holiday break helped them clear their heads, and
recharge for the second half of the year. Now that they are
back in school, we will all try to continue focusing on learning
and keeping their young minds busy. I am sure I will not have
a hard time doing that, especially since standardized testing
seems to be the new topic on our campus after the presiden-
tial election!
4
By Michelle Grandinetti, Chair
For this month I am borrowing (with her permission) from
our Second Vice President, Cookee Johnson, who wrote in the
Winter LSN about a subject that I feel is very important and
deserves continued attention. The article emphasizes the re-
sponsibility of veteran members to recognize the value that
newer members bring to the chapter and their need to be nur-
tured and mentored.
The initiate is excited about the heritage of DKG, service
to community, projects for purpose, and programs for inspira-
tion and information. She will come with new ideas, creative
suggestions, enthusiasm, and boundless energy.
Recognizing this, it is incumbent upon us, the veteran mem-
bers, to embrace the initiates enthusiasm, accept her ideas,
and incorporate her suggestions into the activities of the chap-
ter. We must make sure that she is given opportunities to par-
ticipate in the preparation of programs and serve on com-
mittees. We cannot assume that she knows how to be a DKG
member or that she understands the requirements of chapter
membership. Change is a good thing, and in DKG, change in
membership is opportunity for growth, renewed commitments
and moments of sheer excitement about the future of our Soci-
ety. Members are the heart of our Society, and we can grow
our Society with the anticipation and excitement of our initi-
ates.
Gentle guiding hands, encouragement and support will
guarantee that these initiates will one day become the veter-
ans mentoring the new initiates.
Necrology Report
If you are also the Necrology Chair for your chapter, the report
is due February 1, 2017. The Report can be found on the TSO
website, under Forms and Deadlines. The report is sent to Can-
dy Carroll who is the Necrology Chair. I do not receive this re-
port. Her email is candycarroll@yahoo.com.
50/50+year Members
Each year members who have 50 or more years of membership
in DKG and who attend convention are recognized with a cer-
tificate and a rose at the Birthday Luncheon.
I will send the information needed in the February newsletter.
Houston! Are you ready?
And.
The Membership Committee wishes each of you a most wonderful,
healthy, and joyful 2017!
 Scholarships! Chapter Local Project
Community Partners of Dallas Rainbow Room
Scholarships!
Scholarships!
1215 Skiles St., Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 624-7557 phone
DKG international scholarships are for graduate and doctoral (214) 624-7667 fax
work. You may apply for a scholarship if you will be attending www.cpdtx.org
class next summer or through the next school year. The appli-
cation is available on the dkg.org website under Forms. Here's
a link to it: The Community Partners of Dallas Rainbow Room is our
Chapter Local Project. Below is a wish list of items they need
Scholarship Application, Deadline February 1
on an ongoing basis. Please donate if you can!

The state scholarship deadlines are March 1. You may get Rainbow Room Needs:
more information about them at http://www.dkgtexas.org/
Clothing2T-5T toddler clothing for boys and girls
state-scholarships.html
Undergarmentsinfant socks and toddler socks
See Kendall Hasses article in this newsletter for how DKG
scholarships have helped her achieve her educational goals! Shoessize 7, 8, 9 and 10 tennis shoes for boys and girls

Formulabasic formulas including Similac Advance

The Womens March on Diapersdiapers in sizes preemie, newborn, 1, 5 and 6, boys

and girls pullups, wipes
Washington, D.C. Hygiene itemsAfrican American hair products
By Lisa Bagley
Household cleaning suppliesclothing detergent, Windex,
On January 21st, 2017 more than one million people paper towels, dish soap, floor soap
marched at numerous locations across the United States in an
attempt to demonstrate to newly-inaugurated officials in Booksbaby board books
Washington the depth of the divide the contentious presiden-
tial election has wrought on the nation. Toysnew, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 10-18 for
birthday gifts (Lego's, scrapbooking materials, craft kits,
While marchers undoubtedly attended for a variety of
sports balls, etc.)
personal reasons, many echoed actress America Ferreras sen-
timent that Our new president is waging a war on the values Child Proofing Suppliesoutlet covers, cabinet locks, baby
that define our country with a credo of hate, fear and suspi- gates
cion of one another. Its been a heart-rending time to be a
Baby Itemsbaby wash, baby lotion, bottles, pacifiers, receiv-
woman and an immigrant. Our dignity, our character and our
ing blankets, diaper rash cream
rights have been under attack.
As educators, we know that our nations strength lies in
the diversity of its people. It is up to us to nurture hope, resili- December-January Inspiration
ence and strength in each of our students and to pass on to
them the democratic ideals of electing leaders who honor all "Education, then, beyond all other
of our nations many histories and backgrounds. Organizers of devices of human
the Womens March hope that the origin, is the great
groundswell of support shown on Jan- equalizer of the
uary 21st will grow into a national conditions of
movement to support each other and man...."
hold our leaders accountable for their
actions. ~~Horace Mann

5
 Eta Zeta Chapter Meeting November 28, 2016

Location: Chubbys Family Restaurant, 11331 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75238

The regular meeting began with Mary Bixler presiding as President.

Members present: 16

The meeting began with Mary Bixler, President, presiding. October meeting minutes were
approved. Treasurer Sandra McMillen gave her report and informed the assembled mem-
bers that the yearbook would be mailed to State in order to be included in the Early Bird re-
port for chapters. Chapter by-laws will be updated later and the new information will re-
place information in the submitted notebook. Received report with Area 9 Coordinator
Cathy Criners comments.

Second Vice President Diana Gonzalez honored Mary Claire Welch for her membership of
fifteen years and presented her with a fifteen-year award pin. Birthdays and anniversaries
were recognized. Norma Matthews gave the Global Awareness Report.

Upcoming events announced:

Nomination for new members to be invited/recommended

June 22-June 28 convention in Houston; early registration for hotels starts January 2, 2017

Applications for State committees available

Newsletter submissions deadline January 9, 2017

New member initiation ceremony for Margo Baines facilitated by Mary Claire Welch, Diane
Gonzalez, and Mary Bixler. Refreshments followed the ceremony.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm with the singing the Delta Kappa Gamma song.

Submitted by: Seretha Merchant, Recording Secretary

6
 SAVE THE DATE
for the
Annual Coordinating Council of Dallas County Luncheon

Please plan to spend your April Fools Day with us!

April 1, 2017
10 oclock in the morning
Lakewood Country Club, Dallas Texas

The cost of the Lunch-

eon ticket will be $30.
The Menu choice:

Tomato and Mozzarella

Salad, Fresh Baby Spin-
ach, Pesto Dressing

Chicken Parmesan, An-

gel Hair Pasta, Buttered
Broccoli
Chocolate Mousse Cake

Follow DKG on Social Media!

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/dkgorg
Twitter:
@DKG_SI
Instagram:
@DKGSI
LinkedIn:
Www.linkedin.com/company/delta-kappa-gamma-society-international
Pinterest:
Www.pintrest.com/DKGSI
YouTube:
Www.youtube.com/user/DKGAustin

7
 Acknowledgments

Hello January image on Page 2:

http://imgarcade.com/1/welcome-2014-facebook-cover

Womens March downloadable graphics on Page 5 used with permission from:

https://www.womensmarch.com/graphics

Diversity Tree graphics on Page 5 used with permission via Microsoft Word 365 and Bing Creative Commons search

America Ferreras quote on Page 5 from:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/millions-protest-at-womens-marches-across-us/ar-AAm5C4O?OCID=ansmsnnews11

**Any clip art used in this newsletter but not attributed here can be found within the clip art libraries of Microsoft Word 2010
and/or Microsoft Publisher 2016.**

**Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube logos copyright of their respective entities. Each used with-
in fair use guidelines for brand assets.**