March 2020 Meeting
Program: Cultural relevant pedagogy
Speaker: Zoila Cardenas
We had a wonderful Thursday evening meeting, learning about cultural relevant pedagogy. Presented to us by Zoila Cardenas current doctorate student at Texas State and Assistant Principal at Wooten Elementary. She helped us explore our unique relationships to our own communities and how our cultural identity influences our place in the world.
February 2020 Meeting
Program: Empowering Women
Speaker: Dr.Glenda Ballard, Dean of Education, St. Edwards University
We were inspired by Dr. Glenda Ballard, speaking about the importance of empowering women. Dr. Glenda Ballard brings her 33 years in education to lead the School of Education.
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Teachers need Teachers
- Research proves that the mentor relationship is vital to the success of a teacher.
- Formal Induction Models are Routine Practices in K-12 Educator Preparation.
- Mentoring contributes to the retention of educators because of the sense of being heard but also because of the power of learning from those who are “older and wiser.
December 2019 Meeting
Chapter S.E.E. program
Speakers: Lisa Richardson and Sandy Martinez
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In our December meeting, our SEE mentee from Walnut Creek, Lisa Richardson, and her teammate Sandy Martinez showed us new technology and how they incorporate this in their classroom.
They showed us: • How Osmos work and what the students are learning with them. • What are spheros and how they can be used in the classroom. • Different applications to use with the iPad to be able to see places in 3D. Example: Dreamscape and Dreambox. |
November 2019 Meeting
Virtual Reality in the Classroom and Beyond
Speaker: Sarah Cable and Cara Hamlin
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Sarah Cable and Cara Hamlin brought Virtual Reality Cardboard Viewers for members to use with their smart phones. You are able to visit locations all over the world that you otherwise would not be able to experience.
Sarah brought resources to share that she uses a high school counselor, and ideas to use in our schools. Educators and students alike look to professional school counselors for ways to encourage girls, women, and underrepresented groups to pursue computing. But knowing where to start is hard, even for the most experienced counselors. NCWIT can help counselors remove the barriers so students choose to learn computing, consider pursuing technical career paths, and believe their voices can be heard in the tech industry. Counselors for computing. ncwit.org/c4c
This interactive presentation was informative and fun. The refreshments were delicious and festive!
Sarah brought resources to share that she uses a high school counselor, and ideas to use in our schools. Educators and students alike look to professional school counselors for ways to encourage girls, women, and underrepresented groups to pursue computing. But knowing where to start is hard, even for the most experienced counselors. NCWIT can help counselors remove the barriers so students choose to learn computing, consider pursuing technical career paths, and believe their voices can be heard in the tech industry. Counselors for computing. ncwit.org/c4c
This interactive presentation was informative and fun. The refreshments were delicious and festive!
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October 2019 Meeting
Chapter's 61st Birthday Celebration and Induction of New Members
Speaker: Dr. Jo Murphy, Past State President
Induction of two new members, an interactive presentation by the immediate past TSO president, a presentation about Founder Dr. Annie Webb Blanton by our area coordinator, awarding of an "Outstanding Educator Award" to our own Carolyn Wilson, and lots of fellowship.
New Members Priscilla Sanchez Emamian and Danielle Sanders with Kathy Mihalik
2019 Outstanding Educator Carolyn Wilson and Kathy Mihalik.
Helen Forbes honored as a 50 plus member. She was inducted in 1962. Congratulations Helen!
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Results from brainstorming on our individual strengths. Dr. Jo Murphy center designed and coordinated the Chapter Leadership activity. From left to right Linda Holt, Sue Bires, Dr. Earin Martin, and Bernadine Eaton reporting for their groups.
Carole Lowe, Area 7 coordinator as Dr. Annie Webb Blanton. Celebrating 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment. Women's right to vote!
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September 2019 Meeting
Legislative Update
Speaker: Larry Yawn, TRTA
Larry Yawn talking giving a legislative update and next steps for members to take.
Norma Jost introducing speaker at the September meeting.
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Luisa Hernandez at September meeting refreshments table. This was a week before she delivered a beautiful baby girl.
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90th TSO State Convention Pictures
From Inspiring speakers to informative sessions and genuine fellowship, this 90th TSO State Convention was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Key Women Educators.
April 2019 Meeting
Celebration and Induction of New Member
Speakers: Glenda Ballard and Ashley White
New member, Sue Bires with sponser Norma Jost.
Our flower is the red rose, a beautiful creation from nature that reflects beauty of mind and spirit. I love how Annie Webb Blanton saw a rose as the embodiment of "beauty of mind and spirit." Give yourself a little praise for a moment, celebrating the beauty of your mind.
Think about the miracle a mind is--that we can think at all. Take another moment to celebrate the beauty of your spirit. The spirit is the life force within us, the force that guides us, and the very nature of an educator is that she gives and loves her students. Consider ways your mind and spirit have enriched your classroom, your school, your life, and our Chapter. |
Pam Kelly, Kathy Mihalik, and Dr, Glenda Ballard.
Ashley Glidewell with her classroom STEM materials and Kathy Mihalik
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March 2019 Meeting
Start the conversation with on mental health
Speaker: Karen Ranus, executive director, NAMI Austin
Norma Jost with speaker Karen Ranus.
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The information Karen Ranus presented and videos she included will help us start the conversation on mental health.
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Kathy Mihalik, president Epsilon Kappa chapter leading the meeting.
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February 2019 Meeting
The value of gender diversity, why empowering women matters
Speaker: Colette Pierce-Burnette (Huston Tillotson’s President)
Thanks to our speaker, Dr. Pierce-Burnette for her wonderful inspiration to our Epsilon Kappa members. Speaking about the value of gender diversity and empowering women to encourage change.
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Left to Right, Gracie Esquivel, Norma Jost, our speaker, Colette Pierce-Burnette, and Luisa Hernandez.
Epsilon Kappa members enjoying our speaker.
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December 2018 Meeting
Hands on Technology-- STEM, Coding and Robotics
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Our December meeting at Pillow Elementary for an engaging and hands-on learning experience. Hilda Diaz and Cara Hamlin presenting “Hands-On Technology – Integrating STEM, Robotics, Coding, & Motivating the 21st Century Learner.”
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Toy and Book Drive for Asylee/Refugee Students at Walnut Creek Elementary
Santa sorted by grade the toys and books collected at the December meeting for the 52 students. Thanks, Luisa, and chapter members for your help. The children who receive the toys or books will truly be blessed this holiday season.
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December Induction of new 2018-2020 Chapter President
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President Kathy Mihalik receives her chapter president's pin from First Vice-President Norma Jost. The pin was presented at the December meeting as Norma and members welcomed Kathy as president.
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November 2018 Meeting
Asylum and refugee families in Austin’s schools.
Speaker: Maria Arabbo, Refugee Family Support Services Specialist for AISD.
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October 2018 Meeting
October Inductions of new members
Speaker: 2018 - 2020 International President Cathy Daugherty
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September 2018 Meeting
The Changing Landscape of Retirement: Updates on TRS, Social Security, and Retirement.
Speaker: Tim Lee, Executive Director, TRTA
The Changing Landscape of Retirement: Updates on TRS, Social Security, and Retirement.
Speaker: Tim Lee, Executive Director, TRTA
President Cheryl Lane receives her chapter president's pin from Nominations Chair Earin Martin. The pin was previously worn by Dr. Natalie Barraga.
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Tim Lee, Executive Director of TRTA, speaking about the Changing Landscape of Retirement: Updates on TRS, Social Security, and Retirement.
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July 2018
Delta Kappa Gamma International Conference, Austin, Texas
April 2018 Meeting
Initiations, Awards, Achievements, and Recognition
Pam Kelly presiding over her last meeting as 2016-2018 President.
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April 2018 Initiates left to right; Melissa Saldana, Ashley Nauta, Marielo Morales, Ashley Glidewell, Terrie Bovinich, and Debra Aceves.
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2018 Outstanding First Year Teacher Leslie Abbott with Deb Acevedo-Tamminga. Leslie works at Barton Creek Elementary, in Eanes Independent School District.
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Awards, Achievements, and Recognitions. Left to right; Jo Watts, Marilyn Gregory, Jeanette Abrajan receiving certificates of appreciation from Kathy Mihalik and Janet Bernard.
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Martha Dolman presented with a rose pin in Celebration of her 25 years with DKG.
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New 2018-2020 Epsilion Kappa Chapter Officers.
Left to Right; Recording Secretary Ann Lillie, Second Vice President Gracie Esquivel, outgoing First Vice President Kathy Mihalik, incoming First Vice President Norma Jost, and Nominations Chair Earin Martin. Not pictured are incoming President Cheryl Lane and outgoing President Pam Kelly.
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March 2018 Meeting
School Choice Panel
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Our March 8th meeting was a very engaging and interesting panel about school choice. Joan Burnham and Claudia Knowles put together an insightful and well-rounded discussion covering versatile topics like school finance, charter schools, and what public schools can learn from charter schools.
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We were privileged to hear to State Representative Gina Hinojosa; Director of Government Relations for AFT, Eric Hartman; and Principal for REAL Academy, Bardo Montelongo.
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February 2018 Meeting
District of Innovation and Chapter Luncheon
Our Speaker, Lake Travis ISD Assistant Superintendent Mary Patin with Janet Bernard, and President Pam Kelly
Sandi Causey, Deb Acevedo-Tamminga, Marilyn Gregory, and Georiga Clegg
Evelyn Bollinger, Mary Tracy and Charlotte May enjoying the meal
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Pam Kelly and two SEE teachers
Carolyn Wilson, Forrest Hancock, Elizabeth Newell, and Maurine Atwood
Norma Jost, Marielo Morales, Claudia Knowles, and Glenda Bell,
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SEE teacher with mentor Kim Thornhoff, and Janet Bernard
Cheryl Lane, Debbie Samson, Earin Martin, Kathy Mihalik, and Gracie Esquivel
Cindy Gruner, Kate Starks, Alice Johnson, and Linda Holt
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December 2017 Meeting
Bookmakers and Icebreakers
Pan Kelly presiding over meeting
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Earin Martin Report on ASTEF and signing up for committees and officer positions
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Members enjoying refreshments at Joan Burnham’s home.
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Diane Sidoroff and Norma Jost singing Christmas Carols.
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Janet Bernard enjoying the Twelve Days of Christmas!
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Bernadine Eaton and Earin Martin getting into the Christmas Spirit.
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November 2017 Meeting
The Flipped Classroom at Dell Medical School
Dr. Silverstien demonstrating the technology used in teaching using the Flipped classroom method.
Tamara Wood introducing our speaker Dr. Silverstien.
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Group discussion and brainstorming.
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Capturing responses of members and instantly creating a graph based on results.
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October 2017 Meeting
Initiation and Remembrance Celebrating Epsilon Kappa’s 59th Birthday
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Initiation and Remembrance
New Initiate Toni Fuller with Martha Dolman.
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September 2017 Meeting
Libraries of Love
Training Librarians in Uganda
African themed books members can donate from Amazon. For mor information go to the website for Libraries of Love - https://librariesoflove.org/
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Students reading books donated by Libraries of Love.
Libraries of Love. Kathy Mihalik introducing Trudy Marshall our speaker.
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Trudy Marshall our speaker
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June 2017 88th Texas State Convention in Houston and Southwest Regional Conference in Hawaii
Area 7 Presidents with TSO President Marilyn Gregory with President Pam Kelly
2015-2017 TSO Corresponding Secretary Sandi Causey with incoming Corresponding Secretary Cindy Neander
Incoming state president Dr. Jo Murphy and outgoing president Marilyn Gregory present the Texas banner
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Deb rehearsing with choir
Marcia Kirkland and Evelyn Barron at the Southwest Conference with the governor of Hawaii
Memories from the 2017 Southwest Conference
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April 2017 Meeting
Awards and Accomplishments
Outstanding First Year Teacher Award
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Four new members have been approved membership in Epsilon Kappa Chapter #130.
Jennifer Samaniego, Rebecca Blackmore, Kristal Espitia, and Julia Gonzalez. Initiation ceremony for these ladies was at our DKG Headquarters. |
Jennifer Samaniego
Rebecca Blackmore
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Kristal Espitia
Julia Gonzalez
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2017 Teacher of the Year
Kristal Espitia awarded Teacher of the Year by Cara Hamlin, chair of the Education Excellence Committee at the April 2017 meeting. |
March 2017 Meeting
Integrating and Reflecting on Dual Language - Bilingual Education
Presenter: Jeanette Abrajan
Jeanette-teaching-members
Funciones-de-una-Planta
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Kathy Mihalik and Lusia Hernandez using hand motions and learning
Dual Language lesson using side-by-side
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Norma in hands-on-activity using Osmo kit used by SEE project
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February 2017 Meeting
Luncheon - Cyber-bulling Program and Annual Focus on Foundations
Kathy Martinez Prather speaks on bullying at the February Meeting
Linda Holt and Marilyn Gregory
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Carolyn Wilson, Carmen Tucker, and Mary Tracy-Harney
Forrest Hancock with guests
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Kristal Espitia and Debbie Sansom
Marcia Kirkland, Katy Cantu, and Janet Bernard
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December 2016 Meeting
Holiday Celebration
Members participating in a sing and pass the present activity. Fun was had by all who attended.
Earin Martin updates members on scholarships and deadlines.
Sandi updating members on book lovers meetings.
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Deb leading the group in song.
Jo Watts relaxing after managing the auction of member donated items to benefit the Refuge. Several hundred dollars were raised in the auction.
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November 2016 Meeting
Fellowship—Make instruments
Sex/Human Trafficking Guest Speaker Brooke Crowder
Sandi Causey painting sand block, Pam Kelly decorating seed pod.
Cindy Gruner decorating dowel rod.
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Kim Thonhoff and Marilyn Gregory making rain stick.
Thank you to our members who helped create a chapter set of musical instruments at our Monday, November 7 meeting.
Members decorated, painted, or made the following types of instruments: Charlotte Brown organized the activity and provided art supplies, and Deb Acevedo-Tamminga found the directions and items needed for the instruments. The instruments will be used at future meetings to enhance our musical moments. |
Carol Deuser, Maurine Atwood, Earin Martin decorating plastic drums.
Epsilon Kappa Chapter Set of Homemade Instruments.
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The Refuge-- Executive Director Brooke Crowder
At the November meeting, Brooke Crowder spoke to members about child sex trafficking. There are 46,000 children reported missing each year in Texas. It is estimated that one in seven of those children are or will become victims of sex trafficking.
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 We have to build The Refuge Ranch first. We intend to open our doors to our first group of girls in the summer or 2017. Please check back as we get closer to opening for future volunteer opportunities.
If you want more information go to:
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October 2016 Meeting
Initiation and Remembrance Celebrating Epsilon Kappa’s 58th Birthday and 90+ Members’ Birthdays
Initiation and Remembrance Celebrating Epsilon Kappa’s 58th Birthday and 90+ Members’ Birthdays
Marcia Kirkland celebrating Julia Mellenbrunch's 100th birthday
Elizabeth Newell celebrating Phyllis Richards
The Epsilon Kappa Chapter is honored to have such accomplished women educators in our chapter.
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Julia Mellenbruch, Phyllis Richards, and Maria McPhail celebrating 90 plus birthdays.
Jo Watts celebrating Maria Mc Phail
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Gene Nelson receiving an honorary Doctoral Degree from Dr. Earin Martin.
Earin Martin celebrating Gene Nelson
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September 2016 Meeting
2016-2018 Themes and Goals
2016-2018 Themes and Goals
President, Pam Kelly presenting our Chapters Theme and Goals for the 2016 - 2018 biennium.
Hilda Diaz and her daughter Jessica.
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Charlotte Brown and Jeanette Abrajan
Bernadine presenting a membership update.
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Marilyn providing an update after one year as TSO President. Looking forward to second year and the work ahead for DKG.
Ask about the ASTEF "Cash Clutch" or see more about this on the Foundations page.
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The 2016 International Convention in Nashville, TN
Marilyn Gregory serving as TSO President at the International Convention in Nashville
Pam Kelly and Evelyn Barron
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Evelyn Barron at International
Presidents’ Dinner
Epsilon Kappa Members at 2016 Nashville International Convention
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87th Texas State Convention
Epsilon Kappa members attended the July TSO convention in Frisco. Pictured in front row left to right are Evelyn Barron, Marilyn Gregory, Pam Kelly, Earin Martin. Back row left to right are Deb Acevedo-Tamminga, Norma Jost, Debbie Sansom, Mary Harney, Sandi Causey, Bernadine Eaton, Kim Thonoff, Charlotte Brown, and Marcia Kirkland.
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President Pam Kelly with her Parliamentarian Evelyn Barron
Bernadine Eaton singing in TSO chorus
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April 2016 Meeting
Awards, Celebrations, and New Member Initiations
The April meeting was full of celebrations of a successful year, with awards, recognitions, and six new members.
Pam Kelly receiving President's pin.
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Our Chapters outgoing President Dr. Earin Martin and our new incoming President Pam Kelly
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Dr. Earin Martin awarding Deb Acevedo-Tamminga the 2016 Epsilon Kappa Chapter Achievement Award.
April 2016 Initiation ceremony Pam Kelly, Hilda Diaz, Elizabeth Newell, Janet Bernard, Earin Martin.
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2016-18 Epsilon Kappa Officers, Marcia Kirkland, Evelyn Barron, Norma Jost, Cheryl Lane, Kathy Mihalik , Pam Kelly.
April 2016 initiates Tracey Wilson, Lilian Villfuerte, Rosemary Torres, Janie Farias, Evelyn Bollinger.
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March 2016 Meeting
School Safety – Panel Discussion
William "Bill" Besse with Andrews International discussed school safety and security for educational institutions and their campuses. Kathy Martinez-Prather with the Texas School Safety Center provided information on research and training provided by this statewide center.
Andrews International provides its educational institution clients an integrated approach to security that provides a range of services and a proven level of reliability to meet their diverse and specific needs.
http://www.andrewsinternational.com/markets-served/educational-institutions.php The Texas School Safety Center provides research and support across a broad array of school safety and health-related fields designed to ensure the health, safety, and security of all Texas communities and schools. https://txssc.txstate.edu/ |
Captain Christian Evoy with the Austin Independent School District discussed school safety and outreach programs the district has to address many health, safety, and security issues facing districts.
The AISD Police Department is a recognized law enforcement agency established to create a safe and secure environment for students and staff members. AISD is one of only a handful of districts in the nation to have its own police force and that is because we want families and staff members to know that we are available to respond to a crisis swiftly and effectively.
https://www.austinisd.org/announcements/safety-security-and-wellness-aisd-0 |
The March meeting was the final collection of shoes for our Chapters follow up project with the Texas Homeless Education Office. A wide range of shoes for all ages of students were donated by Chapter members. For more information about helping Texas homeless students go to: http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo/index.php
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February 2016 Meeting
Luncheon and presentation of Dual Language Curriculum
STEM classroom update
Program Highlights
Jeanette and Hilda discussing Dual Language curriculum
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Jeanette Abrajan and mentee
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STEM mentee discussing her classroom
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Epsilon Kappa Chapter's Support for Early Career Educators (SEE) Project
Debbie Sansom and mentees
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Forrest Hancock and mentees
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Jeanette and Hilda and mentees
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Jewelry Sale * Valentines to Members * Marcia's Update
December 2015 Meeting
Celebration of Festivals in 8 DKG Countries
Claudia Knowles presenting countries
Deb Acevedo-Tamminga and Hilda Diaz
Julia Mellenbruch flipping pancakes
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Hostess Hilda Diaz
Julia Mellenbruch behind mask, Janet Bernard
flash mask foursome Roslyn Garrett, Elizabeth Newell, Cheryl Lane, and Kathy Mihalik with camera
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Sample foods from eight DKG Countries
Jeanette Abrajan with drum
Earin Martin and Marilyn Gregory
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November 2015 Meeting
Technology: The Impact of Social Media on our Lives: Focusing on the Research
Initiation of new members
October 2015 Meeting
Initiation of new members
Celebration of Life (Natalie Barraga, Marie Scheel, and Jolene Crozier)
Celebrating Epsilon Kappa’s 57th Birthday and 90+ Member Birthdays
Epsilon Kappa Initiation Ceremony - Pam Kelly, Bernadine Eaton, Hilda Diaz, Sandra Smith Bull, and Dr. Lyn B. Schmid, International President 2014-2016.
Dr. Lyn B. Schmid, Dr. Earin Martin, and Jeanette Abrajan during Initiation Ceremony.
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Kristen Lowrie visits with new initiate Alana Lilie
Debbie Sansom, sponsor with new initiate MaryTracy-Harney
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Celebrating Epsilon Kappa’s 57th Birthday and 90+ Member Birthdays
Gene Nelson Jones celebrating her 90 plus birthday.
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Julia Mellenbruch and Maria McPhail celebrating 90 plus birthdays.
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Maurine Atwood visiting with Margaret Wallace celebrating her 90 plus birthday.
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September 2015 Meeting
2015-2016 TSO Theme and Goals
Where Have We Been? Where Are We Headed?
Key Results of 84th Legislative Session
TSO President Marilyn Gregory sharing her HEART Theme for our Texas State Organization.
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Elizabeth Newell receives Natalie Barraga's pin for her 2015 Golden Rose Award from Marilyn Gregory.
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Josh Sanderson and Monty Exter of ATPE share insights on the 84th legislative session at the September 10 Epsilon Kappa chapter meeting.
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September 26th
CPE Workshop on Project-Based Learning
Carroll Taggart, gifted education teacher and trainer in Lake Travis ISD, engages participants as she shares her expertise at the CPE Workshop on Project-Based Learning sponsored by Epsilon Kappa.
Southwest and Southeast Regional Conferences
Marilyn and Marcia with Texas banner at Southwest Regional Conference.
Convention Photographs
Photographs taken at the recent 86th Texas State Organization Convention in San Antonio are now available for viewing and/or downloading from the TSO website. Also available are the photos taken at the Southwest Regional Conference in Wichita, Kansas. 2015 TSO Convention Photo Album 2015 SW Regional Conference Photo Album Photos updated July 30, 2015 |
Epsilon Kappa members Evelyn Barron, Marcia Kirkland, and Sandi Causey pictured with Dr. Annie Webb Blanton at the Southeast Regional conference in Savannah.
Epsilon Kappa members at the Southwest Regional Conference in Wichita, KS.
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86th Texas State Convention
Fourteen Epsilon Kappa members attended the July TSO convention in San Antonio. Pictured are Mary Louise Poolman, Debbie Sansom, Deb Acevedo-Tamminga, Sandi Causey, Cheryl Lane, Earin Martin, Marcia Kirkland, Marilyn Gregory, Evelyn Barron, former chapter member Linda Eller (now living in Tennessee), Elizabeth Newell, Bernadine Eaton, Charlotte Brown, and Jo Watts. Kathy Mihalik attended the first days of the convention.
Marylin Gregory accepting her charge as TSO's new
president.
Evelyn Barron "Day" as she retires from serving as ASTEF President.
ASTEF Board Members with Miss Piggy from left to right are Barbara Derrick, Dr. Marian Clinton, and Jean Robinson.
Saturday night at the 86th TSO Banquet in San Antonio.
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Marylin Gregory and her family at the TSO banquet.
Back row, left to right: Glenda Shafer, Bernadine Eaton, Sandra Morales
Front row, left to right: Jeanette Pierce (convention chair), Nancy Newton
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2014-2015 Members in Action -- Year in review
September 2014 Meeting
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ASTEF Piggy Posse
Join in the fun and donate each meeting for this great fundraiser for 2014-2015. Each member of the ASTEF Board of Directors, as well as TSO state personnel, will have a decorated ASTEF piggy bank with her at every DKG meeting she attends. Please feed the pigs! 
Left to Right
Dr. Earin Martin, Evelyn Barron, and Marilyn Gregory
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October 2014 Meeting
Initiation and 56th birthday celebration for the Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Initiation of new members, left to right Nancy Alaniz and Ashley White.
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Maurine Atwood left visiting with Dr. Natalie Barraga, 99 years young and still counting. Dr. Phyllis Richards is seated to her right.
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Phyllis Richards (left) receiving 50-year member pin and certificate from chapter president Dr. Earin Martin.
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The October meeting, held at the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Headquarters, was a memorable one. New members Nancy Alaniz and Ashley White were initiated, We also celebrated significant birthdays of three chapter members: Julia Mellenbruch, in honor of her 98th birthday; Dr. Natalie Barraga, in honor of her 99th birthday; and Marie Scheel (not in attendance), in honor of her 100th birthday.
November 2014 Meeting
Developing Positive Parent Communication
David Rainey, Lead Counselor, Canyon Ridge Middle School, Leander ISD.
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 On the left is principal Tracie Montanio of Westside Elementary School in Leander ISD, talking to 6th grade math teacher Amy Reynolds of Ojeda Middle School in Del-Valle ISD.
As we all know, communication with parents as our partners in their child’s education is key. That is why the
Epsilon Kappa Chapter meeting in November provided a panel of diverse educators sharing strategies and some very helpful information on communication with parents at their various campuses. Chapter members were taking lots of notes, which is a great sign that the information was valuable to them. See the December/January newsletter for more information.
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Nancy Alaniz receiving classroom set of books from Hilda Diaz.
SEE Mentoring Project Is Promoting Literacy Through STEM Classroom Library Sets
Our first set of STEM classroom library sets for second grade and fourth grade classrooms have arrived! At the November 6th meeting, Hilda Diaz presented our third year mentee and recently initiated member, Nancy Alaniz, with 35 books for her second graders at Guerrero Thompson Elementary. She will be able to use them with her students and share the library set with her grade level team on a rotating basis. The fourth grade STEM classroom library will be delivered soon to Alba Garza, who is also a third year mentee at Guerrero Thompson Elementary.
December 2014 Meeting
Winter Festivals in 8 DKG Countries
Gene Nelson Jones receives her 50-year membership certificate from President Earin Martin at the December chapter meeting.
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Joan Burnham receives her 25-year membership certificate from President Earin Martin at the December chapter meeting.
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The December 2014 Epsilon Kappa chapter meeting was held in the beautiful home of chapter member Charlotte Hanna.
Dr. Claudia Knowles presented interesting and unusual traditions of the winter festivals held in each of the first eight DKG countries. Members of the Educational Excellence committee gathered the information for the presentation. Deb Acevedo-Tamminga provided cultural music to accompany the presentation from each country, and the hostesses provided food to represent each country and festival.
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Dolls representing DKG countries with Holiday treats.
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Chapter Activities
DKG members at Blanton Elementary's 50th Birthday Celebration
Left to right. Carol Rigby, DKG friend of Marcia and Evelyn’s from Mississippi, Evelyn Barron, Marcia Kirkland, Earin Martin, Sandra Smith Bull, Interim Executive Director, DKG International Headquarters, Sandi Causey, and in the center is Theta Rho President Sue King portraying Dr. Annie Webb Blanton.
February 2015 Meeting
Current Legislative Issues Related to Education
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Guest Speaker: Rep. Larry Gonzales spoke to our group about education related issues being discussed in the 87th Legislative session. He discussed funding issues for TRS retirement.
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Foundation Focus
Evelyn Barron, presenting information on benefits and deadlines for DKG and Epsilon Kappa Foundations.
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Dr. Forrest Hancock, presenting information on DKG scholarships and a Del Valle CDC update.
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March 2015 Meeting
Education for Homeless Students in Texas
 Barbara Wand James, the State Director of the Texas Homeless Education Office (THEO) (located at the UT Dana Center, Austin), with all donations from our Epsilon Kappa chapter.
At every meeting September 2014 through March 2015, Epsilon Kappa collected items for homeless children attending schools in Texas. Items include toiletries, clothing, school supplies, back packs, gift cards, etc. In addition, the funds collected through the brag basket at the February and March chapter meetings were presented to director, Barbara Wand James.
For more information visit the THEO website. 
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Cindy Gruner & Earin Martin leading choral group readings in support of Texas Homeless Students in Texas.
Julie Jistel, Kathy Mihalik, and Bernadine Eaton reading TSO script invitation to state convention scheduled for June 25-27, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas.
For more information on the 86th Texas State Convention in San Antonio, visit the convention website at http://86thtsoconvention.weebly.com/.
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April 2015 Meeting
Achievements and Awards
Membership Awards--Ann M. Lilie receiving her 25 year membership award from Dr. Earin Martin.
Celebrating Epsilon Kappa’s Outstanding First-Year Teacher for 2014-2015. Mindy Smith, Third Grade Teacher at Lakeway Elementary School in the Lake Travis Independent School District.
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Membership Awards--Fran E. Moore receiving her 25 year membership award from Dr. Earin Martin.
Winners of the birdhouse door prize made by Charlotte Brown. Left to right are Sandi Causey, Cindy Gruner, Pam Kelly, Jo Watts and Mindy Smith.
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Founder's Day Luncheon, May 2015
Epsilon Kappa Outstanding Educator for 2014-2015 was awarded to Hilda Diaz, center, by Dr. Earin Martin, to her left.
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Five of our Founder's Day presenters singing Sentimental Journey with a special DKG twist!
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Founder's Day presenters telling the story of our founders and their special contribution to women educators and DKG.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International * Texas State Organization
spread the word * link to us * tell our story
webmaster: Kathy Mihalik
Updated: June 2020
spread the word * link to us * tell our story
webmaster: Kathy Mihalik
Updated: June 2020