YOUR CONNECTION TO KAPPA DELTA PI
Fall 2005

Table of Contents
From the Executive Director
Get the scoop from the main man himself.
Question of the Quarter
KDP asks the question—you get to answer!
New 4 You
Find out the latest KDP benefits and more.
Chapters 2 Watch
Read about the various types of KDP chapters and their successful initiatives.
In the Know
Keep updated on general KDP happenings that affect you
.
Educational Foundation
Learn about giving and receiving the KDP Educational Foundation way.
News from You
See what other members and chapters are doing; send your activities.
Who’s Who
Learn about Headquarters staff, members, and big names in education.
Your Enrichment Connection
Find links to educational and professional resources.
FAQs
You ask, KDP answers.
We Get Mail
See what members are saying.

Executive Council member Dr. Irene McIntosh, Chapter Resource Consultant Alison Billings, and former KDP President Dr. Morgan F. Simpson rested only long enough for a quick photo before unloading supplies from the KDP Care-A-Van.


KDP Store Manager Angel Tomastic (right), Dr. Morgan Simpson and a Pi Pi Chapter member. “It was a good experience to go to a devastated area and be a part of the relief efforts rather than watching it on television,” Angel commented.


KDP Follows up Katrina
KDP/ACE Rent-A-Car Caravan of Care for Gulf Coast

KDP is dedicated to excellence and scholarship in education, but its fidelity to humanity, science, service, and toil is not limited to schools only. On September 7, Headquarters staff members packed a large cargo van, donated by ACE Rent-A-Car, with basic living necessities, children’s books, and art supplies for two staffers to take to southern Mississippi. Though the final destination of the mission was D’Iberville, Mississippi, near Biloxi, a prearranged chapter-to-chapter convoy had the Society’s two-woman road crew picking up additional supplies from several universities along the way. Chapter Resource Consultant Alison Billings and Store Manager Angel Tomastic made four stops to pick up supplies from participating KDP chapters in Indianapolis, IN; Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN; and Florence, Athens, and Montgomery, AL.

Honorable Mention
Caravan drivers Alison and Angel are grateful to those people who contributed to the southbound supplies or helped in other ways. They appreciated these random acts of kindness while on their journey of picking up supplies and finally delivering them:

Dinner at the first stop in Nashville. Thanks Jim Stamper!

Breakfast at the second stop. Thank you President John Light!

Reduced room rates and a nice basket of relief supplies. A big thank you to the Comfort Inn in Athens, AL.
Upon arriving at the local hurricane recovery station in this hard-hit area of Mississippi, Alison and Angel met with the University of South Alabama Chapter Counselor and Executive Council Member-at-Large Representative Dr. Irene McIntosh, who has been described by at least one staff member as a one-woman American Red Cross. These KDPers joined efforts with other local organizations to organize supplies and cook for the various relief workers in the area. In D’Iberville, 7,000 people in this town of 18,000 are now homeless.
Alison and Angel returned safely with pictures and information, and pleased that they were able to contribute to current relief efforts. “It broke my heart to see all the devastation, but it was an honor to support my chapters and the relief work Irene is doing,” Alison said. As is obvious, these efforts will be ongoing for some time. KDP will continue to keep in contact with chapters in the affected areas and Irene and support their efforts.

So to Teach So to Serve So to Live
Following a Call to Action e-mail from Headquarters to KDP members, funds from individual KDP members and entire chapters began arriving. KDP and its staff members are grateful and touched by the educational community’s generous response. Another caravan is being planned. Donated money and supplies will be sent not only to the areas already helped, but also to Louisiana schools that are welcoming students who have taken refuge in their communities.

Thank you for your support of this effort.


Michael P. Wolfe
Executive Director

Member and chapter donations for the hurricane relief are going to a Special Projects Fund to offer immediate financial assistance and continue aid for longer-range responses. The following plans are in place:

Purchase 50,000 books. KDP wants to help restore classroom and school media center collections lost in the hurricane. All KDP chapters are urged to bring hundreds of children’s books to the November Convocation. These books will be distributed through the KDP chapters within the Gulf Coast Region.
Donate school supplies and print resources. These purchases will be given to displaced children in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Chapters in these affected areas will distribute the products.
Special $1,000 scholarships. KDP Headquarters is establishing eight $1,000 scholarships for Kadelpians who were forced to drop out of school due to storm circumstances. Chapters will distribute the scholarships to students from universities and colleges closed for the semester.
Extra year of KDP membership. Members unable to access member services due to the hurricane will receive an additional year of membership and its benefits.

Contributing to the Special Projects Fund

Individuals and chapters may send checks to Kappa Delta Pi, c/o Special Projects Fund, 3707 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1158. All donations collected will be used to purchase materials for displaced children in the affected Gulf Coast region.

Alison,
I have been thinking about KDP often because I am thinking of Convo and other things in my life that have been and will be affected by Katrina. I knew that you and others at Headquarters were probably worried about us. So, I thought I would let you know that my family is safe. We cannot go home yet, and have been in three different locations so far, but it appears that our house has only minimal damage. I had 12 student teachers this semester and have had contact with four. They are at four different universities including: LSU, ULL, Miss. State, and University of Houston. Some have lost everything, but still have the ambition to finish their degree. It breaks my heart. Please keep us in your prayers.

Lena Nuccio-Lee, Counselor
Kappa Xi Chapter
University of New Orleans

Just one of the stories

This letter was sent to Chapter Resource Consultant Alison Billings from one of her counselors in New Orleans.








 

 

 

 

 



Hot off the press—The ABC’s of Classroom Management. The second book in KDP’s ABC series is an alphabetical idea book of tips and strategies to use in your classroom. Purchase your copy online or by calling the KDP Store at 800-284-3167.

Lesson Plans: Yours for the Taking . . . and Giving
Kappa Delta Pi’s Lesson Plan Exchange is truly a give and take. Members are encouraged to submit their favorite, most effective lesson plans. They will be posted on the KDP Web site by subject for you and other members to have an easy-to-use resource. It’s convenient too, because all this giving and taking is online! Visit www.kdp.org today to submit your lesson plan via an online form. As lesson plans are received, they will be added to the site for you to access at the click of a button.

ACE Winners Chosen
Congratulations to the Achieving Chapter Excellence (ACE) winners. KDP had a record year for the ACE program, with 36 chapters receiving ACE Awards and seven chapters receiving ACE Program Awards. Winning chapters have been notified and will be honored at the Biennial Convocation in November. Learn about them at Convo or view the list of winners online now at www.kdp.org/services/ace/05acewinners.php.

Great Ideas Deserve Support
Have you got an innovative teaching idea for your classroom, but not the funds to implement it? KDP’s Teacher Classroom Grants can help. Each year, Kappa Delta Pi awards grants to teachers who have ideas for innovative and unique programs/projects for their classrooms. Apply for your $150 teacher classroom grant online at www.kdp.org/forms/teachclassgrantapp.php or download an application form from www.kdp.org/pdf/Teacher_Classroom_Grant_F.pdf. The application deadline is December 1, 2005, with grants awarded and distributed in January 2006.

Biennial Convocation in Orlando
Convocation is just around the corner. At Convocation, you’ll be inspired and empowered through more than 190 workshops, chapter activities, renowned speakers, and the people you’ll meet. Featured are:

Crystal Kuykendall - From Rage to Hope: Ensuring That All Students Will Learn
This powerful and dynamic speaker will empower you to help students achieve and learn.
Harold Hodgkinson – Demographics: Implications for Educators
Don’t miss this fascinating speaker as he presents enlightening facts and trends that are sure to impact you in your classroom.
Harry Wong - There Is Only One Way to Improve Student Learning
With his common-sense, research-based, no-cost approach to classroom management for high-level student learning and achievement, Harry Wong has inspired thousands of teachers to succeed in their classrooms.

At Convo you can network with educators from around the country, visit a tourist attraction, shop in the area, or kick back by the pool. You can choose. But register now because time is running out. Call 800-284-3167 to register by phone or have a registration form mailed to you. You also may register online at www.kdp.org.



Members are the lifeblood of Kappa Delta Pi. The Society thanks all who participate in chapters and with KDP nationally or internationally. Your service is immensely appreciated. This section is dedicated to all members and news they wish to share.


Left to right, standing: Dr. Ruth Simmons Herts (Eta Sigma Chapter Advisor), Jacquelyn Hall (Chapter President), Destiny Laster (FCCLA), Chantelle Allah (Chapter Vice President), Anisha Jones (FCCLA), Thomas Flagg (Eta Sigma member), Shanquillia Vann (FCCLA), Mrs. Carmelita Brazille (FCCLA Advisor).
Left to right, sitting: Shequila Garcia (FCCLA), Rachel Goff (Eta Sigma member), Alma Juarez (FCCLA), Felicite Howell (FCCLA), Enieda Ceballos (FCCLA).



KDP Chapter Links with Alternative School
Though busy with many educational projects, Eta Sigma Chapter members jumped at the chance to build relationships with the Emerson Alternative School in Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Chapter members talked to students on “Leadership: Its Colors and Styles,” comparing leadership types to the Winnie the Pooh characters Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Rabbit.

Students and preservice teachers relate easily to these characters according to Chapter President Jacqueline Hall and Vice President Chantelle Allah. Eta Sigma members Thomas Flagg and Rachel Goff agreed, saying “We all grew up with Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Rabbit, so this presentation was a great fit for us and the students at Emerson.” Indeed, the students seemed to enjoy reminiscing about and matching themselves to the characters. Participating students were Enieda Ceballos, Shequila Garcia, Felicite Howell, Brittany Jennings, Anisha Jones, Alma Juarez, Destiny Laster, and Shanquillia Vann.

“I am elated that the members of Kappa Delta Pi came to speak with the young ladies at Emerson. This opportunity gave these girls personable and accessible positive role models with whom they could exchange ideas, goals, and dreams. I would like to see this relationship grow,” said Carmelita Brazille, Early Care and Education Instructor and Advisor to the students in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America Program at Emerson Alternative School.

Following the session, the Emerson students wrote about their experiences. “I think it’s great that you guys can find time in your busy lives to make time for us, to make a difference in our lives. I’d like to let you know this will make a huge impact on me. Thanks,” wrote one student. Another reflected, “Today was great! I love how you came and talked to us about college.”

“The Eta Sigma Chapter is committed to service in the community, and its members are elated to be part of the Oklahoma City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Services to Youth program,” said Dr. Ruth Simmons Herts, faculty advisor to the Chapter.

Grief and Trauma
Katrina hit hard and its effects will reach into communities and possibly your classroom even months from now. Help your students through their grief and trauma of Katrina’s aftermath with guiding advice from counseling experts.

When Grief Strikes, Linda McGrath and Vincent R. McGrath
Responding to Grieving Students, P. Irene McIntosh
Helping Children Cope with Grief, Asylee Gardner
FAQ’s Link to a list of books for children on real life topics.

Need curriculum ideas, technology-driven lessons, or instructional strategies addressing multiple intelligences? Check out “Curriculum and Lesson Plans” on the Teacher Resources page of KDP Online.



New teachers, what benefit of belonging to Kappa Delta Pi do you value most?
Veterans, what benefit of belonging to Kappa Delta Pi do you value most?
Administrators, what benefit of belonging to Kappa Delta Pi do you value most?
University Level Educators, what benefit of belonging to Kappa Delta Pi do you value most?

Please indicate your teaching level when you respond. Your feedback helps shape what the Society does for you.

Omega Xi Chapter
Manhattanville College

Counselor: Rick Heckendorn
President: Barbara J. Burns 2004–2006
Melaine Guarino, graduate student and the chapter’s
VP of communication, presented an orbital on the
bags and luggage of Louis Vuitton.


The Omega Xi Chapter is a unique chapter among Kappa Delta Pi chapters in that its membership is comprised primarily of secondary education majors. Due to its “exclusive membership,” the chapter is professionally development driven—and it shows in its programs. Some of the programs Omega Xi presented include four discussion panels on important issues in education, as well as various tutorials on orbitals (student-centered study on a specific topic that crosses curricula), service learning, and brain-based learning. Overall, this Manhattanville College chapter incorporates its members in projects and plans programs around the interests of members. Though young in KDP’s chapter history, Omega Xi shines in its programming, functioning as though it’s been in existence for many years.
     – Mindy Fairchild, Chapter Resource Consultant



Fellow Kadelpians:

As the newly elected President of the National State Teachers of the Year (NSTOY), let me say “Hafa Adai!” I learned this traditional greeting of the Chamorro people this past summer at the annual NSTOY Conference in Guam, during which Teachers of the Year presented workshops to more than 70 teachers from all over the island.

Now, a new academic year is underway—an exciting time of year for teachers and students at all levels. Eager anticipation is mixed with some apprehension. Though I retired from the classroom a year ago, these feelings remain strong. My heart goes out to all of you—whatever your role in education. May you experience the compassion for kids and the commitment to excellence in education that continually revitalized me throughout my teaching career.

My commitment to excellence in education continues as an NSTOY. Did you know that in 1952 President Eisenhower created the Teacher of the Year (TOY) Award Program? He wished to recognize the importance of teachers as nurturers of the American Dream and honor all teachers by selecting a representative teacher from each state. That led to the annual selection of a national teacher of the year. National State Teachers of the Year was formed in 1980 as a professional service organization with the following mission statement: “NSTOY is a leader and an advocate for educational excellence, supporting quality teaching and building communities of learners.”

Kappa Delta Pi and NSTOY formed an alliance in 1991 that has been mutually beneficial. As KDP honorary chapter members, NSTOYs are involved and contribute to KDP by presenting workshops and panel discussions at Convocation, writing for KDP publications, serving on the KDP Speakers’ Bureau and speaking at chapter and regional meetings, and as confidants for KDP’s Teacher Hotline. Through these commitments, NSTOY members play a vital role in recruitment, retention, and recognition of outstanding educators throughout the United States and its territories.

If you’d like to know more about the work of NSTOYs, e-mail me or visit the NSTOY booth at KDP’s Convocation in November. My NSTOY colleagues and I would enjoy discussing how our organization can help you and your chapters.

Have a wonder-filled year!

Art Peekel, President
National State Teachers of the Year
322 W. Palatine Road
Palatine, IL 60067
E-mail: a_peekel@yahoo.com


Members of the Pensacola Alumni Chapters continue to build on their 52-year legacy. In addition to its many programs, this chapter awards a scholarship to a local student preparing for a career in education. The scholarship is funded through raffles during chapter meetings, donations in honor or memory of loved ones, and from the “White Elephant Auction” at the chapter’s May picnic. Look out collegiate chapters, Pensacola alumni have their sights set on an ACE award at Convocation 2007!



Were you once involved in a KDP chapter but lost connection after leaving school or moving to another area? Wouldn’t it be nice to reconnect with other professionals dedicated to education and lifelong learning and having the common bond of KDP involvement? It’s possible!

Some members retain affiliation with their university chapters while others make the leap to one of the KDP alumni chapters. Recently, however, members are finding new ways to stay involved with KDP by seeking out members in their regions.

Velda Matsdorf, for example, has networked with other KDP members while living in Oregon and is seeking out affiliations in Montana where she lives now. She wants to create a strong professional group of members who represent a variety of positions and experiences in education to build a network of great resources for one another. These network groups can provide positive professional, service-oriented, and social associations outside your current educational setting.

New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Indianapolis are other areas already seeking members interested in joining one of these networking groups. If you’re interested in joining or starting a group in your area, please contact membership@kdp.org for more information.

The Kappa Delta Pi Educational Foundation annually awards national scholarships for deserving undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students across the country. These scholarships are possible thanks to donations from members like you and their families. Read about several recipients below. To donate to the scholarship fund, click here.

Malinda Wolfgang, President’s Scholarship

The scholarship helped me attain a unique teaching experience—student teaching in South Africa. I had the opportunity to teach kindergarten students and 5–11-year-old students in Johannesburg. In one of the schools where I taught, the children spoke seven different tribal languages. I used part of the funds to purchase school supplies, such as paper, pencils, crayons, and rulers for 50 children at the Riversands School. This scholarship helped me gain perspectives from around the world

Anna Mikko-Eicher, Louisa Oriente Scholarship

The aid that I received from the Louisa Oriente Scholarship helped me to enhance my student teaching experience and move closer to my goals of securing a full-time teaching position and returning to school to finish my master’s degree. The funds helped me purchase materials for student teaching to more effectively teach and construct knowledge.

Tiffany George, Nicholas Noyes Scholarship

Thank you for your support during my college education. Generous organizations such as Kappa Delta Pi have made my attendance at a private college possible. Without this monetary assistance, I would not have been able to continue my educational experience at such a highly recognized educational institution. I’m looking forward to giving back to the community by educating the next generation and providing for others to attend college.

Roger G. Rose, President’s Award

KDP has given me the opportunity to be involved with other education majors who have the same goals and interests as I do. They have been a valuable support family for me during my education. The President’s Scholarship gave me the opportunity to add middle school endorsements to my teaching certification, which played a major role in my ability to secure a teaching contract at a local school.


Kappa Delta Pi serves as a tremendous asset to all levels of educators. Members have access to educators all over the world. I especially appreciate the magazines, which address current issues facing teachers today. I like that the Web site serves as a resource and support to members. Through my local chapter, I have the benefit of communicating with students, teachers, and professors in my area. This has helped to guide my education and job search. Kappa has opened doors within my local district with people who were past members. I am proud to be a part of the heritage of Kappa Delta Pi—people who are progressive and forward thinking—facing issues in education and offering solutions from experienced educational leaders. I believe KDP is a true resource for everyone.

Diana Clark, President
Tau Phi Chapter
St. Charles, Missouri



Society Council

Behind every great organization are a handful (or more) of people “pushing.” Take a look at one handful of helpful people—the governing body of your honor society in education—at www.kdp.org/about/excomm.php. These people, dedicated to education and KDP in particular, periodically meet with the Executive Director and Headquarters’ Leadership Team to help maintain the integrity and growth of this organization and to set goals for its growth and outreach.

KDP & Community

Theta Chi, Mississippi State University, recognized three area health professionals for their more than 20 years each of “educating” the community in healthcare practices. Flanked by chapter co-counselors Vince and Linda McGrath are Nancy Ball, Kathy Prentice, and Ellen McGuffey. Honoring community professionals who work with adults and children outside the educational system has been a Theta Chi tradition since 1998.




Do I have to renew my membership?

To be an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, you must renew your membership annually. Active members receive the Kappa Delta Pi Record free and communication from Headquarters on benefits, conferences, educational news, and more. Renew to keep connected.

How do I renew?
Renew online or return one of the renewal forms you receive before and after the anniversary date of when you joined KDP. You also may call 800-284-3167 to renew over the phone with a credit card.

When I renew, will I automatically continue receiving publications from Kappa Delta Pi?
As long as you’re an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, you’ll receive the member e-mails, two electronic and two print versions of the member newsletter, The Kadelpian, as well as the Kappa Delta Pi Record. Following your free one-year subscription to the New Teacher Advocate, you may renew this niche publication for only $8 annually. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Educational Forum, KDP’s double-blind, peer-refereed journal.

Nominate an outstanding teacher for Disney Teacher of the Year or learn about creative classrooms at http://disney.go.com/disneyhand/learning/index.html

Kadelpians are. . .

Kindhhearted, always willing to lend a helping hand
Always aspiring to be the best that they possibly can
Positive role models for all with whom they come in contact
Professional in everything they do and in the way they act
Active in the community and in the schools

Devoted to making a difference in the lives of our youth
Energetic and enthusiastic about educating everyone
Living and learning, and having fun
Taking education to a higher place
Attacking and defeating any obstacles they may face

Powerful people helping to make the future a promising one
Individuals who are a part of the great world of education

Theta Iota Chapter
http://theta-iota-kdp.tripod.com/id3.html


 



Support these proud sponsors of Kappa Delta Pi’s 45th Biennial Convocation— They support KDP.






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

“Service is a light that shines within each Kadelpian’s heart and mind and hopefully will serve as a beacon to others.”

Dr. Ruth Simmons Herts, Faculty Advisor, Eta Sigma Chapter