Kappa Phi News

Kappa Phi Chapter, No. 261, Area 9

Carrollton-Farmers Branch, TX
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
1 Texas State Organization
Vol. 42, Issue 1 September 2020
2

DKG Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal
growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Vision Statement: Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide

3 Marilyn’s Memo

Hello from deep in the pandemic of 2020! This is month 6 of our forced quarantine but
thank God, as a far as I know, all of our DKG members are well. I recently read that the
teachers, parents and students also had a very hard decision on whether to open schools
during the pandemic in 1918. There really is never anything new in the world! However this is a very
trying time for parents, teachers, and students today, with many implications. Our hearts and prayers are
with all who are facing this situation. We are with you.

I want to welcome all of you back to a new DKG year and the beginning of our biennium. We will be
meeting via Zoom until it is safe to meet in person or the weather cools off enough to meet outdoors, so-
cially distanced. The officers have planned an exciting year of programs and projects. Susan is hard at
work on the yearbook, Roberta has completed the budget, and Celeste is publishing our first newsletter
of the year.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 3 at 7:00. Please download the Zoom App if you have
not done so for our meetings. Also, look over the budget so we can approve it. It was emailed to you
earlier. We will have a special guest, Marilyn Nease, conducting the ceremonies for new members and
officers for the September meeting. She is the Region 9 Area Coordinator for DKG.

Be safe! I’m looking forward to Zooming with you on September 3 at 7:00pm.

Faithfully, 1

Marilyn Marsh, President

Kappa Phi Officers, 2018-2020

President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Marsh 1st Vice President. . . . . . Barbara Gilbert
2nd Vice President. . . . . . . Mary Funk Recording Secretary. . . . Chris Little
Corresponding Secretary. . . Sarah Hurt Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . Roberta Gould

Editor: Celeste Craig, 6210 White Rose Trail, Dallas, TX 75248 celrob56@gmail.com
Website: kappaphitexas.weebly.com
 $$ Money Matters $$
3

September Greetings!

You are receiving three financial attachments with this newsletter. First, there is the
Treasurer’s Report as of July 31, 2020. It includes $45.00 in membership dues and a
check to the Cora McFarland Scholarship Fund which Kappa Phi voted to send, as the
Spring Luncheon did not occur. The next two attachments are a copy (page 1 and page 2) of the pro-
posed budget for 2020-2021. It will be voted on during the Zoom membership meeting on September 3.
Additionally this year, there is no charge for the September Area Workshop on September 19 as it also
will be a Zoom meeting. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity.

Looking forward to seeing everyone’s smiling face in a couple of weeks!

Roberta Gould, Treasurer

The “Treasurer’s Report” appears at the end of the Newsletter.

Kappa Phi Grants Others An Opportunity

3

An update on our grant progress and thinking: our grants model will be offered as an
opportunity for others during the virtual DKG Workshop in September. Debbie and
Vicky have been working on a presentation that includes documents and a thorough
presentation on how to get started, how to maintain, and follow through. Hopefully,
this will help others to engage and see a process their chapter can support.

The process for this year’s opportunity is up for discussion. Right now doesn’t seem to be the best time
to initiate a request for more paperwork, conversations, etc. We think everyone is probably on overload
at the moment. Please let us know if you have ideas to help with grants without
overloading the very ones we want to help.
3
Vicky Herr and Debbie Moss, Early Educator Grants Committee

4 The deadline for the October newsletter is Monday, September 21. If you would like
to submit an article for that edition, please send it to Celeste
(celrob2@sbcglobal.net) by September 21.
2
 News from First VP
3 Since we will be installing officers and initiating new members, there is no guest speaker
for the September meeting. I could use a few more volunteers to talk about how they are
using technology to provide engaging lessons for their students during these uncertain
times. We have a volunteer representing second grade, so if there are any middle school or
high school teachers willing to talk about their experiences, that would make an interesting
comparison. Those of us not currently in the classroom would like to learn from our col-
leagues who are constantly adapting to new situations each week.

If you’d like to volunteer to present a 10-12 minute “Show & Tell” about your experiences
with virtual lessons in 2020, please email or call Barbara Gilbert. We are here to support you during these chal-
lenges.

Barbara Gilbert, First Vice President

September Meeting
Officer Installation and New Member Initiation
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2020 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Zoom Meeting Program: Installation and Initiation

Purpose: To Unite To Honor To Initiate, Endorse, and Support

1
We are honored that our Area IX Coordinator Marilyn Nease will be joining our meeting to help conduct our In-
stillation and Initiation. We will also vote on the budget that Roberta submitted at the August meeting.

You will be receiving an Evite with the link to the Zoom meeting. Be sure to save the Evite—you will not re-
ceive a separate email with a link. To make things easier, install the Zoom app or set up a Zoom account with your
unique password (not the meeting password). It will make it much easier for you to enter the meeting. You can
also go to Zoom before the meeting starts to test your microphone, your speakers, and to adjust your device so that
everyone has an optimum view of you (check your room lighting and positioning of your device).

A Note From the Kappa Phi Ceremonies Chairman

I hope you are ready for another challenge! At our Zoom meeting on September 3rd we will be performing two
ceremonies! Our Area 9 Coordinator, Marilyn Nease, will be involved in the Ceremonies!

The first ceremony will be the Installation of Chapter Officers. The former and new officers will need to be at our
meeting. I will be emailing the script to you with your part designated. If you will be unable to attend. Please let
me know.

The second ceremony will be the Chapter Induction Ceremony. I will email the script to officers involved. Those
involved are President, VP Membership, VP Programs, Corresponding Secretary, and Marylin Nease.

Please print a copy of your script before the meeting. You can contact me with questions
or if you will not be at the meeting.

I look forward to seeing you! 3

 Membership Report:
3

Kappa Phi is please to welcome two new members to our Chapter:

--Jennifer Berrier, who was recommended for membership by Sarah Hurt, is a 2nd grade teacher
at Sheffield Elementary.

--Miriam Honig, who was recommended for membership by Susan Price, is a retired special
education teacher.

The membership induction ceremony will occur during our September Zoom meeting. Please be crea-
tive and think of unique ways to congratulate these two wonderful ladies as they officially become
Kappa Phi members.

Also, our goal for 2020-21 is to add 4-5 addition members to our chapter roles. Please begin the proc-
ess of sending me the names of educators that you would like to recommend for membership. I need
EVERYONE to recommend at least one prospective member. I am certain that each of you are aware of
amazing women educators who are deserving of the honor of becoming Delta Kappa Gamma mem-
bers. I can’t hand you a prospect card to complete, so I would ask that you contact me by e-mail
(funkmary@verison.net) and provide the information listed below about the person you are recommend-
ing. I am ready to start making contacts, but I need your help. I would encourage you to touch base
with the educator you plan to recommend to verify potential interest and obtain accurate contact infor-
mation before submitting her name. I’ll send prospective members information about Delta Kappa
Gamma to help them make an informed decision about acceptance, but a brief, initial contact by the
sponsoring member provides some groundwork that is beneficial to the process.

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER INFORMATION:

NAME:

HOME ADDRESS (including zip code):

E-MAIL:

PHONE:

EMPLOYER (ISD AND SCHOOL):

POSITION:

4
 Happy Birthday to You!
Lee Nitcholas September 12
3
3 Susan Price September 19
Barbara Taylor September 24
Tina Flatt September 28

Future Meetings
Brave New World of Education
October 1, 2020 Time TBD Through Virtual Learning Location TBA

December 3, 2020 Time TBD Christmas Party and Auction Location TBA

Chapter Birthday Celebration

January 7, 2021 Time TBD Seminar on Health/Well Being Location TBA

February 4, 2021 Time TBD Program with City Planner Location TBA

April 1, 2021 Time TBD Initiation of New Members Location TBA

Founders’ Day and

May 6, 2021 Time TBD Achievement Awards Location TBA

1, 2. Graphic courtesy of dkgtexas.org/graphics 3. Photos courtesy of Kappa Phi Members 4. Graphics courtesy of Microsoft Word non-
commercial use graphics 5. Free Illustration: Vulcan Cover 41-1993.jpg

5
 Zoom Meeting Information
How does this work?

Your September Evite contained a hyperlink to the September meeting. You’ll click on this link to join
the meeting. Check out this helpful information on Joining a Meeting for instructions for your platform or
device.

1. Click on the “Join” link or type it into your browser.

2. You'll be prompted to download Zoom or to launch the app if you already have it. Select the option to
join a meeting with or without video.

• If the host hasn't started the meeting yet, you'll have to wait on hold. Use the time to test your
computer audio and video settings. As part of the test, Zoom will play an audio tone and record
your voice — if you can't hear the tone or your voice, something is not right. A video preview
window lets you see how you'll look to others. [The icon to the right tells you your video is off,
see the red slash over the video camera?]
♦ You may be placed in a 'waiting room' before you are admitted to the meeting. This is so hosts and co-
hosts can verify your name and email address for security. It also prevents unauthorized individuals
from entering the meeting.

What do I need to Zoom?

1. A compatible device.
You can use a laptop or desktop computer, tablet, smartphone, or a landline phone. Devices can be Win-
dows or Mac, Android or IOS. If you use a non-smart phone, you will have limited options – but you will
be able to hear and speak. [*6 is used to unmute.]

For the very best results, use a laptop or computer that you can place close to your wi-fi connection or
wire directly. Place it so that the camera is at eye level. Be sure any light is shining on you rather than be-
hind you.
2. Up to date Zoom software (optional). Download the most up-to-date version of Zoom to access all the
features and security protection. Visit the Zoom website or get the iOS and Android app versions in the
Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you use the browser only option, you will have certain limita-
tions.

Do I have to download software to join a meeting?

No. You do not have to download any software if you don’t want to – you can Join from Your Browser
using a laptop or desktop computer and a compatible web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or
Chromium Edge).

How will I see other people?

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Photos From August Zoom Meeting

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tablet the control is on the upper left — you may have to gently tap the screen to see it. If participants’
live video feeds are enabled, you will see them, otherwise, you'll see a dark rectangle with the person's
name. The size of your device or screen determines how many thumbnails may display.

Should I mute my microphone?

Please. If you are not speaking, do keep your microphone muted. You'll know your microphone is
muted when a slash appears on top of the microphone icon. You'll want to keep it muted to ensure envi-
ronmental sounds, like pets, lawnmowers, and televisions are not distracting to others. Remember to tap
or click the microphone icon to unmute to speak! Be aware that your host has the ability to mute all par-
ticipants for security, safety, and meeting facilitation. This is not to be unkind in any way!

What about chatting and screen sharing?

You can type comments or questions in the chat box. These comments are generally for the entire group.
In most cases screen and file sharing is restricted to hosts or co-hosts. If you wish to share some informa-
tion, let your Marilyn know prior to the meeting.

What if I have auditory or hearing issues?

Videoconferencing can be challenging for people with hearing or auditory processing issues. When peo-
ple are speaking over each other, if speech is not clear, or if the audio and video are out of sync, this can
make understanding things difficult. Slow internet speed or poor connectivity is the primary issue with
lapses in sound quality or synchronization issues. I recommend the following to prevent connectivity or
speed issues and increase auditory comprehension:

1. Use a laptop or computer and be sure it is close to your wi-fi or router.

2. If you have other wi-fi users, have them turn off high usage applications like video games, teleconfer-
encing, streaming so speed is devoted to your teleconferencing.
3. Ensure you have good lighting in front of you and a quiet environment.
4. Consider using earbuds or high-quality headphones with noise-canceling features to enhance sound
quality.
5. If you wear hearing aids, you may be able to pair them to your computer or mobile device via Blue-
tooth to enhance sound quality.
• Hearing Aids, Smartphones, & Apps
• Bluetooth Hearing Aids
6. Consider downloading a transcription application. Live Transcribe is a free IOS and Android applica-
tion so you could play voice to text automatically; this is available for mobile applications and possibly
desktop. If you load it on your smartphone, you could set your phone next to your laptop and use your
microphone. It would stream voice to text for all audio.

Is Zoom secure?
Zoom security has been updated recently and they continue to refine their software and security. They
provide more default security options as well as end-to-end encryption of all audio, video, and screen
sharing data – data in transit cannot be intercepted. The best way to ensure meeting security is to keep
our unique Meeting IDs and passwords confidential. All software can be vulnerable or have flaws, so be
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sure to use the most up to date software including Zoom and any browser or operating system software.
 Delta Kappa Gamma International
Kappa Phi Chapter
MINUTES
August 6, 2020
Meeting location: all members participating from their own residences viaZoom

Members present: Pat Bielamowicz, Celeste Craig,Sarah Eaton, Mary Funk,Barbara Gilbert,Roberta
Gould, Laura Harbin, Vicky Herr, Miriam Honig,Sarah Hurt, Chis Little, Marilyn Marsh, Debbie Moss,
Lee Nitcholas, Sammie Perry,Susan Price,Nancy Shaheen, Jan Waggoner

Guests:none present

Welcome:President Marilyn Marsh welcomed all membersto ourmeeting utilizing Zoom.The meeting
was called to order.Miriam Honig was introduced as one of our new members.

Inspiration:Sammie Perry presented our devotional. Opportunities were provided for the members to
sign up for the remaining months. The list is as follows:
September 3: Barbara G.
October 1: Debbie
December 3: Lee
January 7: Laura
February 4: Nancy
April 1: Vicky
May 6: Sarah H.

Secretary’s Report:The minutes were approved with the addition of Nancy Shaheen’s name had been
omitted from the officers’ meeting attendance.

Treasurer’s report: The new treasurer, Roberta Gould, reported on additional expenses added to the
proposed budget. $135 was added to cover the cost of pins for new members as well as pins for members
who were celebrating special year anniversaries as members of Delta Kappa Gamma. Roberta reported
that the balance as of the end of June was $10,141.36. She also addressed the fact that we need 31 mem-
bers to even out our income with expenses.
At this date, our chapter has 26 active members and 1 honorary member. We need 5 new members to
break even, according to Roberta.
The proposed budget will be voted on at the September meeting. Copies of the proposed budget have
been sent out to members for inspection.

Programs: Barbara Gilbert reported on the proposed programs for the coming year.
Sarah Hurt offered to present a lesson using the new platform Canvas for our September Zoom meeting.
She will demonstrate a reading lesson that she will use for her second- grade reading class.
The October meeting needs input from teachers who are still in the classroom explaining what is and
what is not working in regard to online teaching.
The December meeting will be our auction to raise funds for our educator grant initiative. The event will
take place at Nancy Shaheen’s apartment club room. Hopefully by then our meeting can be in person.
Our January meeting will focus on health and well-being.
February’s focus will center on the Carrollton City Planner.
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April 1 will be the initiation of our new members. Marilyn McNeese will come for initiation and installa-
Old Business: Debbie and Vicky are working on the new educator grant program. The plan is to use
Turner’s feeder pattern this year instead of Smith’s as we did last year. They suggested holding back a
month before starting so that applicants can focus on the beginning of school.
We were reminded of the Area Workshop in September. There is no fee for attendance. Everyone should
try to attend via Zoom.

ShareTime: All members were given the opportunity to share news regarding their families. Several mem-
bers related vacation experiences. Several gave shout outs to nieces and nephews who graduated from high
school and college.

Several members had prayer requests for immediate family members who were experiencing health issues.
(Wonderful news about Wyatt!)

Lee provided information on using parks for our meetings. Free to use unless we reserve the spot. Then
there is a fee.

Marilyn adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P.M.

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 Delta Kappa Gamma

Kappa Phi Chapter

Treasurer’s Report

Balance July 01, 2020 $13,141.36

Deposits (Membership dues) + $450.00

Withdrawals (check #1141) Cora McFarland

Scholarship - $100.00
_________

Balance July 31, 2020 $13,491.36

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DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL
KAPPA PHI CHAP-
TER
Budget for 2020-2021

CHAPTER EXPENSES

CCDC Dues 25.00

Cora McFarland Fund

(26 x 1.) 26.00

President's Fee (Spring

Luncheon) 38.00

Early Educator Grant 1,000.00

General Expenses
(postage, forms) 75.00

Achievements Awards 100.00

Membership Recogni-
tion (pins, certificates) 135.00

State Convention Ex-

pense 2021 500.00

State Convention Ex-

pense (Other Members) 150.00

Program Expenses
(Refreshments, roses) 100.00

Publication Expenses
(Newsletter, Yearbook) 75.00

Miscellanous Expenses 75.00

CHAPTER EXPENSES 2,299.00

STATE AND INTERNA-

TIONAL EXPENSES from
p.1 12
1,590.40

TOTAL EXPENSES 2020-

2021 3,889.40
DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL
KAPPA PHI CHAPTER
Bank Balance 06/30/2020
(This includes the following -
$400.00 extra Auction income
above $1000.00,

$150.00 unsed State Convention

$500.00 unused State Convention
Expenses 2020, and
$2,160.00 2020-2021 dues re-
ceived and deposited). $13,141.36

Budget for 2020-2021

ESTIMATED INCOME
Dues (26 active members x $90) 2,340.00
Dues received for 2020-2021 (24
active members x $90) (2,160.00)
Dues outstanding (2 active mem-
bers x $90) 180.00

Fund Raisers (Auction) 1,000.00

ESTIMATED INCOME FOR 2020-

2021 includes Bank Balance 14,321.36

ESTIMATED EXPENSES

STATE AND INTERNATIONAL

International Dues (26 active mem-

bers x $40) 1,040.00

International Scholarship Fee (26

members x $0.20) 5.20

International New Member Initia-

tion (4 members x $2.50) 10.00

13
State Dues (26 active members x
$20) 520.00

State Scholarship Fee (26 mem-