Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
“The Alpha Tau Talk”
“Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide,
Honor, Learn, Lead through DKG
2017-2019 Biennium International Theme
www.dkg.org –International www.dkgmissouri.com–State
Myrna Walker—Chapter President &
Newsletter Editor
myrnaLwalker@gmail.com
Well,
what
Myrna’s Message crazy
times
these are!
It occurred to me that maybe one of the huge benefits
of everything being cancelled due to the coronavirus
could be a great appreciation of teachers!
I saw a funny video on FaceBook of a very
composed lady saying how grateful she was for this
opportunity to be at home with her family during the
quarantine. She named all the “fun” things they were
doing, while at the same time she was holding up signs
saying things like, “Help”, “I want to leave”, “They
make me cook and clean all day”, “They do nothing to
help out”, and “I can’t do this any longer”. She ended
with saying, “I just can’t wait for the next four weeks
that we are going to just be here at home.” And that
was before parents were even asked to start teaching
their kids at home!
Then I saw another funny blog about a mom’s first
day teaching her kids and she started out by asking,
“What grade are you in?” She then said, “Is it time for
lunch yet?” and soon, “We are going to take a nap
now.” When her children/students said that they
didn’t take naps, she yelled, “Hey, there’s a new
principal in town, and she says that all students and
faculty now take naps!!”
As funny as these stories are, I remember that, for
me, the hardest time I ever had teaching was to my
own children. I tried teaching them piano lessons. It
was a good thing there was not a principal around
because I would have violated the discipline policy!
I then volunteered as the music teacher when they went
to Christian School. Oh, my! My precious perfect
daughter in the classroom was the worst student in my
music class! She did not like sharing her mother as a
teacher.
So, my hope is that when school starts back in the
fall, parents will remember and be grateful for the
wonder of dedicated, trained teachers who teach.
Volume 4, Issue 1
Spring/Summer, 2020 p. 1
Next Meeting Information
Although the plans for our next meeting have
not been solidified, Alpha Tau Chapter will
probably meet at 9:30 a.m. at Church House
Banquets on Saturday, September 12, 2020, in
Halfway. The cost for the brunch has not been
determined yet, but checks will still be made to
Alpha Tau. If you are unable to attend, you must
please send written regrets to:
Karla Spear
2371 E. 368th
Louisburg, MO 65685
spearkarla@gmail.com
417-399-8959
by 2 pm on Wednesday, September 9th.
It is Alpha Tau’s policy that you must pay for the
meal if you do not send regrets in the allotted time.
Our program? Since we did not get to have our
April meeting due to the Coronavirus, we will be
playing catch-up.
*We will have installation of our new officers
for 2020-2022.
*We will also update service pins for those
earning them every five years. Please bring yours
to turn back in.
*For Project Hope, let's bring school supplies
and encouragement (like chocolate!) for early
career teachers as they begin their school year!
It’s been awhile since they have been in school!
*Announcement!!! There will be a door prize
for those in attendance!
IN THIS ISSUE
President’s Message------------------------------- p. 1
Next Meeting Information ----------------------- p. 1
Quarantine Happenings ------------p. 2 and others
Jessica Sergent Awarded Scholarship----------p. 2
Sister Personal/Professional News ----------- p. 3
Spotlight on Education --------------------------- p. 3
Due Diligence ---------------------------------------p. 3
Upcoming Conferences ---------------------------p. 4
SW Area Conference Update -------------------- p. 4
Sister’s Chat -----------------------------------------p. 5
Pictures of DisneyWorld -------------------------- p. 7
 Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
The Alpha Tau Talk
Spring/Summer, 2020 p. 2

Alpha Tau Officers for 2020-2022 If You Missed the April Meeting . . .
President—Karen Gorden If you missed the April meeting, you weren’t
First Vice-President—Karla Spear alone! We all did, of course, due to the
Second Vice-President—Kay Otterness coronavirus. This newsletter is an attempt to
Secretary—Sarah Oglesbee catch us up on any news that we might need to
Treasurer—Cay Sergent know, since it will be a long time before we see
Parliamentarian—Debra Agee each other at the September meeting.
Immediate Past President—Myrna Walker
Quarantine Happenings
Jessica Sergent Awarded International So, what have you been doing during the coronavirus
Scholarship mandated quarantine?
When Jessie asked this editor to write her a *Evonne Miner—“I have been working with
reference letter for an International Scholarship, students online and having meetings on a daily basis,
she said, “I won’t get it, but it’s worth a try also online. I continue to get the opportunity to do that
anyway.” But guess what?? She DID get it!! fabulous special education paperwork. The best part
We are so very proud of her, and no one about this time has been spending each day with my
deserves this scholarship more than she does! husband and our dog, Atlas. We do our best to walk
She has grown up in DKG, and has attended FIVE about 4 miles a day and enjoy as much pleasure as we
International DKG Conventions, not counting this can get.”
year’s. *Sarah Oglesbee—"About 3 weeks ago, our
She has also presented seven times, and is a daughters said, ‘Mom and Dad, you will stay
member of DKG Next, an advisory group of home.’ That's just what we are doing. As you may
younger DKG women. It is so admirable that know I love to be at home, so that's no problem for
Jessie has been to every state convention since me. I've been getting some much needed house
she became a cleaning done. I have cleaned and reorganized almost
member member of DKG! every cabinet in my house. I plan to start cleaning
Of Of course, she has closets next, and of course rearranging the living room
held many offices and our bedroom. My husband is a gardener, so I've
for in our local chapter, been helping him with that. We've had some
and continues to be wonderful days to be outside. We are well and
a a part of us even busy. All four of our daughters and their husbands are
though though she has staying home too. I'm so thankful that we can be home
moved moved away. She and safe. I pray that each of you is safe and healthy. “
was was our Key *Myrna Walker—“Since I have only lived in my
Woman Woman Educator in house 3 years, you would think it didn’t need much of
2017. We are not a spring cleaning, but the bags to be donated to
sure, but it appears consignment (if the store ever opens), prove
that the amount may otherwise! Netflix and I have become good friends and
be $6000! I am loving not feeling guilty about sleeping late.
My traveling buddies and I went to DisneyWorld and
our last day there was on Friday before they closed
down on Monday! Since I am gone all the time, I
Something you need to know? thought I would be stir-crazy, but I am not. I am loving
Look it up at alphataumo.weebly.com ! getting things done that I have had “on my list” for so
long and it feels good to have a more organized house.
The password for our yearbook under Have you ever heard of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo?
Resources is dkgalphatau Kind of interesting!”
(cont. on pg. 4)
 Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
The Alpha Tau Talk
Spring/Summer, 2020 p. 3
SISTER FUN NEWS
*Evonne Miner says her kids are doing great!
(That is something to celebrate!) She also says
she can’t wait to travel again, (and this editor can
second that emotion!)
*Myrna Walker and friends went to Disney
World for just a few days and had a blast! They
visited Epcot, the Animal Kingdom, and
Hollywood Studios. That Disney was a genius!
*Rita Legan says she and Kyle are taking
some leisurely drives, rediscovering our
county and discovering landscapes of
surrounding counties, seeing the beauty of our
area. She says she is also trying to declutter
her home and states it is something her kids
will appreciate later on!
SISTER PROFESSIONAL NEWS
*What a weird year for Evonne Miner to
end her teaching career on! She is retiring in
May after teaching 29 years! Congratulations,
Evonne!!!!
*This is a weird kind of professional news,
but Myrna Walker has finally cleaned out her
work bag for supervising student teachers. It
has only been 3 years since she retired, so I
guess this means that she is really retired.
Due Diligence
GREAT news about dues!!! DUE to the
coronavirus, and also due to our healthy bank
account, your officers have decided that YOU
deserve a break today! SO, if you pay your
dues BY May 30th, they are only $60, or $30 for
reserve. (Do you know how long it has been
since dues have been that cheap?)
Now, mind you, this is only for this year. If
you don’t get your check in the mail until after
May 30th, dues are still $70, or $35 for reserve.
So do it now! We will all be glad you did! Write
out that check to Alpha Tau and send it to:
Cay Sergent
4169 S. 243rd Rd.
Halfway, MO 65663
Questions? Call Cay—417-326-9244
Spotlight on Education
When asked how schools are coping with this quarantine
season, two administrators in Alpha Tau gave very
interesting information. Superintendent Karla Spear says
that the faculty and staff at Halfway R-III did a wonderful job
adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
The Friday before school was called off on March 17th,
they worked hard to prepare packets "just in case." Sadly,
those packets were needed, and they are now 4 weeks into
this distance/remote learning journey. Also the week of the
17th, they began daily food deliveries—breakfast and
lunch. It is available to all children in their district. The
number has steadily grown, and they are currently serving
around 180 children each day.
Grades pre-K through 6th are completing paper packets.
They are dropping off packets with food delivery or mailing.
Students in grades 7-12 are completing assignments
through Google Classroom or paper packets if they do not
have Internet access. (Chromebooks have been provided
upon request.) Assignments can be turned in in a variety of
ways -- paper, photo in an email or text, and/or Google
Classroom. In addition to the assignments, teachers are
making frequent phone calls, are creating and sending
videos, have created Facebook groups, and are hosting Zoom
and Google Meet sessions.
Assignments consist of review, practice, and new
learning. Teachers are currently grading assignments turned
in, and final grade procedures will be determined at the next
board meeting.
As all schools are finding, this situation is presenting a
very steep learning curve which changes with each day. The
goal is to help each student continue his/her education. The
hope is that through diligence and hard work, the need for
review and reteaching next year will be kept to a minimum.
Michelle Sechler, elementary principal at Marion C.
Early (Morrisville), says that the virus shut down has really
impacted school for them. They are creating Learning
Packets.
The PreK-2nd grade teachers are using primarily
paper/pencil tasks with some online components. 3rd-5th
grade teachers are using a good mix of online learning
components as well as paper/pencil tasks. Many of their
family do not have reliable internet or have many children
sharing one or two devices (often phones).
(cont. on p. 6)
 Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
The Alpha Tau Talk
Spring/Summer, 2020 p. 4
Southwest Area Conference Update
As you can see to the right, all area conferences Upcoming Conferences:
have been cancelled, due to the coronavirus. At
first, they were just postponed, but now they have ** Southwest Area Conference
been officially cancelled. All Area Conferences have been cancelled, due to
Awards will be mailed to the Chapter Presidents the virus. If you sent in money with your
or sent out digitally, whichever the president registration, it will be returned to you.
prefers. It is a shame, because the coordinators of **July 7-11, 2020 DKG International Convention
each conference have worked very hard, but it was Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
decided it was the best thing to do. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As far as we know at this time, the International **2021--Missouri State Conference-
Conference scheduled for July 7-11 is still on. Marriott
Hopefully, life will be back to normal by that time! Blue Springs, Missouri

Quarantine Happenings (cont. from p. 2)

(cont. from Column 1)
*Rita Legan—"I am working from home,
also taken advantage of the time by beginning a
although on a limited basis. I sent a letter to
workout routine. Two days on, one day off. I add in a
students/parents which listed available online
three to five mile walk almost everyday...so long as the
book resources to encourage student reading while
sun is out.
at home. I am providing library lessons/
For any “down time” my family and I have been
worksheets for grades K-6 to continue student
doing a ton of yard work/ landscaping. Quite a feat, but
learning (per library curriculum). Jessica Gray,
we do have plenty of time. In the evenings we’ve taken
Curriculum Director, asked each of our faculty/
to playing board games. One in particular, Catan, has
staff to prepare a short lighthearted video for our
become a family favorite. If the mood strikes, we all go
students to enjoy. Naturally, my video will center
out and create chalk masterpieces in the driveway.
around reading in various settings. On a personal
While this time has been difficult for obvious
level, I’m cooking a lot more! Also, I’m doing a lot
reasons, we’ve made the best of it and are all doing
of bike riding with my daughter and
well. I am thankful for the many blessings we have and
granddaughter. We are observing safe distancing,
hope everyone is doing well.”
especially since I’m the one who is always lagging
*Karla Spear—“At school. . . Due to this virus
behind. :) It’s great exercise for me, physically and
craziness, I have learned how to use Google Meet.
mentally.”
Quite simple, but I guess I just never really needed it
*Annette Fugitt-- “I’ve been doing everything in
before. It has proven to be quite handy. In fact, I
my power to stay calm, cool, and collected.
utilized it for an interview last week and even carried
My partner teacher and I have worked “closely”
around my laptop afterwards to give the candidate a
remotely creating online science content that will
tour of the building and the classroom. At home . . . I
provide some level of comfort and normalcy for
should be cleaning, planting a garden, and, well,
our students. Many of our weekly lessons
writing my dissertation. Instead, I got a part-time job
incorporate a social emotional learning (SEL)
at Aldi. (“What???” screams the editor.) After enough
component that allows them to connect with us
procrastination and avoidance, I intend to do the
and each other. I will often email 10 or more
cleaning, planting, and dissertation, too.” (“In between
students a day. I have also taken up writing to each
the hours of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.?!” screams the editor.
of my 100 students. I recently bought fun postcards
“She is a crazy woman, but ambitious! Pray for her!”)
and am working through the list of students. To
*Sue King--“I have been sewing. I have made masks
keep myself motivated, I volunteer three days a
for the hospital, friends and family. I also finished a
week at our school to package and distribute food
prayer shawl and made a baby afghan. I have been
to children in our community. It’s been a joy to see
doing some yard work at home and my husband’s
their faces on those early morning drops. I have
office. I have been doing some farm chores.”
(cont. in next column)
(cont. on p. 5)
 Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Alpha Tau Chapter
Spring/Summer, 2020 p. 5
Quarantine Happenings (cont. from p. 4)
* Debra Agee—"Spring is always a busy time on
the farm and this year it is busier. I am cooking a
noon meal for our farm crew since they can't go
anywhere to eat. We are trying to social distance
with them as much as possible...but we need them to
work and they need to stay working. So they eat on
the deck and I am being super careful about
sanitation. Putting out a bit more garden than
normal. Have plants and flowers started, waiting to
be sure the cold weather is finished. Have been
working on some projects in the yard and making
masks on rainy days for family and friends that need
them. Spending a bit of time each day visiting with
friends and family using technology. Missing lots of
things (family, church, shopping, friends, etc.), but
adjusting and thankful to be busy and well. “
* Carol Huser—”Carl and I are doing well. I'm
staying at home and not going out because of my
lung problems. I can't handle any more problems
with my breathing. Carl is working in his work-shop
and turning interesting wood items. The gallery
where he works and shows his work, Fresh, is
closed as their building has sold. He brought his
work home in February. They have a new building
and will be moving in as soon as they have re-
modeled and it is safe to open to the public.
Our fur family are keeping us entertained and
loved. We have 2 labs and a little 3 legged dog that
are keeping us laughing and happy. They seem to
know when we need some extra attention. Our
children Cary and Cathryn are in MS and CA. Cary is
working from home until further notice. Cathryn's
\\ is out for the rest of the year. The teachers
school
are putting lessons on- line for their classes. As of
the present moment they are both doing fine. May
God bless and keep you all safe.”
*Magda Neill—"Unlike many of my friends, I’m
not doing spring cleaning right now. I guess I’m
saving it for the weeks to come. Joe and I have been
walking almost every day. I’m practicing my
yoga, I’ve read a few books, watched TV (too much),
taught Joe and some friends how to play canasta,
and done some crocheting. I plan to do a bit of
sewing, but I confess, I’m having a bit of trouble
getting motivated! Maybe next week! It is strange
staying home. I counted around 10 of my activities
cancelled during the month of April. Hope my
Sisters in Alpha Tau are doing well.”
SISTER’S CHAT
This is a new feature of the newsletter, where we
highlight a member of our chapter in order to get to
know her better. In this issue that member is Eva
Marie Glor, who is 90 years old and has been a
member of DKG for 52 years!!!! In fact, she is one of
two of our living charter members! She lives in Buffalo.
She graduated from SMS in 1955 with a BS in Elem.
Ed. A Master’s Degree in Sp Ed was earned from the
University of MO in Columbia and she also earned
certification as an elementary counselor from SMSU.
Her first job was as a 2nd grade teacher at Tunas
Consolidated School for 4 years, and then she moved to
the Macks Creek R-5 School District to be a Remedial
Reading and Special Education teacher for 8 years.
She was a homebound teacher throughout her
career, including her time with Dallas Co. R-I, which
followed Macks Creek. Eva Marie was a special
education teacher for 9 years at Dallas Co., and also
taught summer school in the Head Start and regular
school programs. In fact, after earning certification as
an elementary counselor, she was employed as the
FIRST elementary counselor for them. She was in that
position for 22 years until her retirement in July of
1993. That makes a total of 43 years in education!
Eva Marie has held many, if not all, of the offices of
Alpha Tau, including President in 1976-1978. One
thing that is different now than when she joined is the
casual dress code, and she says she loves it! Her
interests in life are gardening, reading, and shopping.
Her family consists of children John with wife Maya,
Evonne and husband Bob, and grandchildren Himali
(17), Drake (25), and Broc (27). When asked if she had
it to do all over again, what would she change, she says,
“I wouldn’t change a single thing! I thank God for
His goodness.”
Eva
Marie
Glor
Mom,
Grandma,
Educator
 Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Alpha Tau Chapter
Spring/Summer, 2020 p. 6
Spotlight on Education (cont. from p. 3)
Michelle says that their teachers are not
required to turn in lesson plans, but they have
weekly ZOOM faculty meetings. She has also
been recording a weekly video and posting it to
their social media sites to keep parents up-
dated on the latest news.
She encouraged her teachers to not overload
their students with too much new learning. She
says, “This is such a stressful time for ALL of us
and I don’t want schoolwork to push families
over the edge. We continue to encourage
reading and spending time together as a family.
Read, play and cook together as a family.”
She feels that their students may potentially
be behind a bit academically in the fall. But, as
they always do, the teachers will meet them
where they are and keep moving them forward.
Morrisville also delivers food; each Tuesday
they have van loads of food to ALL students
who sign up delivered—4 breakfasts and 4
lunches. They also partner with Life360
Community Services who, during normal
school, provide their kids with Super Snacks
each day. They now come once a week on
Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. and provide a week’s
worth of food and a gallon of milk per child in
the home, serving 200 kids each week!
So are the teachers and administrators
working more or less than in regular times?
Michelle says she feels like a circus performer
spinning plates in the air. “I take my eye off one
plate and two others are falling flat on the floor.
It’s exhausting. I worry about my kids and
some unsafe homes, food insecurities, etc. I
worry about my teachers burning the candle at
both ends.”
I guess that answers my question—sadly.
This editor was very touched by how many
teachers were so sad about school being
cancelled for the rest of the year and not being
able to say good-bye to their children. Our
teachers are so very dedicated and hard-
working. We are an awesome profession, and I,
for one, am proud to belong to the profession
that makes all other professions possible.
Quarantine Happenings (cont. from p. 5)
*Skylar Rambo—“During this time I am distance
teaching 3rd grade via Google Classroom!”
*Rhonda Agee—“Quarantine has been, shall I say,
interesting in the Agee household. My kids are home
(just a little early) from college and my husband is
working and I am teaching from home. We each have
workstations in our house (one for him, one for me, and
one for the kids to do their homework) and have tried to
develop some sort of new/temporary normal. Since we
are home, we have had the opportunity to do some
MAJOR "spring cleaning" inside and will continue to
work outside and be able to start gardening and lawn
work as the weather continues to get warmer. My son
has a lawn mowing service and some nice weather
has allowed him to start his summer business . . .
sometimes that's a family activity. lol
It's a good thing I love to cook as I have cooked and
done more dishes/ran the dishwasher in a few weeks
than I think I have all year! lol We (the whole family)
started watching a series on Netflix which we usually
watch one episode an evening after dinner. I go grocery
shopping for us and for my parents which is a nice way
to get out of the house. We celebrated my husband's
birthday under quarantine and will likely celebrate
mine as well. I miss my family and friends/co-workers
(including my Alpha Tau sisters ) and my students
and all the events/parties/reunions/celebrations (both
school and personal) that spring always brings. I hope
everyone is staying safe and healthy and look forward to
when we meet again. ”
*Laurie Whitlock—”I’ve been spending my time at
home - self isolating and social distancing. I’ve gotten a
few things done but not as much as I should. On nice
days when it’s not too cold, I walk in my neighborhood. I
have enjoyed seeing Spring arrive. My Spring flowers
have been beautiful, and the red bud trees are
absolutely the most brilliant I’ve seen. I talk or text with
family and friends but miss the close contact. Thought
I’d get more reading done but find I’ve watched more
movies. I have no doubt that God is still in control. Hope
all of you are well and look forward to our being
together again.”
 Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Alpha Tau Chapter
Spring/Summer, 2020 p. 7

Myrna Walker and friends were lucky enough to visit Disney World only 3 days before they closed in
March. Here are some pictures to enjoy until they open again. It IS a magical place! Send Myrna YOUR
traveling pictures once we can travel again!
A shot of the Geosphere of Epcot at night

It was the International Flower Festival at

Epcot, and everything was beautiful!

The Lion King Show at Animal Kingdom was amazing!

The Pandora section of Animal Kingdom The Beauty and the Beast Show at Hollywood Studios showed a
is so beautiful at night because of its lot of talent, as all of Disney shows do!
bioluminescence.