Merry Christmas Epsilon From The Poe's



The Poe's 2011 (Camilo, Amy, Jaclyn, Richard, Paul, Stella, Coleman, Donnis, Heidi, Addison)

As 2012 quickly comes to an end, I want to take this time to thank all of you for your support and encouragement on our journey thus far. The holidays bring a time of family, sharing, and above all remembrance of our Heavenly Father's birth. I want to wish each and all of you a wonderful holiday season filled with all the joys that you seek and blessings of our father in heaven.

Epsilon State has achieved much in the short time of our 2011-2013 biennium, with the increase of electronic communication, great sharing of topics which affect education from the legislative arena, increased delivery of the Deltion via email, and much more. You as members have made all of this possible. Thank you. I will take this time to join family, friends, and some foes (Unfortunately we all have some in our families :):):) to enjoy this season.

The next blog is scheduled for January 2, 2012. Stay tuned to increase your knowledge about Epsilon State and DKG as we launch the new year.

Epsilon District Directors Series Part 5: S Sheri Richard

My name is Sheri Richardson and I am the South District Director. I have been a member of Alpha Psi Chapter since December, 2003. On the chapter level, I have held the office of president and am currently the secretary. Last biennium, I was the chairman of the state communications committee. Prior to that, I served as a member of the Jubilee Rose and the communication committees. I had the honor of receiving the Rosebud Award in 2006.

Born and raised in Gretna, Louisiana, I am happily married with two children. My husband, Glynn, is a salesman at Goldin Metals. My daughter, Shannan, is eleven years old. She is a sixth grader at Christ the King School. She sings in the school choir and enjoys dancing. I also have a five year old son named Brennan. He is in Pre-K and loves trains and cars.

In December of 1994, I received a BA in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Orleans. I have been teaching in the Jefferson Parish Public School System at Estelle Elementary ever since. For the first eleven years, I taught Kindergarten. In 2006, I moved down to Pre-K. I love working with the younger children.

Almost every summer, I travel with my Delta Kappa Gamma sisters to the Regional or International conventions. Besides seeing some beautiful cities, I have enjoyed getting to know some wonderful ladies in addition to making many new friends. I am really looking forward to going to New York City in July. I hope you will join us there!

DKG International Convention 2012 Hotel Reservations

DKG International Convention 2012 Sheraton Hotel is now open for reserving rooms for members attending the convention next July. Society personnel have been able to secure the use of the entire hotel for DKG member during this time. So, call and schedule your room and get your roommate(s).  You may even have a hotel in New York that you prefer using rather than the convention headquarters. Our goal is to have 50-100 Epsilon members representing Louisiana. Hope to see you there!

Epsilon Convention 2012 Society Representative: First Vice President Alice Carrier

Alice Carrier – Society Representative

Alice Carrier of Brattleboro, Vermont, serves as 2010-2012 international 1^st vice-president and chair of the Ad Hoc Committee to Study Electronic Election Process. She also serves a trustee of the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation and chairs the Foundation public relations sub-committee.

Now retired, Carrier taught first or second grade for more than 30 years while serving as school technology coordinator for much of that time. She taught graduate courses as adjunct faculty of the University of Vermont. After retirement she taught in-service courses and served as school district technology consultant for five years.

A past Vermont DKG state president, Carrier served as Northeast Regional Director and international 2^nd vice-president. Recently she chaired the international Communications (2002-04), Leadership Development (2004-06), Constitution (2006-08) and Golden Gift Fund (2008-10) committees. Carrier directed the highly successful 2010 Leadership/Management Seminar at the University of Texas for the Golden Gift Fund committee.

Carrier and her husband of 46 years have two married daughters, three grandsons, and identical twin granddaughters. She enjoys reading, designing and knitting sweaters, spending time at her lakeside cottage in the summer, photography, designing and making jewelry, quilting, and learning to use new technologies. Carrier says she needs more time in her life to pursue all her interests and hobbies.

As Society representative Carrier will share information about the Society, answer questions, and listen to members’ concerns. She said, “I’m very pleased to be able to attend the Louisana state convention. I look forward to meeting many new DKG friends and renewing friendships made in the past.”

Chapter Excellence: S District Kappa Chapter

Kappa Chapter of the South District is led by President Becky Allemand. Kappa has approximately 44 members. Special events by the chapter include donations to local charities which equip students with backpacks, supplies, etc. A special event by the members is their annual Christmas social in which all members contribute gifts for the purpose of raising funds for literacy and numeracy efforts. Great job! Kappa. The event was memorable and very exciting as I joined Kappa for this special day. Anne Elise Falgout led the group in the Christmas Story and that of Silent Night. Bobbie Babin was extremely gracious in opening her home to me. Wonderful job Kappa as your efforts in the community bring education and DKG educators to the forefront of our state.

Epsilon District Directors Series Part 4: NW Kennie Barkley

I am the Northwest District Director for Delta Kappa Gamma, Epsilon State and Mu Chapter President. I was inducted into Delta Kappa Gamma in 2001. I was surprised and honored to be invited into this society of key women educators. When I first joined, Mu Chapter, the meetings gave me the opportunity to talk with and be mentored by really great teachers. Now the meetings give me the chance to be inspired by what others are doing. In 2005, my Delta Kappa Gamma sister and former high school English teacher, Mrs. Hope Cryar told me that I would be the next second-vice president. I was hesitant; how could I be a leader in our local society when the members were all teachers I looked up to? Mrs. Cryar just smiled, shook her head, and said, “Kennie, I did not ask a question. Besides Delta Kappa Gamma sisters never say no.” Mrs. Cryar was not even tall enough to reach my shoulder, yet all I could do was respond, “Yes, Mam.” After that I was asked to be first-vice president, and then president. Mrs. Cryar had passed away prior to my becoming president , but had willed her Delta Kappa Gamma pins back to Mu Chapter. I received and now wear her president’s pin. I will always treasure it.

I was born and grew up in Mansfield, Louisiana. I was named after my father, Kenneth. I graduated from Mansfield High School and then attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport. I met my husband, Steve, when I was in college. We married after we both graduated and moved to Mansfield. Later we moved to Stonewall, where our son Andrew attends school.

I have taught seventh and eighth grade reading, English, pre-algebra, and seventh grade science in DeSoto Parish. Currently, I am an Instructional Technology Coordinator for DeSoto Parish Schools. My focus is technology in middle and high schools.

When not at work, I volunteer at church where I serve on several committees. I also follow my son around to many school football and basketball games, not to mention all his youth activities. When I find a little quiet time, I enjoy reading on my Kindle or iPad. My husband and I also like to cruise in the Caribbean, where we enjoy snorkeling, tubing, and just sitting on beautiful beaches.

Epsilon District Directors Series Part 3: S Diane Vickers

Diane Vickers is the District Director for the Southeast District of Epsilon State. Diane was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas but her family moved to Baton Rouge when her dad’s job transferred him there when she and her identical twin sister were 5 years old. So Diane grew up in south Louisiana from a very early age. Diane is a product of the public school system in Baton Rouge and holds a BA degree in Elementary Education with an additional certification in both Kindergarten and Primary Montessori (ages 3 – 6). A Montessori teacher at The Dufrocq School in Baton Rouge, Diane loves teaching her young students aged 3 – 5 years old. Now in her 23rd year of teaching, Diane loves her job and working with her students. Life is so amazing when you are 3, 4, and 5 years of age. Every day is a new and exciting experience.

Diane was initiated into Beta Tau chapter in April 2000 and has served as Beta Tau’s President, Second Vice-President and numerous Committee Chairman positions. Diane has also served as President of the Baton Rouge Coordinating Council. At the state level Diane has served on various committees and has chaired the First Timers Committee and Co-Chaired both the 2006 and 2012 Epsilon State Conventions. Diane is honored to be a member of the 2005 Bea Davis Class. Diane was honored with the Rosebud Award in 2003 and the Rose in Bloom Award in 2011.

One of the greatest loves in Diane’s life is all things related to LSU sports (especially LSU football). If there is an LSU sporting event you are likely to see Diane there. This past year Diane attended both the opening game against Oregon in Jerry’s Palace in Dallas, Texas and then WON tickets to the LSU vs Bama game (named the Game of the Century) from a Baton Rouge radio station. She and her twin sister, Deborah, travelled first class with the LSU Alumni Association Travelling Tigers on an all expense paid trip to “Brawl for it All” game in Tuscaloosa, AL. Needless to say Diane is thrilled to have experienced a 12-0 winning season.

Diane is the “mother” to a nine year old Boston Terrier named Baylee. Being a very devoted “mother”, Diane has outfitted Baylee with an entire and complete LSU wardrobe. Baylee has to be fashionable when we watch our Tigers!!! Diane is also an avid crafter, making crafts for family and friends and with her students.

Diane is an active alumnae member of her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma. She enjoys Tri Sigma Get-Togethers and the lifelong bonds she has with her sorority sisters. Diane is also very active with The Louisiana Association of Educators. Diane serves as the Building Representative for her school, she sits on the East Baton Rouge Board of Directors, The Louisiana State Board of Directors, and the Louisiana State Executive Board.

In Diane’s spare time (haha) she also enjoys travelling, yard work, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Epsilon District Directors Series Part 2: Central - Susan Crooks

 I was born in Alexandria, and have lived in Louisiana all my life, except for four years in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  I’m a math teacher, and have taught in Rapides, Grant, and Caldwell parishes.  Currently, I’m an assistant professor of mathematics at Louisiana College in Pineville.

My undergraduate degree was actually in art education from NLU in Monroe, with a minor in mathematics.  I also have a masters’ degree in math education and a Specialist in Educational Technology from NSU.

I joined the Alpha Pi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in 1997.    I was honored to be invited because I knew so many teachers I idolize were members.  It wasn’t long before I was asked to serve as chapter president.  At this time, I’m the chapter treasurer, another important and busy job!  I’ve served on Epsilon State committees, I’m a graduate of Bea Davis, and I’m now the Central District Director.  I was very flattered when Donnis asked me to serve.  Some of you may not know that I composed the music for the Bea Davis song that my class wrote.

While living in Tuscaloosa, I taught as an adjunct for the University of Alabama, and tutored for the Athletic Department.  So, of course, I became hooked on Alabama football, and still pull for them, even when they play LSU.  I’m also a big fan of Trace Adkins, and have been to see him concert several times.

I am married to Gerald Crooks, and we have one son, John.  John is married to a wonderful girl named Kayla, and they have three beautiful daughters.  Gerald is the second vice-president of the Cenla Shrine Club and will become president next year.  He’s also the acting principal at Cenla Christian Academy, a private school in Pineville.  We enjoy visiting our camp at Toledo Bend when we have the chance, but we’re both very involved with our schools, our church, and our organizations!

We are members of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville, and I sing alto in the choir.  It has become one of my greatest joys!

I love to watch or read murder mysteries, and I love optical illusions and puzzles.  I collect Santa Claus figures (I tell people it’s because we have the same initials, but I think the truth is that I refuse to grow up!)  I would love to have more time to travel, or do crafts or family tree research.  And I always enjoy spending time with my Delta Kappa Gamma sisters in my chapter and around the state!

Epsilon District Directors Series Part 1: NE Dr. Stacy Potter

My name is Stacy Potter and I am the NE District Director. I am a member of Theta Chapter in Ruston and currently work as a Mathematics Instructor at Louisiana Tech University. I am originally from upstate New York. This is my third time living in Louisiana and it is the best because I met my wonderful husband (after giving up men). We have two beautiful children, April (3 1/2) and Jacob (2 1/2). My Bachelors and Masters Degree is in Secondary Mathematics Education from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania and SUNY Cortland in New York. I received my Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology from Louisiana Tech University in 2005. As for how I got to Louisiana, here is the short version. After graduating with my Bachelors, I moved further south in Pennsylvania and found a newspaper article asking for teachers in Bastrop, LA. With 6 inches of snow in NY and 70 degrees in LA, I moved to Bastrop. After a year, I moved to Kentucky and was a customer service phone representative for Staples (the office supply store). From there, I moved to Bernice, since they had been through four math teachers in a matter of four weeks. I worked for 1 1/2 years and then financially couldn't afford to live there. My mom asked me to move back home, which I did, and obtained my Masters Degree. It was too cold there, so I moved back to Bernice, taught a year, and then obtained my current job at Louisiana Tech University. I have been there for 12 years. I feel that I am home and that God has placed me here for a reason. I believe one of those reasons is my family and the other is to help educate the students at the university to the best of my knowledge. God has blessed me in so many ways that I cannot count them all, but He is first and formost in my live. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – (NIV) Ephesians 2:8

Epsilon District Directors: Who are they?

District Directors (DD's) or area/regional coordinators/directors (as some states refer to them) are members appointed to serve at the district level by the incoming Epsilon President. DD's hold a unique position as that of liaison and representative for Epsilon State. Coordinating the district meeting with the host chapter is just one of the responsibilities of these individuals. You may think of these members as a state senator from a political standpoint or a department head in the school/college setting. DD's also read and sign the minutes for each state convention. Are all expenses paid for these individuals? No. Do these members go above and beyond the "call of duty"? Yes! As do all of our members!

Who are these unique individuals that you may see at state convention  "flitting about like a bee, dressed like Marilyn Monroe (Six at one time)"? Now you will know. Beginning December 2, you will get an opportunity to read about the DD's and their story as Donnis' Dialogue begins a six-part series on Epsilon District Directors: Who are they?