AREA AND STATE EVENTS
"Empowerment Through Art"
AREA XVII HOSTS SUCCESSFUL FALL CONFERENCE
DKG members from Area XVII gathered at the Martin Petersen Event Center in Modesto California for their annual area event. Entitled" Empowerment Through Art," the program featured guest speaker Amy Bultena, the Director of Arts at Stanislaus County Office of Education. Her topic was the importance of arts education. Amy noted that students often express trauma they have experienced through art. She led those present through an art activity which had even the most reluctant participant creating art. A handout as a guide showing the potential meaning of different colors and shapes that could be used to develop the art was provided. Artwork by members in Area XVII was displayed throughout the event. Each chapter contributed a centerpiece which often involved an art theme. A basket raffle was held to support Early Career Educator Awards.
DKG members from Area XVII gathered at the Martin Petersen Event Center in Modesto California for their annual area event. Entitled" Empowerment Through Art," the program featured guest speaker Amy Bultena, the Director of Arts at Stanislaus County Office of Education. Her topic was the importance of arts education. Amy noted that students often express trauma they have experienced through art. She led those present through an art activity which had even the most reluctant participant creating art. A handout as a guide showing the potential meaning of different colors and shapes that could be used to develop the art was provided. Artwork by members in Area XVII was displayed throughout the event. Each chapter contributed a centerpiece which often involved an art theme. A basket raffle was held to support Early Career Educator Awards.
CONVENTION 2023 "SHAPING TOMORROW TOGETHER"
REFLECTIONS FROM A FIRST TIME ATTENDEE AT THE 2023 CONVENTION IN BURLINGAME
"Embracing the Sisterhood: A First-Timer's Journey at the DKG Convention"
By Heather Nonaca
Attending the DKG Convention is something that has been suggested to me since I joined DKG in 2016. Unfortunately, Convention always happens to fall around standardized state testing and one of the busiest weeks in my school year. However, this year, I marked my calendar, called in a favor from a colleague to sub my classes, and made my way to Burlingame, looking forward to “Shaping Tomorrow Together.” Here’s what Convention taught me:
"Embracing the Sisterhood: A First-Timer's Journey at the DKG Convention"
By Heather Nonaca
Attending the DKG Convention is something that has been suggested to me since I joined DKG in 2016. Unfortunately, Convention always happens to fall around standardized state testing and one of the busiest weeks in my school year. However, this year, I marked my calendar, called in a favor from a colleague to sub my classes, and made my way to Burlingame, looking forward to “Shaping Tomorrow Together.” Here’s what Convention taught me:
- Dawn Pitcock’s (Eta Mu) loves Starbucks as much as I do and takes a copious amount of notes while brightening everyone’s day with her joyous aura.
- Wendy Bruce (Eta Mu) is a supportive soul that generously offered to show me around her school’s campus (that my Autistic son, Emmet will be attending next year) once we returned from Convention. The offer lifted a giant weight off of my shoulders and I’m so thankful to have one of my sisters at Emmet’s school next year.
- Area XVII produces leaders–as exemplified by the election of Kathleen Heinzinger and Patricia Elston to the Nominations Committee. Congratulations!
- Suzanne Roy (DKG CA Corresponding Secretary) is a hoot to have a drink with, especially when you’re being serenaded by a barbershop quartet.
- Saying goodbye to fallen sisters is tough, but honoring them at the Convention is a beautiful way of acknowledging all the ways that they brightened their communities during their lives.
- Being surrounded by educators that have decades of stories to tell, advice to offer, and friendship to gain, is exactly the type of energy boost that tired educators need in May.
UNLOCKING OUR IMAGINATION
2022 DKG CONVENTION
DKG Members met at the Los Angeles Burbank Airport Marriott April 29- May 1, 2022 for the first time since the pandemic began. The program included a number of workshops and breakout sessions in addition to outstanding speakers. The keynote speakers were Dr. Belle Wheelan and Dr. Jacqueline Sanderling. Dr. Wheelan focused on DEI, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Sanderling focused on "Why Not?", getting involved in meaningful community partnerships. Both speakers offered powerful messages and held workshop sessions.
Several Eta Mu members attended the convention as both attendees and presenters and enjoyed the networking(aka "sisterhood) with other DKG members from across the state.
Several Eta Mu members attended the convention as both attendees and presenters and enjoyed the networking(aka "sisterhood) with other DKG members from across the state.