The Nu Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met April 6 and celebrated “Darlene Day” in honor of the 100th birthday of longtime member Darlene Pitsenbarger of Waukee.
Along with singing “Happy Birthday,” the members played a trivia game about Darlene’s life and watched a video of her recent visit to Waukee High School.
The chapter also recognized two recent Literacy Grant winners. Jacque Seidl, the fifth grade through 12th grade librarian at Adel-De Soto-Minburn High School, said she used the $200 grant — matched by her high school principal with his own funds — to help new teachers establish classroom libraries.
Seidl is instrumental in encouraging all the teachers at ADM High School not only to read but to post signs outside their classrooms, highlighting what they personally are currently reading. She also has started a Teachers’ Book Club.
The second Literacy Grant winner to report was Natalie Dirkx, ADM High School science teacher, who told about the books she added to her classroom library, many of which highlighted the accomplishments of women in science.
Emily Block, ADM High School business instructor, was unable to attend the meeting, but she also created a corner library in her classroom with a share of the Literacy Grant funds.
Seidl and Dirkx agreed that the Literacy Grant books encouraged students to feel empowered.
The last item on the meeting’s agenda was the installation of Nu Alpha Gamma officers for 2024-2026. New NAG officers were Retiring Treasurer Maureen Becker, President Marlene Johnson, First Vice President Roxy Schwartz, Second Vice President Paula Thomson, Corresponding Secretary Sharon Ulrich, Parliamentarian Cathy Clark, Recording Secretary Sue Leslie and Treasurer Deb Irving.
Nu Alpha Gamma is a society of women educators that teach and/or live in Dallas County. They meet once a month to enjoy fellowship, interesting programs, networking and leadership opportunities.
Sue Leslie is the secretary of the Nu Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
