2018 LCARSP Classroom Grants Awarded

The 2018 Lincoln County Area Retired School Personnel Classroom Grants were awarded at the end of December to educators in all four of the Lincoln County school districts.  This year, there were 24 applicants.  Each district had one Top Winner who received a $200 grant and a Mini-Grant recipient who received a $50 grant.

• Lincoln County R-I in Silex 
• Top Winner: Laura McDonald - Silex High School Spanish Teacher

                  Laura plans to use her funds to purchase online games and activities to 

                         supplement her curriculum.

• Mini-Grant Winner: Hally Wells - K-12 Counselor

                 Hally will use her funds to purchase a classroom set of "Choices" magazine to 

                 facilitate lessons for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in health, life skills and social

                 emotional issues.

(Laura McDonald is pictured center and Hally Wells is pictured right.  LCARSP representative Cheryl Kerns is pictured at left.)

• Lincoln County R-II in Elsberry
• Top Winner: Jeanne Ogden - Ida Cannon Middle School  (pictured right)  Making the presentation is LCARSP representative Diane Bockhorst, pictured left.

                  Jeanne will be purchasing books by the author Chris Van Allsburg.  These 

                  books will help her 5th grade students explore creative writing,

                  compare/contrast, debate and write a self-story incorporating point of view and 

                  theme.        
              * Mini-Grant Winner: Cari Braden - Ida Cannon Middle School  (pictured right)

                  Cari will be purchasing materials for STEM activities involving Earth Science.

                  Her students will use engineering and scientific method to make buildings and 

                  bridges safe.  They will explore/create structures to withstand earthquakes,

                  study the effect of gravity on erosion, identify our planet's resources and learn

                  how to use them wisely.

• Lincoln County R-III in Troy
• Top Winner: Shelby Long - Ninth Grade Center  Math/Algebra I (pictured left)  Making the presentation is Nancy Lenk, LCARSP representative, pictured right.

                   Shelby plans to purchase a document camera that gives her the ability to record

                   videos, save to her Mac Book, upload to her YouTube site and share to the

                   virtual world.  Ms. Long will have the ability to record lessons, notes, tutorials. 

                   and extra help videos for students to use with their Mac Books when they are 

                   absent or need extra help with a concept.

• Mini-Grant Winner: Katelyn Pletcher - Troy Buchanan High French Teacher (right)

                   Katelyn is a first-year teacher and has outdated textbooks.  As the field of foreign 

                   language instruction is moving to using contextualized communication for 

                   authentic purposes, Katelyn will be purchasing several French texts and 

                   graphic novels.  

• Mini Grant Recipient: Claire Bogucki - William Cappel Elementary

                 Claire is planning to purchase access to the website "Mystery Science" in order 

                 to meet new State Standards for Science.  

• Mini Grant Recipient: Bonnie Keen - William Cappel Elem./Main Street Elem. Reading Teacher

                   Bonnie is planning to purchase mini-recorders so students can record 

                  themselves reading, listen to themselves and then discuss the results with 

                  their teacher.

• Lincoln County R-IV in Winfield
• Top Winner: Susan J. Elston - Winfield High School   Mass Media 10, 11 and 12

                  Susan (pictured left) is teaching a new class with few resources.  She will purchase a GoPro 

                  Camera for creating a weekly news show. The camera can be worn to record

                  students in various activities as a participant or as a spectator. The videos can

                  be uploaded to the school website, blog and Facebook page. Their theme this

                  year is "Small Moments - Big Memories." Her goal is to promote better 

                  communication and improve school spirit.  Presenting the grant check are
                  LCARSP representatives Diana Lehmkuhl, pictured center and Carolyn Click, 
                  right.

• Mini-Grant Winner: Kate James - Winfield Intermediate School   Library Media

                  Specialist and Gifted pictured right with LCARSP representative Carolyn Click
                  on the left.

                   Kate is planning to help her students learn how to code.  She will be purchasing 

                   more instructional robots so everyone in her classes will have access to one 

                   during class time.

Funds for these Grants were raised this year through the sale items created by the LCARSP Craft Club and though the generous donations of LCARSP members.  Thanks to all who worked to raise these funds or donated to this wonderful project.

A special grant was additionally awarded to Silex Business Education Department teacher Amanda Bair by Geeding Construction.  Ms. Bair's Publication/Yearbook class was in need of its own iPad to take digital photos at school events for the school's Facebook page.  Ms. Bair had been letting the students use her personal iPad to accomplish this task. The cost of the iPad was beyond the budget of the LCARSP funds, but when Geeding Construction heard of the need, they stepped up to donate the money.  Thank you to Geeding Construction!!   Pictured above is Amanda Bair, recipient (left) and LCARSP representative Nancy Lenk.

Congratulations to this year's Classroom Grant Winners!

                   

Distinguished Retiree Remembered

Barbara Arnold, longtime member of LCARSP, recently passed away. Barb was a very active member, serving as president and chair of many committees. She was instrumental in the group's participation in the Troy R-3 Buddy Bag program. This led to the group's participation with similar programs in the other county school districts' Food-For-Kids programs.

Barbara (pictured second from left) received the 2016 MRTA Distinguished Regional Retiree of the Year for Region 13.

Train Your Brain

Just like the rest of your body, your brain benefits from frequent use and exertion. The best mental activities are ones that you can do with other people, such as book clubs, discussion groups, volunteer activities, and spending time with family and friends. Games and puzzles can be useful, too. You'll find unlimited options for brain training from books, websites, smartphone or tablet apps, and computer software programs. Some best bets are free and online:

• * AARP games: https://games.aarp.org/
• * Enchanted Mind: www.enchantedmind.com
• * Reader's Digest crossword puzzle:  https://games.rd.com/games/daily-crossword
• * Sudoku: www.websudoku.com
• * Brain teasers, riddles and trivia: www.braingle.com
• * Brain testers: www.queendom.com

LCARSP Attends Region 13 Meeting in St. Charles

Sixteen members of LCARSP attended the MRTA Region 13 Annual Meeting October 23, 2018 at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles. It was sponsored by St. Charles Retired Education Employees. The Theme was Oktoberfest with the menu including bratwurst, sauerkraut and German potato salad. A program by Dr. Gary McKiddy was on German Heritage in Missouri. LCARSP will sponsor the next meeting, October 29, 2019. Mark your calendars.

Recent Capers

Members of LCARSP recently attended several activities.  September 18, Kathy Himmel, Certified Massage Therapist with Winchester Spine and Sport, gave an informative presentation entitled "Eat This, Not That" at the Lincoln County Health Department.  She shared suggestions on good food choices.

On September 27, the group took a tour of two new facilities in the Troy R-3 School District, Troy South Middle School and the Performing Arts Center.  The day included a tour of the TSMS building/campus and a box lunch with some TSMS 8th grade students.  The group then boarded a school bus and drove by the Building Trades work site, stopped at the Performing Arts Center for a behind the scenes tour and headed back to TSMS to end the tour.

Assistant Principal Matt Goodlet led the tour at Troy South Middle School.

High School Principal Dr. Jerry Raines conducted the tour of the new Performing Arts Center.

October 2018 Meeting

The October 11th LCARSP meeting was well attended. The Unit hosted MRTA Executive Director Jim Kreider, MRTA President Debi Ingram (right) and MRTF Board Member Margaret Smith (left).

Executive Director Kreider shared lots of exciting information about our state organization and the PSRS/PEERS Retirement System. 

He informed the group of several interesting statistics:

* MRTA membership is nearing 28,000! This number reflects the involvement of MANY retired educators and staff members throughout our state who take an active part in maintaining the health of our state public education and our retirement system.
* we will receive a 2% COLA increase in 2019
* the system's strong investment program, paired with substantial returns in the equity markets, resulted in an investment return of 8.9% for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. This significant investment earnings contributed approximately 3.5 billion to the growth of assets for the fiscal year!

After the business meeting, the group served a delicious carry-in lunch .

The next meeting will be Thursday, November 8 at the Lincoln County Health Department.

Quilt Raffle to Benefit Classroom Grants

LCARSP will be raffling off a handmade personal-sized quilt (66" x 66"). Proceeds will be used to help fund classroom grants in the Troy, Winfield, Elsberry and Silex school districts. Chances are available from members at $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Drawing will be held December 13, 2018.

Debby Suchland Named MRTA Region 13 Distinguished Retiree

Debby Suchland, retired Troy R-III staff member, was named the Missouri Retired Teacher Association Region 13 Distinguished Retiree for the year 2017.  This award highlights the volunteer work of MRTA members who have given service beyond the call of duty.  The award was presented recently at the MRTA Annual Meeting in Jefferson City.  Representing the Lincoln County unit of the Missouri Retire Teachers Association, Debby has a personal motto of "Do small things with great love" which is not an all together accurate description of her selflessness as the things she does should not be described as small.  In her community, Debby writes grants and works with local organizations to raise funds for her church to provide backpacks filled the supplies for underprivileged children.  They then give these backpacks out at a carnival-like event for the children and their families.  Last year, they hosted over 1,000 attendees.  Debby has also served as the membership chair for her local Unit and has created a cookbook for the Unit to help fund classroom grants.  Congratulations, Debby!

Once again, the Lincoln County Area Retired School Personnel received the MRTA Unit of Excellence Award for it's activity on the local and state level.

September 13, 2018 Meeting Highlights

The September 13, 2018 meeting was very well attended.  Several newly retired teachers and staff members were introduced and welcomed to the group.

Cheri Winchester, member of the Lincoln County Resource Board gave a very informative presentation on the work this group does in providing crisis-need resources to the youth in our county  (ages 0-19).  These resources are provided by a quarter-cent sales tax that generates over $3 million a year.  Cheri explained how resources are made available to youth in need.  She highlighted the work of several these resources including Crider Health Center and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services.   The Resource Board's website is: http://www.lincolncountykids.org/

Mrs. Winchester also informed the group about a new residential home being constructed in Troy.  This facility will provide supervised housing for up to seven girls and seven boys who are in high school, homeless and on their own.  Each will be provided their own bedroom, meals and mentors.  They will be given lessons in life skills and given responsibilities in the facility.  The goal is to provide the family structure and life lessons they will need to be successful adults.  Our community has been very generous in creating this space and it hopes to be open and in operation soon.

Leo Pagano, retired middle school educator, followed up with a need all schools have in our county, the need for academic mentors.  He explained the mentoring he and others do during school hours and encouraged members of LCARSP to consider helping, too, as the need is great.   

LCARSP has several CAPERS coming up:

• September 18 - Cooking Class entitled "Eat This, Not That" at the Lincoln County Health Dept. Community Room beginning at 1 p.m.
• September 27 - R-3 including the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the new Troy Middle School South facility from 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Here is the schedule:

                       

Meet at TSMS - 11:15

                

               Tour of TSMS - 11:30-11:45
               Eat lunch with TSMS students - 11:45-12:30
               Travel to TBHS (drive by Building Trades home site) -                               12:30 - 1:00
              Tour of Performing Arts Center and observation of Show                           Choir - 1:00-1:30
              Travel back to vehicles at TSMS
Please let Jan Burlison know if you are interested in attending this event.  jan.burlij@gmail.com

The Annual Region 13 Fall Luncheon will be Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles.  If you are interested in attending, complete the following application and return it to Virginia Beckley.

The next meeting of the LCARSP will be October 11, 10 a.m. at the Lincoln County Health Dept.  We will be hosting the Missouri Retired Teachers Association Executive Director, Jim Kreider and our new retirees with a carry-in luncheon.  Hope to see everyone then!

Missouri Retire Teachers Foundation Awards 3 Classroom Grants in Lincoln County

Congratulations to three Lincoln County teachers for receiving the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation (MRTF) Classroom Grants from Region 13! Jeanne Ogden, Ida Cannon Middle School, Elsberry; Heather Dildine, Troy South Middle School; and Sharon Schlup, Main Street Elementary, Troy, each received a Classroom Grant worth $500. The grants will enable these teachers to fund a class project or purchase needed classroom supplies.

Pictured are:

(first photo): Lincoln County R-III Superintendent Dr. Mark Penny; Heather Dildine, Grant Recipient; Sherry Brandes, MRTA Region 13 Vice President; Margaret Smith, MRTF Board Member.

(second photo): Sherry Brandes, Margaret Smith and Grant Recipient Jeanne Ogden

(third photo): Dr. Mark Penny, Grant Recipient Sharon Schlup, Sherry Brandes and Margaret Smith.

The Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation was created in 2001 by the Board of Directors of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. It is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the State of Missouri and approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) public charity. Therefore, all contributions and gifts to the Foundation from individuals, associations, businesses, and other organizations are tax deductible.

The Foundation is devoted to raising funds to carry out certain charitable, educational, scientific, and literary purposes of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel (MRTA) which include the following:
*To foster a spirit of respect, loyalty, and enthusiasm to the retirees
*To fund activities and service projects which advance the cause of public education and the teaching profession in Missouri
*To award grants to active teachers to enhance their classroom instruction
*To perform other humanitarian endeavors consistent with the Foundation’s Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.

For more information on MRTF or the MRTF Classroom Grants visit http://mortf.com/

2018 Classroom Grant Applications Are Now Available

The 2018 Lincoln County Area Retired School Personnel Classroom Grants are now available on the LCARSP website.  The purpose of these grants is to help fund small projects for classroom teachers.  One $200 grant will be awarded to a teacher in each of the four county school districts.  

Applications may be accessed by clicking on the Classroom Grants tab at the top of the page.

If you are a teacher in the Silex, Elsberry, Troy or Winfield School District, fill one out!

Your retired colleagues are all wishing you a wonderful and rewarding school year!

LCARSP Donates to PAL PAX Program

The Lincoln County Area Retired School Personnel recently donated a $500 check for use in the PAL PAX program, a weekend Food for Families program.  PAL PAX is funded by private donations, churches and some businesses and is administered through the First Baptist Church of Winfield.  The Lincoln County R-IV (Winfield) School District also helps by having fund raisers and food drives to help with food purchases.  Food bags are then given to those students who have meal challenges during the weekends.

Presently, the PAL PAX program serves 17 students in Kindergarten through second grades, 27 students in third through fifth grades and 10 students in middle school.  Currently, there are not enough funds to serve high school students.  Pictured is Clarinda Wheeler accepting the check on behalf of the PAL PAX Program.

The Lincoln County Area Retired School Personnel unit of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association has helped support other local weekend Food for Families programs such as the OPERATION BACKPACK Program in the Lincoln County R-II (Elsberry) District and the BUDDY BAG Program in the Lincoln County R-III (Troy) District. 

LCARSP Donates to Area Schools' Weekend Food Assist Programs

As a representative of the Lincoln County Area Retired School Personnel, Carolyn Black, presented Mrs. Natasha Head a check for $500 to help fund the "Backpack Project" sponsored by the Elsberry National Honor Society.  The "Backpack Project" provides food items for children over the weekend who might not have meals provided for them.

"Thanks to generous donations like this, we have been able to increase the number of students we help in grades K-4 at Clarence Cannon Elementary.  We have increased to 29 students, are able to send more items, and increase our frequency to a weekly delivery, stated Natasha Head."

LCARSP has collected money to support the Lincoln County R-III (Troy) School District's "Buddy Bag Program" for several years.  This year, the group will donated $500 to each of the other Lincoln County School Districts that have similar programs.

LCARSP 2017 Classroom Grant Recipients

Each year Lincoln County Area Retired School Personal, LCASP, offers grants to provide financial assistance to classroom teachers for needed classroom items not provided within classroom budgets. Grants are in the amount of $200 will be awarded to classroom teachers in the four public schools in Lincoln County.  This year, three of the four public schools submitted applications.

Winfield R IV

Chelsea Young is a first-year Chemistry/Physical Science teacher in Winfield HS.  Her goal this year is “to  get the labs up and running again.”  This will allow students to receive Dual Credit with Missouri Baptist University.  She plans to purchase personal safety equipment and lab supplies.

Troy Middle School

Dr. Amy Spears is a first-year teacher for “Project Lead the Way Engineering” at TMS.  The $200 grant will provide 3-D puzzles for 7^th graders.  Putting the puzzles together will help develop cognitive skills, problem solving, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and pride in achieving a goal.

Elsberry High School

Carolyn Harmann teaches AP Literature and Language Arts at EHS.  Her goal is for upper classes to be motivated, challenged and approach decisions students will face in the real world.  Her $200 grant will be used to purchase Anchor Charts and resources for a Common Writing Program to increase student success before and after graduation. 

Congratulations, Classroom Grant Winners!