Minutes Oct 2019

MCRTA Members,

         Yesterday we held our third meeting for this year and had a really good turnout of members from both groups, MCRTA and Delta Kappa Gamma.  The MCCSC was able to relocate this gathering to their CoLab after a major water leak at the Service Building.  This facility was a perfect location for our group - we appreciated being able to meet there.

          We had two excellent presentations - one by Melissa Adkins, Volunteer Coordinator of Global Gifts, and another by Becky Mungle, Principal at Templeton Elementary School.  From Melissa we learned about the mission of Global Gifts and a general overview about fair trade.  Becky described the Six Trans-disciplinary Themes and the Five Essential Elements in their program as an International Baccalaureate School.  In addition, those who attended were invited to bring donations for Backpack Buddies - an MCCSC program that sends food supplies home with students whose families need weekend assistance.

           Some important information was shared yesterday including:

1.     Salvation Army Bell Ringing - Dianna Johnson has made arrangements for our members to participate in this initiative.  If you are interested in volunteering, contact Dianna at dianna4274@sbcglobal.net or call her at 812-876-9673.

2.     MCRTA Project - This year we are collecting funds to contribute toward books for children at Templeton Elementary School.  Send donations to Martha Street at 8292 W. Rice Road, Bloomington, IN 47403.   Make checks to MCRTA and note on the check that the funds are for books for Templeton.

3.     Volunteer Hours - Continue keeping track of hours you spend as a volunteer in our community.  A total of your hours for 2019 should be sent to Dianna Johnson by January 15, 2020 at the address listed above.  These hours are really important - the Indiana Legislature assigns a dollar value for each volunteer hour to quantify the amount retired educators return to their communities. 

4.     Membership Dues to MCRTA - If you have not paid your $5 dues for this year, you can send a check to Mike Horvath at 2444 Rock Creek Drive, Bloomington, IN 47401.  In addition, we encourage you to become a member of IRTA.  You can do this online at www.retiredteachers.org.  Remember, IRTA is continually advocating for you.

5.     Next MCRTA meeting - We will not meet again until we will have a tour of the backstage of the I. U. Musical Art Center on Thursday, February 27, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

       One additional important notice.  Tuesday, November 19, Indiana educators and supporters will gather at the Statehouse in Indianapolis for RED FOR ED ACTION DAY.  Over 70 school corporations are closing that day so staff can attend.  Attendees will gather between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on the south steps of the Statehouse for remarks at 10:30 a.m.  Food trucks are available for lunch.  A rally at the Statehouse begins at 1:00 p.m.  Legislative staff on the third floor will be available to receive notes to legislators in both chambers.  This is a good time to remind legislators that our schools, teachers and retirees need their support.

        The MCCSC will not be closed on the 19th but Andrea Mobley, Human Resources Director of the MCCSC, explained that many of our teachers will go to Indianapolis next week and a large number of substitute teachers will be in the classrooms.  Extra help will be needed in our schools that day.  If any of you are interested in helping on the 19th, not as a classroom teacher but as an “extra hand” in one of our buildings, contact Andrea at the MCCSC Administration Center, 812-330-7700. 

       Look for a newsletter coming out in January of the New Year.  In the meantime, continue your community service and enjoy the holiday season.

                                                                     Jo Weddle, MCRTA President