|
Volume 99 - Issue 3| September 2026
Cathy Tenney, Editor
| |
A Message from Dr. Molly
The Energy of Fresh Beginnings
There is something energizing about the start of a new school year. Freshly prepared classrooms, new faces and names to learn, calendars waiting to be filled, and goals ready to pursue all carry a sense of possibility. Whether we are working in schools, supporting education in other roles, or enjoying a well-earned retirement, educators recognize the promise in those two simple words: fresh beginnings.
Beginnings are not limited to the first day of school. Life continually offers us opportunities to begin again – to try something new, deepen connections, accept a leadership role, renew a commitment, or simply approach the familiar with fresh energy. A beginning does not require us to erase what came before. Instead, it invites us to build on what we have learned and move forward with greater purpose and focus.
For members, this new biennium can be our invitation to kick-start something meaningful. Perhaps it means reconnecting with a member we have not seen in a while, mentoring an active educator, volunteering for a new responsibility, bringing fresh energy to a chapter meeting, and taking to heart DKG’s message that “Membership begins with me.” Even a small start can create momentum. One conversation can spark a connection. One idea can inspire a chapter. One decision to become more involved can strengthen and energize our organization.
That spirit reflects who we are as DKG. Our mission calls us to promote the professional and personal development of women educators and to advance excellence in education. By its very nature, development asks us to remain open to learning, change, growth, and sometimes beginning again.
As another school year gets underway, let us draw on its energy. We do not need a blank bulletin board, a new planner, or a sharpened pencil to start fresh. We simply need the willingness to ask, “What can I start doing to help DKG-OHSO become stronger and more relevant?”
Maybe this is the year to step forward and get actively involved in the chapter and/or at the State level.
Maybe this is the year to make meaningful connections that result in increased membership.
Maybe this is the year to turn an idea into action that energizes others and builds momentum in your chapter.
Maybe this is the year to discover that a fresh start can happen at any age and at any stage of life.
Fresh beginnings don’t ask us to start over – they invite us to move forward. Here’s to a new school year and to the beginnings, big and small, that still await each of us.
The beginning is always today. - Mary Shelley
Energetically,
Dr. Molly Helmlinger, Beta Kappa
OHSO State President
| | | |
Attention Chapter Officers
Great news from DKG International President Connie Rensink.
As a change designed to make accessing and sharing DKG forms easier, many forms on the DKG Society International website are now available without requiring members to log in.
This allows state organizations to link directly to the forms and provides members with easier access when they need them. We encourage you to link to the DKG Society International website whenever possible to help ensure that members are always accessing the most current version of each form.
Sue Datish, OHSO Web Administrator has updated our Forms page to link directly to the DKG forms. Go to dkgohio.org, under Chapter Tools, click on Forms. Listed on the right hand side are links to the most current forms on DKG's website. Or you can find the forms on dkg.org without logging in under Membership > Member forms
| | | |
Treasurer-in-Training Position
OHSO is investing in the future of our organization and invites you to grow with us. We are seeking a member interested in serving as Treasurer-in-Training, an excellent opportunity to learn about the financial operations of our state organization while preparing for a possible transition to treasurer.
Working closely with our current treasurer, Diana Haskell, the Treasurer-in-Training will gain hands-on experience and become familiar with OHSO's financial procedures, responsibilities, and reporting requirement. No prior experience is required, and mentoring, support, and training will be provided.
The Treasurer-in-Training position includes a $2,000 stipend.
Application deadline is September 15, 2026. To apply, please review the job description and complete the application using the link provided below.
If you are interested in this position, or know someone who may be a great fit, we encourage you to apply.
| | | | Alpha Psi Chapter members participated once again in Head to Toe, Ready to Go! Our chapter is always well represented in this back-to-school event that serves the children/families in Muskingum County. | | |
Jean L. Wetmore
Beta Zeta Chapter
| |
| Leadership is a journey! Every role offers opportunities to develop new skills and build lasting friendships. Please consider applying today by clicking the link!
Application
| | | |
|
Membership Matters
As you celebrate your chapter membership, remember that the Ohio State Organization Bylaws and your Chapter Rules must align with the recently revised International Bylaws. Payment for providing educational services qualifies women to join. Women interested in joining or invited to join the Society are eligible for membership. A chapter vote isn’t required for admission. An induction ceremony may be held at a chapter’s discretion, but membership begins with dues payment which can occur anytime during the year.
Let’s seek out and welcome women educators to our chapters!
Meier Bauer, Gamma Phi
OHSO Recording Secretary
OHSO Membership Chair
| | | | |
News from DKG International Educators Foundation
There are two DKGIEF awards available to apply for right now. One is the Educational Project Award and the other is the Lucile Cornetet Individual Professional Development Award (CIPD).
Any member of DKG or non-member may apply for the Educational Project Award. This award is to support and encourage projects. Applicants need to complete and submit their application electronically by March1, 2027. Applicants may be awarded up to $8000.
Another opportunity is the Lucile Cornetet Individual Professional Development Award (CIPD). Applicants must be employed educators and may be DKG members or non-members. This award may fund participation in conferences, seminars, lecture series, online courses and workshops, plus other non-degree programs. Applications are due on November 1, 2026 and May 1, 2027.
For more information on these two opportunities or to obtain an application, go to dkg.org, sign-in, click on DKGIEF and in the pull-down menu select Funds.
The Emergency Fund is solely supported by your donations. It helps members with a major loss due to a natural disaster such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires and other natural disasters. Members could receive $500.00 in assistance. If you do not have a preference but want to donate, you can donate to the Area of Greatest Need fund. This provides donors with an opportunity to donate without designating a specific need. The money can then be allocated where it is most needed.
There are ways members may donate to DKGIEF. DKGIEF is very active in helping its members in time of need.
DKGIEF is working for its members by supporting them in a time of need or offering monetary awards for teachers to improve themselves, their teaching or the awesome projects they want to do with their students. Please consider applying for one of the awards or donating to help your fellow educators.
Karen Dombrowski, Alpha Nu
Second Vice President
Gold Key Coordinator
OHSO Ambassador to DKGIEF
| | |
Alpha Psi Chapter
Dr. Larisa Leigh Harper
Mallory Hughes
Misty Johnson
Meredith Kutscherenko
Katrina Vandergriff
| | |
Gamma Upsilon Chapter
Kylie Maciak
Alyssa Heers
| | |
Delta Alpha Chapter
Margaret Anderson
Kristin Haney
Sherry Riffer
| |
Membership Data for 2026 - 2027
Based upon data from the DKG Ohio Dues Portal August 15, 2026
| | | Active Paid
Members | Collegiate Paid Members | Reserve Paid Members | Life
Members | Honorary
Members
| Total | Ohio Chapters | | 2032 | 12 | 276 | 2 | 37 | 2359 | 65 | | |
DKG Ohio Financial Update for
July 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026
| | Statement of Financial Activity | | | Dues Revenue | $20,329.00 | | Non-dues Revenue | $ 859.00 | | Investment Revenue | $ (739.00)
(unrealized) | | Total Revenue | $ 20,449.00 | | Operating Expenses | $ 1,461.00 | | Administrative | $ 90.00 | | Committee Expenses | $ 0.00 | | Contributions | $ 50.00 | | DKG Conference | $ 0.00 | | Ex Bd Meetings | $ 0.00 | | Member Engagement | $ 187.00 | | Total Expenses | $ 1,788.00 | | Net Income | $18,661.00 | | | Statement of Financial Position | | | Total Assets | $340,822.00 | | Total Liabilities | $ 0.00 | | Total Equity | $340,822.00 | | | *Available Fund Reserve is an Executive Board Directed fund for technology-related upgrades and licenses. Constitution Article IV, Section F, 2, f, (3). p. C-5. | | Calling all OHSO members! The submission window for the DKG Fall Fine Arts Gallery closes on September 15, 2026. Last spring we had fourteen pieces submitted by eight OHSO members selected for the DKG Spring Fine Arts Gallery. We know we have many talented OHSO members, so lets see your work displayed in the DKG Fall Fine Arts Gallery! | | |
|
Important Upcoming Dates to Remember
September 1, 2026
International Speakers Fund applications due
September 1, 2026
1:30 p.m. Eastern
Inside International
September 15, 2026
Arts & Humanities submissions due for Fall Gallery
September 27, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chapter Connections
September 30, 2026
All dues to be entered in Portal
October 3, 2026
OHSO Fall Executive Board Meeting
The Integrated Education Center
Ohio University’s Dublin Campus
6895 Bobcat Way, Dublin, Ohio
October 6, 2026
6:30 p.m. Eastern
Inside International
October 18, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chapter Connections
October 31, 2026
Form 72 Society Website Compliance Assurance Forms Due
November 1, 2026
Cornetet Individual Professional Development Applications Due
Cornetet Seminar Professional Development Applications Due
November 3, 2026
1:30 p.m. Eastern
Inside International
November 15, 2026
All U.S. treasurers file IRS Form 990
November 15, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chapter Connections
December 1, 2026
6:30 p.m. Eastern
Inside International
December 13, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chapter Connections
July 4-8, 2028
International Convention - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 25-28, 2029
Centennial Celebration - Austin, Texas
| | | |
Ohio State Organization Related Links | | | | Delta Kappa Gamma promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. | | | | |
