Each year during November and December
family members in the United States are eagerly looking forward to celebrate
the holidays together but a deployed U.S. military member will have to celebrate
with their other family.  The United
States has hundreds of thousands of uniformed military members stationed away
from their homes and families in combat and in relatively safe areas overseas
and in the United States.  Military
members are: on ships at sea, in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, South America,
and many other regions of the world some of which we would never even think
about visiting.  However, when a military
member is away from home during the holidays their new family is the unit they
are assigned a position no matter where it is located.  As you could imagine being away from home
anytime of the year is difficult but during the November and December holidays
it is particularly stressful to be away from the love and comfort of your spouse,
parents and the ability to provide that direct one-to-one love to your children.

While assigned to combat areas of
operation a members military leadership does all that is possible to act as a
second family by providing religious services, recreational facilities, a
holiday meal or two, and just time to relax, however, it is not the same as
being home.  I can remember in December
2005 when I was in Baghdad, Iraq and insurgent mortars and rocket were coming
into the compound almost every day we still held Catholic, Protestant, Jewish,
Moslem, and Buddhist religious services that were attended by many individuals some
of which were not members of the particular religion.  In fact, some people went from one service to
the next not being concerned about who was conducting it.  Maybe part of the reason for going to
multiple services was because there was always an all you can eat religious/ethic
meal after the services.  No matters how
comforting the military leaders and unit members try to make the members feel
during the holidays they are still thousands of miles away from their families.

The U.S. military is a volunteer
force and the members are away from their families serving to protect us 24/7
at home.  I am sure if you asked any
member deployed they would say that they are proud to serve even through it is
difficult this time of year.

I encourage everybody to support the
troops by sending holiday cards and letters through the USO, local Family
Readiness Unit, and Wounded Warriors Program or contact your local VA hospital,
and military base to arrange for a visit to the Veterans by your family.  My wife and I recently took part in serving
Thanksgiving dinner to 150 troops returning from Iraq and another 150 going to
Afghanistan as part of my community Veterans outreach efforts and it was
extremely rewarding.

Additionally, for those active duty
military, Veterans and their families’ members, please look into joining the
Walden University online community “Those that have served helping each
other to succeed”.

To all active duty military and Veterans,
thank you for serving!

Sincerely,

Nelson

Nelson L. Mellitz

Colonel, USAF, Ret

DBA candidate-2012

The  Board of AEX/ KDP would like to wish all  a VERY   Happy New Year !

 JOIN & PARTICIPATE  IN :Literacy Alive 2011-

Literacy Alive! is Kappa Delta Pi’s signature service initiative that invites members to create programs and events in their communities that bring empowering literacy skills to their participants. Launched as Reading is Fun in 1993, in conjunction with the national nonprofit literacy organization Reading is Fundamental,

Annually across the globe, chapter and professional members host literacy-related events that promote and strengthen literacy skills and enrich lives. We at Walden would like to invite you to be a part of the SECOND ANNUAL Online Literacy ALIVE initiative!

Everyone loves a good book !

Your task: during the month of January QAPRIL

1. Pick a book with a theme of Citizenship Around the World

2. Read the book to a group of children/students, no matter their age).

(in a classroom, a library, a daycare center, a children’s ward at a hospital, in your home). Many teachers welcome guest readers into their classroom.

3. Have someone take a picture of you with the children.

4. Write a short 1 paragraph synopsis of your book, your venue, and your

experience.

5. Send to: Trisha Schock (AEX/KDP President) at Me_schock@sbcglobal.net

6. Due by : April 30, 2012.

Thank you for your participation!

AEX (Walden chapter of KDP) has over 300 members, our goal is to get 50% or better to participate!

Your pictures and paragraphs will be published on the Walden KDP website http://kdpwaldenuniversity.com/ and in the newsletter.

Literacy Alive! events reach out to an average of 24,000 children, adolescents, and adults each year.

 Your Connections

Kappa Delta Pi 48th Biennial Convocation November 3-5, 2011 • Indianapolis

Business Meeting Notes

The Kappa Delta Pi business meeting was held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8 a.m. in the White River Ballroom (A-E) at the JW Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana attended by Alpha Epsilon Xi board member and current Walden University Ph.D. candidate Christopher Maddox.

All amendments to the constitution and bylaws presented to the board passed

except

for the following:

Constitution Article III. OFFICERS | Section 1 Revision of bylaw language endured lengthy debate regarding who would appoint the representative to the executive council. Maddox voted, “No” with majority for motion to fail.

Bylaw Article IV COMMITTEES | Section 5 – 5.6133 Revision of bylaw would require only two candidates for each office for election. The language of the revised bylaw was debated (it currently states at least one (1) candidate for the office of ..). Delegates argued there could be more than two candidates running for election. Maddox voted, “yes” in minority. Motion fails.

Please note 5.6131 relating to this revised law passed by a less than 5% of a delegate vote. Maddox voted, “yes” in the majority.

Bylaw Article V ACTIVE CHAPTERS | Section 8 – 8.15 Revision of bylaw would allow delegates of future convocations to attend synchronously or in person. Rationale is to increase attendance of international chapters; however, attending delegates argued it removes incentive of fellowship at biannual convocations. Motion set forward to postpone this vote. Motion fails.

Kappa Delta Pi

48th Biennial Convocation November 3-5, 2011 • Indianapolis

Maddox Review Notes

1. History of Kappa Delta Pi highlighted throughout convocation for 100 year celebration.

2. Online Universities assigned to West Region Chapters and regional coordinator Karen Sprunger (DeLawter) of the national office.

3. Majority of attendees are young, beginning teachers.

4. Growing graduate student presence during convention. Dedicated staff members seek out grad students for fellowship and collaboration.

5.Key Note speaker Debbie Silver is amazing! She published, Drumming to the Beat of Different marchers: Finding the Rhythm for Teaching Differentiated learning.

She is also a Louisiana State Teacher of the Year recipient. ABSOLUTELY PHENOMINAL. I would highly recommend her for a Richard W. Riley College of Education Event at Walden University.

6.I was disappointed, several Saturday, November 5, sessions were canceled due to speaker a no-show.

7. Maddox receives certificate of participation.

8. The next national Convocation will be in Dallas, TX, October 24-27, 2013.

 General  Information

Undergraduates - Learn to be the best teacher and leader possible by attending an iLead Conference February 11 in Atlanta, GA, or later in the spring in Chicago, IL. Watch for details in your e-mail.

Graduate Students - Join the next eChapter Webinar on Project-Based Learning or listen to the podcast of past Webinars for knowledge and teaching strategies that put you at the head of the class.

Professionals - Get tips you need for your classroom via “3 Things to Try” on KDP Connect, KDP’s professional development resource for new and experienced educators. Then tour the site to see how to link to resources, ideas, and training designed for you.

Administrators - Give your staff members credit for their accomplishments by nominating a Teacher of Honor or provide easily accessible professional training needed by subscribing with them to KDP Connect.  

University Faculty - Use digital resources in your classroom and with your student teachers. Access John Dewey’s Experience and Education as a digital download or turn to the digital page-turner version of New Teacher Advocate to illustrate teaching points. You can reiterate classroom management techniques in conjunction with students’ field experiences using the easy-access courses on the subject through KDP Connect.
  
Retirees and Almost Retirees - Remember your special rates on  motels and car rentals when you travel throughout the holidays and this winter.

Member Spotlight – Past and Present
You are a successful teacher, so share your story! Read about fellow members Dr. Gwyn Boyter, Megan Allers, Sarah Ayers, Dr. Sandra Berkowitz and Kathleen Rathgeber on the KDP Kudos site.

Every Gift Makes a Difference
The Educational Foundation continues to support students, from undergraduates to doctoral candidates, as well as programs, such as Classroom Teacher Grants and Literacy Alive! thanks to member donors like you, sponsors, and Convo 2011 vendors. If giving back to the field of education and KDP is on your mind this December, please view the various options available.

Season of Gratitude
To all of you who daily lead learners to new ways of thinking, who meet challenges and exceed expectations, who do not give up on their quests, and who make a difference in the lives of others. . .