AUGUST 2011

MEETING INFORMATION

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Our gatherings begin with a social time and refreshments at 9:30 and business meeting at 10:00. When luncheons are held, they follow the business meeting.

Meetings are held at the HISD Instructional Support Center 4810 Magnolia Cove , Kingwood, Texas

HARTAHumble Area Retired Teachers

LOCAL ORGANIZATION OF TEXAS RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (TRTA) . OPEN TO ALL RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNEL FROM ALL DISTRICTS

TRTA DISTRICT IV

February 2012

President’s Corner President’s CornerIt’s February already and many things are happening. You won’t want to miss our February general meeting, scheduled for Monday, February 13 at the Humble ISC building. Our program, “New Ad-ventures in Retirement,” will feature a variety of interesting and new pursuits of our members, includ-ing Dee Rogers who has become an author in her retirement. Other members are invited to also share

recent pursuits, whether it might be employment, a business, a hobby, or volunteer work.

Our February meeting is also the month for our annual Book Sale. It’s time to clean out your bookcase or closet and donate your used books at our meeting. Then browse our sales tables for another book that is of interest to you and your family. Remember that all of the proceeds go to our funding for student scholarships and teacher grants.

Also in this meeting we will be asking you to cast your vote for a slate of offi cers for next year. We will then elect our delegates to the state TRTA annual convention and provide everyone with information on attending the convention. Please consider attending the convention this year. It will be hosted in Houston on March 25-27 at the Westin Galleria Hotel. You’ll fi nd many interesting topics, fun events, and shopping, shopping, shopping! See you at our meeting in February. Until then, stay healthy and happy!

Your President, Mary Widmier Your President, Mary Widmier

It’s February already and many things are happening. You won’t want to miss our February general meeting, scheduled for Monday, February 13 at the Humble ISC building. Our program,

ing Dee Rogers who has become an author in her retirement. Other members are invited to also share recent pursuits, whether it might be employment, a business, a hobby, or volunteer work.

February Meeting

This is the month that we have our annual Book Sale benefi � ing the scholarship fund. Please bring all your great reads and mark them for sale at $5 and under. Plan to buy!!!

Raffl e Gifts for February Meeting

Thanks to the following members for volunteering to bring raffl e gifts.

Sunny Smith Judy Taylor Gayle Cunningham Nancy Rogers Glenda Carriere Karen Seay Carol Porter Mary Peterson

Snacks for February MeetingWe need a few snacks for our February 13 meeting. If you signed up to bring snacks, please call JackieHinojosa at 713-851-1547 not later than February 9. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, snacks that have a heart theme or ones that are “heart healthy” would be much appreciated by everyone.

February 13 New Adventures in Retirement and Book SaleApril 9 Zumba & Yoga Exercise and Table Top Garage Sale May 14 Luncheon & Awards

and Book Sale

Table Top Garage Sale May 14 Luncheon & Awards

MEETINGS

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HARTA paid members =440! Hooray! HARTA friends = 91!Bank Balance as of 1/14/12 = $9632.90Scholarship Balance as of 1/24/12 = $6068.95

December Meeting HighlightsDecember Meeting HighlightsDecember meeting was fun and busy! And, what a treat! The Kingwood Park Madrigal Choir entertained us with Christmas melodies. Thank you!

Nomination Committee announced their selection for 2012. The following have been nominated:President: Carolyn Monroe 1st Vice President: Carolyn Mashburn 2nd Vice President: Faith HillerSecretary: Susan Burroughs Treasurer: Carol Parten

Elections will be held during the February meeting.

The Christmas Auction was fun, fun, fun! Over 100 wrapped gifts were placed on the tables and bidding was fi erce! We also were treated to a tasty luncheon with everyone bringing a delicious dish.Arti DeHart reminded everyone to note their volunteer hours and Carolyn Mashburn reminded us to note exercise hours.

Carolyn Mashburn, Health Care Committee ChairCarolyn Mashburn, Health Care Committee Chair

The Journal of Clinical Oncology notes that many clini-The Journal of Clinical Oncology notes that many clini-cal trials for cancer prevention focus on everything from cal trials for cancer prevention focus on everything from

time you’re tired, hungry, grumpy, or happy drink up. In time you’re tired, hungry, grumpy, or happy drink up. In fact, the next time you have an extra minute, drink up. fact, the next time you have an extra minute, drink up. fact, the next time you have an extra minute, drink up.

We are excited to have HARTA member, author of Beowulf and Beowulf and Beowulf Faces in the Fire, Dee Rogers as our guest speaker at the February meeting giving us an insight on exciting opportunities after retirement. Dr. Donnita Rogers always loved literature. She owned a bookstore in Kingwood before becoming an English teacher at Kingwood High School. And so, perhaps it is only natural that in her latest evolution she is an author. She will give a short book talk on her novel, Faces in the Fire. Do check her website www.donitalrogers.comwww.donitalrogers.com. She will have copies of her novels available.

What adventures have you started since retirement?

Faith HillerInformation & Protective Services:

Protect Yourself From Health Fraud ScamsU.S. Food & Drug Administration

Promises of quick fi xes and miracle cures can be found everywhere including TV infomercials, radio, direct mail, newspapers and magazines. Bogus claims including “Lose 30 pounds in 30 Days!” “Shrinks Tumors!” and “Cured My Diabetes!” are just some of the shady schemes used in health fraud scams. These scams can waste money and lead to delays in ge� ing the proper diagnosis and treatment.

To increase awareness about fraudulent claims, FDA created a new Internet resource to help consumers recognize and protect themselves. FDA’s Health Fraud Scams website www.fda.gov/health-fraud pulls together videos and articles in English and Spanish on how to avoid health fraud scams, and off ers informa-tion about products that have been seized, recalled or are the subject of warnings from the agency. To view the videos go to: h� p://www.fda.gov/ForCon-sumers/ProtectYourself/HealthFraud/ucm270086.htm h� p://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ProtectYourself/Health-Fraud/ucm270088.htm

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CONVENTION SCHEDULESunday, March 25, 2012Sunday, March 25, 2012Sunday, March 25, 201210 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration10 a.m. – Noon TRTA Board of Directors Meeting

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Exhibits10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Exhibits10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Exhibits11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Exhibits11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Exhibits11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Exhibits11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration

2 – 3:30 p.m. District Presidents Meeting2 – 3:30 p.m. District Presidents Meeting2 – 3:30 p.m. District Presidents Meeting3:30 – 5 p.m. TRTF Board of Trustees Meeting3:30 – 5 p.m. TRTF Board of Trustees Meeting3:30 – 5 p.m. TRTF Board of Trustees Meeting6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception8:15 p.m. “Sunday Stroll in the Mall”8:15 p.m. “Sunday Stroll in the Mall”8:15 p.m. “Sunday Stroll in the Mall”6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception8:15 p.m. “Sunday Stroll in the Mall”6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception8:15 p.m. “Sunday Stroll in the Mall”6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception8:15 p.m. “Sunday Stroll in the Mall”6 – 8 p.m. Offi cers Welcoming Reception

Monday, March 26, 2012Monday, March 26, 2012Monday, March 26, 20126:30 – 8 a.m. Ticketed Breakfast6:30 – 8 a.m. Ticketed Breakfast6:30 – 8 a.m. Ticketed Breakfast8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibits

8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Opening Ceremonies8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Opening Ceremonies8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Opening Ceremonies10 – 10:15 a.m. Break10 – 10:15 a.m. Break10 – 10:15 a.m. Break10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m. District Caucus Meetings (Districts 1-10)10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m. District Caucus Meetings (Districts 1-10)10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m. District Caucus Meetings (Districts 1-10)11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Foundation Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Foundation Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Foundation Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Foundation Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Foundation Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Foundation Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch11:15 a.m. – Noon District Caucus Meetings (Districts 11-20)

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions I1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions I1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions I2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Break2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Break2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Break2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions II2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions II2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions II4 – 5 p.m. Breakout Sessions III4 – 5 p.m. Breakout Sessions III4 – 5 p.m. Breakout Sessions III6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Banquet6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Banquet6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Banquet

Tuesday, March 27, 2012Tuesday, March 27, 2012Tuesday, March 27, 20126:30 – 8 a.m. Stilwell Breakfast or Ticketed Breakfast6:30 – 8 a.m. Stilwell Breakfast or Ticketed Breakfast6:30 – 8 a.m. Stilwell Breakfast or Ticketed Breakfast8 – 9 a.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 – 9 a.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration8 – 9 a.m. Delegate Certifi cation/Registration9 – 10:30 a.m. First Meeting of House of Delegates9 – 10:30 a.m. First Meeting of House of Delegates9 – 10:30 a.m. First Meeting of House of Delegates10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break10:45 a.m. – Noon First Meeting of House of Delegates Resumes10:45 a.m. – Noon First Meeting of House of Delegates Resumes10:45 a.m. – Noon First Meeting of House of Delegates Resumes12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Legislative Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Legislative Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Legislative Luncheon or Ticketed Lunch1:30 – TBD Second Meeting of House of Delegates 1:30 – TBD Second Meeting of House of Delegates 1:30 – TBD Second Meeting of House of Delegates TBD TRTA Board of Directors Meeting TRTA Convention Planning Committee

front row: Jane Eixmann, Marcy Cann, Brenda Ritter, Tom Ritter, Ella Gauthierback row: Tim Lee, Carolyn Monroeback row: Tim Lee, Carolyn Monroe

59th TRTA ANNUAL CONVENTION MARCH 25-27 - WESTIN GALLERIA

HAVE YOU REGISTERED TO ATTEND THE CONVENTION? TIME IS RUNNING OUT

This will be an informative and fun convention and all are welcome to at-tend, join the discussion groups and attend the luncheons and banquets. A registration form is attached.

Here’s an opportunity to learn more about TRTA, spend time with friends, and shop in the Galleria!

TRTA Convention Planning CommitteeFor all the latest TRTA news, check this website: http://www.trta.org/ You can also follow TRTA on Facebook.

Greetings from Dr. Guy Sconzo

Dear HARTA Family Members,

Happy New Year! And I hope your

holidays proved to be your and your family’s best ever!

As 2012 gets underway and we start the second semester of the school year, I want to be sure you are aware of how the new state testing program, and in particular, End-of-Course exams, replacing TAKS, affects this year’s high school freshman and every following class on a going forward basis. I will tell you from the start that we are very much opposed to the new state testing requirements and we intend to work toward changes when the state legislature goes back into session in January 2013! Having districts administer state testing a total of 45 days

out of a school year is just excessive and unnecessary in my opinion!

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) for students in grades 3 through 8. At the high school level, beginning with this year’s freshman class, TAKS will be replaced with ultimately 12 end-of-course (EOC) tests: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English I, English II, English III, World Geography, World History, and U.S. History. Graduation requirements will include successful completion of EOC tests.

Additionally, the state is requiring districts to factor in the EOC test score as 15% of a student’s final course grade for EOC tested courses. Credit for an EOC course cannot be

awarded until grades from both semesters and the EOC test are finalized and the final course grade is determined to be 70% or better. Therefore, credit for EOC tested courses will be awarded at the end of the school year, after EOC scores are received from the state, and not at the semester as we have done in the past. TEA has advised that we will likely not receive EOC test results until June 8th, after the school year is over!

Fall Semester report cards for 9th grade students reflected credit earned for non-EOC tested courses but no credit for EOC tested courses. Consequently, grade point averages (GPA) will not be calculated at mid-year for these students.

While we know that these changes significantly change our practices from previous years, these changes are necessary

as a result of the TEA guidance regarding the implementation of the EOC tests state law.

We will especially be getting more information out to high school parents, but this is something I wanted you all to be aware of. Legislation that would have prevented all of this was introduced and supported this past session by Rep. Huberty, but unfortunately, his vote was in the minority. We will work closely with him going forward to try to make changes that better serve our students.

Again, I hope 2012 proves to be your and your family’s best year ever! And thank YOU for your important involvement in HARTA and support of our children and their education!

Thanks!Guy

testing a total of 45 days changes are necessary

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Dear HARTA Mem-bers:

I wanted to take this opportunity to give you a brief update on what the Texas House of Representatives is doing during this interim. The House Committee on Public Education is meeting this month to study and discuss the implementation of several changes that were made in the last legislative sessions. One major focal point is the new state assessment tool, known as STAAR, and how districts are handling this new test. As law-

makers, it is important for us to look at the whole picture, and seeing a bill go through the process to become law is not where our job stops- we are con-tinuously evaluating how legislation is being implemented and received by students, parents, teachers, and our communities as a whole.

I, and the Legislature, were adamant about maintaining the highest level of education possible for our chil-dren, and that included issues such as maintaining the class size limit- which we were successful in; returning $10 million back into the Humble commu-nity through the TIRZ program with funds that would have otherwise been

taken by the state and used elsewhere; and allowing fl exibility in our school districts in order to maintain teach-ers’ jobs. I am proud to say that I fought for our community on all of these issues, and will continue to do so. Please contact me with any further questions. You can reach my district staff at 281-360-9410 and my capitol staff at 512-463-0520. They are always available to assist you.

I appreciate all you do for our district as HARTA members and look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

Sincerely,Dan

Looking for some interesting activities? There are art lessons, computer lessons, movies, books, discussions and much more at the Academy of Life Long Learning -Spring Open House and Registration: Monday, February 6, 2-4 p.m. EM-CID off-site center - 21575 Highway 59 N in New Caney Check out the website and view the catalog http://wwwapps.lonestar.edu/fl ipbook/ALL/kingwoodspring12/fl ipviewerxpress.htmlon-line.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS!

2-Jane Marvin, Vy Trusdale,3-Edith, Flagg, 4- LaJohn Cryer, Terrye Enderle, 5- Peter Fisher, 7- Lois Philbrick, 8- Karen Seay, 11-Christine Masters, Dolores Pierce, 12-Donna Clowers, 13- Kathy

Campbell, 14- Jane Nelson, 15- Jan Romeis, 16- Allen Kingsbury, Sharon Meurer, 17, Phyllis Smith, 19- June Glover, Judy Latimer, 20- Be� e Fields, 21- Su-san Day, RaeDonna Jones, 22- Marilyn Ashby, Karen Geff ert, 23- Dorothy Currie, Darlene Schuessler, Janelle Wagner, 24- Candy McDonald, Janet Quinn, 26- Kaye Refschneider, 28- Diane Perry, Arthur Tipton

MARCH BIRTHDAYS!

1- Mary O’Donnell, 3- Dot Rinne, Pamela Wassom, 6- Venis Burns, Betsy Gould, Catherine Turner, 7- Pa� i Dickinson, Fairle Rickard, 9- Myra Bruns, Carolyn Clapp, Glynda Hinton, 12- Carol Wilson, 14- Karen Fi� simmons, 15- Sharon Finley, Georgia Wilkins, 16- Karen Eastman, 17- Gladys Santiago, 18- Delores Barfi eld, 24- Jaime Gallego, 25- Patricia Spi� mill-er, 27- Judy Cook, 29- Alice Richardson, 31- Mary Lou Schouweiler, Do� ie Willner

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Happy Birthday! Vacation Time Fun

In Our Prayers

From Janet Quinn

Had a wonderful trip to South Carolina for Christmas and will be returning in February to celebrate mother’s 103rd birthday. She is in great health and gets around without a cane or walker, but uses an arm now and then. She is quite active. This past year, she crocheted 36 scarves for the Marines in Afghanistan and will be awarded the Chaplin of the Four Chaplins Award at the Marine Corps League Mid-Winter Conference in Virginia, in February. In talk-ing to a complete stranger, this man said that he thought he was much older than she was. When asked how old he was he said that he was 82. Boy, was he surprised! She neither looks it or acts it. I just hope that I have some of her good genes.

Bob and I have been very active with Toys for Tots in Montgomery County so we will be taking a much need vacation/cruise to celebrate our birthdays the end of February.

Wow! Way to go Mom!

We are thankful for Tim Lee’s continued health improvement.

Condolences to tNancy Foisner and family on the loss of Nancy’s mother on Janurary 20th.

Precinct 4’s Fun4Seniors Sponsored Trips Call for all: (281) 893-3726 for reservations

Jan. 29, 2012, Sunday Harlem Globetrotters, Toyota Center, $15Bus transportation from Humble Civic Center, departing 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 14, 2012, Tuesday Cupid’s Country Boogie, Humble Civic Center,1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring the River Road Boys, $7

Feb. 23, 2012, Thursday An Evening of Live Music and Dinner, inTomball’s historic Main Street Crossing, $15 Bus transportation from Kingwood United Methodist Church - Family Outreach Center, Departing 5:00

March 21, 2012, Wednesday “Sweet Deal” Party Bridge Tournment, Humble Civic Center, $24, 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 12Hilltop Restaurant and Herb Garden Tour with Lunch at the Retreat at Artesian Lakes, $14.00 per person. Trip includes touring the organic garden sampling various jams and jellies followed by a mulit-course meal for lunch. Space is limited. Transportation departs at 9:30 a.m. from Kingwood United Methodist Church, 1799 Woodland Hills Drive.

HARTA SPONSORED TRIPJanuary 31 Phoenicia - new 28,000 sq. ft. international food market and restaurant at One Park Place luxury tower downtown. -150 ft. conveyer belt baking pita bread, plus much more, then stroll Discovery Green and fi nally tour St. Arnold Brewery, our city’s fi rst micro brewery. Sponsors: Carolyn Mashburn & Claudette McKee.

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Each year HARTA has been able to endow two scholarships to high school seniors with plans to major in Education due to the generous donations made to the:

HARTA Scholarship Contribution Form ~ “In Memory or In Celebration”

Credit the Humble Area Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund:Amount $___________________Please send an acknowledgment letter:Please Check One:__in memory of, OR__in celebration of (name)_____________________________(Give the name and address of the person who should receive an acknowledgment letter.)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please send an acknowledgement letter to me: (PRINT your name and address.)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please make your check payable to: Humble ISD Scholarship Fund. On the “Memo” portion of your check, write HARTA Scholarship. Mail your form and check to: HARTA c/o Sunny Smith

P.O. Box 342Humble, TX 77347

Humble Area Retired Teachers Assoc//Texas Retired Teachers AssociationMembership Enrollment Form

Name________________________________________ Date_______ Amount Paid ____*

Street_________________________________City_____________State_____Zip______

Check the membership New Lifetime Renewing Associate “Friend of` that pertains to you: Member____ Member ___Member___ Member____ HARTA”____

Phone Number_________________ E-mail Address_______________________ (We will send legislative updates and breaking news)

From which school/dept/districtdid you retire?_____________________________ Your Birthday (mo. & day)__________

Join for spouses/friends who are not TRS retirees:Name of

“ Friend of HARTA” ____________________ “Friend of HARTA’s” Birthday (mo. & day)______

How did you hear about HARTA?_ _____________________________________________*Annual Dues for Members and Associate Members: $30 ($5-HARTA- local & $25 -TRTA-state)

“Friend of HARTA”: $5 (local only). Please make your check payable to: HARTA.

Mail it to: HARTA, PO Box 14984, Humble, TX 77347 Attn: Carol Parten