Submitted

The Grundy/Mercer Unit of Retired Teachers and School Related Personnel met Wednesday, January 21st, at Dino’s Diner, with Larry Dannar, president, presiding.

Following the Pledge to the Flag and prayer, the program was presented by Mary Woodson, a part-time advisor for the Root Ed. Program at Trenton R-IX. The program is funded through a Work Force Development grant. She meets individually with seniors at least twice a year and helps them explore all pathways of employment and education after they graduate.

The goal of Root Ed. is for each senior to graduate with a plan for post high school success. She also plans community career exposure opportunities which are beneficial for all students, as well as prospective employers. She provided the following statistics on students’ plans: 35% plan on going to a 4-year college, with most attending NCMC before transferring; 24% attending a 2-year college; 16% some type of on-the-job training; 21% joining the work force; and 3% joining the military. At the end of the year, the seniors have a Decision Day where each post-graduation plan is announced. The program has been successful in assisting students achieve their goals.

In the business meeting, Ron Hurst announced that scholarship applications have been distributed to the schools. Each year the Retired Teachers offer a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans on pursuing a teaching degree.

In the legislative update, there is a constant concern about the emphasis on defunding public school education which would result in less money going to rural schools, in turn forcing consolidation. Other issues of concern include a proposal to eliminate the state income tax and one to take away control that the Missouri High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has over high school activities.

The Community Service chair, Ruth Ann Shipps, reported that during January local retired teachers volunteered over 700 hours of time in addition to food items and monetary donations. Several of the members have also volunteered to help pack food for Food Pals on March 19th and others will help prepare part of the meal for the Third Judicial Circuit Adult Treatment Program in Princeton on March 2nd,

The next meeting will be at Dino’s Diner, Wednesday morning March 18th, at 8:30 for breakfast with the business meeting at 9:00. Any retired teacher or retired school personnel interested in joining should contact Larry Dannar at 660-635-0195.