West Grayson Retired School Personnel Association (WGRSPA) celebrated the beginning of the holiday season on Tuesday, Dec. 3 with a covered dish luncheon at First United Methodist Wesley Hall.
President Sue Barker welcomed 23 members and four guests. In opening remarks she shared the history in Laurie Halse Anderson’s book, “Thank You Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving.”
After 17 years of advocating for Thanksgiving to be made a national holiday, Sarah Hale made this possible during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
Special guests at the luncheon were superintendents of three of the organizations’ schools: Ryan Harper of Whitesboro ISD, Jeff Russell of S&S CISD and Josh Ballinger of Tioga ISD. (Matthew Davenport of Collinsville ISD was unable to attend.)
All three superintendents spoke of their planning for the expected growth in the area in the coming years.
Harper reported enrollment of 1,800 and discussed the progress of plans for the new multi-purpose building, a new building for pre-K through 1st grade and new agricultural building.
These additions are the result of the successful bond passed in May. At this time WISD will continue with its five-day schedule.
Russell reported student enrollment of 958. With positive feedback, the district plans to continue its four-day schedule next year.
He spoke of the great success of the district’s Career Technology programs. With the addition of health science and robotics programs, students are getting a head start in these fields.
With new housing west of Sherman, the district is also expecting much growth in the next few years.
Ballinger reported enrollment of 670 and spoke of the growth in their district with two new housing additions that are already in progress.
Additionally, he reported that the four-day week for students has been met with success. Of the 58 seniors, 31 will be graduating with an Associate’s Degree.
Special guest Brandy Leach entertained members with songs of the season. Her talents range from jazz to gospel music. She currently sings with the Whitesboro Community Choir,
whose Christmas Concert will be Thursday, Dec. 12, beginning at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church.
President Barker began the business meeting with reports from Wanda Dutton, treasurer, who reported proceeds from last meeting’s Bingo games of $475 and $381 from the contribution of $3 per member for a total of $856 that will be donated to the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation.
The Foundation serves retirees who need financial aid, provides scholarships to beginning teachers and grants to teachers for classroom materials.
Sonic gift cards were presented to Trish Holloway and Donna Alsup for reporting volunteer hours served, and Barker won the door prize provided by Carol Golden.
Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) advocates for improved benefits for retirees, for affordable health benefits and contibutions to the Teacher Retirement System fund that will allow retirees enhancements as the cost of living rises.
WGRSPA meets the second Tuesday of the month September-May, except in January.
Meetings are at La Hacienda Restaurant with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and business meeting beginning at noon.
All area public school employees are encouraged to join TRTA for fun, fellowship and information pertaining to your retirement.
