Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

It's back by popular demand! Due to the overwhelming positive feedback following last year's inaugural retreat, Region 2 of the IEA-NEA has put together another Spring Retreat. This year's retreat is to be held on Saturday, April 10, at the Giant City Lodge in Makanda, IL. The day's activities begin with registration (including coffee and donuts) from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Following the "Welcome and Opening Remarks", there will be three training sessions offered featuring a variety of topics designed to appeal to everyone's interests. The retreat will culminate with a social hour and dinner at 5 p.m. The special guest speaker will be former U.S. Representative Glenn Poshard. (As many of you know, Congressman Poshard is a special friend to Cairo--giving of his time trying to end the Stike of 1994/95. We were NOT even in his District!)

This Spring Retreat is being offered for veterans and "newbies"!

Region 2 wants the "usual suspects" to have an opportunity to hear the latest information concerning recent changes in teacher certification. It also provides "vets" an opportunity to learn about or review a variety of topics from knowledgeable presenters.

However, Region 2 particularly wants to reach out to local IEA members who are either new to the organization or who do NOT USUALLY PARTICIPATE. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what the IEA and the NEA are all about, AND to have A LOT OF FUN doing so! Those of us who attended last year's inaugural retreat agreed that it was a rewarding experience and well worth the time and money spent!

SO . . . WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO? I'm glad you asked! Fill out a registration form and return it to Ron Newell (school mail is fine) by Wednesday, March 10, 1999. (If you would rather send your registration form and fee directly to Region 2, that is fine. Just be sure that it reaches them by March 12!) SOONER IS BETTER, so that Region 2 can finalize preparations. In fact, TODAY would be great! You need to enclose/send $10 to help defray the costs of materials and food. Lunch and dinner are included in the price and a cash bar is available beginning at 5 p.m. (As an incentive for more CAT's to become involved and meet teachers with common concerns--and "war stories"--from surrounding districts, the CAT will reimburse the $10 registration fee to any member who attends the Spring Retreat and stays through dinner.)

Talk this up among your friends and colleagues! Get a group together!! Mark your calendars and attend the Region 2 Spring Retreat of 1999!!! Make new friends and mingle with "old" friends. Learn a little; enjoy a lot. I think you will find it a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. Try it--you have nothing to lose--except the winter-time blahs.

Again, send your completed registration form--with $10--as soon as possible and leave the planning to Region 2.

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