News : Alpha Psi raffle of Moss print to help Iowa Juvenile Home reading program

Alpha Psi members pose with Moss print and other items for fund-raising raffle.

The Benton/Tama County Alpha Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International has received a Charity Print from P. Buckley Moss, a well known American artist.

The print, "Happy Times," will be the object of a fundraising raffle to benefit the Second Chance Reading program at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo.

Also to be offered will be a children's book, "Reuben and the Quilt", written by Merle Good, illustrated by Pat Moss.

Both the print and the book have had a remark added by the artist. It adds value to the piece. In the case of the print, Ms. Moss added another child to the group of children in the foreground of the print. A third item to be given is a deck of playing cards with the Moss rendition of the map of Iowa and scenes from the state.

Russ Grimm of Dysart provided the frame and mats. The value of the framed print is $175. The three prizes will be offered in a raffle to be held Sept. 11, 2011.

Delta Kappa Gamma is an international organization of women educators. The goal of the organization is to promote professional and personal growth of educators and excellence in education. Alpha Psi Chapter of Benton/Tama counties currently has 37 members. The chapter promotes literacy in Benton and Tama counties through many projects. In 2009, the chapter received a Moss Charity print which was won by Linda Lee of La PorteCity. The proceeds from the print were also applied to the reading program at IJH.

The Second Chance Reading Program at the Juvenile Home focuses on expanding vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and fluency. It is imperative that the students receive direct instruction in the area of reading to help them fill the gaps that they have int heir learning.

The average number of placements for a teenage girl prior to being placed at IJH is 11. Most students have skill levels up to three years behind the standard grade placement. IJH teacher, Colly Murphy, reports that the Second Chance Reading Program has increased student reading comprehension and has successfully brought reading skill up to grade level.

According to tests given in December 2010, 63 percent improved reading proficiency in a short time. The funds from the Moss print raffle will support the purchase of personal literature which the individuals may select.

"I am so proud to have an honorary membership in this society of women teachers," P. Buckley Moss, who suffers from a learning difference, said. "For someone who struggled in school, it is indeed an honor."

The Moss Foundation for Children's Education has a mission to promote the integration of arts education into all children's educational programs with a special focus on children who learn in different ways.

The drawing will take place Sept. 11. To buy a ticket, call Doris Winter in Mount Auburn at 319-475-2342, or contact any member of the Alpha Psi Chapter. Those pictured with this story include, from left: President Sandra Huemann-Kelly, Vinton; Judy Morrison, Traer, Doris Winter, Mount Auburn; Roz Stull, Reinbeck; Iowa Juvenile Home Superintendent Deb Hanus, Tama; and Mary Ann Gregory of Dysart.