Photos from the Nov. 10, 2016 Meeting

CLICK HERE for a photo album of pictures taken at the Nov. 10, 2016, meeting of the St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association held at the Treen Center in Mandeville.

Tech Workshop Targets Internet Safety

The St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association recently hosted a special technology workshop for its members at the David Treen Instructional Technology Center in Mandeville. Entitled "Caution Lights Flashing -Internet Safety Tips" the workshop was held by Inkie Landry, who did a "super job for retirees," according to Roxanne Lagarde, president. "We had a great turnout, more than 20 in attendance."

Volunteering for Flood Relief Efforts

The St Tammany Retired School Employees Association showed their support for those victims of the flooding disaster by donating their time and community spirit in the recent flood relief efforts.  St. Tammany Parish School System’s students, employees, retirees and families pitched in to support flood victims through a districtwide fundraiser.

New school supplies, gift cards and cash collected will be distributed to impacted students and employees in St. Tammany Parish and other Louisiana school districts in need.

St Tammany Retirees were among the many volunteers who helped to sort and organize the school supplies and other donated items. “After donating items at their local schools, retiree members wanted to know how they could help further?”  added Roxanne Lagarde, STRSEA President. The school system welcomed our association into their volunteer efforts.

The districtwide fundraiser was an overwhelming success with heart-felt responses by the area communities.  At last count, over 58 palettes of school supplies and donation items were packaged for shipment. 

“Our goal is to help students and families who are going through a very difficult time right now. As soon as schools reopen, students need supplies and other items to be successful. We hope, with the help of our entire community, to be able to provide these items at this critical time,” said St. Tammany Parish School System Superintendent W. L. “Trey” Folse, III.

Supt. Folse Speaks About School Year Launch, Donation Effort Success

      The St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association heard Superintendent W. L. "Trey" Folse at its September 8, 2016, meeting tell of the beginning of the school year and the tremendous success of the system's fundraising efforts for flood victims in the Florida Parishes. The meeting took place at the David C. Treen Instructional Technology Center in Mandeville.    

 

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President Roxanne Lagarde and Supt. Folse

    The agenda included a business meeting for the latest reports from the president, the vice president, secretary and treasurer, as well as this year's legislative concerns and educational scholarship status.
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To view photos from the meeting, CLICK HERE.

To view video from the meeting, click on play video button above. 
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​      Retirees were asked to bring to the meeting school supplies for school children. While strictly voluntary, Operation Book Bag provides school supplies and book bags to local STPSB students in need. Supplies included notebooks, loose leaf paper, pencils, colors, notebooks, construction paper, glue, and children's scissors.

 

      A Health Fair organized especially for STRSEA members offered a wide variety of information from participants such as St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Ochsner Hospital, Silver Sneakers (with a demo) and Humana.  

Spring Luncheon Held May 12 At Abita Springs Town Hall

  The St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association (STRSEA) held its final meeting of the year on Thursday, May 12, 2016at the Abita Springs Town Hall. Certificates were presented and officers were sworn into office by Abita Mayor Greg Lemons.
   Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kelly Stomps spoke to our group. Later she posted an account of her visit on her blog. Here is what she said.
   "I had the distinct pleasure of speaking at a luncheon for the St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association (STRSEA) on Thursday, May 12, 2016. This luncheon took place at the Abita Springs Town Hall. As I entered the building, I was excited to see several retired employees from Woodlake Elementary School. Throughout the festivities, I also enjoyed getting to meet the other attendees and learn about each person’s background in the field of education.
     After being welcomed by the President of the Association, a special memorial program took place to honor STRSEA members that passed during the last school year. I was truly touched by this program as it included honoring a person that had subbed frequently at my school the last few years. 

 

   Then, I was asked to speak. For my speech, I reflected on the things that I have learned this year as the Louisiana Teacher of the Year. One thing that I have learned this year is to have a “teacher voice” through social media. I shared how this has made an impact on others while encouraging each attendee to share their positive stories about education on social media.
     After the program, I was invited to join the STRSEA for lunch. During the meal, several members spoke to me about their concerns over possible changes in Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana. They also shared how the members of the association were working to advocate on behalf of all educators. Although my purpose for the meeting was to inspire and empower, I left the meeting feeling inspired and grateful for the advocacy efforts of STRSEA. As in “Be True to Your School” by the Beach Boys, the members of STRSEA are staying true to the schools and teachers in St. Tammany Parish. Thank you for your continued service and devotion to education! "

Officers For 2016-2017 Elected and Inducted

Officers For 2016-2017 Elected and Inducted

The St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association met Thursday, March 31, and elected officers for the next year. The meeting was held at the School Board Central Office in Covington with about 25 persons attending. They were inducted into office at the Abita Springs Town Hall on May 12. From left to right are President Roxanne Lagarde, Secretary Renee Arsenault, Second Vice President Carolyn Brugmann, First Vice President Lyn Monteleone and Treasurer Ronald Caruso. Jack Loup, not pictured, was elected President Elect.

La. Retired Teacher Association (LRTA) Executive Director Explains Retirement System Funding

 

Louisiana Retired Teachers Association (LRTA) Executive Director Rodney Watson, center, with President Bill Brugmann at left, and School Board President Stephen J. "Jack" Loup, III, at right, Legislative Chairman for the STRSEA.

     A special meeting for all St. Tammany public school retirees and active employees was held Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, to hear guest speaker Rodney Watson, LRTA's Executive Director, talk on "Legislative Updates: A Call to Activism". More than 112 people gathered for the event held at the David Treen Instructional Technology Center in Mandeville.
     After a detailed analysis of how retirement systems are funded, he explained several proposals on making changes to the system that could adversely affect current and future retiree benefits, as well as state-related expenditures.
     Watson met with the STRSEA in December for an overview of possible system changes, and his February presentation gave significant details of what may be considered by the legislature and how it could affect monthly benefits and long-term viability of the system.
     To view photos from the event, click here. 

      In the You Tube video above, Mr. Watson's talk begins at four minutes, 15 seconds into the video. Click on the image to view the video.

Watson presented an informational slide show detailing his key points of the La. Retired Teachers retirement funding. A PDF File of the slide show is available by clicking here.

TRSL Director Shares Updates

   The St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association (STRSEA)  heard guest speaker, Maureen Westgard, Executive Director of Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana, at its November 10, 2015, meeting give an update on the current financial status of TRSL, the fund's impact of the retirement system to the state economy, and an overview of Cost of Living increases.
    Some 87 members attended at the Treen Technology Center in Mandeville.  Co-president Bill Brugmann opened the meeting and introduced the guest speaker. 

 

From left to right, STRSEA Co-president Bill Brugmann, TRSL Director Maureen Westgard, Dana Vicknair with TRSL, and STRSEA Co-president Rhonda Chambers at the Nov. 10, 2015 meeting.

     Humana provided flu shots to those who are covered under the Group Plan of Humana through the St. Tammany Parish School Board, and, in honor of Veterans Day, there was a patriotic theme of red, white and blue.
     Many members also brought toys for St. Tammany Project Christmas this year, their community outreach project.
    Jack Loup, legislative committee, reported on the recent La. Retired Teachers Association meeting in Lake Charles, as did Publicity Chairperson Roxanne Lagarde and Co-president Rhonda Chambers.
   The STRSEA meets throughout the year on the second Thursday of September, November, December, March and May, including an annual Christmas party and spring luncheon. 

Supt. Folse Speaks To Members At Sept. 10 Meeting

 

The St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association (STRSEA) held it first meeting of the school year on Thursday, September 10, 2015, with dozens of St. Tammany public school retirees gathering at the Treen Technology Center, located at 2024 Livingston Street in Mandeville. 

  The meeting agenda included an update on the status of the school system by St. Tammany Public Schools Superintendent Trey Folse, as well as an overview of various topics shared by Co-Presidents, Bill Brugmann and Rhonda Chambers.

“We are motivated by you all, the people who were here before us that did the work to make sure this School System is one that we can all be proud of. That is what motivates us each and every day,“ said Superintendent Folse.

Superintendent Folse spoke to the group of over 50 retirees about where the School System is today, recent achievements and what is being done to ensure future success. He also shared details about a few events from the beginning of the school year.

  The STRSEA meets throughout the year, usually on the second Thursday of September, November, December, March and May, including an annual Christmas party and spring luncheon.

Spring Luncheon Held, New Officers Installed

 The St. Tammany Retired School Employees Association (STRSEA) held its annual Pot Luck Spring Luncheon on May 14, 2015, in the David Treen Technology Center at 2024 Livingston St., in Mandeville.

STRSEA co-president Marian Arrowsmith presented a number of awards to the board for their service, and she was honored for her work with the organization in building membership and achieving many accomplishments.

  Bill Brady gave the new officers their oath of office, with Bill Brugmann and Rhonda Chambers as co-presidents; Roxanne Lagarde, President-elect; Lyn Monteleone, First Vice President; Renee Arsenault, Secretary; Carolyn Brugmann, Second Vice President; and Ron Caruso, Treasurer.

  This year's Educational Scholarship was won by Sara Pohlman of Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville. She was accompanied to the awards ceremony by her mother Eileen. Tom Lusignan introduced her to the group and told about her plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in Elementary Education. She thanked the group for the generous scholarship and honor.
  Jack Loup gave a legislative report, updating members on pending state legislation of importance to retired teachers, and Roxanne Lagarde gave a publicity report, noting that the members themselves are the best source of publicity for the group.
  Bill and Carolyn Brugmann gave a report on the Spring LRTA Meeting they attended in Alexandria, announcing that the St. Tammany group had won honors at the event. They won a Membership Award in recognition of signing up the largest number of new members in 2014, as well as another membership award for signing up the largest number of associate members last year.
  Brugmann visited with Hank Ferrer, who he recalled was his 10th grade biology teacher, and Bucky McKee, who was his 11th grade American History teacher. Lee Barrios also spoke briefly to the group about the upcoming BESE Election.