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Education
Chairman: Alycne Wetton
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The school year is coming to a close. May brought us Teacher Appreciation Week. I hope your Unit did something to show appreciation to the dedicated teachers in your town. Seven students will each be receiving $500 from the Department Education Grant. I appreciate all who reported and spread the word of scholarships and grants.
My full report will be in the book of reports at convention. Thank you, Madam President, for the appointment as Education Chair for the year. It has been my extreme pleasure. And thank you to Mary-Ann Bergeron for serving on my Committee.
“The end of the school year is just a pause on the path of education” Anonymous
My full report will be in the book of reports at convention. Thank you, Madam President, for the appointment as Education Chair for the year. It has been my extreme pleasure. And thank you to Mary-Ann Bergeron for serving on my Committee.
“The end of the school year is just a pause on the path of education” Anonymous
Happy Spring. March did indeed come in like a lion, but it is going out like a lamb.
By the time you read this, my Education Committee and I will have submitted the winners of ALA National Scholarships after grading their entries. There were 8 applicants for Children of Warriors, 0 for Spirit of Youth, 1 for Member Loyalty, and 2 for Non-Traditional Student. That was about the same number as last year. I hope we get the word out more for next year. Let’s wish the winners from the Department Good Luck as they advance to the Eastern
Division.
Also, the March 30, 2026 deadline for the Department of Connecticut Education Grant will have passed. I hope all
applicants are able to receive the grant and come to the Convention to thank us.
I just bought Lucky Charms ☘️��cereal to make treats for Saint Patrick’s Day. I earned Box Tops for Education (https://boxtops4education.com/) by my purchase, which supported my local school. Are you scanning receipts?
Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas, or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
By the time you read this, my Education Committee and I will have submitted the winners of ALA National Scholarships after grading their entries. There were 8 applicants for Children of Warriors, 0 for Spirit of Youth, 1 for Member Loyalty, and 2 for Non-Traditional Student. That was about the same number as last year. I hope we get the word out more for next year. Let’s wish the winners from the Department Good Luck as they advance to the Eastern
Division.
Also, the March 30, 2026 deadline for the Department of Connecticut Education Grant will have passed. I hope all
applicants are able to receive the grant and come to the Convention to thank us.
I just bought Lucky Charms ☘️��cereal to make treats for Saint Patrick’s Day. I earned Box Tops for Education (https://boxtops4education.com/) by my purchase, which supported my local school. Are you scanning receipts?
Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas, or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
March 2 is Read Across America Day, in honor of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) birthday. Read to children. Try to get into a classroom and read! If not on that day, anytime. Share a photo of you reading.
By the time you read this, March 1 st will have passed and so has the deadline for ALA National Scholarships. When made available, I hope to announce winners from Connecticut for one or more of the four National Scholarships.
However, the deadline is March 30, 2026, for the Department of Connecticut Education Grant.
Completed applications are to be returned to me at [email protected].
Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas, or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
By the time you read this, March 1 st will have passed and so has the deadline for ALA National Scholarships. When made available, I hope to announce winners from Connecticut for one or more of the four National Scholarships.
However, the deadline is March 30, 2026, for the Department of Connecticut Education Grant.
Completed applications are to be returned to me at [email protected].
Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas, or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season, no matter what you celebrate. To start 2026 on the right track, we need to spread the word about ALA Scholarships and Department Grants, if you haven’t already done so. I got word to the high school for my Unit and to the CT-State Community College System. Who have you notified? Go to
https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships for more information on ALA Scholarships. Deadlines are March 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern. No exceptions. Submissions go directly to National on their website.
Department of Connecticut Education Grant deadline is March 30, 2026. Applications are to be sent to me at [email protected].
Contact me if you have questions, need ideas, or want to share something unique your Unit is doing. I belong to the ALA Education Facebook page. In the last Education Newsletter, it was noted that the Eastern Division is lacking in postings on the Facebook page. So SHARE!!! Let’s show the rest of the nation what we do in Connecticut! Does your Unit give its own awards and scholarships? Are you Giving 10 for Education?
https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships for more information on ALA Scholarships. Deadlines are March 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern. No exceptions. Submissions go directly to National on their website.
Department of Connecticut Education Grant deadline is March 30, 2026. Applications are to be sent to me at [email protected].
Contact me if you have questions, need ideas, or want to share something unique your Unit is doing. I belong to the ALA Education Facebook page. In the last Education Newsletter, it was noted that the Eastern Division is lacking in postings on the Facebook page. So SHARE!!! Let’s show the rest of the nation what we do in Connecticut! Does your Unit give its own awards and scholarships? Are you Giving 10 for Education?
I had my Quarterly Education Meeting with National recently. After all Departments went to breakout sessions in each Division, the Division Chair shared the one idea they liked the best. My idea of the letter to Superintendents was deemed the best! And, I was asked to share with National. Letter to the Superintendent showing your support for the teachers, paras, counselors, and all support staff. And letter for Superintendents to send out. If you would like prepared letters, email me with your info. These letters are still timely.
In November, specifically the week before Thanksgiving (November 17-21), the ALA acknowledges American Education Week, a national observance held annually during this time. The purpose is “To honor all public school staff, from teachers to bus drivers and cafeteria workers.”
Some suggested activities:
● Assemble and deliver Thank “You” baskets to schools.
● Provide gift cards, snacks, or classroom supplies
● Organize events like “Educator for a Day” or “Substitute Educators Day”
● Participate in school events
● Support local education initiatives like the ALA’s own “Give 10 to Education” school supply drive.
Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
In November, specifically the week before Thanksgiving (November 17-21), the ALA acknowledges American Education Week, a national observance held annually during this time. The purpose is “To honor all public school staff, from teachers to bus drivers and cafeteria workers.”
Some suggested activities:
● Assemble and deliver Thank “You” baskets to schools.
● Provide gift cards, snacks, or classroom supplies
● Organize events like “Educator for a Day” or “Substitute Educators Day”
● Participate in school events
● Support local education initiatives like the ALA’s own “Give 10 to Education” school supply drive.
Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
Schools have started and Autumn is officially here. What else is officially here?
ALA Scholarship information. National offers four scholarships:
● Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
● Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
● Spirit of Youth Scholarship
● Member Loyalty Scholarship
Go to https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships for more information. Deadlines are March 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern. No exceptions. Submissions go directly to National on their website. The Department of Connecticut Education Grant is also available. The deadline is March 30, 2026.
Applications go to me, [email protected], Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
ALA Scholarship information. National offers four scholarships:
● Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
● Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
● Spirit of Youth Scholarship
● Member Loyalty Scholarship
Go to https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships for more information. Deadlines are March 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern. No exceptions. Submissions go directly to National on their website. The Department of Connecticut Education Grant is also available. The deadline is March 30, 2026.
Applications go to me, [email protected], Contact me at [email protected] if you have questions, need ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing.
Welcome all to a new ALA year. As we start a new year, so do schools. As you read this, most schools have started the 2025-26 school year. Here are some great things you can do:
1. Give 10 to Education. Many schools and students need supplies. Give 10 to Education is a great way to support schools. Contact the school or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)/Parent- Teacher Association (PTA) to find out how you can assist. One way is to set up a collection box and display it during Open Houses. Most schools have an Open House in the first few weeks of school.
2. Box Tops for Education: Register yourself, your Unit members, and anyone you know with Box Tops for Education. Select a school in your community to benefit from the program. It is simple, easy, and very profitable for the schools.
3. Collaborate with Schools: Send a letter to the Superintendent showing your support for the teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and all support staff. If you would like a prepared letter, email me at [email protected].
4. Post on social media anything you do to support education, and get the word out on how fantastic your Unit is. Join the ALA Education Facebook Page.
Contact me at [email protected] if you need more ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing. I look forward to another year as your Education Chair.
All my best,
Elaine Kotler, Education Chair
[email protected]
1. Give 10 to Education. Many schools and students need supplies. Give 10 to Education is a great way to support schools. Contact the school or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)/Parent- Teacher Association (PTA) to find out how you can assist. One way is to set up a collection box and display it during Open Houses. Most schools have an Open House in the first few weeks of school.
2. Box Tops for Education: Register yourself, your Unit members, and anyone you know with Box Tops for Education. Select a school in your community to benefit from the program. It is simple, easy, and very profitable for the schools.
3. Collaborate with Schools: Send a letter to the Superintendent showing your support for the teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and all support staff. If you would like a prepared letter, email me at [email protected].
4. Post on social media anything you do to support education, and get the word out on how fantastic your Unit is. Join the ALA Education Facebook Page.
Contact me at [email protected] if you need more ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing. I look forward to another year as your Education Chair.
All my best,
Elaine Kotler, Education Chair
[email protected]
Elaine Kotler
Education Chair, Department of Connecticut
District One President
Department of Connecticut Vice President
A brief background (years of service, past positions, etc.)
With eligibility for membership through my father, Alvin Kotler, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, I have been a member since February 2021 as a Paid Up for Life (PUFL) member.
This is my third year as Education Chair, Department of Connecticut.
I also serve on the Americanism Committee Department of Connecticut.
I am starting my first year as District One President and Department of Connecticut Vice President.
In my Unit, I held the Office of Historian, Junior Vice President, and Secretary, and I serve as Chair for numerous committees.
I was named the "Unit Member of the Year" by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Connecticut in 2022.
A sentence or two about your committee’s focus or goals for the year.
The Education Committee's goals are to spread the word to eligible students of available ALA Scholarships, whether offered through the Department of Connecticut or through National. Units need to collaborate with the schools to make this happen. We also want to encourage Units to show support for Educators all year long, but in particular during American Education Week (November 17 to November 21, 2025) and Teacher Appreciation Week ( May 4 to May 8, 2026).
Any fun or personal tidbit you'd like to share (optional)
I have been a science educator for 35 years in secondary school (middle and high school), as well as Adjunct Faculty with CT-State Community Colleges. I won a national award in 2023, the inaugural HMH Lighthouse Award. Based on the running theme of the book The Lighthouse Effect, I was recognized as a “Teacher Who Makes an Extraordinary Impact.” In 2010, I was named a Great Science Teacher through the Great Science Teacher Video Contest for a video entered in the USA Science and Engineering Festival sponsored by Engineering.com and Dassault Systemes.
Education Chair, Department of Connecticut
District One President
Department of Connecticut Vice President
A brief background (years of service, past positions, etc.)
With eligibility for membership through my father, Alvin Kotler, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, I have been a member since February 2021 as a Paid Up for Life (PUFL) member.
This is my third year as Education Chair, Department of Connecticut.
I also serve on the Americanism Committee Department of Connecticut.
I am starting my first year as District One President and Department of Connecticut Vice President.
In my Unit, I held the Office of Historian, Junior Vice President, and Secretary, and I serve as Chair for numerous committees.
I was named the "Unit Member of the Year" by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Connecticut in 2022.
A sentence or two about your committee’s focus or goals for the year.
The Education Committee's goals are to spread the word to eligible students of available ALA Scholarships, whether offered through the Department of Connecticut or through National. Units need to collaborate with the schools to make this happen. We also want to encourage Units to show support for Educators all year long, but in particular during American Education Week (November 17 to November 21, 2025) and Teacher Appreciation Week ( May 4 to May 8, 2026).
Any fun or personal tidbit you'd like to share (optional)
I have been a science educator for 35 years in secondary school (middle and high school), as well as Adjunct Faculty with CT-State Community Colleges. I won a national award in 2023, the inaugural HMH Lighthouse Award. Based on the running theme of the book The Lighthouse Effect, I was recognized as a “Teacher Who Makes an Extraordinary Impact.” In 2010, I was named a Great Science Teacher through the Great Science Teacher Video Contest for a video entered in the USA Science and Engineering Festival sponsored by Engineering.com and Dassault Systemes.
2024-2025
Welcome June,
A great month for school children - SCHOOL'S OUT, Summer vacation is coming!
The Education Department is awarding 5 Education Grants this year. Hopefully we will see some of the recipients at Convention. We had 13 applications (the other 8 on the list got PPP grants). Let's hope for more next year, and more funds to support more students.
Amy Dognin of Terryville, Unit 20, is a recipient of the Spirit of Youth Department of CT Scholarship ($1000). Congratulations, Amy.
"Congratulations to all the 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary scholarship winners! The ALA is proud to support you in your educational endeavors, and we wish you the best in your future career path." - Trish Ward, 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary National President
Though it may be summer vacation for schools, supporting the Education Program doesn't take a vacation. I just uploaded a receipt to Box Top for Education. Have you done that? Such a simple way to support schools with groceries you are already buying. https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/
Enjoy the summer sun, but wear sunscreen!
Elaine
Education Chair
Spring is in full bloom and the school year is winding down. Many teachers probably have a Countdown Calendar until the Last Day of School. So, now is a great time to continue to show support to our educators. May 5 to May 9, 2025 is Teacher Appreciation Week.
To celebrate, consider practical gifts like classroom supplies or gift cards, along with heartfelt gestures like gratitude letters or a break from meetings. You can also organize a special lunch, decorate teacher doors, or create an appreciation video. Be sure to share anything you do on social media.
So, as you read this, March 1 st has passed and the deadline for ALA National Scholarships has passed. I hope you had some entries from your town. However, there is still time for students to apply for the $500.00 Department of Education Grant offered by the American Legion Auxiliary,
Department of Connecticut. Attached is a copy. The deadline is March 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, support Education anyway possible. I just bought some items that earned my local school cash through Box Tops for Education! It's so easy. If you don't have an account, go to https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/
“I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.”-- Winston Churchill
ALA Scholarships deadlines are fast approaching. MARCH 1, 2025. This is the last announcement in an Auxiliare as a reminder to get the information out there!!!
Scholarships for 2025 are available on the ALA National Site (https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships ).
The Scholarships are:
1. Spirit of Youth Scholarship
2. Member Loyalty Scholarship
3. Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
4. Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Descriptions can be found on the website. All four are submitted directly on the ALA site and are due by 11:59 PM Eastern time, March 1, 2025 . Please reach out to your schools, secondary and college, to have them post the information on their school websites.
There is also a Department of Education Grant Application, attached. Deadline is March 30, 2025.
And, it is never to early to start thinking about End of the Year Reports. Did you Give 10 to Education? Box Tops for Education? Did you donate to a Scholarship? Offer a Scholarship? Did you participate in Teacher Appreciation Week? Education Appreciation Week? Did you volunteer at a school? Attend a conference or workshop? Oh, so many things you can do to promote Education? Keep track and report at the end of the year and share on Social Media, if you can.
I will be at Mid Winter to be available to answer any questions you may have.
Elaine Kotler [email protected]
In November we celebrated American Education Week (November 18–22) . Some Units sent Thank You cards electronically to all members in District. Did you? Please share! American Education Week is a week-long celebration that recognizes the contributions of educators, school staff, and the entire education community. This year's theme was "United for Success." The purpose of AEW is to celebrate public education, inform the community of the needs and accomplishments of public schools, and honor those who work to ensure every child receives a quality education. If you didn't celebrate in November, it is never to late to share gratitude. Make Gratitude Your Attitude All Year Long
Take any opportunity you can to educate persons of any age, children and adults, about topics important to ALA. While there is overlap with other committees, November was a great time to educate on the meaning of Veteran's Day and Flag Etiquette.
Again, information and applications are out there on ALA Scholarships. Scholarships for 2025 are now available on the ALA National Site (Scholarships). The Scholarships are:
1. Spirit of Youth Scholarship
2. Member Loyalty Scholarship
3. Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
4. Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Descriptions can be found on the website.
All four are submitted directly on the ALA site and are due by 11:59 PM Eastern time, March 1, 2025 . Please reach out to your schools, secondary and college, to have them post the information on their school websites.
Respectfully,
Elaine Kotler, Education Chair
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself". John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer
Happy November. Scholarships for 2025 are now available on the ALA National Site (https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships). The Scholarships are:
1. Spirit of Youth Scholarship
2. Member Loyalty Scholarship
3. Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
4. Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Descriptions can be found on the website. All four are submitted directly on the ALA site and are due by 11:59 PM Eastern time, March 1,2025. Please reach out to your high schools to have them post the information on their school websites.
November 18th -22th is American Education Week. This is a great time to recognize school administrators and staff with special treats. Festivities should honor the team of people who work in our nation’s public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others. Show your THANKS the week before Thanksgiving!
“It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” – Tom Brokaw
Elaine Kotler Education Chair
[email protected]
Happy Autumn.
Schools have been in session for a month now. Have you reached out to your schools to show some support? Some Units have asked for my Letter of Thanks to send to the teachers, paras, and all support staff in the schools. If you haven’t, it’s not too late. Please provide your Unit # and address if you want me to personalize it for you. Keep saving Box Tops! And, school supplies are in need all year long, not just in September. Consider 10 for Education any time of the year. Many schools have parent/teacher conferences in October. Reach out to the school to see if you can set up a table with info on your Unit and how you can support schools.
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” ― Benjamin Franklin
Elaine Kotler [email protected]
Welcome all to a new ALA year. As we start a new year, so do schools. As you read this, most schools have started the 2024-25 school year. Here’s some great things you can do:
1. Send a letter to the Superintendent showing your support for the teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and all support staff. If you would like a prepared letter, email me at [email protected].
2. Many schools and students need supplies. Give 10 to Education is a great way to support schools. (https://www.legion-aux.org/Blog/How-to-%E2%80%98Give-10-to-Education%E2%80%99-in-Your-Community ) . Contact the school or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)/ Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to see how you can help. One way is to set up a collection box and have it on display during Open Houses. Most schools have an Open House in the first few weeks of school.
3. Register yourself, your Unit members and anyone you know with Box Tops for Education (https://boxtops4education.com/s/) . Select a school in your community to benefit from the program. It is simple, easy and very profitable for the schools. Post on social media anything you do to support education, get the word out on how fantastic your Unit is. Reach out to me at [email protected] if you need any more ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing. I look forward to another year as your Education Chair.
All my best,
Elaine Kotler
A great month for school children - SCHOOL'S OUT, Summer vacation is coming!
The Education Department is awarding 5 Education Grants this year. Hopefully we will see some of the recipients at Convention. We had 13 applications (the other 8 on the list got PPP grants). Let's hope for more next year, and more funds to support more students.
Amy Dognin of Terryville, Unit 20, is a recipient of the Spirit of Youth Department of CT Scholarship ($1000). Congratulations, Amy.
"Congratulations to all the 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary scholarship winners! The ALA is proud to support you in your educational endeavors, and we wish you the best in your future career path." - Trish Ward, 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary National President
Though it may be summer vacation for schools, supporting the Education Program doesn't take a vacation. I just uploaded a receipt to Box Top for Education. Have you done that? Such a simple way to support schools with groceries you are already buying. https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/
Enjoy the summer sun, but wear sunscreen!
Elaine
Education Chair
Spring is in full bloom and the school year is winding down. Many teachers probably have a Countdown Calendar until the Last Day of School. So, now is a great time to continue to show support to our educators. May 5 to May 9, 2025 is Teacher Appreciation Week.
To celebrate, consider practical gifts like classroom supplies or gift cards, along with heartfelt gestures like gratitude letters or a break from meetings. You can also organize a special lunch, decorate teacher doors, or create an appreciation video. Be sure to share anything you do on social media.
So, as you read this, March 1 st has passed and the deadline for ALA National Scholarships has passed. I hope you had some entries from your town. However, there is still time for students to apply for the $500.00 Department of Education Grant offered by the American Legion Auxiliary,
Department of Connecticut. Attached is a copy. The deadline is March 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, support Education anyway possible. I just bought some items that earned my local school cash through Box Tops for Education! It's so easy. If you don't have an account, go to https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/
“I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.”-- Winston Churchill
ALA Scholarships deadlines are fast approaching. MARCH 1, 2025. This is the last announcement in an Auxiliare as a reminder to get the information out there!!!
Scholarships for 2025 are available on the ALA National Site (https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships ).
The Scholarships are:
1. Spirit of Youth Scholarship
2. Member Loyalty Scholarship
3. Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
4. Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Descriptions can be found on the website. All four are submitted directly on the ALA site and are due by 11:59 PM Eastern time, March 1, 2025 . Please reach out to your schools, secondary and college, to have them post the information on their school websites.
There is also a Department of Education Grant Application, attached. Deadline is March 30, 2025.
And, it is never to early to start thinking about End of the Year Reports. Did you Give 10 to Education? Box Tops for Education? Did you donate to a Scholarship? Offer a Scholarship? Did you participate in Teacher Appreciation Week? Education Appreciation Week? Did you volunteer at a school? Attend a conference or workshop? Oh, so many things you can do to promote Education? Keep track and report at the end of the year and share on Social Media, if you can.
I will be at Mid Winter to be available to answer any questions you may have.
Elaine Kotler [email protected]
In November we celebrated American Education Week (November 18–22) . Some Units sent Thank You cards electronically to all members in District. Did you? Please share! American Education Week is a week-long celebration that recognizes the contributions of educators, school staff, and the entire education community. This year's theme was "United for Success." The purpose of AEW is to celebrate public education, inform the community of the needs and accomplishments of public schools, and honor those who work to ensure every child receives a quality education. If you didn't celebrate in November, it is never to late to share gratitude. Make Gratitude Your Attitude All Year Long
Take any opportunity you can to educate persons of any age, children and adults, about topics important to ALA. While there is overlap with other committees, November was a great time to educate on the meaning of Veteran's Day and Flag Etiquette.
Again, information and applications are out there on ALA Scholarships. Scholarships for 2025 are now available on the ALA National Site (Scholarships). The Scholarships are:
1. Spirit of Youth Scholarship
2. Member Loyalty Scholarship
3. Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
4. Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Descriptions can be found on the website.
All four are submitted directly on the ALA site and are due by 11:59 PM Eastern time, March 1, 2025 . Please reach out to your schools, secondary and college, to have them post the information on their school websites.
Respectfully,
Elaine Kotler, Education Chair
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself". John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer
Happy November. Scholarships for 2025 are now available on the ALA National Site (https://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships). The Scholarships are:
1. Spirit of Youth Scholarship
2. Member Loyalty Scholarship
3. Children of Warriors National Presidents' Scholarship
4. Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Descriptions can be found on the website. All four are submitted directly on the ALA site and are due by 11:59 PM Eastern time, March 1,2025. Please reach out to your high schools to have them post the information on their school websites.
November 18th -22th is American Education Week. This is a great time to recognize school administrators and staff with special treats. Festivities should honor the team of people who work in our nation’s public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others. Show your THANKS the week before Thanksgiving!
“It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” – Tom Brokaw
Elaine Kotler Education Chair
[email protected]
Happy Autumn.
Schools have been in session for a month now. Have you reached out to your schools to show some support? Some Units have asked for my Letter of Thanks to send to the teachers, paras, and all support staff in the schools. If you haven’t, it’s not too late. Please provide your Unit # and address if you want me to personalize it for you. Keep saving Box Tops! And, school supplies are in need all year long, not just in September. Consider 10 for Education any time of the year. Many schools have parent/teacher conferences in October. Reach out to the school to see if you can set up a table with info on your Unit and how you can support schools.
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” ― Benjamin Franklin
Elaine Kotler [email protected]
Welcome all to a new ALA year. As we start a new year, so do schools. As you read this, most schools have started the 2024-25 school year. Here’s some great things you can do:
1. Send a letter to the Superintendent showing your support for the teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and all support staff. If you would like a prepared letter, email me at [email protected].
2. Many schools and students need supplies. Give 10 to Education is a great way to support schools. (https://www.legion-aux.org/Blog/How-to-%E2%80%98Give-10-to-Education%E2%80%99-in-Your-Community ) . Contact the school or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)/ Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to see how you can help. One way is to set up a collection box and have it on display during Open Houses. Most schools have an Open House in the first few weeks of school.
3. Register yourself, your Unit members and anyone you know with Box Tops for Education (https://boxtops4education.com/s/) . Select a school in your community to benefit from the program. It is simple, easy and very profitable for the schools. Post on social media anything you do to support education, get the word out on how fantastic your Unit is. Reach out to me at [email protected] if you need any more ideas or want to share something unique your Unit is doing. I look forward to another year as your Education Chair.
All my best,
Elaine Kotler
I am Elaine Kotler of Hayes-Velhage Unit 96 of West Hartford. I have been appointed as the Education Chair. I am a teacher of 20+ years in secondary schools, both middle school and high school and adjunct faculty at Manchester Community College (now CT Community College). I look forward to an exciting year sharing ideas, both give and take, reflecting on what we did last year and towards future activities this year.
Let’s spread the word that the American Legion Auxiliary supports Education and all those involved. Let’s foster a culture of collaboration as education is a collective effort, and collaboration among teachers, students, parents, and administrators is crucial for success. Encourage open communication within your institution.
Some ideas to keep in mind from the ALA National Site, Education Committee Key Program Statements
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions, comments or concerns.
Regards,
Elaine Kotler
Education Chair
Let’s spread the word that the American Legion Auxiliary supports Education and all those involved. Let’s foster a culture of collaboration as education is a collective effort, and collaboration among teachers, students, parents, and administrators is crucial for success. Encourage open communication within your institution.
Some ideas to keep in mind from the ALA National Site, Education Committee Key Program Statements
- To promote quality education for children, especially for military children, and adults
- To encourage schools to invite veterans to speak in their classrooms
- To provide scholarships for students who desire a college education
- To Support legislation that establishes new scholarship opportunities
- To support the Education program and scholarship opportunities of The American Legion
There is always the ongoing Give 10 to Education. Looking to the horizon, American Education Week is November 13-17, 2023.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions, comments or concerns.
Regards,
Elaine Kotler
Education Chair