Dear Friends,
At BookSmiles, we know early-career teachers often begin their journey with great passion but limited resources. Many dream of building vibrant classroom libraries where students can discover the joy of reading, but starting from scratch can be overwhelming.
Today, we’re excited to help change that.
The BookSmiles New Teacher Classroom Library Initiative will provide five early-career educators with up to 2,500 books each to transform their classrooms and strengthen their school communities.
Eligible applicants include educators in the final stages of a teacher preparation program or those within their first five years of teaching in high-need schools in New Jersey, Metro Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs, and Northern Delaware.
This donor supported initiative reflects what BookSmiles is all about: putting books into the hands of children who need them most while supporting the educators who inspire them every day.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with teachers, principals, school administrators, education students, and others who may know an eligible educator.
Applications are open now and close Friday, July 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Thanks to supporters like you, we can continue building classroom libraries and inspiring the next generation of readers.
With gratitude,
Emily Loughlin
Director of Development
BookSmiles
[email protected]
856-661-7480

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Congratulations on the chapter installment of officers for 2026-2028. The planning for the chapter calendar year and chapter committee chair appointments begins now. Plan the year with your supportive officers. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. 

International news from Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan:
1, Annual Chapter Treasurer Report (Form 15) Due by July 30, 2026.
The Annual Chapter Treasurer Report (Form 15) is due July 31, 2026. See attachment.

The 2026 Form 15 provides a comprehensive overview of chapter activities and finances for the reporting period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The report includes:

•  Financial position of the chapter 
• Membership information 
• Chapter awards and recognitions Upon completion, 

Form 15 should be distributed to the following individuals:

•  State Organization Treasurer 
• Chapter Finance Chair
•  Chapter Treasurer 
• Chapter President 

Timely completion and submission of Form 15 helps ensure accurate financial reporting and maintain sound fiscal stewardship throughout the Society. 
Form 15 is located through dkg.org under MyDKG→ Forms → Treasurer → Form 15  Accompanying Form 15 is the State Organization/Chapter Internal Financial Review Guide. 

This resource is used by chapters and state organizations to assist members of the financial review committee as they examine chapter or state organization financial records and accounts. The guide serves as a helpful tool to support a thorough and consistent internal financial review process. Saturday,

 2. Bulletin Collegial Exchange Submissions Deadline is August 1, 2026. Contribute to The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, the Society’s official publication. The Collegial Exchange provides space for practical classroom ideas, member reflections, and creative submissions. Contributions are accepted year-round through dkg.org: MyDKG → Apply/Submit → Bulletin Submissions. Upcoming deadline is August 1, 2026.  

3. Educated Women, Uplifted is a Podcast available now. 
Our goal is to uplift educators worldwide and showcase real stories from educators in every field. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,. Listen and Watch on YouTube.

Happy almost summer!
Cathy Fortunato
DKGNJ State President
Lambda Chapter