Sigma Kappa - Missouri State University

Delta Upsilon Update 2 G oing Greek was never a thought to Tracy Busalacchi Bono '90 as a freshman. In fact, she had preconceived notions of what Greek life was. That is, however, until she decided to give it a try. "When going through recruitment, I made a huge connection with Sigma Kappa," she shared. "I am an only child, but with ΣΚ I had an instant family." After graduating from Missouri State, Tracy went on to receive her master's degree from Lindenwood University. She is now an adjunct faculty member at a community college part- time, but her obligations are to her family. With a son she describes as unique, Tracy dedicates much of her time to ensuring he receives the best education possible, as well as advocating for the rights of every child in public schools. Though she never thought she would find herself in an advocacy role, Tracy believes her story must be told. While her son, Frankie, was attending public school in St. Charles, he went through the early childhood program and his first few years in the public school system without complaints. After receiving a new teacher who did not follow his Individualized Education Program (IEP), things started to go downhill. "There are federal and state laws that mandate specific things for public schools in regard to special education," Tracy explained. "They require schools to create IEPs after coming to an agreement to operate in the best interest of the children." In Frankie's case, the teacher refused to follow his IEP. In not following the IEP his teacher signed off on, behaviors that were proven preventable arose. After discovering an isolation room in Frankie's school and the widespread use of them in Missouri schools, Tracy placed her focus on ensuring isolation rooms are no longer used on children, especially those most vulnerable. Tracy has become part of a movement that was already pretty loud. "It will hopefully force educators and staff to follow the law that's already there. Having more oversight and less ways for the law to be broken," she explained. Federal and Missouri legislation is pending that would ban isolation rooms from being used. Representative Ian Mackey proposed legislation that would put restrictions on isolation room use and restraints. It was voted unanimously out of committee and on the house floor. Tracy provided testimony to the house secondary and elementary committee for the state legislation pending. There is also federal legislation pending, named the "Keeping All Students Safe Act," sponsored by Donald Beyer. "Having a personal testimony makes people realize how real and devastating this is," Tracy shared. There was also a national protest held on May 4 at the old capital in St. Charles—it's a nationwide movement to bring awareness to isolation room use. Tracy spoke at the 2019 Disability Rights Legislative Day on March 13, sharing her story to encourage people with disabilities and their advocates to go directly to legislators and put a personal face behind requests and legislation. "It was a huge honor to be an invited guest speaker," she said. "People with disabilities have reached their civil rights moment. We are starting to have a collective voice and realize the power behind that voice. People are going to start to pay attention." Tracy strongly believes that she gained a support system the day she joined the sorority. "Being part of Sigma Kappa not only gave me my family and sisterhood that I so needed, but it also got me involved with philanthropy," she said. Many people don't realize what amazing philanthropic work fraternal organizations do, especially Sigma Kappa. "I don't think without my sorority I would be able to be such a good advocate for my son," Tracy explained. "I firmly believe the seed was planted through Sigma Kappa." She is most proud of her family and is astonished by her children every day. "Even though I've written plays, been produced, and won awards, it's nothing compared to the pride I feel when it comes to my children," Tracy shared. For those who are going through the same thing, Tracy says, "Believe in your heart and your gut. You know what is right for your child." And to her Sigma Kappa sisters? "You don't realize what an impact you've had on me," she said. "I'm so happy and grateful that you invited me into the family." Connect with Tracy at vitotracy@sbcglobal.net. Fighting for the Rights of Every Child How Tracy Busalacchi Bono '90 Gained Not Just a Sisterhood, But a Supportive Family Disabled students make up only 12 percent of the public school population in the U.S., yet they account for 40 percent of restrain and usage."

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