WHRHS PTO Minutes 9/15/06 Meeting Watchung Hills Regional High School, Warren NJ

WHRHS PTO Unapproved Minutes
For Wednesday, October 18, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:35pm by President Laura Mandell. Laura opened introducing the evening’s guest speaker:

Guest Speaker:

Pat Sharwarko from The Star Ledger
Newspaper in Education Representative

Phone: 973-392-5714
psharwarko@starledger.com

Pat was present to speak to the use of the newspaper in education, going beyond the current events value and looking for opportunities to practice “reading, skimming and scanning” as well as math. She reminded us to look for the special sections, including Thursday’s “World of Wonder” in the Today Section, and Tuesday’s “Quest” in the Science Section.

Since free papers go fast, Pat encouraged interested teachers to contact her as early as possible. Papers are currently available through a program with the New Jersey Nets and will come with a basketball-themed curriculum guide.

Pat also recommended the two following web sites: www.NAAFoundation.org and www.state.nj.us

Following this presentation, the regular PTO meeting resumed. A motion was made to accept the minutes from the prior meeting. All approved and the motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was given by Rosemary O’Connor. There has not been much activity this early in the year.

Laura Mandell opened her President’s Report by thanking all the volunteers who have already begun their activities.

Fundraisers will again include the fun and popular Sweepstakes Calendar, the March Talent show, and a book fair in April 10, 11, 12.

The Vice President’s Report was given by Laura Mandell in Liz George’s absence. Membership is currently on target, having raised about $11,000. Printed directories will be available shortly and will be sent out through the youngest student to all PTO-member families.

The Corresponding Secretary, Colleen Mehegan, reported sending out condolences to the Bower family on the death of their father/husband. Colleen will be coordinating donations. Contributions for the scholarships should be made out to Diane Bower Underwood in trust for Sean Bower, Matthew Bower, Justin Bower or Sarah Underwood. A separate fund has been set up for each child and contributions need to be made individually.

In addition, the family has requested contributions of gift cards to A&P, Antonio's and La Strada. People in Watchung are just dropping the gift cards in the mailbox. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Colleen at Superwife42@aol.com.

Administrative Report: Dr. DiGanci - tdiganci@whrhs.org 647-4800 x 4870

Quick update a coming calendar:

Challenge Day went well.
The first faculty meeting was over, and included an “Active Shooter Drill.”
Thursday (Oct 19) would be Freshmen Parent’s Night
Friday (Oct 20) was Homecoming

Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:00 pm Michael Fowlin Presentation

Will be given during school to the freshmen. The excellent presentation on diversity and tolerance will be repeated in the evening for parents and all students. It is possible that this event will take place in the new theater!

Saturday, Nov 4 at 6:00 Grand Opening of the Performing Arts Center

Free events beginning at 6:00 pm include the ribbon cutting ceremony, reception, art exhibit, student performances.
At 8:00pm the NJ Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players presenting Carnival! Contact the school for tickets.
Note: Members of the Orchestra will be visiting students in music classes in advance of this performance.

REQUEST PROPOSED: Dr. DiGanci brought with him samples of the materials produced by the new poster-maker/cold laminating machine. The logistics regarding the ongoing use of the machine will be discussed at the next meeting along with how organizations such as the PTO will be have access to using the machine.

A request was made to the PTO for $2000 to offset the costs of the purchase of this machine. This request will be published and placed on the agenda for the November meeting for discussion and a vote.

One final item from the school: in March WHRHS is planning a Career Day, and are looking for exciting presenters!
If you are interested or want to learn more, please contact Linda Gannon in Guidance (lgannon@whrhs.org or 647-4800 x 4902)

Committee Reports: Of those present who made a report: --

Assemblies. A new endeavor this year, the PTO will bring some additional programs to the school. An author’s visit is being set up with Ernesto Quinonez, author of Bodega Dreams. Poets may be part of future programs.
Parent Education will present a program on “My Space” February 28
Project Graduation: will be meeting with the senior class Wednesday, October 25th at the taking of the senior class photograph.
West Wing Ambassadors. While the ambassadors didn’t always feel that they contributed much, the administration and the teachers present actually spoke praising the presence at the reception table. Committee Chair Karen Ehrenberg will discuss this program further.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.