WHRHS PTO Minutes 9/17/06 Meeting Watchung Hills Regional High School, Warren NJ

WHRHS PTO Unapproved Minutes -Nov. 14, 2006

President Laura Mandell called the meeting to order at 7:47pm. Absent were Rosemary O’Connor and Cathy Marshall. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the October meeting by Paulette Kampe. Liz George seconded the motion.

The Treasurer’s Report was given by Laura Mandell in Rosemary’s absence. Administrative costs were up because of expenses related to Rosemary’s efforts to get the PTO its own 501-C3 tax id number. Income was up by $615 due to an increase in Membership.

Laura Mandell opened her President’s Report by exclaiming how beautiful the opening Gala for the new auditorium was. She also encouraged people to see the Script & Cue’s performances of Harvey for the coming the weekend of November 16-19^th. She extended thanks to Liz George and Rosemary O’Connor for their efforts in getting the Directory out.

The Vice President Liz George reported on the Membership and Fund Raising Committee. As of November 14^th, the PTO had 780 family members and 73 staff members. Delivery of the Membership Directory went smoothly. The directory is distributed only to PTO members but includes names and addresses of the entire school population. Approximately 150 families opted not to be included in the directory. Liz also reported that the Sweepstakes Calendar mailing was ready to go out. Last year, each family received one sweepstakes ticket at $20 each and the PTO made $5000. This year two tickets will be mailed to each family with the hope that profits will increase this year. .Drawings will be held every Wednesday beginning in January. Each Wednesday 7 names will be drawn for the week. Winners will be announced on the website and will also be featured on the outside sign. The effort that goes into this fundraiser yields big results.

Corresponding Secretary Colleen Mehegan reported that she sent out a condolence card to teacher Will Ross on the death of his father.

Call to Vote:

Paulette Kampe made a motion that the PTO make a $2000. contribution towards the cost of the new laminating machine already purchased by the school.. Liz George seconded. The motion was passed by unanimous vote.

Paulette Kampe made a motion that the PTO make a $100 contribution to the Bower/Underwood family, a school family who lost their father unexpectedly early in the fall. Liz George seconded. The motion was passed by unanimous vote.

Administrative Report: Dr. DiGanci

Script & Cue will present Harvey on November 16, 17, 18. A matinee will be presented on Wednesday, November 15 for senior citizens.

A program on Challenge Day was presented on Oprah.

Report cards will be handed out on Friday November 17.

Progress reports on the new marking period will be mailed on December 10.

The varsity football team made it to the state finals but lost to Elizabeth 42-14.

The freshman team had an undefeated season for the first time in anyone’s memory.

Girls volleyball was ranked 17^th in the state. They lost to East Brunswick in the quarterfinals.

Winter sports season begins the Friday after Thanksgiving.

The November 4^th opening Gala for the performing arts center was a wonderful evening.

Committee Reports:

Curriculum Committee reports that the following new classes were proposed for presentation to the executive committee and to the BOE for approval:

Social Studies: The History of the Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Arts Department: Creative Movement and World Dance

Advanced Dance Workshop

Introduction to Theater Arts

World Languages: AP Chinese

West Wing Ambassadors are always needed. Volunteers can sign up on the PTO website. Because it was difficult to fill slots for the entire length of the school day, a decision was made to continue the program Monday through Friday from 10am to 12pm only.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.