WHRHS PTO Minutes 1/17/07 Meeting Watchung Hills Regional High School, Warren NJ

WHRHS PTO Minutes -January 17, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm by President Laura Mandell. The minutes from the November meeting were approved.

In the Treasure’s Report, Rosemary O’Connor announced that our 501(c)(3) application was done, filed and approved!

President Laura Mandell, in her report, thanked the teachers and administration for the successful “Penny Wars” campaign (more below). Laura also passed out the volunteer signup sheets for next years’ committees.

Vice-President’s Report – Liz George was pleased to report that membership was over 800, generating $12,000 in revenue.

Correspondence – Colleen Mehegan sent a note of congratulations to teacher Theresa Marcazo on the birth of her child.

Administrative Report: Dr. DiGanci

tdiganci@whrhs.org 647-4800 x 4870

The fall play, Harvey, was great! Looking forward to the spring production of Pippin, scheduled for the third week in March.
The Holiday concerts, both vocal and instrumental, were wonderful. Sports Highlights: both the boys and girls basketball teams are doing great. The hockey team is ranked in the top 20 statewide. The swim team is very competitive. The wresting team is doing well at several tournaments, including a 2^nd place finish in the country tourney.
HSPA’s will include a day of science this year.
The exams begin Tuesday, March 6.
The school budget is under development. A reminder that 80% of the budget represents staff, contracted benefits and fixed costs. The flexibility must come from supplies & technology, building & grounds.

Teacher Report: Brian Ford

bford@whrhs.org 647-4800 x 2208

Attendance and discipline: there has been an improvement in the general school atmosphere.
There are currently 73 teacher-members of the PTO, and that number may still increase.
The teachers are excited to offer a Teacher’s Scholarship for a student in pursuit of a Career in Education.
Note on the Budget: The existing budget is very tight, creating difficulties for teachers in obtaining new materials, attending professional development events, etc. There is a sincere hope that there will be support for the 2007 budget. With two failed budgets behind us, there is a lag in introducing new classes and programs, and with a 0-Growth environment, each successful new class means the cancellation of an existing class.

Children’s Tumor Foundation Fundraiser – Andrew Tronzano

Kudos to the teachers and staff for their infectious enthusiasm which motivated the students to donate a fantastic $28,000 in eight days! The next fundraiser will involve the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona race on January 27-28. (Visit racing4research.org for details.) Supporters can log on to sponsor the CTF car (number 88), which will include a logo from WHRHS. The race will be televised on the Speed Channel. Sandy Blumberg and her mother will be attending the exciting event in person.

Other events have also been scheduled for the spring, including a Walk-a-thon.

Committee Reports:

Assemblies

Ernesto Quinonez, author of Bodega Dreams scheduled for Juniors Friday, Feb 23
Holocaust Survivor Hedy Brasch (Maus and Night) for sophomores Tuesday, Feb 13
Tentative:
- Stephan Dunn, Poetry Pulitzer Prize Winner ’01, Stockton College
- Lucille Clifton, poet, cancer survivor, African American, at Dartmouth, past poet Laureate of Maryland 79 – 85
- David Scott Kaston, Shakespeare Scholar at Columbia, Editor in Chief of Arden series

Band Parent Rep – Sue Cohen

The Marching Band was joined by the 8^th grade band for a last-season football game. All the kids seemed to have fun.
Raised $250 for a local family in need. A reminder that their fundraising is not just for the band!
Look forward to announcing more events after their next meeting.

Board of Education Rep, Mildred Waale made available notes from the prior meeting.

There were comments about the low quality of the food, especially the pizza. Dr. DiGanci said that a dialogue was already open with the company servicing the cafeterias. He also promised to follow up on posting weekly menu’s on the high school website.

Parent Education

My Space Presentation- February 28 7:30 in the library

Project Graduation – Rosemary O’Connor

On June 21, our seniors will swim, climb the rock wall, play in the gym and much, much more! The night will be hosted that the Rutgers College Avenue gym. Chaperones are still needed.

Talent Show – Debbie Chui

Scheduled for April 27. Details will be coming for the fun event.

Teacher Support

The following purchases will be made by the PTO:

Vincent Colabella, photography, 2 Pinhole Polaroid Day labs, use old technique to photograph & recapture moments in history & lit of late 19^th century ; 3 cameras and film.
Michael Amendola, Science, vodcasting on website, quicktime pro ipod video converter & 1 smart wireless pad – to listen to & view lectures at any time
James Kanuch, Lit & language sophomores – writing, editing & listening skills through webcasting – Microphone & Camera

Ways and Means – Cathy Marshall

The Appeal Letter was sent out in December and has reached their half-way goal. A reminder would be sent via email. Remember, donations are tax deductible.

The next PTO meeting will be MARCH 21^st. There was a motion to adjourn at 8:15pm

Following the meeting most stayed for Video Presentations of WHRHS Teachers on the Penny Wars and an interview with Sandra Blumberg.