WHRHS (Watchung Hills Regional High School)
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) 2006-2007

WHRHS PTO Minutes
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 

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

The meeting opened with a presentation on the 2007-2008 School Budget given by Dr. Fran Stromsland, Superintendent and Dr. Robert Rader, Business Administrator. The new budget utilized the 4% cap permitted by the state, as well as some additional growth made necessary by continuing student-population growth. 

The proposed budget seeks to maintain programs and a favorable class size, while anticipating the highest enrollment ever.  Five additional teachers will be required in the arts, English, world languages and sciences.  The larger special-needs population will also require an additional teacher and child study team worker.

New capital projects will continue to be deferred while debt on existing projects is paid off.  Spending on supplies, equipment and other expenses are being held at the 2006-2007 level or below.

Important dates to remember:     March 27:          Public Hearing
                                                        March 30:          Final budget must be approved
                                                        April 17:            Election Day

Additional information can be found on the school website: whrhs.org/district/2007-2008Budget.cfm

In the Treasure’s Report, Rosemary O’Connor said that we were under our revenue goals, but that expenses remained right on target. 

President Laura Mandell, in her report, congratulated Wayne Lee, Teacher of the Year.  The My Space Program on Feb 28 was well attended.  Thanks were given to Linda Gannon and Terry MacConnell for being on the panel

Upcoming Programs:

April 10 -12:  The Book Fair will offer students a chance to pick out their summer reading books.  Volunteers are still needed.  For info contact chair Jayne Meiselman crazyjaynie@aol.com or Jill Sullivan Jillstar@optonline.net

April 11:  Parenting & Teen Depression at 7:30 pm in room 107.  Sponsored by the Municipal Alliance, the presentation will speak about “More than Moody—Recognizing Teen Depression.”  This will tie in to the new high school suicide prevention program run by Julie Kumpf, Student Assistant Counselor at Watchung Hills.

April 13-15:  Toyota Defensive Driving Course April 13-15 Great Adventure.  The program is offered to newly licensed drivers and permit drivers.  Parents must accompany their children. Learn more at:  www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com.

June 24: Lion’s Club Fair at the Warren Municipal fields.  We will be manning a booth with 2 or 3 other PTO’s the total number of volunteers needed for the 5 hour shift is 20 adults and 14 kids. We can do this and it is greatly appreciated by the Lions Club. Email Liz NKG@aol.com to volunteer.

More Volunteers are also needed

PTO Sign ups for next year – distributed at Jan PTO meeting and mailed to all WHRHS families with March 9 Progress Report mailing – also sent to 8^th grade parents.  Remember, people who plan to continue in existing positions also need to send in their SOS.  The Membership Chair is Vice-President, Liz George.  Be as generous with your time as possible – your time makes a difference!

Correspondence – Colleen Mehegan sent two notes of sympathy, including the O’Donnel family.  If you would like to participate in delivering food to this family who has lost their son, contact Colleen at superwife42@aol.com or Tracy Fennimore at tlfennimore@optonline.net.

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

• Pippin, the spring production, opened today.  The matinee was wonderful and the cast and crew have done great work.   
• The Juniors have completed the HSPAs
• Spring vacation begins Friday, March 30.
• The Sophomore semi-formal has been moved to May 11.  The Junior Prom is scheduled for April 13, and the Senior Prom for June 7. 
• Congratulations to the following senior scholar-athletes:
  • Emily Gatti and Joe Giaimo, Somerset County.
  • Meg Kpecki and Jack Beckert, Skyland Confrerence
  • Matt Crystal, NJSIAA
  • Also to sophomore wrestler Brendan Ard, who placed 3^rd in the state championships.
• At the next PTO Meeting, Dr. DiGanci will be discussing proposals for a new scheduling system for next year.

Teacher Report: Brian Ford
bford@whrhs.org    647-4800 x 2208

• The teachers have now held a second raffle to raise funds for the Teacher’s Scholarship for a student in pursuit of a Career in Education. 
• Teams have competed and done well at the Physics Olympics and national Robotics competitions.
• Note on the proposed scheduling:  between now and next month, there will be a meeting of the teachers, school board and administration to address concerns and iron out wrinkles.  We look forward to a full discussion in April.

Committee Reports::

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. 

– Debbie Chui

Scheduled for April 27 at 7:30 pm.  The program will include students as well as teachers and parents.  Tickets for adults at $10, $5 for students.  We hope everyone will support this fun evening.  

Teacher Support – Patty Harvitt

• Next month James Kanach will join us to highlight the webcasting capabilities made possible through the PTO purchase of equipment.

 Ways and Means – Cathy Marshall

We are still looking for your tax deductible donation!

The next PTO meeting will be APRIL 18.  There was a motion to adjourn at 9:30pm