WHRHS (Watchung Hills Regional High School)
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) 2008-2009

WHRHS PTO Minutes from June 28, 2007

An informal meeting was held at the Chimney Rock restaurant in Long Hill. 
In her Treasurer’s Report, Rosemary O’Connor projected a shortfall of $2,000 for the year.  As in previous reports, she affirmed that there is money in the bank to cover all the expenses, and that care will be taken to budget more aggressively in the coming year.
Some ideas were quickly discussed, but no resolution to action was taken at this time.  Suggestions included:  raising the membership fee; selling advertising in the directory; adjusting the timing of existing fundraisers.  One idea that will be acted upon is the sale of grocery store cards.

For Correspondence, Colleen Mehegan sent cards to teachers Bonnie Quiqley (Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award from the National Association of Special Education Teachers), and Barbara Spencer (on her retirement).

Laura Mandell, speaking at the Board Representative, noted that the school board voted to move forward in principle on the Rotating Drop schedule pending legal review.

Also, the Board approved the hiring of Timothy Stys as Business Administrator, who will on August 1.

There are many exciting events coming up for the official 50^th year, including BeatleMania in September.  It was suggested that a calendar of events could be published in the student directory.

From Liz George, President:

The tentative calendar of PTO Meetings for the School Year 2007-2008 is:

• Thursday, September 20
• Thursday, October 18
• Tuesday, November 13
• Thursday, January 17
• Thursday, March 20
• Thursday, April 10 (overlapping the Book Fair)
• Thursday, May 15.   

There meetings will be held at 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted.  

Other events already on the calendar include the Michael Fowlin assembly, the talent show and Teacher Appreciation week.  

Suggestion:  perhaps the PTO could form a Green Thumb committee to work on the landscaping, or lack thereof, of the front of the school.  Volunteers will be sought in the Fall.  

The Recording Secretary, Cathy Marshall, suggested that going forward copies of the unapproved minutes could be distributed immediately following meetings, since there is a lot of timely information about upcoming events.  There was no objection to this request. 

Committee Reports:   

Ways and Means anticipates completing the preparation of its mailing over the summer, allowing the appeals letters to go out earlier this year.  

Liz George opened her President’s Report by thanking Laura for enabling such a seamless transition.  Liz went on to remind people that there are still several positions open for next year, including:

• Baking needs a chairperson.  Current chair Paulette Kampe says this is a fun and easy job!
• We need someone for
• Assemblies,
• Band Parent Rep,
• Challenge Day (Chair)
• Directory Ads (Sales)
• Fundraisers
• Hospitality
• Scholarship

Please contact Liz if you are interested. Volunteer Forms are available on the website, www.whrhspto.org 

Looking into next year’s activities, Laura Mandell reminded us that it will be the high school’s 50^th anniversary, and this would be a fun theme to weave into activities such are the Dinner Dance

Laura Mandell, speaking at the Board Representative, noted that the school board is still reviewing recommendations for a new schedule for next year, and is also interviewing for a full time Business Administrator to relieve our interim BA.  

Dr. DiGanci’s Administrative Report included:  

• The Teacher’s enjoyed the PTO breakfast during Appreciation Week in May.  The Faculty also honored Wayne Lee as the Teacher of the Year on the 9^th.  There will be a breakfast sponsored by the PTO, and a lunch from the NJSEA. 
• AP Exams are concluded.  Over 800 exams are scheduled to be given over the two week period.  Scores are due back in early July.  The results of the HSPAs should be back next week.
• Emily Gatti and Joe Giaimo were recognized as Scholar-Athletes Somerset County two weeks ago.  Meg Kpecki and Jack Beckert (Skyland Conference) and Matt Crystal, NJSIAA will be recognized in coming weeks.  We’re very proud of our scholar-athletes.
• The Talent Show was a great time, and the parents, teachers and students did a fantastic job.  Attendance was much better this year, around 400 people.
• COMING UP THIS WEEKEND:

• Spring Festival of the Arts on Friday and Saturday.  Will include visual and performing arts. Friday’s art exhibit and Saturday’s video showcase are free to all. The theatre and dance performance is a ticketed event. 
• Sunday “Walking for Sandy” will include a walk a thon, food, live music and carnival.  Performers from “The Alter Boys” as well as the teacher’s bank, Rotating Drop, will be on hand.  Not to be missed.  Scheduled for the track, the event will move indoors pending rain, so come!
• See the School Website for details! www.whrhs.org

• The High School is currently hosting 20 Spanish exchange students.  The Italians were here last week.  Hopefully we can schedule an exchange with a French school next year.  Looking to further programs with Germany and China.  The kids are great and blend in so quickly!
• Looking ahead to the end of the year:
  • Senior Activities
    • Prom, June 7
    • Senior Exams begin June 12
    • Senior Awards night, June 19
    • Graduation, June 21
  • Other Dates to note:
    • Band Concert, June 6
    • Underclass Exams begin June 18
    • Last day of School, June 22
  • No days will need to be made up for time missed in April and May.

Teacher’s Report – Brian Ford

Thanks again for the breakfast during May.  Department awards have been decided and will be announced at Senior Awards night. The teachers will also be giving two $600 scholarships to students who are interested in pursuing a career in education.  

New Business

Liz George asked if the high school had the technology to hold video conferences.  She was thinking about enabling the middle schools to access language or math classes where they don’t have the staff on-site.

Dr. DiGanci said that the high school had the technology years ago and used to try and coordinate classes with other high schools.  The actual scheduling got to be too difficult to work, and the program was abandon.  Scheduling at the middle school level is more flexible, and such a program might work.  He will check into the matter of the actual technology.

The last meeting will be a dinner, tentatively scheduled for the Chimney Rock in Long Hill on June 28.  All are welcome.  An announcement will go out when details are set.  

There was a motion to adjourn at 8:20.