MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 9:18 a.m.

ATTENDANCE: Susan Berk, Andi Goldfine Zazove, Jody Weinberg, Terry Vismantas, Patty Pell, Amy Kaufman, Elissa Halpern, Elizabeth Gosma, Peggy Orloff, Mary Jo Papich, Carrie Codell, Amy Perlmutter, Lynne Lieber, Lesa Friedrich, John Scornavacco, Cynthia Karabush, Les Levin

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: FOCUS ON THE ARTS – Mary Jo Papich, Peggy Orloff, Amy Perlmutter, Carrie Codell (Focus Chairs) Focus on the Arts has been a biannual event for over 20 years at HPHS. The 3 day event includes 250 speakers demonstrating visual, performing and communicative arts. Students have the opportunity to participate in workshops, lectures and master classes in the areas of dance, art, music and drama. This year’s event will take place the week of April 16 – 19. The theme this year is Embrace the World, celebrating a citywide initiative in recognizing Cultural Diversity. One of the exhibits will display drawings from special needs residents ages 5-80. The logo on all the advertising and programs was designed by HP student, Zak Jacobs. Opening Night will include a steel band percussion group and is called

VIVA FOCUS! It has a Brazilian, South of the Border theme. Tuesday night is Art Night (open to the public) that will include hands on activities of art, ceramics, fabrics. Student talent is showcased. Wednesday night is Dance Night and will feature various professional dance groups such as The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Luna Negra Dance Theater and Natya Dance Theater. Students have been deeply involved in the production of this major undertaking. They provide the tech work, sound, lighting and all aspects of production. Fifty alumni of HPHS will be attending the event as speakers representing the various occupations they hold since graduation. A few of the featured artists that we are proud to have participate are Anthony Rapp (Mark from the Broadway Musical, Rent) and Doug Belgrad (President of Sony Pictures). Please come out and participate in this wonderful biannual event!

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: The school has recently gone through the interview process to hire a new Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. (Ted Lawrence and Joe Senese will be retiring at the end of this year). Twenty five candidates in total applied and the interview committee that consisted of administration, students, faculty and parents interviewed seven of the selected candidates. Candidates commented on the format that they appreciated the involvement of interviewees from every aspect of the school and thought that it spoke highly of the commitment of all groups devoted to providing the best education and faculty for HPHS.

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR REPORT: Upcoming events include Charity Drive, Valentine’s Dance for Freshman, Debate Team going to Harvard, Winter Formal, Honor Society Letters going out for Juniors, Mock Trial, Deca State Tournament, Speech Regionals, Model UN at the General Assembly in NY, Dodgeball Tournament. Some important dates for the school calendar of 2007-08 include: Homecoming – Oct. 7-13. Pack the Place – January 11^th. Winter Formal – February 23^rd. March Spring Break – March 21 – March 30. Winter Break – December 22 – January 7. August 29^th, 1^st day of school. Tuesday, November 20^th – Grandparent’s Day. Plan ahead. In conjunction with the citywide Character Counts program, Student Recommendations may be made to award students active in Environmental, Fine Arts, and Human Relation areas.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Fine Arts has a branding presentation of business art. Cartooning of WPA Murals (Work Projects Administration) Grad Night- serving Love’s Yogurt on March 13^th during lunch as a fundraiser. Sign up on line to volunteer, deadline is May 9^th. T-shirts have been ordered. Weekend Update – Late Nite HP announces Karaoke at Love’s Yogurt from 8-10 on Friday. New additions are Tapas Rouge in Ravinia and New York Slices on Second St. Parent Education – Feb. 28^th at 7:30 about Cancer and other Serious Illnesses. A donation will be made to the Cancer Wellness Center.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Minutes approved from the December (no January meeting) meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: The motion was addressed to incorporate a 501C3 to file annual reports and reincorporate existing procedures. The authorization is up to and not to exceed $5000. The motion passes.

MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:30 a.m.

　Respectfully submitted,
Susan Berk, PTO Secretary