ATTENDANCE: Susan Berk, Patty Pell, Jean Sogin, Beth Gerber, Tom Koulentes, Lauren Fagel, Michael Wersek, Lesa Friedrich, Debbie Wilneff, Dawn Breiter, Jody Weinberg, Amy Kaufman, Andi Goldfine Zazove, Harvey Cohen, Marietta Stevens

STUDENT REPORT: Michael Wersek reported that the record $180,000 raised for Charity Drive was matched by an anonymous donor. Record attendance was reported for the Winter Formal. There have been huge turnouts for dances and all events held this past year. Model UN won N.Y. conference receiving the highest award. Mock trial advanced to 2^nd round at State. Math Team State Tournament being held April 18^th at

U of I. Seniors have Senate Elections coming up. Seniors are hearing from colleges. All students are looking forward to Spring Break.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: FRESHMAN ACADEMY – Tom Koulentes and Lauren Fagel presented a program that they have jointly designed specifically geared for the HPHS curriculum. This year was the first year that students participated in Freshman Academy. The program was created to support students who are academically challenged. Incoming freshman who received math and reading scores below grade level, teacher recommendations from middle schools and students with poor attendance records were among those recommended for the program. Classes are conducted in a block structure with periods 1 – 5 being the core 5 academic courses taught consecutively. This structure provides flexibility among the teachers to use the time effectively within the 4 hour period. Students who participate in this program have historically felt disconnected, hadn’t connected with adults in the building and need more structure. Creating small learning communities and integrating more subjects provides a teamed approach to teaching and problem-solving based curriculum. The program has already been considered to be a huge success with 97% for the average daily attendance rate, 86% students earning passing grades, 32% students receiving all A’s and B’s and 60% students making progress on MAP Reading scores. The Freshman Academy’s mission statement states that it "strives to build students’ confidence and skill levels in order to prepare them for success during the remaining years of high school and throughout their lives." We applaud this outstanding program initiative that Tom and Lauren have brought to our school and we are fortunate to have these brilliant academic administrators improving the education of our students at HPHS.

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR: Lesa Friedrich reported on Focus Registration, 900 students in attendance at Winter Formal, Registration for Prom – April 3-26. New procedures include pay-on-line for trips, AP Exams, dances. Debate Team preparing for IHSA, Close-up back from Washington, DECA has 25 students going to Internationals. New plaques for academic achievements going up, the Class of ’54 awarded student activities funding to provide for a new trophy case. Genecide/Darfur Assembly encouraging kids to take action – every Thursday is a cultural connections meeting. Dates for the 2007-08 calendar include, Aug. 29^th- 1^st day of school. Sept. 19^th Open House. October 12-13 Homecoming Game and Dance. June 10^th, last day of exams.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Principal’s are making visits to all class boards to demonstrate the value of students’ opinions and participation. The initiative for next year is Respect. We want to enhance and encourage kids to treat each other better. Assemblies have been and will continue to be successful because they are student driven. The African-American students and Hispanic Students have had guest lecturers speak about career successes.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Parent Education provided great information to families with serious illness. The program was videotaped by the tech. department. Nominating Committee needs calendar person, fine arts chair, newsletter editor, school board liaison, and weekend update volunteers for next year. The proposed slate for the Executive Board for 2007-08 is President - Jody Weinberg, Program VPs - Patty Pell and Susan Berk, Communications VP – Martha Biede, Treasurers - Amy Perlmutter and Beth Conen, Secretary - Carrie Codell and Members-at-Large - Andi Zazove and Amy Kaufman. Grad Night is selling t-shirts after Focus. Focus – volunteer letter going out for positions for registration. Opening Night and Dance Night requests going out. Book Sale is suggesting one person per grade to chair and having the same person for credit cards to work 4 days for consistency.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: minutes approved from February 12^th meeting.

NEW BUSINESS: A request was made that the PTO contribute $300 for additional advertising and promotion for Late Night HP. Motion was granted and approved. It was suggested that we add a permanent line item in the yearly budget for Late Night HP. The PTO is providing Hospitality to the participants of the Crash Simulation: motion was requested, granted and approved for $250. Also, PTO is looking to provide the school with some gifts to enrich the school and our students. A permanent projector in the auditorium is needed and a motion was requested, granted and approved to provide a budget up to $9000 for the purchase, delivery and installation of a new projector. A climbing wall for the IM gym has been suggested and would need approx. $12,000. We have tabled this decision until further research has been done for exact costs, insurance liabilities, and possibility of shared expense with the district.

OLD BUSINESS: none

MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:14 P.M.