MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:  9:18A.M

ATTENDANCE:   Jody Weinberg, Carrie Codell, Beth Conen, Patty Pell,

Amy Perlmutter, Loreli Fritz Cohn, Marla Brown, Martha Beide, Pam Stern, Carol Votsmier, Amy Kaufman, Sara Hoffman, Susan Berk, Andi Goldfine Zazove, George Fornero, Marjie Sandlow, Janna Berk, Maria Vega, Lisa Bookstein, Polly Richter, Beth Shapiro Kopin, Lynne Lieber, Allyson Rose, Sarah Liebman, Julie Hoffman, Beth Gerber, Vicki Frazer, Arlene Frommer, Elissa Halpern, Katherine Lederer, Terri Olian, Helene Herbstman,  Elise Frost

Minutes Approved at May Meeting.

May Meeting was appreciation luncheon.

HPHS PRINCIPAL SEARCH:  Dr. George Fornero gave an informative presentation on the search process for the next HPHS principal.  He handed out the brochure being used to recruit candidates and went through the time line for the application process.  Several focus groups, representing a wide variety of individuals, will meet to discuss the qualifications they believe are needed for the principal’s position.  A search firm is not being used.  Dr. Fornero is confident that the district office can find the best person for the job.  To attract top candidates, the interviews will be confidential to avoid any problems with their current districts.

If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions you would like to share, email them to Dr. Fornero at: gfornero@dist113.org.

PRAIRIE STATE RESTULTS:  Dr. Fornero then discussed how Highland Park High School has been making progress in all areas of this standardized test.  He then outlined the district’s focus on Equity and Excellence.  The goal is to provide equal opportunity for all students without penalizing others. 

Carol Votsmier, assistant superintendent for public relations, asked for feedback regarding the district’s mailings including the yearly annual report and quarterly newsletters.  A discussion followed with members present about the various ways the district provides information to all community members including the taping of board meetings, the purchasing of emergency communication system, informal gatherings of board members, Dr. Fornero’s monthly cable show.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:  Mr. Scornavacco commented on the great turn out for the meeting and for the first lunch with Jim and John and reminded everyone that these lunches are held monthly and open to all.  He discussed the hiring of new staff and was pleased that the new staff represented the diversity of our HPHS student body.  Two new initiatives include a committee of staff members looking at respect in the school and how to give additional support to kids who need it during free periods by making available staff from specific academic areas who can be utilized on a as needed basis.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:  Jody thanked all the PTO members who volunteered to get the school off to a great start.  Correction from the newsletter:  Plan Testing for sophomores only on Thursday, Oct. 18.

PSAT testing optional for juniors and some sophomores on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

There is a new calendar from the counseling department on the HPHS website. 

The PTO is pursuing 501 c3 status.  This was a request by the district to keep the PTO budget separate.

Any topics, speakers anyone is interested in having at a meeting, please contact Jody at

jodyweinberg@comcast.net.

TREASURERS REPORT:  New budget proposed.  Beth and Amy went through the budget to explain specifics.  Motion to pass the new budget with an amendment for Parent University was made by Terri Olian.

Motioned seconded and approved.

If you need to be reimbursed please make a copy of your receipts and send to Beth Conen.  Please contact Jody if you need a sales tax exempt form.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Parent Education:  Any interested topics please email:  EASK@comcast.net or

EARNOWITZ@aol.com. 

On Oct. 24^th there will be a program for parents with children of special needs to discuss transitions and what to expect after high school.

PTO Newsletter:  Giant hugs can be sent to:  Efrost1204@aol.com.  You may submit anything that recognizes significant accomplishments.  Giant Hugs are published in the PTO newsletter – the next deadline is November 12

Hospitality:  Dinner will be provided for staff before open house.  Baked goods needed.

Weekend Update:  We are looking for an individual to be responsible for this valuable form of communication placed in the daily announcements.

Please contact Jody if you or someone you know is interested.

NEW BUSINESS: Funding requests from staff:  A more formal procedure is being developed for all staff members requesting funds from the PTO.

More information to come.

IMPORTANT DATES:

PTO Meeting:  Oct. 15 at 7:30 P.M. in Room A-217

Lunch with Jim and John:  Nov. 2   at 11:45 in Room A-217

Respectfully submitted,
Carrie Codell
Secretary