HPHS PTO MEETING

OCTOBER 15 2007

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:  7:30 PM

ATTENDANCE: :   Jody Weinberg, Carrie Codell, Beth Conen, Patty Pell, Amy Perlmutter, Susan Berk, Tracey Smolen, Beth Shapiro Kopin, Lesa Friedrich, Jim Swanson, John Scornavaco, Judy Gutwillig, Bonnie Shlensky, Marrietta Stevens, Ben Neuhausen, Pamela Olin, Margie Sandlow, Jody Weinberg, Sharon Stein, Martha Biede

2.   Motion made and passed to approve Sept. minutes.

3.   Student Report:  Tracey Smolen, vice president of the Student Senate, gave an update on the following student activities:  sports, Stunts, Halloween dress up, homecoming recap, pep rally.   Over 1000 students attended the homecoming dance.

4.   Presentation by Judy Gutwillig, new Special Education Department Chairperson.  Ms. Gutwillig gave a comprehensive overview of the various services provided by the Special Education Department.  Discussion included statistics as to the number of students receiving services, the number of staff in the department and the various types of IEP’s.

5.   Principal’s Report:  Mr. Scornavacco and Mr. Swanson gave an update that included the following items:  moment of reflection, school safety concerns, code red drill, a youth council established by Mayor Belsky, green initiatives, national recognition of staff and students, response to parents regarding the pool ventilation.

6.   Presentation by Ms. Lesa Friedrich, Director of Student Activities.
Ms. Friedrich discussed a vast array of clubs and activities happening at HPHS.  With more than 50 working clubs, there is an activity for every student.  New this year is morP, a casual dance being hosted by the HPHS and DHS activities offices for all Juniors.  The dance is scheduled for Sat., Nov. 17 at the Rec Center of Highland Park.  Also, the chess team will host a checker's tournament as a fund raiser for the team.  This event is open to the public.  Check daily announcements for on-going student activities.  Lesa also pointed out the new student id's which include pertinent phone numbers. 

7.   President’s Report:  Jody thanked hospitality for the teacher dinner before open house and snacks for parents during open house.  The dinner was a big hit.

8.   Treasurer's Report:  Beth and Amy have completed the process for establishing a separate tax number for the PTO>  New accounts have also been established.  Checks are still being collected for the Deck of Cards fund raiser and membership.

9.   Committee reports:

1. Fund Raising:  Only 25 decks left to sell.  Call Marjie Sandlow if you are interested.

2. School Board Report:  Sharon Stein reported on various topics covered at the last board meeting including traffic patterns at HPHS and approval of trips to Spain and France this summer.

3. Parent Education:  Topic for the Jan. 30th presentation is:  Preparing Children and parents for separation-Helicopter Parent vs. Satellite. 

4. Newsletter deadline is Nov. 12

5. Grad Night-volunteers needed!

6. Health Fair is April 15th.  More information at a later date. 

10.        New Business:  A suggestion was made to supply some type of reusable nametags for parents involved in PTO activities but who are not on the PTO Board. 

Motion made and passed to adjourn meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 8:49pm.    

Next Meeting:  Monday, November 11, 2007 at 9:15 AM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Carrie Codell
Secretary