ATTENDANCE: Terry Vismantas, Jody Weinberg, Martha Biede, Jean Sogin, Amy Perlmutter, Julie Lewis, Marjie Shapiro, Patty Pell, Susan Berk, Andi Goldfine Zazove, John Scornavacco, Jim Swanson, Deb Weil, Heidi Patzik, Amy Kaufman, Dinora Hedberg, Sara Hoffman, Margie Sandlow, Patty Marmon, Terri Olian, Janna Berk, Carrie Codell, Maria Luisa Rodriguez

TPI stands for Transitional Program of Instruction. This is the newcomer program for students new to our country and the English language. The program enables the development of transition to mainstream classes. Students often come with poor academic skills from their individual country. They begin with sheltered English (more foreign language and transition to more English). Ms. Pike and Ms. Krull gave an overview of the program, including a video presentation made by the TPI students providing information for their parents of what a typical HPHS day is like for them. The video was very informative and emotional of how appreciative the students are of the education and extra-curricular options available to them. They spoke of how caring and nurturing the faculty and administration is and how they are made to feel welcome and included in the school and community. A high percentage of these students are high achievers and go on to graduate and go to college. It was discussed that community service projects are going on to help many of the families that have students attending HPHS. Bringing in gently used clothing to the TPI department would help many families in need.

Discretionary Committee: A motion was granted and approved to distribute $5500 in funds requested by various departments.

Parent Education: Reminder that February 28^th is a program for parents. The topic is Serious Illness in Family presented by staff from the Cancer Wellness Center.

Focus: Mailing campaign has brought in great financial support from the community. Contracts are being mailed out to artists. Auditions are being held for student participation in the Showcase Talent Presentation.

Fine Arts Committee: Art show in Library has record albums from the early 60’s and 70’s. The committee is meeting to share ideas for future shows.

Grad Night: First meeting today, 10:45, next meeting Nov. 27^th 7:30pm in A-217 looking for involvement.

Fundraising: Sold out of the deck of discount cards. The fundraiser raised $4000 for the PTO. It was recommended to continue next year.

School Board: Caucus interviews 6 candidates Wednesday night. The Caucus should endorse 4 candidates for opens seats on board.

Treasurer Report: Budget remains solid with nothing new to report.

Secretary Report: Minutes approved for October with the addition of JodyWeinberg in attendance at October meeting.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Lunch with John and Jim is going to be extended to five students selected at random each month. Discussion will be about what the high school is doing well, and what can be done better. What do the students think about HPHS? The school values what the students think and want them to realize that they can make a difference when voicing their opinions and suggestions. It was recommended that students leaving the high school should have an "exit" meeting. A parent brought up the death of a former Deerfield student and asked about efforts made to address the issue with our students. Link crew (which will be the special presentation at the next PTO meeting) has older students talking about refusal skills to the younger students as it relates to social issues and decisions.

NEW BUSINESS: The Town Hall Meeting bringing community leaders together from Highland Park, Deerfield, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and Highwood to discuss relevant issues facing teenagers will be held on November 28^th in the Auditorium.

Pat Cannon suggested that one of the PTO missions should be to help a student in financial need. Currently, statistics show that 13% of our graduates go on to 2 yr. schools, 80% attend 4 yr. colleges, and 7% don’t go at all for various reasons. The PTO has had this on the agenda asking the PTO membership to approve a motion to explore scholarship options for the PTO to grant a student scholarship at the end of each year. The motion was approved to go forward with this research.

MEETING ADJOURNED 10:55A.M