General Membership Board Meeting

September 18, 2008

SHS Media Center

 

Members Present:  Jean Mandirola, Laura Braica, Gary Cotzin, Penny Bryzgel, Nicholas Kosloski, Karen Regan, Marc Dzicek, Gail Hoff, Terri Henderson and Kathy Brewer.

 

I.              Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM

 

II.                   Introduction of new high school staff:  Nick Kosloski (Tech. Ed):  teaches 4 classes at SHS and 1 class at MBA.  He came from PA, graduated from Central, and student taught at Rocky Hill.  Nick’s hobby is photography and has a contract with Central’s Athletics Dept.  Nick plans on contacting the yearbook chairperson to assist in photographing some of the school’s events.

 

Karen Regan (Guidance Counselor):  Worked in Rockville for last 3 years.  Glad she is finally here; has been trying to get into the school system for quite some time.

 

Mark Dzicek (Social Studies):  Earned his Master’s degree.  Taught

at MBA last 3 years and has always wanted to be at the high school level.  Happy to have made the move to SHS.  Teaches US History, grade 11 and World History, grade 9.  Mark has known most of the kids since 6th grade.  Mark also took over for Lynn Cigal as advisor of the Diversity Club. 

 

Noel Smith (English):  Started last year as a substitute.  Noel is a St. Michael’s graduate, as well as a Somers High School graduate.  She substituted in Ellington, Somers and Enfield before coming to Somers.  Last year was a tough year, but this year is a little easier.  Noel is the girl’s Varsity Lacrosse coach.

 

Sue Atwood (Math):  Sue has an undergrad in Horticulture and received a Master in Math at St. Jo’s.  She student taught at the middle school in East Hartford and has tutored in South Windsor and Somers.  Sue has 3 Algebra 1 classes (mostly 9th graders) and 1 Advanced Math of (11th and 12th graders).  She found every one of the staff very supportive. 

 

Penny Bryzgel (English):  Penny will be doing an internship with Gary.  She is planning on going into Administration.  She also worked with Karen Regan over the summer on the peer advisory (more details to follow under Principal’s Report). 

 

At this time, teachers invited to stay for remainder of meeting or be excused.  Many decided to leave.  7:15 PM

 

 

 

 

 

III.                  Treasurer’s Report

 

Kathy presented the new budget of $4895.45 in a new clear, concise format.  A motion was made by Terri Henderson to accept the budget; seconded and passed by all.

 

IV.               Approval of Minutes:  Jean waived from executive session.

 

V.                 Principal’s Report 

 

a.      Gary stated SHS has a smooth opening this year with no major problems.

b.      New student Management System:  has a few problems, but staff is working their way through it. 

c.      Parent Email Database:  should be up shortly. 

d.      NEASC:  2nd year report is due Oct. 1.  A few months prior, we were in “warning status”.  Hopefully after the 2nd year review, “warning status” will be removed.  We will still have a 5-year report.  We had 50 recommendations; addressed mostly all 50.  Everything will be completed by the 5-year mark.  We’re in good shape.

e.      LRP (Long Range Plan)

1.      Staffing:  This was started back in May.  All staff was asked what their needs would be for the next 5 years.  Mostly responded their major needs were more staff.

2.      Technology:  Projectors need replacement, as well as computer equipment; technology changes rapidly and need to keep up.

f.        Alternative Education:  Currently there are 9 students.  Students who have

difficulty in the regular studies.  Donna Delaney is advisor for this program and helped with curriculum.  This program helps keep students from dropping out and also has a work component. Donna keeps Gary updated on this program.

g.      Advisory:  This came about as part of NEASC.  Karen Regan and Penny      Bryzgel worked on this program, ensuring each child connects with an adult.  Student to teacher ratio is 13:1.  Advisors will pull students report cards and track them.  Groups will meet every other week to get acquainted.  Each group creates their own student-generated list of topics of concern.  Rob Kapner oversees this process and does not have any students assigned to him.

h.      CAPT/SAT Scores:  CAPT:  Overall did well.  There was a little “blip” in reading; however, we were strong vs. the state.  SAT:  also took a little dip; however still were very strong, compared nationally.  

i.        Field Trip Policy:  More parents are needed as chaperones.  Parents are invited to volunteer at the high school.  Hopefully this will promote better communication.  Penny Bryzgel will be working with PTSA on developing a parent volunteer program.  Penny will discuss further at next PTSA meeting.  

 

VI.               Correspondence

 

Jean received the “Back to School” kit from CT PTA.  Received invite from LPL Financial to attend a seminar on Oct. 2 at the Hartford Club.  This was passed on to Karen Regan, as well as the Big Y Homework helpline information.  Jan Martin is requesting money for SHS Scriptura.  This request was made in lieu of holding a car wash.  Cost per issue is $250.  Item was tabled until the next meeting.

 

VII.              Board Members’ Reports 

 

a.      Membership:  Nora was not present but sent report stating membership was up from this time last year (63 vs. 59). 

b.      Safe Grad:  Still considering other venues, but reserved boat for Boston departing on 6/17/09.  Next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 30 in the Perrault Room.  Casino trip originally scheduled for Super Bowl Sunday will be rescheduled.

c.      Scholarship:  People have signed up for this committee; however, still in need of a chairperson. 

d.      Staff Appreciation:  People have signed up for this committee as well.  However, a chairperson is still needed.

e.      Parent Directory:  People have signed up for this committee as well.  However, a chairperson is still needed.

f.        Fundraising:

1.      Comedy Show: The Comedy show is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 PM.  Tickets will be $15/adults and $7/student.  Jean is looking into publicity for this event.  The Somers Public Library has given permission for students to sell tickets on designated days.  Bob Hall will be contacted to assist with the audio system.  We would like to request a student be the MC for the evening.

2.      Fruit Sale:  The fruit sale will begin the 2nd week of October.  This year a new a single layer (6x6) gift box will be added.

 

VIII.            Old Business

 

a.      Nothing noted.

 

IX.               New Business

 

a.      A new letter will be composed to solicit funds for general purposes, not just exclusive to the scholarship. 

b.      Steve Roberts wants to do the Alumni forum in December instead of May.  During seniors exit interview, several students indicated they would be willing to come back and speak to the SHS students.

 

X.                 Meeting Adjourned:  8:45 PM

 

Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 16, at 7 PM.