Somers High School PTSA

General Membership Meeting

 

February 14, 2008

Somers High School Media Center

 

Members Present:  Jean Mandirola, Laura Braica, Kathy Brewer, Gary Cotzin and

Amanda Vesce

 

              I.      Meeting called to order:  7:09 p.m. by Jean Mandirola

               

 

            II.      Previous Meeting Minutes:  No changes; Motion made to accept previous minutes by Kathy Brewer, seconded by Laura Braica.  Unanimously approved.

 

          III.      Correspondence: 

·        Received information from CT PTA regarding membership awards available – SHS PTSA not eligible since we do not meet the membership requirements at this time.

 

         IV.      Treasurer’s Report:

·        Report presentation waived.  Updated report will be forwarded.

·        Informal report made by Laura Braica -- $8,005 checking account balance

·        All deposits paid for Safe Grad trip with exception of d.j. 

 

           V.      President’s Report:

·        No additional report provided – all topics will be covered during meeting.

 

         VI.      Principal’s Report:  Gary Cotzin reported the following:

·        Budget – has been prepared and submitted; 5% increase; in media, textbooks and some teaching posions

·        Scheduling – gr.9 & 10 college English Teacher, Mr. McAllister, resigned and is being replaced through end of year by Nicole Smith (former SHS student).

·        Mission and Expectations – discussed school mission and academic/social expectations of students  (Further information can be found on the high school web site)

·        CAPT Testing – will start on March 4th.  A rally is being planned by teachers for 9th and 10th graders to get them prepared for the testing.  Snacks also being provided to all test takers.

·        Naviance Program – being rolled out to sophomores and juniors by Counseling Center – program assists students with college/career planning; interactive on-line tool can also be accessed by parents.  See February Counseling Center newsletter.

·        Alternative Education Program – being readied for the fall.  In an effort to prevent dropouts, a program is being designed for struggling students; will combine a modified school and work program.

·        Electronic Grading -  Researching program to provide access to grades on-line for students and parents.

·        Somers/Stafford Summit – The principals, representative staff members and students from both high schools met to discuss ways to develop a more positive relationship between the two schools. 

 

·        Somers Education Foundation Grants – Three grants totaling over $8400 were received by the high school from the Foundation in the following areas:  (1) Physical Education professional development, (2) Technical Education and (3) World Language.  Additional information being distributed by the Foundation in their annual newsletter sent to residents in the Spring.

·        Alaska Trip – Science teacher, Marge Porter’s annual trip during winter break.  See trip details through the high school link.

·        Renaissance Program – is up and running, acknowledges students and staff for extra efforts in all areas.

·        History Wall – Traveling exhibit will be located in media center for one month – theme is Freedom.  Kick-off, 2/28 (evening time tbd), district invited.

·        Senior Exit/Alumni Survey – program being revised; trying to effectively gather data regarding preparedness for college/career.

·        Underage Drinking Forum – planned for May 6th; students and parents being encouraged to attend; details to follow.

 

 

       VII.      Board Members’ Reports:

Ø      Membership – Nora Kopec (report provided by J. Mandirola)

v     Mid year membership drive kicked off by sending forms/letter out with report cards

v     There will be drawing for new/existing members

v     Have received approximately 6 new members

 

Ø      Safe Grad – Carol Winter (report provided by J. Mandirola)

v     Deposits made for trip

v     Have some new parent volunteers, but need additional assistance with program

 

Ø      Scholarship Fund – Laura Stark (report provided by J. Mandirola)

v     Letter sent to area business requesting donations to scholarship program

v     Applications will be submitted to Guidance, Lynn Cigal

v     Review board being discussed

 

Ø      Staff Appreciation – Kathy Brewer

v     Waiting for confirmation date from Panera Bread

v     Will be provided during week of May 6th

v     Information will be distributed to parents and students about sending e-cards of appreciation to teachers

v     Massage therapy sessions will be made available to teachers.

 

Ø      Parent Directory – Kathy Brewer and Jean Mandirola

v     93 directories were distributed electronically to parents who completed request forms in September

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ø            Fundraising

v     Shopping Spree (Laura & Amanda)

·        Need to conduct post mortem and discuss potential for next year

 

 

v     Fruit Sale (Jean, Laura & Nora)

·        Sale was successfully concluded

 

v     Clean Comedian (Jean)

·        Researching new group for November 2008

·        Would use this event as one of the major fund raisers

 

v     Mohegan Sun bus trip (Carol & Diane)

·        Another successful trip

 

v     Variety Show ticket and concession sales

·        Show is tentatively scheduled for March 13th

·        Jean contacted Advisor, Mrs. Legg about advertising

·        Ticket and concession proceeds will supplement Safe Grad

 

v     Mother’s Day Plant sale

·        JJ to research lead time and plant cost

 

v     Diploma sale (Gail)

·        Cards being reprinted with no date so leftovers can be used by future classes

·        Header will read, “Salute to Seniors”

 

     VIII.      Old Business: 

·              Kathy Brewer conducted review of past Treasurer and Secretary books.  No significant discrepancies.  Books will now be reviewed by Matt Kopec, CPA.  Audits will be regularlyconducted at close of each school year.

·              By law review in process; conducted by co-Presidents; no significant changes; will now be reviewed by executive board members

 

 

         IX.      New Business:

·              Received monetary request from Guidance to provide snacks for CAPT testing

·               

 

           X.      Other Discussions:

·              “Request for check” form distributed to Executive Board members

 

         XI.      Meeting Adjournment:  Motion made at 8:40 p.m. by Jean Mandirola to adjourn meeting; seconded by Kathy Brewer.  Unanimously approved.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Amanda A. Vesce