Somers High School PTSA

General Membership Meeting

 

April 10, 2008

Somers High School Media Center

 

Members Present:  Laura Braica, Kathy Brewer, Terri Henderson, Carol Winter, Gary Cotzin, JJ Wassmuth, Jean Mandirola, Laura Stark and Amanda Vesce

 

 

Annual Budget Presentation:  Conducted by Dr. Maynard Suffredini

(presented to combined members of PTA and PTSA)

·         Proposed Board of Education submitted to Board of Finance at a 5.1% increase; after Board of Finance review; Board of Education reduced to a 4.5% increase

·         The majority of the budget is comprised of fixed costs: salaries and contractual obligations, insurance and fuel costs.  Discretionary spending is very limited and is utilized to fund two part time mandated special education support staff positions.  The goal of the budget is to maintain existing programs at a level consistent with 2007-2008.

·         Our school district’s state ranking has decreased dramatically since 2000, from 104 out of 167 towns; to now currently ranked at 150.  Per pupil expenditure is significantly lower than comparable towns. 

·         The district continues its focus on improving student learning and achievement.  Dr. Suffredini outlined the initiatives undertaken this year involving curriculum, professional development, an alternative education program which will be in place by September and a tech ed program revision giving all students opportunities beyond the high school. 

·         Dr. Suffredini stressed the importance of getting out to vote and encouraging others to do so.

·         Important dates:  4/28 Town Budget hearing – SES; 5/12 Annual Town Meeting –   Town Hall; 5/20 Referendum vote – Town Hall

 

 

 

              I.      Meeting called to order:  8:25 p.m. by Jean Mandirola

               

 

            II.      Previous Meeting Minutes:  No changes; Motion made to accept previous minutes by Amanda Vesce, seconded by Carol Winter.  Unanimously approved.

 

          III.      Correspondence: 

·        Received letter from Rob Kapner, Asst. Principal – commending PTSA about success of senior variety show concession but concerned that many people consumed ice cream in auditorium and did not discard garbage properly.  Committee members will take into consideration for next event.

 

         IV.      Treasurer’s Report:

·        Report presented by JJ Wassmuth (report available upon request from tjmandirola@cox.net  

·        Note:  Profit and Loss statement was presented in revised format which splits out income, expense and profit.  Members agreed this format easier to comprehend.

 

           V.      President’s Report:

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

 

         VI.      Principal’s Report: 

·         As evidenced by Gary Cotzin’s 4/2 e-mail and letter to parents, administration is extremely concerned about the underage drinking at the high school.  Crisis management teams have convened to discuss addressing concerns.                   All members and students are encouraged to attend the Underage Drinking Forum on 5/6.

·         Staff changes:  in process of hiring Noel Smith, Language Arts; received resignation from Math teacher, currently replaced by long term sub

·         NEASC – continue to address issues raised by last year’s accreditation review; working on an mentoring program for students that will carry throughout high school years

·        National Honor Society – 41 members from junior class inducted this week

·        Drama Club – Peter Pan musical – May 1st though 3rd

·        Referenced information on proposed Connecticut High School Reform – please click on the following link to read more on this topic from the February 2008 PTA Bulletin(pages 7 – 11).

       VII.      Board Members’ Reports:

Ø      Membership – Nora Kopec (report provided Jean Mandirola)

v      The mid-year membership drive was successful.  Members now total 102.

(See below for additional scholarship information.)

 

 

Ø      Safe Graduation – Carol Winter

v     Carol has two additional co-chairs:  Karyn O’Donnell and Gail Hoff

v     Trip is scheduled for June 18th, graduation and last day of school

v     All deposits paid to vendors

v      Food for bus and boat rides is being scaled back as there has been too much leftover in previous years

v      Letter has been drafted to solicit food and prizes from businesses

v      Discussion about using breathalyzer for trip.  As discussed at previous meeting, Gary Cotzin cannot administer breathalyzer prior to trip as the students will have graduated and are no longer under his jurisdiction.  Suggestions were made to have another parent (potentially one of the town EMTs) trained to administer test.  Members present supported use of test.  Topic will be further discussed at next Safe Grad meeting.

 

 

Ø      Scholarship Fund – Laura Stark

v     Have received $374 in donations to date

v     Applications for PTSA scholarship are available in Counseling & Career Center; must be submitted by April 30, 2008

v     Suggestion made by Carol Winter to increase number of scholarships available from two $500 to four $500.  This suggestion will be taken into consideration after review of PTSA finances.

 

Ø      Staff Appreciation – Kathy Brewer

v     Staff appreciation week:  May 5th

v     Staff luncheon scheduled for May 7th

v     Kathy has made request to Geissler’s for donations and is pricing food at Costco

v     Presented samples of small gifts for teachers with themes about their commitment to the students – approved by membership

v      Information will be distributed to parents and students about sending e-cards of appreciation to teachers; info will also be given to class officers

 

 

Ø      Parent Directory – Kathy Brewer and Jean Mandirola

v     Updated directories were electronically redistributed

v     Received positive feedback regarding directory

v     Briefly discussed how to process next year’s directory

 

Ø            Fundraising

 

v     Mother’s Day Plant sale

·        Decision made by membership not to hold the plant sale since  last year’s profit was small

 

v     Diploma sale (Gail Hoff)

·        Final decision made about heading; will include Class of 2008

·        The graphics are being provided to Gail so a professional printer is not needed; therefore, cards will be copied by Staples to lower printing cost

 

 

 

     VIII.      Old Business: 

·              By law review - Laura scanned and updated; will submit to executive board for review

·              College Alumni Forum – Jean is coordinating for June 3rd; former students – current college freshmen will present at junior/senior class assembly

·              New fundraising idea discussion tabled for future meeting

·               Although we received new memberships from parents and staff during our membership drive, totaling the necessary 100 members, the check from PTSA was not received by the CT PTA office by the 3/31 deadline.  Therefore, SHS seniors will unfortunately not be eligible for the Nutmeg scholarship.

 

 

         IX.      New Business:

·              Following executive board nominations were made and approved for the 2008-2009 year:  Laura Braica and Jean Mandirola – Co-presidents; Kathy Brewer – Treasurer; Amanda Vesce - secretary

·              Voted to approve purchase of brick ($100) from Booster Club – inscription will be discussed at next meeting

·              Voted to approve purchase of flag sponsorship ($100) at Music Paton 5/10 golf event

 

 

           X.      Meeting Adjournment:  Motion made at 9:30 p.m. by Jean Mandirola to adjourn meeting; seconded by Carol Winter.  Unanimously approved.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Amanda A. Vesce