Susquehanna Township High School
Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)
Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2010
Attended by: Kathy DelGrande; Traci DeBroff; Ricci Doctrow; Dan Fuller; Leslie Hagen; Cindy Hartman; Rose Jewell-Jordan; Karen Friedman-Kester; Tammi M. Hammaker; Tessa Hartman; Traci Hood; Brenda Lawrence; Ralph Lovelidge; Pam McCann; Julie Pitasi; Joe Powers; Gayle Roberts-Howell; Holly Rubick; Peter Sakol; Diane Wilson
Call to Order: PTSA President Traci Hood called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and asked everyone to introduce themselves.
September Minutes: Cindy Hartman moved that the minutes be accepted with no corrections or additions. Karen Friedman-Kester seconded the motion.
Financial Report – Traci DeBroff: The PTSA has a balance of $4,708.99. During the last month, there were expenses for insurance, the gym rental for the Zumba fundraiser and PTA dues. There were also deposits for the proceeds from the Zumba event, dues and the Rotary award.
President’s Report - Traci Hood: There will be a Pep Rally on October 15 and a Homecoming Dance on October 16. Parents are needed to help out with both events. The Rotary Club is having a chicken barbecue fundraiser to pay for a new sidewalk at Thomas Holtzman. There should be 2 student representatives according to our PTSA bylaws. Tess Hartman and Katie Avetta were suggested and Mr. Lovelidge will bring this up at the Principal’s Advisory meeting. Rose Jewell Jordan proposed and Karen Friedman-Kester seconded the motion that the PTSA incorporate. Traci will look into this and send an email to all.
School Administrators’ Report - Ralph Lovelidge (STHS Principal): There were errors on progress reports. The school will be sending corrections out soon. October 11 is a holiday. All sophomores will be taking PSATs on Wednesday. This affords all a chance to prepare for SATs and compete for NMSQT status and scholarships. Senior Dress Up day is October 29. During Spirit Week prior to Homecoming, Tuesday will be “Twin Day”, Wednesday is “Retro Day”, Thursday is “Hoe Down Day” and Friday is “Red and White Day”. The marking period ends on November 4.
Teachers’ Report – Pam McCann: Teachers really appreciated the PTSA breakfast. There have been a minimal number of dress code violations. There are a limited number of study halls now and students can go to AAP for help after school. There are 90 minute classes in English, Math and Science for 9th graders.
Secondary Literacy Coach’s Report – Holly Rubick: The first benchmark tests of the year were given in Math and Reading to see where students are in order to guide teaching. Benchmark testing is specific to the PSSA.
Guidance Report SAT schedule (October 9, November 6) and registration information can be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/. PSATs are on October 13 for all sophomores. Juniors who want to test can do so. PSAT practice booklets were given to students. There will be a “Counselors’ Corner” newsletter that goes out each month on Edline. October 14 is Financial Aid night at the high school. There will be a PSSA retest on October 26-27 for any seniors who were not proficient. Seniors should be working on college applications now.
Yearbook Discussion: Ms. Hagen came to answer some questions raised by the PTSA at a previous meeting about the $25 sitting fee. The $25 fee for yearbook portraits pays for the photographers’ time. Portraits from other studios are not acceptable. All must have their portraits taken by the school’s photographer. Karen Friedman-Kester motioned that the PTSA place an ad in the yearbook, seconded by Traci DeBroff. Cindy Hartman volunteered to put the ad together.
Coat Collection – Coach Stokes: Gently used and new coats will be collected at the October 29 football game and distributed on November 11 to community members in need. PTSA will help get the word out.
Committee Reports –
· Membership – Dan Fuller: Memberships are coming in. There are 101 members total so far, 64 adults, 31 students and 5 teachers. A suggestion was made to form a publicity committee to help increase membership and visibility of the PTSA.
· Fundraising - Gayle Roberts-Howell: There will be another Zumba event on March 19.
· Communications : Mr. Lovelidge gave responses to concerns raised previously:
1. Basketball Games – balance between discipline and school spirit. There will be a student section at the basketball games in future. PIAA rules prohibit standing during an entire game. Spectators are allowed and encouraged to stand at exciting times. Mr. Lovelidge will discuss this with students prior to the first game of the season.
2. Excessive testing during midterms – There should be no homework and no other examinations within a 2 day window of midterms.
3. Student Parking Fee- Proceeds go to pay the $468 needed to purchase the plastic permits and the balance goes to Student Government.
· School Board - Karen Friedman-Kester: The School musical will be the “Wizard of Oz”. The trip to Orlando for Marching Band, Concert Choir and Spring Band was approved. There was discussion of the alleged misappropriation of funds.
Adjournment
Traci adjourned the meeting at 8:50 pm.
Next Meeting –November 3, 2010
1