GHS PAC Meeting
April 6, 2013

Meeting called to order at 7:05pm
Motion to Accept: Bridget Kinnie
2nd: Julie Groene

Teacher Appreciation Week:
- week of May 6th to May 10th
- events held for teachers all week with games and gifts

Secretary’s Minutes from March 2013:
Approved and Accepted: Donna Goyette
2nd: Julie Groene

Board of Education update by Nyssa Frazer-Shaw:
1. Mrs. Kasey and Mrs. Keane asked the BOE to approve the GHS Senior Class trip to Hersheypark – BOE approved.
2. Terry Cholewa and Student Council members attended the Connecticut Association of Schools conference and several students report their experience, noting that it was “eye opening, educational, and life changing.”
3. “March Madness” dance was a success!
4. National Honor Society raised $748 for the American Cancer Society by selling daffodils over a three-day period.
5. National Honor Society noted that they inducted new members on March 27th.
6. BOE recognized GHS’ school psychologist, John Cormier, as “Employee of the Month” for March 2013. John was presented with a certificate of achievement.
7. Mary Beth Malin was recognized as GPS’ first “Volunteer of the Year.” GHS Chamber Choir honored her with a song entitled Thank You.

Teacher Update by Laureen Anthony:
Social Studies Dept (Academic Leader: Betsy Kowal):
1. Griswold Registrar of Voters will be at GHS on April 11th to register eligible students to vote. Many Seniors are looking forward to this!
2. Mrs. Kowal and Mr. Craig have already begun planning the annual Washington D.C. trip for November 2013. This four-day trip is packed and available to students for approximately $500. Trip is open to Juniors and Seniors.
3. Last semester, Mrs. Kowal’s “Civics” students wrote letters to President Obama providing their opinion on aspects of his 2013 Inaugural Address. Mrs. Kowal recently received a response from the President, including an autographed photo – both are being framed and will be shared with the students.
4. GHS is participating in the Library of Congress’ Veteran’s History project again this year. The event is scheduled for June 6th – this will be a simplified version of last year’s event. All History students will interview a veteran.
Student Council (Advisors: Lori Hatajik and Terry Cholewa):
1. Thirteen members of GHS’ Student Council represented us at the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Spring Leadership Conference on March 15th and 16th. The event was held at Wesleyan University. All events focused on building students’ leadership skills and our students had a fantastic experience.
Freshman Success (Advisor: Jodene Bromley):
1. Freshmen continue earning ‘shooting star tickets’ to be placed in a raffle. Students earn these tickets based on grades for each class. At the “Shooting Star” assembly, names will be drawn and those students will choose from various prizes donated by businesses in our community.
Library Media Center (Librarian: Kathleen Sasso):
1. GHS Library Media Center will be hosting a poetry contest in April. Students can submit original poetry by April 30th and winners will be announced May 13th. Top prize is a pair of VIP tickets for Digiplex Destinations Theater in Lisbon.
2. “Friends of GHS Library” is a book club established this school year – it meets during Activity Period. The club is currently reading The Diviners by Libba Bray.
GHS Wolverine Warrior Challenge
1. To be held May 7th
2. A coordinated effort between CT Army National Guard & GHS PE Dept
3. Events may include: mile run, obstacle course, push-ups, curl-ups, squats

Superintendent’s Update by Paul Smith:
Budget:
1. 1.95% increase is being requested – this will include a full day kindergarten program, return of a Music teacher, GHS textbooks, etc.
2. May 6th is the Town meeting at 7pm at GMS to discuss budget
3. Complete budget packet is available on the GPS website

Dr. Frizzell’s Calendar :
April 2nd Faculty meeting
April 5th 3rd Quarter ends
April 4th-7th Music Dept trip to Washington DC/NYC
April 8th BOE meeting
April 9th GHS mock interviews with FPM class
April 11th Eligible students will be able to register to vote at GHS as Registrar will be in the building
April 13th ACT test
April 15th-19th SPRING BREAK (no school)
April 22nd BOE meeting
April 25th-29th GHS Musical – “9 to 5”
April 30th Advisory Day

Matthew Peel’s Update:
Career and Tech Education:
1. State of CT has recognized GHS!
2. In 2009, GHS was ranked “#3” for our career and tech programs out of all 159 high schools in the State
3. In 2010, GHS was “#1” in our CAD program
4. In 2011 and 2012, we were ranked “#1” in the State for our programs!
5. In 2013, approximately 75 students will take the test

Guidance Dept Update by Julie Groene:
1. Guidance Dept/Career Center provides a four week seminar to Seniors who are identified as needing assistance in preparing for their future.
2. Guidance Dept is currently meeting with the Junior class to get them thinking about Senior year and beyond.
3. SATs are being offered on May 4th and June 1st.
4. ACT test being offered at GHS on June 8th.
GHS Senior Class:
1. Seniors are finalizing their post-graduation plans.
2. College-bound Seniors are completing scholarship applications and reviewing financial aid.
3. Seniors must report their final decisions to Guidance by June 1st so final transcripts can be sent.
4. Guidance Dept received 35 applications for the Gerard and Wanda Brunet Foundation scholarship. Applications are being reviewed and award recipients will be determined in May.

Raffle (embroidered items donated by STM Embroidery):
Cap with GPS logo: Matt Peel
Cap with GPS logo: Rick Goyette
Cap with GPS logo: Nyssa Frazer-Shaw
Laptop case w/logo: Julie Groene

** A visit to the new GHS Fitness Center was held after the PAC meeting

Motion to Close: Bridget Kinnie
2nd: Julie Groene

Respectfully submitted by Deb Whitmer