Rose Tree Media School District

Penncrest High School

Minutes of the November 9, 2015 PTG Meeting

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:03PM.

Welcome: After the Pledge of Allegiance, Jenny Dresden welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for coming.

Guest Speakers:

Assistant Principal, Office of Academic Affairs: Mrs. Susan Sweeney; previous English Teacher, current Literacy Coordinator who works with teachers on curriculum and course selection. A question was asked regarding any changes to the course selections for next year…Mrs. Sweeney, although presenting to the Board on Tuesday, November 10th at the November Meeting, answered that she is recommending expansion to the AP Program and expansion of some regular courses. She was not able to prematurely expand on upcoming recommendations/changes to curriculum and course selection. Also, new Gym schedule discussed-comments made that there is positive feedback from staff and students alike.

Assistant Principal for 9th & 11th Grades: Mr. Steven Silva, oversees Hall of Fame, Fire Drills, Building Safety, Community Service and Student Parking. Mr. Silva discussed Community Service: took 40 students to the Veterans Day Parade in Philadelphia for Flag Unveiling. When Community Service opportunities come up, Mr. Silva sends emails to all students.net accounts….he reminded all to have students check their .net accounts. Students need 2 community and 2 school services. Mr. Mark Williams keeps track of each student’s Community Service requirements.

Assistant Principal for 10th & 12th Grades: Mr. Joseph Fuhr (not in attendance)

Athletic Director: Mr. Chip Olinger (not in attendance)

Principal’s Report: Mr. Ralph Harrison

·  Went around the room and everyone introduced themselves.

·  Teacher PTG Rep: Sean Hobdell.

·  October 28, 2015 7:00PM “NOPE” (Narcotics Overdose Prevention Education) evening presentation for parents by Holcombe Behavioral Center was very well attended. Great questions from the audience, student portion of presentation held during school day went very well also; students were moved and were listening! Mr. Silva brought up a new “drug” they are seeing: Dabbing. It is a wax product where marijuana is boiled with the wax and is poured on thin sheets of paper. They are put into vapes or hookah pipes and smoked. Penncrest’s STAR (Student Assistance Program) Coordinator is Jessica Scott. She identifies children with possible mental, emotional, drug, alcohol issues and meets with students/families to recommend outside agencies for help.

·  Marking period ends Friday, November 13, 2015.

Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the October 13, 2015 PTG meeting: motion made by Jenny Dresden to approve and all in attendance unanimously approved.

Treasurers’ Report: No report. Treasurer’s not present.

Teachers’ Report: None. Teacher representative: Sean Hobdell not present.

Committee Reports: None.

Grade-Level Reports: 11th Grade JV Show: 180 kids are participating. AM Prom, 12th Grade Designer Handbag Bingo: 7-10PM Friday, November 13, 2015 @ Media Borough Community Center, 4th & Monroe Streets.

SAB Report: October 22, 2015 School Board Meeting Highlights

·  Jonathan Cotton was recognized as an Eagle Scout and was presented with an award.

·  Nancy Fronduti was recognized for her time given as a member of the board of school directors.

·  Presentation was the focus on transition from SL to PHS (Ralph Harrison and Sarah Graham).

*Mrs. Graham visits SLMS.

*Course selection is explained and occurs at SLMS in the spring before entering PHS.

*All 8th graders visit Penncrest in May and get to see a day in the life there.

*Right before the beginning of school, there is a pizza party at new student orientation (all upcoming 9th graders and new students to the district).

*At Penncrest, the first day of school is only for grade 9 and new students. This allows for iPad distribution, how to use Google drive, and a workshop of “how do you learn.” Students also to go each class for about 10 minutes to see where their classes are located.

*Freshman Parent Night has been moved to the first week of school to get parents the information of this new transition.

·  There is a new peer-mentoring program at Penncrest. The current focus is for minority students. Two students spoke on being mentors and how it’s been a positive experience so far.

·  Student Liaisons reported:

-  Chalk talks happen during long lunch at Penncrest.

-  Media Elementary thanks volunteers for help at the Harvest Fair. They also hosted Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day.

-  Philosophy and Geometry classes are overlapping to see how they work together.

-  Spanish exchange students visited Penncrest this fall. Penncrest students will travel to Spain this spring to stay with their host families.

-  Latin classes are currently all online.

-  Camp Tockwah trip is coming in November.

-  Rose Tree Elementary hosted National Fire Prevention Week at school by having fire fighters visit and show them a fire engine. Summer Readers were recognized.

-  SLMS hosted a fall Fiesta Dance. There is a Pink Out on 10/23. Red Ribbon Week starts on 10/26. Anti-bullying assembly is on 10/31.

-  Glenwood Elementary has 45 intramurals scheduled. There are 22 after-school clubs.

-  Indian Lane Elementary had students earn Bobcat Brags. News on the Lane is live each school day at 8:55. Happenings: Grandparents’/Special Friends Day and a zoo assembly. The school will be hosting clubs this year. Featured student artists had their artwork placed in the Principal’s office.

·  Board Liaisons reported:

-  There’s a new IU Director.

-  John Reid was hired as the new principal of Indian Lane Elementary.

-  There were two essay winners from SLMS for the state of PA.

-  Ronnie Miller is up for teacher of the year.

·  Susan Howe reported as representative of the teachers, “Students are more than a test score.”

Old Business: Discussion regarding the benches PTG purchased to be used in the quad for students, teachers and classes. Gravel needs to be ordered and set before benches can be installed. Debbie Saylor-Brown made a motion to approve $2,500.00 of PTG funds to be used toward the purchase of the gravel. Jenny Dresden 2nd the motion and all unanimously approved the motion. The remaining money need for the gravel (1/4) will be provided by Mr. Harrison’s Penncrest building budget.

New Business: None.

Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM.

**NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, JANUARY 11 @ 7:00 PM**