The Parent Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

October 2, 2013

  1. Call to order by co-chair Yvonne Palasky at 7:00PM.
  2. Motion made by Mrs. Anthony at 7:00 PM to open the meeting.
  3. Seconded by Anne Grezlak

Minutes Review

  1. Motion to accept the minutes by Mike Larrow.
  2. Motion seconded by Jennifer Rainville.

Board of Ed Update (Nyssa Frazer Shaw)

  1. Mr. Smith reported a new recognition program for GPS called “Rookie of the Year.” Michelle Breckel was chosen to receive the award for 2013.
  2. Tuition for 2013/2014 school year will surpass the projected cost.
  3. Erin Palonen is now the Interim Director of Special Education.
  4. Russ Salvador, a GES 4th grade teacher was honored as September’s Employee of the Month.
  5. The Board approved this year’s music trip to Virginia Beach.
  6. The Board approved a request for the GHS Softball team trip to Florida during Spring break 2014.

Teacher Update by Mrs. Laureen Anthony

  1. Mrs. Kowal’s civics class is discussing the government shutdown.
  2. Mr.Meislitzer gave an example of work being done in Physics class investigating traffic accidents.
  3. New pottery teacher, Mrs. Potpinka
  4. Seniors working on their personal essays.
  5. Mrs. Walsh, Family and Consumer Sciences and Psychology, Teaching the Young Child
  6. Future Business Leaders of America
  7. Freshman class fundraiser at corn maze at Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm.
  8. Fall drama Mrs. McThing
  9. Senior class cap and gown money is due by Friday, October 4th. Two fundraisers: Florida fruit sale starts October 17 through November 15 and holiday wreath sale. Senior Prom at Lake of Isles.
  10. Library Media Center is open before school for students to use. Also available after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

GHS Student Council (Terry Cholewa)

  1. Three students spoke to share initiatives for the year. Spirit of Giving campaign to benefit St. Mary’s food pantry. On Nov 22nd Leadership Conference (in Cromwell)to build leadership skills. Mix it up day at HS and ES. Jessica Williams talked about Youthtopia and Edgar Fontaine fundraiser. Student council meets during activity period. 115 students attended the first meeting. Terry encouraged parents to encourage their students to participate.

Mr. Smith Superintendent of GPS

  1. GHS roof needs to be replaced. Frank Everett spoke to address the issue. Old construction used decking, a glued membrane, and stone to keep the membrane in place. The new roof will be a 80 mil thick PVC material. The material is thicker and will last 30 years. Reimbursement at 72%. Estimate is at just under $3 million. Skylights to be replaced at a cost of $160,000 that is not eligible for reimbursement. About $2.2 million is eligible for reimbursement for a cost to the town of about $625K plus $200K for a total of $829K to the town.Two month project. Referendum date sometime in November.

Calendar Review by Dr. Frizzell

  1. Midpoint of the 1st Quarter has passed. Advisory day next week. On Oct 9th is the National Honor Society Induction at 6pm in the cafeteria. Students are eligiblein their senior year. Photo retake day is Monday Oct 7th by LifeTouch
  2. We will celebrate Columbus Day on the 14th. Board of Ed meeting and Professional development day on Oct 15th.
  3. PSAT testing on Oct 16 for grades 10 and 11. Provides data for students and for teacher evaluation free of charge.
  4. Junior Ring Breakfast on Oct 17th with Jostens.
  5. Advisory day on the 22nd.
  6. Friday 25th going to Norman Rockwell Museum.
  7. BOE on 28th
  8. Halloween on Oct 31
  9. Last week of October Student Spirit Week ending Friday Nov 1st. Pep rally and Homecoming Parade. Dance in cafeteria Saturday night. Adult volunteers are welcome.

Mrs. Groene

  1. Had a successful College Fair. Fifty five representatives were there.
  2. Every Monday and Tuesday working to get college applications completed.
  3. Wed Oct 23rd is Financial Aid night in the Library from 6pm to 8pm.

Mr. Peel

  1. PSAT day is an official day at school, attendance required. Three monitors with updates in the Cafeteria. Students get to keep their test report. Used to qualify for National Merit Scholarship.
  2. Parents of seniors can sign up for Text Blasts to receive update information.

Jill Curioso – Information Technology Director

  1. The new parent portal, Rediker Software, will provide immediate feedback to students on grades and attendance.
  2. Parent and students can log on to review the information. Homework grades are viewable. E-Locker can be used to download and upload documents if they are out of school. Actual link to the teachers email will be coming.

Raffle

Prizes donated by STM Embroidery.

Close Meeting

Motion to close made by Mrs. Kinnie Seconded by Jill Curioso.

Minutes respectfully submitted by: Tom Palasky substitute