Methacton Home & School Association

February 4, 2010 Meeting Minutes

Attendees:

Sandy Leistensnider, Marijane Barbone, Christine Capece, Judy Landis, Carole Staats, Vicki Rioboli, Monica Joyce, Kathy Dietch, Kathy Grubelic, Barbi Griffith, Colleen Rossi, Carla Tuhacek, Jacqui Sattler, Jerri Rosini

Secretary’s Report (Anne DiSpaldo & Sandy Leistensnider)

The minutes for the December meeting have been posted on the website.

Treasurer’s Report (Monica Joyce)

Most of the money budgeted for the year has been accounted for. Expenditures during the months of December and January include gifts to the school, mini grants, Post Prom fundraiser, staff recognition, Student Loan Fund, and the transportation breakfast.

Guidance Report – Cindy Hartson-Department Chair

The deadline for the March SAT has passed. Scheduling for next year is in progress. Students and parents should contact the counselors for appointments. Over 700 midyear reports have been processed for colleges.

Teachers’ Report – Barbi Griffith

·  Ms. Davis reports that 23 Spanish students will depart for Spain on March 12 as part of the Spanish Immersion Exchange Program. They will return on Sunday, March 28.

·  Ms. Dribin reports that she is working on a school-side MHS community relief effort for Haiti. All clubs, sports, and individuals will be involved. The first initiative will be a t-shirt sale.

·  Ms.Peiffer reports that there is a new vaccine requirement that will be in effect for the 2010-2011 school year. All students will need to have a second Varicella vaccine or provide proof of a history of the disease.

·  The 2010 MHS musical, The Secret Garden, will be presented February 25-27.

·  Ms. Francisco announced that 8 students attended the Tri-County Chorus at Norristown High School on February 9. Congratulations to Samantha Brownlie, Jessica Corropolese, Steven Douglass, Ariane Kolet, Ashley Parker, Kelli Parkinson, Michele Riley, & Anthony Schulz.

·  Methacton/ North Montco Technical Center students in the Floral Design and Landscaping program received many awards at the PA Farm Show. Congratulations to Casey McClune, Crystal Anderson, Dan Milner, Joe Balboni, Joe Terriman, Russell Orler, Giuseppe Pileggi, Lena Malinowski, Fallon Heintz, Julia Paravati.

Principal’s Report – Judy Landis, Principal

·  White-Out Day will be held on February 5. White t-shirts, specific to the graduation year, are on sale for $1. Those wearing the white shirts to the Feb. 4 & 5 basketball games will be granted free admission. Other White-Out Days will be held.

·  Scheduling is taking place with the counselors visiting the classrooms. Verification forms may be coming home with the PSSA testing information in March,

·  April is PSSA testing month! There will be special assemblies for 9th and 10th graders and delayed openings for Seniors.

·  9th and 10th graders took the 4Sight test in the fall. These tests on an 11th grade level, and the results are used just as a benchmark and for teachers to plan instruction. It has been a major initiative at the high school this year to pinpoint the needs of students.

·  Ms. Landis asked for the H&S’s help providing snacks for the 11th graders during the PSSA testing. She is looking for ideas for healthy snacks for the 450+ students for 3-4 days.

·  Questions concerning the Junior class trip should be sent to Mr. Sussman or Ms. Janssen.

·  Information for next year: If the budget allows, the PSAT may be given to all 10th and 11th graders during the school day. Results from this test help to recommend students with AP potential. It also increases the chance for all students to take the test. Because of these test results, an AP Psychology class has been added for next year.

·  The Graduation project is intended to be an extension of learning outside the classroom.

·  The teachers are working very hard this year – Thank a teacher!

School Board Report – Marijane Barbone

·  The budget for the 2010-2011 school year is in the planning phase. All parents are encouraged to stay informed. The budget proposal is online, and there is a potential for cuts this year. Buildings have been working to cut their budgets. Parent awareness is important.

·  The Data-Portfolio is online and hard copies are in the buildings. This portfolio contains statistics on the district.

·  Negotiations with the teachers are ongoing. They are also now working with the support staff. Negotiations are still cordial.

Post Prom Report – Carole Staats/Sherry Cain Ordway/Nancy Turner

The Post Prom fundraiser is February 5. Approximately 300 tickets have been sold. The next meeting will be held February 18.

Upcoming dates:

February 25-27 – Musical “The Secret Garden”

March 4 – Home & School Mtg. – 7:00pm Library

March 4 – Fashion Show – 7:00pm Café

March 5 – “Mr. Methacton” – 7:00pm Auditorium

March18 – College Planning – 7:00pm Auditorium

March 25 – Blood Drive – 7:00am-9:00pm – Main Gym

April 2-5 – No School – Spring Break!

Next Home & School Meeting – March 4, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.