Westbrook High School

Next PTSO meeting - January 31, 2011 7 p.m.

Upcoming dates:

March- English Students visiting

Respectfully submitted,

Becky Honan

PTSO Meeting Minutes- September 27, 2010

Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. 29 parents, students, and staff present

Minutes accepted from May 2010 meeting

Treasurers report Beginning account balance $2,209.18

Income $1,140.00

No expenses

-----------------------

Balance $ 3,349.18

New motions: Increase scholarship amount to 2 @ $500.00 each, motion accepted and unanimously approved. Motion to decrease class breakfast budgets to $75.00 each accepted and unanimously approved. Motions to formally adopt teacher, janitor, and Career/Health day luncheon expenses as part of the PTSO budget all accepted and unanimously approved. Motion to add student directory copying expenses to budget accepted and unanimously approved. We hope to have directory ready for next meeting.

Superintendent report- Good start to school. New staff -IT supervisor Ben Russell and Business Manager Leslie Wysocki. Possible upcoming exchange program with British High School and sister school in China, details to follow. Professional development this year to focus on 21^St century technology skills- smart boards etc.

Principal’s report- New staff at WHS- Health teacher Ms. Sumecki, Science teacher Mrs. McDonald, and Language teacher Ms. Sidorova. Open house 2^nd day of school. Suggestions sought for new format for open house, please contact Mr. Hale with any thoughts.. Pictures also taken first week of school- and are already in. Mr. Hale spoke a bit about CAPT scores being somewhat down from previous year.

Marti White from the Board of education provided some further details regarding the possible British exchange program. Students would be from the Buxwood School and would stay with host families for one month in March of 2011. Host families may be needed, preferably those with ninth grade students. Details are being discussed.

BOE report- Joe Campbell spoke about the upcoming budget process. Looking at a very lean budget per the Board of Finance. Look for upcoming date for “Boardwalk”- BOE members walking the track and are available for questions, compliments, and discussion

Will try to co-ordinate with a home soccer game. BOE needs PTSO volunteer to be liaison for meetings. See any BOE member for details.

Halloween Dance- Brian Krafty gave details about a dance scheduled at the High School for October 29, 2010. Needed: 2-3 parent chaperones, 2-3 teacher chaperones $25.00 PTSO donation to get the process started. Motion to donate funds for decorations accepted and unanimously approved.

Upcoming blood drive Wed. November 10, 2010. Student volunteers are needed to assist Red Cross. Students must be 17 to donate blood.

Fundraising: Avon fundraiser to help fund project graduation. To participate please visit

www.youravon.com/pgracey enter code: PROJECTGRAD 2011. Please contact Pam Gracey with any questions at graceypamela@sbcglobal.net. Additional fundraisers upcoming include an “After Taxes” community shred opportunity and the 2nd Annual

Semi-formal Dress sale, both are scheduled for the spring. Ecophone fundraiser continues. Drop boxes in WHS and the Town Hall. Please contact Julie Blum with any questions 860-399-2499.

Field Knight- Seniors Corey Thomas, Harlan Touissant, and Dom Panico are planning a school lock-in event following a home basketball game for their senior project. Details to follow and parent support will be needed.

Diana Burns a third grade teacher at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School is participating in a Principal Internship program this year. As part of the program she must complete a school improvement program for the district. After much research she found an anti-bullying program called Rachel’s Challenge. She called on the WHSPTSO to help fund this program. A motion to approve a $500 donation was accepted and unanimously approved. Please visit www.rachelschallenge.com for more details or contact Diana Burns with questions or to contribute at her Daisy website.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Program -Following the meeting representatives from the various clubs and organizations from WHS gave highlights and overviews about the purpose and activities of their organization. Please visit the school website for written descriptions of these worthy groups.

Next PTSO meeting - November 22, 2010 7 p.m.

Upcoming dates:

10/12/10 BOE meeting

10/15/10 Freshman to Camp Hazen

10/16/10 PSAT’s

10/27/10 Band/Choir concert

10/28/10 ASVAB testing for Juniors

10/29/10 Professional Development Day/Halloween dance

11/3/10 Healthy Lifestyles Day

11/4/10 Acoustic café

11/5/10 1st Quarter ends

11/6/10 CMEA Regional Auditions

11/10/10 Blood Drive

11/12/10-11/13/10 Father of the Bride

11/18/10 Parent Conferences

12/2/10 Financial aid night

Respectfully submitted,

Becky Honan

Westbrook High School PTSO meeting minutes 5/24/10
Cheryl Blum called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.  11 Parents/Students/Faculty present
Irena Fredrickson presented Treasurers Report
Balance $2,611.48
Activity since last meeting
Withdrawals
$37.91 Junior Class breakfast
$93.27 Sophomore Class breakfast
$35.73 Freshman Class breakfast
$130.81 Teacher appreciation lunch
$350.00 High School Bowl Buzzer System
Expenses to come: 2 $300.00 scholarships
The Principal’s report included information highlighting school activities both upcoming and past, especially the successful opening of the Season’s Credit Union branch.  The Sophomore and Freshman breakfasts all went off without a hitch and were enjoyed by all.  The H.S. bowl team made it to the finals but lost, despite a solid team effort. He spoke about some of the on-going 50^th anniversary celebrations, including the Hall of Fame’s new 11 inductees.      
The minutes from the previous meeting were unanimously accepted.
The prom gown collection sale, despite a very rainy day, netted $155.00 The Eco-phone collection raised about $90.00 for the year.
Many thanks to the parents who will no longer have children in our schools next year, for many years of faithful service to the PTSO and to Westbrook Schools.
Approved slate of officers for next year:
Mary Ella Luft and Wilda Lohutko- Co-chairs
Lisa LaMontangue- Treasurer/Membership
Becky Honan- Secretary
Meeting adjourned 7:39
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Honan

PTSO Meeting Minutes 3 -29-10 

NOTE: Due to a concern that there may be flooding in the area of the high school, the meeting location was changed to Daisy Ingraham School.Cheryl Blum called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.  26 Parents/Students/Faculty present
Irena Fredrickson presented Treasurers Report
Balance $3,259.20
Activity since last meeting
Withdrawals:
$31.44 – additional bill for Career Day
$40.00 – Senior Class Breakfast
Superintendent Charles presented an interesting and in depth presentation on the upcoming budget. She spoke of the challenging process and asked for parent support at the May vote. 
The Principal’s report included information highlighting school activities both upcoming and past, especially the musical, the band trip and the ongoing progress of the Season’s Credit Union branch.  He also spoke about the change from seven periods to eight next year. This will allow health to be added for all students during the school day. The Senior and Junior breakfasts all went off without a hitch and were enjoyed by all.        
Megan Lohutko presented information on a recent leadership conference attended by several members of student council. This overnight conference allowed our student leaders to network with other student leaders from across the state. The themes of the conference were effective communication, and the appreciation and celebration of diversity.
The prom gown collection continues, and a distribution date of May 7^th has been set.
A unanimous vote was made to purchase new High School Bowl equipment using PTSO funds as the aging and often temperamental existing equipment is inadequate for the needs of this hardworking and dedicated group of students.
Jill Britton presented an update on the slate of Early College Experience courses available to WHS students. She presented informative and surprising statistics comparing both the number of courses available and the number of students participating, to other schools offering ECE courses.  WHS offers 13 courses compared with an average of 5 at other schools with ECE programs. Additionally 85 different students participate in the ECE programs at WHS compared with an average of 50 at other ECE schools.  Meeting adjourned at 8:35.
Upcoming Class Breakfasts
Freshman breakfast – May 12^th
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Honan  

 PTSO Meeting Monday, February 8, 2010 

Cheryl Blum called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.  13 Parents/Students/Faculty present

Irena Fredrickson presented Treasurers Report
Balance $3,330.64 
Activity since last meeting
Deposits
$15.00 – 1 paid membership

Superintendent Charles presented an interesting and in depth presentation on the upcoming budget. She spoke of the challenging process and asked for parent support at the March Board of Education meeting.   

The Principal’s report included information on Strategic School Profiles, which compare our district and school as compared with the state averages. It also highlighted the ongoing progress of the Season’s Credit Union, which will give the business students hands-on experience at this special bank branch. The Superintendent’s Awards have been awarded to seniors Megan Pielli and Brendan Mansey, and eighth grader Morgan Wilderman. His report also included information on changes to the Board of Education. Reagan Krane after serving on the board for six years has stepped down. The available position will be filled by Pat Labbadia. Recently Mr. Hale presented information at the CABE conference about the efficiencies that our district has experienced through the use of electronic communication tools.

      
Joe Campbell shared the ongoing training the BOE members have completed. He spoke of the twelve modules of training that they will continue to complete over the next two years. This training will help the board discern their best way to assist the town and schools.

Megan Lohutko presented information on plans for an upcoming OS/W dance to be held at the Elks club. More information to follow.

Tuesday May 4^th a lunch will be given to the staff in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day.

The prom gown collection continues, and a tentative distribution date of May 7^th has been set.

Lyn Connery gave a follow up on the activities of the Assets Development and YAT group. An interest survey was given to the 5-12 graders to probe areas of most interest to them. She also complimented our town on our great community support. Two students Jade Nardi and Ben Doran have joined the Park and Rec board.

Upcoming Class Breakfasts
Freshman breakfast – May 12^th
Sophomore breakfast- April 28^th
Junior breakfast- March 24^th

Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Honan 

PTSO Meeting – Monday, November 23, 2009 

Meeting called to order at 7:02

The meeting began with the superintendent’s report as Dr. Charles had to attend another meeting.  She shared the district and school Strategic School Profile and discussed the board goals and school improvement plans that are under development.  She reviewed the recent CABE conference and updated attendees on the new Board of Education configuration.  Reagan Krane has left the board, choosing not to seek another term, and Pat Labaddia has been elected to his former seat.  Maureen Westbrook and Lee Bridgewater were reelected to the board

Minutes of the September meeting were approved

Treasurer Irena Fredrickson reported a balance of $3315.64

Mr. Hale reported on school events since the last meeting and gave an overview of upcoming events.

                Dec 2^nd – Financial Aid Night

                Dec. 17^th – Band and Choir – Small Groups Concert

                Dec. 23^rd – Early Dismissal and Annual Holiday Assembly

                January 13-14, 19-20  Exams

Joe Campbell reported for the Board of Education and highlighted

                Faythe Papp – in recognition of her running for the Board of Education

                The Iowa Lighthouse Study the board has become involved with

                School Improvement Plans under development

Heard a review of the PTSO involvement with Career Day

Discussed ways a high school directory can be provided next year.  Mr. Hale will look into modifying the information form to allow parents to opt out of publication.

Kim Chiarito reported on the Board of Ed Communication Subcommittee meeting

Discussed Flu Absenteeism which has returned to normal levels since a high around ten percent during October.

Discussed the possibility of adding to the Student Activities part of the school website to provide more information for parents and students.

Following the meeting Lyn Connery presented about the Asset Development Model and the recent Community Conversation.Robert Hale, Principal

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

 Westbrook High School PTSO meeting, 9/21/09
Cheryl Blum called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.  30 Parents/Students/Faculty present
Two thank you notes shared for scholarships given last year in the amount of $300.00 each. PTSO is looking for a student council representative to attend PTSO meetings.
Irena Fredrickson presented Treasurers Report
Balance $3,408.15 - 68 paid memberships
Activity since last meeting (4/18/09)
Withdrawals
$600 on 2- $300 scholarships
$100 donation to First Congregational Church of Guilford in memory of Taylor Jillson
$106.00 Retirement gift for Kathy Pfaff
$30.95 for Sophomore Breakfast
$39.45 for Freshman Breakfast
Deposits
$228.39 from band concert proceeds
$1,020.00 – 68 paid memberships
Superintendent Charles noted that the year is off to a good start. She spoke about district preparedness for the affect H1N1 may have.  Students will be shown a video highlighting common sense safety precautions to help keep our students and staff healthy. Parents are asked to keep any student home who has a fever and have that student be fever free for 24 hours before he or she returns to school. Vaccine information is still forthcoming. Teachers are being asked to keep their websites up to date so that ill students can keep up.
Mr. Hale spoke of a smooth opening, and asked for parent input on the early timing of the Open House and school pictures. He noted good attendance at the Open House and mentioned that the early timing of pictures meant that fewer make-ups would be necessary since student absence is so low at the beginning of the year. Summer reading discussions went well. Two students recognized for state leadership in Student Council and National Honor Society. New computer reading intervention program introduced this year. He also noted that this year is the 50th anniversary of WHS- watch for special events.
Joe Campbell spoke about the 3 year Board of Education goals and the new mission statement. Educate-Challenge-Inspire. The new goals can be found on the district website through the BOE link. PTSO appointed Kim Chiarito as liaison to BOE communication meetings.
Career day October 28^th.  PTSO provides breakfast and lunch for teachers and presenters
Class breakfast dates have been set and volunteers lined up to coordinate and serve
Freshman breakfast – May 12^th
Sophomore breakfast- April 28^th
Junior breakfast- March 24^th
Senior breakfast- February 10^th
Sophomore Sarah Luft spoke about the progress of the ECO-phone and ink cartridge collections. So far these two collections have raised about $30, two bins one in school other in town hall.
Environmental Club spoke about the progress of their recycling program. All going very well- to continue they will need $89.72 to purchase plastic bins. Motion made, seconded, and all in favor to give the club the funds from the PTSO budget.
Possible fundraising ideas discussed- more discussion at next meeting.
Meeting finished with a presentation on Face book by Tomiko Gold from Paul and Lisa.  Special emphasis on importance of keeping personal information private.
Respectfully submitted,
 

Rebecca Honan 

____________________________________________________________________Westbrook High School PTSO/Minutes for Monday, May 18, 2009
Members Present: Shelley Wilson, Cheryl Blum, Bob Hale, Mary Ella Luft, Megan Lohutko, Lisa LeMontegue, Wilda Lohutko, Kiki Hagemeister, Carolyn Vallee, Joe Campbell, Debbie Strukus, Pat Charles.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes posted on website.  An e-mail from Faythe Papp, thanking Irena for the meeting reminders and the Board members for their volunteerism, was read.  Faythe also inquired about the PTSO putting together a student directory.
Treasurer’s Report: Balance of $3036.16.  Since last meeting (3/30/09): Deposits-none were made during that period; Expenditures-$27.60 (Sr. Class Breakfast), $53.24 (Junior Class Breakfast), $143.13 (Teacher Appreciation Lunch).  Anticipated expenditures for this year: Sophomore Class breakfast, Freshman Class breakfast, an appreciation gift for Kathy Pfaff, 2 Senior scholarship awards ($300.00 each), Sunshine expenditures, graduating parents’ recognitions (if approved).
Superintendent’s Report: There will be a drill in the lower Valley to distribute antibiotics to key staff members in the event of a flu outbreak.  Rules governing raffles that are conducted by parent groups/organizations were discussed and clarified.
Principal’s Report: During the 2009-2010 school year WHS will be celebrating its 50h year anniversary.  Upcoming events: Memorial Day program (5/23), Memorial Day parade (5/25), Freshman breakfast (5/27), Academic Awards (6/3), Athletic Awards (6/4), Final Exams (June 18,19,22,23), Graduation (6/23).
Board of Education Report:  Joe Campbell reported that Graduation would be on June 23.  He also thanked us because the budget passed.  Westbrook has hired a new business manager, Charles McWilliams.
Student Council Report: Megan Lohutko was tonight’s Student Council Representative.  There will not be a dance held with Old Saybrook High School this spring.
Committees
Hospitality-Maribeth Malhotra: No report
Class Breakfasts-Kim Chiarito, Maribeth Malhotra (Senior class, February 11, 2009); Shelley Wilson, Sandy Forest, Maria Cusano (Junior class, March 25, 2009); Cheryl Blum, Maria Cusano (Sophomore class, April 29, 2009); Kim Chiarito, Wilda Lohutko (Freshmen Class, May 27, 2009): Contact a chairperson to volunteer.
Teacher Appreciation Day-Kim Chiarito (May 2009): A luncheon was served; it went well.
Fundraisers
EcoPhones: Student coordinators-Julie Blum (399-2499) and Sarah Luft (399-1247).  Bins and posters are in the High School, where 62 items have been collected.  Bins will also be sent to the Middle School and Daisy Ingraham Elementary School.
New Business
WHS PTSO Executive Board is looking for a Secretary.
A gift for for $100.00 was approved for Kathy Pfaff.
Student Rock Band (June 12, 7:30-10:30pm) will be held in the auditorium.  Volunteers are needed to sell tickets.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:40 pm
Raffle Results: Faythe Papp ($50 gift certificate to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse), Wilda Lohutko ($25 GC to Bel Fiore), and Debbie Strutkus (GC to Edd’s Place)
Next meeting: September 21, 2009 at 7:00pm in the HS Library
Respectfully Submitted,
Carolyn Vallee
(cvallee@comcast.net)
 

Westbrook High School PTSO/Minutes for Monday, March 30, 2009
Meeting called to order: 7:02pm
Members Present: Irena Frederickson, Shelley Wilson, Cheryl Blum, Bob Hale, Sandy Forest, Mary Ella Luft, Megan Lohutko, Lisa LeMontegue, Wilda Lohutko, Alex Lawton, Faythe Papp, Lisa Benisvy, Kiki Hagemeister, Carolyn Vallee, Sarah Luft, Maria Cusano, Amanda Strukus, Debbie Strukus, Pat Charles.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes on table, no correspondence; minutes posted on website
Treasurer’s Report: Balance of $3260.13.  Since last meeting (2/9/09): Deposits-$177.00 from Game Night/Expenditures-$959.00 for document camera and cart.
Superintendent’s Report: New budget has a .94% increase, which does not cover contracts and obligations so cuts will be necessary.  April 6^th is the Town Hearing; April 27^th is the Town Meeting where the budget is accepted for the town wide referendum in May.  It is also not possible to refinance the town’s debt to reflect today’s lower interest rates.  Westbrook also received two grants: one to create a job in the Special Ed department and a $178,000.00 grant for support and technology development.
Principal’s Report: The following events occurred during February and March: Senior Breakfast, Game Night, NAEP Testing, CAPT Testing, “Hello Dolly”, Band Concert, and Music Dept. trip to New York City, the drama dept. Broadway trip, Junior Breakfast, Blood Drive (WHS collected 20 more pints than projected!!!).
Upcoming events are: Scholarship Workshop, Hartford College Fair, College Night Program, CAS Arts Awards, Sophomore Breakfast, CAS Scholar Athlete Awards, Teacher Appreciation Day, WHS Band & Choral Program, WHS Jr/Sr Prom, Freshmen Breakfast, Athletic and Academic Awards, Final Exams and, finally, Graduation on June 23^rd.
During the 2009-2010 school year WHS will be celebrating its 50h year anniversary.
Board of Education Report:  No report
Student Council Report: Alex Lawton was tonight’s Student Council Representative.  There was a scheduling conflict for the dance to be held w/ Old Saybrook.  It was rescheduled for May.  Student Council members helped w/ the Blood Drive by making sandwiches and escorting donors.  On April 29^th, the Student Council will be sponsoring Field Day/ Battle of the Bands.
Committees
Hospitality-Maribeth Malhotra: No report
Class Breakfasts-Kim Chiarito, Maribeth Malhotra (Senior class, February 11, 2009); Shelley Wilson, Sandy Forest, Maria Cusano (Junior class, March 25, 2009); Cheryl Blum, Maria Cusano (Sophomore class, April 29, 2009); Kim Chiarito, Wilda Lohutko (Freshmen Class, May 20, 2009): Contact a chairperson to volunteer.
Teacher Appreciation Day-Kim Chiarito (May 2009): Teacher Appreciation Week is 5/4-5/8; teacher luncheon is Wednesday, May 6, 2009.  No report.
Fundraisers
Video Game Night: very successful; brought in $177.00.
EcoPhones: Student coordinators-Julie Blum (399-2499) and Sarah Luft (399-1247).  EcoPhones, a Texas organization, pays for old electronics (cell phones, printers, etc.)  There are no shipping costs for the school.
New Business
Student Rock Band concert: set a new date in the future
WHS PTSO Executive Board is looking for a Secretary.
May 18^th meeting-“Darkness Into Light”, an internet safety program presented by Paul & Lisa

 Meeting Adjourned: 7:55 pm
Raffle Results: Outback Restaurant-Sandy Forest/Edd’s Place-Faythe Papp
Next meeting: May 18, 2009 at 7:00pm in the HS Library
Respectfully Submitted,
Carolyn Vallee
(cvallee@comcast.net)

Westbrook High School PTSO/Minutes for Monday, February 9, 2009

Meeting called to order: 7:05pm
 

Members Present: Irena Frederickson, Shelley Wilson, Cheryl Blum, Bob Hale, Kim Chiarito, Sandy Forest, Pat Moran, Mary Ella Luft, Megan Lohutko, Lisa LeMontegue, Wilda Lohutko, Alex Lawton, Linda Lawton, Hilary Loftus, Faythe Papp, Lisa Benisvy, Heidi Toussaint, Kiki Hagemeister, Ellen Krafty.
 

Secretary’s Report: No report; minutes posted on website
 

Treasurer’s Report: Balance of $4,042.13.  Since last meeting (11/24/08): Deposits-$389.00 from the December band concert/Expenditures-$199.40 ($89.04 custodians’ luncheon, $110.36 Cool Schools Breakfast and Healthy Lifestyle Day).
 

Superintendent’s Report: Read by Cheryl Blum.  See Superintendent's Report below.

Principal’s Report: NAPE testing for seniors the week after February vacation, CAPT testing for sophomores and select juniors.  Other students will be delayed 2 hours on testing days.  Great exchange concert w/ East Lyme, Lebanon and Westbrook on Friday.  Two trips to New York City in March; music department to do a Florida trip every 4 years.  Bridget Galiger won the Oratorical Contest.  Model UN went to Hartford last weekend for a mock exercise.  AlertNow system is activated.  Security system is in the process of being installed.  WHS hosted two Chinese principals; two Chinese students will be staying with us for the next 18 months.
 

Board of Education Report:  Superintendent Pat Charles is scheduled to present next year’s proposed budget to BOE at next meeting (2/10)
 

Student Council Report: Alex Lawton was tonight’s Student Council Representative.  There was a scheduling conflict for the dance to be held w/ Old Saybrook.  It was rescheduled for March.
 

Committees
Hospitality-Maribeth Malhotra: No report
Class Breakfasts-Kim Chiarito, Maribeth Malhotra (Senior class, February 11, 2009); Shelley Wilson, Sandy Forest, Maria Cusano (Junior class, March 25, 2009); Cheryl Blum, Maria Cusano (Sophomore class, April 29, 2009); Kim Chiarito, Wilda Lohutko (Freshmen Class, May 20, 2009): Contact a chairperson to volunteer.
Teacher Appreciation Day-Kim Chiarito (May 2009): Teacher Appreciation Week is 5/4-5/8; teacher luncheon is Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
Fundraisers
Student Rock Band (12/5) from 8-10:30pm at the MS cafetorium; could’ve used one more teacher (scheduled teacher cancelled). Kids very well behaved.
Video Game Night to be held on 2/27/09 from 7-10pm (note date change); Still need parent volunteers, only 10 parents signed up so far.  Cheryl would like parents there 6:30-10:00.  Thanks to all who donated prizes.  Mr. Hale suggested using the Home-Ec room for refreshments instead of the cafeteria.
Tanger Bucks-WHS PTSO is still on the waiting list for Tanger Outlets; Faythe Papp will look into a fundraising program at Clinton Crossings.
 

Old Business
Prom Expo Profits: A document camera (similar to an overhead projector) w/ cart has been purchased for the faculty at a cost of $959.00.
 

New Business
EcoPhones fundraiser-EcoPhones, a Texas organization, pays for old electronics (cell phones, printers, etc.)  Julie Blum will find a collection spot.  There are no shipping costs for the school.
Someone suggested the HS PTSO publish a student directory like Daisy and the Middle School do to generate membership.
March 30^th meeting-Michelle Hammond will present a curriculum overview.
May 18^th meeting-the PTSO would like to gather and present info about summer volunteer opportunities.
Other program ideas-“Darkness Into Light”, a safety program presented by Paul & Lisa
Project Graduation is having Cold Hands, Warm Soup at Westbrook Fire Dept. on 2/10 at 5-8pm; admission is $5.00.
 

Meeting Adjourned: 7:55 pm
Next meeting: March 30, 2009 at 7:00pm in the HS Library
 

I would like to thank Irena Frederickson for taking the minutes at this meeting in my absence.
-cvallee

Respectfully Submitted,
Carolyn Vallee
(cvallee@comcast.net)

PTSO Superintendent Report
2009-2010 Budget - The superintendent’s budget will be presented at the Board of Education meeting tomorrow night.  Over the next 4 weeks the Board will make changes to the budget.  A public session is set for February 24.  Come voice your opinion February 10 and 24!  The Board’s final decisions will be made on March 10, 2009.  The budget then moves to the town finance committee. Now is the time for your input about programs and services.
AlertNow Messages – You are well aware of the new AlertNow notification system.  We are going to be doing a staff announcement and a parent announcement separately so that the parent call can come in a little later. We will also be doing the message in different languages for our students who do not have English as their primary language.
Technology Plan – We are in the process of completing a 3-Year Technology Plan required by the state.  We are looking carefully at the equity issues at the schools, the replacement cycles of equipment, ensuring that we provide the proper technical support to address the computer and network demands of our school system, and assessing the skills of students and staff to ensure that our graduate have the 21^st century skills that will be expected of them.