Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:  The meeting of the General Membership was called to order at 7:36 PM.   Cary Sweeney, President, led the Pledge of Allegiance.   (24 attendees)

Program: Teachers Shirley Gibson, Greg Lance, Brian Schlaak, and Pam Seligman came to talk about the progress of the SLC program, and ongoing planning for expanding it. Pam & Shirley had recently visited 2 schools in metropolitan New York where SLCs have been successfully implemented. They reported that they observed: a greater sense of personalization and more sense of responsibility on the part of the kids, not only for themselves; they were also eager to share with their peers. The students' 4 year-portfolios, full of specific assignments and large projects, provided a concrete form of assessment; and kids throughout the school expressed confidence in what they were doing.

Pam commented that there were lots of other visitors on this trip, from Los Angeles and other locations; but all of them were administrators; only Hillsdale sent teachers on this trip.   Another distinction at Hillsdale is that all of our faculty members have the opportunity to get involved in the SLC reform, not just new or young teachers.   Collaboration time among teachers was built into the HHS model from inception; teachers here were empowered in making hiring decisions and setting higher standards for students.   Both our representatives felt encouraged, and said they didn't see anything we couldn't do, or weren't already and could do better.

Based on the model for whole school reform, new Learning Academies will be created for next year's junior class, while this year's "initiates" move up to the sophomore level, and new students come into the existing freshman houses.   Thus, three of our classes will be participating in SLC next year; by the following year, the entire school will be operating on the new model.   There are lots of decisions to be made over the next several weeks, so a large number of meetings are scheduled for the SLC Committee, faculty, parents, et al.   Parents are encouraged to check the web site for specific meeting dates: http://www.hillsdalehigh.com/slc/slccalendar.html.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Dec 8, 2003 PTSO general meeting were read and approved by majority vote.

Treasurer's Report:   Toni Johnson presented the financial statement for December 9, 2003 - January 12, 2004.   The opening balance was $4550.21.   Expenses for the period reported totaled $398.40, with specific expenses as follow:   $240 for Courier Postage; $58.40 for Courier printing; $100 refunded to the Athletic Boosters for a portion of the Tom Mohr gift donation.   Interest income on our account amounted to $0.44; deposits totaled $100, representing a contribution from the Music Boosters for the Tom Mohr gift.   The Budget to Actual balance remained in the black, with a net balance of $4252.25.   Janine Wrightson said she thought the Athletic Boosters had intended to leave that $100 with the PTSO, and would bring it up for discussion at their January 13th meeting.   The Treasurer's report was approved by majority vote.  

Toni then recommended the PTSO amend our budget, to increase the allotment for Courier expenses by $150, because we are printing & mailing more newsletters this year.   Toni also requested a release of $200 for Courier immediate expenses.   Motions were made to amend the budget by $150 and to release an additional $200 for Courier expenses; both passed by majority vote.  

Principal's Report:   Bob Kayne is overhauling the HHS web site; next month it will have a green strip to advertise Hillsdale Shopping Center, our partner/sponsor. PTSO members are invited to submit ideas for other web postings to Don Leydig. Don had just written an article for the Courier; regarding upcoming academic standards changes in the district & at HHS: He also recapped the list of scheduled SLC planning meetings and said if more are needed, they'll be scheduled accordingly. Parents who can't attend the meetings or who want to ensure their questions are addressed can submit their questions in advance to him: dleydig@smuhsd.k12.ca.us .

January's SMUHSD Board meeting will focus on setting higher standards for all students; for example, changing the social science requirements, because CA standards for the exit exam are pushing it.   HHS can actually accommodate these changing standards more easily than the other district schools, as we're already on the path to do so.   One of the big considerations is depth over breadth (which we've generally emphasized) versus breadth over depth.   The 7-period day [implemented for freshman, with SLCs] is helping us.   We've managed to push some basketball games back to start later, so that student athletes won't miss so much class time; the Board is looking at doing this across the district.

We're still looking at doing a modified traditional schedule; as is Abbott; Don is going to talk to some other middle schools, too.   (Aug. 23 = 1 st day of school; maze day the wk before).  

Mr. Leydig suggested we might try emailing &/or web posting of the Courier; this could save the PTSO about $1000 next year.   Some discussion ensued, and there was agreement that we need to offer families a choice, so that folks who want hard copy mailed can still get it.

President's Report: Cary had received a request from the Robotics Club for financial support, to allow a 2 nd team to enter the Silicon Valley Robotics Competition (SVRC); the deadline to register is this month (January).   In the past, we've contributed some monies via student enrichment grants. There are 4 - 6 students on a team, at a cost of $1870 per team; the parents of team members cover most of the expenses.   The Robotics Club is decidedly extracurricular, not connected to any class; it tends to attract science enthusiasts, and pursues its activities primarily on weekends.   [You can view their web page: http://www.hillsdalehigh.com/student_activities/robotics/index.htm.]   A motion was made to donate $700 to the effort, with the condition that if they don't form a second team or can't raise the balance of needed funds for the SVRC, this amount will come back to the PTSO.   There was one vocal dissenter to the motion, which passed by majority vote.

Cary passed out flyers from Jean Fiske, regarding summer enrichment programs and the recently redesigned Career Center web pages on the HHS site:   http://www.hillsdalehigh.com/careercenter/index.html.  

Drama Boosters: no report.

Music Boosters: Tricia Woodley reported that there were 5 great concerts in December, all of which were well attended.   All HHS musical groups will be participating in competitions over the next two months.

Athletic Boosters:  Janine Wrightson urged us all to attend the January 31st Ultimate Tailgate Party.   This fundraiser features all you can eat, all you can drink, a Super Bowl pool, a night away from your kids, and more, for $50/person.

Dance Boosters: (No report.)

AKOTT:   Liz Wiegand & Janine Wrightson reported that 1 st prize will be $1000, 2 nd prize will be a Starbucks espresso machine, and 3 rd prize will be a cordless keyboard and mouse.   January 27 is the date for envelope-stuffing; AKOTT will be on 3/27, 6:00 PM, at the Foster City Recreation center, celebrating a South of the Border theme.

Membership:   (No report.)

Hospitality :   (No report.)

New Business:   Outstanding Service awards are in March; so we need to nominate people. A nominating committee must be formed, but since no one volunteered, we'll send an email to solicit.

Barnes & Noble at Hillsdale Shopping Center is hosting a book fair on Feb.7, 12PM - 4 PM. Go shop for books to be donated to the HHS library.

Old Business:  Peggy reported that she'd keyed the existing by-laws from hard copy into an electronic file.   It is believed that section 9/membership dues needs revision; and there was a question as to whether we need to revise the section regarding insurance?   Cary replied that this does need revision, and commented that organizations having functions (especially if alcohol is served) have needed to self-insure; we also need to self-audit.   She added, all sections of the by-laws need review.  

Closing: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:26PM.   The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 PM

Respectfully submitted by,
Christina Reynolds
Recording Secretary