Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:  The meeting of the General Membership was called to order at 7:40 PM.  Liz Wiegand, President, led the Pledge of Allegiance.  She then briefly introduced the PTSO Board members who were present.  Forty members signed in on the Attendance sheet.

Program:  Sam Johnson, SMUHSD Superintendent addressed the assembly, and talked about proposed academic goals for the district, which align with what we already have in place at HHS.  Mr. Johnson said he and the Board were very pleased with the Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) work at HHS.  Additionally, HHS has served as a pilot for pushing athletics to after school (a.k.a., period 7), something which Mr. Johnson believes is of great value to our student athletes.

The $234 million- worth of construction that was approved by the voters of the district a few years was really just the beginning of planned facilities improvements for the District.  In fact, $234 million was not enough to complete all the necessary work.  The Board will bring another proposal back to the district for a vote next year, to get additional funds to finish the job.   

Mr. Johnson is most concerned about the school financial structure in CA; SMUHSD is community-funded.  The revenue limit for this district is $7000; property tax revenue in excess of that can stay in the district.  We’ve gotten enough of an increase from rising property tax revenues to cover raises for teachers, cut $7 million from the District budget, and have “dodged a bullet” for 2 years, now.  District enrollment this year is increased by about 100 students, but not $1 more comes into the district from the state.  The population should crest next year, then start declining again in 2 years.   Sam thinks we’ll be “just fine, if we can avoid the loss of basic aid, and get it off the table.”  We can still attract the best and brightest of teachers; but we need to be able to keep them, long term.

Sam mentioned the Board is in no hurry to change boundaries within the District, especially in Foster City, because they see that the enrollment will start decreasing in a few years.  He’s reviewing the demographics with a consultant, but he thinks it unlikely the boundaries will change.

Parent volunteers are needed, Mr. Johnson reminded us; when parents participate in the school system, their kids do better.  He encouraged all of us to engage in and attend events here at the school.  The teacher peer evaluation system, which has been in place about 5 years at Hillsdale, seeks to weed out less than great teachers early on, before they get tenured.  The administrators here are committed to retaining only stellar teachers. 

Mr. Johnson concluded, “This is a very good district.  We are going to push the system, and make it a great district.”

Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the May 10, 2004 PTSO general meeting were read and approved by voice vote.  They will be posted on the HHS web site (as are minutes of all general meetings of the PTSO) at http://www.hillsdalehigh.com/organizations/ptsominutes.html.

Treasurer’s Report:  Lois Darbonne presented the treasurer’s report for May 11-June 30, 2004, which was prepared by Toni Johnston, PTSO Treasurer for the 2003-04 school year (ended June 30, 2004).  The beginning balance was $8666.64. Expenditures for the period totaled $6,591.64, including Courier Postage + other expenses ($427.10), 5 scholarships ($1000), Wish List ($4200.00), Teacher Appreciation Luncheon expenses ($367.84), Outstanding Service Award Expenses ($271.70), Library Donation ($175), and Bulk Mail Permit ($150).  Total deposits for the period amounted to $111.14, including donations ($110) and interest ($1.14).  The ending balance for the period and for the year was $2186.14.  This Treasurer’s Report was approved by voice vote.

Lois also presented the report for the period July 1-September 13, 2004.  The opening balance was $2186.14.  There were no expenditures during this period.  Deposits included PTSO Memberships plus additional donations (collected on Maze Day) for $5,515.00, and Interest Income of $0.38, for net deposits of $5,515.38. The ending balance was $$7,701.52. A question was raised with regard to the Wish List, which was approved and funds released at the May 10th meeting.  The final list will be posted on the HHS web site.  The Treasurer’s Report for Sept. 13 was approved by voice vote.

Lois also presented the Proposed Budget for the 2004-2005 year.  The beginning balance and postage carryovers amounted to $2236; membership revenues, individual donations, fundraising (AKOTT) and interest income were projected at $12,514; thus, projecting a total income of $14,750.  Operating expenses were estimated at $5600, and funding for the student agenda (including Outstanding Service Awards, Career Day, Staff Wish List, Student Enrichment Grants, Scholarships, etc.) and programs were projected at $ 9,150; for total expenses of $14,750.  The proposed budget was approved by voice vote.

Finally, Lois requested a release of funds, at $40 for each of 18 new staff, to help them purchase classroom supplies.  The request was also approved by voice vote.

Principal’s Report:  Don Leydig opened with thanks to the volunteers who worked on the Back-to-School luncheon, then commented on the progress of the HHS construction project, which was not quite on target, but not far behind. 

Mr. Leydig then turned our attention to the goals of higher academic achievement for Hillsdale students, and said we’re getting great support from the District.  More specific goals for this year include the implementation of 10th grade SLC, and the planning of the program for upper division (juniors/seniors), which will be implemented next year.  He invited parents to participate in that planning.  Another Hillsdale innovation, Senior Exhibitions will be expanded this year, in that every faculty member will become a mentor.  

This year’s freshman class numbers 350, and the total student body is now at 1300.  Don considers this ironic, since we’ve always been hoping for more students; now, we’d like to have 30-40 fewer freshmen.  We are, in fact, overloaded, so adjustments are being made.  We have 18 new teachers, who were attracted by SLC, and 12 student teachers from the Stanford University School of Education. 

Mr. Leydig said HHS test scores are not where we want them to be.  Hillsdale’s administration has previously not emphasized standardized testing, since we think there are other more important indicators of academic success; but recognizing the political importance of standardized tests, he said, we’ll work on that.

The Back-to-School dance attracted some 350 students, and there were 4 administrators plus 8-10 teachers to chaperone.  As there were reports of unauthorized visitors and a few drunken students, Mr. Leydig was put on the defense to explain how that could have happened.  Being the first week of school, there were no picture ID cards for students, and, he conceded, things were more lax than usual.  Some parents in attendance at this PTSO meeting were clearly dissatisfied, and he mentioned that others had suggested a parent committee or group be organized to assist in chaperoning the dances.  The next dance will be Halloween, in October, then Grid, in mid-November; and he assured parents there will be a breathalyzer at the door.  In the meantime, he said, he would love to sit down with parents and talk about this more, and he invited those who wished to continue the current discussion to do so after the adjournment of this meeting.

President’s Report:  Liz provided some background on herself, for those parents who did not already know her.  This is her third stint as a PTA/PTSO president in a San Mateo public school, and her fifth year as a HHS parent.  Liz shared with us a story about “Friends” that she’d received earlier in the day, invited us all to become friends to one another, challenged us to all share responsibility for raising our community’s children, and made a strong plea for assistance to the school and the PTSO this year.  She then introduced AKOTT Chair Janine Wrightson.

AKOTT: Janine explained the purpose and format of this annual event (15 year tradition), A Knight on the Town.  The evening is for adults only, and features food, dancing, and silent and live auctions to raise money for PTSO, athletic, drama, & music boosters.  We are not returning to the Foster City recreation center this year, and need a place with a capacity of 200-250, so anyone who has a suggestion or lead should contact her, as soon as possible.  The date for this year’s AKOTT is Friday, March 18.  We already have a caterer, auctioneer, and even some donated items.  Planning meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 PM, in room 110.  This year’s theme is, “A Knight under the Tuscan Moon”.

Drama Boosters:  Kim Krekel represented this parent group, which produces the performing arts productions at HHS.  They especially need help with set construction; if you’d like to help, please contact teacher/drama coach Howard Freiberg (hfreiberg@smuhsd.k12.ca.us or 558-5879).  The first production of the year is the Pajama Game, which debuts October 29.  Advertising space is available in the program.  Drama Booster meetings are at 7:00 PM, the third Tues of each month, room 110.

Music Boosters: Leslie Parent, Secretary, presented the report on behalf of Holly Miner, President.  She began with thanks to AKOTT for the generous contribution, last spring, which will help to fund an all department tour to Disneyland in spring 2005, tentatively set for March 16-19.  The Boosters and students together will host a number of fundraisers to cover half of the tour expenses; and the students/families are expected to pay the remainder. 

Athletic Boosters:  Janine stood in for President Tom Wrightson.  The first fundraiser of the year, the Classy Knights Car Show, was held on Sunday, September 12, and featured 150 cars.  Proceeds had not yet been fully tallied, but would be presented at the first Boosters meeting, September 14.  Janine explained that the school provides safety equipment, only, for sports teams, so the Boosters provide uniforms that students don’t keep and other needed equipment.  Their big fundraiser is the Ultimate Tailgate Party, January 29, at Beresford Rec Center.  

Dance Boosters:  Tina Marie Romo reported for this group, which supports the Dance Ensemble and Dance Team, both of which are coached by Sabrina Braccini.  The Dance Team performs at football games (halftime) and other events, while the Dance Ensemble’s annual performance is Knight Moves, in May.  The Boosters produce the show, sell tickets, etc.  They meet the fourth Monday of each month, room 110.  

Membership:  Yumi Miyamoto and Leslie Levy are co-chairs for PTSO Membership.  Apparently, the new family membership rate ($25) was very attractive to HHS parents and students.  As of Sept. 13, 2004, we counted 465 names, among the paid memberships, which included 153 families and 90 individuals (including one teacher).

Student Government:  President Brittany Wrightson represented the student body.  She said they are working on the dance issue.  In answer to a question from the floor, she responded that they have not looked into live music, as alternative to DJs, anticipating that it would be more expensive.  When students buy dance tickets, they’re allowed to sign up for the kinds of music they want to hear, thus creating a play list for the DJ.  They also request music to be played in the Great Court during lunch; which is previewed and subject to approval.

New Business:  Senior parents are needed to help plan graduation and other senior events.  Liz doesn’t currently have a senior (a son graduated last year), but said she is going to help get this organized and kicked off.  If you’re interested, please contact her.

Sandy Gleichmann, from the Library, is the new faculty/staff liaison to the PTSO. 

Peggy Williams proposed an agenda item for the October meeting, optimizing the web site, and posting of the Courier on it. 

Old Business:  N/A

Closing:  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:50 PM.  The next meeting is Monday, Oct.11 at 7:30 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Christina Reynolds
Recording Secretary