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Hillsdale High School (HHS) Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting of the General Membership was called to order at 7:34 PM. Cary Sweeney, President, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Program: The Hillsdale Chamber Singers, under the direction of Mr. Reifschneider, sang a selection of traditional Christmas carols for us, a capella. Their performance for the PTSO was the first of several musical events scheduled for this most busy week before the holiday break. The Chamber Singers have, in fact, already performed at various public venues during the past month, including the Hillsdale Mall and the San Mateo Caltrain Station. The Chamber Singers will sing with the Concert Choir and HHS Orchestra concerts tomorrow night at HHS and on Sunday, Dec.14th at Hillsdale Methodist Church. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Nov. 10, 2003 PTSO general meeting were read; one amendment was made, correcting the total membership count to 566. The minutes were approved by majority vote. Treasurer's Report: Toni Johnson presented the financial statement for November 15 - December 10, 2003. The opening balance was $4,943.79. Expenses for the period reported included $600 to MPSAA for the TM retirement gift, totaling $600.00. Interest income on our account amounted to $0.42; deposits totaled $206, including memberships and a contribution for the TM gift from the Drama Boosters. The Budget to Actual balance remained in the black, with a net balance of $4550.21 The Treasurer's report was approved by majority vote. Principal's Report: Keith Gordon and John shields are working on the grant for the $3 million for the refurbishment of sports facilities, including the track, FB field, soccer practice field, and additional landscaping; there were 2 public meetings last wk, mostly attended by staff & close neighbors (high impact zone); we'll hear back on this in March. The HHS web site has a new web master, Bob Kayne, and should be updated in a wk or so. Boundaries will be adjusted for the 3 northern schools in the district, but will be held off for HHS & SMHS for a year or so. The administration is going to start a publicity campaign to counter the bad stuff that was in the Times recently. SLC's: a number of students are not yet performing at the level we want them at; staff are not yet really comfortable, but taking the advising role seriously; next yr, when half the school is involved, things should be better. Yes, the current guidance counselors will be displaced in time; perhaps only 1 counselor will be needed in anther 2-3 years; meanwhile, the advisors need specific training that the counselors have; just the same, the "connections" between the SLC advisors & their students are already much closer. "We're in this for the sake of student learning, not as an employment agency." Assessment of this program is something we need to do, well before year end; there will be a staff vote in February to decide whether to continue SLC next year, and the expectation is, it will pass. Questions were raised as to how a review of SLC might be conducted? What would be the most useful format for this public review? There are different audiences, including those who're not involved and those who are experienced with it, e.g., this year's freshmen. Another question was asked about having the kids in a given house stay w/ the same kids all day? Mr. Leydig said, it's true that the "community" for the student is reduced. So, they're looking for activities to expand that sense of community; if you have thoughts about how it might work, please contact him. The SLC Council meets wkly; some parents will be invited to sit on it. President's Report: The evening to honor Tom Mohr for his years of service to SMUHSD is on Friday Feb 6, 6:30 PM; there will be no-host cocktails, then a 7:30 dinner, RSVPs are due by Dec 19; $65/person, including a donation for a gift. The November/December issues of Courier was mailed. Gari reported on the Parents Presidents Council meeting of 11/17; they're expecting the district's enrollment to decline between 2003-2012; alignments of boundaries in part impact the numbers per school, which will be more in line with the elementary schools boundaries. The 2004/05 calendar proposal was discussed: some of the concerns included the cutting into August vacations, especially for summer school attendees; and seniors would have exams @ same time as they're filling out college applications. A vote was held: the proposal lost in the district, though it was very favored at HHS. There's going to be an event featuring returning college students here, Dec. 18, for the benefit of juniors and seniors, to learn from the grads what college is really like. Drama Boosters: N/A . Music Boosters: Kaye Sharma Shawn covered it; this will be a busy week. There will be a sale of poinsettias (used to decorate the sage), and raffle. Also, a matching funds raiser for Pioneer HS that suffered a fire, mostly to their Performing Arts wing. Athletic Boosters: Liz reminded us that the tailgate party is Jan 31; it's $100 /couple, all you can eat & drink; and there will be an entertainment surprise. To avoid conflict with the date, the Father/Daughter dance was moved to Feb 7 - and by the way, it's also for Mothers/Sons! Dance Boosters: (No report) AKOTT: Liz Wiegand reported Jan 27th, will be stuffing invitations on Jan 6, for the 2nd mailing for donations. Membership: Kaye Sharma. Hospitality: Gari's been doing this, because Margaret Reeves has had to withdraw. We still need a volunteer!; Remaining events include 8th grade parent night, open house, teacher appreciation, and scholarship/awards night. Dawn McDaniel will be asked if she'd take it "permanently", and Toni will ask some folks for Teacher Appreciation. New Business: next meeting = next year; in Feb., we'll need to put together a nominating committee for next year's board; March will be a fun evening... Old Business: Cary reported that no one volunteered to be a contact for the SM Youth Sports Foundation. Don Leydig went to meetings, along with the city attorney, district attorney & district architect. They're working on plans; there's some question about how far the city will go in its support of the proposed plans to upgrade sports facilities at the schools. The district PTAs were soliciting contributions for a gift for Tom Mohr, in recognition of his many years of service to SMUHSD. The intended gift is a 3' X 4' engraved bronze plaque. As reported above, $300 was contributed by the HHS Athletic Boosters. There's some question about their intent and expectations, i.e., as to whether the $300 was a refund to PTSO or whether there should be some refund to the Athletic Boosters as other Boosters groups chip in. Release of funds: N/A Closing: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:04PM. The next meeting is Monday, Jan 12 @ 7:30 PM Respectfully submitted by,
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