Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:  The meeting of the General Membership was called to order at 7:35 PM.  Liz Wiegand, President, led the Pledge of Allegiance.   Everyone introduced themselves.

Program:  A panel of 5 parents of HHS alums talked to us about transitioning to college – with regard to both their kids’ and their own experiences.  Kim Krekel, Gari Patton, Claudine Ward, Suzanne McGuire, and Rev. Charles Froh answered questions such as whether they were involved in the students’ application process and/or choice of schools; what do they know now that they wished they’d known before; and what feedback are they getting from their students now?  An amazingly wide range of experiences were reported by the panelists, and the commentary could not be fully or fairly reported in these minutes.  For parents who have yet to experience this transition, a recommended book is Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn.  Also recommended, for the kids, is All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum.

Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the November 8, 2004 PTSO general meeting were read and approved.  They will be posted on the HHS web site at http://www.hillsdalehigh.com/organizations/ptsominutes.html.

Treasurer’s Report:  Lois Darbonne presented the treasurer’s report for November 8 – December 13, 2004.  The opening balance was $8,079.78.  Expenditures amounted to $166.15, for Courier mailing.  The only deposit was $0.65 interest income. The ending balance was $7,914.28.  The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Principal’s Report:  Don Leydig said the faculty is in the midst of voting on the new SLC proposals.  Everyone’s setup on "schoolloop", which is being expanded all the time.  A meeting is planned for December 15 at SMFCSD, regarding the proposed Abbott/HHS calendar change.  The Sophomore class is planning a new fundraiser; specifically, a 6-hour Study-a-Thon, followed by a dance!  The event will be held on January 7, just before finals; the Sophomore class is hoping to raise $5000 from sponsors for organized studying.

President’s Report:  Liz shared highlights from the most recent Parents Presidents Council meeting.  Mills HS rose over $5000 on spring tours to China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.  Capuchino HS is opening a new cafeteria.  San Mateo HS construction is almost done; the PTA is trying to raise money for the library.  Burlingame HS is probably going to try out 7th period.  The SMUHSD lost $2.1 million due to United Airlines moving a bunch of planes from SFO over to Oakland.  Guest Patricia Kurt spoke about the realities and ramifications of the No Child Left Behind act.  Throughout the SMUHSD next year, there will be no class rankings, and there will be weighted GPA’s.  The Foster City charter school is now looking to lease a building in Foster City. 

AKOTT: Janine Wrightson reported; everything’s moving along; we have a DJ, and met with the caterer today. The next AKOTT planning meetings are Tues Jan 4th and Jan 25th at 7:30 PM.  Donations have slowed down; we need a first prize for the raffle. 

Faculty:  Sandy Gleichmann said she thinks the SLC vote will pass.

Drama Boosters:  Kim Krekel reported; the talent show was last week.  Kim said the audience (about 600) was really marvelous, very supportive, and gave a wonderful ovation for every act.

Music Boosters: didn’t have a meeting this month, but the kids have several concerts.  For more information, check out http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hhsmb/.  

Athletic Boosters:  Tom Wrightson reported that tickets for the Ultimate Tailgate Party go on sale at tomorrow night’s meeting, here, at 7:30.   The parents-only event will be held Feb 5, 2005, at Beresford Rec Center.

Membership:  Yumi Miyamoto reported total income of $6737 (including donations of $1082).  Membership counts include 177 families, 100 individual memberships, and 23 teacher/staff; with 632 names listed.

Student Government:  President Brittany Wrightson has learned that Aragon HS wants to play a “more competitive” grid game, not against HHS.  The United Student Body (USB) nominated Claudia Lane as Student of the Month, for her extensive work with Special Olympics. 

New Business: Liz asked if we could supply some refreshments to teachers on last day before break.  After a short discussion, a motion was made and passed to supply coffee, apples, and muffins.

Closing:  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM.  The next meeting is Monday, January 10 at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted by,
Christina Reynolds
Recording Secretary