Wissahickon High School

Parent-Teacher Council Meeting

November 8, 2007

Meeting called to order by Co-Presidents Kathy Bastian and Melissa Selverian at 7 p.m. in the lower cafeteria, with approximately 20 people in attendance.

Thomas Speakman, Assistant Principal, gave an update on what is happening in the high school.

*In what has been a very busy year, he mentioned the new faculty, new technology initiatives, and lockdown drills which they plan on performing more frequently.

*Mr. Kevin Dougherty will be the new faculty advisor for the National Honor Society.  Because they just recruited Mr. Dougherty, the program is running about a month behind, so induction should be in January, not December, as stated in the calendar.

*Two teams are in place for students at risk, the "Case Management" and "Student Assistance Program" (SAP). Both address students with academic, behavior, health, attendance or other concerns. Counselors, teachers, friends, and parents refer students to the teams. In both programs input from teachers and counselors is evaluated to determine the best course of action for a student. The Case Management team meets once a week and sees about 120-160 students a year. The SAP team meets more frequently and may see 50-90 students in a year.)

*A thank you to the PTC for all it does at the high school.

Mr. Alan Ostrow, teacher and Robotics Team Leader; Mr. Ken Dixon, Assistant Team Leader, and members of the Robotics team presented a video and discussed the program, encouraging people to attend this year’s RAMP RIOT held on November 10.

*The team, which won last year’s East Coast Regional Championship at Drexel University, is known internationally for helping other robotics programs get started and also supports the Maddie Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler by collecting canned donations at their events.

Ms. Terri Richmond, a Drop-in Counselor for the district, went into greater detail about the SAP guidance program the high school has in place and discussed tips for parents of teens.

*Ms Richmond provides 1:1 and group guidance to students in many areas, including bullying, socialization, drugs and alcohol, and eating disorders. The program is designed to support students, not “get them in trouble.” Parents are notified if Ms. Richmond will be working with their children.

*Tips for parents: keep any home computer where you can see it; pay attention to your kids – be awake when they come home at night; talk to them, always! And be aware of what they are doing.

*She can be reached by calling the guidance department.

The PTC presented the following committee reports:

Treasury is still concerned about this year’s low dues.

Back-to-the-Kids thanks those volunteers who helped make the Halloween candy distribution a success.

School Spirit mini-bread distribution is on November 14^th.

The Newsletter has been distributed and is on our website.

The Mini-Grant Committee granted approximately $2,500 worth of awards to 12 of the 14 applications it received. The remaining two have been sent to WEOF for consideration. Our students will realize the benefit of these grants this year.

The Concessions Committee always needs volunteers at their events.  They usually send e-mails asking for help as soon as they get word that they can run the concession stand, which is usually at the last minute.  This is a very profitable area for the PTC, so please consider helping out, even if just for an hour.

PTC Co-Presidents’ Comments

*The PTC is so visible and continues to provide so many valuable services for our students and their families, including the directory, e-mail updates, the newsletter, and mini-grants to name just a few, we are somewhat surprised at this year’s low dues contributions. In an effort to boost contributions, the PTC sent an e-mail to those who joined last year but have yet to do so this year; Mr. Hayes will record a phone message to students’ families to promote the PTC; and the PTC may do another membership mailing. Hopefully those parents who wish to support the PTC, but find it hard to donate their time, will be able to donate their $10 dues.

*Grant money is being used for ten more 1:1 classrooms, which should be in place by the end of January.

*To promote a student’s event, if you give the PTC enough time, we can put it in the PTC Newsletter or in a general PTC e-mail. Mr. Paine will be starting a section for senior projects on the school’s website.

*The Renaissance Program now has sponsors and will move forward.

*There are plenty of opportunities for involvement at the high school and district:

*On Tues. Nov. 13th, during American Education week, the district is running a bus tour, "Take a Technology Tour" which will include a bus ride to see the 1:1 classrooms followed by lunch.  Call Toni Reed at the district office if you are interested.

*We're looking for someone to spearhead a fundraiser at a local restaurant - several have approached us – where the PTC would receive a portion of the evening's proceeds. Contact Kathy Bastian if interested.

*Prom Survey results are being analyzed now. We're looking for a Parent Committee for the Prom to work with the Steve Hunter and Jen Castor from the high school to improve the event.

**The Strategic Planning Committee, composed of parents and administrators, is looking for interested parents to look at the district goals for the next six years and should meet six times between January and June.  E-mail Judy Clark or Stanley Durtan if you are interested.

*Parents are needed to run the coat room at the Dec. 15 semi-formal dance. Contact Kathy Bastian or Melissa Selverian to volunteer.

* There will be no December PTC meeting.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.

Next meeting on January 17 at 9:15 a.m.

Tracey Burgoyne, Secretary