Minutes of MHS PTSO Meeting
Pending Approval
November 12, 2014
In Attendance: Martha Lewis, Christine Muggeo, Kathleen Fowler, Chris Colby, Mitra
Sharif, Brendon Winsper, Debra Wahle, Suzanne Monkemeier, Suj Balfe, Meaghan
Hanley, Quinn Heyrich, Noah French, John Connolly, Greg Roberson
Christine Muggeo called the meeting to order at 7:05pm and asked everyone to
introduce themselves.
Minutes were approved for the October 8, 2014, meeting and for the Spring, 2014
meeting.
Principal Report: In addition to activities mentioned during the last meeting, there
was further discussion about PARCC testing. Mr Roberston reported that the faculty
and administrators took a sample PARCC test to familiarize themselves with the
test. This exposure will help teachers prep students more effectively. He noted that
parents can also take a sample test by going to the PARCC website.
The Exam Review Committee will send information to parents soon about
what to anticipate with finals only – no midterms.
The Summer Assignment Committee continues to meet and have an ongoing
dialog about best practices regarding summer homework.
The Twitter following is building but we’d like more people to follow MHS!
It has been a great fall for extra curricular activities at MHS. Our sports
teams have had terrific seasons as have the other activities.
Student Council: There are many upcoming activities including a Winter
Wonderland on December 19, a food/can drive in December, Student Leadership
Conference at Randolf High School, and work on the Valarie Fund. In the spring, the
MHS Student Council is planning on hosting a leadership event at MHS with other
SC’s. They have requested funds from the PTSO to help pay for refreshments. The
PTSO is happy to help.
Class of 2018: They will be hosting Breakfast With Santa on December 13 in the
MHS cafeteria. They are also working on apparel designs for the class.
Class of 2017: Hat and scarf sales, which began at Back To School Night, are
continuing. They are also selling “To Go” mugs. The class had a successful
Halloween bake sale and they are discussing class bonding activities as well as
having a game truck come to school. They currently are collecting shoes so please
send in your old shoes (such as sneakers). There are three collection boxes in the
lobby.
Class of 2016: They had a successful Tricky Tray. They are selling spirit day shirts
to all classes and will be having a Yankee Candle sale soon. They are discussing the
possibility of having a Junior dance/prom.
Class of 2015: Brooklake Country Club has been booked for the Senior Banquet.
The prom committee has been meeting and is working out all the details for a fun
prom. The speedball tournament is upcoming but no date has been set yet. Senior
shirts have been re-ordered. The pie sale is going well and there are plans for an
adult social in January.
Online Communication and Directory: We heard a presentation from Alix
Jennings, a parent at Kings Road School, about an online newsletter and directory.
The KRS PTSO uses Constant Contact at around $350/year to communicate with
fellow KRS parents. Their three forms of communication are the Pawprint
(newsletter), Community Corner (area happenings, signups, sales, etc), and e-mail
blasts (for reminders of upcoming events). They are even able to take RSVP’s with
Constant contact. KRS also has an online directory app. which allows parents to get
phone numbers and e-mail addresses for students, parents, and teachers. The
Board Of Education has approved use of an online directory so the district will be
heading in that direction.
Mr. Robertson mentioned that Chatham uses Parent Link which also offers
some nice communication features.
Assistant Principal Report: There was a review of the many upcoming calendar
events which can be seen on the website. Mr. Connolly said it was a great fall at
MHS! There are five new student driven clubs including chess and sports news.
Treasurer Report: No new news except the Madison Police requested funds from
the area PTSO’s for reflective jackets for the crossing guards. The MHS PTSO will be
participating in this program.
Secretary Report: No new news.
Beautification: The committee will be decorating for Christmas the day school
resumes from Thanksgiving break.
Directory: The BOE has approved moving forward with an online directory.
Hospitality: The committee is going strong. They had a successful “snack attack”
event for the teachers at Halloween time. Their next event will be the holiday bake
event.
Web Page: No new news
Done in a Day: No new news.
MEF: The Gala (fundraising event) was upcoming.
MMA: Danielle Chung, senior MHS Orchestra cellist, performed with the NJ
All-State Orchestra during the Teacher's Convention in Atlantic City last
week! This is Danielle's second year in the All-State Orchestra.
Marching Dodgers finished their competitive season in 11th position at the
Atlantic Coast Championships.
The Madison High School Chorus performed at a NJ Devils game on 11/4. They
performed in the Grand Concourse of the Prudential Center for thousands of
fans. Congratulations to Preston Tolbert for being selected as Music
Student of the Month for OUTSTANDING VOCALIST by the Mayo Performing
Arts
Center in Morristown. He will be honored onstage at the Mayo Performing
Arts Center immediately before Jackie Evancho's Awakening concert on
Saturday, November 22nd.
The jazz band and jazz chorus are both performing for the seniors at Rexford
Tucker on Chateau Thierry during the holiday season. Jazz chorus is
performing for the Rotary.
Auditions for Les Miserables are December 5th.
Sign ups for pit orchestra will be at the end of this month.
The MHS Art Club is off to a great start and meets every Tuesday after
school.
MMA has changed their name to Madison Music & Arts to better reflect giving
throughout the district at all levels. Our Fruit Sale is going on through
November with online ordering, delivery date specification, and free
shipping.
PPEC: No new news.
MJS: All information about the Madison Junior School is available on the website.
SVMS: No new news.
Harding: No new news.
BOE: It was approved at the BOE meeting that the MEF will pay for upgrades to the
TV production studio (they approved the vendor in a proclamation).
No Old Business
No New Business
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Lewis
PTSO Secretary