Academy PPO General Meeting

October 1, 2001

Minutes

 

 

President Karen Boswell called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Auditorium.  At least 315 families were represented, and approximately 450+ parents were in attendance.

 

Note:  The General Meeting was originally scheduled for September 11, 2001 but due to the tragic events of the day, was postponed.

 

Opening Comments - Karen Boswell

·          Welcomed all parents to our first meeting of the year.

·          Introduced herself and said she is pleased to be serving as PPO President this year.

·          Commended the student string quartet who played in the auditorium prior to the meeting.  They were Sarah Chung (1st violin), Rebecca Lee (2nd violin), Emily Park (viola), and Justin Lee (cello).

·          Encouraged those who attended to get involved, participate, keep the Academy strong.

·          Offered reminders to pick up the personalized packet of info in lobby, pay your dues if not done yet, and that tonight there would be two meetings for the price of one--general and program.

·          Introduced Pat Cosgrove, our new Principal, and thanked her for her support of the PPO.

 

Principal's Comments - Pat Cosgrove

·          Opening day at the academy (8/30) went very smoothly.

·          Discussed her priorities -- to increase academic standing; to offer new electives; and offer innovative courses.

·          Discussed many items of use for parents

-           LINKS, the parent handbook.  Peruse it and use it.  If you want to volunteer to help put additional information in the book, contact Donna Walsh or Mike Mantell.

-           Academy student handbook

-           Black Knights' handbook, put together by Rich Panicucci and Maria Careri

-           "Notes", about the Music program

-           Faculty biographies are in development

-           "Guidance at a Glance"

·          Referred to her letter of 9/24 (included in the packet of information):

-           The building will be remodeled -- new classrooms, science labs and a seminar room, more

-           25 computers will be installed in the Common Area

-           Comparing the "Legacy of the Academy" to a living organism, and that it undergoes dynamic changes, the Academies will be structured differently next year (Class of 2006).  The specifics are within the letter.

-           Academy for Culinary Arts & Hotel Administration will replace the Academy for Culinary Arts

-           Academy for Business and Finance will replace the Academy for Business & Computer Technology

-           Academy for Visual & Performing Arts will replace the Academy for Visual Arts & Graphic Communications

-           Academy for Telecommunications and Computer Science will replace the Academy for Power & Transportation

·          Introduced the new deans and program managers

-           Russ Davis, Dean of Students / Discipline

-           John Colaneri, Program Manager AVAGC, APT, ACA

-           Linda Eickmeyer, Associate Dean

-           Jim Smith, Program Manager AMST

-           Rich Panicucci, Dean of Academics

-           Todd Crane, Program Manager AAST, AEDT

-           Joe DeFalco, Program Manager ABCT

-           Sue Meklune, Director of Guidance

 

Director of Guidance - Sue Meklune

·          Referred to 9/12/01, the day after the national tragedies, and how the administration needed to deal with the students after such an unprecedented event and unpredictable responses.  The students expressed a strong desire to reach out to the community with various activities -- fundraising, car washes, blood drives, posters, etc., and keep it ongoing.

·          Was pleased to announce there was no "scheduling expert" hired this year, which made the scheduling process easier this year.

·          The elective fair worked will and will be repeated.

·          Upcoming events related to the college selection process:

-           PEI Meeting 10/18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium -- Loren Pope, on the college search and 40 schools you may not have thought of.

-           Junior Parents night -- 11/5

-           Financial Aid presentation in January

-           College advisors are on campus, and students should sign up to meet with them

 

Pat Cosgrove - Part 2

·          Security and Safety

-           Mock drill upcoming

-           Stressed students to wear id badges.  If it is missing, a replacement must be purchased for $5.

-           Officer Sam Upchurch will be on campus again this year, plus two security officers.

 

Athletic Director - Maria Careri

·          Wants to develop a "sports family" and get parents involved with the sports programs

·          The Athletic Booster Club meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 10/4.  Dues are $15.

 

PPO Officers

 

Vice President - Leo Dour

·          The reminder announcement for the meeting was sent via email from a distribution list created by the parents' responses to the directory update.  If anyone wants to be added to the list, please send an note from your email address to acadppo@bergen.org and you will be added.

 

Recording Secretary - Steve Friedman

·          Minutes of the May, 2001, meeting were voted on and approved

·          Acknowledged John Myers - Webmaster for the Academy PPO web site.  The URL is www.academyppo.com.  Other contributors to the web site are Roy Sweetgall and Steve Friedman.

·          Reminder about the PEI meeting with Loren Pope on October 18^th.

 

Corresponding Secretary - Debra Deradorian

·          Any parent wanting to volunteer for the PSAT registration and filing processes should contact Jonni Sayres

 

Treasurer - Mary Weglarz

·          Presented an overview of the PPO budget

 

PPO/Faculty Bridge - Dana Picinich

·          Will serve as liaison between the PPO and the faculty

·          Coordinator of the senior experience

 

Karen Boswell - Part 2

·          Introduced class parent liaisons and noted that there will be a meeting on November 5 ^th.

·          Introduced program parent liaisons.

·          Student directories were scheduled to be mailed Thursday, October 4.

·          Question was asked if additional directories can be purchased -- probably since extras were ordered.  The details will be worked out at the 11/5 PPO general/class meeting.

·          Introduced the committee chairs

·          Announced there will be a second Parent Teacher Choir -- if interested, contact Dr. Finley

 

PEI Liaison - Ann McCarthy

·          Presented an overview of the PEI history and current activities

·          Always looking for volunteers to serve on the PEI Planning Committee -- contact Ann if interested

·          Reminded everyone again about the upcoming PEI presentation with Loren Pope on October 18 ^th.  It is for parents of all class levels, and your students are welcome to attend.

 

International Dinner Co-Chair - Amy Chong

·          Co-chair is Claire Allenson

·          International Dinner scheduled for Saturday, October 20^th in the gymnasium

·          If you attend, please bring a dish that serves 8-10 people and you are admitted free

·          Bring your children

·          Respond by 10/8 to indicate your attendance for planning

·          Looking for anyone that will entertain "free" -- contact the co-chairs

 

Breakout Sessions began at 8:30.

·          AAST/AEDT in the Auditorium with Todd Crane

·          AMST in the downstairs cafeteria with Jim Smith

·          ABCT in the Common Area with Joe DeFalco

·          ACA, APT, AVAGC in the Academy Grille with John Colaneri

 

Upcoming Events

·          October 18 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium - PEI Presentation, Loren Pope "Colleges that Change Lives"

·          October 20 - 6:30 p.m. Gymnasium - International Dinner

·          October 29 - 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Back-to-School Night

·          November 5 - 7:30 p.m. - PPO/Class Meetings

 

Refreshments were served.

 

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted by

Steve Friedman

PPO Recording Secretary