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Here are the PTSA minutes from 2003
DOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
PTSA
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2003
Yvette Berta called the meeting to order at 7:05PM
The minutes from the January 2, 2003 executive board meeting were read and
corrected as follows: PTSA account balance as of 1/02/03 $5,722.05 not $5,
722.04 as read.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
On hand as of 01/02/03: $5,722.05
Income: -0-
Expenses: $25.00
On hand as of 02/06/03: $5,697.05
The report will be filed for audit.
CORRESPONDENCE: none
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Mrs. Casiano distributed a flyer regarding an informational AP (Advanced
Placement) Parent Student evening to be held February 12 at 7:00pm in the Dover
High School auditorium.
Mrs. Casiano also discussed upcoming calendar dates covering the period 2/4/03
through 6/5/03 (see attached).
The following highlights of events which have taken place since the 1/02/03 PTSA
meeting were also reviewed:
Saturday GEPA prep prgram started 1/11/03 to run through 3/1/03
Homework Center began 1/6/03, two days a week, by teacher recommendation
Math tutorial program began the week of January 6, two days a week, 8 graders by
teacher recommendation
Randomly selected group of 8 grade students participated in the National
Assessment of Educational Progress on January 30
Staff training held for Connected Math pilot program with selected teachers from
grades 6, 7,and 8.
Staff retreat held January 16 on “Scheduling for the Middle School”.
Scheduling committee formed to study various scheduling plans and make
recommendations.
Various lessons planned by teachers throughout the curriculum in recognition of
the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King on the themes of tolerance and human
rights. Students from Mrs. Demetropuulos’ language arts classes volunteered at
the Faith Kitchen on MLK day.
Assembly program by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for grade 8 on Internet
Safety held on January 22. Parent program for the district will be held on
February 27 at 7:00pm at the North Dover School.
Mrs. Dondero reported that a student/faculty volleyball game is being scheduled
as a detention free event for those students who have remained detention free.
Discussion took place regarding the possibility of having the event at DHS, so
more spectators could attend the event.
TEACHER’S REPORT:
Mr. Ostroski, the Stokes trip coordinator gave an overview of the planning
process and the trip itself. He distributed copies of the parent survey form and
a draft of the announcement to parents and students that they will be sent if
the student is selected to participate in the program. Also outlined in the
handout was a clothing and equipment list, an official bear policy and the
learning objectives for the students who will participate in the program.
Mr. Ostroski reported that 277 forms were sent out with the maximum quota of 121
students allowed to participate by Stokes. Discussion took place regarding the
possibility of students who wish to participate not be allowed to do so due to
the quota being reached. It was reported that in past years all students who
qualified have been able to attend. Even last year’s 7th grade class, which
was a very large class, did not have any student turned down who wanted to
attend the trip. The idea of scheduling a second Stoke’s trip was also
discussed, but we were advised that this would cause too much disruption within
the middle school with too many teachers being out of the building and the need
to continue the education process for those students remaining behind.
It was hoped that no student who qualified to attend the trip would be left
behind.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
Yvette reported that the County PTA Founder’s Day dinner dance would be held
February 28, 2003 at the Tara Hotel in Parsippany. The cost is $35. and is open
to all PTSA members.
Yvette also reported on the Key Communicators’ meeting that she and Andrea
attended on January 16, 2003. The following three national goals have been
established by the BOE for the 2002-2003 school year.
To create the opportunity for all students to meet high academic standards
To increase the accountability of school staff, parents, and the community for
student success through greater participation, collaboration and shared
decision-making.
To establish a learning environment conducive to high academic achievement by
coordination and/or providing necessary student service.
(see attached for details)
Yevette also distributed a copy of the Dover Public Schools educational
technology highlights/accomplishments for 2002-2003(see attached copy).
A nominating committee will need to be formed to search for new PTSA officers
for the 2003-2004 school year. All present were requested to look for possible
candidates, in particular, our current 6th grade parents.
Yvette announced that this would be her last DMS PTSA meeting, due to the
upcoming birth of her baby. She was thanked by all for continuing in the PTSA
president role during the 2002-2003 school year since she has moved out of the
district. The remaining executive board members will carry out her duties until
the end of the school year.
CULTURAL ARTS:
JoAnn Spano announced the student selection of three possible cultural arts
programs:
Dancing Through the Ages
Rockin with Computers
Lazer Light Show
JoAnn will meet with Mrs. Casiano to confirm a date.
MEMBERSHIP: Mary Alice Wilfong reported total membership stands at 171. Coupons
have been made up for free ice cream on 2/14/03 for all students who are PTSA members. These
will be distributed by homeroom teachers on the morning of 2/14. The drawing for
the teacher/membership basket will take place at lunchtime on 2/14
WAYS & MEANS:
Andrea Kannaly discussed the error which occurred with the Spring 3J sale. The
whole profit was to go to the PTSA so we can fund our remaining year end planned
activities and events. However , the packaging came out with a statement that
the student accounts would receive 25% of the profit. Due to the packages
already going out to the student’s we can not take back their portion of the
profit. A discussion took place regarding the possibility of requesting the the
return of the student profit from their account, for this particular sale, if it
was not used. After discussion, this did not seem to be a feasible option.
It was discussed that some year end programs would have to be cut or eliminated
if this sale was not extremely profitable. The possibility of the PTSA retaining
the proceeds from Cabin Fever night was discussed as another possible funding
option.
STUDENT REPORT:
There was no formal student report. However, a student,who was present stated
that there is not much student awareness about the PTSA.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS:
<P>Sandra Scarneo inquired if the PTSA would be placing and ad in the DHS
Playbill this year. It was determined we would place a ¼ page ad for $50.
Next meeting 4/3/2003
There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm
Submitted by:
Carol Lally
Recording Secretary
January 2, 2003 meeting minutes
Treasurer's Report
on hand Nov. 12, 2002: $8121.29
Income: Fundraiser $3053 Membership $13
Expenses: $5465.25 (includes $4985.25 to pay for fundraiser)
On hand Jan. 2, 2003: $5722.04
Correspondence
none
Principal’s Report
The following are highlights of events which have
taken place since our November meeting or which are coming up in the near
future:
 | Tiger RAP sponsored an assembly
program entitled “Remote Control” for both 7th and 8th
graders on the subject of dating violence. It was presented in the form
of a skit, followed by questions and answers. The program was
well-received by students and sensitively presented. Students’ questions
and comments were insightful and showed an understanding of the issues
involved. The primary theme of the program was that everyone deserves to
be treated with respect, whether in a friendship or in a dating
relationship. |
| Students received a T-shirt, courtesy
of Tiger RAP, which illustrates the theme of “Respect”. |
| Parent Teacher Conferences went
well. In spite of the complicated logistics of trying to schedule a large
number of conferences in a limited time, the teachers developed a rotating
system which worked. All parents who requested a conference were able to
be accommodated. |
| Two programs will be starting up in
January to assist students who need extra help. Our traditional Homework
Center will be available three days a week after school to help students
who are having difficulty with homework and organization. Also, through
special funding, we are setting up a Math Tutorial program for 8th
graders who need additional support in math. Also in January and
February, the Saturday GEPA preparation program will be operating for
grade 8. |
| Detention-Free Rewards program was
held Friday, December 13th during period 5 for all students who
had no team or central detentions in the first marking period. Over 200
students qualified for this reward! |
| Our Honor Roll Breakfast for the
first marking period was held on Monday, December 2nd.
Approximately 175 students made the Honor Roll! |
| ROGATE – our gifted and talented
program – began with a parent information session on Tuesday, December 10th.
Students will be involved in a number of interesting activities including
lectures at various colleges, a cooperative effort with the Education
Dept. of Centenary College, and a Quiz Bowl program. Students are
identified for this program based on test scores, team recommendation, and
grades. |
| Our Chorus is in transition due to
Mr. Cargill’s retirement which was effective November 26th. We
have hired a new teacher, Ms. Rebecca Daino, who began today, January 2nd.
During the month of December the students had a supervised study hall
during period 8. Because the Chorus did not have the ability to rehearse
their music during December, they did not participate in the regular
Winter Concert. However, we would like to have them participate later
this winter in a special choral concert to be held at the High School
together with the High School Chorus. |
| New members of the Language Arts
Department participated in a special workshop conducted by Mr. McNabb,
Supervisor, and Terri Barrabas, former DMS Language Arts Teacher, on
preparing students for the writing section of the GEPA. |
| Two “Best Practices” applications
were submitted to the State Department from DMS:
The American Memory Project by J. Klement and L. Park |
Medieval Times
by H. Merkle
| Team 1 held a culminating activity
for their unit on Colonial Life on December 17th. Students
prepared traditional colonial foods for a colonial brunch and a
representative of the National Park Service was on hand to give students a
taste of colonial dress and customs. |
| DMS held its Winter Concert on
December 19th. The String Ensemble and DMS Band performed for
an appreciative audience of parents and friends. |
| Eighth grade students will take part
in a special assembly program this month on “Internet Safety”. This will
be presented by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in cooperation with
our Dover Police Department. |
| As part of our ongoing efforts to
improve mathematics instruction at all levels, DMS teachers will
participate in a variety of workshops throughout the month of January
including on-site training for teachers piloting a new inquiry-based
approach to math teaching. The on-site training and materials for this
pilot program are provided through a grant obtained by Beth Schoonmaker,
Vice Principal, Dover High School, who coordinates the NJSSI program for
the district. |
| A Parent Forum on “Student Learning
Styles” will be conducted by Centenary College staff on January 15th
from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the DMS Cafeteria. Students whose parents attend
the forum will participate in a parallel forum run by D. Sperry. |
| A randomly selected group of about 60
eighth graders will participate in the National Assessment of Educational
Progress on January 30th. This is a test which is administered
nationwide to selected schools to measure the overall progress of our
nation’s students in a variety of subject areas. Individual and school
results will not be reported. |
President's Report
February 28, 2003 Founders Day Dinner at the Tara Hotel in Parsippany.
Teacher's Report
Links newsletter will be combined for January and February
8th grade trips will be voted on by students on January 3,
2003. They can chose among 3 locations in PA, NJ, and NY (not NYC).
Two trips will be planned along with the traditional end of year trip.
Cultural Arts
Programs to be voted on at Student Leadership Meeting next week.
Student vice president will take programs back to the council for the vote.
Cabin Fever is scheduled for April 4 with practice on
April 3.
Membership
168 members with no class having 100%. Ice cream vouchers to be given
to all student members for February 14 and a teacher basket to be raffled
off that day also.
Ways and Means
No report, but are looking into the Pathmark give back program.
Discussions
Questions about student accounts and what the money raised by the student
can be used to pay. If the money is not used by a student by the end
of eighth grade then the money goes to the general student account to offset
dinner dance and such. Can money be used to pay for other things other
than class trips, yearbook and dinner dance?
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Next meeting 2-6-03
Minutes submitted by Linda Leszau
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