FRELINGHUYSEN HSA

MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 pm.

Principal's Update:

• We had a very good beginning to the school year with the 6^th graders adjusting well.
• Back to School nights will be held 9/22 (Dragon), 9/23 (Tiger) and 9/24 (Phoenix) at 6:30 pm. House of the Dragon will have a different format this year, beginning with 20 minutes to visit classrooms, followed by gathering in the Auditorium and then grade-level team presentations. Tiger and Phoenix will begin with a presentation in the Auditorium.
• Goals of the Visionary Planning Board include: 1) Climate – increasing connection to the houses, 2) Professional Learning Communities – teachers come together across houses to share research and assure students get consistent assessments across houses.
• The Advisor/Advisee program is the last part of the 5 year plan and will be implemented in Sept. 2010. Teachers and Administrators will be assigned 10 students for all 3 years.
• As we come to the end of the 5 year plan, we are looking toward the next 5 years, with a focus on “21^st Century Learning”.
• All students viewed President Obama's speech on Sept. 8, either live or taped. Thank you to Keith Rosso who arranged the technology so the cable channel could be accessed in the Auditorium.
• 6^th grade lunch is taking too long due to the volume of students buying lunch. A Cartwells representative visited and a third line will be added to alleviate the problem.
• A meeting was held with team leaders regarding consolidating supply lists to keep costs down.
• Parents are reminded that students need to adhere to the school dress code and arrive at school on time.
• Thank you to the HSA for the fabulous staff appreciation luncheon.

Introduction of Executive Board: Board members for 2009-2010 were introduced.

President's Update:

• Thank you for the generous support for the back-to-school fund raiser. Over $3000 received so far.
• Thank you to the parent volunteers who prepared the August mailings.
• HSA will communicate via email – no flyers will be sent home.
• Colonial 5K to benefit the Morris Educational Foundation will be held Sunday, 10/18. FMS House with the most participants will receive $1/person for their house Student Council. A Health Fair will follow the race.
• From Sept. President's Council: 1) H1N1 flu mandates come from the County Health Dept., not the school district. Plan now is to increase sanitization in schools. 2) For 8^th grade parents: teachers and students like the new rotating schedule at MHS. 3) Presentation on 21^st Century Learning – district will have workshops on this topic.

Magazine Sale:

• Sale runs 9/25 – 10/14. This could be the only fund raiser of the year if it does well!
• Don't forget gifts and renewals! Magazines can be ordered online – there is a link in the FMS website.

Treasurer's Report:

• Budget of $30,650 was approved last year
• Income: Clothing Sale $45, School Store $287
• Expenses: Staff Appreciation luncheon – came in under budget

Plaque of Scholars Vote:

• Vote to purchase new Plaque of Scholars for $1060 unanimously passed.
• Inscription will indicate it was donated by the HSA and the plaque will hold names of 8^th graders recognized for various achievements. Plaque will be placed in entry hall.

Cultural Arts Presentation: Cultural Arts committee members Molly Servais, Bernadette Doyle, and Irene Cramer introduced a great program for each grade. Funding is by the HSA, FMS, Morris Educational Foundation grant and Clean Communities. Some of the programs tentatively scheduled include: Bash the Trash, Mayhem Poets, Margaret Noonan residency, Abraham Lincoln, Jack Branagan-rain forest, Jim Lenahan-contemporary dance (school-wide). Committee will publish events so parents can attend.

Committee Update:

• After school snack bar starting in October and looking for volunteers.
• 6^th grade canteen will be 10/2. Volunteers and snack donations needed.

FMS website & Daily Bulletin:

• FMS website www.frelinghuysenmiddleschool.org for information on sports, activities, Homework Hero and more.
• See the website under Bulletin to subscribe to the Daily Update email for important school announcements.

Book Fair:

• Ginny Rich is looking for a co-chair, preferably a 6^th grade parent, and committee members to help run this year's book fair in the spring.
• Last year's book fair did very well, with proceeds going to the teachers in the form of book credits to build their classroom libraries.

New Business/Questions:

• Sports cancellations will be announced via email.
• Sports practices end by 4:00 so students can get the 4:00 bus – remember to tell the driver where to stop.
• Contact Andy Williams or Patricia Camp regarding Curriculum Council positions.

Next HSA meeting: October 20^th at 6:30. There will be a presentation by the Partnership for a Drug Free NJ (for adults only).

The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 pm.