Minutes of the Northwood HS (NHS) PTSA Meeting
February 19, 2013
Meeting was held in the NHS Media Center and was called to order at 7:30pm with the following in
attendance: Yolanda Mazyck (PTSA President), Brad Sperber (1st VP), Elizabeth Dunn (2nd VP), Jim Burke
(Treasurer), Susan Luck (Secretary) Mark Kelsch (Interim Principal), and approximately 20 parents and
teachers.
Opening
Ms. Mazyck opened the meeting with introduction of interim principal Mark Kelsch. Ms. Mazyck motioned for
approval of Agenda; Agenda was approved. Ms. Mazyck motioned for approval of December 2012 and
January 2013 Minutes; Minutes were approved.
Principal’s Report
Mr. Kelsch stated his goal is to prepare the new NHS principal for a smooth transition. The current timeline
for selection of the new principal is as follows: On Feb 18 the position was posted nation-wide. On March 11 a
meeting is scheduled with students (1:00pm) teachers (2:30pm) and community (6:30pm). Each group will
have an opportunity to identify the characteristics they want for the new principal. Interviews for new
principal will be conducted on March 21 and a new principal will be selected by the Board of Education on
April 23.
Mr. Kelsch noted that NHS has great teachers and students, and good intervention programs but NHS is not
attracting kids in the choice process and a focus should be on the programs offered. The trend in the country
is for focus on vocations (this includes professional; not only trades) and a capstone program. He
recommends NHS return to the four academies that it originally opened with but have them really mean
something. A student should start in a particular academy and have a clear pathway to reach the academy
objectives. Mr. Kelsch is working to get staffing in place for a 3rd language – Chinese – at NHS. He is exploring
a Teachers Core pathway and a Sports Academy (sports management and event planning) pathway. The
objective of the pathway programs is for students to get a job and learn a profession and not have the
academies/pathways be in name only. Mr. Kelsch wants to increase the AP courses and has funding to train
more teachers for AP courses. Next school year the Common Core State Standards will be implemented for
Algebra.
Presentation
Ms. Cynthia Gill presented information on the Northwood Internship program. The most important factor is
a good work ethic. Companies will train interns for the job. Ms. Gill is currently working on identifying
juniors to be placed in internships during their senior year. Generally the student will leave school after
lunch on Tuesdays-Friday and work the afternoon at the internship. Monday afternoons the students stay at
school and meet with Ms. Gill.
President and Committee Reports
President
Ms. Mazyck noted that the Superintendent’s budget is up for review. 98% by March 31, 2013.
Vice President
Liz Dunn reported that Mr. Lee from security is asking parents to be aware of Cyber Bullying.
The Sports Booster is holding the Mulch Sale on April 6 from 8:30am-6:00pm. Drivers are needed. Boosters
is trying to raise $5,000 to pay for the Kaplan Stadium lights. If Boosters cannot pay the bill the money will be
pulled from Northwood’s general school fund account.
Treasurer’s Report
Jim Burke reported there is ~$17,00 in the account. Two major fundraisers – the Silent Auction and Mixed
Bags Designs are onging. Upcoming fundraisers include Honey-Baked Hams and the Commemorative Brick
project
MCCPTA Delegate
Andrea Abrams reported the MCPTTA is pushing the PTSA membership challenge and could use more
teachers. There is a PTSA Officers training on June 5, 2013 at Wooten HS. A Performing Arts festival
featuring music and dance groups is on April 20-21. There is advocacy legislation at the state level.
After Prom Party
Deb Frew – The two major After Prom fundraisers are ongoing – Silent Auction and Mixed Bags Designs. Deb
solicited additional sellers for the Mixed Bags Designs. Both fundraisers end March 1.
Ms. Mazyck noted the next PTSA meeting is scheduled for March 19.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10pm.
Meeting Minutes prepared by
Susan Luck, PTSA Secretary