Minutes of the Northwood HS (NHS) PTSA Meeting
November 20, 2012
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), Henry Johnson (Principal), and approximately 35 Parents/Teachers/Students.
Principal’s Report
Dr. Henry Johnson noted that the second quarter of the academic year began on November 7 th, and that eighty
percent of the student body was eligible (i.e., maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher) during the first quarter – an
increase over recent periods. He cautioned parents about the overall tendency for grades to dip during the
second quarter. He encouraged all parents to ensure that their e-mail addresses are on file with the school’s
front office so that families can receive the Principal’s regular e-mail updates.
Dr. Johnson also notified parents of the following events:
 Orientation for parents of incoming freshmen, to be held on November 27 th and led by Ms. Wanzer
(Social Studies teacher) and Mr. Brown (Ninth Grade Administrator). Spanish translation will be
available.
 Upcoming orientation for parents regarding PTSA scores (date to be determined).
Gladiator Card Program
Resource Teachers John D’Souza and Danika Wiggins gave a presentation on Northwood’s Gladiator Program,
and asked parents for reactions and suggestions for improvement. The goal of the program is to motivate
academic achievement through rewards and incentives. Cards awarded to students are color-coded based on
GPA. Typical benefits include pizza parties, ice cream socials, free admission to some Northwood games, and
discount prices for events. Current goals of the program include:
 Establishing a consistent structure
 Identifying incentives students value
 Developing a marketing plan for the program
 Generating support from parents and staff
Ms. Wiggins and Mr. D’Souza will be asking parents, students and staff to complete surveys to inform
improvements to the program, and are aiming to distribute new Gladiator Cards at the beginning of the
second semester. Parents’ initial perspectives about the program varied, ranging from “I haven’t heard about
it from my child,” to “The program is working – I see students using the cards all the time.” A student offered
the viewpoint that a Gladiator Card is a source of pride: “You know you worked hard to get it.”
Parent suggestions included:
 Focus on understanding how to incentivize students who aren’t doing well, rather than simply
highlighting those who already are.
 Provide rewards for improving grades.
 Provide a monthly certificate to take home.
Presentation
Special presentation from Veleter Mazyck, Esq., Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH – 11) and
former General Counsel for Atlanta and DC Public Schools on How to Advocate for Your Child
Ms. Mazyck stressed that advocacy for our children should be a dialogue working toward a solution, rather
than “us vs. them.” Important steps in advocating for our children include:
 Defining the real issue that needs attention
 Identifying what our child most needs in the situation, and shaping the desired outcome
 Gathering as much information as possible
Having a conversation with our child, and assessing how open and candid they are being
with us
o Gathering any relevant documents, reports, correspondence, etc.
Deciding with whom the advocacy should begin
o In most cases a teacher or counselor should be the starting point. Only go to the school
board in the instance of a policy matter that affects many people.
If possible, involve our child in the advocacy so that they are more likely to buy into the solution
If our child is “shutting us out,” try to facilitate the involvement of another adult that could help
provide a more comfortable situation for her or him (such as a trusted counselor, administrator, or
family friend)
Take any relevant, organized documentation needed for the conversation (such as interim reports,
homework results, or correspondence with teachers)
Organize an agenda for the conversation, with specific questions that focus on what we need
Always take notes in any meeting in which we’re advocating for our child
Focus on the needed outcome rather than getting fixated on a specific solution
Always feel free to bring someone with us whom we trust (who has helpful expertise, or who can be
especially supportive, or who is less emotionally involved and can help facilitate a productive
conversation) – avoid involving a lawyer unless the conversation truly needs to focus on legal
matters
Always remember to listen
Communicate in a positive way, since how we say something can be as important as what we say
Make sure to focus on mutually agreeable solutions
Meet in person whenever possible
Avoid broadcasting your situation – mechanisms like list serves are appropriate for systemic
information that affect many people, and should be used constructively
If, after trying all this, you can’t come to a mutually agreeable solution, don’t waste time before
proceeding to the next level of authority or influence
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Ms. Mazyck suggested that if parents believe a school is not having the needed educational impact, they
should learn about and pursue their due process rights if their child has documented special needs (such as
those that merit a 504 plan). In other cases, parents should talk to teachers about the possibility of
differentiated instruction better suits the child’s needs. She stressed the overall importance of keeping the
interests of our child – rather than ourselves or the school – at the forefront.
Committee Reports
After Prom Party and Fundraising Committee
Debbie Frew announced that the students (the Student Government Association, in consultation with their
peers) have selected Dave & Buster’s as the venue for After Prom. The event will cost a total of $16,000, an
increase over past years. The PTSA has allocated $11,000 toward that cost, seniors and juniors have agreed
to pay higher dues than previously in order to offset the cost, and the SGA has committed to raising an
additional $1,600.
Students are generally highly supportive of this venue choice. The plan is for bus transportation to be
provided to and from the venue, and food is included in the cost. Students will not be permitted to return
once they leave the After Prom party. Parent chaperones will be needed at the event, but preparation will be
much less labor-intensive than in most recent years. Parents are highly encouraged to join the PTSA list
serve, look for ways to get involved in planning and supporting After Prom, and offer (or help identify) items
and services for the upcoming online auction.
Meeting Minutes prepared by Brad Sperber
Submitted by Susan Luck, PTSA Secretary