Minutes of the Northwood HS (NHS) PTSA Meeting
September 18, 2012
Meeting was held in the NHS Media Center and was called to order at 7:35pm with the following in
attendance: Yolanda Mazyck (PTSA President), Brad Sperber (1st VP), Elizabeth Dunn (2nd VP), Jim Burke
(Treasurer), Susan Luck (Secretary), Henry Johnson (Principal), Bronda Mills (DCC Community
Superintendent), Sito Narcisse (DCC Deputy II), SGA Officers, and 62 Teachers/Parents.
Officer’s Reports
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Ms. Mazyck welcomed everyone and introduced PTSA officers, board members, and Dr. Johnson
Minutes from May 15, 2012 PTSA meeting were read and approved
PTSA calendar for the 2012-2013 school year will be disseminated through the Listserv and
available on PTSA website
Open positions on the board were identified, including Silent Auction chair, Cluster Coordinator,
Membership Co-chair
Goal to increase PTSA membership; only a member can vote on PTSA decisions
Student Government Association (SGA) presentation
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Introduction of SGA officers: Rico Francis (President), Deangelo Graham (VP), Gabby Cottilli
(Secretary), Carolina Garcia (Treasurer), Amberlee Jefferson (Historian)
Rico Francis outlined the SGA goals for the 2012-2013 school year
SGA would like more parental influence and help, especially with Spirit Week and Homecoming
activities during Oct 1-6
Need specific help with the Decorating the Halls contest. Parents can help by donating items
and by helping with decorations between 4pm – 8pm on Thursday, Oct 4, 2012
Homecoming Dance on Oct 6. Need donations and parent volunteers at the dance
Principal’s Report
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Introduction and quick background on NHS since it’s reopening in 2004
Discussed the arrest of NHS media technician Aaron Lamere in May 2012 for alleged
inappropriate sexual conduct
o Anticipated that trial will take place in Jan 2013 timeframe
o MCPS protocols were followed, however, the protocols need to be revised
o Ms. Mills will work with administrators and parent groups with revisions to the protocol
o Teachers are fingerprinted prior to being hired by MCPS
o Additional information on the trial will be provided as it becomes available
Started sending weekly email updates directly to parents on issues/activities at NHS
Reviewed NHS enrollment, demographics, courses, other statistics
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Core Areas of focus are 1)SAT/ACT score improvement, 2) school climate, 3) graduation rate
improvement, 4) Professional Learning Communities (for teachers)
MCPS is implementing the Common Core State Standards Initiative
NHS Building Services received MCPS top award
Brickway Momento ribbon cutting ceremony in Courtyard on Saturday, Oct 6, 2012
Establishment of Principal’s Advisory committee to meet each quarter to get a pulse on what is
happening in the community
Questions & Answers segment (see attached report)
“Our Children: Safe & Secure at Northwood “ presentation by Elizabeth Dunn
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Ms. Dunn dispelled rumors that bullying/hazing occur during Spirit Week and emphasized it’s a
fun and safe week
NHS Chief of Security, Mr. Bill Lee, described NHS’s security procedures, emphasized there is
zero tolerance for bullying/hazing
NHS Athletic Director, Mr. Macro Fuggiti, reiterated there is zero tolerance for bullying/hazing,
especially for athletes. He stated that rumors can get out of control; gave kudos to SGA for
generating a lot of excitement for Spirit Week
SGA student representative Sam gave a personal recount of his concerns as a freshman last year
during Spirit Week; he had communicated concerns to Security and measures were taken and
he had no issues during Spirit Week
Ms. Dunn ended the presentation stating that all students should feel safe at NHS and to contact
Administration and/or PTSA with any concerns
Treasurer’s Report
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Budget will be reviewed for approval at October 16, 2012 meeting.
Conclusion
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Ms. Mazyck stated that Back to School Night scheduled for Thursday, Sept 27 at 6:30; Senior
Breakfast scheduled for Saturday, Sept 22 at 9am.
Topic for October 16, 2012 meeting is “Advocating for Our Children”.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20pm
Prepared by
Susan Luck
PTSA Secretary
Northwood PTSA Meeting
September 18, 2012
Principals Questions & Answers segment
1. Question. How are the students dealing with the issue of a teacher being arrested for alleged
sexual misconduct? Is there any consideration for talking with the students about the arrest?
Answer. As the date for the trial nears the issue will become more prominent. The students
have resources through the Wellness Center which has clinical psychologists and the regular
school counselors. Dr. Johnson said that as principal of NHS he needs to ensure that he is
careful with what he says and does not compromise the criminal case. He said that as trial nears
more opportunities will be available for students to express their feelings. PTSA VP Brad
Sperber stated that PTSA will play a bigger role on providing support for students and parents on
how to deal with the issue of sexual misconduct. He stated that the PTSA missed an opportunity
last spring to have a special meeting on the issue and that the PTSA needs to know from parents
if a special meeting is required.
2. Question. Will security be increased? Answer. NHS instituted an after-school policy that is a form
providing the time & place an activity occurs. Security will know when an activity ends and
someone will be there until the last student leaves. This will be for activities including athletics,
plays, clubs. There will always be at least 1 adult at the activity.
3. Question. Is there an average ACT score since we know what the average SAT score is? Answer.
No, schools are not provided with the average ACT score but the College Board sends the SAT
scores on a quarterly basis.
4. Question. In Demographics review, what does the term “Other” mean? Answer. That is what is
noted for a student’s racial background. For example, a possibility is if a student doesn’t identify
with a racial background listed they may choose “other”. However, the school doesn’t really
know what it means.
5. Question. The Lamere case needs to be discussed more; it’s when there is a closed system that
problems occur. At the same time the Lamere incident became public there was a similar
incident at a MCPS middle school. That school called a meeting within a short time of the
occurrence. NHS should have a meeting on this before the trial takes place. Answer. Dr.
Johnson said that both schools sent out an almost identical letter to parents regarding the
separate incidents at the respective schools. These letters were drafted based on MCPS
guidance. The meeting at the middle school was one that had been on their calendar already
for a different subject, but because it was scheduled right when their teacher was arrested, it
turned into a meeting on the alleged sexual misconduct by that teacher.
6. Question. Were former students of NHS contacted regarding the arrest of Mr. Lamere? Answer.
Former students were not contacted because the administration would not know who to
contact. If a student was affected by the alleged sexual misconduct they should come forward
for help. Brad Sperber requested parents to contact the PTSA and if needed we’ll begin to plan
a special meeting on the issue.
7. Question. During Dr. Johnson’s presentation on the school tests, what does the acronym “LD”
mean. Answer. It means Learning Disabled.
8. Question. How often will Dr. Johnson send out the informational emails. Answer. On at least a
weekly basis and more often if needed. A couple of people noted they have not yet received his
email. If you haven’t received it, send an email to him so he has your email address.