Minutes of the Northwood HS (NHS) PTSA Meeting
I. Date:
February 18, 2014
II. Opening: Meeting called to order at 7:30pm by PTSA President Liz Dunn with approximately 25 parents,
teachers and students in attendance.
III. Secretary’s Report: Summary of November 2013 Minutes was reviewed; a motion was made to approve
the Minutes. Motion was seconded and approved by a majority of members.
IV. Student Interview: PTSA President Liz Dunn had previously conducted an interview with senior Justin
Thomas, which was videotaped and presented at tonight’s meeting. Justin is the point guard and a captain of
the NHS Men’s Varsity Basketball team. Justin started out on the JV team his freshman year, then moved to the
Varsity team. Playing on the basketball team is a big commitment because they practice 3-4 hours per day
and on Saturday mornings, but it’s worth it. He thinks of the team as a brotherhood and they support each
other. His advice to other students is to try out for different things; if something doesn’t work that’s ok, try
something else. Justin would like to see more students and parents at the basketball games.
V. Principal’s Report: Ms. Charley-Greene discussed and provided the following information:
a.
Ms. Charely-Greene and staff provided an ice cream social for the 464 students who made the Honor
Roll 2nd quarter. Academic gains were seen in the 2nd quarter.
b. The John Hopkins “A Moment in Time” art exhibit in Rockville included work from three Northwood
students, 2 photographers and 1 painter
c. NHS Minority Scholars Program Ms. Charley-Greene discussed the Capital Improvements to the
Board of Education, which highlighted the unique needs of DCC schools.
d. A Town Hall meeting with Dr. Joshua Starr (MCPS Superintendent) was held at Northwood on Jan 28,
2014. Ms. Charley-Greene said that many of the questions were from students who were not in
leadership positions at NHS. A video of the Town Hall is available on the MCPS website.
e. Morning Drop-off issues. Ms. Charley-Greene asked parents who drop off their students to ensure
that they are being dropped off at the correct drop-off sites. Some students have been getting out of
the cars on University Blvd., which is hazardous to the student and causes traffic issues.
f. Upcoming events include the spring performance of “MacBeth”. All students will have a teaser; Spring
Sports start on March 1; Senior Events-a Senior package will be coming out.
VI. Presentation on Northwood’s Internship program by Ms. Gill
Ms. Gill provided an overview of Northwood’s very successful internship program. She has received
157 applications from this year’s juniors, and is reviewing the applications and meeting with students. Ms.
Gill strongly encourages all students to have some type of work experience to put on their resume. The work
experience does not need to be paid work, but to include volunteer work and/or work on committees and
projects at school.
VII. President’s Report
Liz requested reports from Northwood committees.
VIII. Committee and Communications Reports
a.
Cathy Shrestha provided an update on the PTSA Budget. Currently have $17,700 but will incur large
expenses in the spring months for the AfterProm, PTSA Scholarships and Staff Appreciation.
b. Fundraising Chair Jim Burke reported on ongoing and upcoming fundraising activities, including the
Honey-Baked Ham fundraiser, Snider’s receipts and online shopping through eScrip Online mall. The
link for the eScrip Online Mall is on the NHS website, at the bottom-right of the screen.
c.
Silent Auction Co-chair Rich Goemann provided an update on the Silent Auction. It is 100% online at
www.biddingforgood.com and will run from March 23 – April 6. They are still accepting items for the
Silent Auction. Contact Rich or Melissa Goemann at [email protected] if you have
something to donate.
d. VP Brad Sperber provided an update on the PTSA Scholarships. Can award up to 4 $500
scholarships; deadline to apply is March 6; requirement that student must have received FARMS at
some point; Brad is seeking volunteers to help review applications.
e.
MCPPTA Greta Diemer noted that March 6 is PTA day in Annapolis and is a great way to lobby for
funds. Greta noted that PTA’s from the Baltimore area send lots of people, and those areas tend to
have funds sent their way. A bus will be leaving from Blair at 4:45, visit the MCPPTA website to
register for a seat on the bus.
X. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Luck