Minutes of the Northwood HS (NHS) PTSA Meeting
I. Date:
April 22, 2014
II. Opening: Meeting called to order at 7:30pm by PTSA President Liz Dunn with approximately 20 parents,
teachers and students in attendance.
III. Secretary’s Report: Summary of March 2014 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 Vice President Danielle Gillon conducted an interview with freshmen Disa Basu
and Dalya Kamil of the Academy of Technological and Environmental Systems Sciences. Biology is the
favorite class for Disa and Dalya because of the experiments and it’s relevant in life. Both girls agree the
Academy provides more in-depth course work because students are more interested in the work. Their
expectations for next year include programming on computers and going on field trips.
V. Upcoming PTSA elections: Melissa Goemann described her role as the Silent Auction Co-Chair and Susan
Luck described the role of Secretary. PTSA is seeking volunteers for next school year, including President,
Secretary and various Committee chairs.
VI. Principal’s Report: Ms. Charley-Greene stated that we are coming up on the busiest time of the school
year and quickly reviewed upcoming events. A goal of the Academies is to strengthen Pathways for Capstone
projects. ArtSpeak will be held at NHS on Wed, April 30 and will feature two leading Broadway actors. On
May 2 the Honor Roll/Straight A/and students who increased grades will be able to attend an ice cream
social.
NHS Assistant School Administrator, Mr. Mark Brown, provided a detailed review of the upcoming
HSA/AP/Senior and Final Exams which will occur in May and June.
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AP exams will take place May 5 -16; consult NHS website for more detail on specific exam dates.
Teachers will also provide more details on the exam
HSA’s are scheduled the week of May 19-22 in the morning; students in grades 9-11 not taking an
HSA exam are not required to report to school that morning; (however, if a student does come to
school in the morning and is not taking an HSA, student will do an academic activity in the gym). All
grade 9-11 students should be at school after lunch for regular classes during this week.
Senior Final exams are also held the week of May 19-22
Last school day for Seniors is Friday, May 23
Final exams for grades 9-11 is June 9 – 12; makeup day is June 13 (makeup exams by appointment
only)
Testing schedules are on the NHS website.
AP Exam schedule is on the College Board website. Mr. Brown noted that for AP exams students need to be at
the testing room 15 minutes prior to the start of the test. Most AP exams will take place in the Media Center
but this is subject to change.
VII. Presentation by Ms. Deborah Irvin, Executive Director of Family Support Center (provides
Wellness Center mental health staff)
Ms. Irvin provided an excellent presentation on stress reduction and dealing with teenagers. Ms.
Irvin noted that the #1 factor for success from adolescence to adulthood is school connectedness.
VIII. President’s Report
Liz requested requested reports from the Committee chairs.
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Melissa Goemann reported that the Silent Auction had a 30% increase in participation from last year
and raised approximately $6500.
Deb Frew reported After-Prom party will be at Dave & Busters at White Flint Mall. Senior tickets will
be $10 and Junior and all guest tickets will be $20. Posters will be going up soon at NHS to advertise
the event.
Brad Sperber reported this year had a record number of applicants for the PTSA scholarships. In
May four (4) $500 scholarships will be awarded.
Cathy Shrestha reported that as of March 31 there is $11,284 in PTSA account.
IX. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Luck