KINNELON HIGH SCHOOL
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION  MEETING

February 9, 2010

Meeting opened at 7:35 pm.

Mr. Opiekun, Alice Robinson and Diane DiGiusseppe provided a brief overview of ongoing projects & priorities and the process to formulate the upcoming budget in the schools. Some of the topics were:

  • Everyday Math and Spelling addressed in lower grades.
  • Additional Smart Boards were purchased w/ training for the teachers, esp. teachers from elementary schools.
  • Power School has online course registration @ KHS
  • A new Literacy Program implemented @ PRM
  • Jump Start Math program offered for 5-6th grade students that skipped 6th grade math for 7th grade math
  • PRM Enrichment Program now in place in which students come in at 7:15am
  • Additional electives added to KHS curriculum.
  • Senior Study available in 4th qtr.
  • Virtual HS on-line courses will be offered in the high school next year. The district has purchased 20 seats. Students can log in and see what is available. These on-line courses will not fit every student's time/motivation/study skills
  • On March 16, Gov. Christie will advise school districts of the guidelines on how they can proceed with formulating their budget. If there is a reduction is state aid, we will have to cut budget. The Board will have to approve budget and send it to the state w/in a week of the Governor's Message. April 20 is the scheduled date for the budget vote.
  • The Board has asked each principal to cut 10% of their budget.
  • On April 5 Mr. Opiekun will attend the PRM Home and School meeting in the morning to present the budget and to the high school home and school at 7:30 p.m.
  • Mr. Opiekun may plan a "budget brainstorming" meeting before March 16

Secretary, Mary Anne Gorman, reviewed the minutes of the Jan. meeting. Kathy Westerhoff made a motion to approve the minutes; seconded by Mary Pitts.

Dr. Merckling read his Principal's report:

  • All the teachers loved the Teacher's Luncheon
  • The Spring Musical, Evita, will be held Feb. 26, 27 and 28. Tickets are available online thru the school's website.
  • Both the boy's and girl's swim teams completed their very successful dual meet season, with the boys finishing at 7-2 and the girls with a 7-3 record.
  • The Academic Decathlon Team, coached by Mrs. Linda Johnson placed 3rd in the Regional Competition and 3rd in the oral Super Quiz. The team will be competing in the State Finals at Morris Knolls HS on Feb. 27.
  • Report cards will be mailed soon.

Treasurer's report on behalf of Maryann Hanley: The only change to our funds from the last meeting is an expense of flowers for the Fashion Show.

Project Graduation report on behalf of Dale Jack and Tracey Dangelmajer: Information for bidding on the Silent Auction of the Lakeland Y membership can be found online. Town-wide donation letters will be mailed shortly.

Scholarship Committee report on behalf of Cyndy Fuhro: A Yarnell Scholarship of $1,000 for community service will be available and also 10-$1,000 Merit scholarships from the HSA. The deadline for the scholarships is March 22. Information can be found online.

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon chaired by Sue Boyle: Thanks to Sue Boyle for chairing this committee. The teachers enjoyed the luncheon very much!

Kinnelon Music and Performing Arts Booster Club update on behalf of Kathy Powell:

  • Marimba Fundraiser is going very well. About $3,300 has been collected! Please continue to support this effort and thanks.
  • The Regions Choir fundraiser for the 2010 Scholarship went very well. Food was available for purchase by the 350 students that rehearsed at KHS leading up to their Jan. 30 performance.
  • KHS Spring Musical EVITA is moving along. Save the dates of Feb. 26th, 27th & 28th. Tix are available online.

Next HSA meeting is on Tues., March. 9 @ 7:30 @ KHS cafe

Meeting was adjourned @ 8:50pm

In attendance:

Mary Anne Gorman
Cindy Simms
Dr. Wayne Merckling
Joy Morreale
Judy Barrett
Kathleen Donovan
Kathy Westerhoff
Mary Pitts
Jim Opikeun
Alice Robinson
Diane DiGiueseppe