MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 5TH, 2011
INTRODUCTION: Dina Muldoon introduced herself as the Director of the PTA for the Middle School, welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending.
Dina mentioned sign up sheets which were available at the meeting for PTA Membership, Book Fair, Interview Committee and Nominating Committee.
Dina mentioned the October 12th BOE Work Session which will explain the tax cap. Yvonne Varano was present and spoke of the importance of the Work Sessions and how informative they are in making informed decisions when it comes time for the Budget Vote.
Christine Cudahy spoke on behalf of the Nominating Committee. She said it meets two morings in January, from 9 am till 12 pm. There will be 8 new positions available for the 2012/2013 school year.
We were joined by all three Middle School Guidance Counselors, including the head of Guidance, Ms. Christel.
Ms. Gaska, the 6th grade guidance counselor, spoke about the adjustment of entering the Middle School. She will be holding a Guidance Orientation in each of the 6th Grade ELA classes, which will explain to the children what guidance is, and what it can be used for.
Ms. Weiner, the 7th grade guidance counselor, spoke a lot about Student Council, and the importance of children getting involved in clubs, sports, and other school activities. She explained the importance of children being part of a group and a club, and having a sense of belonging.
Ms. Weiner also spoke about the criteria for induction into the National Junior Honor Society, which occurs in the 3rd quarter of 7th grade. Further information on this can be found in the school planners.
Ms. Ingoglia, the 8th grade guidance counselor, spoke mainly about 8th grade grades/coursework and how they will determine placement in the High School. There will be an evening meeting in January for parents in regard to the transition into the High School.
All the guidance counselors will be meeting with each child individually for discussions this year. The guidance counselor stays with the child for the course of their middle school years – the children don’t switch counselors every year.
They all expressed an open door policy, and made it clear to the parents that they are always available to the parents and the students at any time.
They all discussed the individual class parties, which will be held for 6th grade on Friday Oct. 14th, 7th grade on Friday Oct. 21st, and 8th grade on Friday Nov. 4th. All parties are from 7:30 till 9:00 pm. Children must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. No child is permitted to leave the premises without an adult. Carpooling is recommended.
They also discussed the Homework Policy, which is also posted on the Middle School Website.
The school Psychologist, Ms. Manion, as well as the school Social Worker, Ms. Bonoguiro, introduced themselves and also made the parents aware that they are available and accessible if parents or children feel the need.
Dr. Osroff, the Middle School Principal, was introduced. He spoke again of the adjustment to the Middle School. His school philosophy is to “Treat the children the way in which you would want YOUR children to be treated at school”. He wanted to make it clear that the Middle School is very concerned with the children’s social and emotional care. All the adults in the building are there to make the children comfortable. He has an “open door” policy for both parents and children.
Dr. Osroff spoke of the Family Movie Night, being held Friday October 29th at the Middle School. This is NOT a drop off. Parents and/or responsible adult must stay. Students, siblings, and/or friends are welcome to attend.
In closing, each committee gave it’s individual report, which can be found on the PTA Website.
The attendance sheet, as well as the individual committee sheets were signed and collected.