VALENCIA HIGH SCHOOL PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

President Barbara Oliver called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Dr. Priesz led the pledge of allegiance.

Barbara asked the audience to review the minutes from the last meeting and asked for a motion to approve them. Lauren Goetz made a motion to accept the minutes. Margie Junker seconded the motion. All voted in favor, and the motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The balance on account is $5,969.88. A $243.00 deposit was made which was a donation from Farmers Group on behalf of three employees. Disbursements of $5,651.96 were made during the period for the staff appreciation lunch, open house refreshments and the academic grants previously approved. Regarding the grants, Terry indicated that the disbursements exceeded the approved amounts due to tax and shipping which were not included in some of the requests. She asked for a motion to approve the $428.43 overage. Karen Butler made such motion and Terry seconded. The motion passed. $1,498.48 on account is set aside from the city grant for landscaping improvements.

AUDITOR’S REPORT: Susan Amico completed the prior year audit. Lauren Goetz made a motion to adopt the audit. Mr. Kasperian seconded. The motion passed.

ASB REPORT: Paige Castan reported that class elections were held with many candidates running. Twelve new officers were elected. The yearbook signing party for seniors will be held May 30,2003 and all other classes will receive their yearbooks on June 2. Grad night will be held on June 5,2003. A “Battle of Guitars” was held and enjoyed by many. Prom pictures will be in on May 29. Mr. Ferry indicated that Prom held earlier in the month was a success and that the Sony Backlot has already been booked for next year. Viking Valor awards were handed out to almost 1,000 students. The Gymnasium hall is being repainted. The baseball, softball and boys volleyball teams are all still in the playoffs. Senior awards night will be May 29.

DAC: Linn Mills reported that regular school dress code was discussed. Saugus High has a dress code challenge program for which the school purchased 100 extra large brightly colored T-shirts on which they printed “I am dress code challenged”. Students who don’t meet dress code and are sent to the office are required to wear one to replace their own shirt. When the student returns the school’s shirt, they get their own back. The school feels this has been a successful program. The state budget is proposing a decline from $116 to $68 average daily allowance. A DAC representative is still needed for next year.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: The emergency plan presented by Mr. Luxmore at the last meeting needs to be approved by the PAC. Karen Schnurr made a motion for approval. Karen Butler seconded. Motion passed. Dr. Priesz confirmed that drills have been carried out to ensure the plan is workable.

OFFICER ELECTIONS: Margie Junker made a motion to accept the slate of officers presented by the Nominating Committee at the prior meeting and which are listed in the April 28, 2003 minutes. No other nominations were made from the floor. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kasperian. The motion passed.

Beautification: Grant money must be spent by June 30, 2003 or must be returned to the city. Barbara Oliver indicated that she is going to see this project to completion.

Hospitality: No news.

Scholarship: Laura Carlson reported that VHS Counseling Staff would like to have a “Cash for College” workshop on a weeknight in November for juniors and seniors. They would also like assistance in helping to coordinate a road trip to colleges in conjunction with another high school. Staff is looking to request $200 stipend for next year’s bus trip to the National College Fair.

Staff Appreciation: The appreciation lunch was well attended and the teachers stayed and enjoyed each other’s company. Margie Junker suggested having the lunch two times next year if budget permits.

Prom Promenade: Karen Butler reported that this event went well in spite of the rainy weather beforehand. Dr. Priesz indicated that it provided for orderly search and loading of buses.

Special Events: No news.

Booster Club Liaison: No news

Disaster Preparedness: Martha Schickley reported the desire to raise awareness of what disaster preparedness is. She is looking for money to fund a generator and supplies through grants and other donations. Linn Mills suggested having The Signal write an article about the school’s program and needs to reach out to the community.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Barbara Oliver reported that the Hart District School Board voted down both the recommendations made by the parent committee and principals for performance group costume guidelines.

Barbara presented flowers to Margie Junker and thanked her for four years of service to the PAC. She also presented flowers to the new co-Presidents, Karen Butler and Lauren Goetz, and wished them success.

Lauren Goetz and Karen Butler presented flowers and a plaque to Barbara Oliver for her seven years of service to the PAC, three as President.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Dr. Priesz reported the plan for staff development during the 2003-04 school year. To accommodate this, there will be fourteen ½ days throughout the year in addition to open house and back to school night. Dr. Priesz thanked all of the volunteers for the great benefit they bring to the school and handed out certificates of appreciation.

OTHER: Sandy Lantz announced that there will be a bin in the library for donations of old backpacks and book bags.

The meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Karen Schnurr.