Welcome – Erica Bacich
Mr. Etlen’s Remarks
- Thank you for the entertaining and informative Rockin’ Through History assembly
- Halloween was uneventful and fun
- Zumbathon & USwirl were great events
- 11/3-7 was Non-violent conflict week, STARS behavior discussed, no place for Hate, ended with a STARS assembly
- AEF (Abington Education Fund – a nonprofit working for the school district) – there was a strong HIghland presence at the Night at the Races fundraiser
- March 27 – another big fundraiser at HS (carnival) – each school will have a booth, Erica will get more details at Parent Council meeting in Jan
- AEF funds extra projects for the schools, they gave each school money to buy promethean boards in each classrooms
- Annual goal this year: Chrome books, hire PT person to handle daily AEF tasks
- Other PTOs bought ad space in advertising book at Night at Races; will consider this donation from HIghland in the future
Treasurer Report – Vicki Turner
- Oct financial report was distributed
- $235 has been raised for the Buddy Bench, will cost around $700
Chief Financial Officer Report – John Spiegelman
- check out the new highlandpto.com; which was updated by Troy Finamore
- will have each week’s Husky happenings, calendar, forms
- Committee chairs send anything (already approved) that you want posted about upcoming events to Troy
- Sticking with paper copies for Husky Happenings
6th Grade update – Nicole Manton, Tina Stancavage
- Fundraiser was great – $5000 raised for the 6th grade classes activities and expenses
- in great shape budget-wise
- bake sale during conferences and Family Fun night in Jan
- Applebee’s breakfast – Feb 21st 8-10am
- Spring skating party, on a Sun night, over at 7:30
- fee for DARE t-shirts this year
- the 6th grade class is a great and giving group, kids always wanting to work and volunteer, they’ve been waiting for years to have this opportunity
- any questions or ideas, contact Tina or Nicole
Care & Share – John Spiegelman
- 32 families to feed
- still need turkey coupons, reaching out to community at large for assistance
- collection goes through Tues 11/25
Blood Drive – John Spiegelman
- Wed 12/10 2:00-7:00; link in Husky Happenings for info & sign-up
- every pint saves 3 people
- Beth Kerr taking over next year
Need assemblies chair for next year
Adopt-a-Family – Erica Bacich
- still in beginning stages, gifts delivered Dec 12th
Junior Flower Show – Ms. Forrest
- Info will go home soon
- Projects due 1/21-1/22; parents can see on 1/23 at Family Fun night
- Workshops will be beginning of January
- judges were impressed last year with diversity of entries
- Art Show/Ice cream Social – need to make sure someone is coordinating music performances
Indoor Recess
- gymnasium is used throughout the day for gym class, so is not an option
- kids can bring in own things to keep occupied
- Tina will contact teachers to see if they need games; possibly leading to collection of board games
- Outdoor recess is taken away from a student as a result of repeated misbehavior; recess/free time is a privilege
Fundraising – Nicole
- Zumbathon made $100, USwirl brought in $250
- Zumba class – 29 students paid, 4 stipends, made $350, used for new STARS posters
- consider increasing STARS budget
- Chipotle – 12/18, gives 50% to Highland
STARS
- need more Tier 1 support – principal’s 200 club
- working towards being on same page when rewarding positive behavior, not just when bad behavior switches to positive, but also for consistent good behavior
- considering Gold/Platinum card program, special nights for kids that keep their card
Barnes & Noble night Friday 11/21 4:30-7 – lots of fun activities, come out and support Highland
Next PTO Meeting is January 12 at 9am