THOMPSON PFA MEETING MINUTES

February 23, 2009

             The meeting of the Thompson PFA was called to order at 9:26 a.m. by Dana Johnson, co-president.  The minutes from the January 26, 2008 meeting were approved.

             Principal:  Mr. Houston spoke about the most recent state assessments.  He was pleased with the results of our children when compared with other students in the factor group: GH as well as state wide comparisons.  The Star Ledger does a great job of showing these comparisons, and when the results are made available, Mr. Houston will let us know how to access it.  He also commented that schooldigger.com also shows a nice comparison.  He stated that starting next year, there will be a variety show/play at Thompson alternating years between the two.  Upon board approval, latch key at Thompson will be taken over by the YMCA and different programs may be offered to students who stay after school.

             Assistant Principal:  Mr. Baglivio spoke about the success of Diversity Day which was held on February 5.  It featured speakers on Bias Crimes, The Holocaust, and Irish Immigration into New York.  Mr. Freeman and Mr. Durr who are teachers at Thompson also gave lectures.  Foods of many different ethnicities were shared.

             Budget Committee:  Brenda DeSteno urged everyone to make sure they are registered to vote and that absentee ballots are available online.  There will be a meeting on March 3 at HS South about the proposed budget.   She asked for people who were willing to put signs on their lawn in support of the budget. 

             Stephanie Cartier spoke from the parent group VOICES.  There are several upcoming meetings which are all posted on the Middletownk12.org website.

She noted that all information from PIC is available in the Superintendents update which is also available on that website. 

             President:  Dana Johnson noted that they were looking for members for a nominating committee to help fill committee heads in the future.  A sign up sheet was passed around.

             Rosemary Richards gave a presentation to the group on Preventing School Violence and Threat Assessment and Procedures.  This is a similar presentation that she gives to faculty throughout the district so they are familiar with warning signs from troubled students and procedures to follow if threats are identified. 

             The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 a.m.   The next meeting will be March 16.