THOMPSON PFA MEETING MINUTES

September 14, 2009

            The meeting of the Thompson PFA was called to order at 9:25 a.m. by Christy Weil, co-president.  The minutes from the May 18, 2009 meeting were approved.

             Principal:  Mr. Houston welcomed all.  Over the summer, new pavers were placed in front of the school and the gym was painted.  There is now an outdoor pond in the courtyard area by the chunnel.  Friday was the 6^th grade social.  Attendance was great.  In all 37 clusters of the NJ Ask scores, Thompson outperformed its District Factor Group.  Thompson is always near the top, but it is our goal to make Thompson the very best middle school.  Back to school night is Thursday at 7:00.  Mrs. Richards is our Student Assistance Counselor.  Mr. Anderson is the counselor for grade 6, Mr. Gomulka for grade 7, and Mrs. Nagy for grade 8.  Students are encouraged to see their counselor whenever needed.  There has been an evacuation drill.  There is a crisis team with all emergency information available to them.  NJ Ask results will be mailed in the next 2 weeks.  Starting Wednesday, Mrs. Nagy will visit all 8^th grade homerooms to give an overview of all high schools.  On October 6 there will be a full period of information for students interested in the career academies.  The website mcvsd.org lists all the open houses.  The 8^th graders will visit high schools north and south on October 20.  The vocational school test is usually given in January. 

             Assistant Principal:  Mr. Baglivio.  Thompson is a great school located in a great area.  He spoke to students last week about their need to be assertive.  Students need to be able to speak up and tell what is wrong, on the bus as well.  Bullying is not to be tolerated. 

             Co-President:  Christy Weil.  The budget for the 2009-2010 school year was presented.  The budget includes $10,000 for teacher grants, which are requested by the teachers and subject to committee approval; school gifts of $10,000 which will be spent on finishing the gym (new curtain and wood paneling on the sides of the stage and a new sound system).  A motion was made and the budget was approved.      

             Granny’s made over $43,000 last year.  A lot of help is needed in addition to needing new chairs for the event.  Sign up sheets were available for various committees.  There are many openings in addition to Board openings for next year.

 The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.