November 2, 2017 — PSFA Meeting Minutes

  1. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance, and Welcome:  Meeting called to order at 7:36 p.m.  PSFA officers in attendance —  Jody Sackett (2018), Laura Andersen (2019), Sharon Jemas (2019), Aphrodite Noone (2018), and Kate Megerle (2019).         15 members and 4 students in attendance.
  2. Co-Presidents’ Report:  Jody Sackett and Laura Andersen.  Laura reported that the MCVSD All District PSFA meeting (10/19) was a very productive, informative meeting.  First administration discussed things.  Then the other attendees shared information about their individual schools’ activities including fundraising, alumni interaction, communicating with parents, and how to encourage volunteers.   Jody mentioned the Book Club and told the impressive and exciting news of the success of a CHS parent named Sandi Ward who just got her book, The Astonishing Thing, published.  She’ll be having a book signing at the B & N  in Holmdel on 11/18 & one in the Monmouth Mall on 11/19.   We’re so proud of our parents as well as our students.
  3. Principal Gleason:  Mr. Gleason shared that CHS was in the middle of a great, fun, active Spirit Week and gave a shout out to Connor and the rest of the SGA for their tremendous efforts.  End of marking period / midterms / NJ teacher convention next week, another short school week for Thanksgiving, 4th of 4 Info Sessions will be on 11/14, Coffeehouse on 11/17, National Art Honor Society trip to MOMA 11/21, induction for new members of the National Honor Society as well as the National Technical Honor Society will be on 12/5.   Mr. Gleason will begin interviewing for Mr. Allen’s replacement some time during next semester.
  4. Student Government Association Report:  Connor Martin (vice president of SGA).  Reported that the 3 v 3 basketball tournament fundraiser hosted by the freshman class went well, many colleges have been visiting, the Ink Blot won a journalism award at the Rutgers All Press Day, fun Spirit Week (20% of money raised from penny wars will go to Save the Children), first ever homecoming dance to benefit Skills USA will be 11/3, JSA fall conference on 11/18 – 19, school play (It’s a Wonderful Life) 12/1 – 2, Career Day 12/8.
  5. New Business:  Drama Club Grant Request for $1,000.  Lara Graney, director of this year’s play, Izzy Cavazzoni, producer, and Kelly Forrester, assistant producer, told a little about the club, their monetary needs, and how they fundraise for some of it.  Their goal is to accumulate necessary equipment as the years go on so they have to rent less and less.  They presented a request for a grant to be used for a new soundboard and wireless microphone receiver.  Michelle Rosenberg motioned to grant the money, Trish Weisenstein seconded.   Membership voted in favor.
  6. Approval of October 5, 2017 Minutes:  Recording Secretary Kate Megerle.  Motion to approve, Tammy Perconti.  Ronett Sagman seconded.  Membership voted in favor to approve.
  7. Treasurer’s Report:  Therese Heidelberger.  No report.
    Corresponding Secretary’s Report:  Aphrodite Noone.  On behalf of our PSFA, Aphrodite sent a sympathy card to CHS English teacher Mrs. Vander Velde, whose father died.   She also sent a get well card to Mary Ellen Landolfi for her father who is recovering from an accident.
  8. Committee Reports:
    1. Fundraising:
      1. Dinner Gift Auction — Sharon Jemas reported.  DGA will be on 4/14/18.  Thank you for gift cards, baskets, etc. we have already received.  We need an ad journal solicitor as well as volunteers to help get gift donations.  Flyers are available.  Invitations being worked on.  Melanie Polvino (Mom on gift auction committee) gave us some excellent new ideas to look in to such as Event Sponsors, some games, and buffet instead of sit-down dinner.
      2. Annual Donation Campaign — Jody reported that we are so thankful to all that have given.   We are already close to our goal and the tax letters will be going out.
      3. Wine & Design — Aphrodite Noone shared that the event was fun and raised over $300.
        CHS Swag — Tammy Perconti reported that starting on 11/3, swag will be sold at lunchtime on the first Friday of every month and they have some nice new items.  Also, coming soon, the PSFA website will have ordering capability and you won’t need to print out order form and mail it.
      4. Magazine Sales and Amazon Smiles — ongoing fundraisers for CHS.
    2. Hospitality:  Gayle Topper reported that everything is lined up for bagel breakfasts next week.
    3. Alumni:  Mary Ellen Landolfi will be creating an event on Facebook for the upcoming reunion 12/28.
    4. Membership / Directory:  Janet Pepsin and Lori Littenberg.  No report.
    5. Parent -Student Activities:  Jody Sackett.  Things are coming together for Mingle & Jingle on 12/7.  Chorus will perform, Drama Club will do a scene, Swag will be sold, Cookie Exchange, etc.  Gayle Topper told about Career Day coming on 12/8.  Speakers come talk to kids in second half of their school day.  Hospitality Committee feeds speakers brunch.
    6. Communique Newsletter:  Beth Chunn.  No report.
    7. Enrichment / Education:  Ronett Sagman reported that the Driver’s Ed class this year will begin on 1/10 and run for 10 weeks.   Suggestion made to consider holding it earlier in the school year in future to benefit kids with earlier birthdays.   Next Catalyst Prep Bootcamp will be 3/3 -4/18.
    8. Public Relations:  Hope Raymond and Renju Thomas have started putting things on Facebook.  Please email them if you have good information for them to post.
  9. Adjourn Formal Meeting:  Gayle Topper motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Michelle Rosenberg seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.