Meeting Minutes – December 11, 2025

Meeting Minutes

Communications High School – PSFA Meeting

December 11, 2025

 

Executive Board Members Present: 

Patti Riddle – Co-President 

Kat Hernandez – Co President

Janelle Checkett, Vice President Fundraising

Melissa Skrocki, Secretary

  • Call to Order.   President Patti Riddle called the meeting to order at 7:11 pm and lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
  • SGA Report – Brody Salowe 
      1. Thank you for all coming to the meeting! 
      2. November Recap:  We had teacher’s convention break and following the break we had 3rd and 4th Info Sessions.   We received lots of positive feedback on the new format.    Skills USA also hosted the Homecoming Dance.   In November, we also had an original play written by students at CHS titled Loved, Esme.   It was a great success.   
      3. Looking ahead,  the Jr class will host Coffeehouse on 12/12.   On December 22 is Alumni Day – college students will come back and give feedback to the students. The day before break is Senior Switch Day where the seniors will teach for the day.    Winter Break is from December 23-January 5.   
    2. Grant Request  – Mr. Falon and the NAHS requested a grant.  We have 67 members of Juniors and Seniors.  NAHS is planning a visit to Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC on 2/5/26 for 47 students and 5 chaperones.   They are asking for $650 to help reduce the cost of the trip.  NAHS is fundraising for this and each student will also pay about $25.   Grant was approved.   
    3. Principal’s Report  –  
      1. She is currently working on her budget for next year.  She is requesting that busing and costs for co-curricular fieldtrips.   She is hopeful that this will free up funds for the PSFA.    She also requesting upgrades for equipment, furniture and additional training faculty.  An additional request is 1:1 Mac laptops for all students. 
      2.  Ms. Baldaccini has been named teacher of the year.   
      3. NJSLA scores came out and CHS did amazing.
      4. We had 199 submissions for applicants for CHS which was an increase over the last 2 years of 23.8%. 
      5. Regarding the schedule, she encourages parents to come to her directly, but please also talk to teachers first if the concern is classroom specific.   She has been meeting with teachers.   We continue to make tweaks to schedules.   She is the only administrator at the school and she encouraged parents to talk to the teachers about specific concerns.   One area they are working to improve is that teachers have been reminder to make sure that all assignments are in Google classroom.  Next year we will be able to change that the students will not be moving together as block.   The new schedule allowed for additional rigor for the students and additional CET opportunities.  It also allows for opportunities for APs, mentorship and capstone projects.   
      6. Seniors are working on their mentorship opportunities.  
      7. January 28 is Capstone Night and families are encourage to attend to see all of the amazing work our seniors have completed.  
  • President’s Report – Patti Riddle and Kat Hernandez
  •  Thank you for everyone who purchased 50/50 tickets.  We fell a bit short on this effort but still completed it as a successful fundraiser for the PSFA.   We are excited to pivot to the Spring Gala.  It will be on April 17, 2026 at The Breakers.   There are lots of items on our Amazon wish list.   We would welcome business donations and any assistance for fundraising.  
  • At year end, please consider making a donation to the school  – especially if your employer matches donations.   The information for matching is on the agenda.  
  •  For holidays, the PSFA gave teachers $25 gift cards.   
  • There is no January meeting and the February meeting will be virtual.  
  • Vice President Report  – Janelle Checkett
  • Super 50/50 –  We have sold 116 tickets this year.  We raised $5,800.  The 1st place winner will win $3,480, the 2nd place winner will win $1,740 and the 3rd place winner will win $580.  
  • Treasurer  – Hope Pressler
      1. The 50/50 and spirit wear sales which have helped us raise funds for the PSFA.  
      2. YTD income is $21, 259 and we’ve had expenses of $6,529.49.  
  • Secretary’s Report – Melissa Skrocki 
    1. The minutes from the November meeting were posted on the website.  A motion was made to approve the minutes and the members unanimously approved the minutes.  
    2. If anyone has any questions regarding the Remind app.  Please download the app so I can respond back to questions.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa Skrocki with any questions.   

 

Motion to Adjourned at 8:19.