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STRATH HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONMinutes for Meeting of May 10, 20127:00 PM SHHS Library (2 nd floor)Present: Principal of SHHS, MaryJo Yannacone, President of HSA, Suzanne Barton, VicePresident of HSA, Sara McCullough, Connie Gilday, Lindsay Parker, Deirdre Gibson, JudySokol, Anne Viggiano, Robin Shields, Dianne ButeraCall to Order – Suzanne Barton (President), Sara McCullough (Vice President) welcomedattendees.1. Pam Trowbridge, Local Coordinator, CCI and Kelly Johnson --Center for CulturalInterchange and Greenheart, The Greenheart of Cultural Exchangehttp://www.cci-exchange.com/Information about the program was distributed with requests for involvement from families living inSHHS in providing housing and meals for exchange students for time periods of up to a year. It wasacknowledged by those in attendance that this is a great way to learn about other countries, developlong lasting relationships with people from all over the world, and see US culture through “fresh”eyes. Mary Jo Yannacone agreed to post it its link and information in SHHS newsletter.The most immediate need is for families being willing to host 13 students who will be coming fromSpain, this summer, July 2 nd to July 30 th . Families are asked to provide housing, some meals, andwhen possible allow students to accompany families on trips. On weekdays, students participate inprogramming which includes English as a Second Language classes and local excursions.2. Meeting theme: “Reflections on the 2011-12 school year and shared comments oncurrent happenings” which was presented by Mary Jo Yannacone (PowerPoint isattached):Mary Jo Yannacone announced that the 2012-13 Calendar as well as agenda books will beavailable in June. She also explained that she would provide updates from the current yearand goals for the next academic year.Staff Updates:Mark Taylor will be returning to middle school; Michelle Britton will be moving from themiddle school to the high school with the class of 2016, and Tjitske Milks has decided tomove to a three day schedule, sharing the student psychologist position with Sara Roth.Michelle deCruz-Saenz, Spanish / French teacher, Christina Baulch, English teacher andJennifer Fisher math teacher are leaving. Approval has been given to hire new teachers forthese positions. Christine Contrady from the middle school will be assuming the role inPhysical Education that Gail Williams has held. John Kaelin from Instructional SupportBertha Fitzsimmons, secretary, in the Attendance Office are also leaving and will not bereplaced.There will be two long-term substitute teachers: Kathy Freeman, and Whitney Brady.Unfortunately, Deb Ronaldo’s position was not able to be renewed, but she is well respectedand assistance for other possibilities is being provided.1

Technology Changes:In the mathematics department there are TInspire class sets (calculators) are available,laptops either have been upgraded or replaced, and there are tablets (small computers)available for use in Algebra II.In the science department there also has been upgrades and replacements of CFF laptops inaddition to acquisition of tablets for use in life sciences.In social studies there has been replacement / upgrade of CFF laptops and an addition ofnetbooks for research and group projects.The school building is wireless and Dr. Yannacone reported that the school has reached istechnological goals.Facilities:Carpeting has been placed in music rooms and guidance offices; completing the school plan.During the summer: the gymnasium floor will be resurfaced, the school tile floors will bewaxed, the stairwells and bathrooms will be painted, the tennis courts resurfaced, the softballbackstop enhanced, and various renovations in the auditorium will be completed. It also ishoped that new lockers can be installed (similar to ones that are in the middle school).Curriculum:Enrollment: A drop in total enrollment from 1232 to 1175 is anticipated:Class sizes: 12th - 326, 11th - 285, 10th – 304, 9th – 260. It is anticipated that the totalschool population will stabilize at about 1100-1200 students.It is possible that with new students registering from out-of-state/country, private, parochial,and public schools in region may change these projections, but it is not anticipated to make ahuge difference.New course offerings include: Intermediate Chinese A; AP Studio Art – full year, 2 credits;Introduction to Computer Science – Ipad apps/programming; Foundations of Algebra – fullyear, 2 credits; Foundations of Geometry; and AP Physics – full year, 2 credits. Most of thechanges are the result of national college recommendations.2013-2014 Possibilities include: AP Environmental Science and JournalismSchool Goals:Academic Goal #1:Implement curriculum completed and published, as a result of UbD process beginning in2008. Assess effectiveness of curriculum, including enduring understandings, essentialquestions, and cornerstone assessments.Action Plan:1. Finalize publication of UbD plan for each core course within departments.2

2. Collaborate within departments on implementation of curriculum across all academiclevels.3. Schedule monthly meetings to assess effectiveness of curriculum, and refine asappropriate.4. Complete assessment report in June 2012 and submit to building and centraladministration.5. Utilize the pre-observation form and post-observation conference to reflect on theimplementation of the curriculum plan.Status: In ProgressAcademic Goal #2: Continue to meet expectations for AYP on the PSSA, and increaseefforts to raise percentage of advanced scores across all assessments.Action Plan:1. Review results for 2011, and adjust curriculum as appropriate for improved results.2. Assess performance of special education subgroup, and provide targeted preparationfor students at-risk of scoring below Proficiency in 2012.3. Utilize data from 2011 Algebra Keystone pilot and U Penn report to assess currentimplementation of new math program.4. Implement Read 180 program and assess effectiveness in June 2012.5. Continue to evaluate rigor and relevance of course material relative to standardizedtesting expectations.6. Evaluate the performance on the PSSA relative to students scoring Advanced andstrategize ways to increase this percentage in the future.Status: Assessments completed; waiting for 2012 scoresSchool Culture Goal #1:Strive to educate all students on post-secondary options, and encourage course selection thatmaintains maximum opportunity for every graduate.Action Plan:1. Utilize Naviance for all students beginning in grade ten.2. Transition all seniors to electronic filing of applications, beginning with the Class of2013.3. Strategize ways to use current resources to increase face-time between counselors andindividual students.4. Provide information and opportunities for families preparing to finance postsecondaryeducation.5. Attend conferences as appropriate to strengthen and enhance relationships andresources for our department and our students.6. Review junior course curriculum to identify opportunities for counselor visitation andteacher-implemented education.Status: Training for full Naviance implementation scheduled for summer; semester visitationto classrooms by counselors; Financial Aid Night held3

School Culture Goal #2:Conduct an assessment of the current curriculum, co-curricular involvement, and socialintegration of students “in the middle” and prepare a plan for 2012-2013 implementation thataddresses their needs for improved participation, performance, and post-secondary planning.Action Plan:1. Convene a team to review all relevant data on students enrolled in CollegePreparatory courses that are neither identified as special needs nor gifted.2. Review and assess the participation rates and performance levels for these students onstandardized testing, course finals, and post-secondary planning trends.3. Strategize ways to improve our efforts with students in this population.4. Present a plan of action to the faculty by May, 2012 for implementation in 2012-2013.Status: Assessment completed; data reviewed included class size, attendance, discipline,involvement, post-secondary plans; PSSA performance; transcripts; course selection; reportin June to faculty and September to HSASchool-Community Goal: Continue to promote Strath Haven High School as a vibrant,caring, intellectually stimulating school community, and to raise the level of school spirit andpride between and among students, staff, and families.Action Plan:1. Explore award recognition opportunities from media outlets for students, faculty, andschool.2. Promote spirit wear by all constituents.3. Create webpage to celebrate individual accomplishments of students, parents, andstaff within high school website.4. Promote attendance at athletic contests, performances, and other events.5. Improve use of school newspaper, signage, and announcements for promotion ofactivities.6. Convene monthly meetings of Athletic Council and Activities Council to promotegreater support for student involvement.Status: Green Ribbon applicant/grant recipient; Newsweek applicant (awaitingdetermination); Website enhancements ongoing; Friday spirit wear;Newspaper/Announcements online; Councils ongoing.“Peek at Next Year:” Online education will be investigated as viable learning method, especially forstudents who are home bound. Tablet initiatives to determine how to maintain state of the art technology to mosteffectively benefit students. Diversity training to be implemented in order to ensure and sustain awareness ofdifference.4

Mandated AP testing: with so many students participating in AP courses, SHHSwants to make sure that everyone who is eligible has access.Keystone exams will replace PSSAs and will be phased in over the next severalyears.Core Standards assessment, which has been adopted by the State of Pennsylvania,will be used to explore gaps in education and to initiate improvements.Moodle training will happen for the staff used by faculty, staff and students. It isa repository / resources for all in the school community including parents.Though some have expressed reluctance in using the system, it seems that this isdue mainly because people don’t understand it.Naviance has been fully implemented and is a great tool for tracking studentprogress. It was acknowledged that although few people currently use it, it is agreat resource. Dr. Yannacone agreed to send an announcement in order to helppeople gain a better appreciation for its application.3. Review of Minutes: accepted and posted to the SHHS website.4. Treasurer’s Report - Carol Carr (see attached budget)HSA is $1500 under budget. Funds ($750) for the Art Dept pug mill were approvedlast month.The middle school has also allocated $750 as well and it appears thatfunds will be able to be allocated by at least some of the elementary schools in their2012-13 budgets. The Education Foundation is aware of the pug mill request but hasnot approved funding yet. There are 37 academic awards for seniors, each award isworth $60 (Home and School only provides funds, a staff committee choose therecipients).5. Class and Committee ReportsABC (A Better Chance) – Mary MurrayArt – Jill Davis: no updatesBand and Choral – Linnette ReillyStrath Haven High School was well represented at the PMEA All State MusicFestival held in Lancaster, PA from April 18-21. The following InstrumentalMusic students represented Strath Haven HS.All State Orchestra – June Lee (violin)All State Wind Ensemble – Sarah Shulbank-Smith (Trombone)All State Band – Gabriel Given (Clarinet) and Vidya Venkatesh (Clarinet)The String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band and WindEnsemble are all rehearsing for the annual Spring Concert. The concert will beheld on May 23 at 7:30PM in the George Slick Auditorium. Admission is free anda reception honoring our seniors will be held following the concert.The String Quartet performed as part of the Varsity Arts Night at SHHS on April26 th .5

The SHHS Instrumental Music Picnic will be held on Wednesday June 6 th at2:00PM in the cafeteria. The WSSD Summer Band and String School will take place from June 21-July20and will be held in the SHHS Music Suite. A culminating concert will take placeon the evening of July 19 at 7:00PM. The dates for the pre band camp/leadership/drumline camp are August 20-24. The dates for the full band camp are August 27-31.Directory Ads, Production & Sales – Deirdre Gibson, Lisa Starr, Ginger Smith:planning for next year’s directory is underway.Grounds and Greens – Judy Sokol, Stacy Clements:"Spring pansies are still doing well. Currently planning for the summer makeover ofthe entryway and library planters and that will most likely use most of the remainingbudget of $123.04. "Hospitality – Cindi LaRosa, Kathryn Ohley: The faculty luncheon went well andparent contributions were abundant and appreciated.Class of 2012 – Jennifer Reynolds: Senior Prom will be held on Friday June 1 st atMemorial Hall, with the after prom party at the SHHS gym.Class of 2013 – Bernadette Redican: The 11 th grade prom, which was held atDrexelbrook, went well; students were well behaved. One of the biggest issues wasthat the students spent more time at the ice cream bar than dancing. It wasrecommended that future junior proms be held in the gym, although next year, theLinc has been rented for the class of 2014.Class of 2014 – Kelly Caulfield, Chris Miller: The 9 th and 10 th grade dance wentwell. Combining the two classes and having in the SHHS gym went over well withthe students. Everyone agreed this works well and saves funds.Class of 2015 – Nicola Jefferson: no updates.1. Old Business/New BusinessAnnual audit of Home and School books: John Endres, a former SHHS parentand CPA has graciously volunteered the books in July. A report will be providedin September.2012-2013 Proposed Home and School Board:There are several position openings:Vice President: Works with President (Sara McCullough) during the 2012-2013Home and School year and assumes President position in the 2013-2014 Homeand School YearHospitality (2-3 representatives): Coordinates/provides refreshments for theSeptember Home and School new parent reception. Coordinates and runs theannual Staff Appreciation luncheon.Art: Keeps Home and School informed of events and highlights of the SHHS artprogram.6

By-Laws Update:Suzanne Barton shared that the draft is complete and will be voted on in the fall.Also to vote on in the fall is approval of the HSA signing a Fiscal SponsorshipAgreement with the Education Foundation. Doing so would provide the HSA withthe foundation’s non profit status. There are two additional issues to beconsidered: a new conflict of interest policy and officer’s insurance. Please seeattached for current by-laws draft.An issue for the school community to be aware of is the long term concern aboutstate-mandated payments to the pension system. In roughly four years the schoolboard may be faced with tough decisions regarding funding allocations.Sara McCullough, president of HSA for 2012-13, and on behalf of the committee,thanked Suzanne Barton for her tireless energy, commitment, creativity, andleadership she has demonstrated during her tenure as president. Suzanne willremain involved with the committee.NEXT HSA MEETING…September 2012!Thank you for being a part of our Home and School CommunityMinutes respectfully submitted by: Dianne Butera, Co-Secretary7