Brooklyn Technical High School

General PTA Meeting

November 5, 2009

 

Call to order

Judith Hertzberg called the meeting to order at 7:05PM.

 

The minutes from the October PTA meeting were distributed and approved.

 

National Honor Society students were available to translate for parents in Russian, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin.

 

Co-president’s Report

It was announced that there will be a Financial Aid presentation on November 18^th and November 19^th at 6PM in the Tech auditorium.  The November 19^th presentation will be in Cantonese. All parents were encouraged to attend, especially seniors who will need this information to complete the FAFSA form.

 

Parents were told about the upcoming meetings, which will include:

December – information on internships, externships, community service opportunities

January – Teen Health

February – Panel discussion

March – Panel discussions from various academic departments

 

Principal’s Report

Mr. Asher informed parents that there are many activities that are going well in the school including many school athletics. He stated that the Open House for next year’s students includes a map of the school and an opportunity for parents and students to visit their program of choice.

He also advised parents that during the fall and winter season to caution their students to secure their belongings.  Lost clothing is an issue at this time of year. This includes winter jackets and any electronic devices that may be in the pockets.  He also advised that students be aware of their surroundings in the neighborhood and on the trains, as it will be getting darker earlier.

Mr. Asher told parents about two partnerships including one with NYU and Chemistry and the U.S. Naval Academy and the aerospace program.  He stated that the Tech brand is being more highly recognized than it may have been in the recent past.

One additional safety concern that Mr. Asher asked parents to be aware of this the need to have the students move along on DeKalb Avenue.  The police officers from the 88^th precinct can give summonses and he advised that students follow direction and keep moving to the subway stations.

Mr. Asher informed parents that if they volunteered to participate in one of the committees at the last meeting, you will be notified shortly about your participation.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Barry Ritter distributed and presented the most recent report covering September and October.  Barry said that to date there were 47 responses to the fundraising letter and that the goal is to collect something form every Tech family. He urged parents to find out if the companies they work for have a matching grants program to add to this fundraising effort.

 

Teacher Recognition Dinner

Stephen Gales informed parents about the dinner, which took place in the early evening before the Parent/Teacher conferences.  Stephen said that the teachers enjoyed it and he thanked those who helped out with the event.

 

Liz Morano was recognized for her efforts to secure reduced rate postage for the fundraising letter.  This saved a great deal of money from the PTA budget.

 

Fundraising Committee – Randy Gresl

Randy informed parents about the recent fundraising meetings.  He showed slides of how we are doing compared to the target - $6175 raised, $125,000 goal.

He told parents about how the committee is investigating an auction for the spring.  The Chinese New Year Dinner will remain as a dinner and raffle. He also informed parents about shopping using School Pop and to go to their website.  Tech can earn 1-4% of what is spent if parents register and shop using this site.

 

Mr. Williams – A.P. Parent and Student Engagement

Mr. Williams thanked parents for their efforts in returning lunch forms. He stated that 85% were returned and this allowed Tech to Title I eligible. He told parents that Tech is in 2^nd place for America’s Favorite School.  He urged parents to email him with any questions – mwilliams@bths.edu.

 

College Office Presentation – Mr. Giancarlo Malchiodi and Ms. Rosemarie Mazzone

Mr. Malchiodi and Ms. Mazzone presented information about looking for and choosing colleges.  They included information on SAT, ACT, subject area tests, test prep, and how to choose a college keeping in mind geographic location, cost, size, diversity, academic opportunities, and personal opportunities. They answered questions from parents.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:45PM.