Minutes

Bergen County Academies PPO

September 13, 2004

General Membership Meeting

PPO President Nancy Lagomarsino opened the meeting and welcomed new and returning parents and guests.  She spoke briefly about the BCA and PPO Websites; PPO Newsletter; Membership; Volunteer Opportunities; and International Dinner.  Parents were also informed that a new restaurant, “Hooters,” is due to open within walking distance of the school.

Lagomarsino formally introduced the proposed 2004-2005 PPO Budget for membership vote.  Copies of the Budget were distributed to attendees.  Questions were entertained about the budget.  After acknowledging a first and second motion to accept the Budget, Lagomarsino requested a hand vote on its passage.  Lagomarsino instructed only those who were paid PPO members to vote.  The Budget passed by a majority vote.  There were no votes against it. 

Principal Patricia Cosgrove was then introduced.  She addressed the meeting and discussed the Academy mission and direction.  Cosgrove also highlighted improvements to the buildings, including:  a new digital notice board; new lights; and a new stop light in front of the entrance/egress of the parking lot. 

Cosgrove also discussed:   a new BCA Mission Statement due to be updated and published soon; the on-going Curriculum review; I.B. training for teachers; I.B. English classes (which will be open to all students). 

The new “Academy within the Academy” Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) was also addressed.  Cosgrove said 24 ninth graders are currently enrolled in this program.  The Biotechnology component will be at the Hackensack campus, while the Renewable Resources component will be at the Teterboro campus.  Anyone interested in the program can obtain information from a link on the BCA website.

Cosgrove thanked student participants in the first Peace Day, held on September 11, 2004.  An exhibit of students’ artwork from this event, as well as a forthcoming quilt will be on display.  The event intertwines with the international Peace By Piece art project.

Vice Principal Russell Davis was then introduced to discuss emergency preparedness.  Davis reassured parents that an emergency plan is in place and that staff are aware of it through drills and instruction.

Following Davis’ speech, the membership was divided into four separate locations to continue individual meetings based on grade level. 

Freshman Class met in the Gymnasium with Guidance Director Rona Gabin and Guidance Counselor Kerri Hubbard leading the meeting along with PPO Freshman Parent Liaisons Shiao Ling Paxson and Anna Lisica.

Sophomore Class met in the Upstairs Cafeteria with Class Advisors Nancy Sytsma and Bonnie Obojkovits as well as PPO Sophomore Parent Liaisons Maryanne Hoogerheyde and Hope LoGalbo.

Junior Class met in the Academy Grill with Class Advisors Donna Leonardi and Laura Crane as well as PPO Junior Parent Liaisons Janet Nemec and Eileen Rodda.

Senior Class remained in the auditorium where they were guided through the college application process by Guidance Counselors Gail Foster, Barbara Lasher and Victor Truscelli, and College Resource Office coordinator Terri Brockett.