AAST / AEDT  Liaisons Gerry Dalzell (AEDT) and Charles Kim (AAST) moderated a discussion on numerous subjects. The general feeling was that some of these items could be best approached through a study committee rather than during program meetings.  Presentations were made by Mr. De Falco and Dr. Neidosik.
ABCT / ABF / ATCS  Liaisons David Bicofsky (ABCT), Fran Regan (ATCS) and Elizabeth O'Sullivan (ABF) welcomed 70-80 parents to a very successful meeting. Speakers included faculty Al Noto (construction in Room 39), Mabel VanDaalen (18 more students in the senior class than any prior year), and Bill Tyndall (lab enhancements including Java and Multimedia Labs and A Plus Certification).  Handouts delineating scope and sequence of the 3 academies were distributed. Bifurcation of the "parent" ABCT into successor academies was discussed. The class of '05 is the last of ABCT; all freshmen are now in ABF. Academic Dean Rich Panicucci explained why Juniors and Seniors can earn A"+", while Freshmen and Sophomores can only achieve A's (colleges are informed of this new grading standard).
ACA / ACH  Liaison Serina Sharkey reported 19 families attended this meeting. They received very informative material from both Pat Cosgrove and Marcelle Dick. Questions regarding competitions were addressed. There were no pending issues.
AMST  Liaisons Ana Tiongko and Margie Latona introduced 4 faculty members to roughly 50 parents. Donna Leonardi described her courses (Zoology, Biomed Research, Cytogenetics and Biomed); Rachel Stott (AP Biology) announced 94% of AMST students scored 4 or better on AP exam; Elizabeth Mansfield spoke of college proficiency level test at UMDNJ; Ravinder Bajwa discussed 9th and 10th grade Biology, Clinical Practice and Bioethics; Linda Eickmeyer gave a history of the program and how the curriculum coordinates with AP testing. Tiongko and Latona encouraged parents to email or call them with any concerns.
APT  Liaison Bill Woods reported that Pat Cosgrove met with the two attending APT parents to discuss their concerns about changes to the program, including closure of the Hackensack automotive shop, the subsequent shuttling of students to Paramus four times a week; and the accessibility of APT electives for Juniors and Seniors. There was a quick and positive response to parent concerns and hopes for a continued dialogue to meet the challenges brought about by changes in APT.
AVAGC / AVAP  Liaisons Bob Scelzo and Linda Terminiello welcomed roughly 21 parents. Russ Davis detailed improvements in AVAGC including the new computer lab and upcoming new digital imaging and photo lab. The group toured the lab and was impressed. Possible articulation with RIT and the Junior Summer Trip was discussed, as well as possibility of moving the trip to June.  Davis suggested that though staff would soon be meeting with students, Juniors should begin to explore the web site to get ideas for their Senior Experience.  School for Visual Arts of New York City will be coming to meet students at the Academy. A luncheon at the Grill is planned and more information will follow. Students can visit artschools.com for a list of colleges with visual arts programs.