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MINUTES

BERGEN COUNTY ACADEMIES

P.P.O. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

OCTOBER 13, 2004

PPO President Nancy Lagomarsino opened the meeting with introductory remarks stating that subsequent to the recent demise of Dr. John Grieco, superintendent, the scope of the meeting was changed to address the Academies’ long term plans under new leadership. 

Lagomarsino informed the audience that the both the PPO Budget and Minutes of public meetings can be viewed on-line on the PPO Webpage.  The annual PPO Directory, due shortly, will be sent only to paid PPO families this year.  That reservations for the International Dinner were also due soon, and that the Senior Class was sponsoring an Art Auction.  Lagormarsino then introduced Principal Patricia Cosgrove.

Cosgrove pointed out the video clips of happenings at the Academies which played at the start of the meeting and said she would like to continue showing such clips during subsequent meetings.  Then Cosgrove spoke about Dr. Grieco and what affect his death would have on the Academy community.  She reassured the audience that the Academy will stick to the “vision” set forth by its founder and superintendent.  In this context, Cosgrove introduced Leonard (Len) Margolis, the Deputy Superintendent.

Margolis said that Grieco’s death 10 days earlier was sad but that “the future of the Academy is the same today as 10 days ago.”  According to Margolis, the three school districts run by Grieco would continue to be run by Robert Aloia (former Business Administrator) who would assume the Acting Superintendent position and himself, continuing in the Deputy Superintendent position.  Andrew Nemec would also continue as the Business Administrator.  Margolis also reassured parents that the BCA program will remain intact and that the “team” was committed to the future including the newly founded GLE program.  This experimental program is expected to expand further next year under the guidance of Rich Panicucci. 

After Margolis’ speech, Cosgrove again addressed parents reminding them of Back-To-School Night on Wednesday, October 27 from 4:30-8:30pm.  The format will be the same as last year with opportunity to attend both group and one-on-one presentations.  Parents were reminded that they could obtain curriculum information by accessing the Academy webpage:  http//usuers.Bergen.org/insert first 3 letters of teacher's first name + first  3 letters of the teacher’s last name here.  Parents could also speak to Guidance Counselors during the evening.

Cosgrove reported that the stop light into the parking lot should be installed soon.  She also thanked volunteers who made the Peace by Piece community art project commemorating 9/11 and world peace a success.  Furthering these efforts -- The 9^th grade collected socks for the Holly Center; the 10^th grade would organize a Senior Citizens Dinner including tickets to the school’s musical in the Spring; the 11^th grade would run the Toy and clothing drive for AIDS children; and the 12^th grade will have a fund drive for the American Cancer Society.

Cosgrove highlighted School Violence Awareness Week (10/18-10/22) and said Student Assistant Counselor Nancy Sytsma was working with a group of BCA students on this project including attendance at a workshop in Paramus campus.

The head of the Guidance Department, Rona Gabin, was then introduced.  She spoke about the Elective Fair and suggested parents speak with their children about their options.  Packets will be sent home for parents to review with students.  Parents' signatures were required and more senior students receive priority in elective choice.  Elective descriptions are available on the Academy’s website as are prerequisites. 

Gabin also said that the school had reassessed the Community Service accounting system and had assigned three faculty advisors to improve it.  Letters will be sent to parents at the end of each year pointing out how many Community Service points each child has.  Forty points are required for graduation.  Seniors will receive letters in early November.

Vice Principal Russ Davis was then introduced.  Davis said that in light of recent events in Russia and in the news media, like other schools, BCA had received letters from the U.S. government about terrorist threats to U.S. students.  He reassured parents that the school was taking all threats seriously and would do everything possible to ensure student safety. 

Davis also told parents that a new Automated Calling System was installed and would be used to call parents in case of a student’s absence.  The system would verify whether the call was answered by a live person, and, if not, it would follow up with a call to the alternate phone number.  This system will also be used for other BCA announcements.

Davis concluded the meeting by saying that the Freshman Frost Valley trip was a success and that counselors commented on the maturity, intelligence and supportiveness of the BCA participants.

Respectfully Submitted

Grazia Svokos

PPO Recording Scy.