Minutes of HSA Meeting 

Thursday, September 12, 2024

SHHS Library

6:30 pm

 

Attendees: 

Tina Zamulinsky, Co-Chair

Marianna Gebhardt, Co-Chair

Colleen Kudrick, Treasurer

Michael Gebhardt, Secretary

 

Andrea LaPira, Interim Principal

 

Others, per sign-in sheet.

 

Headings are provided for ease of navigation only.

 

Ms. Zamulinsky started the meeting by introducing herself and asking the other HSA officers to do the same. She then invited Ms. LaPira to present.

 

Back to School Presentation

 

Ms. LaPira discussed, and presented some slides for illustrative purposes, a number of topics relating to the start of school, new or ongoing initiatives, and other current matters. 

 

First, she noted the bulletin boards which are the creative work of a couple of inspired teachers, and celebrate particular classes. She then identified key members of the administrative team, showing pictures of each. She stated that the start of the school year has gone well. She also noted that the recent activities fair was successful and well-attended.

 

Success on Purpose

 

Ms. LaPira then described the “success on purpose” framework used to encourage positive student outcomes — be proactive, intentional, and curious, not judgmental (with a nod to Ted Lasso). She then presented “building goals” which included achieving a positive climate and culture, high quality instruction, support for all students (with data-informed decision making), and cultural proficiency. She noted the overall objective is authentic engagement for all.

 

Screens off, Minds on

 

Ms. LaPira then talked about the “screens off, minds on” initiative intended to reduce phone use in school. She stated that one specific example is to have students enter the classroom with phones put away rather than already out, making it easier to engage with the teacher and the subject matter. She said that teachers are reporting noticeable progress, and that in her experience some students are relieved to avoid the social pressure which frequently comes with constant monitoring of messages and social media. 

 

Ms. LaPira further noted that the intent is not absolutes, because some students have responsibilities caring for others, work, or otherwise that require screen use during the day. She explained that understanding and allowing this use provides the opportunity to teach a responsible approach to screens, furthering the effort.

 

Safety

 

Ms. LaPira then discussed student safety, indicating that the school has additional personnel focused on and trained in safety issues. She explained the difference between a “teach in place” and a “lockdown”, using the instance that took place at back to school night as an example. She repeatedly indicated that she believes that SHHS staff is well-trained on these issues.

 

She further discussed the “Safe2Say” program, which allows confidential reporting of concerns through an app, web site, or hotline. She believes it has provided students with an important and accessible method to identify potential issues. She stated that the school has an established cascade of designated responders when a report is made. She noted that while reports may vary in urgency, any report raising life safety issues results in at least 24 hours of updates to the responders. She stated that designated staff receive threat assessment training and provide behavioral health support.

 

Ms. LaPira explained that building connections is a key part of school safety, and that she believes SHHS provides a comprehensive range of supports to help students establish and maintain connections, whether for new students, first generation high-schoolers, those enduring stress, grief, or encountering academic skill issues. She noted that various events are held to facilitate a sense of culture, community, and belonging for students.

 

(Note: For more information about the Safe2Say program, see https://www.safe2saypa.org/what-is-safe2say-something/) 

 

At this point Ms. LaPira concluded her presentation and the floor was opened to questions from attendees. 

 

Principal Search

 

Asked about the status of the search for a new principal, Ms. LaPira stated that the job posting has been published, and a survey has been distributed to members of the SHHS community to obtain feedback about the desired qualities for a new leader. She noted that she is not applying for the position, and will return to her existing job when a new principal is hired. She further noted that the search committee has not been established, but that effort is in process. Asked if there was a search firm involved, Ms. LaPira stated that she believed WSSD’s Human Resources group was running the search. She noted that Interim Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon has met with teachers to hear their thoughts on the goals of the search, which was well-received.

 

Attendance

 

Questions were raised about the attendance policy and its implementation, specifically the requirement of providing a note in relation to early dismissal, absence or tardiness. Discussion ensued regarding the various experiences of parents in addressing attendance procedures and resulting records. 

 

Topics touched upon in this conversation included:

Reporting of absences to colleges

Family trip pre-approval

College visit pre-approval

Inconsistent treatment by teachers as to make-up tests

Sick days, and state guidelines requiring a note (at ten or more)

 

It was the general sense of the parents present that greater clarify and consistency is needed as to the attendance policy and its implementation. Ms. LaPira stated that she would both (a) follow-up regarding an explanatory one-pager that she believes needs to be updated and distributed to families, and (b) facilitate resolution of the specific issues raised by parents in the conversation. 

 

Athletic Trainer

 

A parent asked if a new trainer had been hired. It was stated that yes, a new trainer had been hired, that he was very experienced, and had overlapped with the outgoing person for the past week. 

 

Counselor Roles

 

A parent asked about the distinction between the role of Kristin Dunning, as compared to Travis Edwards. Ms. LaPira stated that there was a meeting the next day to discuss this very topic, and she agreed that the delineation of responsibilities between the two could be clearer. 

 

She noted that Ms. Dunning’s role involves larger, programmatic efforts such as parents’ night, helping students with college applications, and making visits to and developing and maintaining relationships with admissions offices at colleges and universities. 

 

She then explained that the school counselor typically has planning meetings with students to help them identify schools, broaden or narrow lists, and that Ms. Dunning supports these efforts. She noted that the school counselor writes the letters of recommendation.

 

Discussion ensued regarding overall class sizes, with it being noted that the class of 2026 (juniors) is particularly small at around 265 while the classes of 2025 (seniors) and sophomores (2027) are more typical at around 310.

 

Other topics briefly mentioned in this portion of the meeting included graduation, January exam schedule, standardized tests and Keystone exams, and the impending financial literacy requirement.

 

Ms. Zamulinsky thanked Ms. LaPira for her time and responsiveness, and Ms. LaPira left the meeting. 

 

Class Matters

 

[A discussion ensued regarding Senior Celebration, fundraising, and updates from the various classes. For specific information, please contact your class representatives, whose email addresses are included in the HSA newsletter each week.]

 

The meeting concluded at approximately 8:20 p.m.