Minutes taken by: Janis McCormick
President Terry Stoller welcomed everyone to the last USPA General Meeting of the year.
Treasurer Chris Frazier distributed the most recent Income/Expense Statement, with a projected balance of $4,700. and an actual balance of $2,780.31. She requested that if anyone has any expense reports to please submit them to her as soon as possible.
Grade Level Reports:
The only grade level report was from 12th Grade Point Parent Paula Polakoff, who said that the Bagel Breakfast was very successful, and two events are coming up: the Senior Breakfast on May 23 and Senior/Parent BBQ on June 5.
AfterProm:
Nancy McGinty reported that everything is coming together for AfterProm, which immediately follows the Prom on Saturday, May 5.
P.A.C.T.:
It was announced that P.A.C.T. is dissolving and that CCIS is forming a parent advisory committee. More information will follow.
Prep Shop:
Olivia Demas reported that the Prep Shop is currently having a sale. She thanked all of the many volunteers who have served under her co-chair, Kelly Biggar, and her over the last two years. May 1 is the deadline to charge on student accounts. The Prep Shop will close for the year on May 25.
Celebrating U.S.:
It's not too late to volunteer for the big event on April 28.
Rotunda Cafe:
The Rotunda Cafe is longer in existence and the vending machines will be returning in the near future.
GUEST PRESENTATION: Michael Obel-Omia, Head, Hunting Valley Campus
Reflections of the Year:
- In mid-March the school held "Diversity Day," to involve the boys in the global community.
- Ten new Prefects were recently selected.
- Parent/Sponsor conferences were held last weekend. This would be a good time for students to think about taking summer classes.
- Obel-Omia recently planned on having a special dinner for the seniors, which he has scheduled for May 3, 6-8:30 p.m.
- May 4 is the last day of classes for seniors.
- May 5 is the Prom.
- Senior Projects this year are to focus on career exploration and community service.
Global Citizens:
In addition to the usual sports teams going to Flordia over spring break, a delegation went to China to begin an exchange with them. And in turn, a delegation will soon visit U.S. Even though Chinese students are good at learning factual information, they are not as good with analytical thinking, which they are coming here to learn. Reports and studies show that Asian-American students are the best test-takers in the country, because they have the best of both worlds. Also, Mr. Murray is running the marathon to raise money for a school in Africa. For $10,000, a child can be endowed for his entire education at the school. U.S. is currently hosting a student from Africa.
College Process:
For those starting or in the midst of the college process, there has been an explosion in the number of applications that colleges are receiving, making it increasingly difficult for admission. Therefore, U.S. is very blessed with the schools the seniors have recently been accepted to. It was advised that parents do a lot of research prior to having their sons apply.
School Security:
In light of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, the school is continuing to focus on security and both the Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley campuses. U.S. can't guarantee safety, but can promise to do everything they can to provide a safe environment for our boys. Lockdown procedures, fire and tornado drills, etc. are all happening. Obel-Omia can now communicate to everyone in the school from his desk, as well as having the ability to lock the doors from his office. The school now has walkie-talkies with the Hunting Valley Police Department. U.S. is prepared and confident that it can handle an emergency situation.
Mr. Obel-Omia thanked Terry Stoller and Deborah Perkins-Boyd for a wonderful first year.