Present: Cara Beames, Deb Beck, Patricia Dow, Dave Eagle, MaryAnn Gipson, Carol Heller, Linda Kissane, Sue Mellon, Nick Round, Cathy Stanilka

Our August meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 23^rd at 11:00 a.m., following the Right to Know workshop, at which time we will introduce new members and hold an orientation, and review of our goals.

The annual Junior and Senior Awards Ceremonies were held recently and there has been some concern about recognizing a broader range of students. Dave Eagle explained briefly the types of recognition all students receive. Examples:

· Student of the Quarter – This year 122 students were recognized and only four students in grades 7-8 were repeat nominees, three students in grades 9-10 and three students in grades 11-12. Of these all students received a congratulatory letter and picture on display in the hall.

· Junior High Awards – 85 students were honored from grades 7, 8 & 9. Each student and parent was invited.

· Senior High Awards – 71 students were honored from grades 10, 11 & 12. Each student and parent was invited.

· Each quarter, letters of congratulations were sent to each honor roll and high honor roll student.

· A "golden apple" note was sent and special breakfast held for each student on the principal’s list each quarter.

· RAK-um-Up awards were given to students doing good deeds for others.

· Junior Honor Society students honored 7^th graders for making honor roll.

· 7^th graders were honored with a pizza party for doing 100% of homework.

· Student artwork was honored at the Hyde

· Students were honored for their musical/theatrical abilities in plays, musicals, theatre classes, concerts and NYSSMA, etc.

· Students are continually honored for sporting events.

All agreed our students are honored regularly for their accomplishments and we are very proud of our student body. We have made large strides in recognizing more and more students each year, and we plan to continue recognizing them in more ways each year.

Cathy Stanilka, who will become the new Athletic Director next year, introduced some changes that she and Dave have come up with for next year’s athletes. She distributed the Athletic Conduct letter, which students and parents must read, agree to and sign before the student will be allowed to play on any team.

The main changes included combining infractions about drugs and alcohol. The following paragraph includes the change:

Athletes found under the influence of, or in possession of drugs or alcohol on school or athletic time will be suspended from the sport for the season. A second such infraction will result in a suspension from athletics for the remainder of the school year.

Athletes found under the influence of, or in possession of drugs or alcohol on non-school time will be suspended from the team for one week on the first offense. A second such offense will result in a season long suspension.

Also, students who wish to ride home with their parent are encouraged to get a signed permission from the A.D. prior to the game. (This is not new but re-stated.)

She also suggested that a white board be installed in the main hall for posting of sport events and changes each day. This would alleviate the many calls to the office during the late afternoon when games may be postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. Daily schedule of games would be posted each morning and changes would be made during the day. This could eliminate having a PM announcement of changes. Students could stop by the board to find out if there are any changes. A student volunteer could post the calendar each morning and office staff would update changes during the day. Membership felt this would be well worth trying next year and a white board will be purchased over the summer.

She also suggested that modified practices be allowed to start earlier next year, perhaps at 2:45 or 3 pm. This would help to take care of student loitering after school. There was a question if this would cause a problem with after school classroom help or if it would be proper for coaches whose work-day normally goes after the early start time to start practice before their workday ends. (It was felt this might be a contractual question so it was tabled until Dave can check this out.)

There was some question as to what topics may be brought to Forum. Should we have a list of topics, which can or cannot be discussed? How should we deal with topics in question? Dave suggested that we review our Guidelines and Duties at the August meeting.

Cara reported that she had spoken with Bruce Levin recently about Forum. Mr. Levin thought we (the Forum and the Cabinet) were doing well but did agree that a review of goals and role expectation, especially with new members coming aboard, is a good idea.

Dave thanked all members for their work this year and thanked Cara for her well-performed role as chairperson this year.