Dr. McCartney’s Superintendent Report of the Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Board of Education (BOE) meeting started with passing out the goals and objectives of the BOE to each of the members for review. He then went on to announce Mini-grants from AtlantiCare to Davenport, Slaybaugh, and Swift  of $1000 each, $2000 for Miller School, Fernwood Ave. Middle received $250, and $500 went to the High School for pedometers and workshops. Review of the Professional Development/In-service, which was put together based on teacher’s survey and needs foresaw by administration, was given by Mr. Robertson and Ms. Gruccio. Teachers were able to go on-line and set up their schedule picking between mandated and elective courses for the 2 days. Ms. Gruccio also spoke about the Dual Enrollment Cooperative Agreement between the High School and Atlantic Cape Community College for Honors Psychology( 3 college credits), Business Management and Ethics (3 college credits), and College Accounting II ( 4 college credits) starting 9/09. Dr. McCartney reported construction in the district is moving along slowly and that the submitted bids for the next phase are under review. His Superintendent’s report concluded by announcing the following students who committed to play a sport in college:

·         Laura Castello – Swimming – Millersville University

·         David Heinemann – Swimming – Ohio Northern University

·         Karisse Bendijo – Tennis – College of New Jersey

·         Holly Berenotto – Swimming – East Carolina

·         MacKensie Howarth – Swimming – University of Delaware

·         Danielle Widecrantz – Crew – West Virginia

·         Charles “CJ” Walters – Lacrosse – Centenary College

Only one member of the audience stepped forward for the Public Portion questioning if the election for the school budget and BOE members was going to be moved to November. President Galvin said it was held in November when he was first elected, then moved to April, and would require legislative changes in order to move it with the general election. Moving the April election would result in more voter turnout but creates difficulties for school districts as they run on a fiscal year from July to June in most cases, state funding figures are released in Feb. or March, and make adjusting to a defeated budget more problematic.

It was business as usual under Finance/Operations and Curriculum.

In 1984, Project Graduation was started to keep graduating seniors and their guests safe by providing a drug and alcohol free all night party. Over 90 % of the graduating classes have attended in past years. With class sizes approaching or over 600 students, that’s a lot of members of our community kept safe.

The bottom line is that Project Graduation will not happen unless more people become involved NOW. Future graduating senior will not have the memories of experiencing Project Graduation and a place to go in a safe environment on their big night unless more people actively participate.

Here’s some basic facts – last year, it cost $26,000 to have Project Graduation happen. The primary fundraiser is the Project Graduation raffle which normally produces a profit of $9000 when all 200 tickets are sold. This year, only 185 tickets were sold with only 33 senior parents purchasing tickets meaning a shortage of funds with a bigger graduating class.

No matter what your financial or time situation is, there are ways for you to volunteer. If time to attend meetings is a problem, volunteer for decorating will allow you to participate when your schedule allows. “Talent” isn’t a necessity for decoration as often just cutting or other simple tasks are all that is required. Handy with tools or a paint brush? The planning committees have the ideas but need people to execute them. There’s plenty to do whenever you have the time in the comfort of your own home.

Solicitations are another area that can be done when time permits. Many companies willingly support Project Graduation but people are needed just to connect with these companies. As you run around, drop off a letter explaining Project Graduation and requesting support to the owner or manager of the place you’re already at.

By purchasing a Project Graduation Dinner Club ticket for $20, not only are you helping to raise funds but you have the opportunity to win a $50 dinner certificate 10 times! Here’s how it works; each ticket has an assigned number and starting Friday, 3/6, and each Friday afterwards for 9 more weeks, winners will be based on the last two digits of the NJ lottery “Pick Three”, so if your ticket number is #29, any lottery number picked with 29 as the last two digits (029, 129, 229,….929) wins. You stay eligible for all 10 weeks and may win more than once. Certificates are awarded based on availability and include the following restaurants:

Library III ,   Berkshire Grill,   Ventura’s,  Bonefish,   A  Touch of Italy,  Charlie’s,   Outback.

            As with any non-profit organization, any donations are gladly accepted.

Contact Mary Anne Spiker at mathspike@aol.com or 788-8571 to purchase your ticket, make a donation, or to volunteer to become involved with Project Graduation.