Hilltop Parent Council
September 14, 2021
Attendees
David Heller, Dina Malanga, Robin Kuo, Nicky Boulton, Brianne Tuthill, Alecia Gulley, Heidi Robella, Evan Frieder, Monica Shudtz, Jen Gallo, Megan Apgar
Good News
1. Great kindergarten orientation and ice cream social helped ease students into school.
2. Back to School Night was personable and friendly as well as clear on classroom expectations.
New Business
1. A question was asked about the turnover rate of teachers in the building as well as teachers switching grades.
~ Teacher movement between grade levels is common and is based on need and often teacher requests.
2. How can we introduce our new teachers to the community?
~ Teachers sent a welcome letter about themselves a week before introducing themselves.
3. How can our pre-K families be kept in the loop before the school year starts?
~ Pre-K orientation
- Orientation was fabulous to bring students to their new “big” school. Brought a level of comfort.
- Q & A with parents could be longer
- We are developing plans to get more general info to families over the summer
- This info can be shared before school starts
4. If all kids are wearing masks during the morning lineup, why can’t it all be in one location as it once was?
- We are still working on distancing and with the uncertainties coming into the year, Mr. Heller wanted to ensure routines were learned early, rather than having to change them after the year began
5. Is it a requirement for all adults entering Hilltop Elementary School to be vaccinated?
- As per the NJ Governor's Executive Order 251, anyone, including volunteers, who enter our schools must wear a mask. Additionally, volunteers must be fully vaccinated as of October 18, 2021, based on the Governor's Executive Order 253.
Purpose, Policy and Structure
The Parent Council serves on a volunteer basis as a liaison to the school community in Mendham Borough. Board policy Relations With Parents provides that there shall be a Parent Council for each school (see policies 1010.1, 10101P) to meet regularly with the principal to discuss matters of interest. The primary objective of this Council is to foster dialogue and communication between parents and administration and to provide advice and counsel to administration relating to school-wide topics.
The Councils are not a substitute for individuals having direct contact with the appropriate school personnel. There is a board policy entitled Public Complaints and Inquiries (see policy 1312). Although members of the Parent Council may be contacted for advice with respect to the most appropriate way (teacher, guidance, principal, superintendent, Board) for parents and other interested parties to seek resolution of complaints, grievances, and misunderstandings, members of the Parent Council should not be contacted for the purpose of intervening in disputes between administration or staff members and individual students or parents.