On May 4, members of the PTSO board met in the library to discuss important updates regarding end-of-year school events, senior student updates, and teacher appreciation week. The board confirmed the date for the annual senior survey, planning to collect all responses by June 2. Towards the beginning of the meeting, the PTSO briefly introduced history teacher Bradley Burzumato as a new PTSO board member for the following school year. Additionally, the date for the annual PTSO Parent Pep Rally was finalized.  The event will be held on May 17. 

Principal John Duellman began his principal’s report by highlighting various school-wide achievements from the year, including the DE Theater class who will be recognized as state champions at the next school board meeting. Since the month of May is a chaotic time for teachers and students, he encouraged the board to finish the year on a strong note. “It’s important for us to take a step back and know that it’s going to be okay,” Duellman said.

Duellman also briefly brought up the issue of the recent lack of special education teachers throughout the county, emphasizing that there are 11 high school special education teacher openings next year. “I think we’re going to feel it more than ever next year,” Duellman said. “It puts an unbelievable amount of strain on our teachers.” 

During the meeting, the board continued to work on making Teacher Appreciation Week a memorable experience this year for all of the teachers at the school. PTSO board member Lisa LaBianca presented possible additions to the usual teacher appreciation week traditions. She suggested that breakfast be sponsored for teachers and introduced the possibility of holding an event at the popular fast-food restaurant – Moby Dick’s.

The board also discussed final options regarding the annual PTSO Parent Pep Rally – an event meant to introduce the parents of rising freshmen to the high school atmosphere. PTSO board member Adela Barnes came up with a few suggestions on how to enhance the experience of the pep rally. She recommended that the advertising be more specific and the event itself be more exciting – emphasizing that it’s a pep rally. “Last year I was pretty disappointed with the event,” Barnes said. “The way it was advertised gave off a pep-rally vibe, and when I walked in I realized that it was just a regular PTSO meeting.”

The PTSO Parent Pep Rally will be held on May 17 from 7-9 p.m.