PWHS PTSO January Meeting Minutes

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School PTSO Meeting Minutes – January 8, 2025

In attendance: Dr. Bacani, Principal; Mr. Young, Teacher Representative; PTSO Officers Jeannette Wood, Diana Rickert, Dianne Manges; Student Reps Natalie D., Narayani S., Willie W.

Principal’s Report: Dr. Bacani

Keystone Tests are underway, ending on Friday January 10

Semester One will end with final exams taking place Jan. 22, 23, 24. Students will be dismissed early on these days.

Semester Two begins on January 27

Semester Two Open House will be Feb. 6th at 7:00 pm

Program Planning for incoming 8th grade families, families who are new to PW, or families who are interested in learning about PW will take place Feb. 11th from 5:30 to 7:45 pm

Student Report: Natalie D., Narayani S., Willie W.

This week is Keystone Testing week, with modified schedules for those not taking the tests

For Seniors, early college decision results have been received

The MLK Day of Service will take place on Monday Jan. 20th with a call for students to sign up for service projects. This is also a great way for NHS students to accumulate required Service Hours

PW’s FBLA and DECA had a lot of students qualify for States

Winter sports have been off to a good start

Teacher Report: Mr. Chris Young:

From Mrs. Lynch: College Counseling Planning Night will be Feb. 27th from 6 to 8:30 pm (for Juniors/Seniors)

There will be admissions counselors from colleges and universities around the region doing Q&A, as well as providing workshops on various college planning topics. Confirmed Colleges thus far are:

Arcadia University

Clarkson University

University of Delaware

Drew University

Gettysburg College

Gwynedd Mercy University-Financial Aid

Kutztown University

Lincoln University

Penn State University

Fran McKeown, Financial Aid, PHEAA

Rutgers University

Saint Joe's University

Stockton University

University of Tennessee

Towson University

Mrs. Lynch has been visiting the Career and Financial Management classes to discuss financing their future (and student loans)

Juniors will have an opportunity to attend a series of bonus block meetings to discuss college planning for S2 as well as optional lunch-n-learns and/or after school opportunities to discuss

Any students registered for an AP exam were billed in My School Bucks.  Payment can be made through My School Bucks or by check made payable to Colonial School District.  Mrs. Marsico, College Counseling Secretary, is the contact for this if any caregivers have questions about fees or status of payments.

Attention parents/alum: The Medical Sciences Career Club is looking for speakers who can talk to the students about careers in the medical and science professions and share their experiences. See Mrs. McNally

The PW Astronomy Club meets monthly with the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers Club at PW’s Baseball field. See Mr. Young

Choral Extravaganza will take place Jan. 29th in collaboration with CMS

International Baccalaureate (IB) will be holding information sessions on Jan. 14/15 for interested students

PTSO Business:

Discussions are continuing on ideas for the PTSO’s gift-to-school which, for now, include looking into a portable speaker system for Victory Fields and surrounding fields.

All families are encouraged to support the PTSO with an annual fee of $40. The $40 PTSO Fee can be sent via Venmo: @PWPTSO (please include your email) or see the QR code below. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The PWHS PTSO is proud to sponsor many activities such as: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day, class events, scholarships, Sunshine Fund (for occasional student/class needs), the Senior Picnic, and a gift-to-school. We also provide volunteer support for events like Homecoming, Powder Puff Football, Senior Picnic, and more. Last year’s gift to school provided funding for the new mural in the main hallway, painted by PW alum and professional graphic designer, Phoebe Cornog, and PW art students!