Huntington High School PTSA
Begins Activities
The Huntington High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association has launched its ambitious activities for the 2013/14 school year. The organization serves the school in a variety ways, from committee work to helping fund an annual scholarship program.
This year’s Huntington High School PTSA is led by Alice Marie Rorke (president), Laura Mills (vice-president), Laurene Napurano (vice-president), Anne Kopstein (recording secretary), Suzanne Muller (corresponding secretary), Debbie Knowles (treasurer) and Nancy Shivers (membership). Terri Ehrman and Marilyn Maggio are the high school delegates to the district’s PTA Council.
The high school PTSA is off to a strong start to the 2013/14 school year, having registered 270 members, including 63 students and 43 teachers as of last week. “Some people may think that PTA at the high school really dwindles when their children get to our last building,” Mrs. Rorke said. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Our children need us now more than ever as they are navigating the fine line between childhood and young adulthood.”
Last year’s Huntington High School PTSA membership totaled 333 and the group hopes to surpass that number in 2013/14. “We do look forward to receiving membership awards from the state PTA by year’s end, including the Early Bird Award (membership by October 31), the Father/Men in our Community Award and the Members of the Community At-Large Award,” Mrs. Rorke said.
A joint meeting of the high school PTSA and the J. Taylor Finley Middle School PTA will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Finley. All are welcome. The high school organization collaborates closely with Principal Carmela Leonardi and Assistant Principal Brenden Cusack, as well as parents, teachers and students.
PTSA membership dues are $9 for parents and teachers ($10 if a mini-district pocket calendar is desired) and $7 for students. Checks payable to HHS PTSA in the proper amount can be sent along with name, address and phone number/e-mail address to Huntington High School PTSA, Oakwood and McKay Roads, Huntington, NY 11743. Membership can also be secured at any meeting of the group. Membership lists must be submitted to the New York State PTA by October 31, so joining now is a must.
The Huntington High School PTSA forwards $4 per member to the state level PTA. “This enables all of the hard work, programs and legislation to happen at the state level on our behalf,” Mrs. Rorke said. “Did you know that New York State PTA helped lobby to change Daylight Savings Time to the week after Halloween for the safety of our children?”
A membership flyer is available by logging onto the Huntington School District’s website at www.hufsd.edu. Click on the School Community link and then on “PTA Council.” A list of individual PTA organizations with respective links can be found along the right hand column of that page. Monthly meeting dates are included in the school calendar, which is also posted on the district website.
“Our Huntington High School PTSA has been working very hard with Dr. Leonardi and Mr. Cusack to hear the concerns of our students, our faculty and our parents,” Mrs. Rorke said. “We have been addressing issues and we help to be the conduit between school and community.”
Some of these year’s PTSA initiatives include:
• Homecoming Day Parade participation.
• Donations of water for float night activities.
• “It Can Wait” texting while driving awareness.
• LICADD/Drug & Alcohol Awareness.
• Community service opportunities.
• Homecoming Day game photo booth.
• Volunteers on district allergy awareness group.
• HHS Alumni Association assistance.
• Personalized brick program.
• H-ton magnet, notepad and refreshment sales.
• Various fundraisers with Value Drugs, Living Huntington, Stop & Shop and Target.
“We have many more exciting things in the works now, which will be announced at a later date,” Mrs. Rorke said. “Our fundraising helps to support many programs, including our scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded annually to three graduating seniors.”
The New York State PTA’s theme for 2013/14 is “Carry the Card that Counts.” The Huntington High School chapter plans to continue growing its ranks. “We invite parents, teachers and students to any and all meetings,” Mrs. Rorke said. “One does not have to attend to be a member, although members are strongly encouraged to attend. We also welcome members of the community at-large to join us. They may be alumni, grandparents, family members not in the high school and Huntington businesspeople.”
For more information about the Huntington High School PTSA call Mrs. Rorke at (631) 547-4819.