Great Neck South High School

Shared Decision Making Committees

Year End Report 2016-2017

Committee Members:
Faculty & Administration: S haron Appelbaum, Jane Callaghan, Karen
Cantor, Neel Chugh, Lori Cresci, Karen Cuchel, Sheryl Demetres, John Duggan,
Susan Elliott, Christopher Erickson, Gerry Finazzo, Brad Krauz (Co-Chair), Donna
Nystrom, Vicki Solomon, Michelle Sorise (Co-Chair), Jennie Yi
Students: Andersen Gu, Alyssa Hui, Talia Katz, Macy Meng, Jacob Raphael,
Megha Reddy, Shayna Zeitlin, Josephine Zheng
Parents: Lily Cheng, Lisa Goodwin (Co-Chair), Alina Hendler, Michelle Hung
Balkcom, Kuniko Langel, Miriam Kobliner, Debbie Sosman, Barbara Sperling
(Co-Chair), Debbie Volk

Meetings:
The Committee meets on a monthly basis at 2:45pm and generally ends by 4:00pm.
9-12, 10-17, 11-07, 12-05, 01-09, 02-06, 03-06, 04-03, 05-01 & 06-05
 COMMUNICATION

The recently redesigned South High

School website was reviewed. It was
suggested that adding a search bar
feature would make finding relevant
information easier. In addition,
creating a more organized staff
directory page which includes emails
was also requested. Both of these
changes were implemented.

*While there were additional

suggestions, it was noted that the
district is going to be redesigning its
website, which in turn will redesign
the building specific websites, so
additional feedback/changes will be
put on hold.

The building map for South High was completely

redesigned to make it easier for parents, new
students, and visitors to navigate the halls.

South Highs PTSA has established an e-newsletter and corresponding videos to highlight, and
share with the community, the various activities that take place.
(http://www.gnshs-ptsa.org/newsletters--videos.html)
With so many course options, there can be uncertainty as to which courses a student
may/should take during their time at South High. A flow-chart is being reviewed by parents,
students, and subject-area departments to help clarify the course options available to students
in each of the core subject areas.
 STUDENT WELLNESS

Student health is always a top priority. Through collaboration, the committee developed an
informative campaign to help educate parents and students on various strategies to address
three specific areas of student health and wellness.

William A. Shine
GREAT NECK SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
SHARED DECISION MAKING COMMITTEE

South High Parents & Students,

Please remember to:

Get enough sleep.

Eat breakfast and take time to eat lunch.
Drink water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Many students are coming to school tired because they arent getting enough sleep. A recent survey of
our 11th graders showed that 75 percent of them consider themselves sleep deprived, primarily due to
homework, procrastination or spending time on electronics. For more information on strategies to improve
sleep quality and the importance of getting sufficient continuous sleep, please click HERE!

Some students are not eating during the day, and many of those end up feeling dizzy due to lack of food.
Encourage your child to eat. They can bring food from home if they dont have time to buy food at the
cafeteria. For more information on strategies to ensure proper nutrition and its importance, please click
HERE!

Students need to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and to avoid feeling dizzy or faint.
There are filtered water stations across from the Deans Office, across from the Main Office and outside
of the East Gym where students can refill water bottles. Refillable water bottles can be brought from
home or purchased in the school store. For more information on strategies to stay hydrated and its
importance, please click HERE!

Thank you for your time and cooperation as we work together to improve student health and wellness.

The Shared Decision Making Committee

Great Neck South High School
 UNIFYING EVENT

During the Homecoming weekend this year, students, faculty and parents were invited to
participate in new events with the hope of fostering school unity. This event was a continuation
of a goal from the previous year. Our objective was to involve students with varied interests and
friendship circles in a school-wide event in an effort to bring together the school community and
increase overall school spirit.

In order to promote and publicize the new homecoming celebration, a video was made by the
parents on the Shared Decision Making Committee in collaboration with students and teachers
https://vimeo.com/182360267 This video was shown throughout school on the televisions and
also in homerooms. Additionally, daily announcements were made to increase students and
facultys awareness about Homecoming events.

At the end of the school day on Friday, October 14th, the Boys Athletic Association coordinated
the Pep Rally to recognize our fall student-athletes. Following the Pep Rally, eight clubs and
activities set-up outside the gym to celebrate South High spirit and promote their clubs.
Additionally, a number of faculty members participated in a volleyball game for students to
watch and enjoy prior to the start of the Friday afternoon athletic competitions. The Pep Rally
and the volleyball game were well attended by students. Efforts were made to schedule as
many home sporting events on Friday, October 14th, and Saturday, October 15th.

In reflecting on the events this year, parents, teachers, and students agreed that there are
improvements that can be made for next year but that we we are moving in a good direction.
This year there was some confusion regarding Homecoming due to the modified football
schedule at South. It was agreed that we would increase our efforts in communicating
Homecoming festivities with the school community. Namely, we would use the newly formed
South High School Google Classroom and the PTSA e-newsletter. In preparation for the event
next year, it was also recommended that the volleyball game begin prior to the dismissal of
students, that clubs and activities set up on the west side of the gym exit, that we team up
clubs with sports, have a Homecoming raffle to promote attendance and continue to educate the
community about the nature of a Homecoming celebration.