Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 20, 2013 Midland Park High school’s assets highlighted at joint meeting The range of academic and enrichment offerings avail- able to students in grades 7-12 at Midland Park High School was highlighted at a joint elementary and high school PTA meeting last week. More than 75 parents and 20 teachers attended the meeting at which Midland Park High School’s top administrators explained the variety of courses avail- able and their plans for the school’s future. “We have grown. We are going places, but we are not there yet,” said high school Principal Nick Capuano, enu- merating the many new programs and offerings available to students. The presentation was geared to the parents of elementary school children as they prepare them for their high school years. Midland Park High School has 180 stu- dents in seventh and eighth grades and 330 students in grades 9-12. Representatives of the various parent organizations explained their role in the school as well, enumerating the performing arts options, sports, and other extracurricular programs that are part of a child’s overall educational expe- rience. Music Parents Association President Stephanie Cop- pola spoke of the program’s competitive performances, fund raisers and scholarship program. High school PTA President Mary Keenan and Boosters President John Mul- ligan also spoke about their fundraisers, which help both students and teachers. Speaking for the Education Foundation, Laurie Kamp pointed proudly to the association’s contributions to the schools, including teacher grants, a computer lab, updated broadcast studio, cultural trips and weight room improve- ments and the construction of a greenhouse spearheaded by the Rotary Club’s Interact group. “We were excited to have such a large turnout. We tried to give our vision and focus of where we have gone and (continued on page 27) A way to leave a mark Suzanne Petkus Becker, at right, a personal historian, was the featured speaker at the annual covered dish luncheon of the Midland Park Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary. Becker spoke on writing a narrative on a person’s life, which she illustrated with samples of personal biographies, and answered questions on how to write about one’s own experiences. Members offered their own experiences as well. Becker’s company can assist with the process of interviewing, writing and producing a printed book.