Wednesday night was this year’s first meeting of the parent-teacher-student association (PTSA).

The PTSA budget for the 2015-2016 school year was approved. The only major change was to senior Baccalaureate, which will fund itself this year from funds carried over from last year’s fundraising efforts.

Principal Dave Thomas spoke briefly about the fairly smooth school year opening and the change in graduation time from 9:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. on June 16. The change happened over the summer and will make it easier on teachers and staff, because graduation is in the middle of underclassman final exams, Thomas said.

The fights between freshman girls in the gym hallway were also brought up. According to Thomas, the altercations have been handled by administration, and they are working with the students and parents involved. However, Thomas also spoke about the role of social media exacerbating the problem  and making it seem like “girl gang fights”, which, Thomas claims, they were not. He closed with a statement about the positive uses of social media, but to keep in mind how powerful it can be.

This month will have several student holidays and early release days. This Friday is a student holiday and Monday is Columbus Day, so students will have a four day weekend. Next Wednesday is PSAT testing for underclassmen, and school will end two hours early at 12:45. However, highschool students will be done at 12:15, and will be allowed to go to the cafeteria to eat if they wish. Students who walk or drive may leave at 12:15. Seniors will arrive at 9:30 to have a class meeting and the panoramic photo taken. Seniors will be released at 11:30.