PFA History
High Technology High School opened its doors to its first class, 60 students entering as sophomores, in September, 1991. By January of 1992, what is now the HTHS building was opened and the school could leave its temporary location within the Brookdale Community College. By November, 1991, a handful of determined parents formed the nucleus of the fledging PFA. They were able to formulate a Constitution and By-Laws by April, 1992, and to become incorporated by the State of New Jersey as a non-profit organization. Since that time, the PFA has also received official notice from the IRS of its tax-exempt status. Four general membership meetings are held each year. Traditionally, the first meeting coincides with Back To School Night. The second meeting, usually held in October, focuses on student volunteer opportunities. Meetings are also held in December and March. Election of officers is usually held at the May Executive Board Meeting. The Executive Board (consisting of the Officers and Committee Chairpeople, as well as a Faculty Representative and the Principal) meets monthly usually on the first Monday evening of the month during the school year. The PFA's first full school year, 1992-1993, featured both fall and spring fundraisers, a welcoming brunch (which has evolved into a BBQ) for all students, faculty, administration and staff held on the first Friday of the school year, a family picnic in June, as well as the first SAT prep program, all of which continue today. Career Day and the Senior Brunch (hosted by the Junior parents) debuted in 1993-1994, along with the awarding of five scholarships totaling $3,000 to graduating seniors. In 2000-2001, the scholarship program was increased to seven graduating seniors sharing $5,250 in awards. The Special Student/Faculty Fund was added in the 2000-2001 school year along with the Student Research Grant Fund. The PFA publishes a newsletter, The High Tech Times, which is distributed to the entire school community (at no cost to the recipients) six times per year. A Student Directory is published and distributed every September which includes student and parents names, addresses and telephone numbers (with their permission) by class. This directory also includes the calendar of events for the year as well as a listing of the PFA Executive Board and Committee Members. The PFA has a BBS liaison. Parents are encouraged to join the BBS in order to obtain up to date information concerning all PFA activities. The Hospitality Committee is responsible for providing refreshments for many of the school sponsored events, such as information sessions, guidance nights, general meetings, Mock SAT test, NHS Induction, welcoming BBQ and Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. In 2002, the PFA compiled and sold as a new fundraiser, its own cookbook which consists of a multitude of recipes gathered from the membership. In 2003, the Barnes & Noble fundraisers were begun. Barnes & Noble would donate a certain percentage of the dollars spent on books purchased that day with a coupon. The PFA also offers approximately six times a year an alternative to the lunches offered through Brookdale College. Parents deliver hot lunches to the school Italian, Chinese, subs.