The Gladfly
APRIL  2004  Newsletter of the Maine School of Science and Math Parents Group

Terrie Frisbie, President           Alice Chartrand, Co-President        Jon Eaton, Treasurerncalder@earthlin.net                   chartran@midcoast.com            cmmj@verizon.net

Jane Karker, Enrichment      Paul Meyer, Communications    John McCann, Student Life janekarker@earthlink.net   prmeyer@colby.edu               jmccann@ciinternational.com

MYSTERY PENGUIN WEEKEND, March 19-20(Check our web site at mssmvoice.org for some great PHOTOS of the fun!)

During the week, secret CLUE MASTERS (teachers and students) created clues while students formed teams and worked on gathering the clues. Parents arrived Thursday night, March 18th,  and with the help of  some students and RA's, decorated the student lounge to the surprise of the rest of the students Friday morning.  On Friday evening TEAMS competed in a SCAVENGER HUNT leading to the MYSTERY COFFEEHOUSE where exotic drinks were served until 10:30 pm.  Saturday afternoon the coffeehouse was open again and solutions to the 'mystery' presented by the student teams. Saturday night, PRIZES were presented, then there was a DANCE to a great live SKA band from UMO in the residential hall lounge!!

Thank you so much to the parents that volunteered and donated money for this incredible, fun weekend!  If you didn't get a chance to contribute, we’d still appreciate your help!!:  Send checks to: MSSMPG  285 St. George Rd. S.Thomaston, ME 04858.

MSSM WINS BACK 32,000!!!

Thanks to lobbying teamwork between Executive Director Dottie Martin,  MSSM Board of Trustees Member Michael Edgecomb and MSSMPG Parents, $32,000 which had been cut  has been returned to MSSM in the proposed state budget.  Rep. Florence Young (Limestone) first requested an amendment to the budget at the Appropriations Committee level but despite parental lobbying this was defeated.   Several northern Maine Democrats then proposed an amendment on the House floor. MSSMPG parents again went into high gear showering local legislators and Appropriation Committee members with email, faxes and phone calls.  In a surprise turn around, this effort succeeded.  As of this writing MSSM’s $32,000 is part of the state budget which has been sent on to the Senate for final vote!!!We are grateful to Rep. Young for her efforts and persistence. Special thanks should also go to Rep. Hannah Pingree for her work on Appropriations Committee amendments and for notifying us of the House floor amendment.

PROM FUN

Dozens of parents showed up at MSSM between 1pm and 8 pm Friday, April 16thin order to help out at the Prom Banquet.  Under the coordination of parents Barbara Martin and Alice Chartrand the cafeteria was transformed with balloons, soft lights, luminaries and draped crepe into a silver and blue paradise (see web site soon for photos).    With Mr. Siddiqui’s lovely piano music in the background students entered elegantly through a balloon arch.  They were treated to Chef  Tom Robinson’s   delicious menu of  Pasta Primavera, Chicken Kiev, and Top Sirloin of Beef with sides of Honey Glazed Carrots, Asparagus, Rice Pilaf , Scalloped Potatoes and Chocolate Mousse for dessert!  Parents served in the residence hall as “wing mommy” ,  “cummerbund adjuster” and flower distributor.  In the dining room parents served as wait staff, kitchen help, prom glass distributors, punch servers, master of ceremony and photographer.  Siblings waitressed, took video footage and served water.  After cleanup parents were treated and restored by  banquet foods and stopped in at the Prom dance before stumbling off to their lodgings.  It was a great chance to be part of a wonderful event and a great team of people. 

UPCOMING MSSM BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING:

Parents are welcome to come to the general board meeting at 11:00 AM, Monday, April 26th at Poland Springs High School.  Contact  Alice at chartran@midcoast.com for carpooling and other info.  Executive Committee report will discuss the hiring of a consultant , who will give recommendations on improving residential hall life and recruitment and retention of highly qualified students.

NEXT PARENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING:

May 10, Mon. 1pm Augusta City Hall.  Contact any core group member on the letterhead (above) with your concerns or ideas.

MSSMPG LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD PARENTS:

In order to ensure an ongoing parent voice and support for MSSM we are reviewing sample charter school parents group bylaws in order to create some of our own.We want to create regional subgroups for representation. The subgroups would also help with hosting  local parent events for support, fun, and the recruitment of prospective parents/students.  If you are willing to be a regional MSSMPG parent rep starting fall 2004, please contact Terrie at ncalder@earthlink.net