MSSMPG Meeting - June 17, 2004, South Thomaston
Present: Paul and Alice Chartrand, Laurie Walsh, Terrie Frisbie/Nigel Calder, Jane Karker, Wenda Hunter/Paul Meyer, Jon and Mariellen Eaton

Chair of Meeting: Paul Chartrand

1. Agenda Developed at meeting

2. Jon spoke about the letter he sent to the Board which was mistakenly sent to MSSMPG email list. Wanted all to know that his motivation was not advocacy of individual kids but to ensure that all, including his own daughter, would have fair treatment and due process.

3. Long discussion re group's mission and future:

- Jon's letter triggered concerns among some parents that the group might be favoring individuals and undermining administration. Laurie noted that some parents feel the group is not speaking for them and that there are some scars re perceptions of reports of past group behaviors. One perception is that the MSSMPG has caused some of the turmoil in the dorm by complaining and interfering. RA's had stated that at times administration would explain that a measure had to be taken because, "parents are calling and complaining". Core group members expressed disbelief that this was a common trend in our membership. It was pointed out that enrollment was starting to drop one year ago and further dropped by 12/03 before the MSSMPG was very active. Furthermore parents who have had previous students graduate report a significant change in dorm management vs 2-3 yrs ago. Finally, the consultant confirmed the dorm mismanagement in his statements in the Augusta meeting (report not yet released)

- concerns expressed as to whether the group could both contain advocacy for change and supportive elements. Mariellen pointed out that PTA's often have both components, with roles for different types of people. It was also pointed out that MSSMPG has been involved in numerous positive supportive activities including- Communications workshop, Mystery weekend, PAC meetings. The group started as a forum for communication and enrichment/support and only moved into advocacy for change as parents became aware of morale and safety issues in the dorm. Many parents will welcome the chance to focus on positive support (see below) though ongoing monitoring for positive change and participation in vision for MSSM are needed as well.

-Mission statement started at Jan. meeting and polished by Jon and Mariellen (cmmj@verizon.net) was reviewed and agreed on. It will be edited/consolidated a bit more and then sent to membership for review and suggestions, to be voted on in August. Current draft:

The mission of the MSSM Parents Group is to:
--enhance and enrich the MSSM academic and residential experience for our children, and in doing so help ensure a vibrant and expansive future for MSSM;
--offer a forum in which MSSM parents can share and discuss concerns, proposals, and ideas;
--serve as a bridge between parents and the school and an avenue for parental involvement in support of the MSSM mission.

- In order to communicate better within the parents group, become more inclusive and to represent the entire parent community better, the following measures will occur:

1) Group wide meeting and membership drive on Move In Day in August, to include a table as well as a social gathering. Will need to coordinate w/ activities via Mrs. Bowker. Consider reserving a meeting room at the Haven and/or a bank of rooms to stay in there for lower rates for parents (Laurie?) . Lakeview is another option.
2) Mission statement as above (Jon to reedit, then send to email list w/ letter clarifying our desire to move forward as a group in a positive manner).
3) Bylaws describing officers/chairs and regional (new) structure (Nigel to draft)- to be voted on in August.
4) Info re these Move In Day activities to be sent out in all-parent mailing via school in summer.
5) Continue to send Gladfly to all parents in school mailings

- Upcoming July 9 Board Meeting Discussed: several parents from the core group (Chartrands, Myers/Hunter, ? Frisbie/Calder) may be able to attend even if it is held in Limestone. Alice will email membership w/ particulars when they are available. The MSSMPG group will wish to thank the Board for their actions in hiring a consultant and including a parent on the Ex Dir Selection Committee (David Haines).

- Executive Director Search:
David Haines, parent rep on committee, is away until June 29th. All interview info will be confidential. Jane to ask Peggy if it would be possible to include 3 questions developed by the parents for the interview process. Two suggestions were re candidates' thoughts on student governance and on management of alcohol/drugs issues. Jane is to poll membership for other question suggestions. (janekarker@earthlink.net)

- Residency Director Search:
Group felt that this was of most immediate concern to us all. Laurie to draft a letter to Mr. Siddiqui re suggestions for improving candidate pool, to offer help for same and to follow up w/ a phone call.

- Consultant report:
Not yet released. Alice to communicate to Polly the suggestion that the report be sent to all of last year's parents, and that its availability be posted on our web page (but not the report itself). Felt that context was important in order to convey the full truth, and that the report out of context would not communicate to prospective parents the positives of the school including the change now occurring in dorm life.

- Amnesty for individual students who had infractions last year was discussed, given the turmoil last year some felt that some of these students might do well under a different residency administration. The school is expecting low enrollment and this might boost it somewhat. Consensus was not reached and it is left to individual parents to pursue appeals on this matter.

- Coffee House: Jane will form Ad Hoc Committee ( janekarker@earthlink.net) and a proposal for Coffee House. This is a positive project many may wish to help with. Includes a trained adult and a college aged worker. Would want to ask for club membership fee from parents at sign-in day. Mailing to be ready to go out to all parents in mid summer via school.

Addendum: - was unable to bring forward idea from parent Barbara Martin to change Move-In Day to a schedule that would make it easier on parents returning home to the southern part of the state. Alice will discuss this further w/ Mr. Siddiqui/ Mrs. Bowker. Send ideas re this to: chartran@midcoast.com
- Paul Meyer says he'll revamp the web page in preparation for the fall/new parents. Send any suggestions to: prmeyer@colby.edu

Other news:

John McCann has stepped down as Chair of Student Life as his daughter has graduated. A volunteer needed to take over his position until full elections can occur in August. John facilitated the Communication Workshop held in January for students, faculty and staff. Thank you for all you have done, John!

Parents Laurie Walsh and Dale Gordon presented gifts of appreciation from the MSSMPG to departing Dottie Martin and Patrick Farrell at the Senior Video night (before the graduation). Pat has written back to thank us for the Camelback water system which he has already used on hikes. Dottie was given a set of serving dishes.