MSSM Parents Group Origins and Activity: 2003-2004


1. The formation of the MSSM Parents Group started with the random collection of email addresses parent Terrie Frisbie for the purpose of communication and enrichment during the Parent/Teacher Conference Weekend October 2003.

2. Parents met with the MSSM Executive Director at MSSM in Limestone in November. The next day they held an informal reception for faculty and staff at a nearby restaurant. Officers volunteered: two co-presidents, a treasurer, communications chair, student life chair, and an enrichment chair formed the "Core Group".

3. Surveys were mailed by MSSMPG to all MSSM students. Administration met with parents in December to address concerns over student life that were reflected in the student surveys. A decision was made to meet periodically with the Executive Director as a Parents Advisory Council composed of MSSMPG Core Group members.

4. A student life consultant from Kent's Hill spoke with MSSMPG parents about models of management of student life in residential high schools.

5. The Gladfly, an MSSM Parents Group newsletter, was created and sent to all parents via the January, March, April and July school mailings.

6. The MSSMPG web site (mssmvoice.org) was formed and maintained by MSSMPG parent and computer analyst, Paul Meyer.

7. Professional facilitator and MSSMPG Student Life Chairperson, John McCann, led a communications workshop at MSSM for student leaders, faculty, RA staff and administration. MSSMPG parents were present to assist.

8. MSSMPG members traveled to Limestone to assist in hosting and hospitality for a January open house for prospective students and parents.

9. MSSMPG officers and members attended and spoke at MSSM Board of Trustee meetings in January, April and July. Subsequently a consultant was hired by the Board to make suggestions for improvements in residential life.

10. Mystery Penguin Weekend, complete with coffee shop, scavenger hunt, and live dance music was a smash success in Mid-March. Parent and MSSMPG member Jane Karker, former recreational youth counselor, was the mastermind and coordinated the event with other parents.

11. Combined lobbying by administration, Board, local legislators and MSSMPG parents led to $32,000 being reinstated in MSSM’s state budget.

12. MSSMPG Parents Barbara Martin and Alice Chartrand coordinated parent support for Chef Tom Robinson’s delicious Prom Banquet in April and to help students with last minute prom preparations.

13. The Host Family Program began it’s rejuvenation in July thanks to parent Dale Gordon and Trustee David King.

14. MSSMPG Parents in various Maine regions volunteered to host coffee hours for prospective parents and students with the assistance of the admissions counselor.

15. MSSMPG Communications Chair David Haines is currently serving on the MSSM Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Search Committee for a new Executive Director.