Minutes for MSSM Parents Group Advisory Council with MSSM Administration
Dec. 11, 2003

Present: Dottie Martin, Norma O'Keefe, Terrie Frisbie, Alice Chartrand, Jane Karker, John McCann, Jon Eaton, Nigel Calder, Lee Karker, Wendy Coffin, Ann Townsend

1. MSSMPG update:
     A. recent actions and structure of group were summarized
     B. Dottie transmitted invitation to attend Mon, Jan. 26th meeting MSSM Board in Bar Harbor, Jackson Lab 12:15. MSSM Board meetings are open to the public. The Parent's group will be on he agenda.(two representatives needed to make a brief presentation to the MSSM Board.

C. Update from Dottie:
Dorm council has been formed with elections held in "family groups." Weekly "family" meetings (approximately 15 minutes) will be held by residential life staff and dorm council representatives. The dorm reps will meet periodically with Dr. Martin, Mrs. Bowker and Mrs. O'Keefe. It is hoped that this forum will serve as a new means of communication between the students and administrators. Suggestion was made for the weekly activities announcements to be made at these meetings as well as posted on the bulletin board and in the daily announcements.

There was further discussion regarding sick policies. Nurse has protocol made by doctor for how to handle certain symptoms and exam findings. Parents expressed disagreement with confinement in room in all cases due to "contagion". Some parents believe that most students are mature enough to assess whether they should attend class. Excessive absences as a trigger to meet with student to determine cause vs punitive approach . Dottie agreed to review sick protocols. Dr. Chartrand offered to help if desired.

The accessibility to activities discussed. There are increased number for this weekend due to several special activities. The MSSM Website has daily update of activities so students and parents can be informed.

Transportation issues related to student activities were discussed with Mrs. O'Keefe. An agreement was reached to state on top of mall/movie bus list "students signed up after #50 willbe "wait listed", Mrs. O'Keefe agreed to have posted on the activities bulletin board a note reminding students to see Adam Alexander(Assistant Resident Director) if an activity is desired or if extra transportation might be needed. An extra van can often be supplied if the first is full to a particular activity. Terrie will contact Adam regarding information she receivedon a nearby climbing wall.

Team sports discussed as drawing card to prospective students and desirous for present students. Communicationneeds to occur with new Limestone Athletic Director. The group was informed that some of the issues related to sports are because of regulations established by the Maine Principals Assn. While the group understands that some of these issues can not be changed there may be a few that can be addressed to assist in the athletic program. Jane Karker agreed to work on this project.

A quiet study space is being worked on by Student Senate.

The Parents' Group was informed of the transportation schedule related to trips to the UMPI Library. Currently transportation is provided every Sun afternoon, Monday evening. Transportation is available on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon as well. Students need to check the Activity Board for times.

The hours of access for MSSM students to the Limestone School Library have been increased.

Discussion on the Academic Advising Program will be held when Mrs. Bowker can be present.

Parents asked for a clarification of the alcohol violation procedure. There was discussion about the whether or not law enforcement officials should be involved in some situations.

The Parent Advisory Council will meet with Dottie and other MSSM administrators monthly, usually in Bangor. The Advisory Council will consist of all or some of core "executives" of MSSMPG.

2. Twenty-Eight (28) students responded to the Student Survey developed by the Parents' Group. The results were presented in graphic form by Jane, with comments from students distributed. Excerpts of letter written by a student who has chosen to leave the MSSM at semester break were read. The survey indicates that the level of student dissatisfaction with communication with administration, and with current rules, was at a crisis level. Concerns re number of students who may be leaving at semester. Dottie noted that the current retention rate is 97% retention vs98% last year.

It was determined that a larger sampling of students would be helpful as we continue to analyze this information. A strategy was discussed relative to e-mail the survey to students.

3. Solutions discussed re dorm morale. Norma discussed her role. One fifth time devoted to Dean of Student Life responsibilities. She meets formally and informally with Resident Director (Allyson) and Assistant Resident Director(Adam) on a weekly basis as well as through frequent telephone contact.

RA's are able to take classes/training with registration fee paid. Norma outlined the training sessions that are held for resident assistants at the beginning of the year and throughout the school year.

MSSPG requested consideration of restructuring of the DeanOf Student Life role to a full time position. Dottie will discuss this up with Finance Committee of the MSSM Board of Trustees.

Bathroom cleanliness is a major concern for many students, with some culprits ruining it for others. Each student is responsible for cleanliness of the bathroom area to which he or she is assigned. An alternative to having the bathroom cleaned bystudents was discussed.

Currently the bathrooms are cleaned by a professional cleaning service three times a year. Dottie will investigate the cost for contracting out cleaning of bathrooms once a week.

A safe place away from the dorm would be very helpful. Dottie stated the monthly coffeehouses sponsored by a local church have not been well attended; usually less than 15 students attend. Jane will pursue coffeehouse idea further, as a place to hang out with adult supervision.

John McCann, parent and professional facilitator will donatehis time on Monday, Jan 12th to work with Dottie and the students selected to the dorm council. The session will focus on growth in communication skills. John and Dottie will have further discussion about the structure of this and who else may need to be involved. Dottie and John will work toward developing time for follow-up sessions.

4. Recruitment of prospective students discussed. Some advertising in papers and TV occurs. In past student recruiters have run into problems with their sending schools.

Member of the MSSMPG agreed to provide presence/activitiefor next Open House(s) Jan. 19, 2004. They may want to spend time with the prospective parents who will be attending.

5. Next meeting date of advisory council Jan. 12th, MSSM,Limestone (in person or speaker phone).

Members of the MSSMPG will provide Dottie with any materials to be sent to parents to go out in next MSSM family mailing. All materials must be at the MSSM by Jan. 5th.

cc MSSMPG members
Student Senate
MSSM Board