The Return of the MSA

Back in the day, when Middletown parents had a concern about the schools, they took it to the MSA. That group, which typically included the leadership of all the PTA/PTO's in town plus assorted activists, would meet monthly and talk about "the big picture" of how the school system was doing.

MSA stands for Middletown Schools Association, and it's been dormant for at least two years. Tonight, a group of current and former PTA/PTO parents, brought together by Parent Resource Coordinator Donna Marino, met to discuss the possibility of getting the group up and running again.

I've been a part of the Macdonough PTA since the days when my (now 18-year-old) son was a kindergartner. I remember going to MSA meetings in the mid-nineties and finding a large group of experienced volunteers with many a bake sale under their belts. They played a role that was part cheerleader and part watchdog and served as a sounding board for the superintendent and the Board of Ed.

On the practical level, the monthly MSA meeting was a forum for sharing fundraising and programming ideas between parents from different schools. But at its most powerful, it played a role in real change in town. For example, our current system of having staggered four-year terms for Board of Ed elections was a successful charter initiative of the MSA. When a big issue came up, such as the redistricting of attendance boundaries in town, you could bet that the MSA would be involved.

In addition the MSA veterans who attended tonight's meeting, there were parents from Moody, Wesley, Spencer, Macdonough and Middletown High. The combined years of PTA/PTO experience in the room surely pushed past the century mark, and everyone agreed that the school district has its best chance at thriving when there is an active and informed group of parents in the loop.

The next step is to identify officers who will be willing to lead the new MSA. If you are a person who cares about the schools and might be interested in MSA in any capacity, now is not the time to hide your light under a bushel! Please contact Parent Resource Coordinator Donna Marino at marinod@mps1.org. The next meeting will likely be on Monday, March 22nd, at 6:30 pm, at a location to be determined.

Parent/Partnership Advisory Committee

If you're interested in becoming more involved in the Middletown schools, there's a meeting on Monday, January 26th that can get you started. The District Parent/Partnership Advisory Committee will meet from 5:30 to 8 pm at the new Middletown High. This is for parents from all Middletown schools. You can learn more about the Partnership here. These meetings are organized by Donna Marino, Middletown's Parent Resource Coordinator.

The special guest will be Superintendent Michael Frechette, who will discuss the proposed school budget for next year. Also, students will present their thoughts about engagement in the school and wider community.

At the meeting, refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to 638-1419 (daytime) or 638-1462 (after 4 pm). Also, let them know if you have childcare or transportation needs that would affect your ability to attend the meeting.


NOTE: This post originally had Jan 12th as the meeting date -- oops!