Minuteman Parent Assn. of Minuteman High School is Revitalized

By Judy Bass

LEXINGTON - The Minuteman Parent Association (MPA) of Minuteman High School is going strong again, said Minuteman Principal Jack Dillon.

He lauded the newly-reconstituted MPA for demonstrating remarkable industriousness and commitment to its mission. “They’ve done more in the past six months,” he said, “than I’ve seen in 12 years.”

The all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization is comprised of parents and guardians of current Minuteman students. They assist the school by supporting student activities, publishing a student directory, giving scholarships and trade awards, facilitating parent communication, raising funds for teacher training tools and professional development, holding a monthly informational speaker series and having a presence at school events. They also help to create a positive school culture, said Principal Dillon.

The MPA, which was founded years ago, is emerging from a period of inactivity because many of its most involved members left the organization when their children graduated from Minuteman. Nevertheless, Principal Dillon and Assistant Principal / Director of Admissions George Clement both felt that the MPA serves a worthwhile purpose and deserved to be restarted. Now, with new leadership as of May 2017 and new members, a fresh spirit of excitement is galvanizing the organization.

“We have an unbelievable group of officers” leading the MPA, said Principal Dillon. They are Sue Mullaney, President, Needham; Lea Minghella, Vice President, Lexington; Susanna Vennerbeck, Treasurer, Stow; Julie Onos, Secretary, Acton; and Joan Fiore, Member at Large, Woburn.

The MPA got off to a lively beginning this year, thanks to several successful fundraisers. They held a Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo Night at the Woburn Elks on October 28 that raised approximately $5,000, drew about 170 people and generated positive feedback. The MPA also partnered with Minuteman to advertise and participate in the Battlegreen Run on November 5. On December 9, there will be “Breakfast with Santa” at Minuteman. Another fundraiser is planned for April, with details to be announced.

A free monthly speaker series hosted by the MPA and open to all Minuteman district parents and guardians, as well as parents and guardians of students from other local high schools, was launched in November. The first presentation was “Getting Ready for College.” Upcoming presentations will include “Supporting the Mental Health of Our Students” (January),“The Impact of Vocational-Technical Education” with Governor Charles D. Baker (March) and “Raising Awareness of Drugs and Alcohol” (May).

Yet another milestone was achieved by the MPA in 2017 when they contributed $6,000 to support scholarships for Minuteman students.

The MPA meets twice monthly. Membership dues are whatever each member considers appropriate. Additional information is available at www.minutemanpa.org.

Minuteman is an award-winning regional high school that integrates robust academic and career & technical learning to deliver a revolutionary competitive advantage to its students, expanding their opportunities for college and career success. Minuteman is as an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.