Dear MACAC Members,

As we begin a new school year, I want to pause and acknowledge the deep sadness and grief following the recent tragic events at Annunciation Catholic School. Our thoughts are with the students, families, educators, and community members as they navigate unimaginable loss. In times like these, we are reminded of the vital role school counselors and educators play in offering support, stability, and compassion to young people. Please know that our MACAC community stands with you and holds space for both healing and hope.

At the same time, the start of a new academic year always brings an opportunity to renew our purpose and our energy. Together, we have important work ahead—supporting students and families through the college admission process, advocating for access and equity, and continuing to build a stronger professional community.

I encourage each of you to engage with MACAC in ways that feel meaningful to you. That might mean joining a committee, attending professional development events, or volunteering for one of our programs. Here at Chaska High School, we recently welcomed a fifth counselor and moved into a bundle membership with MACAC. Shortly after receiving his “Welcome to MACAC” email, my new colleague asked me, “What’s the best way for a new counselor to get involved?”

My advice to him was simple: In your first year, attend as many professional development opportunities as possible and participate in the Mentorship Program. These experiences provide an excellent introduction to the resources MACAC offers to support our daily work. A great first step is MACAC Chats—they’re free, virtual, and easy to join. In your second year, dive deeper by serving on a committee or volunteering with one of our programs, like Camp College. I often tell colleagues that the best professional development—free or otherwise—comes from committee work and the time we give to our association.

At our August 2025 Board Meeting, the MACAC Board approved a new Strategic Plan that will guide the work of our association in the years ahead. This plan centers on four key priorities: Member Engagement, Professional Development & Networking, Legacy and Responsibility, and Public Advocacy and Reputation Building. These priorities reflect both the values of our organization and the needs of our members, and they will serve as the foundation for the programs, initiatives, and opportunities we create together. The full Strategic Plan will be released to the membership soon, and I am excited for you to see how it will inspire new ideas, strengthen our community, and deepen the impact we have across Minnesota and beyond.

If you haven’t yet, I invite you to explore our recently published Year in Review, which highlights the incredible work our members accomplished over the past year. From impactful programming to advocacy initiatives and networking opportunities, it’s a reminder of just how much we can do when we work together.  

This year, let’s commit to leaning into all that MACAC has to offer. Your participation makes a difference—both for our students and for one another.

Wishing you strength, inspiration, and a meaningful start to the school year.

With gratitude,

Jamie Menne