By Betty Spitzfaden P’33, ’35, ’37, Vice President of Parent Activities
The Parents Association (PA) held their annual Holiday Luncheon last Friday in Olson Hall with an “Ugly Sweater”-themed event! The PA encouraged festive and silly sweaters as parents connected with one another, building community and fostering friendships. A delicious lunch included salad, pasta, seafood, and freshly baked holiday cookies. It was a truly wonderful start to the holiday season!
As parents filed into Olson, they were greeted with spirited musical performances by members of the Upper School Orchestra and then the Eighth-Grade Concert Choir. Some of the student musicians joined in on the ugly sweater fun, and some of the strings instruments had holiday lights wrapped around them or ornaments hanging from their tuning pegs.
Annie Sloane P’20, ’25, our PA President, welcomed everyone and thanked our PA Co-chairs and numerous volunteers for organizing a cheerful lunch. She emphasized what a strong and vibrant group the MICDS Parents Association is. Parents then enjoyed a short slideshow on all aspects of the PA, highlighting what a positive experience it can truly be when parents get involved and partner with the PA.
Kelly Wright P’25, ’27, ’29, our past PA President, touched on the MICDS PA and the 2024-2025 nominations to the PA slate. The PA hopes for positive, solution-driven parents to serve as Class Vice Chairs, Committee leaders, and members of the Executive Board. Kelly highlighted that serving in a leadership position through the Parents Association is a great way to stay connected with your child’s school and meet other parents and guardians.
This year, we were fortunate to have as our guest speaker Dr. Grace Lee, Dean of Faculty. She spoke on the importance of cultivating a community, the retention and recruitment of teachers, and her work with diversity, equity, and inclusion on our MICDS campus.
Dr. Lee also touched on the importance of school relationships and chatted about the challenges of the work-life balance. She encouraged all parents to be fully present as our whole selves. She reminded us that as a community we will have doubts, fears, and failings but will also experience plenty of joy and success. Jay Rainey, Head of School, quickly added that Dr. Lee does the “invisible work” at MICDS as she takes care of our children’s teachers and mentors as she focuses on providing MICDS with the best of the best. Dr. Lee wrapped up with a quote we should all think about this holiday season by Dr. Gholdy Muhammad: “You know you are where you need to be when sweet joy runs through your whole body.”
Thank you for being a part of our parent community. Find joy in your work and your family this winter break, and we hope you will join us at the annual Winter Coffee to be held in Olson Hall on February 23, 2024!
GO RAMS!