While our newly remodeled Beasley Lower School has been fully functioning since day one of the 2026-2027 school year, we were happy to host major donors for an official dedication on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Guests gathered in the Michael W. and Quirsis V. Riney Family Community Room for a special Lower School assembly, featuring an enthusiastic performance by our littlest learners.
Head of Lower School Amy Scheer welcomed everyone to the event and thanked the donors for their support in making the transformation of Beasley possible. “We are an amazing community, and the new spaces reflect the most important characteristics of our community. Our students are joyful, kind, and curious, and you can feel this as soon as you set foot into the new Beasley.” She also spoke about how the beautiful entrance and welcoming lobby help our visitors get a sense of a strong and kind community as soon as you enter Beasley.
Literacy is at the heart of all learning, and the beautiful new library shows our commitment to helping every one of our students build a love of reading and be prepared to continue learning far beyond the walls of our buildings.
Our new community room serves not only as a place to enjoy meals together but also as a community space where we can celebrate the learning happening throughout our school. The beautiful design allows us to feel connected not just to each other but also to the campus beyond the walls.
She introduced Head of School Chelle Wabrek, who enthusiastically greeted the audience and shared a photo of Ronald Beasley, Headmaster of Mary Institute from 1949 through 1969. Mrs. Wabrek led the students in a counting exercise to determine that Mr. Beasley came to MI 67 years ago. She spoke about how Mr. Beasley offered MI students three challenges: Quickeners, Tougheners, and Deepeners. “Are those even real words?” she laughed. She then engaged the students with a series of brain teasers designed to demonstrate those challenges. The children participated with lots of wiggles and excitement!
Ms. Scheer then took the microphone again and spoke about one of her favorite parts of the new Beasley space, noting that the wall of photos of Lower School children outside her office makes her happy every time she sees it. She then invited students from Senior Kindergarten through fourth grade to the front, where they took turns using the microphone to share their favorite spaces and why. There were many votes for the new library, with students expressing how much they like how big and comfortable it is. More space means more books! And they love having cozy places to read and study quietly. Some students shared how much they appreciate the community room. Lunch is the perfect time to gather in community, and more than one child specifically mentioned the big windows that let in beautiful light and offer views of the outside. The new Junior Kindergarten space was also noted for its plentiful space and vibrant design that envelopes our youngest learners with creativity and care. Our Lower School children also thanked our generous donors for making Beasley such a wonderful place to learn and be together.
Finally, all Lower School students stood and, under the guidance of Lower School Music Teacher Dr. Katy Nichols, performed two songs that celebrated our community. The room was filled with spirit and joy. Multimedia Specialist Paul Colletti climbed a ladder and captured the moment with a full-Beasley photo.
What a wonderful celebration of our amazing Lower School and the people who work and learn in it every day. Much gratitude to our generous donors for their gifts that ensure MICDS Rams have a wonderful place from which to begin their educational journey.
Want to see the transformation? Check out this time-lapse of the project!
There is still time to make a difference for our Lower School learners! To contribute to the Beasley and Beyond campaign, please contact Elizabeth Coulter at ecoulter@micds.org