As you know, a very exciting announcement went out to our community last Friday about the appointment of Ms. Chelle Wabrek as the next MICDS Head of School. In the wake of this good news, I sent a related survey to our students across all grade levels. “What do you love most about MICDS,” I asked, “or what aspects of the student experience would you want Ms. Wabrek to know about and seek to preserve during her tenure of leadership?” As always, I was impressed by what I learned from them.
For Middle and Upper School students, the most frequently cited strength of MICDS is the sense of community. “I love not only the community,” wrote one ninth-grade student, “but how well we come together to support one another whether it be a big game, a college acceptance, or an all-school assembly. Every single time I feel so proud to be a part of MICDS.” Words like “friendly,” “welcoming,” “nice,” and “kind” abounded in student reflections. “I love the community,” wrote Carrie Clennan ’26. “It’s a basic answer, but I have never felt like I don’t belong, I can always find a friend wherever I am, and the relationships I’ve established with students of all grade levels and with faculty members will stay with me forever.” Libby Hoffman ’28 applauded three stand-out qualities of our school: “The people, the almost complete lack of bullying, and the academics that actually challenge me.”
How appropriate it feels to report student gratitude for another MICDS asset—our remarkable teachers—as we conclude this week’s fall conferences. “I love how teachers advocate for their students whether they are more advanced or need more help,” wrote Brenda Huang ’32. Noted one fifth-grade student, “The teachers are always willing to help you during flex or after school.” The teachers are “amazing” said an eighth grader, “incredible” said a ninth grader, and “fantastic” said another, “not just to their students but other students too.” Andrew Li ’28 also loves the variety of academic paths available to students. “Accelerated and non-accelerated math and science tracks notwithstanding,” he observed, “there is an incredible variety of AP classes, and we offer many, many electives in the humanities. At MICDS, any student can find something they are interested in, from Maker Science to AP Chemistry to Contemporary American Literature to Modern Asian History.”
Students also expressed affection for MICDS school spirit along with our distinctive traditions and programs. “Ram pride!” exclaimed one seventh grader. “Homecoming bonfire, Winter Term, and Spring Fling!” gushed another. Our embrace of ancestral, racial, religious, and other cultural differences, and our commitment to inclusivity, were lauded as well. “I love the welcoming and diverse community,” noted one eighth-grade student. “Everyone is able to strive and succeed.” Ms. Wabrek will soon learn, as I did in 2019, and as hundreds of other teachers, staff, and students do every year, that MICDS is a very comfortable place to be new. “On my first day here,” remembered Laura Almeida ’30, “I never felt so included at school. I was surrounded by newly made friends.” Phoenix Harsley ’29 affirmed this sentiment: “I love that all students are welcoming and are always open to meeting new people, never being mean or rude.”
As for our Beasley Rams, they echoed their older peers. “What do you love most about MICDS?” I asked them. “Everything!” said Teddy ’38. “My friends,” said Fenix ’35, “and feeling like I belong.” According to Dottie ’34, the best thing about MICDS is “all the kind teachers that are so encouraging and thoughtful and make students feel welcome and a part of the school.” Hudson ’36 agrees. “I love that I have really nice teachers,” he said, “and I love the lunch. Five stars to the chefs!” (Thank you, chefs.) “I like Spirit Week, Skate Week and Halloween,” said Evelyn ’35. “I just like all the special days we get to dress up.” Dex ’34 sums it up well: “Friendships, everyone is kind, and the teachers are AWESOME.”
This week’s “Welcoming Ms. Wabrek” survey included three additional questions—“How can MICDS continue to become a better school?”; “What are some of your favorite memories from your time at MICDS so far?”; and “What are one or two of your favorite places on campus?”—but I will wait until next Friday to share student responses to those. More good stuff to come! In the meanwhile, I wish you and your families a relaxing post-conference weekend before the second half of our fall semester commences on Monday. Always reason, always compassion, always courage. We have so much to look forward to together as the school year continues.
Jay Rainey
Head of School
This week’s addition to the “Refrains for Rams” playlist is (Isn’t it) Obvious by Alessia Cara (Apple Music / Spotify).