January 2011 Events & Activities

An overview of upcoming Parents Association volunteer committee activities

Karen DiGasbarro 314-822-1042 kfctslouis@sbcglobal.net

PARENTS ACTIVITIES – Susan Johnston, Vice President sjohnston@earthlink.net

COOKBOOK
Julie Flom, Co-Chair, (314) 443-9659 jbflom@hotmail.com
Tracy Jasper, Co-Chair (314) 862-3501 tkjasper13@gmail.com

The MICDS 150th anniversary cookbooks are available in the MICDS Bookstore. The cost is $15 per book. Please contact Julie Flom at jbflom@hotmail.com or Tracy Jasper at tkjasper13@gmail.com with any questions.

SPRING LUNCHEON
Nancy McKown, Co-Chair (314) 962-5153 njcje@aol.com
Stacie Franc, Co-Chair (314) 991-8990 staciefranc@charter.net

PARENT EDUCATION – Susan Hiemenz, Vice President shiemenz@aol.com

CULTURES WITHIN
Vicky Wroten, Chair, (314) 315-7700 vwroten@charter.net

Celebrating Cultural Heritage Months:

  1. Oktoberfest: German (September): Thanks to our decorating crew: Maureen Hurley, Tamara Aitken, Fareda Little, Kim Walker and Manuela Bartelsmeyer , who transformed the MS & US cafeterias into a fabulous Oktoberfest tent. Mrs. Bartelsmeyer’s cultural visit to the US classes to hostess a German Jeopardy game was a great success. Richard Baldwin was a great help to Frau Erin Hamill in the MS classes.
  1. Tango Expo: Spanish (October): Thanks to Joanne Fountain (Miles’ mom) and Michael Flannigan from Tango St. Louis who performed along with Eduardo Tami’s Argentinean dance group (Claudia Marciano, Federico Perez, Alejandro Bordas, Ramon Saganias) on October 20. In Sept, Michael taught the history and basic dance movements for Argentine Tango to 32 MS & US Spanish classes.
  1. La Befana: Italian (January): La Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children in Italy on the Epiphany Eve of January 6 similar to St. Nick in the USA. Thanks to Judith Olson and Maggie Sherwood, who donated food and gifts to make our celebration a success in Senor C’s class on January 6. Thanks to Judith and Maureen Hurley for decorating the US cafeteria in an Italian theme.
  1. Chinese New Year: China (February): On Thursday, February 3, all students taking Chinese will be going to lunch at Wei Hong and visiting the Buddha Center. We are planning a great celebration that day.
  1. Mardis Gras: French (March): On Tuesday, March 8, Mr. Barrs and I will be organizing Mardis Gras festivities for all French classes. Anyone interested in helping, contact me.

MICDS Passport Event:

The Latin students will be hosting our Passport event to be held on Thursday, May 5, from 4-7 p.m. There will be tables representing countries throughout the MS Library, Harris Room, and the Alumnae Room organized by continents. We are hoping to present multicultural musical performances (vocal, dance, poetry) by students in the Mary Eliot Chapel. Parent Consuls and Student Ambassadors will be actively promoting their country with interactive and educational activities. In the upcoming flyer you will be able to review a chart of all the countries represented and the volunteers willing to help. If you are interested in helping in any capacity, contact Vicky Wroten at vwroten@charter.net or 314-315-7700

AFS (American Field Service) at MICDS is looking for a new host family for our next exchange student. AFS host families are people who care about youth, education and the future. Some families have teenagers and others have young children. They are of all races and nationalities, who are willing to take time to share their hospitality with a new son or daughter. Contact AFS sponsors: Nancy Richardson nrichardson@micds.org or Ana Saldana asaldana@micds.org. For additional information please review the following website: http://www.afs.org/afs_or/focus_on/hosting

International Exchange Programs: MICDS Upper School parents are invited to host an international student and travel abroad. Your student can gain global competence by enjoying an authentic cultural experience that gives them the opportunity to:

  • Investigate the world beyond their immediate environment
  • Recognize the perspective of another culture’s identity and diversity
  • Improve their interpretive, interpersonal and presentation communication skills

The director of International Exchange Programs is Patrick Huewe. Your student has the choice of choosing the following countries: Germany, France, China, Argentina and Peru. If you are interested in getting additional information, contact Vicky Wroten vwroten@charter.net 314-315-7700

PARENT NETWORK
Marni Rebman, Chair (808) 268-5017 marnirebma@aol.com
Jen Goley, Vice-Chair (618) 781-4956 goley@sbcglobal.net

MICDS PARENTS ASSOCIATION 2011 Winter Board Meeting and Faculty Presentation

Thursday, February 17, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. – Olson Presentation Room

YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT THEY ARE TEACHING THOSE KIDS!

Please join the MICDS Parent Network Committee for an informative presentation by MICDS faculty including:

Jenn Gillis and Ruth Moulton from Beasley,

Mike Fitzgerald from the Middle School,

Tex Tourais from the Upper School.

Learn about the fascinating programs our talented teachers are utilizing to create unique, exceptional experiences for our MICDS students.


Are you in a book group? Looking for recommendations?

How about Dr. Wendy Mogel’s The Blessing of a Skinned Knee or her new Book, The Blessing of a B Minus. Check out her reader’s guide on her website, wendymogel.com, to help facilitate a great discussion.

In addition SAVE THE DATE

The J and MICDS are hosting Dr. Mogel on the evening of Monday, March 28, for:

Raising Self-Reliant, Optimistic Children in Today’s World: an Evening with Dr. Wendy Mogel

Internationally acclaimed clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of the classic work and one of our own PJ Library Books, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and her new book, The Blessing of a B Minus is coming to St. Louis.

Dr. Mogel will share her celebrated perspectives on raising a family, Monday, March 28, 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Staenberg Family Complex at the Jewish Community Center (the J) in Creve Coeur. The event is co-sponsored by MICDS and the J. Two tickets for each MICDS family are available for free at the MICDS Bookstore. Additional tickets will be sold for the event at $10 for individuals and $15 for two in the bookstore or can be ordered online at www.brownpapertickets.com, or calling the J ticket office at 314-442-3191, or in person the J locations in Creve Coeur and Chesterfield. The event is expected to sell out, so early reservations are recommended.

We encourage you to bring your self and your students (7th-12th grade). MICDS will also be continuing the conversation through a series of discussions during the month of April after this event. Look for additional details closer to the event.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FAIR
Terry Parkinson, Chair (314) 517-6993 parkinson5000@yahoo.com
Stacey Goltermann, Vice-Chair (314) 304-4000 smglsg@swbell.net

It’s almost here!! The Summer Opportunites Fair will be hosted by MICDS this year, January 29, 2011! The Summer Opportunites Fair is where you can discover exciting programs for children ages 3 to 18, including local, national and international camps, foreign study and travel specialty camps, academic enrichment and volunteer opportunities. Admission is free. We are still looking for parent volunteers to help out on Friday, January 28, to set up and on Saturday, January 29, at the fair. Contact Stacey Goltermann, smglsg@swbell.net, or Terry Parkinson, parkinson5000@yahoo.com to volunteer.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY RELATIONSPele Childress, Vice President peleann@msn.com
AFS – American Field Service
Stacey Carman, Chair (314) 422-9894 carmans@swbell.net
Kelley Carman, Vice-Chair (314) 852-9798 carman@sbcglobal.net

ARTS BACKERS
Suzanne Dalton, Chair (314) 614-3388 scdltn@yahoo.com

Lower School Drama: In May, the fourth graders will premiere a brand new musical: A Night at the Art Museum: A Musical. A group of students on a very special sleepover field trip to the art museum have close encounters with the spirits of master artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keefe, and Pablo Picasso. The Ghostly Artists and the school children are swept up in a mystery when Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” is stolen from its frame. Performances will be held during the school day in the Freeman Theatre.

Tuesday, May 17 — Day 5 (4A cast performs at 9:00, 4B performs at 2:00)

Wednesday, May 18 — Day 6 (4B cast performs at 10:00, 4A performs at 2:00)

Middle School Drama: Charlotte Dougherty and Tim Storey will be directing the 7th and 8th grade play with the help of Jason Roberts as musical director to present a musical this spring. Homeroom, A Musical Revue will be performed at Freeman Theatre on March 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. This musical is written by Andrea Green and Selma Tolins-Kaufman. Additional material and book revision was completed by Thomas Stratton, Jr. Reserve the dates on your calendar to see this great musical!

Upper School Drama: Hairspray– This musical delights audiences by sweeping them away to 1960’s Baltimore, where the 50’s are out — and change is in the air. Loveable plus-size heroine Tracy Turnblad has a passion for dancing, and wins a spot on the local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins Show.” Overnight she finds herself trans-formed from outsider to teen celebrity. Can a larger-than-life adolescent manage to vanquish the program’s reigning princess, integrate the television show, and find true love (singing and dancing all the while, of course!) without mussing her hair? Make plans to attend this great musical on February 24-27, 2011. Keep in mind to check the Drama bulletin board at Orthwein for all upcoming drama events and audition information.

Messing Gallery Reception:

Euripides “Rip” Kastaris

The artist reception in honor of Euripides “Rip” Kastaris was held on Sunday, January 16, 2010, from 3-5 p.m. at the MICDS Messing Gallery. It was a great success and we welcome everyone to come to the Messing Gallery to enjoy his incredible art work. Rip left Athens, Greece, as an infant following his father’s mission as a Greek Orthodox Priest. Growing up in St. Louis and graduating Valedictorian of the School of Fine Arts at Washington University, Kastaris developed his professional skills as a commercial illustrator and designer in the advertising and publishing fields. Pursuing his passion for fine art in his thirties, he gained international recognition by creating artwork that combines historical tradition with contemporary vision. From his epic mural entitled “Kyklos-Circle of Glory” on permanent display in the Athens Olympic Stadium, to images on an interactive DVD for the rock star Sting, Kastaris expresses a timeless vision utilizing a wide variety of media. Kastaris was chosen to create official art for four consecutive Olympiads and is the first Hellenic American commissioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee to create originals representing and supporting American athletes.

He has been featured on the PBS documentary, “The Greek Americans” and European satellite television such as ERT, Mega and Antenna networks broadcast out of Athens. He has received numerous awards including the Artist of the Year award from the Elios Society of San Francisco in 2003. In 2007 he won the National Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press. His latest and largest painting is a 4 story landmark mural displayed prominently on the Great River Road in Alton Illinois to honor the history and people of the Riverbend area. Kastaris also teaches workshops and classes to inform and inspire people of all ages. He was chosen to develop a unique journal based curriculum in Greek History at the University of Missouri, St. Louis currently offered by the anthropology, history and foreign studies departments.

FACULTY APPRECIATION
Felicia Pulliam-Jones, Co-Chair/US (314) 220-4020 fapj1215@sbcglobal.net
Linda Werner, Co-Chair/US (314) 432-4180 plknwerner@aol.com
Bonita Otti, Co-Chair/MS (314) 616-2011 tibyt@sbcglobal.net
Barbara Richert, Co-Chair/MS (314) 984-9724 barbara.richert@sbcglobal.net
Lisa Johnson, Co-Chair/LS (314) 989-0862 lijohn@charter.net
Jobie Summers, Co-Chair/LS (314) 276-0008 jobieandmeade@sbcglobal.net

MICDS PARENT AMBASSADORS
Vicky Wroten, Chair MS/US (314) 315-7700 vwroten@charter.net
Michelle Cohen, Chair LS (314) 265-9684 michelle-cohen@sbcglobal.net
Anyone interested in helping the Admission Office by becoming a Parent Ambassador, contact Vicky Wroten at 314-315-7700 vwroten@charter.net. You can have the opportunity of greeting and hosting events or conducting tours to help spread the great news about the wonderful learning experiences at MICDS.

PLANT SALE
Tracey Singer, Co-Chair, (314) 991-9006 tfs64@aol.com
Jane Southworth, Co-Chair, (314) 313-6472 janesw@charter.net

SPRING BOOK SALE
Michelle Cohen, Co-Chair (314) 265-9684 michelle-cohen@sbcglobal.net
Angela Martin, Co-Chair (314) 724-0946 mmartin05@aol.com
Tammy Walsh, Co-Chair (314) 469-1516 labtrw@aol.com

Looking for a fun way to get involved at school but short on time?

Volunteer for the Spring Book Fair!

Volunteers are needed for two hour shifts Tuesday, May 3, through Thursday, May 5. For information, contact Angela Martin at mmartin05@aol.com.

Two hour shifts will run throughout the day on Tuesday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Thursday May 5, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SPORTS BOOSTERS
Lisa Windsor, Chair, (314) 965-0699 wtalyf@aol.com
Bev Mach, Vice-Chair (314) 750-1752 bevmach@sbcglobal.net

Thanks to your support, Sports Boosters has been able to rally some spirit at the Think Pink Basketball event on January 14 and again at the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout on January 27 at the Chaifetz Arena. With your support, the students were able to cheer on our teams and the fight against cancer with Rams Rally towels! We still need your support! Please consider joining Sports Boosters this year by clicking here or downloading the form from the athletic portal. Thank you to all the parents who have already mailed in their membership form. We appreciate your support! Thanks and GO RAMS!

SPIRIT WEAR CLOSET
Mary Murawski, Chair, (314) 567-6530 m.murawski@yahoo.com
Vicky Wroten, Co-Chair, (314) 315-7700 vwroten@charter.net

MICDS Spirit Wear Closet is…

a place where you can donate your gently used MICDS clothing or request the same!

With spring around the corner, clean out your closets and help others in our school community!

WHO: All members of the MICDS family – anyone can share and anyone can receive, if the needed size is available.

WHAT: MS Choir shirts, boys’ navy blazers, PE clothing, graduation dresses, graduation ties, MICDS-logo’d sweatshirts and T-shirts

WHEN: throughout the school year and summer

WHERE: Bring your donations to the Spirit Wear box in the MS checkered hallway or the US May Hall lobby.

WHY: Community helping community – Help recycle those gently worn items – donate them so others can benefit from your gift! PE clothing with names are accepted. All unused items will be donated to a charity in Peru that Mrs. Shultz (LS Spanish Teacher) sponsors.

SCHOOL SERVICES – Bev Mach, Vice President bevmach@sbcglobal.net

BOOKSTORE
Laura Barnes, Co-Chair, (314) 997-2290 ldbarnes@mac.com
Martha Martin, Co-Chair, (314) 993-9659 marthamartin@sbcglobal.net

Book store Committee needs your help! Please volunteer for a shift once a month. Sign up with a friend! There are usually 2-3 volunteers per shift. Several slots are available. Please call or email Martha Martin or Laura Barnes. They will help coordinate a time for you to work!

Laura Barnes ldbarnes@mac.com or 314-997-2290
Martha Martin marthahmartin@sbcglobal.net or 314-993-9659

GARDENING
Blair Thompson, Chair, (314) 569-0482 b_y_thompson@hotmail.com

GREENHOUSE
Kim Pope, Chair (618) 616-2655 kimpopealton@yahoo.com

*Do you have any live green ferns you don’t want to “winter over”? The MICDS Greenhouse Committee would love to take these off your hands. The ferns will be kept in the Greenhouse and used all winter for decorating around podiums, for banquets, alumni meetings, guest speakers or dances…etc.

*Do you need a green fern or pretty live plant for your next school function? Call the Greenhouse Committee.

CONTACTS: Judith Stupp (314) 968-1462 or Kim Pope (618) 616-2655

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
Chalana Scales-Ferguson, Chair/US, (314) 838-7705 chalanaf@sbcglobal.net
Leanne Morgan, Chair/LS, (314) 479-5328 lbones@sbcglobal.net