Parents Association Events & Activities

An overview of upcoming Parents Association events and volunteer committee activities

September 2010 Committee News
Karen DiGasbarro 314-822-1042 kfctslouis@sbcglobal.net

PARENTS ACTIVITIES – Susan Johnston, Vice President

COOKBOOK
Julie Flom, Co-Chair, (314) 443-9659
Tracy Jasper, Co-Chair (314) 862-3501

The MICDS 150th Celebration Cookbooks are available to purchase in the bookstore.  Try something new for dinner or the next time you entertain.  $15 per cookbook.

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Liz Dorr, Co-Chair (314) 997-3361
Johanna Zoeller, Co-Chair (636) 448-721

SPRING LUNCHEON
Nancy McKown, Co-Chair (314) 962-5153
Stacie Franc, Co-Chair (314) 991-8990

PARENT EDUCATION – Susan Hiemenz, Vice President

CULTURES WITHIN
Vicky Wroten, Chair, (314) 315-7700

Celebrating Heritage Months, our committee will be sponsoring some great events throughout the year that relate to our world languages offered at MICDS. Please contact Vicky Wroten 314-315-7700 or vwroten@charter.net, if you are interested in helping our committee with any or all the celebrations below:

German        Oktoberfest      September 30 & October 1         Ms. Richardson

Spanish         Tango Expo              October  20                        Mr. Huewe

Italian            La Befana                January 6                            Mr. Caltagirone

Chinese         Chinese New Year    February 3                         Mrs. Childs

French           Mardis Gras              March 8                             Mr. Barrs

Latin             Passport event     April (founding of Rome)       Mr. Huewe

OKTOBERFEST facts:
We are celebrating Oktoberfest with the help of our German teachers, German students and parent volunteers on September 30 and October 1.  The chefs at MICDS will be serving a German lunch on Friday, Oct. 1, to all MS and US students. Parent volunteers will be teaming up with the US German Club to decorate the cafeterias to set the mood for the celebration which will include authentic German music and some on the spot German lessons! Parent volunteers will also visit the German classes to offer cultural activities to the students in both the MS and US.

TANGO EXPO facts:
To celebrate Hispanic Month, our committee will be sponsoring a Tango Expo. Throughout the end of September as a preview, Michael from TangoStLouis along with his partner will be visiting Spanish classes to provide a history and instruction on Argentine Tango. Michael will also visit with the MS Dance Club and dance teacher Summer Beasley. On Wednesday Oct 20, Eduardo Tami along with his dance partner and musicians from Argentina will be providing a Tango workshop for the faculty and staff of MICDS. Afterwards, Eduardo and his group will perform for the LS, MS and US students at each of their assemblies. All US students and any MICDS parents are invited to experience direct instruction of Argentine Tango at Danforth Chapel from 11:30am-1:30pm.

That day, our wonderful chefs at school will be offering a Hispanic themed lunch in MS & US. Later in the evening, Eduardo is offering a workshop at the MICDS dance studio lasting one hour and 15 minutes to high school students for $25 to learn basic Argentine Tango movements, enhancing the student’s understanding of Argentine culture through music and dance. Please complete the attached registration from if your student is interested in attending this unique opportunity being offered at MICDS to our students and other local area high school students. Class size is limited. Remember, there are no patterns or steps to memorize with Tango. Instead, the entire dance is improvised around basic principles of leading and following. There is no doubt our Tango Expo will be a great success. Get ready to be Tango Smart and Dance your Part!

Click here for TangoStLouis registration form.
PARENT NETWORK
Marni Rebman, Chair (808) 268-5017
Jen Goley, Vice-Chair (618) 781-4956

MICDS Parent Network Education Event
Habit Forming…
A Forum with Experts on Wellness
On September 29, in conjunction with the MICDS Upper School, Parent Network will offer to our community a variety of experts available with information on ways to reduce stress, create new healthy habits, and provide an opportunity to meet some of the MICDS academic, athletic and wellness support staff.   Individual stations on topics such as nutrition, driving instruction, sleep and exercise will be presented in an open setting permitting flexible access, allowing you to move freely, ask questions and to participate at your convenience.

Arrive when you can and stay as long as you like.  Please encourage your students to attend as well. Please click here for more information.

Join the Parent Network
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
8am – 9:30am
Olson Hall Foyer
Be Well, Be Safe, Be Fit
Stephanie Gallagher, jssc4@me.com and Diana Sprich, franks129@sbcglobal.net

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FAIR
Terry Parkinson, Chair (314) 517-6993
Stacey Goltermann, Vice-Chair (314) 304-4000
The Summer Opportunities Fair will be hosted by MICDS this year, January 29, 2011!  The Summer Opportunities Fair is where you can discover exciting programs for children ages 3 to 18.   This exciting event is looking for parent volunteers to work on the committee.  Contact Stacey Goltermann, smglsg@swbell.net, or Terry Parkinson, parkinson5000@yahoo.com to volunteer.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY RELATIONSPele Childress, Vice President

AFS – American Field Service
Stacey Carman, Chair (314) 422-9894
Kelley Carman, Vice-Chair (314) 852-9798

ARTS BACKERS
Suzanne Dalton, Chair (314) 614-3388

The US Drama Department will present “Medea” by Euripides on October 14-17.  This classic tragedy is about Medea, a princess and sorceress, who helps Jason obtain the Golden Fleece, lives as his consort and murders their children out of revenge for his infidelity. “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!” Tickets are available the week of the production at the MICDS Bookstore in Olson Hall.

The MS Drama Team:  Auditions will be held in October so check the MS bulletin board for details.  The MS drama Team will compete with other area middle schools on Nov. 6, Feb. 5 and Apr. 30. Competition categories include serious monologues and duet acting.

Please click here for more information regarding these and other upcoming events.

Listen to the sweet sounds of students of  the US Choir as they present their Fall Choir Concert on October 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Mary Eliot Chapel.

The Autumn Music Recital is right around the corner!  All students in grades 5-12 who would like to showcase their musical talent are encouraged to participate in this very special event sponsored by Arts Backers on Sunday, October 24, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Alumnae Room at the Middle School.  It will be a fun, casual opportunity for students to perform as a soloist or as part of an ensemble by playing a musical instrument or singing a song of their choice.  If interested, please contact Donna Block at 314-993-8710 or at blockdonna1@aol.com for more information.

It’s not too late to become a Member of Arts Backers and participate in “St. Louis on Sale”!  As always, you may choose a $35 Regular Arts Backers Membership, or for $75, your support will include membership in the Arts & Education Council of St. Louis, which will entitle you to a year’s worth of discounts for art events and performances throughout the St. Louis area, as well as the popular “St. Louis on Sale” discount program!  From November 13-21, you will enjoy a 20% discount at a myriad of participating stores and restaurants only offered to A&E members.  Or, if you’re interested in supporting COCA, you may join both Arts Backers and COCA at the Star Level for $100 and enjoy special discounts and priority registration for COCA’s many camps, classes and events!

Please mail your check payable to MICDS to Nancy Staley at 1819 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131, or you may charge your Arts Backers membership to your student’s school account by emailing Nancy at nlsloch@aol.com and providing your student’s name along with your membership preference.

For more information on how you can become involved with Arts Backers at MICDS, please contact Suzanne Dalton at scdltn@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

FACULTY APPRECIATION
Felicia Pulliam-Jones, Co-Chair/US (314) 220-4020
Linda Werner, Co-Chair/US (314) 432-4180
Bonita Otti, Co-Chair/MS (314) 616-2011
Barbara Richert, Co-Chair/MS (314) 984-9724
Lisa Johnson, Co-Chair/LS (314) 989-0862
Jobie Summers, Co-Chair/LS (314) 276-0008

FALL BOOK FAIR
Kristen Lowery, Co-Chair (314) 520-9798
Maureen Weiser, Co-Chair (314) 878-9776

SAVE THE DATE!  Plans for the Fall Book Fair are underway.  This year the Fall Book Fair will take place on December 3 and 4 at the Barnes & Noble Ladue Crossing store.  This is a great opportunity to start your holiday shopping.  A nook or a book makes a wonderful holiday gift with proceeds benefiting the 3 MICDS libraries.  In order to accommodate the outpouring of support from the MICDS community, we need a team of enthusiastic and energetic volunteers to assist with the weekend’s activities.  Anyone who is interested in volunteering please contact Kristen Lowrey (imkewl@me.com) or Maureen Weiser (weiserfamily@earthlink.net).

MICDS PARENT AMBASSADORS
Vicky Wroten, Chair MS/US (314) 315-7700
Michelle Cohen, Chair LS (314) 265-9684

Be a Parent Ambassador! Don’t forget to respond to the email letter from the Admission Office letting you know about opportunities to become part of our Admission Parent Ambassadors. Dates, times, and more details are at your fingertips!   You’ll be able to welcome prospective families by choosing to greet and host events and/or conduct tours to help spread the great news about the wonderful learning experiences at MICDS. In fact, a Parent Ambassador training session will be held on Tuesday, September 28 at 8:15 a.m. in the Middle School Alumnae Room. If you are unable to attend this training, the Admission Office can schedule a shadow tour training session with you. Contact Vicky Wroten if you have questions or would like to join the Parent Ambassadors: vwroten@charter.net or 314-315-7700

PLANT SALE
Tracey Singer, Co-Chair, (314) 991-9006
Jane Southworth, Co-Chair, (314) 313-6472

SPRING BOOK SALE
Michelle Cohen, Co-Chair (314) 265-9684
Angela Martin, Co-Chair (314) 724-0946
Tammy Walsh, Co-Chair (314) 469-1516

SPORTS BOOSTERS
Lisa Windsor, Chair, (314) 965-0699
Bev Mach, Vice-Chair (314) 750-1752
Join Sports Boosters this year by clicking here or downloading the form from the athletic portal. Join by charging your school account or sending a check to Ann Desai. Thank you to all the parents who have already mailed in their membership form. Your membership allows the Athletic Department to purchase items that would not have otherwise been subsidized by its budget. We appreciate your support! Thanks and GO RAMS!

SPIRIT WEAR CLOSET
Mary Murawski, Chair, (314) 567-6530
Vicky Wroten, Co-Chair, (314) 315-7700

We are so grateful to parents, who continue to donate gently used items: MS Choir shirts, PE clothing, Boy’s navy blazers, MICDS-logo’d sweatshirts and t-shirts, Graduation dresses and Graduation ties. Bring your donations to the receptacle at the MS checkered hallway or US May Hall lobby. If the needed size is available, your student can have it at no cost. Anyone interested in helping with collection and distribution efforts throughout the year, contact Mary Murawski m.murawski@yahoo.com  314-567-6530

SCHOOL SERVICES – Bev Mach, Vice President

BOOKSTORE
Laura Barnes, Co-Chair, (314) 997-2290
Martha Martin, Co-Chair, (314) 993-9659

The Bookstore 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.  7:30-10:30 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.  An afternoon shift is open on the 4th Wednesday 1:00-3:30 pm. 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

GREENHOUSE
Kim Pope, Chair (3618) 616-2655
–    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

HELPING HANDS AND HELPING HEARTS
Tracy Matrantuono, Co-Chair/US, (314) 963-9790
Barbara Richert, Co-Chair/MS, (314) 984-9724
Chalana Scales-Ferguson, Co-Chair/LS (314) 838-7705

HOLIDAY DECORATING
Tonia Angle, Co-Chair, (314) 315-3535
Di Meine, Vice-Chair (314) 650-7978

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
Chalana Scales-Ferguson, Chair/US, (314) 838-7705
Leanne Morgan, Chair/LS, (314) 479-5328

SCHOOL PICTURES
Peggy Sannes, Chair/US, (314) 775-5557
Dee Anne Sjogren, Chair/MS, (314) 602-6295
Amy Kalishman, Chair/LS, (314) 997-5111

US Absentee and Retake Picture Day is October 5 from 11:30 to 1:15.